Five Open Source Word Processors for Mac OS
Five Open Source Word Processors for Mac OS
For those who threw away their PC to get a Mac, one of the more aggravating parts of the new purchase was realizing that in order to have a word processor installed onto the machine it has to be Microsoft Word. Apple apparently decided it wasn’t worth it to fund a competing WP or license one that in all likelihood would probably perform poorly in comparison anyway. That’s okay because we don’t need any more overpriced word processors on the market. One is enough. Luckily, there are several free open source word processors available for the Mac operating system that enable users to make word documents without continuing to send Microsoft anymore money.
1. Bean
This program was designed as the antithesis to Word. As such, you get a streamlined, stripped down version of a modern word processor. Despite a reduced number of features and functions, Bean still allows users to autosave, get a word count, and adjust zoom and layout. Bean’s bad side is that it isn’t 100 percent compatible with Word. Doc and Docx files are imported/exported sans images and some formatting depending on the file type.
2. AbiWord
Originally, designed to be a for-profit software, AbiWord ended up in the hands of open source software developers and is noted for running on virtually any operating system. Word .doc and .docx files transfer much more smoothly with AbiWord, but the addition of Word-like freedom means it’s a bit lumbering at times depending on which version has been installed.
3. JDarkRoom
If throwbacks are your thing, then this word processor is just for you. The interface is designed to replicate that of the most primitive of word processors from the early years of the personal computer. There’s a word count, but don’t count on much else other than green text on a black background and the focus that hopefully follows.
4. Google Docs
As we move into an age where cloud computing could control most day-to-day digital activity and web-based applications become the norm this option might be the most forward thinking one out there. Google’s online word processor isn’t anything remarkable in design, but the ability to create, save, and edit documents from any computer with a web connection is something that trumps any competitor when it comes to access.
5. OpenOffice.org
If you’ve ever heard about an open source word processor, this was probably it. OpenOffice.org is virtually everything you get from Microsoft Word with the bonus that it’s even been shown to open corrupted files Word won’t be able to access. If you were simply looking for the free version of Word, this is it.
Don’t surrender another few hundred dollars for the latest version of Word until you’ve tried one of these open source word processors. Switching from a PC to a Mac is an expensive transition as it is, make it easier on yourself and find a free way to make documents.
” Harry Priddle is a developer and part-time blogger from Virginia. When not glued to the screen of his HTC Android Phone he’s getting his lap burned by his Macbook Pro. “
I will always vote for Open Office!