Word Processor

I am anticipating the expiration of my Microsoft Word Home and Student 2019 and I have tried all the open source like LibreOffice + open office and they're pretty good but not something I would want to use all the time.
I've heard that Google Docs or Google Drive would be an alternative and I saw at that site where I could upload the material I now have in my File Explorer in Windows 11.
My question is would you consider that a safe reliable way of using a replacement for File Explorer by storing everything in Google Drive and working on my documents there?
I realize the question is subjective but I'm not familiar with the safety of working online all the time even though Google Docs has an offline option.
I don't know if I can work offline all the time as an example of my naivete .
I am trying to avoid Microsoft subscriptions and being online all the time although Google Docs and Google Drive would be on line unless I check offline
if you have any suggestions as to keeping Microsoft and paying or going elsewhere.
Thank you

 

You don't need any of these alternatives as your Microsoft Office 2019 will continue working normally for as long as you want it. In Oct 23 it will cease receiving updates from MS and in Oct 25 it will cease getting security updates but none of that means you won't be able to use it.

 

Google is very reliable, yes. But I'd still want to regularly download docs I create/revise in Google Docs to my computer and/or external drive for backup purposes. Cell and Wifi are now almost everywhere, but depending on your needs, having a local copy also means you can work on a document even without connection - and later upload to Google Drive when you have connection again.

But here's my own reason for NOT using the free Google Docs. I have some docs and spreadsheets that I want to keep private. If yours is a free, personal Google account, then there is no provision for password-protecting (encrypting) individual file(s). Your files online are protected from outsiders by your Google log in. But they are naked to Google's own scanning/reading (should Google choose to). Myself, I am not comfortable with that. As well, when you download for backup purposes, those files are not protected either. You can protect your own files locally with a 3rd party app. But in order to work with it via Google online, they have to be decrypted first before uploading. A constant encrypt after download and decrypt before upload sounds like self-inflicted torture.

I use WPS Office (older version without the ads and cloud crap), mainly on my laptop. And I use Mega.nz cloud to sync up automatically every night among laptop, phone, tablets and cloud. So I enjoy the same "access anywhere" advantage. I much prefer office files that are password protected - independent of Mega (or Google in your case).

There's no one size that fits all. I like my way, but I am also an individual user without need to "collaborate" with colleagues. Maybe a better way to ask is to lay out your needs and how you normally use your files?

 

Yep. I know people still perfectly happy with their Office 2003!! As a retiree with pretty well-defined needs, I expect my current office will continue to serve me well for years to come!

 

If you need only a Word Processor, try this.
https://www.atlantiswordprocessor.com/en/lite.htm

 

I think we all agree it will be yours for perpetuity but it is a matter of bug fixes and security updates that is up in the air. I opt for security.

 

Post number 6 it is pretty much how I feel so I will wait until expiration date arrives and likely purchase another Microsoft product similar to the one I now have, home and student 2019, BUT, I would like to thank all of you for your opinions. I learned a lot from looking into them.