What s New in Word 2003?

What's New in Word 2003?

Microsoft Word 2003 offers a number of new features that make it an even more efficient and easy-to-use word processor and desktop publishing environment than its predecessors. These new features range from the new shared Document Workspace to the new Reading Layout view to the new Research task pane. Some of the new Word features that you will explore in this book are as follows :

• Document Workspace Using a SharePoint server, you can create an online workspace that allows users at different sites to view and edit the same Word document. The Document Workspace is discussed in Lesson 1 in Part I of this book.

• Research Task Pane The Research task pane allows you to access online resources that range from business Websites, to stock information, to online encyclopedias such as Microsoft's Expedia. Figure 2.1 shows the Research task pane in the Word workspace. The Research task pane is discussed in more detail in Lesson 4, "Using Proofreading and Research Tools," in the Word section of the book (Part IV).

  Figure 2.1. The Research task pane makes it easy for you to quickly look up information in a variety of online reference tools.

  

• Reading Layout View The Reading Layout view allows you to view a document as it will print and also edit the document as you read it. The Reading Layout view is discussed briefly in Lesson 8, "Examining Your Documents in Different Views," of the Word section of this book.

• Compare Side by Side With This new command found on the Window menu allows you to compare documents side by side on the Windows desktop.

Word 2003 also offers other enhancements. These include the ability to create XML documents (discussed later in the lesson), Tablet PC support, and better integration with the Office Online Web site.