Office 2003 Basics

Introduction

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• Create a new file in any Office 2003 program

New files

Now that you've learned to open an Office 2003 program, you need to learn about files. A file is a collection of data, or information. When you open Word, Excel, or PowerPoint 2003, you'll notice that a new, blank file conveniently appears, ready for you to begin working.

The more you work with Office 2003, the more files you will create.

Creating a new file follows a similar process in most Office 2003 programs.

Important terms:

• In Word 2003, a file is called a document.
• In Excel 2003, a file is called a workbook.
• In PowerPoint 2003, a file is called a presentation.
• In Access 2003, a file is called a database.
• In Outlook 2003, a file is called a mail message.

Creating a new file in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2003

There is more than one way to create a new file.

To create a new file using the menu bar:

• Choose FileNew from the menu bar (Ctrl+N).
• The New task pane opens on the right side of your screen, presenting several options.
• Hover your mouse pointer over your choice, then click.

To create a new file using the Standard toolbar:

• Click the New button.
• A new file appears.

Creating a new file in Outlook 2003

Creating new files in Outlook 2003 is slightly different than in other Office 2003 programs.

To create a new file using the menu bar:

• Choose FileNew from the menu bar (Ctrl+N).
• A cascading menu appears, presenting several options.
• Hover your mouse pointer over your choice, then click.

To create a new file in Outlook 2003 using the Standard toolbar:

• Click the downward arrow at the right end of the New button.
• A drop-down menu appears, presenting several options.
• Hover your mouse pointer over your choice, then click.

Challenge!

• Practice creating new files in Word 2003, Excel 2003, PowerPoint 2003, and Outlook 2003.
• Close each new file you create.
• Do not save new files.