conceptual questions about office 365

[kenny1999]

Hello..

I have some conceptual questions about office 365.

Why there is boxset version sold on computer shops? while it looks like it can be downloaded and purchasing license on the web for less money??

and it looks like there is free version, education version, and also, I have a free hotmail account, after logging into the hotmail, it looks like I can use word and excel etc for free without restrictions or advertisement showing up.

What is actually happening ??? What are their differences?

In a local forum, it looks like that somebody is distributing the key for free. I am so confused. While it costs money, why there are people giving out for free?

On Chinese Taobao, there are lots of merchants selling the licenses at less than US 1

Why the prices are that much difference?? What is the actual difference?

In a conclusion, which one is the best value for me? what is the difference between the free version I use in hotmail and the one I subscribe for??

 

[voyagerfan99]

Why there is boxset version sold on computer shops? while it looks like it can be downloaded and purchasing license on the web for less money??

For those people that cannot or will not pay with a credit card over the internet.

and it looks like there is free version, education version, and also, I have a free hotmail account, after logging into the hotmail, it looks like I can use word and excel etc for free without restrictions or advertisement showing up.

Yes. The online version is free. You just need a Microsoft account to use it. The education version is a cheaper subscription for students (valid with ID)

In a local forum, it looks like that somebody is distributing the key for free. I am so confused. While it costs money, why there are people giving out for free?

They're doing that illegally. If you're buying it from someone that is not a legitimate seller, you are probably buying a pirated key.