3 - Word Processing

There are numerous word processing applications with Microsoft Word being the most common. All word processing applications have many features in common. On the menu bar are file, edit, view, format, tools, tables, windows and help. Microsoft Word 2010 has replaced the menu bar with a ribbon and backstage view, but the basic functions are the same. File is where you open, close, save, customize the page, and print documents. Edit is used for copy, paste, find, and replace. Insert like the name implies is where you can insert pictures, other documents, and so forth. Format is used to select the font, font size, paragraph format, background, and other features. Font is the style of the lettering. Century Gothic is becoming more popular in that it is easy to read and narrow thus saving on ink when printing.   Tools has spell check, mail merge, document information, online collaboration, and more. Table is used to insert a table. The number of columns and rows is selected. Rows and columns can be added or deleted as needed. With Windows other documents or items can be opened so multiple documents can be viewed on the screen.

GCFLearnFree.org has tutorials for common word processing applications. The best way to learn is through review of the tutorials and then clicking through your software application.  As you learn, it is well to repeat your intensive exploration of your software to insure you are utilizing it to its fullest.

Other features of word processing include the ability to make Table of Contents, IndexesCollaborate with others, track revisions and more.

In-Pics is another site that has Microsoft Word tutorials for versions through 2007.

A useful quick reference card can be downloaded at Custom Guides. Some samples are provided for quick download. Register free to obtain other reference guides.

There are shortcut keys that will help you navigate your documents. .They can be found on the Quick Reference Guides. These shortcut keys are fairly universal across software applications. These shortcut keys are remnants from navigating documents before the mouse was available.