Contrary to what Microsoft would probably like people to believe, Microsoft Office is NOT the only choice for word processor, spreadsheet, database, presentations, and graphics software. Here are a few totally free and low cost alternatives to try. Many have translators.

Free Desktop & Web-based Office Suites

• OpenOffice: Desktop office suite

• NeoOffice: Desktop office suite for Macs

• ThinkFree: Web-based document editor & exchange

• Contact Office: Web-based virtual office

• Ajax13: Web-based office suite

• Google Docs & Spreadsheets: Web-based word processor and spreadsheets

Commercial Desktop Office Suites

• StarOffice

• Easy Office

• 602 PC Suite

Free Stand-Alone Programs

• AbiWord – Word processor

• Yeah Write – Word processor

• Powerbullet Presenter – Presentation program

• EditGrid – Web-based spreadsheet editor

• PDF995 – PDF converter

• Scribus – Desktop publishing software