If Microsoft isn't very good, then I guess Wordstar, Wordperfect, Lotus, Ashton-Tate, Harvard Graphics, et. al. were worse. These companies produced widely used word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software before Microsoft entered any of these markets. True most were DOS-based and Microsoft had the insider's advantage building software for Windows, but ultimately MS software succeeded because users liked it, at least compared to the alternatives.
I've used many of the alternatives: Open Office, LibreOffice, AbiWord, Gnumeric, Koffice; none of them hold a candle to Microsoft Office when you get beyond basic functionality.
Everyone uses Office, because it is the best option for most people. I myself use LaTeX and Emacs whenever possible, and find AbiWord and Gnumeric usable for many things, but in no way do these tools substitute for Office for most people.
I've used many of the alternatives: Open Office, LibreOffice, AbiWord, Gnumeric, Koffice; none of them hold a candle to Microsoft Office when you get beyond basic functionality.
Everyone uses Office, because it is the best option for most people. I myself use LaTeX and Emacs whenever possible, and find AbiWord and Gnumeric usable for many things, but in no way do these tools substitute for Office for most people.