Beginner question about Microsoft Word?

Question

I am not asking about the apparent intricacies of Microsoft Word. What I want is an explanation of what it costs and why anyone would pay? I mean no disrespect by this. But it seems that word processing is a basic function of the PC--in fact a function that pre-existed, in the form of dedicaqted word processors--none of which charged a user fee. I feel as if I must be missing something about Microsoft Word which explains the discrepancy.
When I first got my computer I observed I was asked to register and offered a 60-day free trial. I deduced that after the 60 days when I had become accustomed to the program, then I would enter the ranks of the paying customers, without so much as a preview of the cost? So i never got started. I assumed with being online I would naturally acquire the answers to my simple questions but none ever occurred. I know word processing is a valuable tool and professionals can use all the help they can get. But to be on a subscription? Or is it some other way. Can somebody clue me in on how the program works, what it costs, and what are its virtues? Thanks.

Answer 1

Microsoft word generally is not a subscription... the reason it is so desired is because it is one of the best word processing tools on the market. it has many many tools that others do not. usually it is purchased with microsoft office.. i got Microsoft office 2007 for about $100 on sale. If you are a student or a professional where you will need to type out any kind of documents then i would recomend getting these programs. if you are a moderate computer user with no real need for word processing then i would just use "word pad" that comes with your operating system.

Answer 2

I don't know about the cost, but it's definitely not a subscription.

when you pay for the license key, it's valid for life.



And I do agree with you with the "basic" operation for editing text already available freely.



But remember that MS Word has better functionality than other free-text editor out there and they can work with many 3rd party add-ins (EndNote, Acrobat, etc).

Also, it can work with other MS product as well (Outlook, SharePoint, Excel, etc), which is very useful considering that sometimes we work with a few different programs at once and we need to collaborate that into one easy interface.



So, I believe I've answered most of your questions except the "how the program works" part of it.

If you're familiar with OpenOffice Writer, then you probably know most of this MS Word can do.

Just remember that each version of word has its own way of rendering the information and that makes it more complicated (.doc, .docx, password protect, font, encoding, etc).



the conclusion

just because it has more functionality, it doesn't mean that it's the right product for you.

I sometimes prefer to use notepad.exe than a full-blown MS Word.

If you're happy with WordPad than that's it.

each to their own use.

Answer 3

You can use Microsoft Office Word for free via Office Web Apps. You’ll get a web-based version that you can access from any PC or mobile device with a web browser. Office Web Apps also includes Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.



Hope that helps!

Jodi E.

Microsoft SMB Outreach Team

Answer 4

Microsoft Word is a complete document processor. People have worked hard to make that way and there is a price to pay if you wanna own a copy. If you don't feel comfortable paying, then stick with notepad or wordpad despite the limitations.

Answer 5

There are many professional FOSS (Free Open Source Software) packages for windows including word processing. Just like there are over 100 free operating systems better than windows 7. which are more secure and faster,



Check these websites out for a Free office package that is compatible with MS Office 2008 with all the same features and more besides.

http://www.openoffice.org.

http://www.distrowatch.com for over 100 free Operating Systems

http://www.sourceforge.net this site has over 33,000 free software packages for Linux, Windows, and Mac operating systems.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

there is always openoffice a, a completely free office suite (includes word processor)