What's up with computer software?

Dick2 · Mar 5, 2015

Looking at new computers; just found out that Microsoft will only rent software on a 1-year subscription - can't find anywhere that I can buy the software on a disc.

Are there alternatives to Microsoft office that I can buy? I don't like that subscripition rental business at all.

john *.?-!.* cub owner · Mar 5, 2015

Try Open Office, it is free, and is comparable. Some things not as good, and you can save documents in same format as office uses for different things if you wish. There are a few things not as good in my opinion, but rather than upgrading to the new Office and paying $95 per year I am using it.

TL (Va) · Mar 5, 2015

Google Open Office. Have used in the past, works fine for most users.

Charles in Aus. · Mar 5, 2015

I asked a question about the availability of a simple free program that would let me run off the odd letter or two a while ago .
A kind member suggested open office [ apologies for not remembering their name ] .
I have found it comparable to Microsoft and satisfactory in every way . Very happy , downloads in minutes , free , and doesn't take up miles of space .

farmall300u · Mar 5, 2015

You are talking about Windows Office Professional 365 which is a cloud based version for big corporations, not personal individual users.

You can Google "Microsoft Office Professional" and find CD versions of Office Professional 2007, 2010, & 2013 at very reasonable price, assuming you want all of the apps.

I have used Open Office and for heavy duty users, it is clunk and slow, not worth downloading.

guido · Mar 5, 2015

Hello Dick2,

Open office is O.K. Make sure if you decide to use it that you choose the custom download/installation. The typical install will load you up with tool bars and desk top short cuts and icons, plus other garbage you don't need or want!

Guido.

Duner Wi · Mar 5, 2015

I use free Libre Office, it works for me and not too much of a learning curve if you can navigate windows products.I can save my work in windows format if I wish,.

old bc · Mar 5, 2015

Buy an older version. All versions from 2007 up are still supported by Microsoft.
Ofice

spacecadet9 · Mar 6, 2015

You mean something like this? http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Off...;sr=8-1&keywords=office+home+student+2013

You have to download it, but it's a one time purchase.

MarkB_MI · Mar 6, 2015

For most home users, OpenOffice and Libre Office will do the job. LibreOffice is a fork of OpenOffice and is generally the preferred version.

Of course you can completely dump Windows and install a version of Linux. I made the switch eighteen years ago and haven't looked back.

OldFarmTractor · Mar 6, 2015

If you have a student of almost any kind living in your house, see if they can get the full copy of Windows Office. Not the cloud version.

Or if you are a state employee, you might be able to do the same thing. You can't believe the benefits of being a volunteer firefighter. Though local, they are typically considered state employees.

State discounts often work at hotels like Holiday Inn. Typically twice the discount you get for AARP.

What's up with computer software?

Dick2

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john .?-!. cub owner

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TL (Va)

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Charles in Aus.

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farmall300u

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guido

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Duner Wi

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old bc

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spacecadet9

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MarkB_MI

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OldFarmTractor

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