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    Spreadsheet Software (free)

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by ARom, Aug 3, 2008.

  1. ARom

    ARom -

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    My Microsoft Office 07 & Corel trials just ran out, and I'm too cheap to purchase the full version. I need a free program to use for a little while until I decide to give M$ more $$$.

    Is google docs any good? Does anyone 'actually' use it. Are there any other programs I should know about? Ones that completely mimic or plagiarize Excels features would be ideal.
     
    ARom, Aug 3, 2008
    #1
  2. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    John Ratsey, Aug 3, 2008
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  3. timtravel42

    timtravel42 Notebook Virtuoso

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    +1 for open office
     
    timtravel42, Aug 3, 2008
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  4. Prasad

    Prasad NBR Reviewer 1337 NBR Reviewer

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    Yet another vote for Open Office!
     
    Prasad, Aug 3, 2008
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  5. ARom

    ARom -

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    lol, why didn't anyone tell me about this Open Office sooner? :D
     
    ARom, Aug 3, 2008
    #5
  6. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    Well, it's not as if it is new! it just gradually gets better.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Aug 3, 2008
    #6
  7. fonduekid

    fonduekid JSUTAONHTERBIRCKINTEHWLAL

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    Open Office
     
    fonduekid, Aug 3, 2008
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  8. ARom

    ARom -

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    I've been using OpenOffice Calc for the last 1/2 hour & its good. I wouldn't say it's superior to Excel, but its not worse either, and it's free, so therefore its is a better program in the end. I was able to convert all of my files, which is great.

    How long before you think they start charging for these six programs? They are very powerful. How do the creators/editors/publishers/programmers get paid? Microsoft Office 2007 has versions going from $130-$350...

    -Base (Access) :)
    -Calc (Excel) :)
    -Draw (Publisher) :)
    -Impress (Powerpoint, I don't think its as good, but it looks strong from my playing around with it) :eek:
    -Math (Excel, but easier to use as a standalone program) :)
    -Writer (Word) :)

    That is a great lineup.
     
    ARom, Aug 3, 2008
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  9. ProntoR2

    ProntoR2 Notebook Consultant

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    If you're doing online collaboration, Google Docs is nice but requires a google account (yeah, I know almost everyone nowadays has one) to use it.

    If you want an easy way for people to update things (for, say a sign-up to a church's community service project) give editgrid a try. You make an account, then just shoot out the link to everyone and they can update without needing an account.

    Optionally you can restrict documents so only authenticated user can get in, but public documents are great for things like sign-ups.
     
    ProntoR2, Aug 3, 2008
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  10. KarenA

    KarenA Notebook Evangelist

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    Open Office.

    If you want to try web service, try Zoho or GoogleDocs.
     
    KarenA, Aug 3, 2008
    #10