.doc and .pdf files on Mac

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Well, I have a dumb question, so I think I should ask it here.

I'm considering to buy a MacBook next year, but I'm concerned with compatibility issues. Nowadays, I work with Word all the time and, usually, I need to create .pdf files too. Both these kind of files are to be opened on the computers of the university where I teach. Unfortunately, they run only Windows. So before making my mind about switching to Mac I need to know if my university computers will be able to open a text file created on my Mac and if I'll be able to create a .pdf file on my Mac, since, sometimes, my university requires this extension.
 
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Text edit and pages on the mac and open doc files, but it sounds like you would need Word for Mac

The Mac Version of office is fully compatible with the windows version. You should be able to get an Academic discount.

As for PDF, its built into the OS, with all print dialogues allowing you to create a PDF. The Preview app in OSX allows you to view and do some basic PDF editing as well
 
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I'd buy a Mac in the US, but I'm from Brazil (where I work). So I wonder if I'll be able to get an Academic discount. I hope so!

Thank you very much for your help!
 
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You should be able to get an Academic copy of Office in any country, as long as you have proof you are an academic or student, the MS site for Brasil should have details
 
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If you don't feel like shelling out for Word right away, you can download OpenOffice for free, which handles .doc files.
 
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chas_m

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Word was actually originally a Mac program, as was Excel. Most Windows people are amazed when I tell them this, but it's true. Both were available YEARS before Windows came along.
 
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Word was actually originally a Mac program, as was Excel. Most Windows people are amazed when I tell them this, but it's true. Both were available YEARS before Windows came along.
True, but both were DOS programs before they were Mac programs.

PowerPoint started out on the Mac.
 
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chas_m

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Let me rephrase: Word and Excel *as we know them today* (ie GUI-based) started out as Mac programs (as did Powerpoint, as you say). :)
 
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thank you all! I'll try to learn more about OpenOffice. I thought Word was a microsoft creation. Maybe there is no such thing as a "microsoft creation" after all LOL
 

chscag

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Word was created by Microsoft. What chas_m is stating is that Word, Excel, and Powerpoint were published for the Mac platform prior to Windows. And while Open Office is free and perhaps an alternative, it's not very Mac like in appearance. Also IMO, the entire suite is bloated. But it's up to you to choose.
 

vansmith

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There is NeoOffice which is OpenOffice "Macified" so to speak. You could also look into Lotus Symphony which is also free and may meet your needs.
 
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Here is my tip. Download OpenOffice or Neo Office first and give it a go. It's free and works fine for general use. I tried the NeoOffice as it was specifically created for the Mac, rather than a direct port which I believe OpenOffice was.

If you feel you need MS Office, it is worth still getting. It is actually quite cheap for the home version if you can't get an Academic license, but you should be able to get one in Brazil, despite the Mac being bought in the US. I can't see how that could be an issue.

As for PDF, I really love how the mac has this built right in from unboxing. Yes, it really works great and I find it much better than installing Adobe and other converters like in Windows.
 
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Not to mention Pages is able to read and write Word files and is good enough for most users.
 

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