Updated June 27, 2023
Introduction to Word Processors for Windows
The following article provides an outline for Word Processors for Windows. Word Processors is a computer program for editing and formatting the text when input is provided so that output is visible on the word processing page that helps users modify or analyze the text for further requirements. Initially, we had word-processing devices that could work without dependency on the system. Still, nowadays, most of the word processors work along with the system; hence, it is a software program. We cannot call Word processor a text editor alone as it helps create the documents and then edit based on the requirements.
Various Word Processors
The most used word processor in Windows is Microsoft Word. Preinstalled, we enjoy the privileges of a Word editor with all the features and importing capabilities. We can also access Microsoft Word online for free without any additional charges. We have all types of fonts and different editing capabilities in the Word processor of Microsoft. We can add visual effects to the Word document and add images wherever required. Also, we can modify PowerPoint or paint documents into Word documents and make necessary changes. We can add tables and access the documents from anywhere if we save them virtually.
Though we are familiar with Microsoft Word in Windows, we have other word processors that can be used for free.
1. Google Docs
- This is the best alternative to Microsoft Word as it is free for all who have a Google account. We don’t have all the complex features of Microsoft Word, but this is a go-to application for those who need to edit a document present in email quickly or do not have Microsoft Word pre-installed in their system. Google Drive saves the edited documents in Google Docs, making them accessible from any device where Google Drive is synchronized.
- All the documents we edit in Google Docs are autosaved in Google Drive, so we need not worry about the document being unsaved. Also, it is easy to import any documents into Google Docs. This allows us to download the document into the local drive and use it for any other purposes locally. Furthermore, if we would like to share the document with others, we can do so through Google Drive and collaborate with them for any work in real time to save time while working on documents.
- Most people do not prefer this application with fewer features, but this is a good application if we have very few needs with the features of Word documents.
2. OpenOffice Writer
- Many people who disliked Microsoft updates after 2003 preferred OpenOffice Writer by Apache because the application doesn’t have a ribbon. The document format differs from Microsoft Word, but we can import any file that OpenOffice will format.
- We have most of the Microsoft Word features in OpenOffice Document to edit the doc or docx files in OpenOffice easily. However, if one prefers cloud support for the document or would like to edit it online, OpenOffice cannot be considered as it lacks cloud support. We can use Google Drive or any other cloud to store OpenOffice documents and use them whenever needed; OpenOffice does not have a cloud for itself.
3. LibreOffice Writer
- This is also an average Word processor with limited features, so users can use all the features and prepare or edit a Word document. The interface style and collaboration with other cloud providers are similar to the OpenOffice editor. All the features are similar, and one must select LibreOffice or OpenOffice.
- The format differs from other Word documents, but it supports any document import into the editor, making it easy for anyone with other word processors. While all the features are not supported here, we will face some challenges while looking into the document, but we can make changes easily.
- We have a strong community for LibreOffice editor, which strengthens the interface and backend coding. This helps the processor improve from users’ inputs and makes it more useful for beginners without requiring licenses. This is as safe as any other word processor due to its lightweight and community support. We continuously monitor the application, and the community adds features, making it impossible to hide hacking codes.
4. WPS Office Editor
- In WPS Editor, we have all the features of Microsoft Word with cloud support, but we don’t have an online collaboration like Google Docs. Many who miss Microsoft Word for its numerous features prefer this, as it is freely offered. WPS, in addition, offers a premium license with a price of $120 for a lifetime.
- If we don’t like to pay the price for Word Processor, we can use it for free but with 10 seconds advertisement in between when we try to use any feature like importing the document into the application. On the other hand, the premium edition does not have advertisements making it easy for editors to work with the WPS office.
- We can use the WPS office even on mobile phones to proofread and edit documents, and this ability is not present in most word processors.
Conclusion
If one would still prefer Microsoft Word, the online version is available with limited features of Microsoft Word. We can edit it online and save it into a Microsoft Cloud platform called OneDrive, making it easy to work locally when needed. We can download it and work in preinstalled Microsoft Word in the system so that we will not face any formatting issues as with other Word processors. All the Word processors work in Windows with ease and comfort to the user with any storage options as per the user’s requirement. Microsoft Word is not the last answer for Word Processor in Windows. We can write or edit a document and make it look visually pleasing to anyone with all the present alternatives.
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