Home use program offers discounted productivity software to USAFE personnel Published March 3, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Austin M. May 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Working from home can be difficult if you don't have the tools required to get the job done. In today's world of computers and high-tech data processing, program packages such as Microsoft Office have become everyday essentials in many offices across base. Unfortunately, the high cost of some programs may inhibit servicemembers from purchasing them and using them at home. To help ease the burden of purchasing productivity software commonly used in the Air Force, servicemembers can use the Microsoft Home Use Program. According to the program's Web site in the Air Force Portal, the HUP allows eligible Air Force personnel to order a licensed copy of select Microsoft Office desktop applications to install and use on their home computer. Those eligible to make the purchase are active duty servicemembers, Department of Defense civilians, eligible non-appropriated funds employees, local nationals and contractors using government-furnished computers. Eligible participants must pay a fee of about $10, and can select from either the PC or Macintosh versions of the Office suite. PC users can purchase Office Professional 2007, and Macintosh users can buy Office 2008. Restrictions and eligibility requirements are outlined in the program's Portal page. To get started with the program, servicemembers assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe should send an e-mail with "HUP" in the subject line to michael.travis@ramstein.af.mil from their official work e-mail account. An automated response will be sent to the user's account with directions to continue the purchase process. For more information, look for the Home Use Software link in the Air Force Information section of the Air Force Portal home page. No federal endorsement is intended or implied.