Honestly, what is the point of Wordpad when you have Notepad and Word?
Microsoft is killing WordPad in Windows after 28 years
Submitted 1 year ago by dantheclamman@lemmy.world to technology@lemmy.world
Comments
jeffw@lemmy.world 1 year ago
greybeard@lemmy.one 1 year ago
Not everyone has the money for a copy of Word. There once was a time when free rich text editors were valuable. But at this point I agree it isn’t needed anymore. There are plenty of FOSS alternatives to word that hit that market. Microsoft has probably kept it around this long to prevent people from looking, but now they’ve put their bet on cloud services.
TheEntity@kbin.social 1 year ago
There are plenty of FOSS alternatives to word that hit that market.
Plenty? I know one and its fork. That's about one and a half.
AmbientChaos@sh.itjust.works 1 year ago
microsoft.com/…/free-office-online-for-the-web
Word is available for free now
dantheclamman@lemmy.world 1 year ago
Honestly I’m not too bummed, especially with open-source solutions like Notepad++, but it’s the end of an era! Also, Word is paid, and so Windows not having a built in free RTF editor is notable
yukichigai@lemmy.sdf.org 1 year ago
Windows not having a built in free RTF editor is notable
Yeah, that is a bit odd, but then again when’s the last time you’ve seen something other than a cut-rate eBook in RTF? Everything is either some variant of plain text or a DOC file these days.
Plus, it’s rare that you ever need to edit RTF files. Read, sure, but that could be handled by Word Reader, which is free.
SulaymanF@lemmy.world 1 year ago
Not all of us have Word, and Notepad doesn’t have rich text or the ability to open .doc files.
somedaysoon@lemmy.world 1 year ago
Abiword is FOSS and would be my choice over Word anyway.
Firipu@startrek.website 1 year ago
WordPad (or at least uses to) opens much faster than word, but still has rich text. Perfect for some short notes.
Or eg to edit an ini file. They display as readable text in WordPad and not just a massive long string like in notepad.
yukichigai@lemmy.sdf.org 1 year ago
It’s nowhere near as bloated as Word but you have many more options than Notepad when it comes to formatting and presentation. It’s actually impressive how much you can do within the limits of RTF.
derek@simulated.town 1 year ago
@jeffw @dantheclamman Wordpad is better for coding
ShittyBeatlesFCPres@lemmy.world 1 year ago
How do people use Wordpad for coding? I’ve never seen that done. If I ever open code in an editor with a “bold” button, I screwed up and close without saving.
jeffw@lemmy.world 1 year ago
Fair enough
30mag@lemmy.world 1 year ago
I’m a little surprised they didn’t kill it sooner.
blazera@kbin.social 1 year ago
lightweight notes with margins
mvirts@lemmy.world 1 year ago
Also try editing unix or Mac line endings in notepad
freebee@sh.itjust.works 1 year ago
I use notepad super often as a copy edit paste aid. It loads in a millisecond.
dan1101@lemm.ee 1 year ago
Easy way to distribute rich text documents to users without them having to install anything.
AndreTelevise@lemm.ee 1 year ago
WordPad was a fast and efficient way to view doc files without loading into LibreOffice or any other office suite, or to make rich text documents quickly. But alas, we have to go to the cloud for our notes now…
dansity@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 year ago
Do the ultimate OP solution and host your own nextcloud. It has built in office and everything google drive has.
Akasazh@feddit.nl 1 year ago
Notepad++ does that too
Mandy@sh.itjust.works 1 year ago
of course, gotta push more people to that godawful office 365 crap somehow
uberkalden@lemmy.world 1 year ago
Seriously, the market share of Wordpad users is so small Microsoft absolutely does not care
angstylittlecatboy@reddthat.com 1 year ago
I mean, I use LibreOffice, but for people not that tech savvy it sucks they won’t have a basic rich text tool included with Windows.
HidingCat@kbin.social 1 year ago
This place really hates MS. Can't believe some of the comments here.
tabular@lemmy.world 1 year ago
MS has a history which informs what their fututre actions are likely to be. If you can’t believe the comments here perhaps you have not heard that history. If you have then consider that lemmy is free software and so you’re more likely to find our views here.
My goto for distrust of MS …wikipedia.org/…/Embrace,_extend,_and_extinguish
ChunkMcHorkle@lemmy.world 1 year ago
Thank you for the link to embrace, extend, extinguish. You really can’t point it out enough because it’s become the de facto business plan for so many tech companies.
As for myself, after 30 years on MS starting with DOS and fifteen on Mac (concurrent, lol), I’m finally exploring Linux with the end goal of getting off both in terms of desktop computing. I am absolutely convinced MS is trying to head toward an OS subscription model if there’s any possible way they can get away with it, and I want to get off any dependency on their products before they do. Apple hasn’t been nearly as bad for me personally, but as long as I’m moving in a FOSS direction I might as well do those too. Plus, Linux is so light you can run it on truly old hardware, like the 13 year old Macbook with 4 GB of RAM I’m using as a test box.
Cool thing is that Linux believes in live trials, so you download your distro for free, load it up on a thumb drive, and spin it around without installing a thing until you want to, doing this as many times as you like without cost. And the experience is unbelievably full and fast on the most minimal hardware imaginable.
I haven’t decided on a distro yet, still testing them out, but I’m honestly starting to wonder why I waited so long to start exploring the alternatives, because they’re appealing as hell, much more so than yet another disappointing ad-filled Windows release.
DarienGS@lemmy.world 1 year ago
My goto for distrust of MS …wikipedia.org/…/Embrace,_extend,_and_extinguish
There’s not a single reference on that page that’s less than 20 years old. Yes, Microsoft did some anticompetitive stuff back when Bill Gates was CEO, but it’s absurd to suggest that that still “informs what their future actions are likely to be”. A lot has changed since the 1990s.
KneeTitts@lemmy.world 1 year ago
Apple is a LOT worse than Microsoft these days
sab@lemmy.world 1 year ago
Not to mention the amount of people who think this is about notepad.
ebits21@lemmy.ca 1 year ago
I mean, not many people are in the loving Microsoft camp. Tolerate maybe.
MeanEYE@lemmy.world 1 year ago
Am completely expecting this to be due to falling office sales or fear that people will realize they don’t need expensive Office every few years when WordPad has 90% of functionality for daily use.
I expect this will make a lot of people very angry since I know many users of WordPad.
Blackmist@feddit.uk 1 year ago
I get that people here hate MS, but defending Wordpad is a bonkers hill to die on.
It’s complete wank.
OscarRobin@lemmy.world 1 year ago
I don’t like Apple but they ship their devices with everything a basic user needs and if a high quality, completely for free. When you get a MacBook you don’t need to worry about finding and downloading an external app for almost anything - from viewing any kind of file, to basic photo and video editing, to document processing, etc. And they don’t track every minute thing you do and act like malware to try to make you use their products.
zerbey@lemmy.world 1 year ago
Only thing I used it for was when older versions of Notepad couldn’t handle larger text files. Now it can. So, no loss to me. Notepad going away would suck, that does at least get occasional use although Notepad++ is far superior.
vashti@feddit.uk 1 year ago
Slightly annoyed about this, as I do use Wordpad (it’s lightweight and useful for quick notes that I want to mark up with bold and italic). I don’t always want to watch Word or Libreoffice load for twenty to thirty seconds.
Shitty decision, happy to be Wordpad’s one fan.
Smacks@lemmy.world 1 year ago
They must not be able to spy on people thru it
DoucheBagMcSwag@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 year ago
Man fuck Microsoft. Killing a free app and replacing it with a paid app that has a subscription bundled.
What the actual fuck!!?
30mag@lemmy.world 1 year ago
Microsoft announced today that it will deprecate WordPad with a future Windows update as it’s no longer under active development
I wonder what changes they’ve made to wordpad over the last 10 years… how many people have been working on it and stuff.
This sort of implies that Notepad is still under active development. That’s weird to think about.
Granixo@feddit.cl 1 year ago
lennybird@lemmy.world 1 year ago
Honestly, this blows. WordPad fills a niche between a full blown text editor and notepad. Most of my random daily notes use WordPad still when not OneNote.
Uniquitous@lemmy.one 1 year ago
So long as they don’t fuck with Notepad, I could give a fuck. Notwithstanding Notepad++ is a thing, so the fuck to be given would be inordinately small.
TenderfootGungi@lemmy.world 1 year ago
As long as they leave Notepad. I use it almost daily.
AdmiralShat@programming.dev 1 year ago
I used WordPad so much growing up. I fucking HATED Word and the office applications as a kid, WordPad just worked and just did writing, which is what I wanted to do.
Bizarroland@kbin.social 1 year ago
I just use notepad++ when I have to use Windows PCs.
Kodemystic@lemmy.kodemystic.dev 1 year ago
oh no, anyway
pepsison52895@lemmy.one 1 year ago
I provide support for a Windows-only application that has to do automated document conversion. Some customers refuse to pay for an additional Office license and the only other option is WordPad. Going back to work on Tuesday is going to suck.
ichigo@lemmy.world 1 year ago
RIP WordPad coders.
phoenixz@lemmy.ca 1 year ago
Install Linux, use whatever the hell you like
Davis@r.nf 1 year ago
I use VSCodium instead.
ImpossibleRubiksCube@programming.dev 1 year ago
Microsoft is killing Windows
FTFY
satan_6661@lemmy.world 1 year ago
No wtf microsoft!!
At least there’s Notepad++. An absolute end of an era.
TheBlue22@lemmy.world 1 year ago
It was lighter than word or libre and had formatting, unlike simple word editors like notepad++. Bummer to see it go but surely there is (or will be) an alternative
Deftdrummer@lemmy.world 1 year ago
If they remove sticky notes I’m going to lose my shit.
AnonTwo@kbin.social 1 year ago
As long as they stay the fuck away from notepad
xhieron@lemmy.world 1 year ago
This is very upsetting to me–more as a point of principle than in fact–but I appreciate that it doesn’t bother younger generations at all. I just had a small argument with my 11 year old about how not-a-big-deal-who-cares this is, and it basically ended with us agreeing to disagree since it’ll be his problem and his kids’ problem.
And the problem is normalizing the notion that an OS doesn’t need to include a non-subscription word processor. The entire point of this move is to shift the OS Overton Window in favor of consumers accepting and expecting that features like word processors, spreadsheets, etc., should be installed separately and paid for on a subscription basis despite previous iterations of the same software being feature complete on install and purchased at a set, non-recurring fee.
WordPad hasn’t been anybody’s first choice for a word processor in years, but it was included with Windows and did the bare minimum for unsophisticated users. Now we’re entering an era in which those users will as a matter of course buy off-the-shelf computers that come pre-installed without WordPad, but rather with a trial of Office Fuck-You-Pay-Me Edition. Those users may well discover that after their first six months with their new computer (that has made Microsoft more money selling their data than they paid for it), they suddenly get a pop-up informing them that their trial is up and MS wants $99.99 to release the documents they’re holding hostage.
It’s a step backwards for consumers in general, so even for the sophisticated of us who are least likely to be personally affected by this change, there’s definitely cause for alarm.
BananaTrifleViolin@kbin.social 1 year ago
I get where you're coming from but I think you're overstating the impact in this day and age. If this had been 1995 it'd be a big deal. Now it's rediculously easy to install any alternative you like for free.
Libre Office is an entire free fully features office suite.
I'm less bothered about removing WordPad than I am about Microsoft advertising and pre-installing it's products in Windows - they force Edge on people, they push OneDrive and preinstall a preview of Office. That's the real problem - not losing WordPad.
At one point Anti-Trust / Anti-monopoly regulators globally punished Microsoft for pushing Internet Explorer to consumers and for a long time in Europe had to offer a choice of Browsers to download on new Windows installs. Now it's allowed to get away with abusing it's dominant position to force it's products on consumers.
Agent641@lemmy.world 1 year ago
Does liber office make .docx files and export to pdf?
talos@lemmy.world 1 year ago
I built a new PC two months ago and it’s the first time I didn’t get Office. Libre Office has everything I need and it’s free.
Sargteapot@lemmy.nz 1 year ago
Or you know, google docs is a thing which is free and imo works better than word
lolcatnip@reddthat.com 1 year ago
I’d like to normalize the notion that an OS shouldn’t include any application software except for a browser you can use to install other things. Let people pick what they want to use and install it themselves.
sik0fewl@kbin.social 1 year ago
Yeah, just download LibreOffice or use a free service like Google Docs.
orbitz@lemmy.ca 1 year ago
Wasn’t there an anti trust or monopoly suite against Microsoft for bundled IE back in the day? Funny how times change, though I agree it’s not easy to get a preferred browser without one. Mean it never was overly simple but they were on so many CDs mailed out back then. Think it has to do with some IE and Windows integration too so not just cause they bundled it.
programmer_belch@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 year ago
Better yet, the OS should just include a desktop environment with simple utilities and a package manager to install the applications you want. It will make users less likely to run into malware while searching for the programs in the web
schnurrito@discuss.tchncs.de 1 year ago
I think a file manager, text editor and command prompt are pretty essential too. And when you’ve added those, where exactly is the limit where it becomes “application software”?
GamingChairModel@lemmy.world 1 year ago
I think it’s worth separating the two related but distinct concepts of what is a part of the operating system itself (for example, the actual file manager) and what is pre-installed or bundled with the operating system (games like Minesweeper).
I agree with you that a rich text editor definitely shouldn’t be part of the OS. But should it be a bundled part that ships with the desktop environment, the way Windows/MacOS/Android/iOS/ChromeOS all come with photo library software, basic image editors, media players, browser, email client, etc.? These applications aren’t strictly necessary to use or maintain the system itself, so maybe they shouldn’t have some kind of privileged use of the OS’s functionality, but there’s no harm in bundling in the installation defaults.
I don’t think a rich text editor is an important enough function to necessarily be preinstalled with the OS, but I can see an argument, at least. There’s a reason why Windows shipped with one since the beginning, and why MacOS and KDE and Gnome each have a default that very few people actually use regularly.
danielton@lemmy.frozeninferno.xyz 1 year ago
Yeah, even Apple includes the iWork suite (Pages, Numbers, and Keynote) for free on Macs and iPads, no subscription needed.
Appoxo@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 year ago
Tbh I use Notepad way more than anything for note making.
If it needs to be formatted, OneNote is free to use and can be saved in any cloud (if there is a shortcut like OneDrive or Dropbox in the Windows explorer)
If it needs to be free and not very sophisticated, I’d look around for a markdown based editor.
If all of that fails, I will use Word.
Never used Wordpad in 15 years (of 24 years of existence) except while trying to open word but Windows suggesting Wordpad first.
ares35@kbin.social 1 year ago
i use wordpad a lot for viewing docs (loads faster, uncluttered ui). occasionally writing them... and more than once instead of notepad for a text file (on a system without a notepad alternative available) because i needed more features.
i have a few clients that use wordpad as their 'word processor', lack of spelling check be damned.
microsoft must have run out of excuses for specifically not including one in it, seeing how recent windows has spell check baked-in to the os itself. so instead of losing a few dozen sales of office home and student or 365 by making wordpad just a little bit better for those who use it, they're gonna be the assholes and take it out completely and push everyone to the damn cloud app or a 365 sub. fk 'em.
roguetrick@kbin.social 1 year ago
I only use emacs to write TeX notes.
turkalino@lemmy.yachts 1 year ago
Google Docs is free and has basically become the standard word processor for the “unsophisticated users” you’re worried about. It essentially comes with your OS because you only need a browser to use it.
I think your kid and his children will survive.
HelloHotel@lemmy.world 1 year ago
it still has strings attached, its not truely “free”
kescusay@lemmy.world 1 year ago
Likely scenario, honestly. I really don’t worry about it, though. Not to brag, but it doesn’t bother me. Understand, there is a solution. X marks the spot.
Emerald@lemmy.world 1 year ago
I can’t read you I’ve given everything, but you seem distant I can’t feel you Your heart is somewhere else, it’s missin’ What if I read back to you? You have a piece, but there’s two
Someone please get this reference.
cloaker@kbin.social 1 year ago
Advertise and push Foss substitutes like libreoffice.
vikingtons@lemmy.world 1 year ago
could go a step further and bin windows altogether.
granted, it’s a big step for most.
macrocephalic@lemmy.world 1 year ago
I disagree. I don’t think a rich text editor should be part of the OS as it’s not there to operate the computer. An OS should be the tools to run applications and manage your computer. There are a bunch of apps which are so small that it makes sense to include them - like a calculator and text editor, but everything else should be optional.
tabular@lemmy.world 1 year ago
There should be an OS out there for you which doesn’t come with a rich text editor. [If there is ever a time to mention GNU+Linux in a MS thread then now is that time.] For most people however, not including it is a needless barrior to entry.
ebits21@lemmy.ca 1 year ago
It’s too bad Linux isn’t more normalized. For those very simple users (and for the more sophisticated) Linux is probably much better than Windows at this point.
No ads, free software, updates can be very simple and stable, less security issues.
JJROKCZ@lemmy.world 1 year ago
Then they ask their grandson or work it dept what they should do and both will answer libre office is free
asteriskeverything@lemmy.world 1 year ago
I used it for my damn resume because I didn’t have word, didn’t need office. I also liked it because when friends asked me to review a document I could open word documents with it, I would do that sometimes even when I had office because WordPad opened faster and I didn’t need perfect formatting.
I think it is safe to say that your 11 year old is factually wrong lol. But it is okay that they don’t understand how bad this is because the concept of how multiple businesses have switched to subscription based models even in places we wouldn’t expect, like a monthly subscription allowing already installed hardware in your car to actually function, cause it’s just 11 year Olds don’t have a great concept of bills and money at that level yet. I say wait for their first complaint of it as an adult and then put on your carefully choreographed and practiced “I told you so” dance
Okay kidding aside I think it is absolutely wonderful this is something you didn’t just have a conversation with your young kid about but that you had to agree to disagree, you sound like a fantastic parent who actually fosters a relationship with their kid. And probably only rarely says I told you so.
funchords@lemmy.sdf.org 1 year ago
I am in a support group with over 100 senior citizens in it. Getting a file with a *.rtf extension used to be a thing, but it hasn’t been a thing in years. I do get *.doc and *.docx files so they’re probably getting lured into Office like you said even before Wordpad is removed.
Wooki@lemmy.world 1 year ago
What in gods name don’t you use libre office. It’s so much better than word and excel for rent
Frostwolf@lemmy.world 1 year ago
Because libre office is not compatible with many others. You can open it sure but there’s no guarantee that opening .doc or .docx will have broken formatting. Not good for those in the academia or workplace where formatting are strictly enforce.