How to Open .doc Without Microsoft Word

1. Download the OpenOffice installation package from download.openoffice.org. OpenOffice is a free, open-source, cross-platform suite of office software programs. It includes a word processor, spreadsheet organizer and other applications, and is compatible with Microsoft Office formats. It is commonly used as a free alternative to Microsoft's Office suite. Double-click the downloaded .exe file (Windows) or the .dmg file (Mac) to start the installation wizard and follow the onscreen instructions to install OpenOffice. Once OpenOffice is installed, it can be used to open, view, print and save .doc (and .docx) files.
2. Download and install the free TextMakerViewer 2010 from SoftMaker, available at officeviewers.com. Although this is Windows-only software, it is free and openly distributable. It can be used to open, view and print .doc files, though you cannot use it to edit those files.
3. Download and install Microsoft's free Word Viewer, available at Microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=4. This application allows you to open and view Word's .doc files, even if you don't have Word installed. To open the file with Word Viewer, right-click the file, choose 'Open with...' from the contextual menu, and choose 'Word Viewer.'