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Archive

Microsoft Office 2007 Compatibility Pack for Windows

Contributed by Karen Compton on 08/10/07 

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Microsoft Office 2007 (for Windows) was released earlier this year and the new version uses different file formats than previous versions of Office.

Though Office 2007 is not yet being used on college computers, faculty, staff and students are likely to encounter files in the new format from elsewhere. In order for previous versions (Office XP, Office 2003 and Office 2000) to be able to open, edit, or save Office 2007 documents (Word, Excel or PowerPoint), the Microsoft Office 2007 Compatibility Pack is required.

To install the compatibility pack go to https://www.ithaca.edu/computing/support/software.php and click the Microsoft Office 2007 Compatibility Pack link. There you will find the download link and installation instructions. Please note that the compatibility pack is currently only available for Windows. Microsoft has not yet released a version for Macintosh.

ITS is currently evaluating and testing Office 2007 in preparation for future release to the campus community.

ITS Helpdesk
helpdesk@ithaca.edu
4-3282

Topic: Archive
Microsoft Office 2007 Compatibility Pack for Windows | 2 Comments |
The following comments are the opinions of the individuals who posted them. They do not necessarily represent the position of Intercom or Ithaca College, and the editors reserve the right to monitor and delete comments that violate College policies.
Microsoft Office 2007 Compatibility Pack for Windows Comment from bharris on 08/12/07
Perhaps this would be a good time to consider ending our institutional reliance on Microsoft Windows and software and shifting to a Linux operating system and free and open source software. Abandoning Microsoft might also bring significant savings to the college.
Microsoft Office 2007 Compatibility Pack for Windows Comment from erugg on 08/17/07
Thanks for your comments. Linux and other open source applications (like Open Office) are becoming more popular for personal and business use. However, the college's technical environment is extremely complex and is based on a myriad of systems and processes that must be compatible in order for the business of the college to take place. Open source alternatives may be an option for some users and departments but not for others, particularly those that work with the Parnassus and Homer systems. ITS has focused on finding solutions that meet the needs of the greatest number of users across campus. This is best achieved when hardware and software is standardized on particular platforms and operating systems. The initial cost of the operating system and software is only one piece of the puzzle. Other factors that must be considered when managing institution resources include installation, accessibility, usability, stability, support. software, security and permissions. Currently, with over 150 servers and 3000 desktops managed by ITS on campus, Windows is the best alternative.

Beth Rugg, Manager, User Support Services, ITS