I spoke with a few classmates recently about alternatives to both Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop. Both OpenOffice.org and GIMP do a good job on the word processing and image editing fronts and they are free to use. While advanced users may not be satisfied with both of these open source alternatives because they lack dedicated professional support and certain features, they are great alternatives for the average user and have great community support behind them.
OpenOffice.org
This office suite is an alternative to Microsoft Office that can really hold its own. I first came across it back in university when I needed an application to work with statistic formulas efficiently and export my work to PDF so I could give it a more published feel and send it to others. With the release of Microsoft Office 2007, Microsoft has bridged this void and now offers similar function. Regardless, OpenOffice.org is still picking up momentum and making improvements constantly. OpenOffice.org can open and save to Word, PowerPoint and Excel formats among others making it a great way to keep up with your colleagues who use Microsoft Office. Support for the new XML formats used in Office 2007 is expected in the future.
GIMP
This photo manipulation program is great for any enthusiast that wants a functional editor that works. While many professinals swear by Adobe Photoshop, GIMP is great for anyone who is looking for something different or just can’t afford the Photoshop price tag.
If you’re curious, try them out
The great part about these two programs is that they are open source and free to use. If you’re curious, head over to their respective websites and try them. If you need a word processor or photo editor and don’t have anything currently then these programs will be very useful to you.
Both OpenOffice.org and GIMP install on Windows, Linux and Mac platforms.
Wow, thanks for the tip on OpenOffice.org. My Microst Office trial just ran out and poor student that I am, I am reluctant to pay the big bucks for it. I was looking at other options, but was worried that I wouldn’t be able to open documents on Microsoft at school. Your post is a big help. I will definitely be checking those applications out!
Mike, I too came across Open Office in University. It’s great. It allowed me to do more ‘funky’ powerpoints then MS Powerpoint 2003. But you have to be willing to push buttons without knowing what they’ll do.
I can’t wait to try GIMP. Thanks for the tip.