Microsoft Answer Their Critics With Word 2010

Perhaps more than any other program in Microsoft's Office suite Word is the most fundamental and recognisable, the benchmark for word processing software that has adapted and stayed relevant to changing times.

This is why the extensive changes that swept through the 2007 version of Microsoft Office were felt most dramatically in Word. The junking of the iconic interface familiar from countless versions of the program felt to some like the removal of a comfort blanket whilst the shiny new ribbon that replaced it provoked angry responses of unnecessary over-complication.

Whilst it could be argued that these developments expanded the number of things you could do with the program many loyal users were up in arms at what they saw as needless tampering with a winning formula.

The good news for those disgruntled customers is that the 2010 upgrade of Microsoft Word takes these concerns into account and, whilst it doesn't revert to the standard interface and traditional style of Microsoft Word 2003, it does address the issues of usability and the thorny question of the Ribbon.

One of the main gripes about the Ribbon was that it did away with the File menu so inextricably linked to older versions of Word. Consequently some users found it difficult to locate vital commands and negotiate their way around the various tools they had become familiar with. Microsoft Word 2010 not only brings the File menu back but enables users to select their most commonly used options and peg them to a selection of quick buttons that hover just below the Ribbon (yes it is still there). So in effect you can now customise the Ribbon to suit your specific needs.

The backstage area runs with this philosophy to an even greater extent. Now all the tools familiar to millions of Word users take over the whole screen, a spectacular turnaround from the 2007 edition where all commands were hidden within countless drop down menus. This new expansiveness makes it crystal clear where everything lives in Microsoft Word 2010 and enables users to make the necessary amendments to their documents quickly and efficiently.

In addition to these modifications there are some real advancements made to Microsoft Word 2010 not least in the area of security. Word documents are notorious prey for viruses and other malware when sent in email attachments or downloaded from the web but with the new Protected View screen in Word 2010 you can effectively quarantine a document until you are sure it contains no harmful elements. The document is locked whilst being checked for viruses but can be 'released' into a fully editable mode when the user is satisfied that it is 100% safe.

It can be tricky keeping up with all the changes that Microsoft instigate from upgrade to upgrade and so it is always a wise move to get professional advice on the best way to utilise Microsoft Office. Enrolling on a training course is an excellent investment, enabling you to fully understand and get the most out of the Microsoft Office suite.