Microsoft Office is a productivity software and a well-known and used productivity suite worldwide. As helpful as it is to people in their everyday lives, many users don’t know all the products offered in a Microsoft Office purchase. So, what does Microsoft Office include and how can one purchase or install it? This article will introduce what Microsoft Office is, how to install it, and recommend a free alternative.
What is Microsoft Office 2021?
Microsoft Office is a collection of tools you can use on your computer, online, and phone. It is a suite of productivity software applications developed by Microsoft Corporation.
Microsoft Office caters to individuals and businesses of all sizes. Different types of Office are made for your personal computer and for bigger systems that run websites.
But what does Microsoft Office include? The basic version has popular apps like Microsoft Word and Excel. But, if you want fancier apps like Skype for Business, there are fancier versions you can get.
Microsoft Office has evolved over the years. It has integrated new features, improved collaboration tools, and cloud-based capabilities through Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365). Users can access and use Office apps across multiple devices, collaborate in real time, and store files securely in the cloud.
What Does Microsoft Office Include?
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is a powerful word-processing program. It is used for creating, editing, and formatting documents such as reports, letters, and essays. It can help documents look neat and organized.
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet application. It allows users to manage, analyze, and visualize data through tables, charts, and formulas, making it indispensable. It is great for math, budgets, and keeping track of various other things.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft PowerPoint is a software for creating engaging slideshows and multimedia presentations. It is ideal for conveying information, ideas, and messages visually.
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote is a digital note-taking application. It allows users to capture and organize ideas, notes, and information in various formats, including text, images, and multimedia.
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Outlook is an email client and personal information manager. It enables users to manage emails, calendars, contacts, and tasks efficiently.
Microsoft Publisher (in some editions)
Microsoft Publisher is a desktop publishing tool. It creates professional-looking documents such as brochures, flyers, and newsletters.
Microsoft Access (in some editions)
Microsoft Access is a database management system. People can use it for creating and maintaining databases, facilitating the storage and retrieval of structured information.
Skype for Business
Skype for Business is like a virtual meeting room. You can have video calls and chat with people, even if they’re far away. It’s useful for work and talking to friends.
What are the Features of Products Included in Microsoft Office?
When you ask yourself what Microsoft Office includes, it is important to think of the features of each product.
Microsoft Word
Create and edit professional-looking documents with advanced formatting options.
Collaborate with others on documents in real-time.
Add tables, images, and charts to enhance your document’s visual appeal.
Use built-in templates for easy document creation.
Microsoft Excel
Create and manage complex spreadsheets with a wide range of formulas and functions.
Analyze data using charts, graphs, and pivot tables.
Import and export data from external sources.
Use conditional formatting and data validation to ensure accuracy.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Create dynamic and engaging presentations with multimedia elements.
Choose from a variety of themes, templates, and layouts.
Add animations and transitions to enhance the visual impact.
Deliver presentations with confidence using presenter tools and notes.
Microsoft OneNote
Capture and organize notes, ideas, and information in a digital notebook.
Use tags, search, and audio/video recording for efficient note-taking.
Sync notes across devices for easy access
Draw, sketch, and annotate notes using digital ink.
Microsoft Outlook
Manage email, contacts, calendar, and tasks in one place.
Organize and categorize emails for easy navigation.
Schedule meetings and appointments with integrated calendar features.
Create rules and filters to automate email management.
Microsoft Publisher
Create professional-quality publications, such as brochures, flyers, and newsletters.
Use pre-designed templates for easy layout customization.
Add images, graphics, and effects to enhance the visual appeal.
Merge and personalize publications with data from external sources.
Microsoft Access
Build and manage custom databases for data storage and analysis.
Design queries and filters to retrieve specific information.
Build relationships between tables for efficient data organization.
Create reports and charts to summarize and present data.
Skype for Business
Conduct online meetings and video conferences with multiple participants.
Share screens, documents, and presentations during meetings.
Instant messaging and presence features for quick communication.
Schedule and join meetings through Outlook integration.
Enterprise-level security and compliance features for secure communication.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Products Included in Microsoft Office?
While Microsoft Office offers a wide range of tools with various features to enhance productivity, some pros and cons are associated with their use. Let’s take a look at what these are below.
Pros:
Wide Range of Applications: Microsoft Office suite consists of numerous applications that cater to different needs and enables users to create professional-looking documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases.
User-Friendly: Microsoft Office applications have user-friendly interfaces that resemble each other. This makes it easy for users to switch applications and understand the user interface, which reduces the learning curve.
Collaborative: Microsoft Office suite allows users to collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations online in real-time, making it easy for teams to work together regardless of location.
Functional: Microsoft Office offers a wide range of essential features for office productivity, from creating and editing professional documents to visualizing and analyzing data.
Compatibility: Microsoft Office files can be easily shared and viewed across multiple platforms and opened by various office suites.
Cons:
Cost: One major disadvantage of Microsoft Office is that it requires a license for access, which can be costly, especially for small businesses or individuals.
Steep learning curve: While the interface is user-friendly, some features and functions can be complex and difficult for some users to understand, leading to challenges and increased time spent on learning.
Compatibility Issues: Microsoft Office files can sometimes experience compatibility issues when shared with people using other formats or software applications. This can pose a problem when working with other people who might not have the same software.
Security Risks: Microsoft Office is prone to security issues like malware and viruses, and users must stay vigilant to protect their systems.
Free Alternative to Edit Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
WPS Office is a sophisticated tool that can help you unlock enhanced capabilities. The software is designed to optimize your experience with Microsoft Office.
Imagine effortlessly creating detailed reports, working with numbers in spreadsheets, and making eye-catching presentations - all in one place. WPS Office gives you the tools to manage your tasks with precision and style.
Say goodbye to the confusion of different systems. WPS Office brings everything together, ensuring it works well across different platforms.
Step into an era of efficiency and teamwork. WPS Office redefines your experience with Microsoft Office. It offers a range of possibilities that boost your work, improve quality, and make your projects shine. Discover a world where innovation and productivity seamlessly come together.
Steps to edit Word/Excel/Powerpoint in WPS:
Step 1: Select and Open Your File
Browse your computer to find the Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file you want to edit. Select “Open” or “Open File” to launch the specific WPS Office applications on your computer or device.
Step 2: Edit the Text or Data
Once the file is open, you can change the text, numbers, or content. Click on the text you want to edit, and start typing. For numbers and tables, click on the cell and enter new data.
Step 3: Formatting Changes
Select the text or elements you want to format to change how things look. Then, click on the formatting options like bold, italic, font size, or color.
Step 4: Adding Content
To insert new text, images, or objects, go to the “Insert” tab. Choose what you want to add, and it will appear where you put your cursor.
Step 5: Saving Your Edits
Once you’re done making changes, click on “File” and then “Save” or “Save As.” Choose where to save the edited file on your computer or cloud storage.
Step 6: Closing the File
When you’re finished, you can close the file by clicking the “X” button or going to “File” and then “Close.”
FAQs
1. What do you get with free Microsoft Office?
You can access Office 365 Home (now Microsoft 365 Family) tools for free online. The apps available include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, Outlook, Calendar, My Content, Skype, Designer, and Clipchamp.
The catch, however, is that you can only access these apps when connected to the internet. These apps also have limited functionality compared to the paid versions.
2. Do you have to pay for Microsoft Word every year?
The short answer is yes. An annual or monthly subscription fee is required to keep your access to Microsoft Office 365. Different subscription plans are available to choose from. The amount that you pay depends on your specific needs and budget.
3. How many people can use a Microsoft 365 subscription?
If the subscription is only for one person, a Microsoft 365 Personal subscription will be fine. If the subscription is for more than one person, then the Microsoft 365 Family package will be required. With this package, you can share it with 5 other people.
Final Words
Microsoft Office includes many tools that users can easily use to meet their needs. Like many tools, Microsoft Office has its pros and cons, like paying to access it, which may be fine for some people but not others.
For anyone looking for a free alternative, WPS Office is readily available. They offer a free and paid version that users can easily use. The free version already has various features. Users can create, edit, and save their documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.
