Microsoft Word, one of the most widely used Microsoft applications, allows users to write and create, view, copy, paste, save, edit, share and print text documents, etc. Microsoft Word application rules the word processing market as it allows users to embellish their text documents by inserting pictures and animated images, charts, diagrams, tables, figures and shapes etc.; and by using text in different styles, fonts, colors and languages, etc. at the same time. Since its release, Microsoft Word has greatly reduced the burden on users of creating multiple documents at a time, copying them to another Word file, and running grammar and spell checking, etc. Over time, Microsoft Word (MS-Word) also progressed to new versions, such as MS-Word 2003 and 2007. Here are some of the important features that distinguish MS-Word 2007 and MS-Word 2007:
Interface:
Microsoft-Word 2003: Includes several menu tabs, as well as toolbars that include many buttons. These buttons/functions can be customized to give access to commands.
Microsoft-Word 2007: Uses a user-friendly interface known as ‘Ribbon’. Includes 7 visualizations menu tabs. ‘Home’, ‘Page layout’, ‘References’, ‘Emails’, ‘Review’ and ‘View’. There is an eighth tab also called ‘Developer’ which, however, is disabled by default. Each ribbon tab contains different buttons along with dropdown menus. However, compared to MS-Word 2003, the Ribbon interface of MS-Word 2007 cannot be customized.
File format:
MS-Word 2003 – Uses the DOC file format to save text documents. However, users will need to download a compatibility pack to open DOCX files.
MS-Word 2007 – Uses the DOCX file format, which is an open standard XML format. It is the widely used file format for opening XML files. Users also have the option to save their documents/files in DOC format.
Document Inspector:
MS-Word 2003: Includes ‘Remove Hidden Data’ plugin, which is a tool to remove hidden or visible information from the document, including personal information, etc. However, the plugin does not prompt a user to make changes to document properties.
MS-Word 2007: Includes the ‘Inspect Document’ command which, when executed, provides a list of options including versions, comments, annotations, document properties, custom XML data, personal information, or revisions, among others. The Inspect Document feature allows users to remove the above-mentioned options based on their requirements.
Quick parts:
MS-Word 2003: Includes ‘AutoText’ feature that allows users to define, edit, insert and save text.
MS-Word 2007 – Includes ‘Quick Parts’ that allow users to keep plain text or add formatting or graphics. The feature will be available in the ‘Insert’ tab.
Quick access to the toolbar:
Word 2003: Does not include such a feature and the user has to go through the entire menu tab to get access to frequently used commands like save, edit or undo etc.
Word 2007: Includes ‘Quick Access Toolbar’ which is designed to save commands used over and over again by a user when creating a text document. These commands or functions can be anything from undo, repeat, clip art or save, etc. You can get instant access to such commands or functions by customizing your ‘Quick Access Toolbar’. You just need to add/insert your frequently used commands/features to the toolbar by simply right clicking on them and then clicking ‘Add to Quick Access Toolbar’.
Mail Merge Wizard:
MS-Word 2003: Includes the ‘Mail Merge Wizard’ which allows the user to send personalized messages. However, the wizard has serious problems with Microsoft Excel attachments. It means that you will not be able to import your data for emailing from Microsoft Excel documents.
MS-Word 2007 – It has an improved ‘Mail Merge Wizard’ that allows the user to write and send personalized messages to all recipients without having to go through the CC and BCC process in the mail account. Once you have written your mail to all the recipients, the wizard will forward them to your Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express outbox. Whenever you connect to the Internet in your Microsoft Outlook, your Outlook will automatically send all the personalized messages to each of the addresses. Thus, the wizard saves you wonderfully from writing letters or documents to each and every recipient with your individual information.
The comparison of features has led us to the conclusion that MS-Word 2007 is the advanced word processor and has a clear advantage over MS-Word 2003. However, regardless of which of the two software applications you have, it is possible that you experience problems with them at any time. . In fact, you can search for Microsoft-certified technical support to solve your problems online.