There have been many versions of Microsoft Word, going back a decade or two. In this class, we will use Word 2007, so the pictures you see from MS Word will be from that version. However, most of you probably use Word 2003 at home. Additionally, an older version, Word 2000, is still used on some LCJ and NIC computers. Any new computer you buy will have Word and Excel 2007.

While you should not yet switch to Windows Vista, MS Office 2007 is an acceptable upgrade. You probably don't need 2007, but you won't suffer if you get it.

The differences between Word 2000 and Word 2003 are not too great; if you learn about one of them, the other will still be familiar. However, Word 2007 will be significantly different. You may still understand the basic ideas and functions, but the layout of the program (menus and toolbars, for example) might be confusing at first.

Here is a comparison of the three different programs:. First, Microsoft Word 2000:

Next, Microsoft Word 2003. Notice the task area at the right, and the more 3-D appearance of the toolbars. Otherwise, it is ver similar to MS Word 2000.

Finally, there is Microsoft Word 2007. Notice that it has been completely redesigned. The Menu Bar has been replaced with the "Ribbon," a kind of super-toolbar. The "File" menu was replaced by the circular MS-Office-logo button at the top left. In this version, you will recognize the functions of the buttons, but you might have some trouble at first finding out where things have been changed to.

Keep in mind that Word 2007 saves documents in a new format! This cannot be opened by previous versions, unless you install a special Compatibility Pack--a free download from Microsoft (Japanese version is here). Otherwise, you have to "Save As" a Word 97-2003 Document.

The new Word 2007 document format is denoted by the ".docx" filename extension. It's an "XML" format, and is actually a kind of "package" with several files inside it.