As students type essays or create Powerpoint slides at the EPCC computer labs and libraries, they will soon discover a new look to these programs. This is because computers at all campuses are being updated with Microsoft Office 2007.
The conversion, which is scheduled to be completed by May 15, is the newest of Microsoft’s software.
This Enterprise version includes PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Word, Publisher, Outlook, OneNote, InfoPath and Groove.
The purpose of the upgrade, according to Luis Ojeda, manager for PC support, is to keep EPCC up-to-date with current technology standards. Thus, a software deployment committee at the college decided it was in the best interest of the students to make the transition.
“I have done a lot of reading and testing in preparation for this deployment, but I have not used these applications to their full potential yet,” said Ojeda.
Ojeda, who likes the new version, said his only problem is that, “you have to take time to familiarize yourself with the new location of the features in the Ribbon.”
The Ribbon is the new menu system which users must
navigate to perform
many tasks. This interface change may be the biggest issue among students.
“It’s not as easy to find the print option. You have to do some searching, because the print icon is no longer on the tool bar,” said Emily Clarke, a psychology major who tested the new version.
Ojeda also said that most files created with Office 2003 are compatible with Office 2007.
“Office
has extensive user-help and you can go online and take free tutorials from Microsoft,” he said. “In addition, the EPCC Technical Resource Center provides training for our staff and faculty.”
The new version of Microsoft Word has the ability to automatically create citations and bibliographies in MLA and APA styles.
Another new feature is a contextual spell-checker, which will help prevent users from incorrectly using correctly spelled words, such as “there,” “they’re” and “their.”
Some computers at EPCC have already been updated.
If you have any questions, contact the IT Help Desk at 831-6440.
