Word-processors

[Schokokeks]

Hi guys!
Yesterday, I reformated my laptop and installed all the software I needed again this morning (including all the nervous breakdowns computer work seems to imply with me), when it occured to me that I misplaced the Mircosoft Word CD somewhere :rage: However, I desperately need a word-processing programme. Once without Word, I figured I didn't really like it anyway (it got me banging my head on the keyboard when it used to format and rearrange text without my permission and such).
Given that there are so many aspiring writers among you :nod:, I'd like to ask whether anyone could suggest me a good (freely downloadable, at best) alternative to Word ? Features I'm looking for would be conversion into .pdf and the possibility of clicking somewhere on the displayed sheet and immediately start to write exactly where I clicked, but these aren't sooo important...
What is more, I heard about LaTeX some time ago and would appreciate if those among you using it stated their opinions & experiences whether it is worth getting into.
Thanks very much!

[kathycf]

I have heard good things in the past about Open Office...and it is compatible with several different platforms and is multi-lingual. Oh, yes and free. :)

http://www.openoffice.org/

[RobinHood3000]

Meh...me, I use Word. Computer laypeople like my classmates are absolutely astonished at how customizable it is (the formatting problems you describe are very fixable). I use the 97 version -- drawing's easier than in 2003.

As it is, I'm not sure what else you could use. Wordpad and Notepad are lovely for bare basics, though. :goof:

[Stanislaw]

Hi guys!
Yesterday, I reformated my laptop and installed all the software I needed again this morning (including all the nervous breakdowns computer work seems to imply with me), when it occured to me that I misplaced the Mircosoft Word CD somewhere :rage: However, I desperately need a word-processing programme. Once without Word, I figured I didn't really like it anyway (it got me banging my head on the keyboard when it used to format and rearrange text without my permission and such).
Given that there are so many aspiring writers among you :nod:, I'd like to ask whether anyone could suggest me a good (freely downloadable, at best) alternative to Word ? Features I'm looking for would be conversion into .pdf and the possibility of clicking somewhere on the displayed sheet and immediately start to write exactly where I clicked, but these aren't sooo important...
What is more, I heard about LaTeX some time ago and would appreciate if those among you using it stated their opinions & experiences whether it is worth getting into.
Thanks very much!

Oh man...I feel sorry for you! Some things to look at:

check out sourceforge.net...they have some really cool opensource word processors...

also...



there be piratebay.org with some bit torrents :brow: and there also be the downloadable free trial from Microsoft...which is then coupled with a key gen... :brow:

If you want some specific information on the semi-piratical (ie. :brow: ) techniques...feel very free to send me an email or pm ([email protected])

[ShoutGrace]

What is more, I heard about LaTeX some time ago and would appreciate if those among you using it stated their opinions & experiences whether it is worth getting into.

Many people think that latex is worth getting into, but isn't that an activity usually reserved for men? :D

Openoffice is a suitable (albeit very different and perhaps lower quality) alternative to MSWord.

[Schokokeks]

Thanks so very much for all your suggestions! I have just downloaded openoffice (thanx for the link, kathycf! :)) and will give it a try. However, if it should fail to stand my expectations, I'll definetely accept your invitation to piracy, Stan :D (oh, damn conscience! :p)


Many people think that latex is worth getting into, but isn't that an activity usually reserved for men? :D
I have (poorly) done some programming databanks and small applications until lately, and couldn't find a "guys only" sticker anywhere, but maybe I should have a second look :p Just kidding! :D I'm interested in LaTeX because I've heard that it's quite useful when it comes to writing scientific papers, especially in my subject as it allows to probably set Ancient Greek characters, which is a mere catastrophe with Word as to what I've experienced.

[kathycf]

I hope the program works out for you. I heard of it several years ago but never downloaded it because at the time I was working with dialup internet service. I only write papers for school, so the bare bones of Wordpad works for me. ;)

Please post back and let me know what you think of openoffice, I would be interested in your opinion (good or bad).

[bluevictim]

I use LaTeX for just about all of my documents, from personal letters to slide presentations. If you need to include any mathematics, LaTeX pretty much blows everything else out of the water. In my opinion, it is also the best solution for writing documents with ancient Greek for computer users who usually work in English.

One thing to remember is that LaTeX is not really a word processor a la Word or Wordperfect. It's really a markup language like HTML, and it does take a bit of getting used to. I think a lot of new users get frustrated because they come to it with a WYSIWYG mindset when typesetting with LaTeX is really a whole different paradigm. There are some WYSIWYG front-ends for LaTeX, but I don't think they are very good. I usually use vi for the actual text editing. HTH

[RobinHood3000]

Yikes -- vi? No offense, but isn't vi basically at the ultra-bottom end of the text-editing gene pool?

[Schokokeks]

Please post back and let me know what you think of openoffice, I would be interested in your opinion (good or bad).
I worked with openoffice today writing a CV and so far I'm very satisfied :banana: I was able to transform the document into .pdf and I could click and write anywhere in the text, which is truly a relief for when it comes to formatting. However, I have not yet tried to find the option where I can get the programme to stop formatting my text, which used to annoy me with Word lately, but I'll figure that out next time I use it.
Great suggestion so far, thanx again :D


I think a lot of new users get frustrated because they come to it with a WYSIWYG mindset when typesetting with LaTeX is really a whole different paradigm.
I wouldn't mind a non-WYSIWYG programme and I've heard so many positive opinions on LaTeX that I would definetely like to try it out myself! At the moment, however, I'm a bit confused about how to get the actual programme, as I read a lot about other downloads needed in advance...? I'd be glad if you could clarify that matter :D


Yikes -- vi? No offense, but isn't vi basically at the ultra-bottom end of the text-editing gene pool?

As far as I know, that doesn't matter as the "orders" concerning the desired format of your text you give to the LaTeX-programme can be written with the simpliest text-editor.

[kathycf]

I worked with openoffice today writing a CV and so far I'm very satisfied

Your Welcome, I hope it continues to work out for you. :)

[bluevictim]

Yikes -- vi? No offense, but isn't vi basically at the ultra-bottom end of the text-editing gene pool?
You must have forgotten about ex.

I used emacs for a while until I found that I liked vi much better. Actually, I usually use vim now, but I rarely use any vim specific features.


At the moment, however, I'm a bit confused about how to get the actual programme, as I read a lot about other downloads needed in advance...?
If you're using Windows, I think MiKTeX (www.miktex.org) is pretty straightforward to install (at least, I don't remember running into anything tricky when I installed it in the past). If you're using Linux, LaTeX usually comes with the distribution; if it's not installed, how to install it depends on your distribution.

In my experience, the online documentation for LaTeX is not that friendly. I've had good results with LaTeX: A Document Preparation System by Leslie Lamport for getting started and The LaTeX Companion by Michel Goossens, et al. as a reference.