Microsoft Office, including applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, is considered the gold standard for most office documents. While it is hard to avoid using it in businesses, there are multiple options available for private users to avoid the expensive purchase.
Microsoft Office, with applications like Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, is the most widely used office suite, offering a wide range of features but coming at a significant cost. However, for many private users, applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are available for free. These applications also exist in an online version for use in a web browser under the name Microsoft 365 (formerly Office Online). The only requirement for using them is a free Microsoft account, which many Windows users likely already have.
The online versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint work in all common web browsers. You can create, edit, and share text documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. One of the advantages is easy collaboration among multiple users. However, there are also disadvantages: you do not have access to all the features of the desktop version, and you need to be online to use them. It is difficult to say whether the online applications of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint will suffice for your needs. The best approach is to simply try them out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does using the online version of Office have its advantages?
In the office world, Microsoft Office is the language spoken. In conjunction with the prevailing operating system, Microsoft Office under Windows is the best choice in terms of compatibility. Any alternative you use may not fully meet your needs. This can lead to problems when exchanging data with clients or writing a thesis. However, for private use, these minor issues can usually be easily avoided.
Is Microsoft Office only available as a subscription?
No, although Microsoft advertises its subscription in many places under the new name Microsoft 365, there is still a "boxed" version of Microsoft Office available for one-time purchase. Plans for the next version of Office 2024 also include the classic license as an alternative to the subscription.
Is there a free version of Microsoft Office for students?
Yes, students often receive Microsoft Office for free, a full-fledged Office suite. This is the result of Microsoft’s extensive commitment to education. Your university or school should have the necessary information ready. Usually, you need to register on the Microsoft Education page using your school or university email address.
What are the best free alternatives to Microsoft Office?
For private use, LibreOffice is a good option. This comprehensive office suite has been on the market for over 10 years and offers a wide range of features. It is fully localized in Czech and does not have high hardware requirements. It is definitely worth trying out.
Other free alternatives include OnlyOffice, which we have also covered on chip.cz. Another suitable alternative is SoftMaker FreeOffice, which shows good compatibility with Microsoft formats and has a Czech dictionary available.
And let’s not forget Google’s office tools. In the online version, they are comparable to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint applications and offer similar advantages (easy team editing and simple content sharing).
Using Microsoft Office Applications for Free: The Important 10.1-Inch Limit
Microsoft also provides components of its Office suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) in the form of free mobile apps for Android, iOS, and Windows systems. Compared to the classic desktop version, these are streamlined in terms of features. However, in the free version, you can still create and view files.
Regarding editing features, Microsoft has set a fairly complex set of rules. But what always works: if you have a paid subscription, you have access to all premium features. However, Microsoft also makes some editing features available to a limited extent with a free subscription. These partially depend on the screen size of the device. For private users, the magical limit is 10.1 inches. So, in the case of an iPad Pro, editing is not free, but it is on a mobile phone.
Practical Tip: How to Transfer a Microsoft Office License to a New Computer
When you get a new computer and need to transfer your existing Microsoft Office suite license to it, there are several options to do so. It depends on the type of license you have acquired.
If you subscribe to Office applications through the Microsoft 365 cloud service, transitioning to a new computer is very easy. Simply download the Microsoft 365 suite installer from the Microsoft website and sign in to your Microsoft account during installation. The license will automatically activate on the new computer.
If you have purchased the classic "boxed" version of Microsoft Office, you will need a 25-character product key to activate the office suite on the new computer. If you have stored this key somewhere and no longer have access to it, a simple software tool like ProduKey can help you retrieve it from the existing Microsoft Office installation. Learn more in this guide.
Sources: Microsoft Education, SoftMaker, OnlyOffice, GoogleDocs
In conclusion, while Microsoft Office is a widely used and feature-rich office suite, there are free alternatives available for private users that can meet their needs effectively. Whether it’s using the online versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, mobile apps, or exploring other free office suites, there are options to avoid the high cost of Microsoft Office for personal use. Additionally, transferring a Microsoft Office license to a new computer can be done smoothly with the right approach and tools.