For the past four years I have relied on a free subscription to Microsoft Office through my alma mater, Hofstra University. Then I graduated. My subscription disappeared and I was left between a rock and a hard place as I looked to replace Microsoft Office on my Macbook. To fully replace it I would have had to pay a whopping $140 for four programs (Excel, Powerpoint, Word and OneNote). And there was no way that was going to happen.
So, I started exploring other cheaper options (disclaimer: cheaper does not mean piracy). I tried out Google Docs, Textedit and a few other word processors. But, they all ended with the same result: utter disappointment. I entered Word withdrawal and finally I broke down and searched for a ‘free’ version of Microsoft Word. Lo and behold, the first result that popped up was titled Microsoft Office Online; a free online interface, built by Microsoft themselves, that gives you access to Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook and OneNote all for the price of a Microsoft account (which is also free). Listed below are some of our favorite features from the free Microsoft Office Online.
Free Microsoft Office Online Liberates Your Work Computer
Hemingway wrote in hotels and cafes around the world; and so can you. With more and more businesses giving their employees the option to work remotely, there may be a chance that you will be afforded the opportunity to work from home. But, why home? Why not frequent a café, get inspiration from local passers-by at a local park or get suited up and head down to your local hotel or country club for cocktail hour. All of those options are made possible by the free Microsoft Office online.
Frees Your PC’s Hard Drive
Inevitably, there will come a time when you need to save your Word document or Excel spread sheet (which can be a bit of a bother when you start running out of space on your hard drive). By integrating One Drive, Microsoft’s version of the cloud, with their online interface you will be able to save up to 30 gigabytes of documents, spreadsheets, photos and power point’s online without burdening your already over-burdened PC.
Work Independently and Collaboratively
Looks like Microsoft took some advice from their competitor on this one. Google Drive, Google’s cloud option, has allowed users to integrate their Gmail accounts, calendars, Doc’s, Sheets and Slides and share all of those documents with others with a Google account. Microsoft has provided their users with similar features (through free Microsoft Office online) which will allow you to share files online and collaborate with your co-workers even when you are 1,000 miles away (say trekking through the Ande’s or enjoying the surf at your local beach).
Free Microsoft Office online has been a savior for me both financially (because it is free) and personally, because it has allowed me to work seamlessly from home when I need to. If this sounds like the right decision for your business, feel free to check out the online programs here. And, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 516-484-5151. We look forward to hearing from you!
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