Microsoft Office – Word
What do you use it for?
Do you use it for lists, notes, letters, reports, proposals, tables to display data, mail merge for direct mail, columns for displaying text/images in newspaper style, invoice/memo/letterhead templates?
There are many features within Word but has it been replaced by email marketing packages such as Mailchimp, publishing software such as Publisher or the many packages being used on a Mac (unfortunately can’t name any as I am a Microsoft gal through and through!)?
The upgrade to 2010 has taken some mastering but again the new features of ribbons and the new File menu for printing (where Print Previews is standard) and being able to pin documents/folders onto the menu so always available when opening the program, are certainly an improvement. What I don’t like is where it thinks for you and does what it thinks you want – and it isn’t and then it certainly doesn’t like to be deleted or corrected!
If however, you’re not sure what you want, is it good to have choices made for you?
It really is good to get back to basics and use a program for what it was meant – Microsoft are upgrading for us – should we disregard all the bells and whistles and not learn how to use it as it was intended? Are you a trial and error kind of learner or, like me, need someone to show you the way to do things? I hate it when it works and you’re not sure how you did it – or is that just me?
Use Help (F1) it will show you how to do what you want – once you get the question terminology correct!
It’s a minefield out there! Enjoy your exploration or if you need a hand … don’t hesitate to ask.
Take care
Michelle
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I think there will always be a place for Word. An ordinary document is much easier to make on Word than publisher and sometimes you need to write things that are not going to be emailed.
I have struggled with the transition to the newer format but I think that is natural with anything that is new. I find myself thinking – I know there’s a function here somewhere, I just need to find the right menu!
That is the key – knowing it can be done and you will find the answer – it is always a problem when you don’t know what it can do so you don’t look.
Do you use Help (F1)? Not so helpful but once you understand the language it is OK.
Thanks Michelle for your insight into the workings of Word.
As someone who is a ‘trial and error girl and very much self taught on any computer applications, I am constantly amazed by the versatility of ‘modern’ and updated versions of Word.
Perhaps if I had been formally taught as a typist/ data in-putter, to use the function keys , I may have been less likely to struggle to find the most appropriate shortcuts and flexible options the system has to offer.
I have used some of the new menu options and templates and find them pretty wizzy wizzy- I’m a bit lazy and often can’t be bothered to get creative and do things for myself. Oh the wonders of technology! I still wonder how some of the bright young things/ computer buffs know how to use things, and appear to be intuitive on picking up new techniques, then I realise they probably spend 20 hours a day playing with their gadgets and gizmos. I have better things to do with my life!
Trial and error girl – I am the total opposite. I’d rather someone showed me how to do it and I will learn that way. With trial and error you forget what got you there!
People who teach themselves are great at doing what they need – but probably not in the best way. Training is always the answer when doing something new. That’s my belief which is why I like learning new things.
Thanks for your comments Pat.
Interesting blog, Michelle.
I am also a Microsoft groupie. I like the fact that it’s easy to use and I find it quick to learn. In recent times I have been venturing out to see what else is out there, and I’m building up my toolbox of things to use for different purposes.
I do get frustrated when microsoft tries to do things for me. I find formatting a constant frustration – not because I don’t know what to do…but more because Microsoft tries to do it differently.
Thanks Barbara for your comments, that is also a frustration of mine – when the computer thinks it knows what I want when it clearly doesn’t. I start counting how many times I say ‘no’ (pressing undo, backspace, escape, anything) before it actually takes notice.