Millions of computer users face the same problem: they receive a Microsoft Word document but don't have Word installed. Borrowed laptops, public computers, and personal devices without Office leave pe

Licensed by Microsoft, Word is usually included in Microsoft Office Suite, which also includes desktop applications Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint. However this software can come at a high price. Luckily, there are a number of free alternatives.

Google Docs and Google's Cloud Connect toolbar for Microsoft Office combine to let you do simple editing of Word and Excel files on an iPad without having to pay for a separate app. Dennis O'Reilly Former CNET contributor Dennis O'Reilly began writing ...