Office Software - advice request

Folks - I'm using a very old version of MSOffice (2000) and its about time I upgraded.

I use Excel a fair bit for all the astro calcs, ephemerides etc and its getting a bit long in the tooth. Powerpoint does my head in but its ok for presentations etc. I use Visio a lot for mapping out astro projects - I really like it but it too is now getting a bit on...

Anyhow, now I've convinced this post *really* is astronomy related...

I was checking out the various versions and to be honest, I got kinda lost. Not really with the different functionalities, but with the license types - OEM, Full, EDU etc

Of course, things went up in order of magnitude when I looked at where to buy - there's a fair old prioce differential and it seems savings can be got depending on where one shops.

As regards price, its a fairly hefty price but I really fancy the pro plus edition and Visio. It should last me a good few years anyhow - Office 2000 has given 8 years anyhow...

So, here goes with the questions:

1. Is it safe to buy this stuff online
2. What license should I buy
3. Is it OK to purchase it from another country than Ireland (e.g. UK)

Please don't try and persuade me to use "other" office type software - you may think I'm a complete muppet throwing money at M$ but I've been using it since the late 80's and as they say, you can't teach an old dog...

Appreciate your help.

Cheers
Dave

Hi Dave

Just sent you an e-mail

clear skies
Mike

Anyhow, now I've convinced this post *really* is astronomy related...

Hhmm, I don't know...

So, here goes with the questions:

1. Is it safe to buy this stuff online

How long is a piece of string? It's safe to buy software from a reputable vendor. It's totally un-safe to buy it from those spam emails you get offering your cheap EOM software. Same as in the real world really, buyer be ware and be careful where you shop.

2. What license should I buy

I'd be inclined to say the cheapest one you can get away with. Do you actually use anything that's not in the home edition? If not, then pro is just flushing large wodges of cash down the bog.

3. Is it OK to purchase it from another country than Ireland (e.g. UK)

Not sure on this one, depends on MS's license really. I buy lots of software from all over the world, but not from MS who don't have a single world-wide price but different ones in different regions. I'd imagine they've written something into their license to protect that little bit of extortion.

Bart.

Please don't try and persuade me to use "other" office type software - you may think I'm a complete muppet throwing money at M$ but I've been using it since the late 80's and as they say, you can't teach an old dog...

Appreciate your help.

Cheers
Dave[/quote]