In article ,
says...
"Tushar Mehta" wrote...
You *can* download XL from the web, albeit a trial version. Start with
http://www.microsoft.com/office/trial/default.mspx Depending on why
you want it, the trial version may be adequate.
...

And this web page shows the condition: "This trial software is intended for
evaluation purposes only." Presumably if the OP wanted Excel for anything
other than evaluating it, s/he couldn't legally use the demo, no?



Correct. Which is why the statement "Depending on why you want it..."

But for all those so convinced that MS doesn't make Office available
for download, this is a change worth noting. Apparently, MS has
decided, with 2003, to make a trial version available for download.
AFAIK, that is a significant departure from the past.

And, once the trial version concept takes root, how much longer can it
be before one can make a phone call (or visit a website), charge $abc
to a credit card, and get an 'activation' code?

--
Regards,

Tushar Mehta
www.tushar-mehta.com
Excel, PowerPoint, and VBA add-ins, tutorials
Custom MS Office productivity solutions