Word versus Pages

Undervalued

Morbier wrote: »

Thank you Zagubov - yes, I realise that I'm not compelled to update but isn't it advisable for updated security measures? (I said I wasn't a techie)! I've already been through my applications to look for other 32-bit software and Office is really the only one that I'm bothered about.

Giraffe69 - I'm not interested in a yearly subscription, only need to use it on my laptop, so I'd rather buy it outright, if that's the way I go. No, I'm pleased to say that I don't work for anyone, I'm retired!

I think I'll give Pages a go and see how I get on.

I think that is the obvious first step.

I have used Numbers (Apple's spreadsheet) more than Pages and really quite like it although some concepts are very different to Excel. I suspect that is true of Pages Vs Word.

Both allow you to import / export docx and xlsx files so I suggest you try some of your existing Word documents in Pages then export them back again to Word while you still have a working copy. See how well (or badly) that works out while you still have options.

Morbier

Thanks Undervalued - good to hear from someone who's used both. If I'm going down the Pages/Numbers route, then I need to know I can easily import/convert my Word and Excel docs into the Apple software.

zagubov

Morbier wrote: »

Thank you Zagubov - yes, I realise that I'm not compelled to update but isn't it advisable for updated security measures? (I said I wasn't a techie)! I've already been through my applications to look for other 32-bit software and Office is really the only one that I'm bothered about.

Giraffe69 - I'm not interested in a yearly subscription, only need to use it on my laptop, so I'd rather buy it outright, if that's the way I go. No, I'm pleased to say that I don't work for anyone, I'm retired!

I think I'll give Pages a go and see how I get on.

Macs aren't as big a target as windows for malware. I'd always use the most updated version of the current OS but if it involves a change of code name that's when you start losing access to old software that works very well.

I mean that if you go from 10.9.1 to 10.9.2 that's smart, but if you go from 10.9.2 to 10.10.1 you're switching from the Mavericks series to the Yosemite range and that's usually safe to delay as long as you want.

I'd really not want to do an upgrade that made me lose my working Office version and get press-ganged into the endless subscription service of hiring software instead of owning a copy. That's the opposite of moneysaving.

simonineaston

Dear Morbier, I too am retired & am (was!) a long-established Word trainer / user as part of my working life. At home, I have always used Macs.
I will avoid the popular "Why on earth do you use Apple / Microsoft [insert choice according to prejudice] products?? You must be crazy??!!!" arguement. I prefer to acknowledge that people have personal preferences.
All I will say is that Pages is readily capable of creating good-looking documents, and is quite easy to learn. It is however, very different to Microsoft's all-powerful Word (most of which features people either don't use or don't understand). If you've got spare time, make your Macbook life simple and go with Pages (It can open Word doc.s anyway!) Numbers isn't a patch on Excel, in my view, however, it's a great, basic spreadsheet app and will most likely have everything a plain vanilla domestic user needs.
Plus you can use them both as (free) apps on iPads / iPhone if you want, which can make life really rather easy.
Don't let the os fascists out there get you down ;-) Instead, use what's simplest & easiest for you and have fun!

rabialiones

islandman wrote: »

I'm sure you realise there are umpteen free office type suites?.

I had office many years ago as my son gave a copy to me, however, I've long since done without it and currently use LibreOffice 5.2

was going to start another thread but just came across his one.
was going to buy office, but then saw google docs.


where are free office suites obtained from?

Morbier

Thanks Zagubov, I'm with you on not wanting to enter into a never-ending subscription for software. It's all a matter of preference - either go for the latest and most secure operating system or take a chance on sticking with the old OS and carry on using your current apps with no extra cost. Running a computer/laptop/tablet always involves cost, so it's up to the individual to make the choice.

I also realise that Macs aren't targeted with malware etc as much as PCs, but..... am I being too pessimistic when I say 'there's always a first time?'

Horses for courses, methinks.

Morbier

Also thanks to Simonineaston - I think yours was the answer I was waiting for! (I admit I was expecting a certain amount of anti-Apple posts but the responses so far have been very helpful).

I used Word daily and extensively in my previous (working) life and became our office 'help desk' for Word problems. Obviously I don't go so deep into Word at home, so I think (from your description) that Pages will probably be OK. I'm pleased to hear I can open Word docs in Pages - saves a lot of effort! I've never used Excel very much, so Numbers would probably be OK for me, if it's as basic as you describe. Plus the fact that I can access them on all my devices is something I can't do with Word at the moment.

I think I've just about made my mind up now. If I carry on updating my OS as and when, and use Pages and Numbers, then I don't have to pay any extra for word processing etc. Definitely money saving.

simonineaston

Cool - I didn't mention it in my post upthread, as you will already be aware of the difference, but the Mac version of Word isn't easy to use, as the use of menus, as well as tabs & ribbons, don't readily translate the Microsoft layout. If there's one good thing you'll notice straight away when you start to use Pages, its the simpler cleaner layout...

Morbier

I'm all for simple! :T