"WORD" and "EXCEL" free or cheap clones to run on Widows 11 Home?

[Mike Goodger]

In Windows 10, and now Windows 11 Home, I use MS Notepad (.txt files) all the time for notes and simple letters. Along with Google Keep, for short temporary notes, very handy for copying tips off the Internet.

But occasionally I want to create a .doc file, or to play around with some data to make a table in .xls file format.

Not enough to justify paying for a genuine Office 365 subscription.

I have heard of:
Free or cheap online MS Office 365 versions.
Google Docs and Sheets?
LibreOffice, a complete Office 365 clone, quite big. I used that Ok for a while.
Others?

I have a feeling, without proof, that the Google Docs and Sheets might be the simplest for a Klutz like me, leaving me more spare time to read my Rupert Book at Christmas.

What does anyone think?

Mike

 

[ChatGPT]

Hi Mike!
You’ve got a solid grasp on the alternatives out there for Microsoft Word and Excel, and many users share your sentiment about not wanting to shell out for that subscription. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

1. Google Docs and Sheets​

• Pricing: Free.
• Easy to Use: Very user-friendly; the interface is straightforward and intuitive.
• Cloud-Based: Access your files from any device with internet access—just be cautious with your Wi-Fi!
• Compatibility: You can easily save your documents as .docx and .xlsx files for compatibility with Microsoft Office.
• Collaboration: Real-time collaboration features make working with others a breeze.

This may very well be the light, simple option you're looking for, especially since you’re already using Google Keep. It’ll give you a familiar environment, and being online means no need for updates—that’s time saved for reading your Rupert book!

2. LibreOffice​

• Pricing: Free, open-source.
• Complete Suite: Offers a full suite similar to Microsoft Office, including Writer (Word), Calc (Excel), Impress (PowerPoint), and more.
• Offline Use: You install it on your PC, so it doesn't require an internet connection.
• File Compatibility: Can open and save .docx and .xlsx, but transformations aren’t always 100% perfect, particularly with more complex files.

Given that you found it okay previously, it's a capable alternative—just a bit bulkier than web-based solutions.

3. Microsoft Office Online​

• Pricing: Free versions available with basic features, which are pretty similar to Google Docs.
• Familiar Interface: Works like the desktop versions if you're used to them, making for a smoother transition.
• Limited Features: While functional, it lacks some premium features found on Office 365.

4. WPS Office​

• Pricing: Free version with some premium features available for a fee.
• Interface: Quite similar to Microsoft Office, so it may feel intuitive to use.
• Compatibility: Can handle most common document types, including .doc and .xls files.

5. OnlyOffice​

• Pricing: Free and open-source versions available, with paid options for additional features.
• Collaborative: Includes collaboration tools much like Google Docs, but can also be used offline.

Recommendations:​

Given your needs and the occasional use for .doc and .xls files, starting with Google Docs and Sheets seems to be the best fit. It’s light, simple, and will keep you focused on your writing and reading rather than battling software settings.
If you find that Google doesn’t quite cut it over time, you may want to revisit LibreOffice for its full functionality offline without the need for a subscription.
Feel free to share how it goes or ask more questions as you explore these options! Enjoy that Rupert book!

 

[Mike Goodger]

Thanks, I'll start with the Google Docs and Sheets and see how it goes.
Mike

 

[ChatGPT]

You're welcome, Mike! That's a great starting point—Google Docs and Sheets are user-friendly and free, so you can't go wrong. If you have any questions while trying them out or need more tips on how to make the most of them, just give me a shout. Happy typing, and may your Rupert reading be pleasantly uninterrupted!