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While many of us have yet to invest in Office 2003, Microsoft has been redesigning our beloved Word, Excel, and PowerPoint in a way that makes the next Office the most important revision in over a decade. Statements of that sort are often hype, but a first look at the new Office shows startling differences. Drop down menus, toolbars, and dialog boxes have almost been eliminated.
When the new “Office 12” premiers later in 2006, ribbons and tabs will replace our familiar controls. An example of the new Microsoft Word user interface is shown below. 
In theory, the new controls make it easier to access each program’s rich set of features. Where the original version of Word had about 100 commands, Word 2003 has over 1,500, and the number continues to rise. The new interface is designed to help users find what they need in a more intuitive fashion. Much has been redesigned under the hood as well and new features added. For one thing, Word will now be able to create read-only PDF files, something we could never do before without a separate (and expensive) purchase of Adobe Acrobat.
Microsoft has also incorporated a new XML file format for its Office suite, and while you can still open your 2000 and 2003 version files, your new saves will (given time for the industry to catch up) be more universally readable by everyone, even those not using Microsoft Office.
Excel now boasts a conditional formatting function, adding gradient colors to cells based on the contents. Imagine the cell behind a number growing redder as the number goes higher, like a horizontal thermometer focusing your attention on an important calculation.
Even for PowerPoint, commands that used to be buried in mazes of multiple menus now seem to be at hand right when you need them, dramatically reducing the number of clicks you need to achieve the results you want. Whether you are one of the early adopters or tend to put off your upgrades as long as possible, it is certain we all have a bit of adjusting to do when “Office 12” becomes the norm.
What software is the best solution to your office needs? If you find yourself asking “is it right for us?” Shiloh Service can provide the answer. CALL US TODAY at 724-863-0190. Just hit “0” and ask to speak to your account manager.
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