[url= http://www.libreoffice.org/ ]Libre Office[/url]

Open Office is lightweight, free and easy to use.

Works fine with Word docs too.

OpenOffice or LibreOffice are the obvious candidates to try...

Does pretty much all that word and co do.. but not so polished.

EDIT - far too slow on the draw by me..

Open office used to be pretty good. Certainly would have all the features that writing a letter or creating a simple document would need.

google docs.
You dont even need to use google mail, just set up a google mail account.
It means you can compose and access your documents from any computer*, not just one that you "install" some software on.

* even , god forbid, one of those daft fruit based ones.

I'm beginning to think you're latest venture is some sort of multi level marketing scheme for Google, Stoner 🙂

You need to be online to use Google docs. Android Open Office doesn't work for me. But above all else, DON'T! I repeat DON'T! use Kingsoft Office. It is utter crap.

multi-level?
I only operate on one, very, very, basic level Im afraid.

Go Google! Yeah! Wooooooo! WOoooooo! Yeah!!! Murica! YeaaaahhhH!

You need to be online to use Google docs.

No you dont.

https://support.google.com/drive/answer/2375012?hl=en

Mmm peterfile could be correct ^^^ 🙂

No you dont.

Only in certain circumstances ie using a 3rd rate OS 😉

Keep in mind that offline access is available only when you’re using Chrome or a Chrome OS device. If you use Chrome OS, there's no need to complete these steps, as offline access is already set up for you.

I tried making a doc available offline on Google Drive. It did not want to allow it, and took a very long time to let me know so. Cloud storage and multiple access is all very well, but the default assumption should be that not everyone can be, or wants to be connected all of the time.

Open office is very good, I'm used to ms office and have no issues using open office at home for spreadsheets and word documents.

I use libreoffice a lot. Both on mac and windows.

Another alternative is web office from Microsoft. Via a skydrive or hotmail account. Works very well and gives good comparable files.

In contrast to "Ohnohesback" I use Kingsoft office and find it fine for my needs (Which are pretty basic to be honest).

Suppose it may be different if your a poweruser but it works for me.

Ok stop arguing!
I've installed Open Office succesfully.
Thanks for all your input though!

flaps - you can do offline editing using chrome browser. No need to run chromium.