Here’s a simple summary of your options to make choosing one as painless as possible! Keep in mind that some versions of Microsoft Office are intended to integrate with cloud or mobile lifestyles, though this is optional. Since these are free, we feel it makes more sense for users to sign up for Office Online instead (see next item on this list). The programs themselves are housed on a remote server. Users are therefore working through Microsoft’s cloud environment known as OneDrive. Office 2019 comes in a variety of versions you can read more about through this link. In particular, you may be interested in a discounted student version, if you qualify. You purchase Office 2019 the same way as past versions, by paying for it once. Alternatively, you could opt for older versions: Office 2016, Office 2013, Office 2010 or Office 2007. Support for Office 2003 has ended. The tradeoff is that, while these versions may be cheaper, they will lose support sooner and could cause you compatibility issues with users who have upgraded. Alternatively, you could opt for Office 2011 for Mac. Again, the tradeoff for saving money on an older version is that the software loses relevancy faster. Microsoft 365 comes in professional, organizational, personal, or student subscription plans rather than a one-time purchase. A few limitations exist in this version, so it really pays to check this out before deciding on your hardware. If you already have an RT device, this is the most robust version of Office that will work on it, and it probably came pre-installed anyway.
