What is Microsoft Office Professional
Microsoft Office Professional is a robust suite developed by Microsoft, designed to meet the diverse productivity needs of businesses. It includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more applications.
This Software enables users to create and edit documents, analyze data, deliver compelling presentations, manage emails, and collaborate seamlessly. With a wide range of features and user-friendly interfaces, Microsoft Office Professional has become the industry standard for businesses and individuals. It empowers users to work efficiently and achieve professional excellence.
What are the versions of Microsoft Office Professional Edition?
Microsoft Office Professional has been released in several versions over the years. Here is the brief of all versions:
Due to its popularity, Microsoft launched the 2021 version with advanced features such as The OneNote application and added a well-known, popular messaging app – MS Teams. Unlike the 2019 version, Updates are available from the company. It is a top-tier suit.
This version includes translating text and converting handwriting or motion graphics. It provides powerful tools (popular applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, and Publisher) for creating, editing, and managing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, emails, and databases.
Released before Office 2019, this version introduced features like real-time association and improved sharing options. Furthermore, data analysis capability has been enhanced in this version. The 2016 version includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, and Publisher applications.
This version has a touch-optimized design. It introduced features like cloud storage integration and enhanced multimedia editing tools.
The ribbon interface has been introduced in this version, which makes more accessible access to various features and commands. Similarly, It offered integrated collaboration tools and web-based services.
It included Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, and Publisher applications. This version has a salient update for the user interface, like adding a ribbon toolbar and new supported file formats, i.e., docx, .xlsx, .pptx, etc.
What is the difference between Microsoft Office Professional Edition and Standard Edition?
We will differentiate Microsoft Office Professional and Standard Edition in the following way:
S No | Microsoft Office Professional | Microsoft Office Standard |
|---|---|---|
1 | Microsoft Office Professional often offers advanced features. | Microsoft Office Standard offers moderate features. |
2 | It includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, and Publisher applications. | It includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Publisher applications. |
3 | It is usually more expensive due to the inclusion of different applications. | It is cheaper than the Professional version. |
4 | Best Suit for personal and business purposes. More preferably for businesses. | It can also be used for Personal and Business purposes, specifically for personal use. |
5 | License type: Standard | License type: Open |
6 | One-time fee for 1 PC | One-time fee for 1 PC |
Prerequisite
Check the compatibility of your device, as the 2021 edition supports Windows 10 and 11.
If you want any other edition, check the version's compatibility by following the link: aka. ms/systemrequirements.
How to Download Microsoft Office Professional 2021
I will assist you with how to download the latest version of Microsoft Office Professional 2021 with the help of screenshots:
Visit the official Microsoft Office site.
Click in the red circle area “Buy Now” option.
Click on the “Checkout” option to proceed further.
Login Page will appear, enter your Email and password; otherwise, click on “Create one” if you haven’t registered an account.
Complete your registration and enter the verification code you received in your mail inbox.
Enter Credit / Debit Card information to make a one-time payment. You will be immediately charged, and licensed software will be installed on your device. There will be no refund after purchase.
What are the disadvantages of Microsoft Office Professional Edition?
As Microsoft Office Professional Edition offers a wide range of features and advanced functionalities, likewise there are a few disadvantages which are necessary to consider :
Cost
Microsoft Office Professional Edition tends to be more expensive than other versions of Microsoft Office or alternative office suites. Hence it can make it less accessible to individuals or small businesses on a tight budget.
Complexity
With its advanced features and tools, Microsoft Office Professional Edition can be overwhelming for users who only require basic functionality. Moreover, there may be a negative impact on newbies unfamiliar with this suit.
Compatibility
Although Microsoft Office is widely used and the dominant office suite in many Companies. However, compatibility issues can arise when sharing files with users of other software applications or older versions of Microsoft Office. Consequently, discrepancies may occur, which leads to potential errors.
Dependency on Updates
Microsoft Office products frequently release updates and new versions, and maintaining compatibility with the latest updates can be necessary to ensure optimal performance. However, this dependency on updates may be inconvenient for some users, especially if They are not regularly connected to the internet or if their systems are incompatible with the latest updates.
The Best Alternative of Microsoft Office Professional
We will discuss the top 2 alternatives of Microsoft Office Professional:
1. WPS Office
One of the best alternatives to Microsoft Office Professional is the WPS Office is a comprehensive office suite that provides a range of features and tools to enhance productivity. Here are salient features of WPS Office:
WPS Writer is a word-processing application that offers a variety of formatting tools, templates, and styles. It supports the creation and editing of documents with features like spell check, track changes, word count, and the ability to insert images, tables, and charts.
WPS Spreadsheets is a powerful spreadsheet application comparable to Microsoft Excel. It supports complex formulas, data analysis, pivot tables, charts, and conditional formatting. It also offers many built-in formulas and functions to perform calculations efficiently.
WPS Presentation is a slide show creation tool similar to Microsoft PowerPoint. It allows you to create visually appealing presentations with various slide transitions, animations, multimedia embedding, and speaker notes. It also supports collaboration and offers a presenter mode for more engaging presentations.
WPS Office provides comprehensive tools for working with PDF files. It allows you to create PDFs from scratch, convert documents to PDF format, and edit existing PDF files. You can add annotations, bookmarks, and watermarks and secure your PDFs with passwords and permissions.
WPS Office offers many templates for different document types, including resumes, business letters, meeting agendas, project proposals, and more. These templates can help you save time and create professional-looking documents quickly.
WPS Office integrates with popular cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and WebDAV. This allows you to seamlessly access your files from anywhere and collaborate with others.
WPS Office supports real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to simultaneously work on the same document. Users can leave comments, track changes, and share documents with others for review and editing. It enhances teamwork and streamlines the collaborative process.
WPS Office is available for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. This cross-platform compatibility ensures you can work on your documents from various devices and maintain file consistency.
WPS Office offers many customization options, allowing you to personalize the user interface, toolbar layout, shortcut keys, and more. This enables you to tailor the software to your preferences and work style.
These are just a few key features of WPS Office. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for creating, editing, and managing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, making it a popular choice for individuals and businesses seeking an alternative office suite.
2. Google Workspace
Google Workspace (formerly known as G Suite) is a suite of productivity tools. Here are some reasons why it is considered a strong alternative:
Google Workspace is built for collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously. It offers real-time editing, comments, and version history, making it easy for teams to collaborate efficiently. All files are stored in the cloud, providing easy access from any device with an internet connection.
Google Workspace offers various pricing plans, including flexible options for individuals, small businesses, and enterprises. It provides excellent value for the features and storage it offers, often at a lower cost compared to Microsoft Office Professional.
Google Workspace is cloud-based and accessible through a web browser, making it compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS. It also offers mobile apps for Android and iOS, allowing users to work on their smartphones and tablets.
Google Workspace seamlessly integrates with other Google services like Google Drive, Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Meet. This integration streamlines workflows and provides a cohesive user experience.
Google Workspace includes Google Docs (word processing), Google Sheets (spreadsheets), Google Slides (presentations), and more. These tools allow users to collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in real time, eliminating the need for back-and-forth file exchanges.
Google Workspace supports importing and exporting Microsoft Office file formats, allowing you to work with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without compatibility issues. You can easily convert files or work on them in their original formats.
Google Workspace offers robust security features, including data encryption, two-factor authentication, and advanced admin controls. It also lets users have granular control over file-sharing permissions and access levels.
While Google Workspace is the 2nd most popular alternative, there are other office suite options available, such as LibreOffice, Apache OpenOffice, etc. The choice depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the features you require for your work or business.
FAQs
What is included in Microsoft Office Professional Plus?
Microsoft Office Professional Plus includes Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Publisher, OneNote, Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange. It provides a comprehensive suite of productivity applications and services for business users.
It offers a comprehensive solution for professional productivity needs with advanced features like database management, desktop publishing, note-taking, and collaboration tools.
Is Office Pro the same as 365?
No, Office Pro and Office 365 are not the same. Office Pro is a standalone version of the Microsoft Office suite that is typically purchased with a lifetime license.
Office 365, on the other hand, is a subscription-based service that includes access to the latest versions of Office applications, along with additional features like cloud storage, collaboration tools, and regular updates. Office 365 offers more flexibility and ongoing access to the latest Office features compared to the static version of Office Pro.
How do I get Microsoft Word without paying?
There are different ways by which we can use Microsoft Word without paying even a single penny, such as using Office Online (Access the free web-based version), Mobile Apps (Download the free Microsoft Word mobile app for Android or iOS devices), Free Trials, Office 365 Education (If you are a student or an educator).
Remember that these methods may have certain limitations compared to the full-featured paid version of Microsoft Word.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft Office and WPS Office are comprehensive office suite options that provide various applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more.
Microsoft Office is a widely recognized and established suite offering powerful tools such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It is commonly used in businesses and organizations, providing extensive functionality and compatibility with Microsoft file formats. However, Microsoft Office can be costly and may have a steeper learning curve for those unfamiliar with its features.
On the other hand, WPS Office is the best alternative that offers similar functionalities to Microsoft Office but with a more budget-friendly approach. WPS Office provides a user-friendly interface and compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats. It also supports cloud storage integration and real-time collaboration. WPS Office can be suitable for individuals and businesses looking for a rich-feature suite without the higher price tag.
