I know, if it doesn't say Microsoft on it then it's no good. That isn't neccessarily true, it's just a common misconception. There is software out there that is currently trying to take over and it's free. This software isn't going to put Microsoft out of business, but it might put pressure on Microsoft to lower their prices in order to keep their market share. I think we should help them, it's a worthy cause that is likely to succeed over time. No one wants to buy a new computer for $300 and pay $300 for Microsoft Office. That's a tough sell. This was how MAC got their operating system. It was free software that they customized for MAC's. Your probably asking your self what's the name of this software and how do I get it. It's called OpenOffice and you can dowload it for free at openoffice.org

With computer manufacturers unwilling to include Microsoft Office on their computers the alternative is to install more cost effective software on their computers, which is why Dell computers come with Word Perfect. It's not Dell's fault. I personally don't like Word Perfect because the recipient of a document has to have Word Perfect to open the document, which is rare. I was recently collecting resumes from potential new hires and the ones that arrived in Word Perfect were rejected. An email was sent to the sender requesting the document be converted to a .doc format. Most of them didn't know what to do. Imagine losing out on a job because you had Word Perfect. With OpenOffice it works almost exactly like Microsoft Office, so a document created in Word can be read with this software suite. You can also create .PDF documents, which is a great way to make an eBook or manual. Word cannot create a .PDF document. There is much more. You should consider this software even if you already have Microsoft Office. It's free, what do you have to lose? Go to their web site and download it. I think we can all agree that Microsoft products are overpriced. Do something about it!

Here is some additional infomation-

What’s in OpenOffice.org?

Writer is OpenOffice.org’s word processor: use it for anything from writing a quick letter to producing an entire book with embedded illustrations, cross-references, tables of contents, indexes, bibliographies... Auto-complete, auto-format, and real-time spelling check make light work of the hardest task. Writer is powerful enough to tackle desktop publishing tasks such as creating multi-column newsletters, brochures – the only limit is your imagination.

Use CALC to bring your numbers under control. This powerful spreadsheet has all the tools you need to calculate, analyse, summarise, and present your data in numerical reports or sizzling graphics. A fully-integrated help system makes entering complex formulas a breeze. Sophisticated decision-making tools are just a few mouse clicks away. Pull in external data using the Data Pilot, and sort it, filter it, and produce subtotals and statistical analyses. Use previews to select from thirteen categories of 2-D and 3-D charts including line, area, column, pie, XY, stock and net with dozens of variants.

IMPRESS is the fastest, most powerful way to create effective multimedia presentations. Your presentations will truly stand out with special effects, animation and high-impact drawing tools. 

DRAW will produce everything from simple diagrams to dynamic 3D illustrations and special effects.

New to Version 2, BASE enables you to manipulate database data seamlessly within OpenOffice.org. Create and modify tables, forms, queries, and reports, either using your own database or Base’s own built-in HSQL database engine.