Microsoft Excel 2013 vs 2010

A few months ago I did a detailed Comparison of Excel 2010 v. Excel 2013. I noticed hundreds of differences between the two versions. I would expect the differences between Excel 2010 v. Excel 2013 to be over 1000 differences. Some of the differences are very subtle, such as the change of an icon, or the change to "help desk displayed upon hover over an icon". I think it is a good idea to have the version of Excel be the same as the class. As far as both versions on the same computer, Microsoft generally supports dual installs of MS Excel versions. For example, I have seen many computers that have both Excel 2010 and 2003 on them, and this works for the most part (the main exception being the need to configure between using Office 2003 or 2010). However, I think it is better to have only one version of Office on a computer, it at all possible (for example, all Office 2007 or all Office 2010). One possible issue with trying to put Excel 2010 and 2013 on the same computer, might be due to 32 bit vs. 64 bit software.  I don't think it is possible to install both 32-bit Office 2010 and 64-bit Office 2013 onto the same computer (that is what I remember about this - perhaps someone might post on this with a link to verify this - this was my conclusion due to my personal experience, with very limited testing). I suppose you could try your dual installation of Office 2010 and 2013, and see if it works (might be best to set a restore point before doing so, in case you need to back out the installation).  One other idea, you might find it cheaper, and less trouble, to just keep your Office 2013 software, and find a class on Office 2013.  There is lots of free training on Office 2013 available via the internet.  However, most of that would not really be a "class" but more of a self-study training.  Here is one site I would recommend with free Excel 2013 training:

http://www.gcflearnfree.org/excel2013

I'm curious about what features from 2010 are missing from 2013?

As for your question:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2784668/en-us

HTH,

Eric

Anthony.B

Much thanks for the link and your advice. I have taken your advice and purchased the stand alone Excel 2010 application.

"I would recommend against that, as I think it is always better to use the same version of MS Office training material, as the Version of MS Office that you have installed on your computer (otherwise, when you hit the differences between the versions, it would think it will be both confusing and frustrating)".

My decision was also based on the fact I am new to Excel on the whole and it is too early for me to be getting confused and frustrated. Small steps. I reckon if I was an intermediate or advanced user I would be capable of handling the differences and knowing what to do.

The 2010 application edition (disc) that I purchased is more expensive than the 2013 Keycard edition. As you probably know the main reason for this is the fact that the 2013 Excel app. edition resides on a Microsoft server located who knows where. The other fact of the matter is that depending on which license type you  purchase you cannot install the application on more than one pc within a ninety day period.

I did a little research on it, but I don't know too much about the details.

I have owned my laptop almost four years now. A re-installation of the 2013 keycard app to a new pc if my laptop crashes is just way too dauting a thought at this point in time. To be on a safer ground I went with the 2010 cd installation. You know, as a beginner.

Again, thanks for your rational advice.

As I progress with my self training, I do want to contribute to the MS community as little or big as I can.

Oh, I am also teaching myself 2013 Access. Are you also well versed in the Access application ?

Thank you Anthony.B, your post gave me some helpful information. With reference to your "detailed Comparison of Excel 2010 v. Excel 2013".  Can I get a link to that? 

I am a beginner to Excel. I recently purchased the book Microsoft Excel 2010 Bible by John Walkenbach. I have had the MS Office Home and Student 2010 pre-installed on my laptop when I bought it in 2011.

I am doing self-study training. I have  realized that my Excel version does not allow access to all the features and functions that the text describes and illustrates. The text is based on the professional version of Excel 2010.

My choice now is to decide whether to upgrade to Excel 2013 Pro or purchase the more expensive Excel 2010. As you mentioned in your post there are numerous differences between the two versions.

Would it be advisable to upgrade to the less expensive 2013 version and through trial, error and research be able to follow along with my recent purchase of the Excel 2010 text book?

Thomas.

You asked "Would it be advisable to upgrade to the less expensive 2013 version and through trial, error and research be able to follow along with my recent purchase of the Excel 2010 text book?"

I would recommend against that, as I think it is always better to use the same version of MS Office training material, as the Version of MS Office that you have installed on your computer (otherwise, when you hit the differences between the versions, it would think it will be both confusing and frustrating).

As to my research about the differences between Office 2010 and 2013, you might check this link, which I created and published:

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=6FA51C4EE8C6361A!2282&authkey=!AHAhzF88PycZR7M&ithint=file%2czip

The above link shows 39 Frequently Used Commands, in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint (versions 2010 verses 2013), all in a zip file with 78 screen prints.  Following is my index to the 78 screen-prints in the zip file:

(1) Word, new document:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(2) Word, open document:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(3) Word, close document:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(4) Word, save document:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(5) Word, save as:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(6) Word, page setup:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(7) Word, print preview:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(8) Word, print:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(9) Word, properties:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(10) Word, exit:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(11) Word, undo:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(12) Word, clipboard:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(13) Word, clear formatting:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(14) Word, select all:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(15) Word, ruler:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(16) Word, header and footer:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(17) Word, page break:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(18) Word, table of contents:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(19) Word, clip art:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(20) Word, font dialog box:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(21) Word, paragraph dialog box:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(22) Word, spelling and grammar:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(23) Word, word count:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(24) Word, record macro:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(25) Word, view macros:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(26) Word, autocorrect options:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(27) Word, options:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(28) Word, help:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(29) Word, about:

Word 2010

Word 2013

(30) Excel, autosum:

Excel 2010

Excel 2013

(31) Excel, chart:

Excel 2010

Excel 2013

(32) Excel, autoformat:

Excel 2010

Excel 2013

(33) Excel, arrange all:

Excel 2010

Excel 2013

(34) Access, relationships:

Access 2010

Access 2013

(35) Access, import:

Access 2010

Access 2013

(36) Access, snap to grid:

Access 2010

Access 2013

(37) Access, compact and repair:

Access 2010

Access 2013

(38) PowerPoint, view slide show:

PowerPoint 2010

PowerPoint 2013

(39) PowerPoint, slide design:

PowerPoint 2010

PowerPoint 2013

As far as I'm aware, what's missing are some fonts and themes required to complete some lessons ("solstice" theme being one).  The teacher said there might also be issues later in the course regarding Access as well.  It's a big headache.  Thanks for your help.