Anyone know of a decent basic free alternative to Libra office writer?
Not getting on with the latest version included in Zorin 7.3 core.
Also a ton of annoying issues with Zorin itself since the upgrade from 15. (Still better than windows at this stage.... just).
Personally for me when I upgrade I do a fresh install, as upgrading could always come with a chance of small hiccups in day to day use that I'd rather avoid, if possible. Could be the case for you, but just putting my two cents in there.
As for office alternatives, I've tried a few (although not super indepth):
- OnlyOffice
- Apache Openoffice
- WPS Office
I had some pretty decent luck with OnlyOffice (it's very similar to Microsoft's offerings, even down to styling) but honestly with how I work, I often just end up using like Google Docs because it makes sharing documents with people and collaborating so much easier for my day to day work.
Hopefully some others can give you their opinions on what they use and what might be best for your use case.
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Probably a fresh install is better than upgrading from Zorin 15 to 17.
Sorry should have said: It was a fresh install after the upgrade failed.
Just looking at only office now. Might give it a go. Thanks.
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OK Tried OnlyOffice. Seems ok but:
Any idea how I get it on to my right click menu?... or set as default?
I assume you mean the right click menu as in "Create a new..." for the application? If so, this article describes how you could create different file types for that section of your right click menu:
Add ‘New Document’ Option in Right-Click Menu in Ubuntu
It goes over other document formats as examples.
When you open Nautilus (the File Manager), You should find a Folder called ''Templates'':
Files that You put in here will be in the Right-click Menu. Simply save an empty File with a fitting Filename and file Ending in this Folder:
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To set it as default take a look at this thread:
Thanks everyone. All sorted out now!
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I have to say that SoftMaker's Free Office is better than Only Office and is more compatible with MS Office than the others. I purchased a five machine licence of the Pro version for just under £25 in 2019. So glad I did as it was the only reliable Text Processor that opened up correctly in MS Word 365 at work.
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I agree swarf been using it for years it is very easy to use .... 2 thumbs up .... LOL
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In 2025, I strongly advise against using Apache's OpenOffice unless you don't exchange documents.
--> www.libreoffice.org/discover/libreoffice-vs-openoffice
And on GNU/Linux, also consider: calligra.org