Office 2013: 5 Reasons You'll Love It

Much-improved interface

Office 2010's interface was beginning to look long in the tooth and a bit dowdy. Office 2013's is much improved, doing away with the sometimes-distracting 3D look of the Ribbon, and adding swaths of flat color. It's far easier on the eyes than earlier versions of Office.

The interface improvements are more than skin deep. The File tab (previously called Backstage) has been revamped, to great effect. For example, when you create a new document now, you get to see thumbnails of available templates. There's a lot more as well, including simple ways to make the Ribbon disappear and then come back when you need it.

More HERE
 
Hi there

Not a good start for me

I can't download it --even with a VALID TechNet subscription. I'm trying to download it using W8 RP version x-64.

Screenshot enc

Cheers
jimbo
 

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I used the x64 link on Brinks post and Firefox and it worked for me. I have a Technet sub but if was just convenient at the time.
 

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There are other problems in store - XP, Vista and Windows 8 CP are excluded too:

3000 http://officecdn.microsoft.com/pr/D85263CB-A813-4A8F-9895-E2EC9CA472933001 _ProductReleaseId_O365HomePremRetail_scenario_integrated_culture_en-us_lcid_1033_platform_x86_version_15.0.4128.1014_PrereleaseBuild_3919_firstrun_root\office15\firstrun.exe_heroapp_root\office15\winword.exe_heroarguments__IdP_Live
3002 Continuing could be expensive
3003 You're connected to a network that limits downloads every month.
\nWe need to stream some large files over your network connection to install Office, so we recommend installing while connected to an unrestricted network.
\nIf you are sure you won't be charged or exceed your limits by dowloading a large amount, you can choose OK to download and install. Otherwise, you should Cancel and install when connected to a different network.
3004 Stopping installation, continuing would be too expensive
3005 We're sorry, but you're connected to a network that will charge you for every file you download.
\nWe need to stream some large files over your network connection to install and we don't want you to get stuck with the bill.
\nPlease retry installing when you are connected to a different, unrestricted network.
3010 Administrative Privileges Required
3011 Installation requires administrative privileges to make changes to your computer. \nPlease retry installing this product and give the required permission when prompted. \n If you cannot give these permissions to install, ask your system administrator to help you.
3012 Couldn't install
3013 We're sorry, we had a problem installing your Office program(s).\n\nIs your internet connection working? Do you have enough free space on your main hard drive?\n\nPlease try installing again after you’ve checked the above.
3014 Microsoft Office
3015 The Office on Demand webcontrols have been installed.
3016 Office needs a newer version of Windows
3017 We're sorry, we couldn't install your Office product because you don't have a modern Windows operating system.\n\nYou need Microsoft Windows 7 (or newer) to install this product.
3018 Couldn't Install Office
3019 We're sorry, Office couldn't be installed.\n\nPlease save the file you used to start this installation to a place you can find easily. Then use Windows Explorer to view that location and try installing Office again.
3020 Couldn't start Office on Demand
3021 We're sorry, but your Office on Demand program ran into a problem that’s preventing it from working correctly.\n\nYou can try again in a moment, we recommend using a new web browser window.
3022 We found a problem!
3023 We found a pre-release or Beta version of an Office product on your computer and can’t install because of it.\n\nPlease Uninstall any pre-release Office software using the Programs and Features item in your Control Panel and try installing again.
3024 Couldn't start Office on demand
3025 We're sorry, but we can’t verify the signature of files required to install your Office product.
\nWe need to verify these signatures to keep your computer safe.
\nPlease retry installing your product or, if installation continues to fail, try re-downloading your installer if you got it online. Make sure you only download Office products from a trusted source.
3026 We're sorry, we couldn’t start your Office on demand program because we can’t verify the signatures of some required files.
\nWe need to verify these signatures to keep your computer safe.
\nPlease try starting your Office on demand application again.
3027 We're sorry, we can't stream your Office program on demand for you on this computer because it's not running a modern Windows operating system.\n\nMicrosoft Windows 7 (or newer) is required to stream Office on Demand programs.\n\nYou can try editing this document in your web browser instead.
3028 We found a problem!
3029 We're sorry, Office does not work with Windows 8 Consumer Preview.\n\nYou need the full version of Windows 8.
3030 We're done uninstalling!
3031 Office on Demand web browser add-ons have been removed.
3032 Microsoft Office on Demand Browser Add-ons

(Source - the error messages in string.txt in the Office on Demand setup.x86.etc. file)

Where does all the nannying about the download being too expensive come from??
 

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    Memory
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    notebook
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST9500325AS
    Google drive 15GB
    Skydrive 25GB
    BT Cloud
    PSU
    external 20v
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    pretty good
    Keyboard
    inbuilt
    Mouse
    touchpad
    Internet Speed
    BT Infinity Unlimited - 80 up 20 down =70/16 really
    Browser
    Chrome Canary usually
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    no Start menu modifications
    Upgraded with no issues to 8.0 and to 8.1
Much-improved interface

Office 2010's interface was beginning to look long in the tooth and a bit dowdy. Office 2013's is much improved, doing away with the sometimes-distracting 3D look of the Ribbon, and adding swaths of flat color. It's far easier on the eyes than earlier versions of Office.

The interface improvements are more than skin deep. The File tab (previously called Backstage) has been revamped, to great effect. For example, when you create a new document now, you get to see thumbnails of available templates. There's a lot more as well, including simple ways to make the Ribbon disappear and then come back when you need it.

More HERE

The other four reasons quoted in the article don't seem all that impressive.
 

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Where does all the nannying about the download being too expensive come from??

That is in preparation for installation on cell network machines. I.e. tablets and laptops connected to MiFi type devices.

It's the future don't you know! Every byte restricted and or charged for! :)
 

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Regardless of all of the reasons to love it, the one thing I cannot stand is how "bright" and "white" it is. Please, please, please let me change this in the final release as I would consider it nearly unusable in it's present form.
 

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    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
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    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
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    23" Acer x233H
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    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
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    Antec P182
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    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
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    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
I love the new features that the article outlines...as well as.... OUTLOOK! YES! Freaking love it!

And the new metro design! WOW! Simply elegant!
 

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I am most certainly NOT trying to create a wave here. But with sincerity. What do you mean by the "Metro Look". I have been pondering over Metro applications since Windows 8 was put upon us. Apart from full screen , and a replacement of certain functions, I would not care to define a Metro look. Anyone?
 
Last edited:

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I am most certainly NOT trying to create a wave here. But with sincerity. What do you mean by the "Metro Look". I have been pondering over Metro applications since Windows 8 was put upon us. Apart from full screen , and a replacement of certain functions, I would not care to define a Metro look. Antone?

For me the flattened Windows are a breath of fresh air. I am talking here about the Classic Desktop within Windows 8.
 

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    Seasonic 750W
Where does all the nannying about the download being too expensive come from??

That is in preparation for installation on cell network machines. I.e. tablets and laptops connected to MiFi type devices.

It's the future don't you know! Every byte restricted and or charged for! :)

So if you can't afford to load software on them, erm, what is the use of them?
 

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System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP COMPAQ Presario CQ57
    CPU
    AMD E- 300 APU with Radion HD Graphics 1.30GHz
    Motherboard
    inbuilt
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI
    Sound Card
    High Definition Audio on-board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    notebook
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST9500325AS
    Google drive 15GB
    Skydrive 25GB
    BT Cloud
    PSU
    external 20v
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    pretty good
    Keyboard
    inbuilt
    Mouse
    touchpad
    Internet Speed
    BT Infinity Unlimited - 80 up 20 down =70/16 really
    Browser
    Chrome Canary usually
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    no Start menu modifications
    Upgraded with no issues to 8.0 and to 8.1
pfft!, office doesn't effect pron, so who cares :haha:
 

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I guess there'll always be freeware or open-source stuff
that isn't written with the almighty dollar in mind.

At least, I HOPE so......
 

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I am most certainly NOT trying to create a wave here. But with sincerity. What do you mean by the "Metro Look".
I am guessing it's a combination of the new launch screen, where the application opens and gives you the ability to pick a template or pick a recent document that you worked on. It's noticeably prettier than before (but not necessarily better in any way..just my opinion). Also, once the app is open as a window, you get the little blue border (or whatever your color choice is) at the bottom of the application.

While I can appreciate these subtle differences, I hate how bright white everything is. And my inability to really do anything about it.
 

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    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
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    23" Acer x233H
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    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
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    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
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    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Shades?

A little script that reduces screen brightness as it loads your MSO app?
 

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    AMD E- 300 APU with Radion HD Graphics 1.30GHz
    Motherboard
    inbuilt
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI
    Sound Card
    High Definition Audio on-board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    notebook
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST9500325AS
    Google drive 15GB
    Skydrive 25GB
    BT Cloud
    PSU
    external 20v
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    pretty good
    Keyboard
    inbuilt
    Mouse
    touchpad
    Internet Speed
    BT Infinity Unlimited - 80 up 20 down =70/16 really
    Browser
    Chrome Canary usually
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    no Start menu modifications
    Upgraded with no issues to 8.0 and to 8.1
^ I don't want to reduce my screen brightness because then all of my other docs will be too dim. I cannot believe they didn't even provide the 3 basic color schemes that Office 2010 includes.
 

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    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
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    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
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    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
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    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
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    Corsair 620HX modular
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    Antec P182
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    stock
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    ABS M1 Mechanical
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    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
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^ I don't want to reduce my screen brightness because then all of my other docs will be too dim. I cannot believe they didn't even provide the 3 basic color schemes that Office 2010 includes.

Aren't maybe jumping to conclusions here? This is still a preview.
 

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    XFX nVidia GT 420
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    3TB HDD
    2TB HDD
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    Seasonic 750W
^ It's true, but it's the only thing that I have to base any reviews off from. Until I see otherwise, i have to assume that what they have given me, is what I am going to get.
 

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    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
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    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
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    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
^ It's true, but it's the only thing that I have to base any reviews off from. Until I see otherwise, i have to assume that what they have given me, is what I am going to get.

Hi there
I gave up on 2013 -- at the moment the colour scheme is no good for me whatsoever and it.s not customisable in any way that I've found.

I KNOW it's only a preview but the MOST IMPORTANT THING imo for a preview is to present something to the customer that will have some Buzz or "I want it" appeal.

I can't find anything in Office 2013 that provides me with that "Buzz" or "Wow" factor that says I have to have it.

For example on EXCEL 2010 it's easy to customize stuff so it's easily readable.

Here's a screenshot I use to download the Option Chain from the CBOE (Chicago Board Options Exchange) for BAC-E (Bank of America).

I have the screen with Black borders etc . With 2013 just get the hideous white stuff. I can't see anything excel 2013 gives me here that I can't do with EXCEL 2010 -- and I'm 100% NOT interested in all the cloud stuff.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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Yeah right Jimbo..!

Have been wondering why office 2013 started with totally pale appearance, and no color scheme is provided. No fun to stare at it for hours :(

Kevin
 

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