<p>The computer we purchased for our daughter to take to college had a 60 day trial for Microsoft Office Student package installed. They want $150 to continue. I found the same package online for $120 , but figured I might be overlooking some better solution. Just thought I’d check with all of you experienced cc’ers before I buy.
Also, I searched the school’s website for information about package deals offered there but did not find what I was looking for. Thanks for any advice you can offer.</p>
<p>Download OpenOffice from <a href=“http://www.openoffice.org%5B/url%5D”>www.openoffice.org</a> Its free and compatible with MS Officious.</p>
<p>go with the on-line solution. If you wait a while, the same $120 package may drop down to $90 with mutiple Licenses. Just wait till you are closer to back to school season.</p>
<p>When I have to use an office-like product (because teachers want something as a .doc/.ppt, or because I’m working in a group with people who would rather not use LaTeX, or for any other reason) I use OpenOffice, both in Windows and in Linux. I’m not very fond of it because it’s too much like Microsoft Office for my taste, but it gets the job done, and it’s free.</p>
<p>OpenOffice is a great piece of software, but if you absolutely must use the real thing many campuses have Microsoft Campus License Agreements whereby students can “buy” (read: license for the duration of their stay at the school) a copy of Office or Windows for very cheap. At Chicago it’s like $25 for the latest version of Office.</p>
<p>If you can get a cheap student version, get it. There are a few compatibility differences between OO and MS-Office. If you’re an accounting major, for instance, you probably want to use Excel exclusively.</p>
<p>If this computer is going away to college - you may want to check with the school - many have discounted programs for students. We did that - saved $450 on a $600 program thru the student discount thru the school.</p>
<p>Some schools also have programs that they load at no charge as long as the student attends that school. Worth checking out.</p>
<p>my daughter used neooffice ( as do I) and LaTeX.
I do not believe I have anything MICROSOFt on my computer. :)</p>
<p>Thank you for all of your input so far. I just heard that Microsoft is releasing a new version of the student package, but not until January. That really makes me hesitant to buy the current( 2003) version now! Maybe we will try one of the free download programs for now and then decide if it works for her or if we should purchase the new Microsoft in January.
Thanks!</p>
<p>Keep digging and checking if the school has any special offers. At Wesleyan all students get the complete Microsoft Office package for $10 or $15–something I wasn’t aware of until I got there.</p>
<p>I assume this is for PC’s …</p>
<p>When I looked into the USC Bookstore for info on what they offer, they have license only copies (no doc & no support) for $69. I don’t know if this lasts just while they are students or what. I assume this is just for 1 license. I’m sure there might be lower cost options.</p>
<p>I think the student/teacher edition is for 3 licenses. If you can split the cost, that might be an option too.</p>
<p>Don’t forget anti-virus stuff. I know that USC’s IT folks make this available as a download (PC & Mac).</p>
<p>does anyone know if Rutgers university has student discounts on software. we are debating on obtaining a copy also. however we do not want to spend the big bucks for it. New college parents HELP!!!</p>
<p>I suggest just buying the ‘education discount’ MS Office from the college assuming they have it. Chances that a new version will have anything the old one doesn’t that your D really needs is minimal. After the new one comes out, you can consider upgrading if you think it’s really worth it.</p>
<p>The prices are so cheap relative to other colleges costs and book cost it’s not worth worrying that much about. The average book for a class will cost more yet she can use this software all 4 years.</p>
<p>FLOUNDERING just call the school and ask - or check their website - probably the IS department or could even be the bookstore.</p>
<p>check the technology page of your D’s college. Some are very specific about how to get discounted software. I know for my D we ended up getting Microsoft student through the school for a small amount of money.</p>