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Using Office 2007 in Nebula

IT Connect > Software and Hardware > Nebula > Using Office 2007

Office 2007 is being deployed to all Nebula Gold computers and will become the supported version of Microsoft Office within Nebula. This new version includes a significant new user interface and a variety of new features.

What's New With Office 2007

Office 2007 is a radically different look than its predecessors. The good news is that all your favorite commands and tools (and more!) are still there. However, many are in different places. Another important thing to know is that, for the first time in a few versions of Office, the file format is different.

Introducing the Ribbon

The Ribbon takes the place of the old drop-down menu bar to access commands. The philosophy behind the Ribbon is to group task-related commands together in a more efficient manner. In this case the efficiency will only come with familiarity and practice. See these Microsoft introductory pages to get a feel for the new Ribbon.

File Format

The new file format for Office files is based on XML, which explains the extension changes in the file names. For example, in Word files, instead of filename.doc the name is now filename.docx.

The benefits of the new file format include:

Smaller files

Files are automatically compressed, making them take up less room on your computer and also making them easier to send as attachments in email.

Improved damaged file recovery

The format is more modular, which can allow you to open a file even if part of it is damaged.

Detection of files containing macros

Files with an "x" on the extension cannot contain macros.

Better integration of data between applications

Because the Office 2007 file formats are significantly different from Office 2003, Microsoft has provided a means for Office 2003 users to read Office 2007 files. This capability has already been distributed to all Nebula Gold computers. Additionally, Office 2007 allows files to be saved in the old 2003 format. One problem with this, however, is that some features in 2007 will not convert to the older format.

Learning Office 2007

We know you depend on Office for critical business functions, and that training is a significant part of any successful deployment. We have lined up a variety of training options to fit your needs.

Catalyst Learning Workshops

The Catalyst classes are free to UW staff and are offered on a walk-in basis. These will best serve individuals who want a flexible schedule for a 1.5 to 2.0 hour class to get started.

Self-Paced Learning

There are a number of options for self-paced learning depending on your preferences.

Element K on-line classes

You can access hundreds of on-line classes through Element K for a $79 annual subscription fee (chargeable to a UW budget number). For a catalog and further information, see Online Learning.

SkillSoft e-Learning

If you already have a SkillSoft account, you can go to the Professional and Organizational Development page and click on the SkillSoft e-Learning link to log in and search for the courses you are interested in. To obtain a SkillSoft account, use the same link to create an account. If you are required to install a version of Java, be sure to accept the regular update invitations that Java will send.

Microsoft Self-paced lessons

Microsoft offers a variety of free, self-paced training courses.

Microsoft also offers online command reference guides that can teach you where Office 2003 commands exist in the Office 2007 interface:

Do-it-yourself

Everyone learns in a different way, so individuals are encouraged to purchase books that match their personal styles, or to simply jump in and make use of the in-program help (F1 or the small blue circle with the question mark). Nebula Support has a small library of reference materials that you can check out before purchasing your own copy.

Several clients have found the Quick Start cards offered by Brainstorm, Inc. useful.

Migrating from Office 2003 to Office 2007

If you have heavily customized your version of Office 2003, you may find these links useful. They discuss migrating various data and features from Office 2003 to Office 2007.

Installing Office 2007 Yourself

Unlike previous Nebula installations, this package will not be offered at login. Instead, you can install anytime that is convenient for you (it takes anywhere from 20-40 minutes).

  1. StepsActions
  2. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, then double-click Run Advertised Programs.
  3. Choose the "MS Office 2007 Enterprise " package and click Run.
  4. If asked, choose the Upgrade option.

If you get a message saying that the program is not available, please send email to nebula@u.washington.edu.

Office 2007 Shortcuts

Microsoft's Office Online page offers links to training resources for each of Office's major programs.

Do you know your Office shortcuts?
For this Do this
Display full menus View - Toolbars - Customize - Options tab - click Always show full menus. (If you get a message about the Assistant not being available, click Yes to install it.)
Move a copy of highlighted text Ctrl+Drag
Save a file Ctrl+S
Open a file Ctrl+O
Open a new file Ctrl+N
Open Help F1
Open the Start menu Ctrl+Esc
Copy highlighted text to storage Ctrl+C
Paste stored text Ctrl+V
Delete highlighted text to storage Ctrl+X
Select all text Ctrl+A
Repeat the last action Ctrl+Y
Undo the last action Ctrl+Z
Move to another application Alt+Tab
Select a block Click on first entry/letter, hold Shift key, click on last entry/letter
Pick and choose Hold Ctrl key while you click
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