How To Decide Which Word Processor To Use

How To Decide Which Word Processor To Use IT For Beginners: Tips For Choosing Software ChaptersThe Function: The Universal Basic Features Of Word Processing SoftwareThe Cost: Do You Prefer Free Or Paid Software?Your Feeling: What Do You Want To Use It For? And How Do You Want To Work?IT for beginners is everywhere these days, all you need to know is which software to download or which website to visit, and you will be guided with tooltips through the software, app or website. Some pieces of software even give you a virtual tour of your software so that you can feel as though you at least know how to manoeuvre to achieve the basics. Once you have had a look through the piles of software options how do you make the choice about which software is for you? It can easily be overwhelming and leave you feeling like either not making a choice or just choosing the first pc software within reach rather than what is best for you.However, there are 2 points to consider; the first is once you get used to software it can feel a bit odd for a while when you move on to use another. So it always worth taking the time to select the software that suits you best. The second point is that although all software differs slightly more or less, the software has the same functionality.One point is about the basics of your required functionality, and the other is about feeling. When you are making choices to integrate anything into your life, these are the 2 key points that will help you to choose. In this case, they will help you to select your word processing software. For example, I use three word-processing softwares; MS word, MS OneNote and Google Docs. Each serves a different purpose for me depending on what it is that I want to do.So as you see, pushing yourself to pick just one piece of software may not be the answer. Eventually, you could end up selecting software based on the things you like about it and how it fits into your lifestyle. Let’s take a look at some ideas of how you can choose the best software for you.Before investing in new software make sure it covers your needs. 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For example, if you have issues remembering to save then you need a program with autosave functionality, if the spelling is your weakness then you will need a tool that has a good spell checker, If you can’t type due to a disability, then you must ensure that your software has accessibility options. No matter what, especially before investing in new software make sure it covers your needs. Knowing what it is that you need and what it is that you want to use the software for can go a long way in helping you to fine-tune your selection.Most software has the following features:Create text documents such as writing letters, reports, documents and articles with visual layouts.Live note taking such as taking notes during meetings or conferences,Multimedia presentations for seminars, visual presentations.or talks, using pictures, links, layout and text formatting.These functions are relatively basic PC software standards but meet the needs of most users. However, depending on your level of PC skills, you may have additional requirements or fewer requirements. For example, to get started with word processing as a beginner on the computer you don’t really need to invest in expensive software as free software will meet all of your needs. You do not even need to have the latest version of MS Word.But of course, your needs are only part of the story when selecting the b est software. As your preference actually makes up a huge part of your desition.Read more about the different PC shortcuts here.The Cost: Do You Prefer Free Or Paid Software?When choosing my software, I decided to buy the Microsoft office suite which also came with MS OneNote bundled in. It wasn’t cheap, but it was the software that I prefer to use, more importantly, it was software that allowed me to be extremely productive.MS Word industry standard for word processing software in offices around the world. Photo Source: UnsplashMS Word (Paid)Microsoft Word is the grandfather of all word processing applications. Additionally, it is the industry standard for word processing software in offices around the world. From the post office to the government, from the train station office to the bank. It has a stable infrastructure which has an intuitive menu which allows you to find things quickly, optimise for no distraction working, or collaborate with your team via the cloud.The benefit of MS word is that it is suitable for everyone, it is feature rich, but those features don't have to be used. You can choose to create simple or complex documents learning the basics as you go. The downside is that while there is an integrated spell checker, it is not the best. But (another upside) because you can personalise your software with add ons. A tool like Grammarly integrates well. Which allows you to have software that will gently lead you into the word processing world and grown with you as you gain confidence and skills in your document creation.MS Word is great for:Creating official or professional documents or lettersWriting long-form content like blog posts or booksCreating PDF documentsOpening files from other softwareFormatting and editingUsing templatesKey features of MS Word:Type and format textOpen, edit, save and print a documentOpen documents from other softwareCloud support and collaborative optionsAvailable for all operating systemsOther Software Like MS Wo rd:Libre Office (Free, open source)Open Office (Free, open source)Pages (Free, Mac only)Google Docs (Free)WPS Office (Free, open source)OneNote (Free)Onenote is an epic virtual notebook that I use more than any other office software. You can paste a picture into it from all over the web, print documents to it, create reports, write! No not type actually write (if your laptop has a touch screen) on it and use it as an actual handwritten notebook. You can open new notebooks which organise your content into themes.Within your notebooks you create sections, and within your notebook's sections, you have pages. Each which help you further organises. The benefit of OneNote is that you can use it anywhere, online, offline, on your pc, on your tablet, your phone, on your friend's laptop. As long as you can log into your account which you can save in the cloud if you require multi-location access. Onenote also autosaves your work so you literally never lose anything. The only downside can be if you forget your log in and for some reason can’t log back into the software.Onenote is great for:Creative text document creationBookmarkingResearch and collating informationNote takingBrainstormingOrganising contentKey features of OneNote:Type and format textOpen, edit, save as new file type and print notebooks, sections and pagesOpen multiple windowsCloud support and collaborative optionsPreview sections and pagesScreen printing, web page clippingAuto reference inserted contentHandwriting and drawing featuresUse on any device via Software and AppOther Software Like Onenote:Evernote (Limited free account, Paid premium account)Google Keep (Free)Laverna (Free, Open source)The good thing about free software is that it is free and in many cases almost as good as or equally as good as its free alternatives. Paid software is good if you have specific requirements or if you need to use specific software. Also Paid software is likely to be maintained and actively developed. The decisio n here comes down you your wallet.The great thing is that you have lots of options and your final choice doesn't have to be one piece of software that does it all. Photo Source: UnsplashYour Feeling: What Do You Want To Use It For? And How Do You Want To Work?Whether you want to do some Note taking, Write letters, manage collaborations online or offline, Write a blog or Write a book. You will be using word processing software. But the great thing is that you have lots of options and your final choice doesn't have to be one piece of software that does it all.If you choose to you can pick one software to serve all of your needs. Or you can pick different software to suit each of the requirements that you have. Software to make professional documents, software for note taking, software for writing your book, You word processing is up to you, and you can be as creative about it as you want to be.Maybe you will open MS word and hate the layout and prefer libre office instead, Perhaps you want always to be connected to your documents over many devices, so you might choose Google Docs and install the app on your phone. The feeling you have when you try the software is not something that you can be told about it is something you will know once you have tried the software. In the end, the final decision about the software that you choose will not be down to the research that you do about it. But it will come from downloading, trying a software, liking it and deciding to integrate it into the software on your PC. Whatever you choose, happy typing and don’t forget to press save!