[OPLINLIST] Free Desktop Office programs for Public

[Chad Neeper]

I've used Microsoft Office, Libreoffice (previously OpenOffice before some
kerfuffle in the community), and OnlyOffice. All are quite capable, if
you're flexible enough to tolerate anything different from The Microsoft
Way. I have the most experience with LibreOffice from years ago when I used
it to create an overly complex spreadsheet that I should have converted to
a true database. In more recent years, I've been using OnlyOffice when
working with documents created by others using MS Office or when creating
documents intended for MS Office users. I think one advantage of using
OnlyOffice is that it competes more directly with Microsoft. It looks and
feels more like Microsoft Office and has slightly better compatibility with
MS Office than Libreoffice/Openoffice. I've yet to put it on patron
computers, but it will likely be the one I use when I eventually do. Many
years ago, before OpenOffice forked to LibreOffice, I tried to encourage
people to use OpenOffice as an alternative. But I tried to do it too early,
when people simply *couldn't tolerate* anything that looked different from
Microsoft Office. These days, with the sheer volume of choices and closed
ecospheres...Google Docs, Microsoft, Apple products, all the flavors of
Android, etc... I think people have become accustomed to using software
that look/feel different but performs the same function. So I think we're
finally in an era where we can successfully cut ties with Microsoft Office
on patron computers and use free alternatives like Libreoffice or
OnlyOffice. However, I figured when I eventually made the switch, I'd
probably need to keep a *token* percentage of computers with true Microsoft
Office installed to handle edge cases where someone needs to use the real
thing. But for most uses, I suspect OnlyOffice will be an excellent,
well-tolerated replacement for patrons.

______________________________
*Chad Neeper*
Senior Systems Engineer

*Level 9 Networks*
740-548-8070 (voice)
866-214-6607 (fax)

*Full IT/Computer consulting services -- Specialized in public libraries*


On Sat, May 23, 2026 at 12:51 PM Maria Wilburn via OPLINLIST <
oplinlist at lists.oplin.org> wrote:

> What are you using for "Word, Excel, etc." programs on your public access
> computers?
>
> Currently we're using MS Office Office standard, but we're looking for a
> free, easy to use alternative. Microsoft Online and Google products online
> require at least a free account. We don't want to have an account that's
> tied to a cloud drive or email account.
>
> Has anyone had experience with OnlyOffice Desktop products?
> https://www.onlyoffice.com/desktop
>
>
> *Maria Wilburn-Technology Coordinator*
> *Carnegie Public Library of Fayette County Ohio*
> 127 S North St
> Washington Court House, OH 43160
> 740-335-2540
> www.cplwcho.org
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