Free Online Word-Processing Applications
Free online word processing resources fall into two categories: the first is web-based software that is part of a Microsoft Office-like Suite of applications (such as OpenOffice.org,and generally includes a word processor, spreadsheet, et al. These Suites are offered by Google and ThinkFree Office, below. The other category is a set of standalone online word processors, such as AjaxWrite, below.
ajaxWrite is a web-based word processor that can read and write Microsoft Word and other standard document formats. Anytime you need to open, read or write a word processor file, simply point your Firefox browser to www.ajaxwrite.com and in seconds a full-featured program will be available for you to open, edit, print and save.
ajaxWrite has been designed to look like Microsoft Word, making it easy for anyone to start using it without needing to learn a new program. ajaxWrite also handles all the popular document formats so it's easy to share your files and collaborate with your co-workers and friends. Once finished with your document, you can easily save your work right to your hard drive. This keeps you organized and works in the same way that you're already accustomed to.
ajaxWrite works from a Firefox web browser on any operating system and on any device, no matter where you are or what computer you're using. And because the application itself lives on the web, we handle the updates automatically so that you don't have to deal with costly upgrades or getting stuck with old versions.
In 2006 Google pruchased and merged two services, Writely and Spreadsheets, to create this online application. Documents and spreadsheets can be created within the application itself, imported through the web interface or sent via email. They can also be saved in a variety of formats to the user's computer. By default, they are saved to Google's servers. The open document is automatically saved to prevent data loss. Documents and spreadsheets can also be tagged and archived for organizational purposes. Collaboration between users is also a feature of Docs & Spreadsheets. Documents can be shared, opened, and edited by multiple users at the same time. The application supports popular Office file types such as .doc and .xls. It also includes support for the OpenDocument format. A free Google account is required.
by Haansoft ThinkFree Co. Ltd., a subsidiary company of Haansoft Corporation, is an office suite written in Java that runs on Windows, Linux, and Macintosh platforms. ThinkFree Office includes a word processor (Write), a spreadsheet (Calc) and a presentation program (Show). ThinkFree Office reads and writes to Microsoft Office file formats (.doc, .xls, and .ppt). ThinkFree Office has a look and feel similar to Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, allowing users to switch over easily. Up to 1 GB free online storage is provided as well.
Zoho Writer has a very clean interface and is very easy to use. Zoho also offers a whole host of other applications and more are being added all time. One of the more interesting is an application builder that you can use to create your own online database driven applications. The sheer number and variety of Zoho applications makes them a player to watch in the free online office space.
