Microsoft's OneNote application can be installed for free on your Windows or Mac desktop.

This is great news for those who have been using Office packages without OneNote, because this note-taking program is not automatically included in every tier of the suite. Read on for how to download the program, but first, here is a little context for those who are new to OneNote.

What Is Microsoft OneNote?

This program is not just a miniature word processor and it goes way beyond capturing notes.


OneNote is a productivity powerhouse, especially since it can integrate seamlessly with programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as cloud mobile versions, which allows you to sync OneNote across all your devices, or via the Microsoft OneNote cloud environment.

Why Microsoft OneNote?

For some users, OneNote has become a kind of hub for everything they do in Microsoft Office. Here are a few quick examples of how. 

1. Sync Automatically or Work Offline Then Sync Later in OneNote
   
2. Use the Clipping Tool and QuickNotes in OneNote
   
3. Create or Embed Excel Spreadsheets in OneNote
   
4. Set Up To Do Tasks in Outlook from OneNote
   

A Few Notes on Microsoft OneNote for Mac

As with most things Microsoft, OneNote for Mac was not available for some time, but now it is. It is also something you can download for free.

Microsoft OneNote for Mac has its own feature lineup as compared to the version for Windows, though many features coincide. For more detail on what to expect from the Mac version, check out this resource from Microsoft's blog network:

OneNote for Mac and iOS Gets Dressed Up for Business School

Where to Download OneNote for Your Desktop...for Free!

You can find these free downloads by visiting the following sites:

• Download Microsoft OneNote 2013 for desktop PC (free) 
• Download Microsoft OneNote for desktop Mac (free)

Become a OneNote Afficianado with Free Guides

Also, whether you have used OneNote a lot already or you're new to the tool, here are ways to get started or brush up on features you may not be aware of. The following are visual ways to learn more:

• 10 Steps to Get Started in Microsoft OneNote - How to download OneNote on many devices and get started.
• 18 Intermediate Tips and Tricks for Microsoft OneNote - How to up your game in OneNote by learning more features for capturing and editing information.
  
• 15 Advanced Tips and Tricks for Microsoft OneNote - Polish your skills by learning about how to use the finer points of OneNote.
  
• 18 Tips for Sharing and Collaborating in Microsoft OneNote - Learn how to connect with others by sharing your notes or even collaborating with other authors.
  
• 18 Tips and Tricks for Customizing Microsoft OneNote - Depending on which device you are using OneNote on, you have quite a few options for making it more in line with your style and functionality.
  
• Download Microsoft's Free OneNote 2013 Quick Start Guide - Once you download OneNote, you will see prompts for how to take those first steps, but here an additional resource from Microsoft to help you with that. 
  

Check Out a Few Alternatives

Keep in mind, Microsoft OneNote is not the only game in town. You may be interested in checking out some of the competition, Evernote and Google Keep, both of which come in free versions. 

• Quick Comparison Chart of 40 Features in OneNote, Evernote, and Google Keep
• Full 2014 Review of 40 Features in Microsoft OneNote
  
• Full 2014 Review of 40 Features in Google Keep
  
• Full 2014 Review of 40 Features in Evernote
  

Once you decide on a note program, you will likely think of all sorts of applications. These can be wonderful productivity tools.