Introduction to MS-Word OR MICRO SOFT WORD
The Word Processors are software packages used to enter and correct data. WordStar, Word Perfect, MS Word etc., are examples of word processors.
MS Word is an advanced Windows-based word processing product by Microsoft. It has a number of special features that make it a widely used package. Some of them are
• One can easily enter, correct and save and make a copy (print) the text.
• Automatic spell and grammar check to identify and correct spelling / grammar mistakes while entering/typing the text.
• Find and replace option available to make global replacements in the document
• Text can be cut/copy and paste/move within / another document.
• Insertion of drawings, pictures, tables possible.
• Paragraph borders, page borders can be easily created.
• Most useful mail merge facility available by which the same letter can be sent to many people.]
Starting MS Word :
This can be done in the following ways :
• By double clicking on the Word icon on the desktop
• By Clicking Start -> Programs -> Microsoft Word
Components of the Word screen :
A) Title Bar : Displays the name of the document that is open.The maximize/restore, minimize and close buttons are used to resize or close the word window.
B) Vertical scroll bar : Allows to move forward and backward in the document. Up arrow and down arrow keys can be used to scroll only one line.
C) Horizontal scroll bar : Used if the page is too wide to fit on the screen. The buttons of normal view, web layout view, print layout view, outline view are placed alongside the horizontal scroll bar to facilitate change the view of the page.
D) Menu Bar : The bar where all the options are available to work with the document. To select an item from a menu, click it and choose the appropriate option by highlighting and clicking on it. If the menu items are in grey colour, the items are currently unavailable.
E) Standard Tool Bar : Most frequently used options are placed as icons
F) Formatting tool bar : The options used for performing the actions in the menu bar are placed in this so that the user can invoke the action by clicking on the tool button.
G) Drawing tool bar : Contains various options available for drawing.
H) Status bar : Displays information about the position of the cursor on the document, shows page number, section, line and column, language being used etc.
I) Work Area : Actual space available for typing, editing etc.,
Options available in various menus and their functionality :
File Menu : Open a new document, an existing document, close the existing document, Save options, page set up, print preview, print, properties etc., are available. This is useful to open a new document, an existing document, close an existing document. After the work is over, the file can be saved. Page set up option is used to define page length, margins,
Edit Menu : Cut, copy, paste, paste special, office clipboard, clear, select all, find, replace, go to options, links etc. options are available. All edit functions/options are available in this menu.
View Menu : Normal, web layout, print layout, outline views, task pane, ruler, header and footer, full screen, zoom options are available. Tool bar option enables to get the required tool bars on the desk top.
Insert Menu : Insertion of break, page numbers, date and time, picture, symbol, diagram, text box, file etc., are available in this menu.
Format Menu : Formatting of font, paragraph, bullets and numbering, columns, tabs, text direction, back ground etc., options are available.
Tools Menu : Spelling and grammar, speech, options, track changes, letters and mailing (mail merge) etc. options available.
Table Menu : Creation of table is possible through this menu. Drawing a table, insertion, deletion of rows, columns etc. done through this menu.
Window Menu: New window, window split etc. options are available.
Help Menu : Word help is available in this menu.
Shortcuts are available for various operations which enables the user avoid operation through mouse each time. Shortcuts are combinations of two or three keys in the key board. It has shortcut menus, auto correct options, online help, wizards, templates, macros etc.,
