Microsoft Officexp - Standard

A Review   by   R. E. Lee

 

Installation date: October 23, 2003.  Installation time: 1:52 pm to 2:08 pm.

No error messages.  All other programs were shut down except for my anti-virus software – no discernable conflicts were seen.  Smooth, quick installation – I liked it.

 

I was puzzled by the discs, since they weren't labeled  #1  &  #2,  so I didn't know which one to run first.  One disc contained only "Media Content."  What is Media Content?  Why do I need this?  Why no explanation?

 

Since I have used Word from day one, this latest version only adds new features to software I am very comfortable using.  The newest, and perhaps most useful, tool in this version is Smart Tags.  It only works in XP.

 

Context sensitive Smart Tags provide speedy access to relevant information by alerting you to important actions, such as formatting options for pasted information, formula error correction and more.   From the task pane you can conduct searches, open or create documents, access the Office Clipboard, take advantage of new style and formatting functions and even use translation over the Web.

 

New visual elements and improved design combine to provide a better, more intuitive user experience.

 

The paste options button is available to:

  • Keep source formatting

  • Keep text only

  • Apply styling or formatting

 

A Smart Tag automatically appears when Pasting or Auto-correcting and remains until you begin typing new text.

 

A line of purple dots under text associates Smart Tag actions with an entry.  The typed text can be:

  • A Person

  • An E-mail address

  • Schedule a meeting

  • Open contact

  • Add to contacts

  • Insert address

  • Remove this Smart Tag

  • Smart Tag Options

 

For an address:

  • Add to contacts

  • Display a map

  • Display driving directions

  • Remove Smart Tag

  • Smart Tag options

 

In Excel:

  • Stock quotes

  • Company report for (Intel)

  • Recent news for (Intel)

  • Insert a refreshable stock price

  • Remove Smart Tag

  • Smart Tag options

 

For you to benefit from all these features, you must be sure Smart Tags are turned on.  To turn Smart Tags on or off, go to the Tools menu, click AutoCorrect Options, and then click the Smart Tags tab. 

Select or clear the Label text with smart tags check box.  Be sure to check the boxes to make sure all the items you want “tagged” are checked.

 

  • Smart Paste and Multiple Paste are welcome features.  I like having the option of 24 separate selections to paste and the “Paste All” button is very useful.

  • Multiple selection likewise, is an overdue refinement.

  • Reveal Format or Format Checker is great.

  • The translation option is a step in the right direction, but more work is needed.

  • I also like the links to free, web based translation services.

  • I like the promise of voice recognition as a part of Office.  I’ll like it even better when it becomes more accurate and user friendly – i.e., Dragon and several other stand-alone software products.

 

Excel contains some cosmetic uplifts, otherwise it seems the same as the previous version.  New is the inclusion of a window on the right side of the screen titled “New Work.”  It lists recent files opened.  From it you can access the clipboard or clip art.  It's a handy tool.  If you don’t want it, you can close it.

 

This version includes many more automatic calculation options, such as:

  • Mortgage rates

  • Interest rates

  • Present value

  • Payment calculations

  • Asset depreciation rates

  • Many other automatic calculations

 

I didn't like the fact that I had to redo my tool bar after installing.  That was a pain and a poor use of my time.

 

PowerPoint is a great software product.  I've used it for slide shows as well as all types of presentations.

  • I love the smoother animations for slides and the flexibility in customizing each slide.

  • Presenter tools looks interesting – takes time to develop user skills.

  • The “compress picture” feature is a very useful feature for e-mails.

 

Overall, this is a nice release.  Mostly cosmetic changes with some minor tuning of solid applications.   Recognizing that it is hard to improve a good product, these upgrades seem overpriced for the increased productivity gained by the user.  I don’t have a problem with pricing the package for the first time buyer.

  • Applications are beginning to look more unified – overdue.

  • Retains formatting between applications.

  • Improved reliability makes all applications easier to use.

  • I like most of my computer acquaintances, I hate “Product Activation.”  This version has made it less onerous but it still restricts my ability to control my own computer and software.  I have never used pirated software (that I know of) and would not do so knowingly.  However, I believe I have the right to customize my personal property.

 

 

Officexp Standard Edition

Microsoft Corporation

$399 Full Version

$239 Upgrade

Includes:

    Word

    Excel

    PowerPoint

    Outlook

Support:  http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;offxp