Not that long ago, Microsoft introduced Office 365 for both Mac and Windows computers. What exactly is the difference between Office 365 and the normal Office program? There are a few major differences that I think you should be aware of.
Office 365 is a subscription-based program: pay the $99.99 each year or $9.99 per month. While your subscription is active, all updates and new versions are yours without any additional fee. Normal Office products have a disc or product key that you have to purchase every time you want to upgrade; this can be anywhere from $100 to $350 (or more) depending on your license.
For $125, you get to use these programs on one computer with one user. For $149.99, you get to use these programs on five computers and you also have access to use the programs on other tablet or smart phone devices.
The regular Office suite comes with Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Office 365 comes with Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Publisher and Access. You will also get 20GB of online storage in SkyDrive and the ability to stream full-function Office programs on any internet-connected PC.
At this point, I don’t see a reason not to buy Office 365 (unless, of course, you don’t want a subscription). As time goes on, with the evolution of technology and the prevalence of piracy in the tech world, most programs will be heading down this path. My take: jump on the bandwagon now until you’re forced to!