The Mouse Trap
–by Janis Weber
PUBLICATION DATE: Oct 13, 2020

Microsoft Office Suite Changes:
The 10 MS Office versions have changed about every three years beginning in 1995. Office 2010  users, we know you’re out there. As recently as 2017, Office 2010 was being used in 83 percent of the companies surveyed. But your time’s up on Oct. 13, when Microsoft officially ends support for the Office 2010 productivity suite. That means no more technical support, no more patches, and no more security updates. You can still use it but you need to understand the consequences.
As you prepare to switch, the good news is most of the options are reasonably priced. The bad news is each new version gets closer and closer to subscription-based products. In fact, the latest standalone version, Office 2019, exists only because enough customers complained that Microsoft relented. Eventually, subscriptions will be the only Office option available. 
You have one free option from Microsoft: Office on the web. All it requires is a Microsoft account. This could be a good starting point for students and new users who want to “try before they buy” and experiment with the online versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Keep in mind, however, that Office on the web is a limited, scaled-down version and lacks many of the full version’s features. Unless your needs are very basic you probably wouldn’t want to run your business off these online applications. 

I love Google Docs online. It is free and all it requires is a Gmail address. You can obtain one even if you don’t ever use is it for email purposes. Microsoft products and Google complement each other and can be interchanged. This means all of your documents will open and be functional within the internet version of Google Docs.
Office 2019 ($150) comes with many caveats. Unlike Office 365, which is updated regularly with new features, Office 2019 is not. You get the features that came with the original version that was released in October of 2018, and no more. When the next desktop version is released, you must purchase it again if you want new features. In addition, 2019 is not supported by Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. And, for those who run networks or install software on multiple drives, Office 2019 can only be installed on the system C drive.
Microsoft would love it if you upgraded to an Office 365 subscription. Obviously, instead of shelling out some money once for standalone Office, a subscription requires a monthly or yearly cash outlay. One license is $70 but six licenses is $100 per year. I believe it is legal to share that cost with other people. You can split the cost, and everyone wins. Microsoft still makes the most versatile software.
Seems the future holds all software will be obtained online either as a purchase or a rental. I assume all your files will be stored in your cloud of choice for a fee. That also means you may not have to pay for a large hard drive on your local computer just a good processor and fast internet speed. You can do that now, but I see it as the norm coming up soon. A good tablet with a keyboard is the new wave. Prepare for the future dear readers.

Sylvania Senior Center Classes
New classes with be held as soon as the center reopens. Check the SSC newsletter and website for the most current information. Included will be Windows 10 Computers Basics, Facebook, Microsoft Word, Google Docs and iPhone/iPad. If you have a topic and know some folks who are interested, call the Senior Center and ask for Susan Jennelle at 419-885-3913. Limited seating fills fast so call ASAP to reserve a spot. We are considering an Excel Club. Interested? Call the SSC.

I make house calls (I enter with a mask)
I will come to your home or office and help you with almost any predicament including repairs, upgrades and general software or hardware issues. I can be your resident “Geek.” I have an endless amount of patience and knowledge with years of experience. Give me a text or call at 419-290-3570. Do not forget to sign up for my free newsletter at OhComputerTraining.com. Subscribers will get a copy of this article plus added hints, tips, and trusted/valuable web-links.

BACK UP YOUR COMPUTER’S DATA TODAY – Critical action!
Janis Weber, B.A., owner of Ohio Computer Training & Support, is a professional computer adjunct instructor. E-mail any specific questions or comments to JwPCtutor@Gmail.com
or call her for assistance at 419-318-9112.
Private tutoring and repairs are just a phone call, text or email away.