Time to upgrade my computer systems -- can I still use Corel Wordperfect 8?
I have been using WordPerfect for over 25 years and I LIKE the way it works and functions— I have multiple thousands of pages of documents, sermons, books and book ideas, and other writings in this format. My current equipment is well over ten years old, however, and its time to upgrade again before my system starts failing.
I am not very tech savvy. But everyone is telling me that I need to “convert” to Microsoft Word. However, for reasons I cannot get into, such a change is hard for me. I really don’t have time to learn a new system—and either because I am stubborn or stupid, I find a new system extremely hampering or a hinderance to use. I just can’t get into it or even explore it without difficulty.
Besides that, I have a lifetime of work in old Corel WordPerfect 8.
How can I upgrade and keep my WordPerfect? What would be recommended to convert WordPerfect documents to Microsoft Word, if need be?
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Corel has Wordperfect X7 that works in Windows 7, 8 and 10. I think it also works in XP and Vista. They sell a home and office version at Amazon for about $100 I think and the user interface is very similar to WP8. I am happy with it, and a much better option (in my opinion) than going to MS Word.
Thanks— I will certainly explore this option with whatever new hardware I get— Anyone else care to answer? Please do.
@Yellowdog Two comments.
First, totally forget converting to Microsoft Word. I have tried that software package off and on through the years and, to put it mildly, I hate it. I have been hands on with Word Perfect for at least two decades now, and I still consider it to be the only office software package wirth looking at.
Second, I agree with @Inara27. Word Perfect X7 works quite well in Windows 8.1, but its Windows 10 compatible update has not yet been released. Its interface is virtually indistinguishable from earlier version, plus all of the keyboard shortcuts that have been a part of Word Perfect from its DOS days are still available. More importantly, it looks like the X7 version should have no problem opening your current documents since it still uses the familiar *.wpd file extension.
A final suggestion: if you are going to upgrade Windows from XP or Vista, upgrade first to Windows 8.1. That will give you an opportunity to get comfortable with the new live tile Start Screen that was introduced in Windows 8 while still having a familiar desktop to work with. Also, if your new hardware is compatible with Win 10, you will be able to upgrade to Win 10 for free through July 26, 2016.
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