Computer manufacturers and software publishers make such a song and dance about the exciting multimedia aspects of their products that it’s quite easy to overlook one of the main reasons for buying a computer: creating and sharing documents.

Anyone who uses their computer to type letters, design documents, run household accounts or manage contacts, calendars and other important information is almost certainly going to need a set of applications known collectively as an office suite. And by far the best-known product of this type is Microsoft Office.

Indeed, Office is so popular and useful that we’ve dedicated many features, insights and Workshops covering the most important areas of the software. But before we get down to the nitty gritty, let’s find out more about Office itself - what it is and what are the alternatives.

Office politics
An office suite is a collection of computer programs designed to help you produce documents of various types and manage the day-to-day running of a business, home office or, simply, a household.

There’s little consensus about precisely which types of programs should be included in an office suite, but the central component is usually a word processor. A spreadsheet application is usually included, as is a presentation tool.

Many office suites also contain a database program, along with a powerful email application and personal information manager (PIM). In some cases, a photo editor or desktop publishing tool will also be included.

Microsoft Office isn’t included with all new computers but it can be found on a surprising number of them, so you may already have a copy installed on your computer - look in the Start Menu’s Programs folder for a folder called Microsoft Office.

If not, the good news is that Office, despite being a top-of-the range professional product, doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.