Free Service Description:
Microsoft has launched their Office Live service. At this writing the service is in beta testing and all levels of the service are free for the beta test period. The basic service will remain free after the beta test period ends. With the Office Live Basics service you get a free domain name, free Web site, five free 2 gigabyte email accounts, and a number of free online tools.
Microsoft has launched their Office Live service. At this writing the service is in beta testing and all levels of the service are free for the beta test period. The basic service will remain free after the beta test period ends. With the Office Live Basics service you get a free domain name, free Web site, five free 2 gigabyte email accounts, and a number of free online tools.
How do I get Microsoft Office Live for Free?:
Visit the Microsoft Office Live site. Select the service level you wish to use. Please note that only the Office Live Basics will remain free after the beta test period ends. You will be asked for a product key, which you will not have yet. Click on the link they provide to get one. You will then need to register for a free Microsoft Passport account if you don't already have one.
Visit the Microsoft Office Live site. Select the service level you wish to use. Please note that only the Office Live Basics will remain free after the beta test period ends. You will be asked for a product key, which you will not have yet. Click on the link they provide to get one. You will then need to register for a free Microsoft Passport account if you don't already have one.
What do I do after I receive my free product key?:
When you receive your free product key you need to return to the Microsoft Office Live site and finish the registration. You will need to enter a valid credit card, but it won't be charged unless you purchase additional services.
When you receive your free product key you need to return to the Microsoft Office Live site and finish the registration. You will need to enter a valid credit card, but it won't be charged unless you purchase additional services.
Free Service Availability:
There will be a limited number of people accepted into the beta program. However, I know several people who have registered and been accepted and I don't know anyone that has been rejected. It appears that after the beta test ends they will still offer the service for free even for new registrants.
There will be a limited number of people accepted into the beta program. However, I know several people who have registered and been accepted and I don't know anyone that has been rejected. It appears that after the beta test ends they will still offer the service for free even for new registrants.
The Office Live service is intended for use by small businesses, but they state in the frequently asked questions that anyone can use the free service.
What are the risks in using the free Microsoft Office Live service?:
Since you do need to provide a credit card you need to make sure you don't order additional services if you don't want to be charged. If you register for a service level above the basic service you will be charged if you elect to continue using that level of service after the beta period ends.
Since you do need to provide a credit card you need to make sure you don't order additional services if you don't want to be charged. If you register for a service level above the basic service you will be charged if you elect to continue using that level of service after the beta period ends.
