Word processing made easy

In previous editions, this column has explored various alternatives to standard word processors such as Word and Notepad. This week, we take another look at the variety of such tools available on the Net, some of which enhance standard word processors.

AbiWord 0.7.8

AbiWord is a lean and fast full-featured word processor that works on Windows and most Unix systems. It is easy to download and install and features include basic character formatting (bold, underline, italics, etc), paragraph alignment, spell-check, import of Word 97 and RTF documents and export to RTF, Text, HTML, and LaTeX formats.

Besides, it features interactive rulers and tabs, styles, unlimited undo/redo options, find/replace, multiple column control and images.

Purchase Info: Freeware

Platform: Windows 95/98/NT/2000,

Linux, Unix

Download Location:

www.abisource.com/products.phtml

Atlantis Ocean Mind 1.0.0.30

This is a software designed to provide the power and functionality to satisfy the most demanding word processing tasks with maximum ease.

With its small size and memory footprint, Atlantis can even launch from a floppy for maximum portability, if needed. Almost all elements of the interface can be toggled on or off.

Colour schemes and background sounds let you customise the working environment and a whole array of functions give you complete control over the handling and viewing of documents. A comprehensive and innovative set of standard toolbar commands provides instant access to most Atlantis commands. In addition to the usual text editing facilities, there is a big collection of formatting commands that give you total control over layout and style.

Keyboard addicts will be delighted to use the 200 hot keys for complete control.

Purchase Info: Shareware

Platform: Windows 95/98/NT/2000

Download Location: www.rssol.com

Filesize: 2.56 MB

Any Files for Poster 1.0

The program converts documents of any program such as Word, Excel, etc., into bitmap files. You can save the bitmaps as jpeg, tga or tif files.

Of course, the corresponding program for the document must be installed. The import takes place with the help of OLE2.

Purchase Info: Shareware

Platform: Windows 95/98/NT/2000

Filesize: 530 KB

Download Location: www.cadkas.com

BuddyPad 1.5

BuddyPad is a multi-user word processor that you can use to work on your documents with one or more other users over the Internet. It can be used to outline, brainstorm or peer edit together. BuddyPad also features a small chat window for talking about the current document with other users.

Purchase Info: Freeware

Platform: Windows 95/98

Filesize: 1.45 MB

Download Location: www.medialingo.com

Cetus CWordPad

CWordPad provides the basic functionality of WordPad, as well as spell check, thesaurus, and a more complete Help file. It makes WordPad a much more useful program.

Purchase Info: Freeware

Platform: Windows 95/98

Filesize: 1.58 MB

Download Location:

www.cetussoft.com/cwordpad.htm

Letter Writer 2.0a

Letter Writer is a 16-bit application that uses the standard Windows interface with MS Office-style toolbar icons, which has all the basics covered.

Letters are stored with descriptions, eliminating the need to recall cryptic file names to retrieve a document. Besides its own format, Letter Writer supports plain and rich text documents.

The Shorthand feature lets you store standard text blocks, such as the opening and closing paragraphs and body text, which can then be pulled into the document with a single mouse click.

You can also insert tables, bitmaps, and files into your letters, and use contacts from your address book to mail-merge. Fifty ready-to-use business letters and forms for various occasions are included.

Purchase Info: Freeware

Platform: Windows 95/98

Download Location: www.linax.ch/edesk/E/lwriter.htm

Pad

This one includes a fully customisable, floating and dockable toolbar, a clipbook and a glossary function.

Besides, files with virtually any size can be opened, and features such as tabbed interface, template and bookmark are included, as well as any standard features of modern editors and viewers.

Purchase Info: Freeware

Platform: Windows 95/98

Download Location: http://come.to/hds

Compiled by C. Ramesh

Please e-mail us at eworld@thehindu.co.in if you have queries on computer usage or if you find an interesting way of using the computer.