The era of installed software appears to be coming to an end, with online or web based applications becoming more the norm these days. I will find it hard to go past Microsoft Word and Office, however, online office-like applications are getting better and better.
Adobe Buzzword is an online word processor that is free to use. Not only can the application be used by an individual, but documents can also be accessed and worked on by others you choose to share it with as well. You can also access your document on any Internet connected computer.
For more on Adobe Buzzword visit:
http://www.adobe.com/acom/buzzword/
While on the Adobe website, check out the other web applications available, including Presentations and Tables.