In computing, an office suite is a collection of productivity software usually containing a word processor, spreadsheet and a presentation program. Soapbox aside, this is a surpisingly good suite, and I’ve never once regretted paying for it, and you probably wouldn’t, either. Being one of the (probably) older users on here, I happen to appreciate an interface that’s “utilitarian”, and I’d rather have less artistry and more usability in my UI.
What they’re associating as “free” would be better termed ‘last year’s model’….or possibly the interface of a generation of software they pirated- before Microsoft’s registration became so insidious you risked your Windows install in trying to bypass it.
The comments I’ve seen regarding the interface looking “free”, aren’t entirely correct.
This giveaway is probably their attempt to introduce themselves- so they can offer the 2018 upgrade (again about $20)….which is still a bargain. I didn’t upgrade, since this edition does everything I need. I beta-tested the 2018 edition, and I’m sure it won’t disappoint, either. So, for less than 20% the cost of a year SUBSCRIPTION to Microsoft’s suite, I had software that was compatible AND didn’t expire. It as only about $20, and the programs really (are) that close to Microsoft’s in terms of functionality. I purchased this software suite about a year ago after having tried it. Also included with the Office Suite is the complete ability to work with frames for pictures and artwork, drop caps for artistic formatting, tables, headers and footers – and each with their own individual tool bar that can appear when you use that specific function (or not, your choice).įor all these reasons and more, I rate this product 5 stars. While the overwhelming amount of my time is spent working with their text application, TextMaker, whenever an app has called for me to open an application requiring a presentation or planning app, SoftMaker has been able to render the file without any errors or missing elements. Speaking of the menu bar, it is completely customizeable, including which tool bars are shown, which icons are included, and creating your own custom items for both tool bars and icons.
Additionally, I prefer the menu bar over the ribbon bar which SoftMaker allows and even allows me to use large icons so I can actually see what I’m clicking on without having to stretch out over my keyboard to see. Besides its compatibility with MS Office products I found it much easier to learn and get a handle on the advance features than MS products.
I have been using the free version of SoftMaker Office software for sometime now and I’m thrilled to get the full version for free.