The central difference between the student suite and the Professional suite is the functions they have. Both have basic applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and One Note. The student version, however, is lacking in Outlook, Access, and Publisher applications that you would otherwise find in the Professional version. Outlook manages the e-mail and schedules so that you are well organized and prepared.
This program is appropriate for working people with a busy schedule who are typically connected with Outlook. Access is a creative database tool that assists you with revising or looking up databases. These are often used to maintain inventories and subscribers in the business. Access publisher is similar to Word. It is valuable in creating publications.
The Professional suite adds $350 for $499 retail price, which is much more than the student version. You get a free year of technical support with the professional suite, so you can call Microsoft’s techs whenever there is a problem with MS office. The student suit, on the other hand, is 90 days with tech support.