[Covenant]

I finally jumped on the bandwagon and downloaded Firefox and Thunderbird...Although I am incredibly uncomfortable with both programs (10 years of using IE and Outlook will do that to you) I can see why everyone would always rave about them. In a few weeks I'm sure I'll be incredibly thankful that I downloaded them.

Please post recommendations for similar programs I could download to replace Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

I'm not looking for trialware. I want something that is "just as good". I love both Word and Excel, but would of course be happy to know of a free alternative.

Thanks,

[WhitPhil]

Open Office

And, if you aren't enamoured with FF, give Maxthon a try.

[Stoner]

Depends, I suppose, on the depth of complexity you need from an Excell replacement, but for me Spread 32 works well. Originally written for 9x, I think it runs on 2K/XP but not sure.
It opens with a small nag screen...but there is no time limit and it is offered as a free app.
It is incredably small....292k

see: http://www.xtort.net/office/spreadsheet.php
Bottom of page.

Also check out Floppy office at the same site for other small office apps that collectively fit on a floppy:
http://www.xtort.net/office/floppyoffice.php
I've not tried any of these, other than Spread32 that is included in that download

[blaqDeaph]

Another vote for OpenOffice, since it's Open Source.