What is Microsoft Office 2007?

Purchasing Microsoft Office used to be easy, you could choose between two or three versions, and be ready to do everything you needed with the software suite. Now, with the release of Office 2007, there are eight different versions of the software suite to purchase. While in most cases, the Home and Student edition is more than enough for most users. You may find you need more than what that version offers. So, how do you decide which version is right for you?

For starters, what do you need Microsoft Office for? If you are using it for recreational purposes, school or just to have, Basic or Home and Student edition would be sufficient. Both come with Word and Excel, whereas Basic comes with Outlook while Home and Student comes with PowerPoint and OneNote. Basic only comes bundled with a new computer; Home and Student can either come bundled with a new computer or purchased separately. Office Standard is an off-shoot of Basic and Home and Student, it contains Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook but not OneNote.

If you are using Microsoft Office for a small business or beyond, looking at a more inclusive suite bundle is necessary. Small Business comes with Word, Excel PowerPoint and Outlook. These four programs are considered the core of the Office suite. It also includes Accounting and Express Publisher; it also can come bundled with a system, purchased separately or acquired through multiple licenses. Professional comes with the core products, plus Accounting, Express Publisher and Access. Professional Plus offers all of that, plus Info Path and Communicator. Professional Plus can only be purchased in multiple licenses.

Enterprise is another version that can only be purchased through licensing and includes all of the above plus OneNote and Groove. The final version of Microsoft Office is a limited edition version called Ultimate. It can be purchased at a retail level and includes licensing for one primary device and one portable device.

Before purchasing Microsoft Office 2007, determine what your needs are and what you actually need from the suite. While Home and Student will be the suite that will fulfill most needs for the average computer user, if it is not, there are multiple alternatives for users who need more from Office. Take the time to research your options and make the right purchase, otherwise you might find yourself out a lot of money for making the wrong buy.