You can try out Office 2010 now, here’s how.
Office 2010 beta versions are now available.
MSDN users can get it from the MSDN web site.
The rest of us can go to http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/ee390818.aspx to get a copy. You need to register first.
Product Activation
A product key (a ‘MAK key’) is displayed during the registration process – make a note of it.
After installation go to the File button on top left, this opens up the new ‘Backstage’ view. Choose ‘Help then ‘Change Product Key’ to enter the new key.
At the bottom of the page where the ‘MAK key’ is displayed – choose the 32-bit or 64-bit version for your preferred language (English, Simplified Chinese, German, Spanish, French, Japanese or Russian). If you’re not sure, choose the 32-bit version that will run on 64-but machines.
The official system requirements are the same as Office 2007. Office 2010 beta will run on Windows XP (SP3), Windows Vista (SP1) and Windows 7 plus Windows Server 2003 (R2) and 2008 (SP2).
The usual ‘beta’ notes apply:
- This is test software, it’s quite stable but don’t expect totally smooth sailing. Things might go wrong so don’t trust anything critical to the Office 2010 beta.
- Microsoft recommends that you UNinstall earlier versions of Office before installing Office 2010 beta.
‘MAK key’?
A Multiple Activation Key is called a ‘MAK Key’ by Microsoft. It’s like ‘PIN number’ – an example of tautological repetition.
