Entering the code online enables you to download your copy of Office, or activate a free trial version pre-installed on your new PC. Under the new system, you buy a Product Key, which is 25 alphanumeric characters long. Under the old system, you could buy a copy of Microsoft Office on DVD, and use it without an internet connection.
As chief executive Steve Ballmer said last year, this 'impacts how we run the company, how we develop new experiences, and how we take products to market for both consumers and businesses.' However, other things have changed now that Microsoft is not a software company but a cloud-based 'devices and services company'. Also, both are designed to work with cloud (online) services, particularly Microsoft's SkyDrive. The new Office 2013 is designed to work with Windows 8, and both have a similar modern styling that puts the emphasis on your content rather than Microsoft's software. Microsoft usually brings out new versions of Office to match new versions of Windows, and Windows 8 is no exception. Which version of Microsoft Office should I use on Windows 8? I am buying a new laptop and need to use Outlook.
