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Don't Want to spend $500 On Microsoft Office?

I have recently tried thought about buying Microsoft Office. This includes Word, Excel, Powerpoint and so forth. I went to a couple of different stores and saw that for what I wanted would cost over $500.00 . With the way the economy is now, every dollar counts. I figured I would be able to do quite a bit of farming with that money versus spending it on software, which is not necessarily essential. As long As I had a GOOD alternative.

I have found it. If you do not alreadly know of this definitly try it. It is called www.openoffice.org The great thing about it is, it is very similiar to Micorsoft Office and most importantly,.....it is compatible with Mocrosoft Software.

For Example, If I send you a spreadsheet using Excel, You cannot open it. Everyone who does not have office knows what I am talking about. Well, if you download www.Openoffice.org you can now open it and read it along with the other applications. Good Stuff.

Let me know what you folks think about it.

Posted by Anthony Dashtizadeh (Dash-T-Za-Day) on 10/12/2008 01:46 AM

Comments (16)

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16 Comments on Don't Want to spend $500 On Microsoft Office?

OCT

2008

Hi Anthony,

Sounds interesting, I'll try it out!

Mike

Anthony, I used openoffice and I still prefer Microsoft Office. I've used MSOffice so long that I kow everything about it so why change...

I was just looking at the MS Office for Business suite yesterday... along with upgrading to a new computer (it's been 4 years)... Well, I'm going to have to wait for a couple more commissions, but am glad to learn of this openoffice program. I'll take a closer look at it. thanks for your post.

Anthony,

Thanks for the post. Always good to have comparable alternatives. If we get nothing else from this current market experience, we need to ensure that every dollar spent produces the desired return.

The standard in the business world is Microsoft Office. Remember the old days when Betamax was "better" except for the fact that all you could buy in the stores were VHS tapes? Or more recently, remember how HD DVD players were cheaper than Blu-Ray? I got the HD but was it truly a better deal given that no one makes HD DVD's anymore?

My point is that the digital world needs one standard and for computer software, Microsoft Office is it.

Fairly often you can pick up an MSOffice CD from EBAY without the manuals for a lot less.

Anthony - You read my mind!!! I too have been reluctant to drop the $500. Thank you for the tip and I will check it out. I am watching ebay to try and pick MS Office up cheaper, too but you have to read the fine print to make sure you are getting a full authorized version.

If you want to save a bunch of cash on your software purchases try using "academic software" You get full versions of any type of software but at steep discounts. The catch is you must be a student, this means with a student ID to purchase. Not a student? Have any children in school? They qualify. Just goggle Academic software and you'll see what I mean. Right now you can get a full version of Microsoft Office pro 2007 for $119 at http://www.academicsuperstore.com/product/search?qk_srch=MS+office&x=15&y=8

Take care,

This is a new one for me. I love my MS Office '07 though and have tried many different applications which aren't as functional.

Interesting alternative. I guess it is good for those that need an alternative.

I use it as I had the same delima. Now I dont have to spend that 500 to have it on my pc. Its a great tool.

I got Open Office about a year ago and I find its very functional ... actually I am thankful daily for it. Its JavaBuilt so its reliable and study. Goodluck with your new Open Office.

Interesting. I purchased office for MAC for about $150.00... Looks like MS is sticking it to the PC users again still...

Although I don't use OpenOffice, I've noticed Open Source software seems to be getting better and more "professional" looking. I always check out Open Source software before making a purchase. You can't beat the price. Thanks.

Anthony, thanks I just upgraded OUTLOOK to 2007, but left the others alone as I don't use them that much. I'll check out openoffice for a solution to the other ones.

NOV

2008

Anthony - great alternative to MS Office for the budget minded. (Free is good). Many computers are delivered with MS Works - an excellent little integrated program but without file compatibility with the Office programs.

Open Office was not fully compatible with Office 2007 file formats the last time I looked - but worked fine with Office 2003 and 2000 docs.

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