windows xp and office 2003

bkca1230

we currently have windows xp and office 2003 on our computer. we are thinking of buying the children a laptop for homework and internet so got 2 sources of internet for there homework. my question is if on a laptop its got windows 7 and a newer version of office can they still swap and save things from both. or has the laptop got to have xp and office 2003.

Tammer

Later versions of Microsoft office can open Office 2003 files so you should be ok with that.

You might have some problems if you have other software or hardware that works ok on your current computer but may not on the new one - e.g. DVD burning software, back up software or some peripherals like a mike or headset.

bubblesbonbon

You shouldn't have any problems. Office 2007 and upwards uses a different file type so instead of the "old" .doc extension they use .docx as a default to save. - They will save as .doc if you specify.

Microsoft have provided a Compatiblity Pack which bolts on to Office 2003 which you can download here

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?familyid=941b3470-3ae9-4aee-8f43-c6bb74cd1466&displaylang=en

As Tammer says, the newer versions are backwardly compatible so will read .doc files seamlessly.

However, Word 2007/2010 are quite different to the older versions in the way they work (The Ribbon Interface) any many seasoned users do not like the change.
May be best to try a 90 day trial of Office 2010 to see how you get on.

victor2

As well as the compatibility pack for older versions of office, you can set the new ones to save in the older versions (doc and xls instead of docx and xlsx for Word and Excel) by default. This could be useful if they need to send their documents elsewhere.
As bubblesbonbon says though, you might have problems helping the children out if you are not familiar with the new style interface. Drove me crazy when I switched, often couldn't find those lesser used commands that I just knew from years of use!

Dave_C_2

Not mentioned by other responders, Office 2003 is not a problem on a Windows 7 Laptop. This may save you buying another copy of Office.

Depends on what version of office 2003 licence you have: Start Word and select Help>About Microsoft office word Then click on the View end user licence agreement. It's right at the start.

Dave

spannerzone

Many new PC's come with Office Starter which is an advert supported cut down version of Word 2010 and Excel 2010. It's ok for many people and has reasonable features but a little advert reminds you that you can upgrade to the full versions. Other computers might have Office 2010 trial installed that works for 90days/25 uses.

Also for students and families you can get Office 2010 for very low cost from software4students for only £38.95 for use on 2 computers. A superb deal if you have kids in school/college. Downloadable instantly or get the discs via the post. Well worth a look.