Best 6 available Alternatives to Microsoft Office 2022 (free)

Microsoft Office is the most popular productivity suite for most home, student, and even office use. Also, if people have to pay a monthly subscription fee to get access to the latest version of the software, people still bought MS Office for their devices. Its popularity did not wane even if consumers now need to get the whole suite despite needing only one or two software, like Microsoft Word or Excel. It has a classic feel and appeals to it.

But what if there was an alternative to MS Office? Is there a version where you don’t have to spend on productivity tools? Is there anything for free that can still get the job done?

With the vast expanse of open-sources on the internet, the answer is a resounding, Yes! Here are six free alternatives to Microsoft Office you can use without spending on subscription fees or downloads:

Also Read : Best Office Apps for Android Mobile [Updated]

1. G Suite

best Alternatives to Microsoft Office

G Suite is the set of productivity and collaboration tools that take advantage of cloud computing capabilities. The free collection of writing, presentation, and spreadsheet tools can be accessed from a web browser from any computer, provided you have a Google account. This alternative allows users to create and edit files online while collaborating with other users in real-time—an editor’s position highlighted with an editor-specific color and cursor. Permission must be granted by the creator of the document to the team that would evaluate the said document online. This system properly regulates what users of the programs can do. Google Docs’ tools are simple, and this alternative can save automatically in your Microsoft Office formats.

You get the essential functions and features you will find in Microsoft Office. But it offers more functionality for your ease of use. For example, when you look specifically at one of its programs, Google Docs, you get more than what you were expecting. Google Docs gives you the option to talk rather than type. It may take some time to get used to it, but it is beneficial when using it for voice typing to format and edit documents. Another example of its powerful tools is its revision history. When you access File>see Revision History, you will see a chronological time-stamped list of all the revisions you have made on that document. You can then click on one and choose to Restore this revision and begin working from that point onwards.

2. iWork

best alternative of microsoft office apps

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With every new Mac includes a series of powerful Microsoft Office alternative tools. The three main parts of iWork are word processing (Pages), spreadsheet (Numbers), and presentation (Keynote) applications. Apple and Microsoft have two very different approaches to creating productivity software. Microsoft offers a robust, feature-rich solution, while iWork is beautiful to a fault and easy to use. The unique features and transition effect (used in Keynote) made iWork a beloved tool for presentation purposes. When used efficiently and with proper knowledge of its functions, one would be able to create sleek and beautiful documents, and impressive and captivating presentations. iWork is available on macOS and iOS.

3. WPS Office

list of best office apps

WPS Office has a free version that is an alternative to Microsoft Office. The free version includes word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet tools, and allows you to open, edit, create, and save both Microsoft Office and Google Doc compatible documents. Having a WPS account lets you sync documents across your devices and platforms. The free version has its limitations. There is no access to premade templates and other assets from the WPS online resource. The free version does not edit PDF documents and other nice-to-have features. These features may be accessed through the paid version of the WPS application. But, all the core functionality is there. WPS Office is available on multiple platforms that include Windows, iOS, and Android.

4. OpenOffice

Free Alternatives to Microsoft Office

Open Office is a free and open-source productivity suite that is available on multiple platforms. It is an alternative that includes programs for word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, and graphics. It can open and save Microsoft Office formats and used for business, student, and home use. Open Office’ word processor, Writer, can create word documents from a simple note to a work of art like a novel or poetry. Calc, Open Office’ spreadsheet tool, has impressive and beautiful graphics and charting tools. Apache OpenOffice, one of the projects of OpenOffice.org, is the close cousin of LibreOffice. However, unlike LibreOffice, Apache OpenOffice cannot save Microsoft’s post-2007 Office Open XML formats, only import them. But it has other features such as the ability to read ODF documents. ODF documents are documents based on ISO International Standard format for office documents. OpenOffice is available on Windows and Mac.

5. FreeOffice

Best Free Alternatives to Microsoft Office

Free Office is a good alternative that has an essential suite of programs, including a word processor, spreadsheet, and a presentation program. Firstly, FreeOffice TextMaker includes spellchecking, design tools, and a comprehensive range of editing tools. Secondly, like Excel, FreeOffice has advanced calculations and tools. FreeOffice Presentation includes animation tools and a series of templates for you to get started. Lastly, this alternative can open and save Microsoft Office file formats. FreeOffice is available only on Windows.

6. LibreOffice

best office software for pc

This Office is the first open-source alternative to Microsoft Office, which is that the source code is open for anyone to modify. You can make your productivity suite if you are a coder. It is a potent collection pf word processing, spreadsheet, drawing, presentation, and mathematics tools. LibreOffice is compatible with Microsoft Office files, and you can download unique extensions and templates to extend its features even further. It may not have the shiny modern user interface, but it is a robust suite with the option for full portability. It is an excellent choice for students with limited budgets or internet access. LibreOffice is available on macOS, Windows, and Linux.

 

Conclusion
Microsoft Office is an excellent product and provides a lot of value for the asking price. The only reason it’s so competitive is the competition. Every one of the Microsoft Office alternatives listed above is excellent in their own right, and may well be a better fit for you than the most significant player in the productivity tools market. It is why Microsoft Office continually improves its products and services to deliver more than what the competition can bring. They cater to both home, student, and business needs so excellently that you would not think of going anywhere else. For example, Microsoft Office 354 boosts how students learn and is a staple among students of all levels and background. In turn, the alternatives are rising to try and match Microsoft Office benefits in productivity and usability, by continually improving their product offers. It is creating a healthy market where the consumers win.

AUTHOR BIO
RAMON FRANCISCO

Ramon has been writing about technology trends, entertainment, and gaming ever since he left the busy world of corporate HR Tech behind. He currently writes about software and user experiences for Softvire Australia and Softvire New Zealand. In his spare time, Ramon writes science fiction, collects little yellow men and plastic spaceships.

11 Useful Tips for Google Chrome Users in 2020

(Image Source : pexels.com)

Google Chrome has undoubtedly become the top browser of the digital era. It dominates with a staggering 75% of the search engine market, and it’s apparent that digital marketing strategies revolve around ranking highly on Google Chrome. It is more than a browser, though. It has become a suite of useful tools and applications to make Google Chrome more like a one-stop-shop for productivity and connectivity. Google has increased in value steadily with its users because it is incredibly user-friendly, fresh, and useful.

And just when you thought you know Google Chrome like the back of your hand, take a look at some more tips you should know about your favorite browser:

1. Open Multiple Pages on Startup

Chrome gives you the option to open several pages as it starts up, rather than opening your browser with just one homepage. It makes your browsing experience more convenient if you have instant access to several websites and the services you want to use.

Opening multiple tabs can sometimes be confusing, hence the importance of organising tabs. You can also pin the tabs you frequently use to save space on your tab bar, and for quick access to the tabs, you need the most or just love to visit. To pin a tab, just right-click on any open tab and select “Pin Tab.” Do this by dragging the tab to your desired position.

 

2. Reopen Recently-Closed Tabs

In case you accidentally close a tab or simply want to access the last tab you accessed, use the shortcut by pressing “Ctrl + Shift + T” on Windows or “Command + Shift + T” on Mac. It can also be accomplished by right-clicking anywhere on a space on Chrome’s title bar, next to the new tab (+) icon. When the menu pops open, click on “Reopen Closed Tab” restore recently closed tabs. You may use this shortcut many times over to reopen closed tabs.

 

3. Use Keyboard Shortcuts

Google Chrome has a lot of keyboard shortcuts to boost productivity. Here are some of the most popular:

⦁ Ctrl+1-8: Allows you to navigate or move through corresponding tabs in your tab bar.
⦁ Ctrl + 9: Pressing this takes you to the last tab.
⦁ Ctrl + H: Opens a tab with your browsing history.
⦁ Ctrl + J: Opens the “Downloads” window.
⦁ Ctrl + K: Moves cursor to the Omnibox (address bar).
⦁ Ctrl + T: Open a new tab.
⦁ Ctrl + Shift + T: Press when you want to undo any closed tab.

Other shortcuts are as follows:

Shortcut KeysAction
Alt + HomeOpen homepage
Alt + Left ArrowTakes you one page back
Alt + Right ArrowBrings you one page forward
F 11Display or exit the current website in full-screen mode
EscQuit page loading
Ctrl + (- or +)Zoom in or out of a page
Ctrl + 1-8Moves to the corresponding tab in the tab bar
Ctrl + 9Changes to the last tab
Ctrl + 0Resets the browser zoom to normal view
Ctrl + EnterComplete an address quickly.
Ctrl + Shift + DelOpen the Clear browsing data window to clear private data quickly
Ctrl + Shift + BToggle bookmarks bar between all shown and hidden
Ctrl + ASelect all on a page
Ctrl + DBookmark an open page
Ctrl + FFind a words or phrases on a page
Ctrl + OOpen a file thru the browser
Ctrl + Shift + OOpens Bookmark manager
Ctrl + HOpens “History” browser in a new tab
Ctrl + JDisplays “Download” on a tab
Ctrl + K / Ctrl + EMove text cursor to the Omnibox
Ctrl + LBring cursor to and highlight all in browser address bar
Ctrl + NOpen New browser window
Ctrl + Shift + NOpens an incognito window
Ctrl + PPrint current page/frame
Ctrl + R or F5Refresh the current page or frame.
Ctrl + S“Save As” window
Ctrl + TNew tab
Ctrl + UView source code of a webpage
Ctrl + WCloses active tab
Ctrl + Shift + WCloses active window
Ctrl + Shift + TReopen last tab (pressing numerous times restores other closed tabs consecutively)
Ctrl + TabMoves through active tabs to the right
Ctrl + Shift + TabMoves through active tabs to the left
Ctrl + Left-clickOpens link in new tab and runs it in the background
Ctrl + Shift Left-clickOpens link in new tab
Ctrl + Page DownOpens browser tab to the right
Ctrl + Page UpOpens browser tab to the left
SpacebarGoes down one page at a time
Shift + SpacebarGoes up one page at a time
HomeTop of page
EndBottom of page
Alt + Down ArrowDisplay all previous text in a text box

 

4. Use Omnibox for boosted search

Useful Tips for Google Chrome Users

Google Omnibox displays URL and allows you to search and even perform mathematical calculations and conversion on the tab. For example, convert cups to litres, kilometres to miles, and the like on the search bar and get the results even without pressing “Enter.”

 

5. Display the Home Button

In Chrome, you can easily have a “home” button to refer to easily. Click the “Wrench Icon” at the top-right corner, select ”Preferences,” then tick the check-box for the “show Home button in the toolbar.”

 

6. Open Link in Another Tab

Open a link in a different tab by right-clicking on it and selecting “New Tab” option. You can also click on the middle button of your mouse to open the link in a new Chrome tab. The third option is to press the “Ctrl + left mouse” key to open it in a new tab.

 

7. Sync Chrome with your Google account

If you use different computers and devices, you can sync your settings, passwords, and bookmarks so you can access them every time you you’re your Google account in any device. You can even access Google docs, sheets, slides, and the rest of Google’s web apps regardless of what computer or device you use. Log into your Google Account, go into “Settings” under the Google Chrome menu icon and adjust sync settings.

 

8. Create desktop shortcuts of your favorite websites

Turn sites into desktop apps and make a shortcut by clicking the wrench icon, click “Tools,” and then click on “Create application shortcuts.”

 

9. Turn Favicons into bookmark icons

Favicons are those little icons on tabs that are unique to each website. Create a favicon of bookmarked sites instead of the whole URL text so you can get quicker access without crowding your browser’s page.

Click the wrench icon, select “Tools,” then tick “Always show bookmarks bar.” Delete the text in the name box, so that only the favicon appears on the list every time you add new sites to your bookmarks.

 

10. Turn on Secret Mode when necessary

To make your browsing private, enable incognito mode so your download history will not be saved. Enable secret mode by clicking “Ctrl + Shift + N” or go to Settings, click “new incognito Window.” You can also right-click and choose “open link in incognito window.”

 

11. Bonus: Task Manager

Task manager is quite useful because it shows your CPU’s memory and usage by every tab opened in your Google Chrome browser. You’ll know if any of your open tabs are causing your computer to lag or slow down, and you can locate the problematic site right away.

Right-click the title bar, press “Task Manager” or Press “Shift + Escape” key to open the Task Manager.

Also Read : How to enable Dark Mode in Microsoft Edge for Windows

Conclusion

Google Chrome is a superb option for personal productivity and is also a great collaboration tool that can work alongside collaboration software you may be using in your team. It’s always good to have apps and shortcuts that will help us do our browsing and other activities faster. Hopefully, Google Chrome continues to find ways to make us more productive, more connected, and have more meaningful, optimized experiences online. So, explore what else Google Chrome has up its sleeve, and learn the different Google Chrome hacks that could help you save time and do more.

AUTHOR BIO
JOHN OCAMPOS

John Ocampos is an Opera Singer by profession and a member of the Philippine Tenors. Ever since, Digital Marketing has always been his forte. He is the Founder of SEO-Guru, and the Managing Director of Tech Hacker. John is also the Strategic SEO and Influencer Marketing Manager of Softvire Australia – the leading software eCommerce company in Australia and Softvire New Zealand.

How to Enable Dark Mode in Microsoft Edge Browser [Android & Windows]

Microsoft has released their latest browser based on Chromium, the Edge browser. The first public release was made on Windows in January 2020, while the first stable version on Android was made in April.

We know that you are searching for how to enable Dark mode or dark theme and also on how to customize the default home screen layout on the all new Edge browser. Here we collect some tips for related Microsoft Edge, which helps you to use this new browser more professionally.

Enable Dark Mode in Microsoft Edge (Windows 10)

The Edge is an one of fastest Browser with lots of security features and flexibility, it includes integration with Cortana and has extensions hosted on the Microsoft Store. We will not talk more about its features here and you can apply Dark Mod in your browser on Windows 10 by following the steps given below.

1. Step – Open the Edge browser and click the three horizontal dots on the top-right corner and then click Settings from the menu.

How to Enable Dark Mode in Microsoft Edge

2. Step – Under the Settings Zone, click Appearance and on the right side you will easily find a theme option. where you will see three options – Light, Dark and System Defaults.

How to Enable Dark Mode in Edge

As you can see that if you select dark, then you see a dark mod edge browser which you can see in the image below, However, dark mods can be a good way of battery saving for laptop users.

 

dark mode in microsoft edge

Also Read : How to Enable Screen-Off Clock (Always On Display) in Realme devices

How to Enable Dark Mode in Microsoft Edge Browser (Android)

The new Microsoft Edge browser offers impactful speed and an easy-to-use interface to rival Google Chrome on Android as well. To enable dark mode on the browser follow the four simple steps listed below.

1 Step – Make sure to download the latest version of the Edge browser from the Play Store and after that, open the app.

2 Step – click on the three horizontal dots (at center-bottom) and then Click on Settings

how to enable dark mode in edge browser android

3 Step – Tap the Appearance option under Basic section. now click on Theme Options and replace “Default” with “Dark” mode.

How to Enable Dark Mode in Microsoft Edge Android

The New setting of Microsoft Edge on Android will make all user-interface is dark including incognito tab, setting page etc.

Also Read : How to delete File Explorer Search History in Windows 10

How to set edge as default browser on Android

A default browser means that when you click on a link or opens a link through an app, it opens automatically in your default browser. If you want to change your current browser to make Microsoft edge your default browser, then follow these simple steps below. However, in the Android version of Microsoft Edge, you have been given a dedicated option to change the default browser.

  1. Firstly, Open Edge browser and then click on the three horizontal dots.
  2. Tap on Settings and, select the “Set Default Browser” option under Advanced section.
  3. Here you will see a pop-up window giving some instructions and you have to click on Yes.
  4. An another window appears along-with “open link with” title & now select “Edge” browser and then click “always”

Hope you like this article, it will help and improve your browsing experience in day-to-day life.