Customizing Options in Word 2010 (Beta)
In this post we’ll look at a new and excellent feature available in all applications within Office 2010 (Beta). I’ll explain the process using Word 2010 as an example, but before I do, let’s consider a little history.
Right from the early days of Word, the Menu Bar and the accompanying toolbars, Standard and Formatting were widely used as they contained common commands.
With the introduction of Word 2007, these useful features were dispensed with and, in their place, Microsoft added the ubiquitous Ribbon Bar. This contained a set of tabs not unlike the former Menu Bar. Each tab had its specialized tool buttons rather than menu commands. The illustration below shows the Ribbon Bar from Word 2007.
While you could hide the Ribbon Bar by right clicking on it and selecting “Minimize the Ribbon”, that’s about all you could do. You were stuck with what Microsoft dished up to you.
Word 2007′s Ribbon Bar was supposed to be ground breaking but never was popular. It took a bit of getting used to, requiring much fossicking about to find that elusive command.
Some rusted-on Word users refused to upgrade to Word 2007 preferring to live with Word 2003 with its regular features. At least the Quick Access toolbar in Word 2007 allowed users to add essential toolbar buttons and so get on with the job.
Now, Microsoft has released the Office 2010 (Beta). It is available for everyone to try. Download its beta version and you will be surprised at how smooth it runs. To date I haven’t struck a glitch. The location of the official Microsoft website is given below.
Note: Before you can download Office 2010 (Beta), you must be logged in with your Hotmail account or create a Windows Live ID. This is a requirement before Microsoft will allow you to access the beta. Then you have to complete a comprehensive registration form. Once this is accomplished Microsoft will email you the Product Key which is needed to install it.
