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[miss_vanessa]

can anyone tell me where i can get a copy cheap?

[Jimbob]

eBay might be worth a look?

JIM

[Jutta]

This might not help much, but Ms. Office 2003 should be so much cheaper to buy now, seeing Ms.Office 2007 has been released.

Do you have a Friend with Ms.Office 2003, as far as I understand Microsoft allows 2 People to share and Install one Ms.Office 2003. (^1/₂ cost each.

[Andrew]

I dont believe thats quiet accurate Jutta Re: "sharing"... I have never heard of that previously...

Is there a particular reason you need 2003?  You wont get any new stock of 2003 unless, you MIGHT get lucky and get it on clearence stock.  Office 2007 is roughly the same price point that 2003 was, but also has a few more "levels" to choose from.

If you have no real need to have 2003, I would just get 2007 and its all back convertable anyway.  I personally wouldn't buy software (unless its an OS already installed on the PC with a COA [Certificate of Authenticity]) "second hand"... Its way to open to fraud/copyright for my liking.

[miss_vanessa]

i just wanted 2003 as i thought it may be a bit cheaper than 2007.
hate spending a heap on software. i have office 2000 i just want to upgrade

[Eric Booth]

Andrew
It is permissible to install Microsoft Office 2003 on 2 computers and activate both
unlike Windows XP for example. Also it is no problem to buy the academic edition( see Windows Secrets Newletter)with no questions asked
Eric

[Jutta]

Thank you Eric, I know I read that some where and was very surprised at the time, Miicrosoft being that generous!

[Andrew]

For clarification of my previous post, I dont mean its illegal to do dual installations, but it IS on the context mentioned above. 

This Extract from MS Office 2003 EULA:

END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR MICROSOFT SOFTWARE
IMPORTANT—READ CAREFULLY: This End-User License Agreement ("EULA") is a legal agreement between you (either an individual or a single entity) and Microsoft Corporation for the Microsoft software that accompanies this EULA, which includes associated media and Microsoft Internet-based services ("Software").  An amendment or addendum to this EULA may accompany the Software.  YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS EULA BY INSTALLING, COPYING, OR USING THE SOFTWARE.  IF YOU DO NOT AGREE, DO NOT INSTALL, COPY, OR USE THE SOFTWARE; YOU MAY RETURN IT TO YOUR PLACE OF PURCHASE FOR A FULL REFUND, IF APPLICABLE.
1.   GRANT OF LICENSE.  Microsoft grants you the following rights provided that you comply with all terms and conditions of this EULA:
1.1   Installation and use.  You may:
   (a) install and use a copy of the Software on one personal computer or other device; and
   (b) install an additional copy of the Software on a second, portable device for the exclusive use of the primary user of the first copy of the Software.

Its therefore illegal to purchase it for yourself, and "lend" it to someone else unless you are the primary user of that PC aswell.  Portable device, althoug it isn't explicitly stated, inferrs that its either a PDA, Notebook or other removable device.

This is intended for people who have both a PC and a notebook, and are working at home or in the office, but then also work mobile on a notebook.

[Jutta]

Thanks Andrew for the "exact" Information on that Subject, which goes to show Microsoft is not that generous after all.
Just makes me wonder how many people obide by it?

Venessa if your still following this Thread, I found Office 2003 not much different to Office 2000, take Andrews Advise and opt for Office 2007, the short Demos I have viewed in the Ms.Newsletter, looks  a lot more advanced and should be around for a while yet.

[Andrew]

While on the outset it might appear "good" its always important to make sure that you read what the ACTUAL terms of the product are. 

Eric, I see how on the "outset" it could be interpreted, however I think think its not quiet as clear as what you described if you actually read the EULA.  Its always important to check with the product itself, not just believe what you read in newsletters or forums (which could be 4th...5th...6th... etc hand interpretations).  I suggest you check the EULA of your Office installation if you have any discrepancies as obviously that is what you agree to by installing the software.

[smenkhare]

You could always buy a $5 mouse and get the OEM version

although with microsofts new view on "system builder" you might not even need to do that.

[Eric Booth]

Andrew
You are correct in the letter of the law
I have been waging a war against Microsoft for 10 years re the pricing of their products
eg a migrant newly arrived in Australia and enrolling in TAFE can get academic versions of MS products at about half price
I am a citizen and pensioner( paid my taxes for 40yrs)but except for some recent deliberate relaxation I cant get things at academic prices
Perhaps I have sometimes eg Office 2003 viewed the rules somewhat liberally

Eric

[Andrew]

Hi Eric,

While I agree with you in terms of pricing, I think its our obligation to provide information that is accurate.  Whilst "It is permissible to install Microsoft Office 2003 on 2 computers and activate both" is correct, it should be followed by a big * with "Conditions Apply".  Whilst all information/assistance here is provided at the end users discretion, but in good faith, I feel we need to put it "as is"... I would hate to feel someone was up for many $$$ in fines if they were caught with an illegal installation of software based on 1/2 advice given by this group.

Dont get me wrong, I too believe that there are too many loopholes in the pricing structure, and that Microsoft are yet to come to reality that people who are pensioners also use their software but may not be quiet as well off to spend 600$ on Office Software.  I believe they too should be privvy to Academic/similar pricing structures.

I guess it boils down to at work we are Gold Microsoft Partners, and hence anything even slightly illegal/questionable we don't touch... It becomes our responsibility if we work on the machine, and we are held liable.

All is well that ends well, I just wanted to clarify that it wasn't quiet as clear cut as Microsoft being generous!

[beth]

Eric
Where can I view the Windows Secrets Newsletter? I am new to this site and not very savvy with the program. 

[Jutta]

You can view it here beth,   www.WindowsSecrets.com

[miss_vanessa]

where do i buy a $5 mouse and get the OEM version ?

[neonwizard]

Best just to go into your local Harvey Norman or Officesworks and grab an Academic version of 2007

[smenkhare]

where do i buy a $5 mouse and get the OEM version ?

pretty much any computer store (the small ones, not department stores)