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Microsoft Office

Supported Product

Microsoft's Office is a suite of applications that includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for both Windows and macOS.

Word is the University's supported and recommended word processing program. It can be used to create, save, retrieve, edit, and print files. Other features include style sheets, merging, tables, customizable toolbars, and glossaries.

Excel is the University's supported and recommended spreadsheet program. It can be used to enter, edit, and format data; write formulas; and print spreadsheets.

PowerPoint is the University's supported and recommended presentation graphics program. It can be used to create an onscreen electronic presentation and handouts. PowerPoint features customizable templates and the ability to share text, data, and graphics between programs.

Outlook is the University's supported and recommended email and calendaring solution for PennO365.

Versions

Microsoft Office is a suite of applications that includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Microsoft Office exists in two versions—Microsoft Office O365 ProPlus for use in conjunction with an O365 account, and perpetual release versions, which are identified by their respective version numbers (Office 2016, Office 2019, etc.)

ISC recommends the use of Microsoft Office O365 ProPlus for any individual-use systems that will be used in conjunction with a PennO365 account. Perpetual release versions are not recommended for these systems as they lack integration and compatibility with O365 online features.

Conversely, for systems that will not be used in conjunction with a PennO365 account, such as lab machines or shared machines, the perpetual release version is the preferred product, as it does not require logging in with O365 credentials.

For more information regarding the current versions of Microsoft, see this related Microsoft website

Availability

Full-time Penn faculty, staff and students at participating Schools and Centers are eligible for a PennO365 account, which you can use to access current versions of Microsoft Office. At this time, the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) is not participating in the program.

You can use Microsoft Office as long as your current affiliation with Penn remains active. For information about when incoming students become eligible, and what happens to your account after you graduate or leave the University, see "After Graduating or Leaving Penn" in the FAQ.

Training

LinkedIn Learning training is available to all Penn faculty and staff with a valid PennKey. Basic and in-depth training is offered for Microsoft Office. For more information, see ISC's Linkedn Learning page.

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