Microsoft WORD

[Lecia_Foston]

Version: 2008
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger)

Worked with a Mac for 23 years - love it.
Now have Microsoft WORD - and can't always find solutions.

So --

1) In a new blank document how do I remove all those annoying little Tabs which appear every 5 spaces or so? I have goen to TABS and Clear All but it doesn't work.

2) Can anyone tell me how to find a list of what all the funny little icons mean that appear when one is working. Things like little squares with "lightening" strikes in them etc etc.etc.etc etc.etc.

 

[CyberTaz]

Hi Lecia;

See the in line replies below:

Version: 2008
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger)

Worked with a Mac for 23 years - love it.
Now have Microsoft WORD - and can't always find solutions.

So --

1) In a new blank document how do I remove all those annoying little Tabs
which appear every 5 spaces or so? I have goen to TABS and Clear All but it
doesn't work.

Why "annoying"? The default tab stops (every .5") don't *do* anything unless
you press the Tab key. If that doesn't take you to where you want the tab
stop positioned create a custom tab stop at the preferred spot on the Ruler
Bar... Any default tab stops to its left will be automatically cleared. See
Word Help on the topic: Set tab stops.

If you seriously insist on removing the default tab stops altogether you
need to set the Default tab stops value to 0" (or whatever value you
prefer), which is a document-specific setting unless you change it in the
Normal.dotm template on which new documents are based. However, I highly
recommend that you not do so & that you learn to use tabs if you haven't
already - trying to align tabular content using the spacebar just plain
doesn't work in modern word processing due to proportional spacing.

2) Can anyone tell me how to find a list of what all the funny little icons
mean that appear when one is working. Things like little squares with
"lightening" strikes in them etc etc.etc.etc etc.etc.

I have no idea what all the "etc.s" refer to, but the lightening flash is an
indication that the AutoCorrect feature has made a correction/change on your
behalf. Clicking the button provides a menu of options if you choose to use
them. If not just ignore it & it will go away as you continue on. See Help
on the feature for more insight on what type of corrections it makes as well
as how to customize & control its settings.

HTH |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[Lecia_Foston]

Hello Bob

Ooh - I seemed to have trod on your toe! Sorry.

I am pretty conversant with word processing and am trying HARD to learn Word! Re Tabs: I do know how to set my own tabs but wanted to clear the presets - so I have now done what you suggested and have set the Default to 0 - and it has worked. Thanks.

The "etcs" referred to other funny little icons that appear every now and then - all tiny squares that seem to come and go as you work. The "lightening" flash is the one that I could best describe.

Is there anywhere that I can see what these various signals mean - a "glossary" if you like?

Lecia

 

[CyberTaz]

Hi Lecia;

No "trodding" at all Sorry you got that impression but certainly not the
case. My reply was simply "to the point" as it was very early I the morning
& I was a bit pressed for time... And still on the first cup of coffee.

There are basically two types of Smart Tags as they're called.

The AutoCorrect tags appear as a result of the feature I mentioned before.
Any of the actions included under that umbrella will cause them to appear.
Have a look at Tools> AutoCorrect (or Word> Preferences> AutoCorrect) if you
haven't already explored the feature. The AutoFormat As You Type actions
will also trigger the Smart Tags. If you prefer you can turn any of those
individual actions off by clearing the checks & the main AutoCorrect dialog
has a check for turning the Smart Tags off altogether regardless of which
individual actions remain active.

The second type are the Paste Options buttons which show up when you paste
content into a doc. Those are the ones whose icon looks like a little
Clipboard & their content may vary depending on circumstances. They can also
be turned off in Word> Preferences> Edit.

I honestly don't know of a specific glossary for Mac Word but this reference
on Office XP may provide what you want. Most applies to Mac as well:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/help/HA010347451033.aspx

You might also appreciate what Clive Huggan refers to as his "notes" on
using Word. It's one of the most comprehensive guides available on using the
program properly if you are anything more than a casual user. "Bend Word To
Your Will" is a free download available here:

http://word.mvps.org/Mac/Bend/BendWordToYourWill.html

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[Lecia_Foston]

Hi Bob

What a way to wake up ---- impossible enquiries from across the pond!

Thanks for yours. All noted and I have in fact already started exploring all that you suggest.

Quite a bit to learn as it is somewhat different from the Mac word processing package that I use. But I am exploring as I go and trying things out in test documents.

Thanks for all the links - I will have to find time to explore them.

Lecia