Microsoft ends support for Office 2010
Office 2010 users, we know you’re out there. As recently as 2017, according to a survey published by IT marketplace Spiceworks, Office 2010 was being used in 83 percent of the companies surveyed. But your time’s up on October 13, when Microsoft officially ends support for the Office 2010 productivity suite. That means no more technical support, no more patches, and no more security updates.
As you prepare to switch, the good news is, most of the options are reasonably priced. The bad news is, each new version gets closer and closer to subscription-based products. In fact, the latest standalone version, Office 2019, exists only because enough customers complained that Microsoft relented. The writing’s on the wall: Eventually, subscriptions will be the only Office option available.
Matrix Warehouse has got the Office options for you instore at your favorite store. View what’s available online or view your closest branch.
What happens if I stay with Office 2010?
If you are dead-set on keeping Office 2010, you can do so as long as you’re comfortable with the risks. Because Microsoft will no longer be supporting it with bugs and patches, you will need thorough and aggressive virus protection software.
Another roadblock you may face is incompatibility with some of the newer programs and file formats. However, keep in mind that almost all Windows products can be exported regardless of one-to-one compatibility.
Should I switch to Office on the web for free?
You have one free option from Microsoft: Office on the web. All it requires is a Microsoft account. This could be a good starting point for students and new users who want to “try before they buy” and experiment with the online versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
Keep in mind, however, that Office on the web is a limited, scaled-down version and lacks many of the full version’s features. Unless your needs are very basic you probably wouldn’t want to run your business off these online applications.
Should I upgrade to Office 2019?
Office 2019 comes in three different versions and prices:
Office 2019 comes with many caveats. Unlike Office 365, which is updated regularly with new features, Office 2019 is not. You get the features that came with the original version that was released in October of 2018, and no more. Office 2019 does not include OneNote, SharePoint Designer, or InfoPath. When the next desktop version is released, you must purchase it again if you want new features.
In addition, 2019 is not supported by Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. And, for those who run networks or install software on multiple drives, Office 2019 can only be installed on the system drive that is, the C:\ drive (usually), and that location cannot be changed.
Here’s the real kicker: You must have Internet access to install and use this product, unlike 2010, which functions offline.
Should I upgrade to an Office 365 subscription?
Microsoft would love it if you upgraded to an Office 365 subscription. Obviously, instead of shelling out some money once for standalone Office, a subscription requires a monthly or yearly cash outlay.
Matrix Warehouse has got the Office options for you instore at your favorite store. View what’s available online or view your closest branch.