Office 2013 is Microsoft's latest desktop Office suite for Windows PC.

You can install Office 2013 on one computer or device. If you want more mobility options or would like to install Office on more devices, consider reading All About Office 365. Office 2013 exists on your desktop and is cloud-integrated for sharing files or collaborating whereas Office 365 exists and operates in the cloud.

If you're ready to jump right in, you can still Install Office 2013 Preview for free.

Programs and Features

Get to know new features for individual programs by checking out Office 2013 Programs: New Features and Image Galleries.

For an in-depth review of more than 40 features, check out my Review of Microsoft Office 2013.

Office 2013 for Consumers, Households, Students

The core version of Office 2013 is Office Home & Student 2013. If you want more programs, look to the following business versions.

Office 2013 for Business

Office Home & Business 2013 - Intended for small businesses or those needing only core programs

Office Professional 2013 - Intended for larger businesses needing more program options

Computer/Device Compatibility

Office 2013 can be used on devices running Windows 7 or later. Unfortunately, it looks like Mac users will have to wait for the corresponding version, as has been typical for new versions of Office. Hopefully it will not be the usual wait of a year or so. Office 365, on the other, is currently compatible with Mac OS X.

Windows 8 is the new version of Microsoft’s operating system, which coincides with the development of Office 2013 and this entire productivity ecosystem.

Some new Windows devices are built on Windows RT. For these devices, a specific version of Office 2013 will be necessary: Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 RT.

Also, a trimmed-down alternative for Windows devices is available in the Microsoft Office Online web apps as well as these mobile options:

• Microsoft Office Mobile App for Android
• Microsoft Office for iPad
• Microsoft Office Mobile App for iPhone and iPod Touch

The Bling: Apps, Not Add-ins

In Office 2013 programs, you can bring in additional functionality. Apps may perform tasks which are not standard or native to that application, so check out Add-ins and Apps in Microsoft Office.

New Office, New Ecosystem

Perhaps the biggest overarching feature is the new integrated environment Microsoft Office is now part of. Often referred to as an ecosystem, it spans multiple devices and the Microsoft OneDrive cloud environment. While Office 365 offers more extras in that ecosystem, both allow sharing via OneDrive.

Your Alternative to Office 2013 Desktop: Subscriptions and Office 365

With all that connectivity comes a new way for buying Office. Meet subscription pricing, the new trend for accessing productivity tools in the cloud and across multiple devices.

Understanding Office Suite Subscriptions

Buying a Desktop Version of Office 2013

While Microsoft wants you fully integrated into its cloud-based productivity ecosystem by switching to Office 365, the software company is still offering the desktop, out-of-box versions listed above. Click through the version links for consumer or business suites to connect with details, system requirements, and where to buy Office 2013.

Upgrading to Office 2013

Some upgrade deals are available for those who have bought an older version within certain time frames.

Free Upgrade to Office 2013, Office 365 When You Buy Office 2010

Please let me know if you have additional questions!