Microsoft Office Suite has been revolutionary software set since Microsoft Windows launched in 1989, one of the first personal computer operating systems introduced to the public. The most current edition is 2010, with the last being 2007. They made the suites very similar in style and procedure, while adding a few more features to Office 2010.
What makes up Office?
What makes up Office?
1. Microsoft Word. This is your word processor and a primary program for any and all uses of computers world-wide. Word can be used not only for typing documents or papers, but for creating business cards, invitations, envelopes, labels, and about a billion other things.
2. Microsoft Excel. This is for the math heads and list makers. This is a spreadsheet program that can be used for extensive math equations, lists, organization, and keeping track of just about anything and everything.
3. Microsoft PowerPoint. This is a great program for business presentations, and photo slide shows. It’s a slide show creating program, which can incorporate photos, text, animations, and videos, and much more, breaking it down into smaller bits for quick information intake.
4. Microsoft Publisher. This is a newer feature, gaining popularity with the releases of Office 2007 and 2010. Publisher is a program that sort of combines all of the other programs into easy to use templates for all sorts of projects. Need a 3 part brochure? It’s got millions of options and sizes, and “fill in the blank” style creation, making creation and printing simple.
5. Microsoft Outlook. This is the Microsoft email portal. Have one email, but don’t want to bother with going through the internet to get to it? Outlook can have your email, or emails, all sent to one spot on one program, allowing you to view new messages easily, and review old messages, even if you don’t have internet access. It allows you to store all your contacts in one easy-to-find location, as well as other information, and much more.
6. Microsoft OneNote. The baby of the Microsoft Office family, One Note is still up in coming in its uses. One note is like a giant post it note. It’s like a notebook, where you can scribble, or in this case, copy and paste, any information, photos, or whatever you want, and it’ll save it for you. It has tabs, and various things you can alter, making it fantastic way to keep up with bills and expenses, vacation plans, homework schedules, chores lists, recipes, and other tasks, all in one easy to find place.
As you’ll notice, they all have very similar uses and styles, which are great for the new user, as this helps you to figure out what program will best suit your needs. There are a lot of other Microsoft software programs that tie into these, like Microsoft Works or Microsoft Access, but these are your core programs. With these 6 programs, potentially you could run an entire business on your own, with the basic knowledge. We’ll explore deeper into each of these programs, and expand from there.
A lot of information can be overwhelming, so my suggestion would be to pick one program, and explore it. I’d recommend Word to start with, as it is the base of the others. If you can understand the different uses of Microsoft Word, you can master the suite without breaking a sweat. Check this blog often, as I will start with Word and work my way through the suite, explaining the ifs, ands, or buts of the system.
Ask me questions!
Ask me questions!
There is no such thing as a stupid question. You can save a lot of time and frustrations by asking a question. For example:
What do Cut, Copy, and Paste mean?
This is a very, very, very common question I’ve had asked before. Often the people think it’s because they are stupid, or not good with computers. Anyone can master a computer, but you have to think of it as a language, and not a challenge. In real life, what does cut, copy, and paste mean? Well, when I think of Cut, I think of cutting out something, and removing it from its original spot to another new spot. When I think of Copy, I think of making a copy of something, and putting the copy in a new spot, now having 2 of the same item. With Paste, I think of placing something down in a new spot. I’ve cut something out, and now I’m pasting it over here. I made a copy of this word, and now I’m going to paste it over here.
See? It’s not as complicated as you think. It’s just the how to that is the issue. And that’s why I am here. So don’t hesitate to ask “Where is the control key?” or “How do I make a question mark…” I won’t laugh. We all have to learn it sometime, so now it’s your turn. Stay tuned grasshopper, because we’ll make you a master yet!
Sincerely,
Chelley
