I have just learned, from Microsoft Disability Support, that Office 2010 will no longer be supported as of early 2017. I was receiving constant automated notices on my systems which use this software. Apparently, those messages were generated because of this development. That's going to cause some headaches for many people including state run agencies here in Pennsylvania. Here at home, I use Office 2010 Home and Business. A new 2016version runs about $229 plus tax. I'm not sure if that's a sale price since Microsoft is now offering a twelve day special sale. With tax in my state, the total is about $246.
Now here's the problem. Microsoft wants you to have an active Microsoft account. Downloading the software is, admittedly, much easier with an account but it's difficult to work with a download without it. You can always go out and buy the hard copy on disk. That is still an option. I am not sure what the price would be in a retail store. Usually, the Microsoft Store's prices are a bit more reasonable. But what does this mean to the average Office 2010 user? Personally, I have never called Microsoft directly for support on my Office 2010. I have received help from the Disability Desk of course. Under normal circumstances, this would not be a problem. But knowing computers as we all do, there might come a time when an issue is encountered which cannot be corrected normally. It is then that support becomes essential. Fortunately, that is rare for most of us. Are they trying to force purchases of their newer software? Probably. The decision to act is up to each of us as individuals. There are some definite differences between 2010 and 2016. I'm at the very beginning. However, one of them does concern me. I use Outlook as my e-mail client. Apparently, some e-mail providers are using different security protocols which may not be supported by older e-mail software. In addition, Microsoft Live essentials will no longer be supported as of January, 2017. Microsoft is saying that Live Mail will still work if it is already installed on your system. But it will no longer be available for download. The accompanying antivirus software was, in my opinion, never that good to begin with. But it too will no longer be available. That development is confirmed by an article posted by David Goldfield, somewhat of a technical guru in Philadelphia. . Maybe someone on this list has an antivirus program which is still accessible with jaws. I am using Avast but it has its problems. It is usable but only just. I wanted to let everyone on the list know about these developments. Not everyone can afford the kind of investment purchasing Office 2016 represents. JOHN AND LINDA JUSTICE With guide dogs Edwin and calypso PERSONAL E-MAIL: [email protected] --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit: http://www.jaws-users.com/help/
