Week 5: The Differences Between Microsoft Word, Open Office Writer & Google Docs

Hello! Welcome back =)

So far, we've been using three different types of word processor softwares to complete our assigments and pair tasks, namely Microsoft Word, Open Office Writer and Google Docs. In this segment, I'm going to discuss about the differences of these softwares.

Google Docs

The primary difference between Google Docs application and the respective programs is that it is a Web-based data storage service powered by Google. In fact, Google Docs is accessed via a Web browser. In other words, the availability of Internet receptions plays an important role in ensuring the one's connectivity to Google Docs. Truth to be told, this application is one of the simplest and most basic word processor application around. Thus, it does not possess certain features that are found available in both Open Office Writer and Microsoft Word, namely grammar checking feature and document viewing options. On the bright side, sharing and mobility are made available via Google Docs application. Users are able to create and edit documents on the application while collaborating real-time with other consumers. Google Docs has built in support for sharing documents with other people with fine-grained permissions. Other users are allowed to view and edit the documents uploaded in the application. In other word, Google Docs encourages interactive online discussions among its users. Besides, some might find Google Docs liberating as there's no need to perform constant updates. Users also need not worry about the back up issues as Google Docs saves the documents uploaded in its server where they are being backed up redundantly. 


Open Office Writer
Similar to Google Docs application, Open Office Writer is a open source software powered by Open Office.org. In other words, this application costs nothing. As compared to Microsoft Word which can cost up to RM100++, Open Office Writer provides a free alternative as it can be downloaded from Web browsers easily without much complications. Since Open Office Writer is a computer-based application, constant updates are necessary. Yet, the updates provided by Open Office.org are made free for consumers too. This means that users do not have to splurge  a lump sum to get a hold of this application software. However, this is not the same as Microsoft Word as it is a commercial word processor program designed by Microsoft Office. Although Open Office Writer has similar components as Microsoft Word application such as word-processors, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics and databases, it lacks in several application features namely grammar checking feature , document checking and "Smart Arts" options. Besides, Open Office Writer could not open multiple documents in one task window as Microsoft Word application and keep each document visible at the same time. In fact, some might find using Open Office Writer complicated and confusing as the usage of this application is not as flexible as other word processors, nor customisable. 

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word application is a word processor and is considered the main program in Microsoft Office or so I thought. The application provides numerous advanced features such as auto-summarise feature, spelling & grammar checking feature, Clip Art options and Thesaurus just to name a few with a complex interface. Although the purchase of Microsoft Word can cost more than RM 100++, it is still considered as the most widely used word processing software. The most amazing thing I found out about Microsoft Word is that it provides blog entry feature. This application helps to connect the document to a blogspot and upload it for users to be shared publicly. In fact, Microsoft Word offers more choices and flexibilities in terms of features and packages that users could never dream of founding at any other word processing softwares. The latest feature introduced in Office 2007 is "Smart Art" option. This feature allows users to create and customise diagrams of many common formats easily yet effectively. Both Google Docs and Open Office Writer does not offer anything that come close to a diagram editing feature. 


Personally, I prefer using Word application as it has bee a part of my life, as far as I can remember. Word application prompted me into ICT learning in the first place as I need to understand and know the functions of the application in order to process a document. Henceforth, it's up to the users' preferences to decide between these three applications. 


Link:  http://www.taming-openoffice-org.com/newsite/?page_id=23
           http://www.brighthub.com/internet/google/articles/75597.aspx
           http://www.idealware.org/articles/msoffice_vs_openoffice.php
           http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/software/page4765.cfm

Happy Reading! =)

Aileen Tiong Ling
A135735
B. Ed TESL IPGKS - UKM
GGGE1155 Computer in Education
Faculty of Education
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