Free yes Free
It goes without saying that I'm a sucker for anything on the Internet that includes this magic word... providing it's software. I'm more than happy to leave the "other" free stuff to others.
I've just been wandering around a site where I finally gave up counting the number of times the word free is used... or the catch phrase "it's Free : It's Freedom."
What caught my eye somewhere is a comparison between this program and StarOffice... if this latter name rings no bells with you, then take a look back to my article "Big ain't so Bad." I'm always on the lookout for more competition for MicroSoft Office, especially at a price they will never match!
The most concise description of ThinkFree Office is one at the beginning of their FAQ page.
"ThinkFree Office is a group of personal productivity programs (also known as a suite) that you can use online or offline. The applications are Write (Word Processor), Calc (Spreadsheet), Show (Presentation), Mail (email) and Contacts (contact manager)."
What took me by surprise at first was the size of the download file... or more particularly the small size. 10 megs for the whole package or a lot less if you only use certain modules (this in itself is a nice feature). Then I began to understand things when I spotted that the package also includes 20 mgs of storage space on a "web" based server.
This fact, together with the need to register and select a login name / password means that somewhat of a mixture of part installed program and part Internet based service is what this is all about. As I mentioned not along ago when talking about something similar, this is very definitely the way of the future.
The web site explains everything in a lot of detail and much emphasis is placed on the unique advantages... and a lot of use of the word freedom. If like me you flinch at the price of a laptop... but, unlike me, spend time travelling around, this could be just the thing for you. If you also make a lot of use of MS Office this could definitely be for you.
One minor word of caution. The system requirements are a bit steep... Pentium 200 and 64 mgs of memory, although you might get away with less.
One very distinct message is also stressed throughout the site. No time limits or constraints. It's free... always will be free... including all future upgrades. They've got me throwing the word around now!
Go To Page: 1 2
Articles in this Topic Discussions in this Topic
Latest Articles