Review by Rawim

So perhaps you, like me, have been using Office for almost all of your adult life. And you know every few years they come out with a new version, and with internet connectivity, they can bug you to upgrade every few weeks. Well I go the chance to upgrade. And I did.

Now you either download with a code provided by Amazon, or you buy the PC card, which come with a card that has the code you use to download from Microsoft. You go to the Office website, enter you code and Microsoft starts the download and install. Nice thing is it loads the basics first and you can start using Word or Excel almost right away. But of course this depends on the speed of your computer and internet connection.nBut mainly I want to talk about the different versions. They look exactly the same but there are some issue to be aware of:nMicrosoft by default installs the 32-bit version of Office. This is because the 32-bit version place nicer with both versions, while the 62-bit version has some issues doesnt play as nice with other. So you have to install the 32-bit option first then install the 64-bit version if that is what you want.

According to Microsoft you will want the 64-bit version if:nYou work with extremely large data sets.nYou work with extremely large pictures, videos, or animations in PowerPoint.nYou work with extremely large Word documents.nYoure working with files over 2GB in Project.nYou want to keep the 64-bit version of Office that you’re already using.nYoure developing in-house Office solutions.nYour organization requires Hardware Data Execution Prevention (DEP) be enforced for Office applications.

And these suggestions are made because Microsoft warns that the 64-bit version:nSolutions using ActiveX controls library, ComCtl controls won’t work. There are many ways for developers to work around this, and provide you with a 64-bit solution.n32-bit third-party ActiveX controls and add-ins won’t work. The vendor would need to create 64-bit versions of these controls.nVisual Basic for Applications (VBA) that contain Declare statements won’t work in the 64-bit version of Office without being updated.nVisual Basic for Applications (VBA) that contain Declare statements won’t work in the 64-bit version of Office without being updated.nIn SharePoint, the list view won’t be available.

So there really is no reason to install the 64-bit version unless you are already suing it, or you work with some huge files. Your life will be easier with the 32-bit version. Any questions feel free to ask.