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About Microsoft Office 2007
If you are interested in the changes offered in Microsoft Office 2007, and thinking about making a switch to the new software, Information Technology (IT) strongly suggests that you plan the timing carefully and take the proper steps to successfully make the transition. The new interface has some radical differences from what you currently use in Office 2003. Also, file formats have changed, so be prepared to handle compatibility issues during the period of time when both Office 2003 and Office 2007 are in use on campus.
Do I need to switch from 2003 to 2007?
Minimizing compatibility problems
Training & requesting an upgrade
Do I need to switch from 2003 to 2007?
Despite all the excitement over the new release, there is really no reason to rush to upgrade to Office 2007. The new interface brings with it a learning curve, so if you are working on a project in Word 2003, making a change could slow down your progress. Stick with what you know. On the other hand, if you are collaborating on a research project and everyone else has already upgraded to Office 2007, it might make your work easier if you upgraded, too. When you do make the change, you may want to allow yourself extra time to plan and prepare for migrating your files, and expect a steep learning curve if you want to be productive quickly.
Learning the new interface
In Office 2007, familiar toolbars and menus are replaced with a whole new look and feel. Program features are organized by what you want to do and allow you to preview editing and formatting changes before you decide to use them. Learning to use the Microsoft Office Button, Ribbon and Contextual Tabs may take some practice. Fortunately, online resources and instructor-led training are available.
TIP: Use Microsoft online resources and interactive tools to learn
about new Office 2007 features and functionalities and to find out how
to accomplish familiar 2003 commands in 2007:
For Word:
Word 2003 to Word 2007 command reference guide
Word Ribbon Mapping Workbook
For Excel:
Excel 2003 to Excel 2007 command
reference guide
Excel Ribbon Mapping Workbook
For PowerPoint:
PowerPoint 2003 to PowerPoint 2007
command reference guide
PowerPoint Ribbon Mapping Workbook
Minimizing compatibility problems
In addition to user interface changes, Microsoft Office 2007 includes significant changes to file formats and printing. The default formats when saving files in an Office 2007 application (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) cannot be opened by earlier versions of Office. For example, a Word 2007 file with an extension docx cannot be automatically opened by Word 2003, Word XP or Word 2000.
TIP: If you are using Office 2007, you can save your files in the familiar 2003 format (.doc, .xls, .ppt); this ensures that others who have not upgraded will still be able to read and use your files.
TIP: If you are using Office 2003/XP, you can install the compatibility pack from Microsoft that will allow you to open, edit, and save your work in the new Office 2007 file formats.
Training & requesting an upgrade
It is strongly recommended that users complete Office 2007 elearning tutorials or a training workshop before upgrading to make sure they will be comfortable in the new environment. Office 2007 is also installed on some computers in the Centers for Instructional Technology (CITs) on each campus so that users can explore the software. Online Microsoft E-Learning tutorials are currently available for CCRI faculty and staff through the MS Campus Agreement. *Note that the Office 2007 software has to be on the computer in order to do the tutorials.*
To request an upgrade for a departmental electronic classroom please call the Help Desk (401) 825-1112.
For home use, the distribution of MS Office 2007 covered by the license agreement for full-time CCRI faculty and staff can be obtained at the Help Desk for Warwick users and from the IT offices at Flanagan, Liston and Newport County campuses. The CDs are distributed on first come first served basis and can be borrowed for up to 48 hours. Installation instructions are available and can be picked up at the same time.
Part time CCRI employees (including adjunct faculty) are eligible to use the software on campus but are not covered under the agreement to load the software on personal computers.
*Please note that due to the level of resources needed to run Office 2007, some older PCs may not be upgradeable.
