Is the new version of MS Office worth getting?

[Accipiter22]

I work extensively with Access as a consultant, and have been pondering upgrading to the newest version of MS Office, anyone have any opinions on it?

 

[NoShangriLa]

Don't fix it if it is not broken.

 

[Ronin]

It took a bit of time to get used to the new UI, but there are some other issues that you might want to be aware of.

There are new file formats (docx, for example), and the new Office has more capabilities than the previous ones. This means that items you create in the new one may not downgrade to the old office gracefully (I get warnings all the time when saving spreadsheets about incompatibilities if it were to be opened in older versions). Yes, you can save in the old format, but because you were creating the item in the newer version, you still run into the issue.

Be wary of that.

 

[eits]

yeah, get it. i like it.

 

[eakers]

yes.
wrong forum.

 

[Homerboy]

Originally posted by: Ronin
It took a bit of time to get used to the new UI, but there are some other issues that you might want to be aware of.

There are new file formats (docx, for example), and the new Office has more capabilities than the previous ones. This means that items you create in the new one may not downgrade to the old office gracefully (I get warnings all the time when saving spreadsheets about incompatibilities if it were to be opened in older versions). Yes, you can save in the old format, but because you were creating the item in the newer version, you still run into the issue.

Be wary of that.

or you can just set the default save-file type as the 97-2003 format for maximum compatibility.

 

[giantpinkbunnyhead]

I hate it. HATE it. I uninstalled it and put 2003 back on. I tried for some time to get used to the new UI, and it's just trash. I can't stand feeling like I'm so dumb that microsoft feels I need a "UI for dummies". Furthermore, there was NO REASON they couldn't offer the 2003 Office skins as an option.

As was said above... if it aint broke...

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: giantpinkbunnyhead
I hate it. HATE it. I uninstalled it and put 2003 back on. I tried for some time to get used to the new UI, and it's just trash. I can't stand feeling like I'm so dumb that microsoft feels I need a "UI for dummies". Furthermore, there was NO REASON they couldn't offer the 2003 Office skins as an option.

As was said above... if it aint broke...

The only person I've ever seen that didnt' like the new interface after getting used to it.

I say it is worth the upgrade. Easier to use, better interface, and new XML-based file format provides significantly smaller file sizes.

 

[Ronin]

Originally posted by: Homerboy

Originally posted by: Ronin
It took a bit of time to get used to the new UI, but there are some other issues that you might want to be aware of.

There are new file formats (docx, for example), and the new Office has more capabilities than the previous ones. This means that items you create in the new one may not downgrade to the old office gracefully (I get warnings all the time when saving spreadsheets about incompatibilities if it were to be opened in older versions). Yes, you can save in the old format, but because you were creating the item in the newer version, you still run into the issue.

Be wary of that.

or you can just set the default save-file type as the 97-2003 format for maximum compatibility.

You're misunderstanding. It has nothing to do with the default file save.

 

[cheesygoldfish]

did all you guys buy it or pirate it?

 

[Ronin]

MSDN

 

[eits]

Originally posted by: cheesygoldfish
did all you guys buy it or pirate it?

arrrg

 

[oboeguy]

I'm curious, do the Alt+<key1>+...+<keyn> shortcuts still work in the new version? (e.g. Alt+e+s+l to paste a link).

 

[Whisper]

I don't use Access much at the moment, so I can't really speak on that, but I do actually enjoy the new Word. As the others have said, the UI took a little while to get used to, but after typing up my thesis proposal on it, I definitely started to appreciate the new layout.

As for whether it's bought or pirated, my university put it up as a download available to all students earlier this year I believe, so that's how I grabbed it. They've done the same with Vista, but I have yet to get that.

 

[cheesygoldfish]

Originally posted by: oboeguy
I'm curious, do the Alt+<key1>+...+<keyn> shortcuts still work in the new version? (e.g. Alt+e+s+l to paste a link).

yes

 

[JEDI]

sill using office 2k.

finally upgraded from office 97 because i hate constantly upgrading this or that patch or compatibility problem

but since u use it as a primary means of $ (Access consultant), u[grade and learn the newest version.

u gotta show your worth the coin thewy're dropping on u aND KNOW the latest wizbang version

 

[Evadman]

If you use access as a consultant,t hen no. Expecialy since 2000 is still the standard. Hell, I write most of my stuff in Access 97.

 

[Compton]

There is a software forum.

 

[theGlove]

define 'getting'?

 

[cheesygoldfish]

You know what's ridiculous? It costs $500<

If MS wants to really stop pirates the need to:

1) Lower to price to $50

2) Offer a trade-up program

3) Have an easy MIR for $50

4) Give it free to schools so all the kids will love MS in the future

5) Make a "Super China Edition"

 

[OREOSpeedwagon]

Originally posted by: cheesygoldfish
did all you guys buy it or pirate it?

who cares?

btw, it's free from my school so i didn't buy or pay for it

 

[Extelleron]

I like it, but then again I don't really use it for much more than basic Word and Excel work. I got it for free from the PowerTogether program and am now using it along with Vista.

 

[Accipiter22]

Originally posted by: cheesygoldfish
You know what's ridiculous? It costs $500<

If MS wants to really stop pirates the need to:

1) Lower to price to $50

2) Offer a trade-up program

3) Have an easy MIR for $50

4) Give it free to schools so all the kids will love MS in the future

5) Make a "Super China Edition"

QFT.

 

[Shawn]

No

 

[oboeguy]

Originally posted by: cheesygoldfish

Originally posted by: oboeguy
I'm curious, do the Alt+<key1>+...+<keyn> shortcuts still work in the new version? (e.g. Alt+e+s+l to paste a link).

yes

That's good to know. My Boss is amazing at the keyboard with Excel. Like a blur.