word processing

Word 2003 is more powerful than ever. Unfortunately, most of the new features are aimed primarily towards large business. As a result, many end-users simply won't need them (or be able to use them). The users who will benefit most from upgrading are corporate users or users purchasing bundles with new PCs.

Pros:

Instant Messaging support is now integrated with Office applications. However, only MSN messenger is used. Users who predominantly use Yahoo, trillian, jabber, or ICQ will not find any utility in this feature, without signing up for a messenger account.

The user interface has changed for the better, and matches the Windows XP interface better. Personally, I like it. Also, fonts are rendered better, and consequently documents will look better on laptops (no more jagged edges).

The Reading Layout feature splits the text into a two column format for easier reading (think newspaper).

If you have Microsoft Server and SharePoint services installed on your network, you can share and track changes to word documents. Nice feature, but requires a significant investment on server software.

When typing an hypertext link, word no longer reformats the font of the URL.

Cons:

Product activation, which requires network access.

All of the Office applications now have a blended help system that first checks help files online first, before getting local help files.

XML is useless for end users. Programmers who use Word to write XML will find that Word no longer tries to autocorrect much of the XML, but you will still have the annoying red underline on many of your XML tags because the spellchecker flags them as misspelled.

Still, I think it makes a worthy upgrade for 97/2000 users, but XP users will find the expense difficult to justify. More specifically, if you are an end user without a lot of Microsoft back end software installed on your network (Windows 2000/2003 Server, SharePoint services, etc.) I would think very carefully before upgrading.

I've bought all versions of Microsoft Word and by far this version is the best. For starters, the taskbar has links that help you out in situations that would take longer for lack of knowledge. The visuals are amazing, nice, nice! You get the same smart tags unfortunately. But you can adjust any inconveniences if you read Microsoft's book. There is a book out that explains step by step how to use Microsoft Word 2003. The name of the book is Step by Step Microsoft Office Word 2003. It's a beginner-Intermediate book. It helps to become familiar with your software before you critique it.

The new installation is by far much better than the upgrade. I bought the upgrade and once you put the CD-ROM on the drive it gives you the option of installing it as a new installation or as an upgrade. I recommend the new. When I want to change the office assistant I no longer have to put the CD again on the drive. Everything is on the computer.

This won't slow down your computer. I noticed my computer runs just as fast once I installed this program.

I wasn't too thrilled with the older versions but this one was a great investment. Very expensive but well worth it. Microsoft continues to rise to the top and these office programs are just the beginning. I am very excited for next years new Windows program that is scheduled to come. Security is enhanced in this version. Documents can be made private. There are other security enhancements but I can't really go over each one since that would make this review endless. There are a few added elements on saving. If you get a power outage or your computer shuts off for some unseen incident you don't lose your work. There is a way of having all documents backed up as you type. That is definitely a vast improvement.

I haven't read the entire book that explains this software but from my personal experience writing letters and using it this version is much better than the 2002 or 2000. A good note is that I didnt' have to do Office Updates once I installed it. I also didn't have to register my software since the upgrade new installation did all the work for me. There is 1 little change from the 2000 but similiar to the 2002. You have to enter a product key to activate it. If you don't plan on using the Internet with this program then stick to the 2000. The 2002 and 2003 versions requrie product activation.

There is a link on the tasks pane that provides technical assistance and takes you to the Microsoft help pages that I found very helpful unlike previous versions.

Don't hesitate or feel undecided buy this product if you are concerned for security online as you type letters, if you like fancy looking visuals, and if you want to be on top of the game! Why settle for less, get the best! Microsoft is sure to always come up with good things. Yes, they stumble a few times down the line but they pick up and gain momentum. I recommend this product for sure.