Microsoft Word Basics
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Getting Started with Microsoft Word
Overview of Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is a word processor that allows you to create documents, newsletters, calendars, and more. When you first open Word, you will see the main overview screen. This guide will help you navigate through the various features and functionalities of Microsoft Word.
Main Screen Features
Templates
At the top of the main screen, you will find various templates:
- Blank Document: Start from scratch with a blank page.
- Tour: A helpful guide that walks you through the features of Word. Highly recommended for first-time users.
- Note-Taking Template: Ideal for creating meeting notes.
- Calendar Template: Create customisable calendars.
- CV Template: Templates for creating job CVs and covering letters.
You can find more templates by clicking on More Templates at the top of the screen.
Recent Documents
The main screen also displays recent documents. These are the files you have worked on recently. You can pin frequently used documents for easy access and share documents with others.
Navigation Menu
The navigation menu includes the following options:
- Home: Access the main screen and templates.
- New: Create new documents from templates, including newsletters, menus, and catalogues.
- Recent: View a detailed list of recently accessed files.
- Shared: Access files shared with you.
- Open: Open files from your computer or OneDrive. This works like the Finder on Mac or File Explorer on Windows.
Using Microsoft Word
To open a document, select it from the Recent or Open menus. You can also create a new document using one of the templates provided.
Saving and Closing Documents
To save your document, click File and select Save. You can also use the shortcut Ctrl + S (Windows) or Cmd + S (Mac). To close a document, click the X on Windows or the red dot on Mac.
Logging In and Syncing with OneDrive
To collaborate with others and access your documents across multiple devices, log in to your Microsoft account and sync with OneDrive. This will allow you to save and access your files from anywhere.
Menu Bar
The menu bar at the top of the screen includes several options:
- Word: Access information about the program, including the version you are using.
- Preferences: Adjust various settings within Word.
- File: Create, open, and save documents. Share documents and manage permissions.
- Edit: Access editing tools (some options may be greyed out if no document is open).
- Help: Search for help and find answers to your questions about using Word.
- Check for Updates: Ensure you have the latest version of Word and other Microsoft Office programs.
Updating Microsoft Word
To check for updates, click Help and select Check for Updates. This will connect to the internet and check for the latest updates. You can set Word to update automatically to ensure you always have the latest features and security improvements.
Exiting Microsoft Word
To exit Word, you can either close the program by clicking the X on Windows or the red dot on Mac. Alternatively, you can go to Word and select Quit Word to close the program completely.
- EDSQ Unit 2 LO 6.1