Last week, we introduced the new features of Microsoft PowerPoint 2010, an essential part of Microsoft’s latest Office suite for business users. This week, we’re going to share a few essential tips for using the new Word 2010. Just like PowerPoint, this is an essential program for everyday use in every office-based business.
Word 2010 hasn’t made many changes to things it does right. The ribbon is staying largely the same as it was in Word 2007, which is certainly a relief for those who were already frustrated by the drastic changes made from Word 2003. The functions you’ve used will still be in the same places. If you’re still using the earlier version, now is a great time to upgrade, as at this point there have been significant improvements in functionality and layout. You can now customise the ribbon if you’d like to access certain functions more readily than others, which should make your workday much smoother.
In addition, Word 2010 boasts the same collaborating features that the rest of the new Office suite enjoys. In the case of documents, this generally allows both of you to type at the same time, with a handy chat window near the bottom for discussions about your work. You can work together without having to be in the same location, so it’s ideal for companies with employees that frequently travel or work from home but might still need to give input on important documents. If you’re collaborating in the office and run SharePoint Foundation 2010, you’ll be able to use this functionality even if you’re behind a firewall, and you’ll even be able to run a voice call through just the software. Non-business users can use the free Windows Live service to chat and collaborate with others.
It’s also even easier these days to recover documents you accidentally closed without saving. You can recover different versions of documents, even if you told Word not to save them. This is done through Microsoft Word’s new backstage view, which is a new way to organise all of your file management in one place; it replaces the more traditional File menu and represents the largest change in versions. They have also made it easier to browse and search through your document with new tools redesigned specifically for this purpose.
Microsoft Word 2010 also has new, more sophisticated image editing features that not only allow you to edit imported pictures but to create formatting effects on text and shapes created directly in Word. Create professional looking headers and shapes by adding shadows, glows, reflections, gradients, and bevels directly to text. It’s also easier than ever to create themes, so you’ll be able to maintain a branded presence across all of your platforms. As with PowerPoint, you can also edit images directly in the document, making your experience more seamless than ever.
With offices worldwide switching to the newest version of Microsoft Office 2010, it’s important to learn what’s different before you choose to invest in the switch. The new version is most recommended for those still using Windows Office 2003, as the updated functionality will become essential in the years to come.
