By: Elmo Kandel
Many people have computers and were using Microsoft
Works or WordPerfect until Microsoft came out with
an even better program for business and personal needs.
You will find that Microsoft Office computer software
is generated more towards business or classroom needs
than for your personal needs depending on what you
are going to use the program for. Microsoft Office
computer software is comprised of four elements: Word,
Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
The Word portion of the computer software is the
easiest for individuals to learn. It is just a blank
document that will help you type up business letters,
school papers, newsletters, and any manner of items
you may need to have typed rather than hand written.
Word offers you options for changing the font, the
background color, creating web pages, creating charts
in the actual document, clip art to make signs or
banners with, and many other tools. You are able to
import information from the web into a document or
even from an Excel spreadsheet.
Excel is a basic spreadsheet that will allow you
to create charts, reports, tables, and any other information
you may need for a class or business. Excel as a portion
of the computer software can link to Word and import
or send information to the other part of the program.
You will find that for accounting, businesses, and
the science industry Excel is one of the most beneficial
programs you can have.
The different charts include pie charts, vertical,
horizontal, and even color-coded charts. The best
part about Excel is once you have a formula you will
be able to continue using it. You will also find that
there are several different methods to create information
on the chart. You may have to take an online computer
software course or purchase a textbook to learn all
the secrets of the Excel portion of the Microsoft
Office computer software, but you will find the information
more than invaluable.
Next, you have the PowerPoint portion of the computer
software. PowerPoint is designed to help you create
a report with charts, information, bulletins, and
a slide show to make the presentations you have to
do for work, seminars, classes, or personal entertainment
easy for you. PowerPoint is very easy to use with
the step-by-step process of creating a slide show.
You will be able to import data from other programs
and online sources to create the presentation. It
can be sent through email or used in telecommunication
so that everyone is able to see what you are talking
about without being in the room with you. PowerPoint
presentations are also used when teaching online courses
where the host has control of the screen to work you
through tutorials.
Outlook is used by many businesses as their main
source of email and communication. Outlook is like
any other email program out there, except that the
program is on your computer and you need to find a
server that will allow you to email and receive messages.
It will also give you calendars, notes, and be a basic
day planner for you to use. You will be able to set
up alerts for meetings, reminders for telephone calls,
or activities you will need to do that day. Outlook
computer software allows you to carry the information
you need with you without the actual book to carry.
Microsoft Office computer software continues to have
updates every few years. You will find that there
is a new program called Microsoft Office 2007 available
to work with the Windows Vista program. It is important
that you keep your software up to date when you purchase
a new computer or download new programs to ensure
that you have the latest in technology to make your
work easier and more efficient. This computer software
is easy to download and requires a CD. You will want
to avoid online places that offer to sell you the
program online without the CD because you will need
the information on the CD to get the special items
the computer software has.
