Microsoft Drops Office Starter Edition

Microsoft is dumping its Office Starter edition as Windows 8 and the next edition of the suite, dubbed Office 2013, near completion and release later this year and early next.

The company blamed a "bad user experience" in Windows 8 for the move.

ZDNet blogger Mary Jo Foley first reported on the demise of Office Starter 2010 earlier on Thursday.

Office Starter 2010, which Microsoft created in 2009, was the company's replacement for Microsoft Works, an entry-level application suite that had been offered to OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) for bundling with new PCs.

Read more at:
Microsoft Drops Office Starter Edition | PCWorld
 
Don't particularly see a need for a basic starter edition any more. You can get cloud based versions of the office apps for free with your skydrive account.
 

My Computer

System One

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    Windows 7
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    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
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    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Don't particularly see a need for a basic starter edition any more. You can get cloud based versions of the office apps for free with your skydrive account.


Um, no. It might be free NOW, but it won't stay that way.

I insist on my software being on MY machine.

I'll pay for software ONCE, I will NOT pay every time I want to use it.

Nor is having to have an internet connection to use software acceptable.

Still, I have office 2010, which will do me for the foreseeable future. And
there's always Open Office.......
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Enterprise 64-bit (7 Ult, Vista & XP in V-Box)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G 'Super-Laptop'.
    CPU
    Intel Sandy-Bridge i7-2670QM quad-core
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel 3000HD / Ge-Force GT555M 2 gigs
    Sound Card
    Realtek/5.1 Dolby built-in including speakers.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" full-HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1024
    Hard Drives
    2x750GB Toshiba internal, 1x500GB Seagate external, 1x2TB Seagate external, 1x640GB Toshiba pocket-drive, 1x640GB Samsung pocket drive.
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    Air-cooled
    Mouse
    I/R cordless.
    Internet Speed
    Borderline pathetic.
Um, no. It might be free NOW, but it won't stay that way.
I guess only time will tell. But right now today it is free, so use it freely. And if it's not free, there are alternatives like Google docs which are free. I honestly don't see Microsoft not providing these applications going forward for free, if their competitors do, MS is going to follow suit or lose users.

I insist on my software being on MY machine.
Nothing wrong with that. It is your choice. I'm a bit different in that I like to keep my machines as clean as possible. I only try to install what I absolutely must have...anything else is usually played with or evaluated on a virtual machine. Therefore, I have very little need for ongoing maintenance, reg cleaners, uninstallers, etc. If I occasionally need to make a spreadsheet or open one, I'd love not having to load Office (or pay for it), or load OpenOffice, but instead just use the online copy.

I'll pay for software ONCE, I will NOT pay every time I want to use it.
Again, it's a personal choice. I too would prefer to pay once, and only once. But considering the overall cost of something like Office and new versions every few years...it could actually come out cheaper to not buy it outright. It all depends upon the user. And you can continue to buy Office, you just won't be able to get Office Starter Edition (whatever that is..I know of nobody who actually has it, or has used it).

Nor is having to have an internet connection to use software acceptable.
Yeah, this is a hard one for lots of people. At my house, my internet is as reliable as my electricity. I rely on my Internet for Netflix, for HBO-GO, my online games, my telephone service, etc. This darn connection is nearly as valuable as my plumbing.

Still, I have office 2010, which will do me for the foreseeable future. And
there's always Open Office.......
Yes, having alternatives that are freely available is great. And that is what I like about having Office available online free of charge. I get the real deal, I don't have to install anything and it's 100% free (right now and for the forseeable future).

I used to use and recommend OpenOffice to everybody who wanted Microsoft Office and didn't want to pay for it. Now, I can recommend that they use Office for free online.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    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
    Monitor(s) Displays
    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.
Again, it's a personal choice. I too would prefer to pay once, and only once. But considering the overall cost of something like Office and new versions every few years...it could actually come out cheaper to not buy it outright. It all depends upon the user. And you can continue to buy Office, you just won't be able to get Office Starter Edition (whatever that is..I know of nobody who actually has it, or has used it).

We'll see, but Adobe is one of the first companies to adopt this model and no, the on line "subscription" is in fact more expensive than the buy one and upgrade every 3 years model. Unbelievably... That's the more likely future. Companies are using this as a way to INCREASE revenue, not decrease it. That means you pay more for the pleasure :(
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7/8
Hi there
an individual user will pay a LOT MORE for software if it's paid for "By Use" rather than just buy it once and use forever.
If people can't see this then please deplete your own Bank accounts so I can make money buying the Stock of the service provider. !!

Just look at the "Capping" of data downloads with some ISP providers -- you got switched from a seemingly more expensive "Unlimited" plan - albeit at that time with a slower download speed to what "appeared" to be an attractive cheaper option --but if you can refuse those offers DO SO.

Especially with the improvement in download speed -- fibre optic cable etc -- those 3 HD TV programs you've just watched via the Internet on your mega 60 inch plasma screen have just eaten up your "monthly" allocation of download.

I've got the software I need on my LOCAL machine --and if the OS changes so I'm forced to use the cloud I'll say FORGET IT and continue to run my stuff on a local machine as a VM. !!

The Cloud is CLOUD CUCKOO LAND.

Judging by what happened to the Nat West Bank (and others) in the UK recently -- still 6 DAYS on and a load of customers can't get access to their money, pay their bills or even query their accounts I'd have to ask would YOU trust everything to some off shored provider where you have ZERO control over what they are actually doing.

(At least for once the "Unthinkable" is being said) -- two years ago even to hint at this would have meant Instant dismissal in "Politically Correct" circles. !!

BBC News - Is outsourcing the cause of RBS debacle?

Repeat -- The Cloud is CLOUD CUCKOO LAND.

cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
In the event that the future does indeed having us pay more, there is the advantage that we don't have to install, patch and maintain the software. Not sure that this would really be an advantage that most users are willing to pay extra for.

I don't see local installable software going anywhere anytime soon.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    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
    Monitor(s) Displays
    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.
Well currently you do need to install and maintain the software quite often :( it's not ALL browser based. I.e. the Adobe model is that you still install the software, but have to pay monthly to use it. Same goes for a lot of on line games...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7/8
Well currently you do need to install and maintain the software quite often :( it's not ALL browser based. I.e. the Adobe model is that you still install the software, but have to pay monthly to use it. Same goes for a lot of on line games...

And nor will I purchase a game that requires online authentication, or requires an internet connection to play.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Enterprise 64-bit (7 Ult, Vista & XP in V-Box)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G 'Super-Laptop'.
    CPU
    Intel Sandy-Bridge i7-2670QM quad-core
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel 3000HD / Ge-Force GT555M 2 gigs
    Sound Card
    Realtek/5.1 Dolby built-in including speakers.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" full-HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1024
    Hard Drives
    2x750GB Toshiba internal, 1x500GB Seagate external, 1x2TB Seagate external, 1x640GB Toshiba pocket-drive, 1x640GB Samsung pocket drive.
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    Air-cooled
    Mouse
    I/R cordless.
    Internet Speed
    Borderline pathetic.
Heh well multiplay games require that just for the game play...

But my point was that though there may be cloud features, most cloud software still requires software download and install so the subscription price doesn't buy you any less heart ache there :(
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7/8
Don't particularly see a need for a basic starter edition any more. You can get cloud based versions of the office apps for free with your skydrive account.

For all of us who don't mind installing:
Software installed locally will always be better / more reliable. Why are the hard-drives getting bigger in size every day if you keep them clean and use cloud programs.

But I agree that cloud apps will be better for the average joe because not everyone knows how to hassle with complicated installs or configurations and you just click on Word and it opens.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
I multi-play over a LAN or split-screen.

I won't waste my (VERY limited) bandwidth (8GB/month) playing online.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Enterprise 64-bit (7 Ult, Vista & XP in V-Box)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G 'Super-Laptop'.
    CPU
    Intel Sandy-Bridge i7-2670QM quad-core
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel 3000HD / Ge-Force GT555M 2 gigs
    Sound Card
    Realtek/5.1 Dolby built-in including speakers.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" full-HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1024
    Hard Drives
    2x750GB Toshiba internal, 1x500GB Seagate external, 1x2TB Seagate external, 1x640GB Toshiba pocket-drive, 1x640GB Samsung pocket drive.
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    Air-cooled
    Mouse
    I/R cordless.
    Internet Speed
    Borderline pathetic.
Don't particularly see a need for a basic starter edition any more. You can get cloud based versions of the office apps for free with your skydrive account.


Um, no. It might be free NOW, but it won't stay that way.

I insist on my software being on MY machine.

I'll pay for software ONCE, I will NOT pay every time I want to use it.

Nor is having to have an internet connection to use software acceptable.

Still, I have office 2010, which will do me for the foreseeable future. And
there's always Open Office.......

There's Office 2013 coming out next year.....
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
From my experience using the Office Web Apps, they're dreadfully limited. I'll check them out again right now, but last that I saw, you couldn't even format a Word document to save your life. There wasn't even text wrap! Big issue.

PowerPoint Web App is also dreadful for me, an experience PowerPoint artist. Same issues as Word.

I don't know, I'll check them out to see what's new. From what I gather, its purpose seems more as an interim product to use when you don't have a full Office suite available (or a modern one) and you don't or can't use Office on a Windows Phone to type a full document up quickly and print it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Looks like Word fixed the word wrap issue, but still can't format the actual page. Four long lines of text doesn't translate into four lines of text on paper space. Overall though, I think Microsoft needs to make the Web Apps a little less stripped down because the Starter Edition of Office 2010 wasn't anywhere NEAR stripped down as the Web App. At least you could actually see what the formatting looks on the paper space and you could even take Word with you on a flash drive too...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
And nor will I purchase a game that requires online authentication, or requires an internet connection to play.
I'm alright with online authentication, but having to be online can be a real problem. The other annoying thing is when you are ready to sit down and play and you fire up your game only to find that you need 1.5GB of updates and they are coming down super slow.

So far, the games I'm playing which require being online are BF3 and Diablo III. Cannot play either one without a connection. But both are good games, so it's alright by me.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    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
    Monitor(s) Displays
    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.
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 570
    CPU
    AMD x2
    Motherboard
    Dell
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI HD 5670
    Hard Drives
    2 x 500GB
    PSU
    Corsair 600W
    Case
    Dell
    Keyboard
    Logitech K300
    Mouse
    Logitech G400 Gaming
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