Mac & Office

PDD

Hi Guys,

A friend of mine was asking about moving to the Mac (which I highly recommended) however they have office and asked me if they could use it on the Mac too. Now I know yes office is released on the Mac but they have a licencse for Office for WinXP, can this same license/license key be used for the Mac?

If so then surely there are different install disks needed and how would I go about getting these.

My friend is a business user and wants to do this by the book. Any suggestions really appreciated.

Regards,

Dave

Nietzschean

no he'd need a licence for mac for osx i'm afraid, unless he's got some sort of ms site licence dealy. Different licence/have to buy it...

patto_chan

The install disc for Mac Office is different from that used for WinXP. Different versions of the same program for very different operating systems.

Normally your friend would have to buy a Mac Install version.
However, if he has one of the recent Intel based Macs there are options available to allow him to install Windows software on his Mac.

Codeweavers have released software called Crossover that support running Windows application on an Intel-based Mac:
http://www.codeweavers.com/products/cxmac/
http://www.codeweavers.com/compatibility/browse/rank/

It is possible for him to download a 60 day evaluation version of this software, install his Windows Office software and evaluate how it works.

There is another piece of software called Parallels Desktop that allows you to run Windows apps on an Intel Mac but that requires that Windows operating system also be installed. 30 day evaluation version available:
http://www.parallels.com/en/products/desktop/

Sad Professor

Also, it should be noted that the current mac version of Office is PPC and won't run natively on an Intel mac, so he should wait till Office 2008 is released later this year, it will have Universal (PPC and Intel) support.

DadaKopf

He can (and should) buy and install Parallels. Then he can use his PC version while also running OSX.

It works fine. And, believe me, Mac Office really takes some getting used to if you're a seasoned PC user.

PDD

Hi Guys,

Thanks a million for the feedback, I should have guessed the Microsoft Would screw you with a license. I hadn't considered virtualisation as I was trying to keep costs down but the cost of virtualisation -vs- new office license is a no brainer.

Has anyone used CodeWeaver with Office 2000/2002?

I thought with paralells you had to install a host OS to run the applications which then brings with it another issue of licensing. Can the current XP license be used?

Dave

PDD

Hi Guys,

As an aside has anyone done the switch from Windows to Mac before or maybe people have both?

Im just wondering what support Apple has for assisting people in switching, I remember they had a massive push there a few months back with a few good tutorials etc but cant seem to find them on the apple site anywhere.

Does anyone know of a very good practical in-depth guide that would ensure a seamless changeover? Perhaps some tools similar to files and settings wizard for Microsoft?

Dave

triple h

Hi PDD,
I am new to mac since xmas. the best thing to do is come in here everyday and ask questions and read other post. its a great place in here.

it will take you 2 weeks at first to get use to the change and it will take a few weeks to set up programs and get a system set up you like. its all hard work, but its fun and you will find that mac really is a user friendly computer. While you are setting up programs and trying to find your feet (its really like moving to a new house) you will get some windows people going ----'you should have bought windows'--- please, dont even answer these silly people, just go along and try and get your house in order, you know paint inside and outsoide, buy new furniture and keep some old stuff and it will be weeks before your house looks like home sweet home, oh sorry i mean your computer.

I was using windows for nearly 8 years and i am mac about 8 weeks now. i plan to stay with my imac forever.

mikemac

Have a macbook for about 3 weeks now. Completly new to mac's but find it great so far. Getting used to Office on a mac has been the trickest part to get used to so far.

There was a 30 day trial of MS Office included but this ends in the next few days. Is there an alternative (preferably free) Office product available?
It doesn't have to be advanced, just basic spreadsheets & documents.

I may buy Office 2008 later this year but I need something in the meantime.
Any suggestions?

triple h

same boat as you micmclo

---

try neo office. its free and its good, although they keep asking for a donation. ( i wonder do people give donations) but you will find it good.

uncle_sam_ie

micmclo wrote:

Have a macbook for about 3 weeks now. Completly new to mac's but find it great so far. Getting used to Office on a mac has been the trickest part to get used to so far.

There was a 30 day trial of MS Office included but this ends in the next few days. Is there an alternative (preferably free) Office product available?
It doesn't have to be advanced, just basic spreadsheets & documents.

I may buy Office 2008 later this year but I need something in the meantime.
Any suggestions?

http://www.neooffice.org/

Urban Weigl

I second that. Neo Office Aqua is an excellent product; it's saving me a bundle of cash!

PDD

Cheers for the info guys, very much appreciated.

Dave

faceman

Urban Weigl wrote:

I second that. Neo Office Aqua is an excellent product; it's saving me a bundle of cash!

wish i knew this before i bought ms office for the mac!

triple h

I am just wondering is gmail better than neo office and mic. office 2007. Have only been using gmail for 2 days now and i love it.

It also does what office does and its free. I read in the paper a business can pay a small fee ( €15 , i think) for a year for the best business software on earth.

I am sorry i cant write much about it now, i just thought i would just bring it to people's attention that anyone can join gmail now. It is not only email but business software too.

I reckon ye should look into this. Does anyone here have gmail too?