New computer with Win 8 only installed

Ader1

I've just purchased a computer and the only software installed is Windows 8. Does Win 8 include a web browser ie Internet Explorer? Also, I shall be needing a Word Processing package. I am familiar with Word but I suppose it will be pretty expensive to purchase. What would you advise me to get as a WP package? Thanks.

Swipe

Download libre office, use ms word online or google docs online. And yes, win 8 includes a web browser

Code

Yes, Windows 8 comes with a version of Internet Explorer. Or you can download Chrome, Firefox etc for free.

There are free Office type packages if you want them, for example LibreOffice:
https://www.libreoffice.org/

If you want Microsoft Office, you can sometimes pick up a cheap Office365 subscription from ebay, hotukdeals offers or superstores like Tesco sell them off occasionally - I've seen them for as low as £20, but I personally hate the subscription model (and I find older versions like Office 2013 do everything I need for a one off el cheapo price). Take a look on ebay etc and you might be able to pick up an older version for very cheap.

grumpycrab

Ader1 wrote: »

I've just purchased a computer and the only software installed is Windows 8.

Was this second-hand? New computers usually come with Windows 10?

ARandomMiser

An alternative is kingsoft WPS free which i find to be a bit more compatible with MS Than libre office.

As far as browsers are concerned i would recommend Chrome

Ader1

grumpycrab wrote: »

Was this second-hand? New computers usually come with Windows 10?

I purchased a Zoostorm computer which I've seen linked to on here. It was reasonably priced. It's done now.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262623786742

grumpycrab

Ader1 wrote: »

I purchased a Zoostorm computer which I've seen linked to on here. It was reasonably priced. It's done now.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262623786742

Should be fine. If its Windows 8 you'll want to update to 8.1 (from the Windows Store if you have a Windows logon); If you dislike the interface, install ClassicShell.

Neil_Jones

grumpycrab wrote: »

Should be fine. If its Windows 8 you'll want to update to 8.1 (from the Windows Store if you have a Windows logon); If you dislike the interface, install ClassicShell.

Don't need a Windows logon or Microsoft account to access the store. Any computer account will do.

hans_2

Believe you can still upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 for free.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/accessibility/windows10upgrade

Ader1

Thank you all for your suggestions/help.

SouthUKMan

Just to echo the comment made by hans 2. You can still upgrade to Windows 10 for free from any version of Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1. Don't be put off by the Microsoft disclaimer that you should be a user of 'assistive technology' in order to qualify for the free upgrade. This is simply a face saving exercise by Microsoft as it originally made a big thing of giving all users a year in which to upgrade to Windows 10. Not everyone did, so by saying the offer is now for 'assisitive technology' users - it makes Microsoft looks like they are sticking to their original word whilst being seeing to be offering a helping hand to people who need additional help with their computing. Win win for MS.