Office Tools
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Purchasing software can often be expensive. We have identified a number of free office type tools for your organisation to use:
Google Docs & Spreadsheets is a web-based word processing and spreadsheet program that keeps documents current and lets the people you choose update files from their own computers. You can collaborate with friends or community group members remotely to work together on the same document.
Perhaps the best known free software suite for use in an office context is Open Office. It has been well tested for six years and is compatible with Microsoft Office. The suite of tools has not only a word processor and spreadsheet, but also, a presentation tool, a database and a drawing tool that will produce everything from simple diagrams to dynamic 3D illustrations and special effects.
Portable version of Open Office
There is even a
portable version that you can run on an external USB drive. More specifically,
you can connect the USB drive to another computer (which does not have Open
Office installed), and run it directly from the USB drive without needing to
install Open Office on that computer.
Desktop Publisher
This free tool has many preset
document layouts, automated templates, various colour schemes and artistic
effects. There are also many fully customizable designs including complex shapes
like spirals, petals and stars that can used.
If you need help and advice with using word processing of office related tools or want to know more about them then contact the ICT Hub HelpDesk 0800 652 4737