Microsoft Office is an office suite that helps you with tasks in your personal and professional life. It is suitable for Windows and Mac. You may be unsure of what MS Office is, its features, how long it’s been around, how to download it, and how much it costs. So, the question is, what is the history of Microsoft Office, and how is it today? This article will introduce everything about MS Office, from its past to its present.
Introduction
Most people, or even some Microsoft Office users, may not be familiar with what Microsoft Office is and how long Microsoft Office has been around, or, let’s say, Microsoft Office in general. Moreover, they might not be familiar with how it is downloaded and installed and how much it costs. If you are the person above, you are indeed at the right place. Continue reading to learn more about Microsoft Office.
Microsoft Office Introduce
Microsoft Office is a software comprising applications and services that may help you complete your professional and personal purposes. Microsoft Office comes in different versions depending on the environment where it is used and the purpose it is being used for. Additionally, the different versions of Office are compatible with all operating systems: macOS, Linux, and Windows.
History of Microsoft Office.
After learning what Microsoft Office is, you should know a few details about the history of Microsoft Office. Microsoft Office was launched on August 1, 1988, after being announced by Bill Gates at COMDEX in Las Vegas. The first version of Office only had three applications: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Microsoft Office has been a cornerstone of modern productivity software. It has a rich history dating back to the early days of personal computing. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive software suite that spans various platforms and devices. It has enabled individuals and businesses to create, edit, and manage their digital content.
It has been updated and added new applications with new features and services over the years. It has been and is being produced in different versions to function well for the purpose and the environment it will be used in.
Different environments include desktops as well as mobile devices. As technology advanced, Microsoft Office adapted and expanded. It embraced innovations such as mobile devices and cloud computing, making it accessible across different platforms.
Today, Microsoft Office encompasses a diverse array of applications. In addition to the original applications, they have included Outlook (for email and scheduling), OneNote (for note-taking), and a lot more. It continues to evolve with regular updates, integrating AI and cloud-based features to enhance productivity and collaboration.
The Microsoft Office package today is versed with excellent applications and features. Its lasting legacy is a testament to its adaptability and its commitment to empowering users to achieve more in an increasingly digital world.
Microsoft has continued to introduce new versions of Office and enhance the software. However, Microsoft Office 365 now acts as the primary source to acquire other versions of Office via subscription, purchasing, or downloading.
The Microsoft Office package today is versed with excellent applications and features. It is the top software of choice for many people and has billions of users across the world.
What Does Microsoft Office Include?
Microsoft Office has many applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and others. Below is the list of the apps and a brief description of them and their uses.
1. Microsoft Word
It is a Word processor that helps to create, edit and check for the spelling of your file, either a document, report, or letter.
2. Microsoft Excel
It is a Microsoft Office software spreadsheet program that organizes, calculates, and saves data.
3. Microsoft PowerPoint
It is a presentation tool composed of text, graphics, and pictures, allowing you to create slideshows for presentations.
4. Microsoft OneNote
It is used for note-taking by gathering, organizing, and sharing notes.
5. Microsoft Outlook
It is a personal information manager comprising e-mail, store calendar, and address book, and helps manage tasks.
6. Microsoft Publisher
It is a graphic design app for Cards, calendars, postcards, Websites, and labels.
7. Microsoft Access
It is an informational management tool that helps to store data and analyze and manage data more efficiently.
8. Skype for Business.
It is a communication service that allows connecting with people for business purposes in a company or worldwide at any time and place.
Download and install Microsoft Office
To download and install Office, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to the Microsoft Office website.
Click “sign-in” to log in, or if you don’t have an account, create one.
Step 2: Click Install to be directed more on the item to purchase.
Once redirected, click “Apps and devices” and select the item to purchase. Choose the language and the bit sizes of your computer, whether 32 or 64, then click “Install Office.”
Step 3: Enter username and password.
After running the setup, click in the boxes to insert the admin username and password. Then, select “Yes” to start the download process.
Step 4: Click the start menu.
After installation, minimize the screen and go to the start menu. You will see the downloaded office applications such as Excel, Access, Skype for business, and others as you scroll down. Click on one of them to start creating, editing, and saving your documents.
How to Edit Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Powerpoint for Free?
There are other alternatives to purchasing or subscribing to Microsoft Office to access Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. A free and better alternative has been made possible with WPS Office which is also compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems.
WPS Office isn’t different from Microsoft Office. Applications such as Writer, Spreadsheets, and Presentations, are similar to their Microsoft counterparts. In addition to this, the user interface is also quite similar making it easier for users to utilize the software without having to learn anything new.
Some of the key features of WPS Office include:
Microsoft Office compatibility to open, edit, and save documents in different formats.
Free Office suite with essential applications like Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheets
Cloud integration with cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive
Variety of templates and themes to enhance document and presentation creation
Supporting real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to edit documents simultaneously and leave comments
Offline mode, making it suitable for users in various environments
If you feel Microsoft Office 2021 is expensive, you can join the more than 500 Million WPS office users worldwide by downloading it for free.
To edit Word, Excel, or PowerPoint in WPS
follow the following step-by-step guide to download and use it for free:
Step 1. Go to the WPS office.
Go to the browser and search “wps.com”. On the homepage, click “Download” to proceed to the next page.
Step 2: Choose the operating system.
Still, on the WPS office homepage, you will be asked to choose the operating system you use on your device, whether Windows, Mac, or Linux. Select one depending on which one you are using for your operating system and select “Free Download”.
Step 3: Click the “Download” button.
Once you have downloaded the software, click on the downloaded file to install and set up WPS Office.
Step 4: Launch WPS Office for free.
Once the download process is complete, click on the Start Menu of your device to launch it. After you open it, you can start using Word, Excel, or PowerPoint for free on WPS by clicking their respective icons on the WPS Office home screen.
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to have Microsoft Office?
Many people might desire access to Microsoft Office to enhance their personal or professional purposes, but they may at the same time feel discouraged by the high software prices. You don’t have to worry because Microsoft also offers resources at different prices depending on the type of ms office. So the cost of various Microsoft Offices 365 is as below:
Microsoft 365 for personal- $ 6.99 per month or $69.99 per year.
Microsoft 365 Apps Business - $8.25 per user monthly for an annual subscription.
Microsoft Office 365 business-$6 per month, which is an auto-renew annual subscription.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium - $22 per user a month for an annual subscription.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard - $12.50 per user a month for an annual subscription.
2. Can I get Microsoft Office for free?
You can get Microsoft Office for free on your device, a legal procedure. So to get Microsoft Office for Free, press “Alt+Windows+Ctrl” at the same time. After pressing, you will be redirected to Microsoft Office 365 apps on the left side of the screen. To start using them, select any Microsoft Office 365, either Excel, PowerPoint, access, or many more, and start using them for free.
SUMMARY
In conclusion, the history of Microsoft Office is more than 25 years old. It has outstanding applications with various features that have been added over the years, making it the market-leading office software for a long time. Downloading it is easy using the steps provided above.
However, if you are looking for something more affordable but with similarly excellent features, WPS Office is the way to go. They offer compatibility, a user-friendly interface, and features to enhance your productivity for free.
