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Microsoft Word: How To Download And Use The Popular Word-processing Software And Its Handiest Functions And Features
Microsoft Word came out during Ronald Reagan's first term in the Oval Office, and in the decades that have passed between then and now, it has become one of Microsoft's most important and successful pieces of software and one of the most-used programs on the planet.
A core program in the Microsoft 365 software suite, along with Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, Word is used in homes, schools, offices, government agencies, and beyond. But while Word used to be included with Microsoft Windows, today you have to acquire it separately.
How much does Word cost?If you want to buy Microsoft Word on its own, you can do so from Microsoft's website. The purchase price is $159.99 and you will own the program outright.
But many people opt for a Microsoft 365 subscription, instead. This costs just $6.99 per month and gives you access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneDrive. That pricing comes out to $83.88 for the entire year, meaning you will be nearing the two-year mark before you pass the $159.99 price of outright buying Word on its own.
There is a way to get Word for free, but only for use online. It will not be downloaded on your computer. Go to Microsoft365.Com and click on the words "Sign up for the free version of Microsoft 365."
You will be prompted to create a Microsoft account which you can then use to log in and access Word online for free. You must be connected to the internet and online to use Word for free.
How do I download Word?Whether you choose to buy Word on its own or subscribe to Microsoft 365, you can do so at Microsoft's website. Just make sure you get the right plan if you are going with a subscription. There are Home plans and Business plans, as you'll see.
What are the best Word shortcuts and features?There are the basics that are all but universal across Windows products and platforms, like Ctrl + C to copy and Ctrl + V to paste, Ctrl + S to save, and Ctrl + K to insert a link, but Microsoft Word has many lesser-known but highly useful shortcuts beyond the basics.
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Ctrl + A, for example, selects all of the text in a document, while Ctrl + Z undoes the last action. But moving beyond those simple shortcuts, there are more complicated quick actions you can take in Word.
Insert custom textYou can insert custom text, such as a greeting or a signature line, by creating text then using the Insert feature. Click "Insert" in the top taskbar, click "AutoText," and then enter your desired copy into the window that appears. Going forward, you can click "Insert" then "AutoText" to quickly drop in your pre-written words.
Insert custom text in your Microsoft Word docs, such as greetings and signature lines. Michelle Mark/Business Insider WatermarksTo add a watermark that helps protect your document from being copied, you can click on the "Design" tab at the top of Word, then click "Watermark" on the top right of the application. Then choose an image or add text that will be faintly imprinted behind your copy.
There are many more fun and useful Word features, of course, so explore more yourself.
Microsoft Word vs. Pages vs. Google DocsThese other common word-processing programs have plenty to offer, though if your primary focus is creating and editing crisp, professional written documents, Word is likely the best bet.
Google Docs offers the same basic word processing features as Word, but it has fewer templates, text editing tools, tables, and other enhancements useful for complex documents. That said, Google Docs is far better for collaborative work, especially when a team is remote, and it's free.
Pages is Apple's primary word processing platform and it is free with a Mac, iPad, or iPhone, and it's easier to use than Word, especially for people who are not highly tech savvy. But it's also more limited in features, and the documents created in Pages don't transfer well to other operating systems or platforms, so they usually need to be converted to Word docs anyway if they will be shared.
Microsoft Word
A full-featured word processing program for Windows and Mac from Microsoft. Available stand-alone or as part of the Microsoft Office suite, Word contains rudimentary desktop publishing capabilities and is the most widely used word processing program on the market. Word files are commonly used as the format for sending text documents via email because almost every user with a computer can read a Word document by using the Word application, a Word viewer or a word processor that imports the Word format (see Microsoft Word Viewer).
In the 1980s, Microsoft introduced Word for several platforms, including XENIX, DOS, Mac, Atari, OS/2 and eventually Windows. See Microsoft Office, DOC file and Office Open XML.
How To Run A Microsoft Application On Macbook Air
Microsoft Apps have a long history of compatibility with Apple's Mac devices, demonstrating a relationship that has evolved over decades. Microsoft initially brought its productivity tools to Apple users in the 1980s, with the release of early versions of Word and Excel for the Macintosh. These applications became some of the most widely used on Apple computers, forming the foundation for ongoing collaboration.
Over the years, Microsoft has consistently developed and updated its apps for macOS, ensuring they remain compatible with Apple's ecosystem. The Microsoft Office suite, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, has been optimized for Mac users, providing a native experience that integrates well with macOS features like the Retina display and trackpad gestures. Recent versions of Office 365 (now Microsoft 365) include cloud-based collaboration tools, ensuring Mac users can seamlessly work across devices and platforms.
The MacBook Air, introduced in 2008, redefined the concept of lightweight laptops, focusing on portability and energy efficiency. Initially marketed as an ultra-thin and premium device, it gained popularity among professionals and students. Its compact design, combined with powerful hardware, made it a popular choice for running productivity software, including Microsoft Apps.
With the transition to Apple's M1 chip in 2020, the MacBook Air saw significant performance and efficiency improvements. Microsoft quickly adapted its apps to run natively on the new Apple Silicon architecture, ensuring compatibility and enhanced performance. Today, Microsoft Apps and the MacBook Air represent a harmonious pairing, catering to users seeking a blend of productivity, portability, and cross-platform integration.
Running Microsoft applications on a MacBook Air is a simple process, as Microsoft has designed its software to be fully compatible with macOS. Whether you need Microsoft Office tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, or other applications like Teams and OneDrive, the process involves downloading, installing, and activating these programs to use them seamlessly on your MacBook Air.
To start, you'll need to acquire the Microsoft applications. This can be done by subscribing to Microsoft 365, which offers access to a suite of productivity tools and cloud services, or by purchasing standalone versions of individual applications like Word or Excel. Microsoft 365 subscriptions can be obtained directly from the official Microsoft website, which provides various plans tailored to individuals, businesses, and students. Alternatively, you can purchase the apps or subscribe through the Mac App Store.
Once you have purchased or subscribed, downloading the applications is the next step. If using the Mac App Store, search for each application—such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Outlook—and click "Get" or "Install." The installation process will begin automatically, and the applications will appear in your Applications folder or Launchpad once installed. If downloading from Microsoft's website, follow the provided links to download the installer package. After the download is complete, open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
After installation, open any Microsoft application and sign in using your Microsoft account credentials. This step is essential to activate the software, verify your subscription or license, and unlock full functionality. If you don't have a Microsoft account, you can create one during the sign-in process. Once activated, you'll have full access to the application's features, including cloud integration with OneDrive, enabling you to save and access files from anywhere.
For MacBook Air models with Apple Silicon (such as those with M1 or M2 chips), Microsoft applications are optimized to run natively on this architecture. This ensures better performance, faster load times, and efficient energy usage, which complements the MacBook Air's lightweight and portable design. Make sure your applications are up-to-date to benefit from these optimizations. You can check for updates through the Mac App Store or within the Microsoft AutoUpdate tool included with the software.
Microsoft applications integrate well with macOS features, enhancing the overall user experience. For example, you can use trackpad gestures for smoother navigation, the Retina display for crisp visuals, and macOS shortcuts for productivity. Cloud-based collaboration tools like real-time editing in Word and Excel are also available, allowing seamless teamwork across devices and platforms.
With these steps, you can fully utilize Microsoft applications on your MacBook Air, whether for work, school, or personal projects. Regular updates and synchronization with OneDrive ensure your software remains secure, efficient, and integrated into your workflow. This compatibility makes the MacBook Air and Microsoft applications a powerful combination for productivity.
Troubleshooting issues with Microsoft applications on a MacBook Air can involve addressing installation problems, performance issues, or functionality errors. Here's how to resolve common issues:
If you're unable to install Microsoft applications, check that your MacBook Air meets the system requirements for the software. Ensure you're running a supported macOS version, as some older versions may not be compatible with the latest Microsoft applications. Verify your internet connection, as a stable connection is required for downloads, especially when accessing applications from the Mac App Store or Microsoft's website. If the installation process stalls or fails, restarting your MacBook Air or re-downloading the installer can resolve temporary glitches.
For activation issues, ensure you're signed in with the correct Microsoft account associated with your subscription or license. Double-check that your subscription is active by logging into your account on the Microsoft website. If activation errors persist, logging out of all devices and signing back in can help reset your credentials.
If Microsoft applications are running slowly or freezing, ensure your MacBook Air has adequate free disk space and that no unnecessary background processes are consuming resources. For MacBook Air models with Apple Silicon (M1 or M2 chips), confirm you're using the latest version of the applications, as older versions might not be optimized for the new architecture. You can check for updates through the Mac App Store or the Microsoft AutoUpdate tool.
Compatibility issues, such as errors when opening files, might occur if the files were created in an older version of Microsoft Office. Using the "Open and Repair" feature in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint can resolve these issues. If certain features are missing or not working, ensure you have the latest updates installed, as updates often include bug fixes and feature enhancements.
For cloud-related issues, such as problems syncing files with OneDrive, check your internet connection and ensure you're signed into OneDrive with the correct account. Verify that the OneDrive app is running in the background, as it must be active to sync files. Restarting the OneDrive app or your MacBook Air can often resolve syncing issues.
If problems persist despite these steps, uninstalling and reinstalling the applications can resolve corrupted installations. To do this, move the applications to the trash and empty it, then reinstall them from the Mac App Store or Microsoft's website.
For advanced issues, Microsoft provides detailed troubleshooting resources on its support website, and contacting Microsoft Support directly can provide further assistance. These steps ensure that Microsoft applications run smoothly on your MacBook Air, enabling you to maintain productivity without disruption
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