Using Microsoft Word as your Word Processor

Microsoft Word is a commercial word processor designed and developed by Microsoft and first introduced in the year 1983. There are many versions of Word for several platforms. It can run on DOS, UNIX, Sco UNIX, and Apple Macintosh. Microsoft Word (also knows as MS Word) is a very commonly known software application which allows users to perform word processing. One can use MS Word to create letters, invitation, resumes, novels, and much more.

MS Word can be installed on a computer using a licensed version of the MS Office package, which comes with a license key. After entering the key in the required field the installer will automatically install the software in the system.  Many new computer users’ experiences begin with Word, and as such they may not be used to how the application is manipulated.  To work with Word one has to be familiar with the usage of the mouse. Many advanced menu items can also be done through keyboard, but the use of the mouse makes using Word simpler since Word is fully menu-driven.

Word can be used to type text on a computer and allows alterations to be made easily. It is easy to add, delete or amend a word or sentence. Fonts and their size can be changed according to the user’s taste. The main advantage of using word is one can copy or move text or paragraphs with ease.  Page length and margins can be adjusted to suite our requirements and paper size.

Even a layman can use the application effectively since there is lower need to know exact spelling and grammar, as the software can help modify mistakes automatically during typing itself. Another major benefit is one can create multiple pages in a single file which can be accessed by a single mouse click. Also it is easy to merge multiple documents in a single file. The mail merge option allows the generation of multiple letters by just specifying the addresses – this can save a lot of time.

Versions Word 97, 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2007 are for Windows, and versions for Mac are also now available. The latest versions are Microsoft Word 2010 for Windows and 2011 for Mac.  An alternative for MS Word is included in OpenOffice.org and is very similar to Word and entirely free of any license fee.  This means it may be used for any purpose – domestic, commercial, educational, or public administration.  However, regular users of MS Word tend to find the software to be more stable and convenient than using Open Office.

About the Author

Louisa Coan is writing on behave of JB Consulting, who provide computer training throughout England and Wales and offer microsoft excel training london and powerpoint courses

MS Word 2003 and Endnote Referencing Software