Word-Processor Round-Up

Okay, since I got the message loud and clear that nobody wants to hear me talk about free and open-source operating-systems (unless you do Suze?), I'm going to skip that part and go straight to free and open-source word-processors. Hmmph.

LIBRE OFFICE - Summary: Top pick.

The gold standard in open-source office suites. It's a direct continuation of the largely defunct OpenOffice, which was a continuation of the totally defunct StarOffice, which dated back to the mid '80s. As far as I know, it runs equally well on Windows, Mac, Linux, & FreeBSD, and the project prides itself on being as compatible as possible with Microsoft document formats. Also, while the toolbar layout is completely configurable, I don't think the defaults have changed much since the first version shipped in 2002. So, if you're looking for a "retro" version of MS Office, this is probably as close as you're likely to get.

While I don't have this installed on my home computer or use it on a day-to-day basis, I have spent a ~fair~ amount of time with it, and like it about as much as I'm capable of liking an office suite. If you have to use a word-processor, at least try giving this one a whirl.

Download (~220MB)
BitTorrent

OPEN OFFICE - Summary: Dead.

The original open-source competitor to Microsoft Office. LibreOffice is where it's all happening now, so use that instead.

ABI WORD - Summary: Small. Simple. Nice.

The simple and lightweight alternative to LibreOffice. Note that this is just a word processor and not a whole office suite. There's no spreadsheets, databases, powerpoint, diagrams, or other bullshit here. It runs on Windows, Linux, & FreeBSD, but the Windows version is a bit behind the others. I've used AbiWord numerous times in the past, and might even prefer it over LibreOffice. It might be worth a look if your needs are fairly modest.

CALLIGRA - Summary: No.

This is actually the word processor I have installed on my machine at home. The reason for this is that it comes bundled with a really nice digital painting application called Krita. I use it to open MS Word documents that people send me, and, well, that's about it, really. I don't particularly like it, and wouldn't recommend using it unless you're a bit of a masochist.

EMACS - Summary: ♥♥♥♥♥

Alright, I know that nobody reading this is actually going to contemplate using Emacs, but I just couldn't resist. You see, I'm in love with Emacs—and yes—I would fucking marry it if I could.

Emacs isn't a word-processor; it's the world's most powerful text-editor. Some people say that title belongs to Vim, but those people are talking out their arses. Don't get me wrong, I use Vim all the time and think it's great, but the two don't even compare. You see, Emacs isn't even really a text-editor; it's an interactive environment for the LISP programming language. What that means is that it can do anything that can be programmed in LISP. Apart from writing blog posts like this one, I also use it for …

• writing code; including (but not limited to) HTML, Javascript, Java, Python, Perl, C, various shell scripts, and of course, LISP;
• taking and sorting notes;
• writing email and other stuff;
• a terminal emulator;
• a file manager;
• a calculator;
• a diary and calendar;
• a project planner;
• a structured to-do list and personal information organiser;
• and for generally keeping my life in order.

Oh, and yes, I also use it as …

• a word-processor.

The neat thing about using Emacs as a word processor is that you don't have to stuff around, digging through menus, clicking on toolbar icons, and wondering "why doesn't this look the way I want". Instead, you use a markup language called TEX—which works a bit like HTML—and then "render" your document in whatever format you want (usually PDF).

It probably sounds complicated, but it's a system that works remarkably well, and gives you a lot of control over how things look … as long as you know how to markup your document properly. Which brings us to why nobody reading this is ever going to try Emacs.

You see, Emacs is designed to work with or without a graphical interface. Which means it's designed to be used without a mouse. In fact, it's designed to be used without having to take your fingers off the home keys. Everything it does, it does through shortcuts and typed commands. For instance, instead of using the arrow keys …

• CTRL-F: moves the cursor forward one character.
• CTRL-B: moves the cursor back one character.
• CTRL-N: moves the cursor down one line.
• CTRL-P: moves the cursor up one line.
• CTRL-A: moves the cursor to the start of the line.
• CTRL-E: moves the cursor to the end of the line.
• ALT-F: moves the cursor forward one word.
• ALT-B: moves the cursor back one word.
• ALT-A: moves the cursor to the start of the sentence.
• ALT-E: moves the cursor to the end of the sentence.

And this is barely scratching the surface of the surface. There are scores of default shortcuts and hundreds of typed commands; and of course, every shortcut and command can be re-programmed. Even basic key-strokes like "A" & "SPACE" can be re-programmed. They can even be programmed to change depending on context; remember, it's an interactive programming environment after all.

Okay, that's probably enough about Emacs. For now. Don't be surprised if you hear me swoon over it again in the future though. You have been warned.