Writer vs. Word, which one will you use? Two different word processing systems that produce the same end result, one is free, the other is not.
Writer is OpenOffice's open source (free) word processing program, a project of Sun Microsystems. This software can produce anything from basic letters and memo's, to more complicated mail merge, tables, books, indexes and bibliographies. Writer can also do more advanced desktop publishing functions, for example; columns for newsletters, brochures, business cards, and tables used for more complicated layouts.
Writer features several automated programs, auto correct, auto-complete and auto-format plus a spellchecker. There is also a wizard to create letters, memos, web pages, faxes and agendas. The wizard is extremely helpful for people who are not very computer literate.
Writer has most of the same commands that Microsoft Word has, but some are in different places. Some commands that are on the toolbars with Writer, are a menu item in Word and vice versa.
Writer vs. Word
- Text boundaries are automatic for Writer and can be turned off, Word's boundaries can be found under Tools, Options, Print and Web Layout, text boundaries.
- Non printing characters are on the Standard Toolbar in both Writer and Word.
- The Table menus for both are on the Menu bar.
- Inserting pictures are the same, both are Insert, picture.
- Headers and Footers for Writer are separate items under Insert, Header, or Insert Footer, Word has both under View, Headers and Footers.
Options in Writer that are not in Word
- Export as .pdf. .pdf files are used to share information that the Writer does not want changed. Create an ImageMap. ImageMapes are used for the web to make specific locations of an image clickable, in other words, when a pre-programed area is clicked on, the link takes you to a different web page.
OpenOffice's Writer is a complete word processing system. It is integrated with OpenOffice's other software programs including; Basic (a database program), Calc (a spreadsheet program), Draw (a drawing program), Impress (presentation software) and Math (creates mathematical formulas). It is also multiplatform and works with Macs, Linux and Microsoft and others.
Download your free copy of OpenOffice by clicking here
Have Fun!
