Microsoft Office is a world-leading office software suite, which includes various applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc., providing users with efficient office tools. The tools are used by millions of people globally. This article will introduce the history, functions, advantages, usage skills, and versions of Microsoft Office.
Part 1: History of Microsoft Office
Early office software
Do you ever wonder how people use to perform their office work? Previously, people used typewriters for documents and letters. People used to write office documents and letters by hand. It was when computers were not accessible and affordable. In 1960, a commercial word processing software named “Electronic Typewriter”. The software, however, had limited functions and could only edit texts. Moreover, users were required to print the document using a particular printer. In 1970, the first spreadsheet software named “ VisiCalc” was introduced. The tool helped users in business analysis.
History of Microsoft Office
In 1989, Microsoft launched its Office version that included applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Microsoft has continued to upgrade its application and make it better for users. Moreover, with upgrades and updates, Microsoft introduced new applications such as OneNote, Outlook, and more. Microsoft’s latest Office version is 2021, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access, Publisher, Visio, and Project.
Current Versions and Features
The latest version of Office offers a variety of useful functions and features
Word: The software is designed for writers and document creators. The software provides a wide range of functions that enable users to write, edit, insert images, collaborate, and do more. It can create letters, contracts, reports, books, book covers, manuals, etc.
Excel: The software enables users to create financial documents, forecasting, chart, and data analysis. Previously, financial statements, charts, and data recording was done manually; however, Excel enables users to add data and use a number of equations to make their work easier and save and share financial documents easily.
PowerPoint: It enables users to present something better and more presentable. The software offers many functions and designs that allow users to create exceptional presentations.
The next is Office 365 version
It is a cloud-powered productivity platform that has many creative applications. Users can use them for day-to-day work or professional tasks. The applications have great features that enable users to be creative, productive, and efficient.
Microsoft Office also offers an educational version
The educational version of Office enables students to use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Microsoft Teams, and other classroom tools for free. Microsoft Office for students enables students to sign in through their official institute emails and use free Microsoft Office applications.
Part 2. Prepare to Sign in to Microsoft 365
Setting up and signing in to Microsoft 365 is an easy job. Follow the below-mentioned steps to sign in and set up each application.
Word
The software offers a variety of functions and features for professional, educational, and other documents, letters, reports, and writings.
Excel
The software enables storing data, creating charts, making financial statements, analyzing data, and forecasting.
PowerPoint
The software enables users to create exceptional, beautiful-looking, well-managed, and designed presentations. It is best for people who give presentations regularly.
Step 1
Visit the official website of Microsoft 356. You’ll see a sign-in, get Microsoft 365, and a sign-up option. Click sign in. If you don’t have an account. Click sign up for free below the sign-in button. Signing in is a must as Microsoft Office won’t let you use their applications otherwise.
Step 2
Sign in using your login credentials. Add username and password and click on the login button. You’ll successfully get to the home page of Microsoft 365 after a few seconds.
Step 3
Once successfully logged in; on your left hand, there’s a list of applications; click Word, Excel, or PowerPoint to use them. Every application has a variety of templates that help you in your work. Moreover, if you want to work on a blank template; choose a blank template and progress further.
Outlook
The software is mainly used for its email servers. It allows users to store phone numbers, and contacts, track tasks, and receive and send emails.
Step 1
Visit the official website of Microsoft 356. You’ll see a sign-in, get Microsoft 365, and a sign-up option. Click sign in. If you don’t have an account. Click sign up for free below the sign-in button.
Step 2
Sign in and you’ll successfully get to the home page of Microsoft 365.
Step 3
On your left hand, there’s a list of applications, click Outlook. It’ll take you to the official page of Outlook.
OneNote
The software enables users to type notes, record audio, sketch or write, add pictures, find and store notes, and more. The software is a digital notebook that allows users to write, record and store audio, draw, and do more.
Step 1
Visit the official website of Microsoft 356. You’ll see a sign-in, get Microsoft 365, and a sign-up option. Click sign in. If you don’t have an account. Click sign up for free below the sign-in button.
Step 2
Sign in, and you’ll successfully get to the home page of Microsoft 365.
Step 3
On your left hand, there’s a list of applications, click OneNote and it’ll take you to its official page. You can start your work right away.
Part 3: Advantages of Microsoft Office
Global leading market share
Microsoft has a leading market share of 12.82% compared to its competitors. Moreover, it has 28 million + monthly users globally. Office applications are used by millions globally because of their features, functions, accessibility, and ease of use.
Integration of multiple applications
Microsoft Office has a variety of applications with a wide range of functions, features, and usability. The applications have their own unique user interfaces, uses, and exceptional features. Moreover, the combination of Office applications promotes productivity as users get different applications for different work under one roof.
Efficient collaboration and sharing features
Microsoft Office applications offer an efficient collaboration; from multiple people working on a single document to adding suggestions and comments, their applications are best. Additionally, users can share the files easily in different formats and through different mediums such as mail, and Dropbox.
Large selection of templates and styles
Microsoft Office applications have a wide range of creative designs. Moreover, there are professional templates that help users with their work. This saves their time and gives their documents a professional and better look. The templates vary from application to application. Word may have a financial report template, and Excel may have a data analysis template.
Compatibility and customizability
The applications of Microsoft Office are compatible with almost every device. They support Windows and MacOS and have applications on IOS and Android. The applications offer many tools that help users customize their work, edit, save, and share them. Moreover, you can save the files and view them anywhere, anytime.
Part 4: Tips for Using Microsoft Office
There are many free Microsoft Office applications with diverse features. It’s important to understand how to use the basic features.
Use of shortcut keys
All Microsoft Office applications have shortcut keys. Use short cuts keys to easily copy, paste, save, print, share, highlight, add comments, select all, and do more. The use of shortcut keys makes work easier.
Customise the Quick Access Toolbar
Applications enable users to customer Quick Access Toolbar and allow them to use their favorite tools instantly.
Automated tasks and Macros
A macro is a series of commands and actions a user can set and run whenever he needs to perform a task. Macros are helpful when users perform the same tasks repeatedly and regularly. It saves their time and automates the task.
Plug-ins and add-ons
Plug-ins and add-ons are additional tools you can add to applications and make your work easier. A few examples of plug-ins and add-ons are WordTune, Grammarly, and Wikipedia.
Network and Cloud Applications
Microsoft Office has an Outlook that can be used for sending and receiving emails. Moreover, Microsoft Office is a distributed software-as-a-service (SaaS) cloud offering productivity and networking with its applications.
Part 5. Frequently Asked Questions
A. Can I still get the Microsoft Office for free?
Microsoft Office free is available online and can be used anytime, anywhere, and on any device. You can get free Microsoft Office by visiting their official website, creating an account, and signing in.
B. What is the difference between Windows Office and Microsoft Office?
The difference between Windows Office and Microsoft Office is that Windows Office is an operating system, whereas Microsoft Office is a program. One is a system that operates on Windows PCs, and Microsoft Office is a software that has many applications.
C. What Office version is best?
Microsoft updated and regulated its Office software; the best version currently is 2021, i.e., Microsoft Office 2021. It’s a top and up-to-date version of Office.
Part 6. What are the Alternatives to Microsoft Office?
Microsoft Office 2021 is the best version currently; however, this free Office version has limited features and can only run with a stable internet connection and on a browser. It had numerous alternatives; one of them is WPS Office.
WPS Office is free software that enables users to edit, draw, translate, print, add suggestions, create presentations, and do more. It has a wide range of advanced features and functions for free. Moreover, the software has a huge library of free templates.
WPS Office has more than 500 million active users globally; furthermore, WPS Office is compatible with Office formats, i.e., Word, Excel, PPT, and more. Anyone can use WPS Office and download its applications on their device for free. It enables users to multitask and boost their productivity. Do you wish to check it out? Download yours now!
Conclusion
The future development trend of Microsoft Office
Microsoft updates and regulated its applications regularly. Moreover, the future trends of Microsoft say that Microsoft is working on boosting productivity and introducing artificial intelligence as a co-pilot. According to the CEO of Microsoft, people and soft skills make success, and they will be working on them.
Recommendation and conclusion
Microsoft Office is a great software; however, you will need to use a free Microsoft Office if you don’t want to buy a desktop version. Microsoft Office free version has limited functions and tools; hence, you should go for better softwares, i.e. WPS Office.
