A freelance writer needs a powerful word processor. There are many on the market and they have very similar features. In this lecture, I'm going to look at to Microsoft Word because it comes installed on most Windows based computers. And OpenOffice. Basically, because it has many powerful features, and it's free. I also take a look at Evernote, which is not strictly a word processor, but helps greatly in organizing your work.
And it's a mobile application that you can use to make simple edits. The first thing the freelance writer needs of course, is a word processor. Now, most word processors have similar features. So I'm going to look at just two of them in this lecture. I'm going to To look at OpenOffice because it's free, and it has powerful features. Microsoft Word because it comes readily installed on most Windows based computers and also has enhanced proofreading capabilities.
And briefly look at an application called Evernote. Evernote is useful because it can take your notes anywhere that you go in a mobile format. OpenOffice is a suite of tools, which includes a word processor, and other applications, such as a spreadsheet similar to excel. standard features include a spellcheck, word count, search and replace, as well as extensive formatting capabilities. A very useful feature is the PDF Export button on the upper toolbar. This is normally an add on in many word processes.
Files can also be saved in word and other formats. If you're starting out on a very limited budget, and it's a very useful tool as it's completely free, it's constantly developed and improved, and the open source software is available to all coders. Although the native format for file saving is called dot odt, you can save it in mostly any form of rich text or normal text including Microsoft Word format variations. For some years, OpenOffice was my favorite word processor until Microsoft Word reinvented itself in the form of word 365. word 365 has all the functions we normally associate with a powerful word processor But it delivers so much more in the form of enhanced proofreading capabilities. The researcher function helps you to find web content. Let's say you want to write an article about a certain subject.
For example, the adverse effects of steroids on bodybuilders. You simply use the research function to find and display online articles to discuss that subject. Then all you need to do is assimilate and synthesize the results into a coherent well written form. But of course, be careful not to copy. The editor function is so much more than a grammar or a spell checker. It can take over usage of words poor sentence structure, overuse of adjectives, and much, much more.
Take a look at this video to get a flavor of Microsoft Word 365 For a single person license, the cost is quite reasonable. And it's a fantastic tool for the freelance writer. It's beyond the scope of this course to delve into the various capabilities, but I thoroughly recommend it. Evernote is a very useful application because it's mobile. You can take your articles anywhere, and synchronize across all your devices, your desktop computer, your iPad, and your phone. It's free for the basic version.
And you can install it on a USB key. For example, taking your work and an application wherever you go. In the next lecture, we're going to look at other tools that you'll need in your business as a freelance writer. proofreading tools that will improve the quality of your writing.