I just switched from Linux back to Windows, and I need a good word-processing program. I used OpenOffice.org, which is a stellar program for people who do normal word-processing things. My problem is, I need something with rigorous Spanish capabilities as well as English. The English OpenOffice.org has Spanish language options but it won’t autocorrect and you have to manually change the language for every word spelled incorrectly. I tried downloading the Spanish version of OpenOffice.org, but it doesn’t have a Spanish spell-check option. All text is in Spanish but it assumes you’re going to write in English. :rolleyes:
So I guess Microsoft Office would be my best bet–Office 2003 has a decent language function… but I’ve also noticed there’s a bright and shiny new MS Office 2007 on the market (and I’m upgrading to Vista, so it would be compatible.) I think I can buy Office 2003 from my student union for like $12 (though not sure if it would work on Vista), but what I really want to know is, is MS Office 2007 a cut above 2003? Has anyone had better luck dealing with language options in 2007? Is it better overall? Is it worth the $160 I would have to shell out?
I know you’re probably like, “calm down, it’s just a word processor” but if you knew the amount of time I spend with my word processor you’d understand.
A lower priced option is MS OneNote. It is my favorite MS program, and is like an electronic paper notebook. It does Chinese but I’m not sure about Spanish.
olives, how do you do the special characters? I’ve always just done keyboard shortcuts (Control + whatever on the numberpad) and haven’t had a problem with that.
If you’re looking for a word processing program that also has an Spanish dictionary, I’ve no idea what to tell you. The Spanish department at my school does not all the use of electronic dictionaries.
Office 2007 takes a little getting used to (so don’t install it right before you have a big paper due), but overall it is better than 2003. However, do be aware that you can’t customize your toolbars in 2007 (in case that happens to be important for you).
Miss Purl, I’ve got no idea how to do the Ctrl thing. And I normally use laptops (even at work), so having to chase numbers all over the top row isn’t very comfy.
The laptop I’m typing on right now has, physically, a Swiss keyboard. I’ve convinced it that the keyboard is also a Spanish (Int) keyboard and a US keyboard. Most of the time I have it set as the Spanish one.
The one at home is physically Spanish (Int) and can think itself as US. For some symbols, I find it easier to “alt+shift, type the US key for that symbol, alt+shift back” than to chase them on the Spanish keyboard… and I remember by heart where they are in the US keyboard, but not in the Spanish one (which is why I triple up on the Swiss one).
olives, in order to use the MSOffice autocorrector in Spanish, you would also need to get the right dictionary. But OpenOffice has several advantages:
you don’t need the original disks to install a new dictionary,
in my experience, MSO is a lot more stubborn about insisting that my document is in English when I’ve already told it that noOgdamnitit’sinSpanishyouBEEEP!
Thank you, HunterHawk, you just gave me a reason to avoid MSO 2007. Customizing the bars is the first thing I do!
:eek: Boo! I also saw the Excel 2007 and was weirded out by how different it is. It looks way to blobby/cartoony, like a Mac, and some of the toolbar choices have been moved to God knows where.
I doubt you need the latest Word. All the versions are practically alike.
Office 2000 had plenty of features. Most of the best features are add-ons from the outside anyway. My label and mailing list software, for example comes from one of the big label manufacturers, installs on the Word Tool pull-down, and it’s great.
Basically I just have my keyboard set to U.S. (International.)
That way I can do ALT + n for an instant “ñ”
ALT + o, i, a, for “ó” “í” and “á” and
ALT + / for “¿”
International settings make everything into easy ALT-key goodness. I was not able to figure out how to do that when I used Linux, which meant I had to spellcheck stuff I already knew how to spell…and it took forever. My problem with OpenOffice.org is it doesn’t seem to notice or care when I have stuff set on Spanish… if I run “spell check” I have to manually change EVERY hit to “Spanish” in order for it to give me a list of Spanish words.
Doesn’t help my grammar/spelling errors in español, though.
I guess I would trust Word overall… it’s NEVER given me shit when I put the settings on Spanish, and even seems to do well with grammar checks. I guess the question is whether I can afford Office 2007 or just go back to boring ol’ Office 2003. Will investigate MS OneNote
In the copyediting forums I frequent, people seem to be reserving judgment on Word/Office 2007 for now. Generally the word (heh) seems to be to stick with 2003 or even 2000 (which is what I’m still running with no troubles).
