As a business professional of any kind there are certain things that you need to function in business both efficiently and comfortably. Productivity software is usually high on that list. As a blogger, I could never do my job without using software that makes my job faster, easier, and more organized. Many of the necessary programs on my list are Microsoft Office programs. The most common of those include Word, Outlook, and Excel. These are the programs that I absolutely cannot live without. While these programs are expensive, if you can afford them, they offer much bigger benefits than your average word processing software.
Word is one of those programs that are just universal in business and academics. In colleges across the country, the .doc format is the basis for all papers handed in for grading. Likewise, in business this is a format that is used with the assumption that most other business people will be using that program, too. In fact, at least in some form, it tends to be one of the first programs that people learn to use when they are learning the computer.
So, as you can imagine, when we were given the chance to review the 2007 version of Microsoft software, we jumped at the chance. I had heard of all of the great things that would be coming out in the 2007 version of Microsoft Office, but I tried to ignore the excitement value because I was just going on hype at that point. I had checked out a few screenshots and knew the basic specs, but I had not tested it out and that’s what is really important.
Before testing it out I did know that at least eight specific versions of the software would be available for purchase. These bundles include Microsoft Office Basic, Home & Student, Standard, Small Business, Professional, Ultimate, Professional Plus, and Professional Enterprise. This review is on Microsoft Office Professional. Professional includes Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. After using them for a bit to test everything out, I can honestly say that it would be hard to live without these programs, especially for business, and they are worth the few hundred dollars that Microsoft is charging for them.
Using the Product:
Word
The first program I opened for this review was Word. It is by far the most used program in the Microsoft arsenal, at least for me. When you first open Word it looks somewhat similar to the old one. However, you will quickly notice some differences. There are seven main tabs towards the top of the page. These tabs include Home, Insert, Page Layout, References, Mailings, Review, and View. The program is set to Home when you open it. This tab reveals such options as Clipboard (cut, paste, etc), Font, Paragraph, Styles, and Editing. As you flip the tab you get new options based on whatever tab you click.
For example, clicking the Page tab reveals a plethora of design options that will pretty up a document. This is great for basic newsletter options, student projects, and business documents. Of course, you can also add clip art and other visual options to add a little something extra to your project. The ribbon tabs at the top of the page are invaluable. These really help the new user acquaint themselves with all of the amazing features that Word has to offer. In earlier versions, some of these features were available, but you had to know what they were and how to use them. Now they are in your face and generally are usable within a few clicks of your mouse button. It couldn’t be more efficient or easier for the new user if they tried.
Outlook
It took a lot for me to open Outlook and test it out. Prior to this release I had tried to use Outlook, but could never really get it to work right for me. I convinced myself that for this review, I had to give it another shot. I am glad I did because now Outlook is my main source for sending and receiving mail. It’s quicker, easier, and more functional than ever. If you were intimated by Outlook before, make sure you give this a try because it has become much easier than it used to be and it really is an important time saving tool.
Outlook is a major time saver for me because it puts all of my emails in one place alongside a calendar, to-do manager, a tasklist, notes, a journal, and a business contact management system. All of these things are easy to use and to learn to use. When it comes to mail, you can flag certain items in certain colors to ensure that your mail is split up and organized however you want it. Having your mail on your desktop as opposed to using webmail can be a huge time saver. You don’t have to worry about keeping extra windows open or fiddling with webmail. Just open your program and your mail is downloaded straight to your computer. You also have the option of leaving all of the mail on your server, as well, which works excellently when you have business partners that prefer not to use Outlook.
It’s funny how intimidated I was by this program coming in, but once I started using it has become absolutely necessary to me. While I cannot compare this version to the older versions of Outlook I have heard from numerous users that the layout is better throughout the entire program. The address book also deserves a special mention because it’s incredibly thorough with spots for several phone numbers, email addresses, mailing addresses and other forms of contact information.
Excel
Like Word, Excel got a makeover in the form of the tabbed interface. The tabs for Excel are slightly different than with Word. This time around the tabs read Home, Insert, Page Layout, Formulas, Data, Review, and View. In these options there are options that let you make a variety of graph styles, different functions, and options for creating a number of spreadsheets or graphs.
I will admit that I rarely use this program. A few years ago, Excel had a way of feeling very intimidating to the new user. These days, I find myself in the learning phase of this program and that is thanks to the new design. The design is increasingly helpful in allowing a new user to see all of the benefits of Excel in the friendliest way possible.
Powerpoint
Used in everything from education to business, Powerpoint is one of the most popular programs in the Microsoft Suite. Presentations and diagrams of all sorts are able to be created easily and dazzled up with ease thanks to Powerpoint. Graphics, such as clip art, are added through the Insert tab. The designing options through the design tab are simply amazing. Powerpoint has never been easier to use. One thing that is different is the loss of the Autocontent Wizard. While this was originally meant to provide an easier user experience, the new program setup allows ease of use without the need for this additional feature.
At one point, Powerpoint was highly unorganized and was used mostly by people that knew what they were doing. Now just about anyone can open up the program and get the results they want. It is not only easy. It’s well designed and fully functional for all user levels.
Access
If you have to make a database, the best program to do it in is Microsoft Access. Prior to this new release I had not used Access. While I have nothing to compare it to, I can say that I use this program for quite a few things now. Databases really do help organize things, causing me to use this program for everything from household organization to keeping contact and review information straight.
There are a variety of tabs, like in the other programs, which will allow you to change fonts, add in color, and ultimately spruce up and change each database and set it to your specific needs. Some specific tabs include Tables and Lists, which gives you the option of adding tasks, assets, and even contacts. You can import and export things to and from other Microsoft programs, as needed. Granted, there are plenty of things in here that will be too advanced for the average user to need on a regular basis, but overall anyone can use Access. The point is that it is available and most of it is incredibly easy to use whether you need it or not.
Functionality: 
Ease of Use:
Newbie Friendly:
Technical Aspects:
The biggest question many people will have is whether or not this version of Microsoft is worth upgrading to, if the old version works fine. The question will ultimately depend on you. I absolutely love the new layout and the various new features. I would hate to have to go back to the old version. I have settled in nicely and have to recommend this set of programs. Sticklers for conformity may take a look at the new, sleek design and the tabbed interface of Word and run away scoffing.
If you can manage to stick around, I promise it will grow on you. I loved Microsoft Office Professional immediately, but know others that hated it. In time, they changed their minds and now they love it as much as I do. Chances are, you will love it, too. If you cannot afford the upgrade with all programs, but still wish to upgrade, my advice is to find the bundle that offers the main programs you need and go with that one in order to save money.
Reuseability:
Visually Pleasing:
Overall Rating: Overall Rating:
Technorati Tags: Software Review, Microsoft Office 2007, Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Email, Business, Productivity, Microsoft Office Professional, Windows, Necessary Software, Programs
------------------------
No comments yet.