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Started By
Message
So, if you have Google Docs, do you need Microsoft Office?
Posted on 7/14/14 at 10:58 am
Posted on 7/14/14 at 10:58 am
I was looking to put Microsoft Office on a new work computer, and the new version is $400?! I then looked at my Google Docs app on my computer and it allows me to create a new document. Same thing for spreadsheets and slideshows. Does this mean I don't have to blow money on new software, or does Microsoft Office do something that these apps can't?
Posted on 7/14/14 at 11:06 am to SabiDojo
I need to use Access specifically for my own laptop for various DataBase projects, so I kind of bite on the 365 package online. That said, a lot of my word processing docs are in GD(especially when I write some of my technical training notes).
eta: saw this was for a work computer
eta: saw this was for a work computer
This post was edited on 7/14/14 at 11:09 am
Posted on 7/14/14 at 11:06 am to SabiDojo
Office has plenty more features under the hood (I have to use Office for work because I need more out of Word that Google doesn't yet offer), but it's the same concept as Photoshop/Premiere vs. free photo and video editors -- if you aren't going to use the features, there's no reason to pay for them.
Posted on 7/14/14 at 11:08 am to SabiDojo
Depending on what you use Office for, I wouldnt expect Google Spreadsheets to replace Excel.
Posted on 7/14/14 at 11:17 am to SabiDojo
As others have said, what are you using Office for? If it's just to create documents to print out or turn into class or something, you'll be fine with the free office apps. If you are sending docs and spreadsheets back and forth with business contacts, having the actual Microsoft programs can often be important.
Posted on 7/14/14 at 11:29 am to TigerinATL
I'm a lawyer, so I don't know exactly what other options I would need. Of course, there are ethical issues concerning metadata. I don't want recipients to have the ability to edit or see previous editions that contain a client's personal information or other confidential information.
This post was edited on 7/14/14 at 11:30 am
Posted on 7/14/14 at 11:56 am to SabiDojo
Gdocs win for ease of use and collaboration online.
By a country mile.
I have office but rarely use it these days. Our department is so much more productive sharing a free gdrive which I manually zip up religiously once a week. We probably have 500 documents and I can count on one hand how many times we actually need office instead.
By a country mile.
I have office but rarely use it these days. Our department is so much more productive sharing a free gdrive which I manually zip up religiously once a week. We probably have 500 documents and I can count on one hand how many times we actually need office instead.
Posted on 7/14/14 at 12:04 pm to SabiDojo
Depends on your specific needs but if Docs can't do it openoffice can for free.
ETA:
Openoffice, staroffice, etc. are no where near as user friendly as word.
Also, if you're a middle-aged white woman I have an older copy of wordperfect you can have.
ETA:
Openoffice, staroffice, etc. are no where near as user friendly as word.
Also, if you're a middle-aged white woman I have an older copy of wordperfect you can have.
This post was edited on 7/14/14 at 12:06 pm
Posted on 7/14/14 at 12:36 pm to SabiDojo
I do some pretty intense work in Excel that can't be done in Google Docs. You can always use Google Docs until you run into something that you need Office for, then purchase it.
Posted on 7/14/14 at 12:40 pm to SabiDojo
quote:
Does this mean I don't have to blow money on new software, or does Microsoft Office do something that these apps can't?
Looks like it's been pretty well explained, but I would urge you to invest the least amount in a system that totally covers all your needs. If Google Docs is sufficient, then you don't need to buy anything else. If it isn't; there are a few other free options to look into first. Off the top of my head, LibreOffice is probably the most complete, free office suite.
Then you get to the paid tier, where MS leads by far. Here, there are options cheaper than the $400 professional suite. Look at the home/student home/business options + individual app purchases before springing for pro. MS Access and Outlook are phenomenal pieces of software that leave their competitors far in the dust, but the vast majority of people don't use what they offer. Try a free solution first until you find if it can't meet your needs. At that time, you'll figure out what it is that you actually do need. From there, you're one quick google search away from free, cheap, and expensive software to help get the job done.
Posted on 7/14/14 at 12:45 pm to junkfunky
Wrote my senior high school paper in 1982 using WordStar and an okidata business class dot matrix that had a special mode where it would overwrite the dots making it look like a typewriter.
My teacher refused my first copy because it was dot matrix so instead if doing it the right way I had to find a way to get around the system.
Hell my friend's mom did his on her IBM Selectric at work so I didn't feel bad at all working the system.
Posted on 7/14/14 at 2:57 pm to SabiDojo
If it's a work computer your cost isn't $400, it is whatever the software of your choice costs plus the amount of time your employees spend learning how to use it.
For Office that is generally $400 (before tax deduction) + 0. Not a bad deal at all.
For Office that is generally $400 (before tax deduction) + 0. Not a bad deal at all.
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