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Microsoft has launched a free version of its most popular software package.

The software giant is offering a free online component with its latest version of Office – called Office Web Apps.

Microsoft software such as Word, Excel and Powerpoint are used in offices and homes all over the world.

In the past Microsoft has made profit by charging several hundred dollars each year for computer users to upgrade to the latest version of Office software.

However, the packages are often too expensive for home users to buy.

Analysts say Microsoft is aiming to counter growing competition from Google, which has been offering free software tools online.

Apparently the company is betting on most corporate customers still opting for the full, paid-for version of Office.

Microsoft is also tapping into digital technology by offering access to its free software on the newest mobile phones.

Of course it’s not just Microsoft and Google that offer free software to computer users – there is lots of legal, free of charge software available online.

What do you think about today’s topic? With all the free tools available these days, why do you think people still pay for software? Write to us in English!
ما رأيك في موضوع اليوم؟ برأيك لماذا يشتري الناس برامج الكمبيوتر رغم وجود الكثير من البرامج المجانية؟

free version
نسخة مجانية
software package
باقة برامج كمبيوتر
giant
عملاق
online component
جزء خاص بالانترنت
profit
ربح
to upgrade
يطور
counter
يواجه
corporate customers
زبائن تجاريون
opting
اختار
tapping into
مستغلاً