How can I get MS Office for free?

[usingmac]

Don't know if this is the forum to ask in, but we just got a new Dell laptop and it doesn't come with Office. I read somewhere that you can use it for free with an online version but I need some advice. Any help appreciated.

 

[chscag]

MS Office is not free. Neither the PC nor Mac versions are free. What you might have heard is that there is a limited version which is sort of free that can be used on an iPad and iPhone, however, it's very limited in what it can do. In order to get full capability, you have to subscribe $$ to Office 365. If you need any further information, suggest going directly to the MS Office forums on their server.

 

[LancashireArrow]

The web version of Office 365 is indeed free for basic editing of documents. You need to run it in a web browser, and it works well on PC and Mac.

Go here .. https://products.office.com/en-us/compare-microsoft-office-products

Choose "office online".

 

[chas_m]

LancashireArrow is correct. Charlie's information WAS correct, but due to demand Microsoft changed their position and pro-rated people who subscribed. Basic editing functionality is now available for the iPhone, iPad and web version of Office.

Microsoft updates iOS Office, adds free document editing and creation | Electronista

 

[chscag]

Our thanks to members "LancashireArrow" and "chas_m" for the updated information regarding the web and iOS version of MS Office.

 

[usingmac]

So to clarify: I CAN get Office online for free?
Does anyone know the limitations?

 

[chscag]

According to the updated information provided (above) you can get the web version of Office for free. Did you read the links that appear in those posts? They give you some idea of what you can do with the free version. I would not expect the free version to work and have the same capability that the paid for Mac Office 2011 or PC Office 2013 have as far as creating and editing. Again, check with the Microsoft instructions.

 

[ankhseeker]

set up a "fundme" acct and get donations to buy it, or have a friend buy it. Either way for free.

 

[Exodist]

The Free account should be all most home and school users would ever need.

 

[vansmith]

As someone who uses the free version on a regular basis as a complement to my installed copy, it gets the job done...98% of the time. Once in a blue moon, there's some weird formatting issues but it still renders most Word, Powerpoint and Excel documents like a charm. It also auto-saves everything to a OneDrive account and has a Time Machine style backup system in place.

Honestly, you get me started on the Office/OneDrive combination and I won't be able to stop talking about how it is a great example of how to do a cloud based solution right (to be fair, if you're an iWork user, iCloud/iWork probably gives it a run for its money).

 

[usingmac]

Thanks guys! I'm excited to try it. Will keep you posted.

 

[usingmac]

Been trying it- kind of annoying, especially with Windows 8. How do I get around this problem: I want to open a Word document but I can't because I don't have Word. How do I get it open with my Online version? Is it just opening the online Word and going to "Open"? The problem is I can't even see where stuff is getting saved (I emailed a Word document to myself then downloaded it)!

 

[johnodd4]

Ok i can solve this easy.

Install libreoffice its free and writes word documents there is also other alternatives like purchasing a older version of office you know office 97 office 95 office 2000 that doesn't require product activation after all its just a word processor who cares what version its from when microsoft will still open older files

 

[Rod]

Another alternative is OpenOffice, you can open Word docs including docx. This is truely an excellent set of open source apps caperble of doing anything Microsoft Office can do and all documents can be saved as Microsoft versions. you can get it from the developers here;
Apache OpenOffice - The Free and Open Productivity Suite

 

[chscag]

Been trying it- kind of annoying, especially with Windows 8. How do I get around this problem: I want to open a Word document but I can't because I don't have Word. How do I get it open with my Online version? Is it just opening the online Word and going to "Open"? The problem is I can't even see where stuff is getting saved (I emailed a Word document to myself then downloaded it)!

You need to learn how to use the free on line version first. Documents are stored and/or uploaded to the cloud. The cloud in this case is Microsoft's "OneDrive" which is free. Install OneDrive on your computer and then place your Word, Excel, and Powerpoint documents there for edit and save.

Edit: I forgot to mention that you must have an account with Microsoft in order to download and use OneDrive. The account is free.

 

[RobNJ]

Ok i can solve this easy.

Install libreoffice its free and writes word documents there is also other alternatives like purchasing a older version of office you know office 97 office 95 office 2000 that doesn't require product activation after all its just a word processor who cares what version its from when microsoft will still open older files

I've been using LibreOffice, since they split off from OpenOffice. I'm pleased with it's capabilities.

 

[Quietone]

Hi everyone! I hope it's OK to jump in here; I've been using OpenOffice for many years, my main complaint about it is it crashes a lot. If LibreOffice is better, I'd gladly switch, but I don't know anything about it, except what johnodd4 said. It seems I had forgotten LibreOffice was once part of it. A couple of years ago I may've read something about that. If I hadn't peeked in here, I would've never remembered. Thanks.

 

[usingmac]

I will try those options. In the meantime I have this obnoxious Microsoft Works that wants to keep getting in the way of my Word documents (this is my desktop now). Can't I just trash this piece of crap? Or will it harm my installation of Word? Also, can I get older versions of Word for free online? Lastly, if I have Word on another computer can't I just copy it or do I need some kind of special installation disk? Thanks!

 

[chas_m]

I will try those options. In the meantime I have this obnoxious Microsoft Works that wants to keep getting in the way of my Word documents (this is my desktop now). Can't I just trash this piece of crap?

Yes, and you should! Read up on proper uninstall directions, however; it's not just dragging the program to the trash like most Mac programs, sadly.

Or will it harm my installation of Word?

If you uninstall it properly, no.

Also, can I get older versions of Word for free online?

No.

Lastly, if I have Word on another computer can't I just copy it or do I need some kind of special installation disk?

Each installation of Word requires its own license, so no.

 

[tk369]

Just for giggles: i thought this forum was for MAC users! The dude has a new DELL!