Sometimes writing with a full-featured word processor
like MS Word feels like hitting a nail with a jack
hammer. Word is just too big and bloated for everyday
use, with distracting features that specific users
rarely need.

Enter RoughDraft v2.11, a simple freeware word processor with
writers of novels, short stories, articles, poetry,
plays, and screenplays in mind. This text editor can
manipulate text files and the universal Rich Text
Format files (RTF). Being able to handle RTF files
means that you can do simple formatting functions with
your text with available fonts, colors, and
indentations, just like you can in Windows Wordpad.

But unlike Wordpad, this freeware gem even includes a
fast spelling checker that can have an extended
functionality if you download Word Web, a standalone
freeware thesaurus.

RoughDraft also enhances productivity by using
Multiple Document Interface (MDI). This means that you
can open about a hundred tabs in the same window.
Speaking of productivity, RoughDraft can also import
files in Word 6.0, Word 97, and HTML formats. This
word processor also has a built-in side panel for a
directory tree, find panel, and small utility called
pad. This small pad can be used for reminders or
maybe a plot for your story.

If you need a replacement for Word, look somewhere
else, as RoughDraft does not claim to be a Word
replacement. But if you are a writer on a budget who
wants a no-nonsense application, check out RoughDraft - it’s a keeper. [LJD]