Microsoft Word: An Unnecessary Evil?

First and foremost, Microsoft Word is a solid piece of software, and the 2007 version is untouchable at present. It pretty much sets the standard. It's also in no way evil in and of itself. That said, it's unfortunately not free, so here are some alternatives that are.

MattBarton.net (2008). Articles>Word Processing>Software>Open Source

It's Possible to Ditch Microsoft Office

Is today's OpenOffice good enough for the enterprise? For most jobs—word processing, presentations or spreadsheets—the answer is yes. Compatibility with Microsoft Office isn't a problem unless sophisticated macros are involved. Interoperability, the greatest hurdle to conquer on the way to adoption, is almost a nonissue. OpenOffice even offers features missing in Microsoft Office, like PDF or Flash data exports.

Ciurana, Eugene. ComputerWorld (2004). Articles>Word Processing>Software>Open Source