What Software Package?

1. 81

   Seeker7posted 12 years ago

   I'm looking to upgrade my current MS software but I'm not sure what package to go for. I mainly need the software for working as a freelance writer - on-line and off-line. My main requirements are Word, Excel and possibly Powerpoint. The three main packages I have looked at are Ms Home & Student, Office Professional and Small Business. Do any hubbers have any advice or views on what would be the most appropriate package?

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   1. 68

      diplessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Student gives you the best value for money of the three, but only if you don't want the additional programmes, if you will use the other programmes it is worth splashing out. However the free option of open office is very good, there are some minor issues, but it is a great open source programme.

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      1. 81

         Seeker7posted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Hi dipless - many thanks for your input that has really helped me a lot! Thank you!

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2. 0

   femmeflashpointposted 12 years ago

   Seeker, I use Micro Office.  So far, I've needed every aspect of the whole package and it works great!
   
   femme

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   1. 81

      Seeker7posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hi femme! LOL! - I must have been in a trance or on another planet somewhere as it's the first time, I think, that I've heard of Micro Office - I will defiantely give this a try as it sounds like it has everything I need!

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3. 60

   georgethegentposted 12 years ago

   I recommend OpenOffice. It provides everything and it's free. Microsoft cost a fortune and give you nothing better. Have a look at it at OpenOffice.org

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   1. 81

      Seeker7posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hi George, yes your right about MS - I was shocked at how much the prices have gone up since my last purchase of their software, (and that's not that long ago).  I read about Open Office a while back on a forum I was following but forgot to check it out. Many thanks for this, I will check Open Office out tonight!

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      1. 37

         Julesterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         If you use visual basic(VBA) with Word or Excel you'll have problems with OpenOffice. I guess you probably don't use VBA - but just something to think about.

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4. 77

   teaches12345posted 12 years ago

   I use Microsoft Office 2010 and find it very easy to use and it performs well.  The whole package offers software programs that interact with each other and is compatible with other software (you have to make sure the file versions are the same, i.e. 2007).  It does cost money but well worth it. Do not have any knowledge of OpenOffice but it looks like other people find it helpful.

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   1. 66

      ruthclark3posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I am still using Microsoft Office 2007, with Windows 7, and am happy with it.  I haven't found it necessary to upgrade, but if I had to go out and buy, I would probably go to a freebie.  It really does depend on what you want to use it for.  My son says that Open Office is great.  I don't know.  Hope this helps.

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      1. 93

         nifwlseirffposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Open Office is great, but it *can* be unstable and slow, at times.
         I only have (recent) experience with it under MacOSX, and it suffers if there are more than a couple of images, or complex documents.
         
         On the other hand, I also found Word 2010 to be unstable and slow with large, image heavy documents. Which was still an improvement on my experience of earlier versions, which could hardly deal with any images in documents.
         
         I try to avoid using PPT (or slide presentation where possible), but revert to PDF slides if I need to present something.
         
         For spreadsheets, I've stuck to Google Docs from the beginning.
         
         All three - Google, Open Office and MSOffice have trouble converting from one format to another, so I take the path of least trouble, depending on the final format that I am aiming for.

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5. 60

   Hollie Thomasposted 12 years ago

   Hi Seeker7,
   
   Funny you should post this as I've just bought a new laptop today, and with it Office Home and Student 2010. I'm just sussing it all out so will feedback when I've found my feet.

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6. 78

   mypleasurefantasyposted 12 years ago

   I use office professional. Although I paid quite a bit for it, it seems to be the best option for me not only as a student having to write an insane amount of papers, but since I am a business owner it also helps me keep tabs on everything. They ultimately all do the same thing. The only difference is price and some minor additions to the programs. Hope this helps.

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7. 61

   Savva Pelouposted 12 years ago

   Microsoft office 2010 is extremely good, however, judging by your needs, i'd imagine office 2010 being very much an overkill and you would not use 90% of the features it offers.  Open Office is now more stable and it's free

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