Can You Still Use Microsoft Office 2016 if You Bought It from eBay or Amazon?
Microsoft Office 2016 is approaching the end of its life, meaning no more security updates and support. This article explores whether you can legally and safely continue to use Microsoft Office 2016 after purchasing it from online marketplaces like eBay or Amazon.
Legal Considerations and Security Risks
If the copy of Office 2016 you purchased from eBay or Amazon is a legal one, yes, you can continue to use it. However, due to Microsoft's decision to discontinue support for Office 2016 as of October 2020, this copy is going to become increasingly vulnerable to security threats. Security updates andbug fixes are no longer available, meaning any potential vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed.
Additionally, Microsoft has stated that Office 2016 is no longer supported, making it risky and potentially non-compliant with modern office work standards.
Better Alternatives
Given the security risks and the support issues, it is recommended to either purchase the current version, Office 2019 or later, or consider using a free alternative such as LibreOffice. LibreOffice is a free and open-source office suite that is compatible with Microsoft Office and can be used as a viable replacement.
LibreOffice: A Free and Compatible Option
LibreOffice is based on OpenOffice and is fully compatible with Microsoft Office. It is a robust alternative that offers a wide range of features similar to Microsoft Office. However, users need to be cautious when saving files to ensure they are in the correct format. For instance, for a word processor file, it is advisable to save in .docx format rather than the default.
To enhance compatibility with existing Microsoft Office files, users can change the default file formats in LibreOffice to match Microsoft Office standards. This ensures seamless interoperability with other users who are using Microsoft Office.
Caution with Purchases on eBay and Amazon
When purchasing software, especially Microsoft products, it is crucial to exercise caution. Microsoft has warned that after October 2020, it will no longer support Office 2016. This means obtaining a legal copy from a reputable source is important.
When shopping on eBay or Amazon, be wary of non-reputable sellers. Many vendors might try to deceive buyers by using names that sound like Microsoft, such as “Microfost.” Always double-check the seller and the source of the software. If the price seems too good to be true, it is safe to assume that the software is not genuine.
For a legal copy of Office 2019, you should expect to pay around $200. If you find a copy priced at $29 on Amazon, it is advisable to avoid it, as it is likely not a legal or legitimate copy.
Comfortable Alternatives
Alternatively, consider subscribing to Microsoft 365, which provides regular updates, security patches, and a more comprehensive suite of productivity tools. While the cost of Microsoft 365 may seem higher, it offers long-term benefits and peace of mind, knowing your software is secure and up-to-date.
In conclusion, while you can still use Microsoft Office 2016 after purchasing it from eBay or Amazon, the risks and security implications are significant. It is recommended to either upgrade to a newer version or switch to a free and compatible alternative like LibreOffice.
Keywords: Microsoft Office 2016, eBay, Amazon