What is Microsoft Word?
If you’ve written a paper within the past thirty years, you’re familiar with Microsoft Word. Often referred to as Word or MS Word, Microsoft Word is a word processor created by Microsoft that’s perfect for professional and personal use. Although it was first released in 1983, Microsoft Word made waves in the 1990s. This article will deliver all the information you need to use and appreciate Microsoft Word.
How Did it Start?
By 1995, Microsoft Word had become a household name among computer owners. That’s because Microsoft made the smart choice to release Microsoft Word with bundled software. By releasing Windows 95 and Office 95, users could enjoy the best of both worlds with Microsoft Word and the initial disk system. Windows 95 introduced ground-breaking features we’re all accustomed to now. This included easy-to-use toolbars, visible notifications, and the iconic Start button. But let’s get back to Microsoft Word specifics.
Boasting a simple layout, Microsoft Word helps ensure even those adverse to technology can navigate it. Keep reading to learn more about the evolution of Microsoft Word and everything it brings to the table.
How Has Word Evolved?
Like almost anything else, Microsoft Word has adapted and improved with time. While it first appeared nearly 40 years ago, this word processor has progressed over the years to meet modern demands. This has ensured efficiency while helping Microsoft Word stay relevant among all the iCloud publicity. At this point, you’re probably curious about the best uses for Microsoft Word, so keep reading.
What Applications Work Best in Microsoft Word?
One of the first questions you may have is: why use Microsoft Word? Microsoft Word is ideal for creating a variety of personal and professional documents for both amateurs and experts. This includes:
- Business cards, plans, and reports
- Case studies
- Flyers
- Letters
- Newsletters
- Meeting notes
- Posters
- Résumés
And that’s just scratching the surface of how you can use Microsoft Word! You can essentially rely on it to quickly whip up any doc you want to share, send, or print. The options for professional and personal Microsoft Word users are nearly endless.
What Are the Best Features of Microsoft Word?
Microsoft Word has an extensive list of coveted features that make it practically perfect. There are hundreds, but want to know the best ones? We’re covering eight remarkable traits of Microsoft Word below:
- Intuitive layout with easy-to-use tabs for easy navigation at any age.
- Built-in spell-check with the familiar red squiggly line for reliable proofreading.
- Clickable toolbar features such as bold, italic, and strike-through options for text emphasis.
- Adjustable page features such as paragraph formatting, indentation, and justification for any application.
- Easy copying and pasting to other platforms for scholarly or workplace use.
- Effortless inserts of tables, screenshots, and SmartArt for added customization.
- Quick conversions from lists to tables for better readability.
- Multiple language recognition for international use.
The list above only covers a portion of Microsoft Word’s best features. When it comes to the remarkable features Microsoft Word has to offer, you don’t just have to take our word for it! Check out this impressive list of benefits published by LinkedIn.
In addition to a clean, simple layout, Microsoft Word was admired for its ability to maintain its look. This meant that everything typed on the screen appeared consistently across digital and printed items. Therefore, you won’t experience any unpleasant surprises going from screen to paper with Microsoft Word.
Users also sang Microsoft Word’s praises for effortless copying and pasting into other platforms. This helped them avoid significant changes to formatting. This feature also allowed Microsoft Word users to:
- Implement their text into typing assistants that check for spelling and grammar.
- Copy and paste their content into writing marketplaces for professionals.
Although Microsoft Word has a reputable built-in spellchecking feature, it isn’t perfect. Some words may be overlooked during an initial run-through if the wrong word was used, but spelled correctly. We covered some of the best uses for Microsoft Word earlier, but we’re diving deeper with audience specifics below:
- Businesses can leverage the template function to access samples and download letterheads, bills, memos, letters, receipts, and more.
- College students can quickly upload their files or copy and paste their work onto virtual learning platforms such as Blackboard and Brightspace.
- Personal users can easily create and customize personally branded documents or simply write a letter.
How Do I Install Microsoft Word?
Software installation may feel time-consuming or complicated. Luckily, Microsoft Word is one of the fastest word processors to install. Microsoft has also created a simple step-by-step list for easy Microsoft Word installation:
- Sign in to your Microsoft account if you’re not already logged in.
- At the top of the page, select the Services and subscription tab.
- Locate the Microsoft Office product you want to install and click the download option.
If you experience any issues downloading Microsoft Word or need help troubleshooting, you can discover more details on Microsoft’s support page here. You can also reach out to Microsoft Support directly.
Please also note that many users are choosing to gain Microsoft Word access through the iCloud method or Office 365 as opposed to purchasing it, downloading it, and dealing with a password.
Learn More
By now, you’re familiar with the wide range of features and benefits Microsoft Word has to offer.
