Well, I can’t help you a great deal in getting the answers to those questions, but this 227 page, 8 ½ x 10” book just might help clear up some of the confusion concerning one of the most used portions of the suite – that of Word 2003.

The author is a technical writer and a professional programmer, but her writing is clear and easily understood by the novice as well as the highly skilled and knowledgeable user.

Her 10 chapters cover topics ranging from “Create and Lay Out a Word Document” through the more complex tasks of “Adding Graphics and Objects” to “Create Web Pages” and “Using Mail Merge”.

Her topics are also coded for difficulty levels to aid you in attempting a task. The book assumes you have a basic knowledge of previous versions of Word. It clearly shows you step-by-step methods of applying the techniques and you would have little problem in following the illustrations.

In a business environment it is essential to coordinate your efforts with others involved in the subject matter of the document. These tips allow you to work together better by sharing the document, editing portions of it, making recommended changes, linking to other documents or even web sites. As the author, you know who made what changes/recommendations as you develop the paper. After all, you would really be wise to consider the “recommended changes” from the boss. This will allow you to know that he/she did make the comments.

You have the ability to easily control access to the documents (and changes) through Information Rights Management. IRM allows the author to insure that no other recipient can print, forward, or copy the document without your approval.

One thing that I would have liked to have when I was gainfully employed is the ability to “lock” parts of the document to prevent any changes to it, or to allow only selected people to make the changes. Protecting data in this method sure cuts down on changes to tables/diagrams that can escape your notice. This feature is new to Word 2003.

If you use Instant Messenger the new Word 2003 allows you to use it from within the program, which should save time and trouble for everyone.

Like a style used to prepare a different document but want to use it in yours? No problem since tip number 1 tells you how. There are 99 others in the book and, as a bonus, a sharp user will find that one tip leads to another so you should get a lot more than 100 out of the book.

The book is available for on-line ordering at Wiley.com and is priced at $19.99 plus shipping. I have seen books less detailed, poorly written, and smaller in size (harder to see if you are of a “certain” age) for much more.

If you are switching to Office 2003, go for this book. The tips and tricks are worth it and you’ll really be a guru with Word. That shouldn’t hurt your reputation at all.