What version of Microsoft Word should I use?

Question

Hi guys,
I currently have Microsoft Word 2002 installed on my computer, but would like to update. I know for instance that using the latest version has difficulty with sending a file and people (who have older programs such as myself) are not able to open up these files and read them. I am concerned about that and would like to be reassured that I am able to send attached documents, i will not have issues with others getting them.
Also, if I do upgrade, can I download or do I need to buy? Can this be bought separate or do I need to get it with the complete Office software?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, you cannot change to a newer version with buying a new license and MS Word documents created on version 2007 and onwards are not readable on older versions unless the MS Office compatibility pack is installed on the computer that will access them. This is because the default format on newer versions starting from 2007 is in .DOCX, not .DOC.



Link to Office compatibility pack:

http://download.cnet.com/Microsoft-Office-Compatibility-Pack-for-Word-Excel-and-PowerPoint-File-Formats/3000-18483_4-10648733.html



If you don't want that compatibility pack installed on computers that are running old versions of MS Office, sure that documents are saved in .DOC format.



One alternative to buying the new version of MS Office that comes with Word, Excel, Powerpoint, One Note, etc. (I don't think you can still buy them separately) is the free LibreOffice:

http://www.libreoffice.org/



It's from the same guys who created the free OpenOffice.



Still, you need to save the files in .DOC format if you have recipients using old versions of Word.

Answer 2

The version at school is observe 2007; your version at house is in all probability observe 2000, 2002 (XP) or 2003. after all, there are 2 suggestions for this concern: a million. In observe 2007, do a save As (click the around place of work button first) and decide “observe 97-2003 rfile (*.rfile)” by way of fact the report form. OR 2. on the device with the quicker version of observe, acquire and set up Microsoft’s unfastened Compatibility %.. observe that this nonetheless gained’t supply the older version of observe the greater recent useful components of observe 2007, and there’s a stable probability this type of useful components would be lost on records processed by ability of the older version. wish that facilitates.

Answer 3

The older versions of Office saved as .doc. The newer versions 2007 and up save as .docx. While .docx is the new Extension for word files you can save the document as a .doc (older version) or a .docx by default. There will be no problems if you save as a .doc it will be compatible for anyone who get's that document.



You will have to purchase a Microsoft office suite of your choice. You can purchase a upgrade directly from Microsoft or in a retail store.



See what version you want here: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/buy/office-2010-which-suite-is-right-for-you-FX101825640.aspx

Answer 4

the latest microsoft 2010 version will default save files as .docx but you can manually save them as the older version .doc type so getting a the newest version will still allow compatibility with older versions no worries :)

Answer 5

latest version is always easily and many many new feature added. you can try office 2007 its so nice, easy. faster and simple. you need to buy it...

Answer 6

Why not use LibreOffice it's FREE



http://www.libreoffice.org/