[MissMaria]

In my software experience there are usually multiple software at all different prices ranging from 0 to hundreds and not always for the best reasons. But the one thing I have found is that for ultimate compatibility with different plugins and languages there is some type of charge as there is more coding involved and if you don't use those plugins it is easy to believe that you are being over charged compared to another software that is capable of doing the job you want to do.

It is for that reason that my answer would be its not what software do other people use that is the real question it is what software can do the job you need it to at a price you find acceptable.

That said I use MS Office, because I can and I am used to it, though in history I have also used a range of other writing programs including open office that is a close second to MS O without a price tag.