An open source word processor with basic functions, AbiWord does not offer fancy tools with the program. Users familiar with the older versions of Microsoft Word would definitely find this free word processor quite similar and just as functional.

Tables, text boxes and even a spellchecker are included in this handy and pretty stable program. It is also able to read and write many common document formats, such as Microsoft Word (.doc), plain text (.txt), rich text (.rtf) and even web pages (.html).

AbiWord can essentially do almost everything an older version of Microsoft Word (like Word 2003) can. The only downside is that AbiWord is strictly a word processing application only, and doesn't come with 'sister applications' for users to create spreadsheets or presentations.

This word processor program is probably good for people who are familiar with Microsoft Word's interface since it looks and works so alike the real McCoy. The Windows and Linux versions for download are relatively new and updated, though the Mac version seems to have been left out for a while, and you might want to skip that if you are looking for a program with dedicated support and updates.

Name: AbiWord

Platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac (outdated version)

Applications: AbiWord (word processing)

Get it from: www.abiword.com

Price: FREE