Chapter 2 -- Creating Documents from Start to Finish

3 4

Chapter 2

If you've been using Microsoft Word through its last few versions, you might have noticed that Word has been steadily growing beyond a basic word processing tool. If you haven't been using Word lately, you might have heard through the grapevine (and be pleasantly surprised to find) that Word has evolved into a word processing application that can also be used to create e-mail messages, conduct mail merges, perform desktop publishing tasks, create Web pages, and on and on. All these features add value to Word's complete package, but the root of Word's power remains in its fundamental capability—document creation.

Fortunately, Word's functionality has expanded without diminishing its word processing features. In fact, in Word 2002 you'll find word processing features are abundant and more powerful than ever. You'll be pleased to see that you can find many standard word processing features and tools available in predictable and comfortable places. For example, the Exit command is still located at the bottom of the Find menu; the Minimize, Restore, and Close buttons are still in the window's upper-right corner; and you can still press Ctrl+S to save your current document. In addition, Word 2002 provides a number of new tools and innovative twists on familiar features that extend Word's capabilities and ease of use. Because document creation is Word's primary functionality, this chapter is dedicated to the process—from start to finish—of creating documents. Along the way, you'll learn about Word's new and revised tools, features, and procedures. Whether you're a new user or an old hand, this chapter will help you master Word's document creation tasks.