Office software is available from a limited number of developers, and user have a choice from one of these developers:

• Microsoft Office
• Corel Wordperfect
• Apache OpenOffice formally known as oppenoffice.org

The packages have similar software applications as described below:

• Type documents and insert basic images and charts using a word processor.
• Create spreadsheets. You can create complex calculations and insert charts into spreadsheets. Spreadsheets can include multiple worksheets. Spreadsheets consists of columns and rows and each block can have a formula.
• Create presentations using presentation software. A presentation is made up from a number of slides. Each slide includes large text, sounds and images - which is then presented to an audience by means of a digital projector or large screen monitor.
• A database is a personal or business catalogue. The database includes large amounts of searchable information. A database could include your DVD collection, Music CD collection, or your company's employee information, monthly sales figures for example.
• An email program with calendar and reminders may also be included with the office suite.

Advantages of using Office packages

• Professional layout with templates to choose from.
• Complete control over your layout. Change the size and type of fonts being used in your documents.
• Check spelling and mistakes (duplicated words, missing punctuation and some grammar suggestions)
• Easy graphs
• Quick images and clip art
• Complex mathematical formulas

* Before reading further, there is a disclaimer regarding the information for Microsoft Office!

* Microsoft changes their Microsoft Office packages from time to time, and the software included with each package is subject to change. Please visit the Microsoft website for the most up-to-date offering on their software packages.

Which Microsoft Office do I buy?

Microsoft issues a license to use their office software,  a user cannot "buy" software. What this means is that a user is granted permission to use the software on a single computer per license. A user cannot use a license on two computer unless the license allows it.

OEM versions of office can only be used on a single computer and the license cannot be transferred to another computer. OEM version of Office, as is the case with OEM Operating Systems, do not include media (DVD or CD), and a backup needs to be done to recover the software later.

The retail version of an Office application may be used on one, and sometimes two or three computers (such as a main PC, a laptop and a school PC) , and the license can be transferred to other computers - on condition that it is deleted from the first computer. Please check your license agreement to see what applies to the version of software you have purchased or about to purchase.

OFFICE SOFTWARE IS SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.

PRIOR TO OFFICE 2013: OEM OFFICE SOFTWARE CANNOT BE REMOVED FROM A COMPUTER OR LAPTOP ONCE IT HAS BEEN INSTALLED. OFFICE SOFTWARE IS OPTIONAL - IT IS A SEPARATE AND OPTIONAL PURCHASE. A FREE TRIAL MAY BE OFFERED BY THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER, BUT A FULL LICENSE WILL NEED TO BE PURCHASED ONCE THE TRIAL ENDS.

The New Microsoft Office and Office 365

Before starting, select the option that suits you best - subscribe for a period of time at a cheaper rate, or buy a license

• Microsoft Office Professional , Office Home and Business and Office Home and Student are "stand alone" office software (Perpetual license) for commercial and home use as described below.
• Office 365 is a subscription service which works on Mobile devices such as cell phones and Tablet computers. Office 365 is for commercial and home use as described below.

What comes standard with Office and Office 365?

Every edition of Office and Office 365 has the following features and applications as standard:

• Word - type professional documents with spelling check and formatting
• Excel - create complete multiple sheet spreadsheets
• PowerPoint - make professional presentations
• OneNote - note taking software. Capture text, images, video and audio notes, and keep information available in one spot.
• Save to Cloud - save documents to a virtual drive - on the Internet
• Roaming Docs & Settings - documents and settings are online
• One user on one PC or Mac - All versions of Office  is use by a single user on one PC or Mac.

Microsoft Office Professional

In addition to the standard applications, Office Professional  includes

• Microsoft Outlook - email
• Microsoft Publisher
• Microsoft Access

Office Home and Business

In addition to the standard applications, Office Home and Business  includes

• Microsoft Outlook - email

Office Home and Student

Office Home and Student  does not include any additional features but only includes the standard applications, and may only be used for non-commercial use. In addition, unlike previous Office versions, Office Home and Student  is a single user license for one PC.

What is Office 365?

Office 365 Small Business Premium, Office 365 Home Premium, Office 365 University are subscription services.

Office 365 have the standard applications as described above, as well as these additional applications or features as standard across all 365 versions:

• Microsoft Publisher
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft Outlook
• Free version upgrades
• Office on Demand
• Lync, SharePoint, Exchange Online
• Mobile device usage

Office 365 Small Business Premium

• Single year license
• One user on 5 PC / Mac or mobile devices

Office 365 Home Premium

• Single year license
• Household use on 5 PC / Mac or mobile devices
• 60 Skype world minutes / month
• Premium SkyDrive +20GB

Office 365 University

• 4 year license - renewed every 4 years
• One user on 2 PCs, Mac or mobile devices
• 60 Skype world minutes / month
• Premium SkyDrive +20GB