Review by listen440hz

MS Office 2003 is the last ‘Great’ GUI version, imo – that is, before the ‘Ribbons’ innovation happened, and the designers moved everything into hard-to-find places, and similar horrors. Older MS Office 2000 was the last 5 star version, imo. This version (2003) – although superior to later versions – did pick up a little bloat since 2000, and Help has largely become an online feature (not sure how much/to what extent), and that is mildly unfortunate. Sad that MS seems to be determined to somewhat ruin their flagship products in numerous ways (??) – but very grateful their outstanding, earlier products can still be acquired and used, for a while anyway.

So, although not quite as hot as Office 2000, this 2003 version is more current concerning file formats, and new features that are needed on occasion. IE: you don’t want WORD to crash when you are pasting some content from a Web page, right? So in these instances, you’re going to want a version that is capable of dealing with the newer XML, HTML, what have you. Otherwise, there is little reason to upgrade from Office ‘97 for example, LOL.

I bought this used, open box for cheap! And I am happy to say the Product Key worked, and online Activation was successful! …Yet this last point is likely more thanks to my particular vendor for this purchase ( Beadtribe2010 ) and whomever owned it last, for not being a pirate. Thanks!