Operate a word processor/Introduction to Microsoft Word

Learning Outcomes
By completing this learning resource, you will become familiar with the basic functions that you need to operate Microsoft Word at a basic level.

Introduction
On the assumption that you will probably be using Microsoft Word 2003, or an earlier version, I’ve based these tutorials on Microsoft Word 2003. Most of the functions in 2007 should be similar, but the File menu is opened in a different way. If you're using 2007, when you want to open the file menu instead of clicking on File, you need to click on the Office icon.

Opening Files
This screen video will show you several ways to open Microsoft Word files.

After watching the video, make sure that you are able to open a Microsoft word from
 * your email
 * your documents

Editing text
This screen movie will show you how to select text, and use the copy/cut/paste and undo/redo functions. It will also introduce you to the concept of “hot keys”.

After watching this video make sure that you are able to
 * Select a word
 * Select a paragraph
 * Use copy, cut and paste
 * Use undo and redo (using hot keys)

Formatting text
This screen movie will show you how to bold, italicize and underline text as well as change the font and the font size.

The movie doesn’t mention that if you want to un-bold something that is already bolded, you need to select it, then click on the bold button.

After watching this video make sure that you are able to
 * Bold, and un-bold text
 * Italicize and underline text
 * Change the font & font size of text

Using the file menu
This screen movie will introduce you to the functions of the file menu.

After watching this video make sure that you are able to
 * Open a new document from this menu
 * Save your current document using the save hot key
 * Save your current document with a new filename
 * Print a document.

Congratulations
You have mastered the essential functions that you need to become a perfectly competent Microsoft Word operator.