Computers were originally developed for the office and to do tasks traditional offices did using paper such as typing and accounting. Word processors and spreadsheet software are the basic components of an office suite.
Here are instructions to choose an office suite that is correct for you:
1. Determine the type of computer you have in your office (PC, Mac, SPARC) and check that its system specifications meet the minimum requirements needed by the office suite you want to run.
2. How much have you got to spend on it?
The following cost money but may offer commercial support to businesses:
==> Microsoft Office
==> Kingsoft Office
==> Apple iWork
==> StarOffice
==> Softmaker
==> MarinerPak
==>WordPerfect
==> Ability
==> Celframe
==> Gobe Productive
The following are free:
==> OpenOffice.org
==> Go-OO
==> Lotus Symphony (IBM)
==> GNOME Office
==> KOffice
==> SIAG
3. Is it cross-platform or compatible with your operating system (Windows, Mac OS, Linux, BSD)? Mac OS X supports Microsoft Office except Microsoft Access. WINE on Linux/BSD supports all Microsoft Office versions to varying degrees. Macros are unlikely to work without Crossover Office.
4. Consider the applications you will want. Expect a word processor and spreadsheet as standard. Suites can also contain presentation, database, e-mail client, notetaking and project management software.
5. Consider file format compatibility for files you already have, and files you may need to use (DOC, OOXML, ODF, WPS, WKS). Plug-ins to handle major standard formats are available for all major office suites. Except for iWork which does not support ODF.
6. Do you want to use a web-based office suite such as Google Docs, Thinkfree or Zoho? Google Docs can even work offline with Google Gears.
7. Read user reviews and advocacy sites.
8. Try a free trial of Microsoft Office (60 day limit) or Apple iWork (30 day limit) before you buy them.