Microsoft Word 2007 was a revolutionary change from the familiar interface of Word 2003. In comparison, Microsoft 2010 is much more of an evolutionary change from Word 2007. Many won't find features compelling enough to warrant the upgrade. However, the refinements and additions make it a worthwhile upgrade. Users who resisted upgrading Word 2007 would do well to consider Word 2010. Likewise, those frustrated with the ribbon in Word 2007 will appreciate the improvements Microsoft has made in Word 2010.
File menu
Word 2010 does away with the Office button introduced in Word 2007. Instead, Microsoft has brought back the File menu. This is unlike the File menu present in previous editions of Word. It resides to the left of the Home ribbon. Click the File tab, and the file menu takes over the entire screen. This may seem unnecessary or cumbersome. But, it has its benefits.
By giving the menu more screen space, Microsoft has given the user greater control over documents. On the left side of the window, you’ll see options for opening, saving, and sharing files. You can also access Word options. (This is sure to confuse many users who are looking to change options in Word.)
In the center of the window, Microsoft has added a few tools that will help users control the security of their documents. This is nice, as many casual users are likely to neglect document security. In this panel, you have options for encrypting your document and managing unsaved versions of it. There’s also a button for preparing your document for sharing. You can inspect your document for sensitive data. Or, check compatibility and accessibility.
At the right side of the window, you’ll see your document properties. You have the ability to make changes to the properties. You can also expand or condense what’s shown in this area. One nice feature added to the properties section is the ability to contact collaborators. Simply click a collaborator’s name to contact via e-mail, instant message, or telephone. You can also see more information pulled from Outlook on the collaborator.
By giving the menu more screen space, Microsoft has given the user greater control over documents. On the left side of the window, you’ll see options for opening, saving, and sharing files. You can also access Word options. (This is sure to confuse many users who are looking to change options in Word.)
In the center of the window, Microsoft has added a few tools that will help users control the security of their documents. This is nice, as many casual users are likely to neglect document security. In this panel, you have options for encrypting your document and managing unsaved versions of it. There’s also a button for preparing your document for sharing. You can inspect your document for sensitive data. Or, check compatibility and accessibility.
At the right side of the window, you’ll see your document properties. You have the ability to make changes to the properties. You can also expand or condense what’s shown in this area. One nice feature added to the properties section is the ability to contact collaborators. Simply click a collaborator’s name to contact via e-mail, instant message, or telephone. You can also see more information pulled from Outlook on the collaborator.
Ribbon
At first blush, Word 2010’s ribbon interface isn’t much different from that of Word 2007. But those frustrated with the ribbon in Word 2007 will be pleased to know that the ribbon in Word 2010 can be customized.
You can add new tabs to the ribbon. Use these to put frequently used commands within easy reach. It isn't difficult to see the benefits of the customizability. With careful planning, you can save yourself a considerable amount of time. You won't need to access sub-menus for the commands and options you need.
You may not want to clutter Word with numerous new ribbon tabs. In that case, you can customize the default tabs in Word. Add or remove command groups. Additionally, you can change the commands available in some of the default command groups.
The Quick Access toolbar introduced in Word 2007 is still present in Word 2010. Use this to store your most-used commands. It will be available no matter which ribbon you are viewing in Word. Combined with your customized ribbons, it gives you unprecedented ability to improve your efficiency in Word.
Microsoft should be applauded for the new customization features in Word 2010. The ability to customize Word 2010 far exceeds that of any other version of Word. Unfortunately, though, this will be lost on users who don't take the time to customize Word.
You can add new tabs to the ribbon. Use these to put frequently used commands within easy reach. It isn't difficult to see the benefits of the customizability. With careful planning, you can save yourself a considerable amount of time. You won't need to access sub-menus for the commands and options you need.
You may not want to clutter Word with numerous new ribbon tabs. In that case, you can customize the default tabs in Word. Add or remove command groups. Additionally, you can change the commands available in some of the default command groups.
The Quick Access toolbar introduced in Word 2007 is still present in Word 2010. Use this to store your most-used commands. It will be available no matter which ribbon you are viewing in Word. Combined with your customized ribbons, it gives you unprecedented ability to improve your efficiency in Word.
Microsoft should be applauded for the new customization features in Word 2010. The ability to customize Word 2010 far exceeds that of any other version of Word. Unfortunately, though, this will be lost on users who don't take the time to customize Word.
Navigation Pane
One of the nicest features of Word 2010 is the Navigation pane. It will help you navigate through your document with ease. It is particularly useful when you're searching for and replacing text within your documents.
Instead of getting the floating Find and Replace box present in earlier versions of Word, Word 2010 opens the Navigation pane. Enter the text for which you're searching in the Navigation box's search pane.
The selected text will be highlighted in the document body. You'll be able to find all instances of the text with a quick glance. This can still be problematic for large documents. That's where the Navigation pane comes in. It provides snippets of text from the document. You'll see not only the selected text, but surrounding text. Simply click the portion of the document you want to find it in the document body. This will save a considerable amount of time.
Of course, you can use the Navigation pane to find more than just text. Use it to locate graphics, tables, and other objects.
Instead of getting the floating Find and Replace box present in earlier versions of Word, Word 2010 opens the Navigation pane. Enter the text for which you're searching in the Navigation box's search pane.
The selected text will be highlighted in the document body. You'll be able to find all instances of the text with a quick glance. This can still be problematic for large documents. That's where the Navigation pane comes in. It provides snippets of text from the document. You'll see not only the selected text, but surrounding text. Simply click the portion of the document you want to find it in the document body. This will save a considerable amount of time.
Of course, you can use the Navigation pane to find more than just text. Use it to locate graphics, tables, and other objects.
Other features
There are many other improvements in Word 2010. For example, it provides the ability to capture and insert screenshots in your document. Simply click a button, and you're given the ability to capture all or part of an underlying window. Word even lets you select the window you'd like to capture.
The screenshot feature will be lost on most users. But those who work on technical documentation will find it invaluable. It is nice to capture screenshots without having to open a new program. However, it would have been nice if Microsoft had included more advanced tools. For example, the ability to record menus is non-existent.
Microsoft has also beefed up photo-editing tools and artistic effects. It won't replace your photo-editing program. But in the age of multi-media documents, it's nice to have the tools at your disposal.
The screenshot feature will be lost on most users. But those who work on technical documentation will find it invaluable. It is nice to capture screenshots without having to open a new program. However, it would have been nice if Microsoft had included more advanced tools. For example, the ability to record menus is non-existent.
Microsoft has also beefed up photo-editing tools and artistic effects. It won't replace your photo-editing program. But in the age of multi-media documents, it's nice to have the tools at your disposal.