Microsoft Office 2010 Beta is now available to download. The new software includes a redesigned interface, new features, and bug fixes. The redesigned interface is more user-friendly and includes a ribbon interface that makes it easier to find the features you need. The new features include a revised version of the Outlook email client, which includes support for threaded conversations and group messaging; a new version of the Word document editor that includes support for tables; and a revamped version of the Excel spreadsheet editor that includes support for macros. The beta also includes bug fixes, including improvements to the performance of Microsoft Office 2010 and compatibility with Windows 7. Microsoft plans to release a final version of Office 2010 in late 2009. ..
Microsoft Office 2010
The latest offering from Microsoft Office has more features and enhancements over its predecessor and the beta version is available for testing now. It is designed to deliver unified access across your computer, phone, and anywhere you have web access. The other interesting thing is that it comes in 32 and 64-bit version. Here we will take an overview look at what the new apps will look like and some of the new features you can expect. For this we are showing the 64-bit version.
Installation
If you’re familiar with Office 2007, the installation experience is virtually identical where you can choose the full or custom install.
As a helpful tip…if you choose custom install with any MS Office version, you can control a lot of what you don’t want to be included. As in this example where I’m not installing some foreign language features.
When you’re done with the installation you can go online for some tips or just dive right in.
Word 2010
Word offers a lot of new enhancements with new tools and document creation features. Some of the new things you can do is collaborate on documents simultaneously, capture and insert screenshots directly from Word, recover drafts of recent edited documents so work isn’t lost, and a lot more.
Excel 2010
New enhancements in Excel include the ability to create mini charts in a single cell, pivot table enhancement, and as with all of the apps, access to your data from virtually anywhere.
PowerPoint 2010
The new PowerPoint version offers enhanced photo effects and editing, enhanced video editing features, and access the projects from anywhere there is a web connection.
Access 2010
For those who are database geeks, Access 2010 has several enhancements as well. It allows you to build database templates, share them, and build upon each other’s designs.
Outlook 2010
They have added several new features to Outlook like being able to create and save custom commands, add dynamic graphics to messages with tools that are included in Word and PowerPoint, and the new Quick Steps feature.
Publisher 2010
If you are a Publisher user, you’ll like the expanded library of new templates and photo editing tools.
Also…
Many of the apps have a File tab which is called Backstage View. It replaces the Office Button and should allow for easier management.
In this beta, Microsoft wants your feedback and places icons on the taskbar for positive and negative.
When you send a comment, a screenshot is taken of what you think is cool or not cool about an Office 2010 feature.
Conclusion
This is just a general overview of what you can expect and the amount of new features is a bit overwhelming. The Ribbon has been redesigned with a new layout, so finding what you need is a bit of a learning curve again. I am currently neutral on the new Backstage View tab as it takes some getting used to. If you’re an early adopter and want to get an early start on the new Office Suite from Microsoft, you can try out the beta now. We are interested in hearing what your thoughts are, so if you’re currently using it, or will be soon, leave us a comment and tell us what you think.
Microsoft Office 2010 Beta
