The second reason is that you need it to read old files, which is one of your problems. That’s why I’ve used it for a couple of decades. The best is that you like using it, because of its power, rich feature list, ease of use or whatever.

Word is powerful and flexible, but you pay for that utility. The main difference is that Microsoft’s programs are better, except for multiuser simultaneous editing. This is exactly the same as Google’s online suite. All you have to do is create a Microsoft Account using any working email address – it doesn’t have to be a Microsoft email address – and you can use online versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint with free online storage in OneDrive. In fact, you can already use some Microsoft Office programs online, including Word, without paying Microsoft a penny. Microsoft would prefer both Mac and Windows users of Office to move to the online version, Office 365, but it’s still entirely up to you. Is there is a cheaper way of carrying on with Word, or, failing that, an alternative word processor with which I’ll still be able to open and edit my existing Word documents? Ed As a writer, I have a very large number of Word files, but with Microsoft moving to an annual subscription model, the cost of remaining with Word is looking prohibitive. The only con of this is that you need to have an Internet connection before MS Office can work on your Chromebook.I chose Microsoft Word for Mac when I switched to a MacBook Pro some years ago. This online version allows you access to editing and can also share Office files directly within your browser. You can still use Microsoft Office with Microsoft Office Online. If your Chromebook is not Android-enabled, there’s no need to fret. After all, Chromebooks are mainly meant to be used as Internet-connected devices! Using Microsoft Office Online It’s not recommended to sideload the Office apps, as the Web version works just as well.

You can disable this mode after the app is installed. However, sideloading means enabling Developer Mode, which invalidates your warranty and removes all data from your device. If you didn’t already have the app, you can sideload it using an APK file of the Microsoft Office Android app. However, if you’ve already downloaded the app or sideload it now, you’re still free to use it, but there won’t be any more updates. Microsoft ended support for this method as of September 18, 2021.

Can you get microsoft office on mac