How To Use Microsoft Word 2003

Most typewriters are collecting dust these days as more people learn how to use Microsoft Word 2003. Even for those writing wizards who call Microsoft Word their home, some of these tips and tricks may shed new light on your tried-and-true word processing skills. Here is a crash course on how to use Microsoft Word 2003.

1. Starting the program. If you’re going to learn how to use Microsoft Word 2003, you’d better know how to launch the program. Double-click the Word program icon on your desktop (or single-click in your main Task bar), or launch the program from your “Start” button, inside the “Microsoft Office” folder.
2. Creating a new file. Upon launching Microsoft Word, you’ll see a white page and blinking cursor. But if that page is missing upon program launch, simply click the small “New Blank Document” button on your Standard toolbar (top left area of your screen)—it looks like a simple white piece of paper—and a new document window will appear.
3. Entering text. It’s time to input data. See that blinking cursor on your screen? As you begin typing, the letters will start in that location. In fact, wherever you type anything, it will always appear wherever your cursor is blinking. Type at least 25 words of text (notice how the words automatically wrap around as they reach the end of each line), then press the “Enter” key to move your cursor down to a new paragraph or line. When learning how to use Microsoft Word 2003, entering text is the first challenge. Formatting is next, but it’s easier than you think. Read on…
4. Formatting text. Remember this rule: select before you affect. This means you must select your text before you can apply formats. To select text, click-and-drag over it (which highlights it in black). Double-click to select an entire word. Triple-click to select an entire paragraph. Once the text is selected, use the buttons in your Formatting toolbar to apply formatting. Some of the most-used formatting tools are the “B” button (for bolding), the “I” button (for italicizing), and the “U” button (for underlining). Quick tip: to “undo” a formatting change, press CTRL+U (or click “Edit,” “Undo…”). For more formatting tips that will help you learn how to use Microsoft Word 2003, don’t be afraid to search the Internet.
5. Saving a file. When saving for the first time, you’ll be required to identify a file name and choose its saved location. Click the “Save” button (it looks like a floppy disk, in your Standard toolbar), which causes the Save As dialog box to appear. In this window, at the top “Save In” area, choose your file location (folder), then click in the “File Name” box and type the file name. After you’ve named your file and chosen its location, future saving processes are simpler: just click the “Save” button again, or better yet, use the shortcut: CTRL+S. Your computer will remember your file name and location.
6. Closing a file. After you’ve saved your file, choose “File,” then “Close” from your menu bar.
7. Opening a file. To open a previously-created file, click the “File” menu, then “Open.” (Or press CTRL+O.) The Open dialog box will appear. Select your file, then click the “Open” button. Quick tip: to open multiple documents, hold your Control key down while single-clicking on each document, then press the “Open” button.
8. Closing the program. To avoid creating fragmented files on your computer’s hard drive, practice safe program closure by clicking the “X” symbol in the top right corner of your screen. Of course, “File,” “Exit” works, too. Quick tip: ALT+F4 also closes the program. Be sure you’ve saved your file first; otherwise, you’ll be prompted to save before closing.

When you’re first learning how to use Microsoft Word 2003, you’re bound to make a few mistakes. Remember your friend: CTRL+U (undo)! It’s one of the best functions ever designed in Word. For more instruction on Microsoft Word, access the Help function (F1).