How do I get Excel?

M

Miguel

I have Excel Viewer, but that only allows me to look at Excel files and not
edit them. I'd like to know if there's any way that I can get my hands on or
download any version of the program WITHOUT having to buy any expensive
Microsoft Office Software? Obviously, if I go that route, then the much
earlier versions would be in order.

I also have Microsoft WORKS, but it's not Excel either, is there a way to
convert between these two programs?

Thanks.
 
F

Frank Kabel

Hi
no legal way to download Excel. Some options:
- Microsoft offers a Trial version of its office products on their
website (check the Office site). Also your Works application may allow
you to get an upgrade offer
- you may have a look at www.openoffice.org
- buy and older version on ebay
 
C

Charles Maxson

The only legal way would be download an evaluation version, unless of course
someone out there is giving away free products.... But I have to ask, you
want to use this a product, yet you think you should just be able to use if
for free? Why is that? Isn't that kind of like going into a grocery store,
eating food and walking out without paying?
 
D

Don Guillett

You could goto ebay and get a legal copy of xl97sr2 or google for STAR
OFFICE which is free and will allow you to work with excel files.
 
M

Migums

No Charles, I don't want to use it for free. I just don't want to pay $200+
for Office 2004 when Excel is all that I need. You may have that type of
money to spend, I don't. Plus, if you read my post carefully, I did say that
if I HAD to buy office, I'd get an earlier, cheaper version. I'm not looking
for any freebies ,sir.
 
M

Miguel

No sir, I don't want Excel for free, but I will not pay over 200 bucks for
Office if I don't have to. Besides, if you read my post carefully, I did say
that if I DID buy office, it would be an older, cheaper version. You may
have the dollars to buy a current version of Office or the like, more power
to you. I choose to work smarter (and legal) not harder.

M.K.
 
H

Harald Staff

Good man, Miguel. I read your question two ways:
Is it possible to buy Excel alone, without all the other Office stuff ? Yes,
it's also a standalone package, but it may be hard to find. Most sellers
want to sell the bundle.
Is it possible to buy older versions cheaper ? Sellers sell only the current
version (at least that's the way over here), so you need to go to the second
hand market. Note that Office XP introduced product activation, so if the
product is really used by someone then you may have serious problems
reactivating it.

Being a Mivrosoft MVP, I should perhaps say "buy the latest version, it's
the best". But if you can get your hands on a secondhand legal pretty cheap
Excel 2000, that's the best performer per dollar you can get. Don't go back
to Excel97 though. My 2 cents.

Best wishes Harald
 
C

Charles Maxson

MK,

Sorry if I misunderstood your question, it's just that so many people seem
to think pirating is acceptable behavior and your post wasn't clear to me.
As far as buying older versions, there are lots of people out there trading
keys but be careful to make sure they are legitimate. I have seen 2003 (even
Pro) "advertised" for less $200 but make sure you are getting the real
product. If you have any affliation with a school you can look at the
student/teacher edtion for a pretty big savings. Of course eBay will have
its 'vendors'.
 
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