i've been using other people's computers (school, work) for about a decade and a half to do most of my writing/creating, and i've not had much of a say in what software i used during that time.

i just bought my first non-tablet since pentium iii's and i want to know what i should be rolling with. i've used things like open office but seems unnecessary the more that i think about it. seems like i could do anything i need personally with google but i'm sure you smart people can let me know what the best way to set myself up would be.