Get the essential productivity tools that just keep getting better with Microsoft 365. SharePoint Online is a hosted solution that you can get by itself or with a Microsoft 365 subscription. SharePoint Server 2019 is an on-premises solution. For a likely 'Office Home & Student 2016' edition, though the RRP of the 2013 version of this flavour is £110 (around $165, AU$215), with the subscription version of the suite (Office 365.
Microsoft Office 2013 turns your computer into one of the most effective tools in your home and allows you to create and edit documents.
The days of purchasing a computer and finding that it came loaded with all the apps and programs you need are a thing of the past. Even if you spend thousands on a computer from a top manufacturer, you'll likely find that it lacks simple software like Microsoft Office. This free trial of Microsoft Office 2013 lets you explore all the features of this software for up to 30 days without paying a dime.
One of the biggest features of this download is the access you get to Word 2013. Word is one of the most popular word processing programs in the world today. You can create, edit and save documents, and when you save your work, you can even save those documents for use with older versions of Word. Word also lets you insert charts and photographs into your documents, which comes in handy when doing projects for work.
In addition to Word 2013, you also get access to Excel 2013. Excel helps you create spreadsheets in a fraction of the time that you can share with others. You'll also receive Outlook 2013, which you can use to check your email. Other programs that come with the download include the 2013 versions of PowerPoint, Publisher and Access. Use the included Lync as a new instant messenger to stay connected with friends, family and even coworkers.
Even if you used Microsoft Office in the past, you'll find some new features on the 2013 version. Word now works on touchscreens to help you scan and scroll quicker without reaching for your mouse, and you can now view PDF files in seconds. Instead of opening another program, searching for the right file on your computer and then opening that file, Microsoft Office now lets you instantly open those PDF files and even edit those documents.
You'll also love the new presenter mode that comes with PowerPoint. This splits the screen into two different components. One appears on your larger screen and lets those watching follow along, but the second creates a version of the presentation that you can read on your own computer screen. The 2013 Microsoft Office free download lets you try out all the new features of the software suite before investing any money.
Pros:
Cons:
For a number of years, the Microsoft Office suite was the market leader. However, the arrival of the open source platform has paved the way for new applications. One of Microsoft Office’s biggest competitors is OpenOffice and it’s been years since it has been available to use.
Basically, the OpenOffice and Office package offer the same products. If you want a word processor, there’s Word and Writer. If you want to create a spreadsheet, there’s Excel and Calc. If you want to make a slide presentation, there’s Powerpoint and Impress.
The biggest difference between the two is that OpenOffice was created to be a free version of Office. But how do you choose between the two office packages?
Free vs paid
One of the biggest advantages of OpenOffice over Microsoft Office is that it’s free. This can be a benefit for businesses that want to save on money, particularly money that can be used for strategies that will drive growth. After all, it makes more financial sense to install a free package on every computer than pay to have a package installed on each desktop.
Besides, both packages do perform the same functions. But although they may bear similarities, they do have differences in terms of how they are used.
Menus
Menu items aren’t exactly placed in the same place. So if you’re someone migrating from Office to OpenOffice, there might be a little learning curve involved. Then again, once you get the hang of it, everything else will just flow smoothly. Essentially, the basic functions are the same and if you can live with some features being different, then there’s no reason you shouldn’t want to use OpenOffice.
Tools
The great thing about open source software is it gets frequently updated and fast. However, Microsoft seems to have an advantage over OpenOffice when it come to creating tools for their office package. For instance, Powerpoint has a variety of effects for slideshows while Impress just has the basics. This means that more polished slideshow presentations can be created with Powerpoint.
OpenOffice’s database software can’t compete with Access either. Yes, it does offer data storage and retrieval but it’s not quite as sophisticated as Access. This might make a user accustomed to Access disheartened by Base.
In terms of word processing, Word has the edge over Writer. Yes, both are capable of producing documents but trying to open a document created using Writer in Word will most likely result in messed up margins and formatting.
Microsoft offers versatility and power but OpenOffice provides cost-effectiveness. What you need to weigh are how you are using the package. If it’s just for simple word processing or spreadsheets then OpenOffice does a pretty good job. However, if you want advanced features and don’t worry about paying for the cost of it all, then Microsoft Office is a good investment.
Every techie needs a pair of sick headphones. Neurogadget recommends these Audio Technica Professional Studio Monitor Headphones for both their quality and their cool-factor.