Get acquainted with Microsoft Office: Microsoft Office 2007 and 2010

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If you've recently purchased a new PC with Microsoft Office 2007 or 2010, you will have noticed that programs like Word, Excel and PowerPoint look quite a bit different from their previous versions.  The first change you'll notice is the "ribbon" which now appears at the top of your window instead of the menus and toolbars.  Here's some help from Microsoft to help you get up to speed with your new Office software:

 

OFFICE 2007

• A visual introduction to the 2007 Office release - An overview of Word 2007 including instructions on using the "ribbon," menus and toolbars;  an introduction to the "SmartArt" graphics tool and file formats using an "x" after the file extension (i.e. docx) as well as converting documents created in older versions of Office.

• Help - You will need to download the Help tab add-in. This feature no longer includes the animated Office Assistant and the "type a question for help" box has been moved to the Help window and is now called "type words to search for."  Microsoft has also set up blogs and online communities to help you find answers to your Word questions.

• For Microsoft's free, downloadable training documents for Office 2007 programs, click here. Courses are in Power Point

• You may be able to get Office 2010 if you've recently purchased Office 2007 or a PC loaded with Office 2007.  Here are the eligibility criteria for the free upgrade:

Purchase Office 2007, or a new PC with Office 2007

Activate it between March 5, 2010 and September 30, 2010.

Have, or create a Windows Live ID.

Redeem before October 31, 2010 by visiting www.office.com/techg.

OFFICE 2010

• Microsoft has a great interactive guide that demonstrates how you can find the commands you are familiar with in Office 2003 in the new Office 2010 programs.

• For downloadable Office 2010 training documents, click here. Courses are in Power Point.

 

MORE OFFICE TIPS

 

• Automatically start an Office program when you turn on your computer (2007 / 2010)

• Free academic templates

• Download compatibility packs and viewers that enable you to share your Office files with others that have different versions of Office or those that do not have Office at all

 

We hope these tips help you get off to a productive start with your new Microsoft Office programs.   Be sure to check back this week for more posts to help you get acquainted with the various software programs within the Office 2007 and Office 2010 suites.