Word XP

The basics of the Word window

Let's briefly review the basic parts of the Word XP window before we move onto word processing.

Shown below is the Microsoft Word default window. When Word is launched, a new blank document—or default window—opens in Print Layout view. Although window elements are fully explained in our Windows course, here is a brief explanation of the Word window.

Title bar

This displays the document name followed by a program name.

Menu bar

This contains a list of options to manage and customize documents.

Standard toolbar

This contains shortcut buttons for the most popular commands.

Formatting toolbar

This contains buttons used for formatting.

Ruler

This is used to set margins, indents, and tabs.

Insertion point

This is the location where the next character appears.

End-of-document marker

This indicates the end of the document.

Help

This provides quick access to Help topics.

Scroll bars

These are used to view parts of the document.

Status bar

This displays the position of the insertion point and working mode buttons.

Task pane

This provides easy access to commonly used menus, buttons, and tools.

View buttons

These change the layout view of the document to normal, web layout, print layout, and outline view.

Office Assistant

This links to the Microsoft Office Help feature.