There is always a new version of popular programs coming out, whether they are upgrades or the “latest and greatest” new product – it doesn’t seem to matter as the same options are always there.
If you are one of these people who don’t like dealing with new programs, then I hope that these tips may help…
Look for the similarities
Sure, we almost always for the differences.
And let’s be honest, if you look for them, you will find them.
So, it’s time to switch it around – start looking for the similiarities.
I promise you’ll see them.
Let’s go back to the beginning (of the Microsoft Ribbon) with Word 2007.
Now, compare it to the current version of Word 365
Remember we’re looking for what’s the same between them!
Take a min (or two) and write a list.
Is it the same as mine?
- Ribbon at the top of the screen.
- Ribbon Tabs – Home, Insert, References, Mailings, Review, View
- Document Name (filename) is on the Title Bar (blue line) at the top
- Group names are the same – Clipboard, Font, Paragraph, Styles, Editing
- Clipboard Group – Paste, Cut, Copy, Format Painter
- Font Group – Most of them are the same (too many to list out)
- Paragraph Group – like Font, most of them are the same
- Styles Group – Normal, No Spacing, Heading 1
- Editing Group – Find, Replace, Select
- Ruler – at the top and on the left
And that’s just what I can see in these pictures!
Which leads me to the next point:
Options are very rarely removed
If you were to look at the oldest version of say, MS Word (and I’m looking at you Word 2, the first version for Windows and part of Office 3.1).
(I can’t believe that I actually found an image of it! 😁)
Take a look at it, and tell me (honestly) how many you don’t/can’t recognise from the icons.
I’ll wait – take a good look.
Oh, there’s a few, but not many. Am I right?
As I said, Microsoft isn’t known for removing options – only adding to them.
(Would you be surprised if I admitted that I remember all of the them… nah, didn’t think you would be 😂)
Which nicely leads me to:
You already know most of the options
With them being so similar to each other, that means that you already know how to use the program.
At the very least – the basics!
This means that for 98% of the program you can use it.
All that needs to be learnt is the newest bits – the final 2% – and that’s where a computer trainer (cough, cough) comes in, or googling.
Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
While I picked Word as the example, you can apply the same options to the rest of MS Office (or M365 as it’s now called).
Please STOP looking for the differences – there will always be some, but since M365 (previously called Office 365) they are becoming less and less obvious – minor tweaks or new features.
And this is across the entire suite.
Starting Point
OK – I was calling it a “failsafe”, but it’s not, however it’s a great place to start with an upgraded program.
Or even if you’re moving from one program to another.
Try the method that you used to use
It can even be – ‘look for the option that you used in the last program’.
There’s a pretty good chance that it will work. Sure the command may not be in the same place, or called exactly the same name, but you know what you’re looking for – take a chance!
Next Steps
If you’ve recently upgraded to a new version for one (or more) of your everyday programs:
a) don’t worry you’ve got this
b) when you’ve got questions Book a Call with me and we’ll answer the questions together.
Latest Posts
- Microsoft Copilot Versions: Which One Do You Actually Need?
If you’ve ever stared at Microsoft’s Copilot line up and thought “what on earth is the difference between all of these?”, you’re in good company. There are actually several distinct versions, and understanding which Microsoft Copilot version you need — and whether you should be paying for it — is genuinely confusing when you’re running… Read more: Microsoft Copilot Versions: Which One Do You Actually Need? - Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace: The Truth About Business Platforms
When choosing between Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace for your business, I hear people repeating the same myths that simply aren’t true. After using Microsoft products for over 30 years, I decided to give Google a proper test to see how these platforms really compare for business owners. The differences I discovered might surprise you,… Read more: Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace: The Truth About Business Platforms - The Expensive Mistake 90% of New Businesses Make with Microsoft365
When deciding between personal vs business Microsoft 365, I see the same expensive mistake over and over: new business owners choose personal plans to save money, only to pay for it later. Right now, you might think you’re being smart by using that family subscription you already have. After all, Microsoft has quietly changed their… Read more: The Expensive Mistake 90% of New Businesses Make with Microsoft365 - The Simple OneDrive or SharePoint Rule That Changes Everything
If you’ve ever hesitated before clicking save, wondering whether to choose OneDrive or SharePoint for your business files, you’re not alone. After twenty years of teaching Microsoft 365, I’ve discovered one simple rule that makes this decision instant – and it changes everything about how you work with files. Before this rule, I’d spend minutes… Read more: The Simple OneDrive or SharePoint Rule That Changes Everything - You’re Wasting Hours on These Microsoft 365 Mistakes
If you’re making these Microsoft 365 mistakes, you’re probably losing endless hours and making your work life far more complex than necessary. After twenty years as a Microsoft-certified trainer, I’ve spotted the same five issues appearing time and time again with my clients. The frustrating part? You’re already paying for these tools, yet like 90%… Read more: You’re Wasting Hours on These Microsoft 365 Mistakes