Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREECNET Editors' review
This free, open-source word processor strikes us as a worthy alternative to pricey, big-name products. AbiWord has a quick learning curve, since the interface is very similar to those in Word and WordPerfect.
You'll find just about all the features you need, including the ability to cut and paste, highlight, and a bevy of common formatting tools. Although we did miss a grammar-checking utility, AbiWord can check your spelling in many languages--you'll need to choose the appropriate foreign language dictionaries during installation. A huge plus is the ability to open and save Microsoft Word documents, though the program also has its own proprietary file format. You can download plug-ins at the publisher's site to import and export a wide variety of other formats, including OpenDocument.
The latest version integrates with the AbiCollab Web service for sharing documents, and finally introduces an annotation feature that competitors have long had. AbiWord should appeal to a wide range of users who seek a functional word-processing app but lack a large bank account.
Publisher's Description
From AbiSource:
AbiWord is a lean yet full-featured word processor. It features a familiar-looking interface, basic character formatting, paragraph alignment, a spell checker, interactive rulers and tabs, styles, unlimited undo/redo, find and replace, and image support. It can also import Microsoft Word 97 and RTF (Rich Text Format) documents, as well as support headers/footers, superscript/subscript, widow/orphan control and newspaper-style columns. Many plug-ins are available.
What's new in this version: Version 2.8.6 has fixed a bad regression that was introduced in previous version.
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All versions:
3.9 starsout of 200 votes
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Current version:
3.6 starsout of 36 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Won't install on Win 7"
Version: AbiWord 2.8.6
Pros
...none...
Cons
Won't install
Summary
The screen shot looked incredibly promising; I was hoping for an alternative to Word 2003, since MS Office has been garbage since the 2007 version... BUT, the installer gets stuck at about 60%. I tried it twice, letting it proceed for 5 minutes with no progress.
I wish that this were updated to install and run properly. Who knows what detritus the partial install left behind? -
"did not run on windows 2000 computer"
Version: AbiWord 2.8.6
Pros
did not run on windows 2000 computer
Cons
did not run on windows 2000 computer
Summary
did not run on windows 2000 computer
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"User-Friendly, But..."
Version: AbiWord 2.8.6
Pros
I like how easy it is to use. I used WordPerfect many, many years ago and loved it, but then everyone switched to Word. I hated Word and still do. I've been using LibreOffice, but it's too complicated, but I like how clean and elegant it looks. Recently I had a document that I couldn't get right in Word or LibreOffice, so I downloaded AbiWord. I got my document just how I needed it.
Cons
It word wraps at the colon in times, such as 7:
00pm.
That's very frustrating and I sure would like to know how to avoid this issue.
It makes me wonder if there's not other bugs I haven't encountered yet.Summary
You can open it up and go. There's no learning curve.
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"I dont even know what to say"
Version: AbiWord 2.8.6
Pros
There arent any
Cons
1. Takes forever to start up 2. Cant copy and paste from other websites or documents 3. Runs REALLY SLOW (About 10X Slower that Microsoft Word) 4. CANT UNINSTALL!!! 5. No Spellcheck. 6 Crappy quality 7. IT LAGS 8. (This is the worst one of all) After you save and then close a document You cant open it up again.
Summary
CRAPYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYDONT INSTALLLLL!!!
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"Great little software program!"
Version: AbiWord 2.8.6
Pros
I just wanted a word program, no other software. This is exactly
what I needed on my new laptop. It's simple and has just enough features.Cons
When I'm typing the letters "jump up" to another line above. I don't know if maybe it is not compatible with my Windows 7. I do a lot of re-typing words in their proper places. This is my only hangup regarding Abiword.
Summary
Even though the word jumping bothers me, I was happy to find an alternative word program. I tried Open Office and that didn't work for me at all. If anyone has any fixes for the above issue, I'd be very pleased to hear them. Thanks!
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"Basic Word processor that gets the job done"
Version: AbiWord 2.8.6
Pros
Very good program with most feature of LibreOffice and OpenOffice
Cons
None at all.
Summary
Definitely recommend you to download this (very small) file & try it. I hope you like it.
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"Excellent Word Processor"
Version: AbiWord 2.8.6
Pros
I've used Abiword thru several versions now and find it very easy to work with and compatible with Microsoft Word docs. Much smaller footprint on my hard drive and really enjoy using it. I like the way "tools" are laid out when you open Abiword. Give it a try and I think you will become a fan of it.
Cons
none I can think of right now.
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"wonderful piece of work"
Version: AbiWord 2.8.6
Pros
easy to handle and works in all formats
Cons
none that I can find
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"It is good, however in this day it needs to do PDF."
Version: AbiWord 2.8.6
Pros
uuuuuuuuuuuuu
Cons
uuuuuuuuuuuuuu
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"Really nice wordprocessor program"
Version: AbiWord 2.8.6
Pros
Easy, user friendly, can use with almost every other processor documents.
Cons
So far, none that I have found.
Summary
Overall one of the best word processor programs that I have found aside from Wordperfect, and it is free.
