A computer is more than just another household appliance. The vast amount of information and possibilities can be overwhelming. But you can accomplish a lot with a computer, and using one can be a good experience. Let's walk through getting started with your first computer.
Word has a variety of viewing options that change how your document is displayed. You can choose to view your document in Read Mode, Print Layout, or Web Layout. These views can be useful for various tasks, especially if you're planning to print the document. You can also zoom in and out to make your document easier to read.
Switching document views
Switching between different document views is easy. Just locate and select the desired document view command in the bottom-right corner of the Word window.
Read Mode: This view opens the document to a full screen. This view is great for reading large amounts of text or simply reviewing your work.
Print Layout: This is the default document view in Word. It shows what the document will look like on the printed page.
Web Layout: This view displays the document as a webpage, which can be helpful if you're using Word to publish content online.
Zooming in and out
To zoom in or out, click and drag the zoom control slider in the bottom-right corner of the Word window. You can also select the + or -commands to zoom in or out by smaller increments. The number next to the slider displays the current zoom percentage, also called the zoom level.
Backstage view gives you various options for saving, opening a file, printing, and sharing your document. To access Backstage view, click the File tab on the Ribbon.
Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn more about using Backstage view.
Account
From the Account pane, you can access your Microsoft account information, modify your theme and background, and sign out of your account.
Located just above the Ribbon, the Quick Access Toolbar lets you access common commands no matter which tab is selected. By default, it shows the Save, Undo, and Redo commands, but you can add other commands depending on your needs.
To add commands to the Quick Access Toolbar:
Click the drop-down arrow to the right of the Quick Access Toolbar.
Select the command you want to add from the menu.
The command will be added to the Quick Access Toolbar.
The Ruler
The Ruler is located at the top and to the left of your document. It makes it easier to adjust your document with precision. If you want, you can hide the Ruler to create more screen space.
To show or hide the Ruler:
Click the View tab.
Click the checkbox next to Ruler to show or hide the Ruler.
Like other recent versions, Word 2016 continues to use features like the Ribbon and the Quick Access Toolbar—where you will find commands to perform common tasks in Word—as well as Backstage view.
The Ribbon
Word uses a tabbed Ribbon system instead of traditional menus. The Ribboncontains multiple tabs, which you can find near the top of the Word window.
Each tab contains several groups of related commands. For example, the Font group on the Home tab contains commands for formatting text in your document.
Some groups also have a small arrow in the bottom-right corner that you can click for even more options.
Showing and hiding the Ribbon
If you you find that the Ribbon takes up too much screen space, you can hide it. To do this, click the Ribbon Display Options arrow in the upper-right corner of the Ribbon, then select the desiredoption from the drop-down menu:
Auto-hide Ribbon: Auto-hide displays your document in full-screen mode and completely hides the Ribbon from view. To show the Ribbon, click the Expand Ribbon command at the top of screen.
Show Tabs: This option hides all command groups when they're not in use, but tabs will remain visible. To show the Ribbon, simply click a tab.
Show Tabs and Commands: This option maximizes the Ribbon. All of the tabs and commands will be visible. This option is selected by default when you open Word for the first time.
To learn how to add custom tabs and commands to the Ribbon, review our Extra on Customizing the Ribbon.
Using the Tell me feature
If you're having trouble finding command you want, the Tell Me feature can help. It works just like a regular search bar: Type what you're looking for, and a list of options will appear. You can then use the command directly from the menu without having to find it on the Ribbon.
Microsoft Word 2016 is a word processing application that allows you to create a variety of documents, including letters, resumes, and more. In this lesson, you'll learn how to navigate the Word interface and become familiar with some of its most important features, such as the Ribbon, Quick Access Toolbar, and Backstage view.
Watch the video below to become more familiar with Word 2016.
Getting to know Word 2016
Word 2016 is similar to Word 2013 and Word 2010. If you've previously used either version, then Word 2016 should feel familiar. But if you are new to Word or have more experience with older versions, you should first take some time to become familiar with the Word 2016 interface.
The Word interface
When you open Word for the first time, the Start Screen will appear. From here, you'll be able to create a new document, choose a template, and access your recently edited documents. From the Start Screen, locate and select Blank document to access the Word interface.
Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn more about the Word interface:
Let's imagine that you're going to start your own home business. You will need to prepare a database for your business, and the first step is to design a table that will contain a list of contacts who may one day be your clients or suppliers.
Let's assume that a database table called Business Contacts contains all of the fields listed in the first column of the following chart. The chart also contains four other columns:
Text, Numbers, or Both: Should the field accept data entry input in the form of text, numbers, or both?
Field Size: Tis is the number of spaces you think the field should have.
Required Entry: Should the field be required entry (the record cannot be added to the database without the information) or optional entry (a record can be added without entry in the field)?
Allow Duplicates: Should the database allow duplicate entries for the field (for example, can several people in the database share the same zip code)?
Practice designing fields by filling out the following table.
