When it comes to processing and planning texts and image content, there’s a wide array of freeware options to consider before purchasing the fee-based Microsoft Office options. Apache OpenOffice, formerly known as OpenOffice.org, is the most commonly used alternative to Microsoft Office. LibreOffice, which was also a spin-off from the OpenOffice package and has been continually developed. Both office packages are similar to one another, and are easy to use for experienced Microsoft users. As a spread sheet calculation tool by Apache OpenOffice and LibreOffice, the open source tool Calc is one of the best Microsoft alternatives.
In terms of looks and functionality, Calc is quite similar to Excel. Just as with Excel, Calc offers a large rage of functions, like complex cell formatting options, the ability to adopt source data into cross tables, filterable pivot tables, different formatting templates, flexible and rotatable content, backgrounds, frames and sum buttons. Furthermore, it also offers users the ability to simultaneously access documents. Tables are saved in XML-based OpenDocument formats (.ods), which can be opened via other OpenDocument-capable software.
There is, however, one certain limitation in terms of the software’s compatibility with Excel: while Apache OpenOffice Calc can open the current Microsoft file format, .xlsx, it’s only able to save documents in the older .xlsx format. LibreOffice’s Calc program, on the other hand, is able to save the .xls format and can even be viewed in an Android viewer, giving the Berlin-based software company the edge in terms of compatibility. Both OpenOffice options are compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. An overview on additional practical and free office alternatives can be found here.