This series is designed to help people to understand modern technology, and become more confident in using computing devices. It is not designed to educate experts.
The author is involved in tutoring older students at SeniorNet, a New Zealand wide organisation. SeniorNet hopes that students will feel more confident in using their computing devices as a result of the learning opportunities offered. This series of articles shares that hope.
This is the second of three articles exploring using ChatGPT3 to write an article. I explained what I was doing and you can read article 1 here.
I asked ChatGPT to write an article with the following input:
“Write a 500-700 word article explaining why Libre Office word processor is better than Microsoft Word.”
Word count is 541, so it falls within the defined size. Factually it looks OK.
The article is not edited at all: I simply copied and pasted it. So you can decide how well ChatGPT3 did.
When it comes to word processors, two names immediately come to mind: Microsoft Word and LibreOffice Writer. While both software programs serve the same purpose, there are some key differences between the two that may make one a better choice for certain users or situations. In this article, we’ll explore why LibreOffice Writer is better than Microsoft Word.
Price
One of the most compelling reasons to use LibreOffice Writer over Microsoft Word is that it’s completely free. While Word is a part of the Microsoft Office Suite, which requires a paid subscription or one-time purchase, LibreOffice Writer is available for download at no cost. This is particularly advantageous for those who don’t use a word processor frequently, or for those who don’t have the budget to purchase Microsoft Office.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Another advantage of LibreOffice Writer is its cross-platform compatibility. It works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, whereas Microsoft Word is only available for Windows and Mac. This means that if you use multiple operating systems, you can easily switch between them without worrying about losing any formatting or data. Additionally, because LibreOffice Writer is open-source software, there is a greater likelihood that updates and bug fixes will be available more quickly than with Microsoft Word.
Customizability
LibreOffice Writer offers a level of customizability that Microsoft Word simply cannot match. Because it’s open-source software, developers can modify and customize the program to suit their specific needs. Additionally, users can install a variety of extensions and plugins to further tailor the program to their liking. This means that if you have specific formatting requirements or use specialized fonts, LibreOffice Writer can accommodate those needs.
Compatibility with Other File Formats
Another area where LibreOffice Writer shines is its compatibility with other file formats. It can open and save files in a variety of formats, including Microsoft Word (.doc and .docx), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and OpenDocument Format (.odt). This means that you can easily share files with others who may be using a different word processor. Additionally, because LibreOffice Writer uses OpenDocument Format as its default file format, users don’t have to worry about compatibility issues with future versions of the program.
Privacy
Privacy is a major concern for many users, and LibreOffice Writer offers a level of privacy that Microsoft Word simply cannot match. Because it’s open-source software, there is a greater level of transparency around what the program is doing with your data. Additionally, because LibreOffice Writer doesn’t require an internet connection to function, you don’t have to worry about your data being sent to third-party servers without your consent.
Conclusion
While Microsoft Word has long been the industry standard when it comes to word processors, LibreOffice Writer offers a number of advantages that make it a compelling alternative. Its price (free), cross-platform compatibility, customizability, compatibility with other file formats, and privacy are all reasons why it may be a better choice for some users. Additionally, because it’s open-source software, there is a greater level of transparency around how the program works and what it’s doing with your data. Ultimately, the decision of which word processor to use will come down to your specific needs and preferences, but LibreOffice Writer is certainly worth considering as a viable alternative to Microsoft Word.
