I had another client on the telephone to me this week in despair about Microsoft Office 2007. It is the same complaint as the others I have had from clients – the new user interface or the screen dashboard to you and me! If you are used to Microsoft Office 2003 it is quite a learning curve with gallery, ribbon bar and contextual tabs. Where is all the functional streamlined toolbar and menu you are used to? Why do they have to complicate something you have learnt and then throw something in that on the face of it seems quite complicated.
Another of my clients said why do it when it is a recognised brand. Fine to upgrade and add better functions/security but don’t make it difficult for the core audience. I do think however if you are completely new to computers it is good as it shows helpful options particularly with the gallery and tabs however if you are a regular Office user these can actually be very distracting and unhelpful as you already know the functions.
Well the good news is that help is hand, Microsoft have brought out an add-in that will show the traditional classic version on Office 2007. It is not very visible on their site however and naughtily it comes at an additional cost – £18. However if you are upgrading you might be best buying it as you may find it will save you lots of time and headaches!!
The link for the add-in purchase is here http://www.addintools.com/english/menuoffice/default.htm
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With the new Office (the 2007) design, look & feel, Microsoft have made a giant leap. True that it takes time to get use to the new ribbon and to get around quickly.. But once you are familiar with it, you rock!
We do a lot of researches on the web, and using Excel macros,
we have improved our research speed in 30%. That huge!!
Using OneNote have improved our research information control (nothing get lost now) and with the sharing files abilities, now everyone can contribute to the project.
So to summary it all, we are more then happy with the tools that comes in the Office 2007.
We looking forward to the new one…
With the SP2 support for open source files,
our CRM improved since we don’t have to “fight”
with our clients anymore
The 2007 was a great investment with benefits to us.
Amit