I've never been one to try out beta versions of software (other than Firefox) but I see the beta version of Office 2010 is available.
How do these things work? At the end of the beta period do I get a message asking me for the full price of the program otherwise it won't work? Do I get it cheaper if I've been using it in beta form. I'll be using it on a computer that doesn't have any work related stuff on it. It wouldn't work on my "work" computer anyway. This was an Ebay purchase second hand - well you can guess why I can't upgrade it to be able to use Office 2010 beta on it. Ireally should buy a brand new computer for my work related stuff. I'll be happy to use something more up to date than Excel 2000.
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Never buy black socks from a normal shop. They shaft you every time.
No, don't do it... Excel 2000 (and 2003... And for that matter Excel 4, 5 and 97) were brilliant and they've gone and spoiled it with a pretty front end and hiding all of the commands that you need (For starters hide grid lines and suppress zero values are now in advanced options).
Don't know what 2010 is like but generally as it's beta you'll be getting corrective downloads throughout the next few months as you're basically working as a tester for Microsoft. At the end of the period they generally offer some reduction on the price of a full licence.
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
The Beta version becomes inactive on the 31 October and you have to buy the full version or upgrade version, if you alraedy have an earlier version, there's no mention of discount.
If you already have office, you will have to reinstall it after 2010 expires.
I love my 2000 version (don't mind 1997 either). Like Shaun I can't be doing with all the fancy task panes where I can't find what I want to do. I used to teach MS Office and it was a nightmare every new version they brought out cos the lovely handouts I'd made were all redundant and new ones had to be made causing hours and hours of work. What's wrong with if it 'aint broke don't fix it.
In my various roles I use my own 2000, then at clients 1997, 2003, Mac 2008 which is really 2007 and I expect some who like to have everything new will be using 2010 as soon as it's available.
I'm currently teaching a computers for beginners and 7 of the computers have 2003 but one has 2007 and that's a real nightmare because one person has to do things differently from the others which is really not good with complete beginners who are elderly. Don't ask me any questions on a Tuesday for the next five weeks!!!!!!
