Top 9 Best Office Tools for Windows Users
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Atlantis Word Processor
Compact, fast-loading, but still powerful and efficient word processor that comes with a rich feature set for editing documents or creating them from scratch.
Notepad and WordPad might be the word processors that are packed by default in all Windows flavors, yet they have long stopped sufficient for day-to-day needs of expert users. There are many third-party alternatives you can try, and Atlantis Word Processor is one of them.
Highly customizable GUI
The first time you run this application, you get asked if you want to spend some time to modify its GUI to your liking. You can choose between classic toolbars or tool bands, adjust the icons' size and their spacing, hide or show several additional toolbars.
You can preview these changes in real-time, thus helping you come up with a GUI perfectly tailored to your own tastes for creating text documents or editing existing ones (TXT, RTF, DOC, DOCX, ODT, COD, WRI).
Supports basic text operations
Just like other similar tools, once you select a block of text, you can change its formatting to italic, bold, underline or strikethrough, modify the lettercase, while also tampering with the colors of the font and of the highlight.
You can also choose a different font type or heading, depending on your necessities.
Allows you to create e-books
When you are satisfied with your document, you can either save it as TXT, RTF, DOC, DOCX or COD, or you can export it to EPUB and create an e-book. You can also save it as a web page or a ZIP archive, then send it via email without leaving Atlantis Word Processor.
A nifty function is converting multiple documents from one format to another in a single operation.
To sum it up
In a nutshell, Atlantis Word Processor is a feature-packed utility that can meet the needs of both professional and beginner writers. Due to its highly customizable GUI, everyone can create an environment they feel comfortable in so they can focus on their projects.
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Download Hubs
Atlantis Word Processor is part of these download collections: RTF Viewer, Edit ODT, Convert ODT, Open TXT
Atlantis Word Processor Lite
A simple, old-school text editor equipped with an abundance of paragraph and text manipulation functions, different hotkeys and more.
Amongst the first activities you could perform on a computer was writing. Basic text editors made it possible to organize simple documents and print them out on connected devices. Now, it’s all complicated and modern text editors like Atlantis Word Processor Lite want to integrate as many features as possible, making overall work rather time consuming and confusing at times.
Simple interface makes accommodation easy
Probably the first thing that strikes you when launching the application is the rather outdated interface that seems pulled out of the last decade. There aren’t any other themes to choose from, nor options to modify colors for that matter, but only move, remove, and add toolbar elements.
This simplicity in design doesn’t take you long to understand, so let’s say it gives a plus to accommodation. Most of the toolbar buttons are those you find in almost any self-respecting text editor. There are a few others that aim to give more flexibility to your work.
Multiple style editing options
If you’re using the application simply to write down text and use it somewhere else, than all goes well and you can start adding characters, symbols, use copy-paste functions, format text, align paragraphs, and everything else you already know how to do.
The application comes with a few features of its own, but they don’t bring anything special to the whole operation. These are only some variations of alignment options, copy functions or paragraph manipulation, which you won’t use that often.
What’s more, file support leaves a lot to be desired. In the setup process, you’re asked whether or not to associate it with RTF files, with other supported ones only counting as DOC, and plain TXT, both for import and export.
In conclusion
On an ending note, Atlantis Word Processor Lite comes with good intentions and suffices basic to average text editing needs. However, it’s specialty is not to be overlooked, but the lack of greater file support and more flexibility almost renders them useless. Overall, it makes for an old-school text editor you can take wherever you go due to portability.
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Vim
The improved version of a Unix app called Vi, this program is suited for coding and programming, featuring a simple and effective code and string-compatible structure.
Don't be fooled by Vim's notepad-like appearance. It's not a simple or basic program at all. Quite the opposite. This small application is basically an improved version of the Vi app included with all Unix systems.
The trick here is that it includes Vi commands, plus a suite of new and more advanced ones. It's an application that was created with developers and programmers in mind. By all means, it is not a word processor. It's a tool for individuals working with text as codes or strings.
A very familiar interface
If you've dealt with Vi or with Notepad, for that matter, this program will seem very familiar. Don't be fooled by that feeling, because the bottom line is it's neither. Tools included with this program relate to text wrapping, line counting, indenting styles, and so on. Each of these particular actions has a command attached to it.
This ultimately means that you can control this app just by using your keyboard. It, of course, implies you know these codes by heart. Regardless, the command aspect is a useful feature for developers and programmers because it speeds things up. A command looks like "set: nu!" where the first half is the general command and the second half is the more specific action.
Designed for strings and codes
No matter how you look at this app, you can't just use it for simple text writing. It's not that good of a word editor mainly because it wasn't supposed to be that. The way you have lines arranged, the absence of features that deal with page adjustment and text improvement come to support this idea once again.
On the other hand, the highlighting features, the commands, and this semi-automation side to the program, all leading one to the idea that Vim was indeed created to serve individuals with advanced computer knowledge. There's no doubt that Vim has successfully managed to step in the shoes of its Unix predecessor, Vi.
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Download Hubs
Vim is part of these download collections: Text Editors
Kate
Text editor that features support for a wide variety of programming languages, syntax highlighting and scripts, which also provides you with an extensive configuration window.
If you are working as a software developer, you surely understand the importance of having reliable tools that can help you simplify your tasks.
One of the software solutions that can come in handy in the situation described above is Kate, as it features a broad spectrum of advanced functions.
Comprehensive layout
This program comes with a well-organized, complex user interface that features an outstanding amount of functions, which can be easily accessed via standard menus.
More so, the application provides you with an interactive tooltip component that lets you select any item from the main window and provides you with useful information about it.
Advanced text editor
Kate is a complex text editor that features an outstanding amount of advanced functions, which were designed to simplify your work. You can organize your projects by creating folders and sort them by their name, path or opening order.
This program features support for numerous programming language, thus providing you with multiple possibilities regarding your project types. Among the supported ones, it is possible to find C, C++, Haskell, Latex, LISP, Lua, Pascal, Python and Ruby. Also, syntax highlighting is supported.
Vast selection of functions
It is possible to create multiple sessions if you need several workplaces for your projects. Also, you can access a comprehensive list of scripts regarding navigation, quick coding and editing. Also, you can change the program's default mode according to your needs by choosing one of the numerous modules it packs, sorted by their category.
Among the featured categories, you can find assembler, configuration, database, hardware, markup, other, scientific, scripts or sources. You can also toggle a Read-Only mode for your source code, to prevent any accidental modifications that might occur.
Complex text editor with a plethora of additional functions
All things considered, Kate is a reliable text editor that packs a huge amount of additional features, including support for numerous languages, syntax highlighting and a script library. It comes with a smooth, comprehensive user interface, neatly-organized functions and a handy tooltip component that might help you understand its capabilities better.
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ObjectPrint
Monitor and control printing for local or network printers with this comprehensive application that lets you customize various settings.
If you're working in a company that relies on printers most of the time, you probably heard of network printers and understand their efficiency in saving space and energy.
However, managing them is another part of the story and, without appropriate software assistance, doing so wouldn't be possible or would be highly difficult. ObjectPrint is one of the applications that can help you in this situation.
Easy to install
Deploying this utility to your computer can be accomplished without significant efforts, as it comes with an intuitive setup wizard that guides the entire process step by step.
However, you can choose between Express and Custom installation modes, the first one being the quick way of setting up the application, while the second one enables you to customize some of its parameters and is recommended for advanced users.
Web-based interface
Unlike other applications, ObjectPrint does not come with a standalone interface, but a web-based one. Therefore, you need to have a supported web browser installed on your computer in order to run this program as intended.
After installing the application, it will be launched automatically, so there's no need for you to search for its executable. Also, a desktop shortcut is created for easy access.
Monitor and manage printing activities
This program can help you monitor and manage printing activities on your network in an easy manner. You can decide which user has access to which printer, enable or disable network printers and create servers.
Additionally, it is possible to create groups of users for easier management, enable certain computers on your network to access the service and generate reports regarding daily printing activities that you can export to CSV or HTML formats, depending on your needs.
Handy printing service management and monitoring tool
All things considered, ObjectPrint is a reliable application that can help you manage and monitor printing activities on your network without considerable efforts. It can be easily installed on the target computer, comes with a web-based interface and lets you customize various settings.
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KeenWrite
Java-based text editor that comes with numerous features, such as live preview, formulas, Markdown support and string interpolation.
KeenWrite is a Java-based text editor that packs numerous additional functions, such as support for formulas and for interpolated strings that are meant to reference externally defined values.
Feature-packed text editor
You can either start a new document from scratch or you can open an existing file on your PC: Markdown documents, TXT, RMD, RXML or XML.
Multiple files can be opened side by side, each in its own tab, so you can easily explore their contents within the same window. Also, you can benefit from the integrated real-time spell checker that helps your text remain free of typos.
You can also format your text using the functions provided in the toolbar from the main window or within the available menus and submenus. The options include italic, bold, underline, superscript, subscript, as well as strikethrough.
You can also insert a blockquote, inline code, fenced code block, hyperlink, or an image. Multiple types of headings and lists are supported.
Markdown editor
Unlike regular text editors, KeenWrite can help you open Markdown documents and analyze both the source and the preview versions. This way, you can make sure that the result matches your expectations before integrating it in your projects.
However, there is no list or documentation for the supported Markdown commands, so you should be already familiarized with this syntax before using it within KeenWrite.
Additionally, several types of diagrams are supported (like UML, GraphViz, Mermaid, sequence, and others), along with rendering of math formulas due to TeX notation.
To summarize
All in all, KeenWrite has the potential to meet the needs of all the users who want to integrate variables and formulas in their documents. Also, thanks to the numerous supported themes, you can make sure this application matches the theme of your OS with only a few mouse clicks.
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Monitask
An online time-tracking and screenshot monitoring software that keeps the employer up-to-date about the employee's work while respecting his privacy.
If you own a business and need to check your employees' work without invading their intimacy, by using spy tools without their knowledge and consent, Monitask might help you. This tool not only requires the consent of the employee, but it also gives him a lot of control over the tracking process.
Local client and online dashboard
To set up a communication channel between the employer and the employee is very intuitive. The application/client has to be installed on the employee’s computer, while the employer needs only to log in to the online dashboard.
Client and dashboard layout
The executable has a compact and simple UI, and all the employee has to do is to start a timer whenever he is working on a project. While the timer is counting, the application will also snap a desktop screenshot, which brings visual proof of the worker’s activity. However, if the Stop Tracking button is hit, no info or screenshots are sent to the online UI.
The Web dashboard is where the employer logs in to receive updates about the team’s progress. Information about the timeline, notes, team members, projects and reports are accessible from there. Furthermore, if you open the Company Settings menu, you get access to a number of tweaks. You can modify both screenshots count and activity tracker, and also set up the idle/offline intervals.
Transparent methods
For some users, the screenshot option may sound too drastic but the transparency is not lacking. This can be verified by accessing the client’s settings and looking for the “Notify me when screenshots are taken” entry. If this option is checked, you will always know whenever screen captures are performed.
Smart, non-intrusive work tracker
All in all, Monitask is a simple application that can help companies or private employers to keep track of their team/employee’s work. This app has nothing in common with the intrusive spy tools that invade user privacy, as the outgoing data is mostly controlled by the employee.
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Desktop Fay
Organize and manage your time better with a female desktop assistant who can notify you about incoming emails, schedule events and even talk to you.
Aiming to increase productivity and make work more fun, Desktop Fay provides a personal secretary for every computer user. Displayed as an animated female character on the desktop, it can act as an event reminder, an e-mail sender and notifier and a calculator.
Integrated email client
At first launch, you must go through the initial configuration, where your assistant asks you to enter your name (used for personalizing outgoing e-mails), specify your email address and configure the mail server connection.
Once you do so, the cartoon secretary will monitor your mailbox and notify you about unread messages. Furthermore, you can build an address book to store all your contacts, manage mailing lists (for friends, customers and so on), read messages and create a new email to send to multiple recipients. E-mails can be attached locally stored files and they can be saved as drafts or templates before sending.
Event reminder and built-in calculator
Desktop Fay includes an alarm clock that enables you to store details regarding upcoming events. The secretary will display on-screen notifications to remind you about them, so that you won't miss events or forget about birthdays and tasks ever again.
Aside from mail sending and event notifications, Desktop Fay also comes with an integrated calculator that can help you perform basic mathematical operations, such as additions, subtractions, multiplications, divisions or calculating square roots or percentages.
Your own virtual secretary
Desktop Fay can be your own virtual personal assistant, ready to check the mailbox for new messages and help you, notify you about events in your busy schedule and perform calculations.
Furthermore, the animated character on the desktop makes your daily activity more entertaining and relaxing, since her funny looks and actions will surely make you smile.
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LibreOffice
Complex productivity suite which enables you to create text document, spreadsheets and presentations, manage databases and draw, and offers compatibility with other major office suites.
When it comes to office suites, Microsoft Office and OpenOffice are among the most popular ones due to their numerous functions and intuitive interfaces. However, since LibreOffice was developed from a fork of OpenOffice, it also regains its features and ease of use, and thus it gradually become just as famous.
The application comes with several components specifically created to help users process their text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings, databases and formulas. This software solution also supports the default formats of Microsoft Office, so one can easily open and edit PowerPoint, Word or Excel files.
Create text documents and perform complex calculations
LibreOffice Writer provides users with a wide range of options, including common ones (such as font formatting, text alignment and line spacing) as well as more specialized ones, like synonyms and thesaurus (provided the required dictionary files have been previously downloaded).
LibreOffice Calc is the component that can be accessed whenever users want to organize their data in tables according to the number of rows and columns they need. This tool supports several types of functions that can come in handy for creating formulas and performing complex calculations.
Present pertinent data in a custom setting
LibreOffice Impress is the utility that can be of use for designing and customizing presentations and slideshows, while also supporting charts, diagrams, text messages and multimedia backgrounds. Each of the projects supports animation effects, slide transitions and font editing, so the result is bound to match the user’s expectations.
Draw and manage databases
LibreOffice Draw allows users to create both simple and intricate designs that can be exported to common graphic formats and then integrated into other projects. The generated drawings can include tables, charts or formulas previously created within LibreOffice apps.
Users can access LibreOffice Base when they want to explore the contents of their database files or connect to external multi-user database engines (such as MySQL, MS Access, Adabas D or PostgreSQL). In addition, this tool features built-in native-support drivers for the engines it supports.
Conclusion
Overall, LibreOffice includes a lot of the tools users need on a daily basis to complete their tasks – and considering it comes with an open-source license, one can enjoy the utility’s functions both at home and at work.
Jobs are completed in a timely fashion without popping errors or hanging. The interface is quite simple, allowing all user types to work with it easily. If you are interested in bypassing the installation process, you should know that a portable edition is also available for download, called Portable LibreOffice.
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Download Hubs
LibreOffice is part of these download collections: Open EMF, Open MDB
