Office Web Apps – A Free, Online Version of Office 2010

May 26, 2011 9 Comments

Did you know that you can now use a free, online version of Office 2010? Microsoft’s Office Web Apps provide you with a limited version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote that you can access at anytime from any browser or mobile device with an internet connection. Because your files are stored in the cloud, it’s very easy for you to access, edit and share them with others.

Watch the video for an overview of Office Web Apps.

Microsoft likely created this free version of Office to compete directly with GoogleDocs which is also a popular, free, cloud-based office suite. The advantages of Office Web Apps include:

  • High quality templates, clip art, and chart tools that are displayed just as they would be in Office 2010 software
  • Integrates with current Office 2010 software, so you can create documents on your desktop and upload them to Web Apps
  • You can share your documents with others and they can edit them simultaneously
  • PowerPoint slide shows and Excel tables and charts can be embedded into blogs and websites

The main disadvantage of Web Apps is that they only offer a limited version of the tools offered in the actual software programs. You will notice that a lot of features and commands are missing from the program’s Ribbon in the Web App version. However, you can still accomplish a lot if you do not need to get too fancy or complicated with documents.

PowerPoint Web App Ribbon

Getting Started

In order to use Office Web Apps, you will need to sign up for a free Windows Live account, since your Office documents will be stored in Windows Live SkyDrive. Every time you need to create, upload or access your documents in Web Apps you will need to sign in to your Windows Live account.

Not quite ready? Click through the Web App slide show below to learn even more about what you can do with Office Web Apps.

Finally, if you are new to Microsoft Office and would like to learn how to use Word, Excel and PowerPoint, you can visit our Office 2010 tutorials to get started.

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Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, New Technology
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About mia

Leader of the oh-so-talented instructional design team. With an extensive background in education and a passion for design, Mia loves directing the development of our learning content and working with such a cool group of creative types. Lately enthralled with Season 5 of Mad Men, she also has interests in history, travel and curbing her addiction to Apple TV.
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9 Responses to “Office Web Apps – A Free, Online Version of Office 2010”

  1. Barbara H Reply May 26, 2011 at 2:00 pm

    Do I have to have Word 2010 or Office 2010 installed on my computer in order to use the Office Web Apps?

    • jessica Reply May 27, 2011 at 7:54 am

      No, these are separate programs that are more like “Office Light.” It’s a way for you to be able to use the products in a limited manner without having purchased MS Office.

  2. Newbie Reply September 21, 2011 at 8:20 pm

    Is it possible to use these Office Web Apps to complete your gcflearnfree.org online classes somehow if you don’t have 2007 or 2010?

    • jessica Reply September 22, 2011 at 9:43 am

      You will need to have the complete software to be able to complete the online classes. Look at your local library or community centers to see if they have Microsoft Office 2007/2010.

  3. gobinda bose Reply January 2, 2012 at 10:06 am

    I am gobinda bose,I want to use office 2010.
    Please give me free software.

  4. Maurizio Pighin Reply February 21, 2012 at 1:16 pm

    I would like to use this Microsoft prograam because this little computer has no dvd drive

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