Microsoft Office
The Microsoft Office Suite is a collection of strong programs to handle a broad range of business needs for small and large enterprises. The suite keeps its applications' interfaces constant to ensure a flawless user experience. This uniformity aids users in effortlessly transitioning between different applications to perform diverse business functions.
This uniformity facilitates users in effortlessly transitioning between different applications to execute diverse business functions. The primary programs within the Microsoft Office Suite include:
Microsoft Word:
Fundamental Features of Microsoft Word: Microsoft Word Use for Proper English Work.
Microsoft Excel:
Microsoft Excel is used for Proper Accountant Work.
PowerPoint:
The presentation program Microsoft PowerPoint streamlines the creation and distribution of slideshows, incorporating text, images, and videos.
Microsoft OneNote:
A flexible note-taking application collects screenshots,
files, and images.
In addition, an extended version of Microsoft Office introduces three more applications:
Microsoft Outlook:
An email client managing multiple email accounts and featuring a robust address book.
Microsoft Access:
A database management system provides a potent tool for building and utilizing database systems.
Microsoft Publisher:
A desktop publishing application equipped with advanced tools for publishing beyond the capabilities of Word.
Furthermore, two applications, though not traditionally considered part of the Office Suite, share the same layout and ribbon:
Microsoft Visio:
A graphical and drawing application used for creating flowcharts, engineering diagrams, databases, office layouts, and software, among other purposes.
Microsoft Project:
A project scheduling and management tool that tracks assignments, deadlines, resources, and critical pathways.
Microsoft has implemented a standardized layout and ribbon menu across
all these applications. As a result, mastering the ribbon functionality in Word
provides users with knowledge that seamlessly translates to menu items in other
applications.
1.2 Introduction to Microsoft Word
Launching Microsoft Word
Upon opening Microsoft Word, a multitude of options greets you. As depicted in Figure 1.2, the left panel showcases recently accessed files, while the middle panel offers a selection of document types. The initial choices encompass templates for blank documents or predefined templates designed by Microsoft to jumpstart your projects. The top section reveals additional categories with diverse templates, while the top-right corner displays your Microsoft account details.
Navigating the Word Interface
Figure 1.3 illustrates the fundamental layout of a Word document. This figure introduces the document used throughout this chapter. Let's explore the components displayed on the screen.
Quick Access Toolbar
In Figure 1.4, the Quick Access Toolbar exhibits shortcut icons for frequently used tools. You can customize this toolbar by adding buttons for your frequently used features. A dropdown button reveals commonly added buttons. For instance, I've added "Spelling & Grammar" due to frequent use, absent from the "Home" ribbon.
Ribbon Menu Tabs
Displayed in Figure 1.5, the menu tabs along the top categorize major tools and features in Microsoft Word. Each tab corresponds to a set of menu items collectively known as the ribbon. Add-ins may introduce additional tabs. Further details on each tab will be discussed later.
Status Bar
Figure 1.6 showcases the status bar at the document's bottom. On the left, it displays document information, including page and word count. Icons on the right enable changing the document view (Print, Read, or HTML). The zoom slider adjusts the document size.
Exploring Ribbon Menu Tabs
This section will delve into the functions within each major menu tab, as depicted in Figure 1.5. While numerous features and menu items exist, some are accessible by clicking small arrows within menu groups.
The ribbon can be toggled between display and hidden modes. A push pin at the far right keeps the ribbon always displayed. To hide it, click the up arrow replacing the push pin when the ribbon is pinned.
Other Menu Tabs and Ribbons
Additional menu tabs may appear based on the cursor's location. For instance, selecting a table in a document reveals tabs and ribbons providing design and formatting options for tables.
The File Tab and Backstage View
The "File" tab, serving as the backstage view, manages
document files. Unlike other tabs, clicking "File" replaces the
document with menu items (Figure 1.7), offering options like inspecting,
printing, saving, and configuring the document.
View of the “File” Menu Tab
The left column categorizes major document tasks, while the "Info" section displays document details. The "New" section allows creation of documents, either blank or based on templates. "Open" facilitates selecting different documents, including recent files or those saved on OneDrive.
Save and Print Options
"Save" and "Save As" enable saving the current document or creating copies with new names or formats (Figure 1.9). The "Print" area manages document printing, providing options for printer selection, functions, and a preview.
Sharing and Exporting
The "Share" option facilitates collaboration, offering features like saving in the cloud, sending email attachments, presenting online, or posting to a blog (Figure 1.10). The "Export" area converts documents to different formats.
Close, Options, and Account
The "Close" option shuts the document, while "Options" customizes Word's appearance and functionality. The "Account" section manages Microsoft accounts.
The “Home” Menu Tab
Figure 1.11 outlines menu items under the "Home" tab, featuring groups such as "Clipboard," "Font," "Paragraph," "Styles," and "Editing." This tab encompasses frequently used features for text typing and formatting.
The "Insert," "Design," and "Layout" Menu Tabs
Incorporating non-text elements into the document is simplified through the functionalities offered by the "Insert" tab, as depicted in Figure 1.12. Shaping the document's theme and overall design falls within the domain of the "Design" tab (Figure 1.13), influencing fonts, headings, spacing, and special effects. For more granular control over paragraph formatting, organization, and page settings, users can turn to the "Layout" tab (Figure 1.14).
The “References” and “Mailings” Menu Tabs
The "References" tab (Figure 1.15) aids in creating formal documents, including features for tables of contents, citations, footnotes, and indexes. The "Mailings" tab introduces the Mail Merge tool, allowing personalized letters to multiple recipients (Figure 1.16).
The “Review” Menu Tab
Collaborative editing is facilitated by the "Review" tab (Figure 1.17). Groups like "Proofing," "Comments," "Tracking," and "Changes" enable grammar checks, comments, change tracking, and comparison of document versions.
The “View” Menu Tab
The "View" tab (Figure 1.18) offers tools for displaying and managing documents, with groups for document views, display options, and window arrangement.
Getting Help
Given Word's vast features, accessing help is crucial. The "Tell me
what you want to do" text box aids in searching for information.
Additionally, the "?" icon in the dialog box provides specific help
on topics. The "Word Help" feature grants access to Microsoft's
extensive online help materials, aiding users in navigating Word's capabilities
efficiently.
1.3 Crafting a New Document
When initiating a word processing program for the first time, the primary task often involves creating a new document. Whether it's a homework assignment, a research paper, a casual letter, or a professional resume, leveraging the formatting and grammar tools provided is crucial. Microsoft Word offers an array of features to enhance document appearance and boost productivity. This section delves into foundational skills while also unveiling valuable tips and shortcuts for heightened efficiency.
To commence a new document, launch Microsoft Word and choose a template from the available options. As demonstrated in Figure 1.2, selecting a template is the initial step, and for this discussion, we'll focus on the blank document template.
Styles: Documents, Paragraphs, Lines, and Words
Upon creating a new document, Word utilizes default values from a style template to structure the content. The default template, known as the "Normal" style, dictates page layout, paragraph format, line spacing, font, and other formatting options. The "Home" ribbon's "Style" area showcases the selected style, typically denoted by a blue box around it.
Default settings in the "Normal" style include one-inch page margins, Calibri font face at 11 points, 1.08 line spacing, and left-aligned paragraphs with 8 points of spacing after each paragraph. Adjustments to line spacing, paragraph alignment, and other aspects can be made using the icons in the "Paragraph" group on the "Home" ribbon.
Typing Text
Entering text into the Word environment is straightforward: type the desired text, and when a paragraph is complete, press Enter to move to the next paragraph. Understanding terms like the mouse pointer and cursor is essential. The mouse pointer, controlled by the mouse, can be moved anywhere on the screen, while the cursor, a small vertical line, signifies the insertion point for text entry. Using the "Font" group's icons allows users to modify text by emphasizing with bold, italics, underline, changing font size, color, or adding highlights.
Using Backspace and Delete
For entire word, sentence, or paragraph deletion, selecting the text and pressing either key accomplishes the task.
Undoing Your Work
The "Undo" feature, accessible via Ctrl+Z or the Quick Access Toolbar, enables users to reverse recent changes. The "Redo" button restores undone actions. Utilizing these features provides flexibility during the editing process.
Grammar and spelling correction using autocorrect
The autocorrect function in Word helps with instantaneous spelling and grammatical checks. Underlines in blue signify grammar errors, and red underlines indicate spelling errors. Right-clicking on the underlined word offers corrections from the suggested list.
Rechecking the Entire Document
The ensuing window allows for reviewing and correcting errors throughout the document.
Using the Thesaurus
The "Review" ribbon's thesaurus feature, which offers synonym
recommendations, helps with word choice. Clicking the "Thesaurus"
icon opens a list of words that can be used in the page.
Saving a File
It is important to save files. Save files ctrl+s and save as F12.
Automatic Save Feature
To prevent potential loss of work due to crashes, Word offers an automatic save feature. This feature, configurable in the "Options" under the "File" tab, saves the document at regular intervals.
Closing a File
Closing a file can be done through the "File" menu or by
selecting the close option, which, when one file is open, closes both the file
and Word. The red button in the top-right corner also swiftly closes the active
document.