October monthly poll

[Computer Hope Admin]

For the month of October we thought it would be interesting to see what everyone is using as their primary word processor. If you've voted for Other this month please let us know what word processor you're using. You're also welcome to comment about what you like or don't like about the word processor you're using and/or post about what version you're running.

All past monthly polls and results can be found on the Computer Hope poll page.

[Fed]

I'm using the word processor in Works for Windows that I got with Win 3.11.
Don't laugh, it used to run on my 486 with 4 MBs of RAM so it's blisteringly fast on my current 2.4GB P4 with 1GB of RAM.
It's easy to use and does everything I need.

[Kip]

I use Word Perfect.
I tried using OpenOffice but I could not get used to the different layout.

[dairyman]

It looks like Microsuck Microsoft Word is the favorite.

I'm planning to kill the Office Assistant.

[kuszmania9999]

microsoft word & open office still the best for me, but since i just can vote for 1 i go for microsoft word

[Spero-T]

  I use word in work..... its all right.... Word is word....

[CBMatt]

Actually, I mostly tend to use Notepad.  But because I have to take a class for it for my certificate, I've been using Microsoft Office Word 2007 a lot lately.

[GX44]

Use Word in work... notepad at home mostly.

Don't really feel the need to use a word processor at home... and when I do, Notepad is sufficient

[michaewlewis]

I use Word 2003. I've tried OOo but it just isn't quite as good. It's nice that it's free though.

I hate Corel Wordperfect! It's the supidest, non-intuitive program out there.  Oh, maybe that's why it's not on the list. My parents still use it and I've tried many times to get them to dump it.

[Computer Hope Admin]

Wow, I'm actually ashamed of myself for forgetting Corel WordPerfect. It has its flaws but should still be an option. I've added it to the list.

For anyone who voted Other who are using Corel WordPerfect you can change your vote if you'd like. As far as Notepad Chris, I thought about adding that but as I'm sure you know Notepad is just a simple plain text editor.

[michaewlewis]

Wow, I'm actually ashamed of myself for forgetting Corel WordPerfect. It has its flaws but should still be an option. I've added it to the list.

For anyone who voted Other who are using Corel WordPerfect you can change your vote if you'd like. As far as Notepad Chris, I thought about adding that but as I'm sure you know Notepad is just a simple plain text editor.

hmm... sorry I brought it up.

[Computer Hope Admin]

Heh. Although I know you don't like it, I do appreciate you mentioning it because it should still be a consideration.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

I use Microsoft Word but I use Notepad for notes.

[adityanm]

I use TextPad and Ultraedit.

[Clippy]

M$ Word works with VB, so why not use it?

[street1 (RIP)]

Actually, I mostly tend to use Notepad.  But because I have to take a class for it for my certificate, I've been using Microsoft Office Word 2007 a lot lately.

Notepad..........Good enough.

[patio]

Edit Pad...

[Zylstra]

I use Microsoft Word (at school), OpenOffice (at home) Google Documents (Home, school, public, wherever), Notepad and write (home and school, note taking an HTML modification) 

Edit: I also use the program EDIT included in... well, most all versions of Windows (it has been renamed through the years)
Open thy run dialog box, and type edit
press ENTER

ALT Activates the menu bar

[Calum]

Notepad here.
And for anything more complicated, OpenOffice.
But 99% of the time, it's Notepad all the way.

[Ethernet41]

Gave up with MS Office 2000 to many problems, now use Open Office and find it really good meeting all of my needs

[Clippy]

What about M$ Works? That is not just a database program! Perhaps more for businesses though.

[michaewlewis]

What about M$ Works?

Oooh, is it oxymoron day?
I've got a few: government efficiency, smart blonde, sad clown.....

BTW, Microsoft Works is actually a dumbed down office suite that was designed for home users, not businesses.

[Computer Hope Admin]

Regardless of what Works is or isn't it's still a good suggestion. Works is a word processor and is another thing I can't believe I didn't add. 

[michaewlewis]

No need to be embarrassed. We still love you! (In a strictly platonic sense)
Would you like to know the other word processors you left out?

[Zylstra]

MS Works is okay, I haven't used it in a long time. Its from Microsoft, which is ironic, since they already have Word. I guess Microsoft is planning on offering Works for free (with advertisements) which is going to be interesting..

[reaper_tbs]

notepad

[Zylstra]

I have to admit, I am surprised at the lack of people using OpenOffice, and the large amount of people using Notepad... Write.exe would be one thing, but NotePad? Hmm.. I guess its just me.

[reaper_tbs]

I couldn't be bothered installing Office.

[Zylstra]

I couldn't be bothered installing Office.

Heh, you should see the junk on this computer that I have installed.

[patio]

I couldn't be bothered installing Office.

Heh, you should see the junk on this computer that I have installed.

Pictures...We Want Pictures ! !

[Zylstra]

I couldn't be bothered installing Office.

Heh, you should see the junk on this computer that I have installed.

Pictures...We Want Pictures ! !

Uninstall a program:


Program Files Folder:

[Computer Hope Admin]

No need to be embarrassed. We still love you! (In a strictly platonic sense)
Would you like to know the other word processors you left out?

There are dozens of other smaller word processors I've left out. But if you know of some other word processors that you believe are widely used and users may want to vote on let me know and I'll consider it. However, for now with only seven people voting on Other I think it's safe to say that we probably don't need to add any more.

[michaewlewis]

To be honest, I don't really know too many more word processors, just a couple that probably aren't used by many people. A couple of them are actually linux only programs like kwrite and abiword. They don't really matter much.

Does anybody remember ProWrite? I used to use that wp back in the 80s.... It was pretty slick. The program was on a 3 1/2 floppy and then another floppy had the spell check dictionary. I don't think you could change font sizes and definitely not colors... the printers and monitors were all monochrome!

[Kip]

A couple of them are actually linux only programs like kwrite and abiword.

Actually, Abiword does have a Windows edition. Link

[Zylstra]

A couple of them are actually linux only programs like kwrite and abiword.

Actually, Abiword does have a Windows edition. Link

The only thing I didnt ever like about Abiword was that it can offset your text a bit, which annoys me personally, though not everyone. I dont know if they have fixed this or not yet.

eg:

The  quick  brown  fox  jumps  over  the  lazy  dog
Might look sort of like this:

The  q uick  brown  fo x  jumps  over  the  l azy dog

(instead of whole spaces separating some letters, its more of about the witd of a period. . .)

[ale52]

I use Open Office.  Mainly because it can work cross-platform and I find it a lot better that the M$ suite.  I do use Word for mail-merge and envelopes though.

Alan <>< 

[soybean]

MS Works is okay, I haven't used it in a long time. Its from Microsoft, which is ironic, since they already have Word. I guess Microsoft is planning on offering Works for free (with advertisements) which is going to be interesting..

What's ironic about that?  Works is a much simpler office suite than Office.  And, it's not free, either, but costs much less than Office.

I voted Word, since I use it most often.  However, I bought I notebook PC about 3 months ago; on it, I use Works word processor since I don't have Office installed on it. 

I'm surprised at the number of comments here about Notepad.  I can't imagine using it as my primary word processor.  It's much too simple.  For one thing, I have a lot of Word files with hyperlinks in them; that won't work with Notepad.

[michaewlewis]

I'm surprised at the number of comments here about Notepad.  I can't imagine using it as my primary word processor.  It's much too simple.  For one thing, I have a lot of Word files with hyperlinks in them; that won't work with Notepad.

...unless you know html.

Code: [Select]

<pre>
<a href="http://yahoo.com">Yahoo</a>

</pre>


[soybean]

I'm surprised at the number of comments here about Notepad.  I can't imagine using it as my primary word processor.  It's much too simple.  For one thing, I have a lot of Word files with hyperlinks in them; that won't work with Notepad.

...unless you know html.

Code: [Select]

<pre>
<a href="http://yahoo.com">Yahoo</a>

</pre>


Eh, you missed the point.  This has nothing to do with HTML code.  I use Word files to keep notes on various topics, including links to websites.  Since Word recognizes and retains hyperlinks, I can click on them and a browser window is opened, just like clicking on a link in a web browser.

[eadaoas]

Microsoft word 2003 still ok. maybe I'll try 2007 version to keep in pace with the latest versions

[Zylstra]

If you are curious about MS Office 2007, you will like this link:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/products/HA101687261033.aspx

I think this is one of the best ways to show a demo. (Requires some sort of broadband connection, and Internet Explorer, you will need a special ActiveX program)

[michaewlewis]

I'm surprised at the number of comments here about Notepad.  I can't imagine using it as my primary word processor.  It's much too simple.  For one thing, I have a lot of Word files with hyperlinks in them; that won't work with Notepad.

...unless you know html.

Code: [Select]

<pre>
<a href="http://yahoo.com">Yahoo</a>

</pre>


Eh, you missed the point.  This has nothing to do with HTML code.  I use Word files to keep notes on various topics, including links to websites.  Since Word recognizes and retains hyperlinks, I can click on them and a browser window is opened, just like clicking on a link in a web browser.

Uh, you missed the point... I was being facetious.

[dairyman]

I use Notepad for editing MS-DOS batch files, but MS Word for anything else.

[SaintSatinStain]

I use other, the other I use is Rough Draft; Rough Draft is designed for writers. Word and its clones are for office workers, and their  bells and whistles are too much.  Rough Draft is free. It works with WordWeb and WordWeb Pro.  It has all the features that a poet, novelist, playwright, or tv writer will ever need and use.
Check it out here.
http://www.salsbury.f2s.com/rd.htm

[~tuna~]

Word 2000
but i dont Write as much as i used to.

[CameronY]

Word for all my formal documentation (formal correspondence, tenders, procedures, policies, etc).  Then I PDF them before they go to the outside world.

For install instructions and all scripting gaff, I use UltraEdit V13.

[McFarlane]

I use Microsoft Office Word 2007. I used that when I was working
so I am used to it.  I used Wordperfect  many many years ago when it was "the word processing" program

[unlovedwarrior]

M$ word 2001, 2003, 2007, open office, notepad for my website..

and so far i kinda like M$ 2007

[Zylstra]

For everything I do, I have really grown to be a big fan of online word processors

Its almost like Email, in a way... if you have a Google account, I strongly recommend you check out www.docs.google.com and see how it is. Right now, they only have Documents (like MS Word), Spreadsheets (like Excel) and the newest feature is Presentation (PowerPoint)

I dont think you see ads at all when you are creating/editing documents (I have AdblockPlus, so I don't know) which is convenient.

[ultimatum]

I'm using Microsoft Word 2007 for for everything; I like the new design, everything is much organized.

[Zylstra]

I'm using Microsoft Word 2007 for for everything; I like the new design, everything is much organized.

Would you call it easier to use though? Or just better in layout?
I am very curious of how it is to actually use in front of your actual computer (not just samples through the web browser)
Is it faster than Word 2003/2000/1997?

[Computer Hope Admin]

Takes a lot to get used to at first, it's new design is a lot different then all previous versions. But after a week or so of using it it does become a lot easier to use and figure it out. I'd assume most new users would find 2007 a lot easier than previous versions.

As far as speed depends on your computer but the laptop I've ran it on seems about the same as all previous versions of Word.

You can try the 2007 Office trial here if you're really curious about it.

[Zylstra]

Takes a lot to get used to at first, it's new design is a lot different then all previous versions. But after a week or so of using it it does become a lot easier to use and figure it out. I'd assume most new users would find 2007 a lot easier than previous versions.

As far as speed depends on your computer but the laptop I've ran it on seems about the same as all previous versions of Word.

You can try the 2007 Office trial here if you're really curious about it.

I am truly afraid of Microsoft trials for office applications...
But, how could it hurt?
I might have to try it out.

[Comp Guy]

I use Office 2007, and like it a lot better than all previous versions. The thing that stinks is that to have the database I would have to get the Ultimate version... but I guess I could use OOo instead.

[Zylstra]

I use Office 2007, and like it a lot better than all previous versions. The thing that stinks is that to have the database I would have to get the Ultimate version... but I guess I could use OOo instead.

I was never a huge fan of Open Office Base, its not great for creating mass-mail letters, but, it certainly does work.
I was just looking through the packages as well, and was quite disappointed by the fact that Access isnt included in the basic packages. I am about to install the Home and Student trial though.

[Comp Guy]

I use Office 2007, and like it a lot better than all previous versions. The thing that stinks is that to have the database I would have to get the Ultimate version... but I guess I could use OOo instead.

I was never a huge fan of Open Office Base, its not great for creating mass-mail letters, but, it certainly does work.
I was just looking through the packages as well, and was quite disappointed by the fact that Access isnt included in the basic packages. I am about to install the Home and Student trial though.

That's the one I have, I wonder if you can get Access separately...

[Zylstra]

I use Office 2007, and like it a lot better than all previous versions. The thing that stinks is that to have the database I would have to get the Ultimate version... but I guess I could use OOo instead.

I was never a huge fan of Open Office Base, its not great for creating mass-mail letters, but, it certainly does work.
I was just looking through the packages as well, and was quite disappointed by the fact that Access isnt included in the basic packages. I am about to install the Home and Student trial though.

That's the one I have, I wonder if you can get Access separately...

I think so, but its hard to find. I know you can get individual application trials, but I dont know how sales on individual products work exactly

I can guarantee its overly priced

[Comp Guy]

I use Office 2007, and like it a lot better than all previous versions. The thing that stinks is that to have the database I would have to get the Ultimate version... but I guess I could use OOo instead.

I was never a huge fan of Open Office Base, its not great for creating mass-mail letters, but, it certainly does work.
I was just looking through the packages as well, and was quite disappointed by the fact that Access isnt included in the basic packages. I am about to install the Home and Student trial though.

That's the one I have, I wonder if you can get Access separately...

I think so, but its hard to find. I know you can get individual application trials, but I dont know how sales on individual products work exactly

I can guarantee its overly priced

Yeah. Problem is, having Office XP Pro got me used to having Access...

[unlovedwarrior]

you can buy applications seperately

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-077-03782-Access-2007/dp/B000HCVR12

[ultimatum]

I'm using Microsoft Word 2007 for for everything; I like the new design, everything is much organized.

Would you call it easier to use though? Or just better in layout?
I am very curious of how it is to actually use in front of your actual computer (not just samples through the web browser)
Is it faster than Word 2003/2000/1997?

Yes it is easier to use it when you get to know the layout better because at first you won't know where all the settings are and it could be frustrating to find them. But, when you do find them and you're familiar with them its a lot easier to use MS Word, MS Excel plus it got a lot of cool things that will just make everything else easier. For example, in Excel my favorite thing is how they summed all the functions in one tab and you can easy choose whichever one you want unlike the previous versions.

[sabiyakhan_bnpc]

 

I like MS word

[looksvivek]

Ease of use inclines me to vote for Microsoft word.

[Peccavi]

MS Word.

[michaewlewis]

MS Word tips the scales......

[Zylstra]

Trying out Office 2007, it does seem easier to use, especially in the formatting department. I would never use it on a 800x600 screen though. Its quite a different program from the other versions.

[SaintSatinStain]

an amendment I use Rough Draft on my pcs, but I use AbiWord on my usb drive.

[street1 (RIP)]

To be honest, I don't really know too many more word processors, just a couple that probably aren't used by many people. A couple of them are actually linux only programs like kwrite and abiword. They don't really matter much.

Does anybody remember ProWrite? I used to use that wp back in the 80s.... It was pretty slick. The program was on a 3 1/2 floppy and then another floppy had the spell check dictionary. I don't think you could change font sizes and definitely not colors... the printers and monitors were all monochrome!

I have pro-write......COL!!!

[Jonas Wauters]

I've tried open office but MS word is easyer to use

Jonas

[dairyman]

I think Bill Gates mind control got us again 
No, just joking.

[boredom113]

So when does the november poll come up?.....lol

[patio]

200 people voted for Word ? ?

I'm stunned and amazed...

[michaewlewis]

200 people voted for Word ? ?

I'm stunned and amazed...

Office is one of the things that Microsoft did right. It's intuitive, familiar, and easy. The other office solutions are trying too hard to be different, I think. Or trying to be easier, and cutting out some of the great features of Office.

[Calum]

200 people voted for Word ? ?

I'm stunned and amazed...

Once again, MS commands the overwhelming majority.
Don't be surprised, it's life.

[Zylstra]

200 people voted for Word ? ?

I'm stunned and amazed...

Once again, MS commands the overwhelming majority.
Don't be surprised, it's life.

Its just... so much easier to use.
Sorry, Patio and Calum, but its true

Not to mention, most companies shy away from free software.

204 users voted, this surprises me as well, I dont think we have had such a big pole before.

[diablo416]

getdiz

[Calum]

Its just... so much easier to use.
Sorry, Patio and Calum, but its true

That is a matter of opinion.
I sincerely believe that the only way to test this would be to find a long lost tribe or something that have never used computers before, and see which software they find easier to use.  Otherwise, the marketing and bad experiences twist our viewpoints.

Not to mention, most companies shy away from free software.

A valid point, and one I have never quite understood.
I know quite a few companies do not trust the free support and prefer to pay for it, but I myself would rather get it free and better.

[Computer Hope Admin]

I actually find Open Office Writer as easy to use as Word, the only reason I use Word more often is because it has a Grammar checker and Thesaurus. If it had those two features I'd use it a lot more than Word.

Usually 'ease' comes with a better understanding of a program.

[michaewlewis]

I actually find Open Office Writer as easy to use as Word, the only reason I use Word more often is because it has a Grammar checker and Thesaurus. If it had those two features I'd use it a lot more than Word.

Eye doesn't need a grammar checking feature four my writing, jest a spell chick. Open Office is god enough fur me.

[Computer Hope Admin]

hehe 

[Zylstra]

I actually find Open Office Writer as easy to use as Word, the only reason I use Word more often is because it has a Grammar checker and Thesaurus. If it had those two features I'd use it a lot more than Word.

Eye doesn't need a grammar checking feature four my writing, jest a spell chick. Open Office is god enough fur me.

Oh dear...

Though I have had a LOT of experience with Microsoft Office, I think that many people would find quite a few of its features easier to find and use than OpenOffice. I also like the voice input support provided in MS Office. I think that in many cases, its grammar check can be kind of... pointless. (Specifically the "fragment" errors that I so often make... whatever the heck those are)
Looking at MS Office 2007, it seems that the user interface is simply designed to put what you want right in front of your face, and categorize it. The menu bar is somewhat banished from MS Office 2007 now.

As most of you know, I truly believe that making the program you are using easy to look at makes it easier to use. I believe that MS Office 2007 has accomplished this goal of "eye candy"

See some screens, I like the interface:

[patio]

204 users voted, this surprises me as well, I dont think we have had such a big pole before.

Maybe we should run up a Microsoft Office flag on that pole...