New River Online > Training and Workshops > IT 050: Special Topics - Microsoft Vista and Office 2007

IT 050: Special Topics - Microsoft Vista and Office 2007

1). I can't find some Office commands; where did they go?

Office 2007 introduced a new configuration for the menu commands that is initially quite confusing to most users (the Office Button) . For example, if you need to find the Save As command it used to be under the File menu. There are several commands that have been moved under the Office Button (screenshot). Realizing the functionality of this button is probably the single biggest step for most users in making the transition to Office 2007.

2). Is there any way to change the Office 2007 and Vista interface so that it is more familiar to me?

Yes. There are several settings that you can change to make Office 2007 and Vista look more like previous versions. They include:

1. Change the Start Menu to "Classic" -- open Control Panel, Taskbar and Start Menu Properties, Start Menu, Classic Start Menu. This setting will put the familiar icons on the desktop (screenshot).
2. Show the Quick Launch bar -- open Control Panel, Taskar and Start Menu Properties, Taskbar, Show Quick Launch. This puts shortcut icons to familiar applications in the taskbar (screenshot).
3. To view all file suffixes -- open Control Panel, Folder Options, click the View tab, and deselect Hide Extensions for known file types. This allows you to see the file suffixes for your files so you'll know what file types you are sending/receiving (screenshot).
4. Customize the Quick Access Toolbar -- open any Office 2007 application, click the drop-down button in the upperleft part of the screen that looks like an arrow, and add any of the features listed. Making this change puts the commonly used commands that you choose into the Quick Access Toolbar (screenshot).
5. Reveal the Dialog Box -- within any Office 2007 application you can click the lower right corner of a menu section to reveal the more familiar dialog box (screenshot).

3). How do I save an Office 2007 document so that others (who don't have Office 2007) may open it?

Every office application (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) has an option to Save As and then change the file type. The universal file format for word processed documents is RTF (Rich Text Format). So, if you save your Word files as RTF files anyone can open them (even if they don't have Office). You can also use the Save As command to save a file as a 2003 version so folks who don't yet have Office 2007 can open your file. Without taking these precautionary steps, you may send files to folks who can't view them.

The steps for saving your Office 2007 file in another format are: click the Office Button, choose Save As, select Word 97-2003 Document (or Other Formats and choose RTF), choose where you want to save the file, and Save. Be sure to use the appropriate file suffix (DOC, XLS, RTF, etc.) so other computers will know how to use your file (screenshot). Rather than making these choices each time you save a file (you might forget) you can set each application to always save files in a chosen format (screenshot). This is achieved by choosing the Office Button, choosing Word Options, choosing Save, then changing the Save Files in this Format option to Word 97-2003 (.doc).

4). If someone sends me an Office 2007 file and I'm still using Office 2003 will I be able to open it?

Historically, files created in office would have suffixes like DOC, XLS, or PPT. Office 2007 introduced new file formats so when you save files they have suffixes like DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX. But if you're using Office 2003 and need to view files that were created with Office 2007, there's a converter that will translate files for you. To easily view files in the Office 2007 format:

1. Go to http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/Search.aspx?displaylang=en
2. Look under Popular Downloads.
3. Click on "Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 file formats."
4. Download the converter and you will be able to read Office 2007 files even if you continue to be a Office 2003 user.

Similarly, if you are a Macintosh user there is a utility available for you from the Microsoft web site to convert most Office 2007 files into a format you can use with Office 2004. The Microsoft Office Open XML File Format Converter for Mac 0.2 (Beta) is the name of the application. This version of the software does not yet convert Excel files. Hopefully a new version will be released soon. And to check for newer versions the Microsoft Autoupdate program includes this application with your other Office applications.

1. Go to this site: http://www.microsoft.com/mac/downloads.aspx?pid=download&location=/mac/download/Office2004/ConverterBeta_0_2.xml
2. Download the .DMG file provided there and after it opens on your desktop run the installer file to install it.
3. To use the converter you'll need to drag the Office Open XML Converter to your dock to create a shortcut to it. Then when you need to convert a file simply drag it onto the icon

5). What are the major improvements from Windows XP to Windows Vista?

The most obvious enhancements include the updated graphical user interface and visual style of the operating system. Functional improvements include advanced searching capabilities, new multimedia creation tools such as Windows DVD Maker (available only with Home Premium and Ultimate), changes to user account control, and many changes "under the hood" that include improved networking, security, and some digital rights management restrictions aimed at protecting the copyright of digital media.

6). I'm confused by all the versions of Vista. Which one does New River use?

There are several versions of Vista (screenshot) and New River uses the Vista Business version (screenshot).

7). Where can I find more training information for Microsoft products?

Every Office application, and even the Vista operating system, have built-in help available (screenshot). Additionally, there are online training materials available on the Microsoft web site:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/FX100565001033.aspx

8). Where can students obtain a copy of Microsoft Office 2007?

Students should purchase Office 2007 from a third-party vendor such as journeyed.com ($84) or theultimatesteal.com ($59). Both of these sites now recognize New River as an academic institution and offer these prices as their academic discount.