Abiword

[jennyjoan]

I have now got my PC up and running but need the above to be installed. I have gone through the usual options but it won't install. Any advice would be welcome. Thanks

[bednobs]

how did you get it sorted jj?

[JimF]

1) Download it (https://abiword.en.softonic.com/download)
2) Install it

[barry1010]

If you try and download from the AbiWord website it states it is no longer available for Windows - it is a very old word processor
http://www.abisource.com/download/

[barry1010]

"AbiWord: System Requirements
Microsoft Windows and macOS are no longer supported.

Due to very limited resources, we can only provide source code. Building is only tested on Linux, and requires Gtk3"

http://www.abisource.com/support/require/

[Buenchico]

Abiword ceased being supported for Windows 13 years ago. If you want to try getting it to install on a current version of Windows, download and run this file:
https://www.abisource.com/downloads/abiword/2.8.6/Windows/abiword-setup-2.8.6.exe
However, as that version was designed to be used with Windows 7 and 8, there can be no guarantee that it will install and run correctly under either Windows 10 or 11.

The majority of AB users seem to use one of the following:
(a) The full version Microsoft 365 (which requires a paid subscription) ; or
(b) Microsoft Office 2021 or earlier (which requires a one-off payment) ; or
(c) the free, online version of Microsoft 365 (which costs nothing but means that you have to do everything via the web)
https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/microsoft-365/free-office-online-for-the-web ; or
(d) LibreOffice (which is a totally free office suite, based upon OpenOffice, which you can install on your computer)
https://www.libreoffice.org/download/download-libreoffice/
[If you use that link, opt for version 7.4.7]

Another excellent alternative to AbiWord though is TextMaker, which forms part of SoftMaker FreeOffice:
https://www.freeoffice.com/en/

(I've got both LibreOffice and SoftMaker FreeOffice on my computer).

[Buenchico]

The download from Jim's link, above, will only run under Linux, not Windows. (Softonic is a fairly reliable source of software but the information on their website isn't always up to date. The last stable release of AbiWord for Windows was v.2.8.6, which is the one from my first link above).

[JimF]

Apologies. That link actually shows a button named "Free Download for PC" - I didn't actually try to install it, of course...

[barry1010]

JJ, if you have documents in the Abiword format (.ABW) they can be converted so you won't lose them

[JimF]

https://convertio.co/abw-docx/

[Buenchico]

According to the Lifewire website (which is usually reliable), LibreOffice Writer can open .abw files. So, if Jennyjoan was to install LibreOffice, she'd still be able to access her old files.

[barry1010]

I've been using Libre for years, I'd recommend it

[jennyjoan]

sorry - don't know where I am - tried to download Libre 7.4.7 - site said you are installed - just Finish.

Done all that but no icon of Libre for me to hit to get a bit of typing done.

[jennyjoan]

just looked as I was completely unaware what windows I am on. Typed winver and it is coming up as Windows 10. Computer updated from either Windows 7 or 8. So I find it all completely different.

[barry1010]

You should have the launch icon on your desktop.

If you can't see it, at the very bottom left of your screen there is the Windows logo. Right click on that and you will see all your installed programs in alphabetical order.

At the top of the list you might see LibreOffice Writer under the 'recently added' header. Click on that to open a new document

If it is not at the top, scroll down until you find LibreOffice. Click on that, then LibreOffice Writer

To open a new document

[barry1010]

By the way, hope you are feeling better now, JJ :)

[jennyjoan]

Hi Barry and anybody who gave me advice. I have got some kind of typing and printing via the advice you all gave me.

It is certainly better than not having anything at all. I do need to print my Will again as I am omitting some people and introducing other people for my wee dog.

Thanks again.

[barry1010]

Awww, I'm glad you are getting your Will and ongoing care for your dog sorted, JJ, I know that situation has been troubling you.

Hopefully you will be with us and your beloved dog for many more years but peace of mind is invaluable.