Open-Source Alternatives To Microsoft Office, Part I
Ten years ago, a tiny software community launched, for free, Microsoft-like programs for those with UNIX or Linux computer operating systems. A few months ago, this software community—known as KDE—rolled out its first free Office-style software for Windows users.
ALTIt’s a competitive first for KDE, and indicative of an industry shift. The shift is toward software that works on cross-platform computers and provides a free or low-cost alternative to the long-standing monopoly held by Seattle-based Microsoft.
“This recent development is to make sure that all of our applications are cross-platform, working even on Windows and Mac platforms,” says Wade Olson, spokesperson for KDE, makers of the free KOffice version of Microsoft-like writing, spreadsheet, drawing and other favorites. “We’re following the model set out decades ago by Linux and BSD operating systems, which were built freely to be options or alternatives to UNIX.”
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