Do I need Microsoft Office?

**TrUe GaMeR** · 04-23-2012

Originally Posted by The Black Wolf

I am a college student and I was wondering should I purchase Microsoft Office which includes programs like Microsoft Word and Power Point? I am unsure, my new computer has Microsoft Starter or something, but is it necessary to buy the full version?

Maybe it's not necessary but it'll make your life easier. No matter what the guys below say about open office being the same, its not. There's a reason why people shell out $149 for it time and time again.

You can use the free MS office online called MS office web apps. (It's saved me in my times of need.)

Then you can also sync your files from the desktop office to the online office to the mobile office on your phone. Any change you make in one will automatically change in all.

You can also save and retrieve your documents to the cloud with skydrive and open the documents online if the computer your on doesn't have office.

If you leave your personal computer powered on you can browse your documents on your personal computer while your away at work or in the computer lab or wherever.

-But hey, maybe open office can do these things. /s

**AaronSOLDIER** · 04-23-2012

I prefer Open Office.

**PeanutButterMunky** · 04-23-2012

Originally Posted by TrUe GaMeR

Maybe it's not necessary but it'll make your life easier. No matter what the guys below say about open office being the same, its not. There's a reason why people shell out $149 for it time and time again.

You can use the free MS office online called MS office web apps. (It's saved me in my times of need.)

Then you can also sync your files from the desktop office to the online office to the mobile office on your phone. Any change you make in one will automatically change in all.

You can also save and retrieve your documents to the cloud with skydrive and open the documents online if the computer your on doesn't have office.

If you leave your personal computer powered on you can browse your documents on your personal computer while your away at work or in the computer lab or wherever.

-But hey, maybe open office can do these things. /s

It's dependent upon your needs. There's no point in having MS Office if the person doesn't use those features. I prefer MS Office, though... but it's nice that there are options for broke people.