Office 2007 Mini Glossary


This list of new file extensions, features, interface elements, and tools will give you the quick definitions you're likely to need as you begin getting up to speed with Office 2007 and fielding end-user support issues.

.docm

New XML-based file format used by Word 2007 for macro-enabled documents, so you can tell immediately that a file is capable of running embedded macros.

.docx

New XML-based default file format used by Word 2007 for documents, which uses compression technology to make file sizes smaller, structures files modularly so different components are kept separate for better recovery, and integrates easily with other programs that support XML standards.

.dotm

New XML-based file format used by Word 2007 for macro-enabled templates.

.dotx

New XML-based file format used by Word 2007 for document templates.

.potm

New XML-based file format used by PowerPoint 2007 for macro-enabled templates.

.potx

New XML-based file format used by PowerPoint 2007 for presentation templates.

.pptm

New XML-based file format used by PowerPoint 2007 for macro-enabled presentations, so you can tell immediately that a file is capable of running embedded macros.

.pptx

New XML-based default file format used by PowerPoint 2007 for presentations, which uses compression technology to make file sizes smaller, structures files modularly so different components are kept separate for better recovery, and integrates easily with other programs that support XML standards.

.thmx

New XML-based file format used for Office 2007 themes.

.xlsm

New XML-based file format used by Excel 2007 for macro-enabled workbooks, so you can tell immediately that a file is capable of running embedded macros.

.xlsx

New XML-based default file format used by Excel 2007 for workbooks, which uses compression technology to make file sizes smaller, structures files modularly so different components are kept separate for better recovery, and integrates easily with other programs that support XML standards.

.xltx

New XML-based file format used by Excel 2007 for workbook templates.

Attachment previewer

A new feature in Outlook 2007 that allows you to preview e-mail attachments inside the reading pane with a single click.

Electronic business

cards An Outlook 2007 feature that lets you share customized contact information with logos and photos that can be saved to the Contacts folder.

Full screen reading view

New name for what was previously called Reading Layout mode in Office 2003.

Microsoft Office button

The button displaying the Office logo in the upper-left corner of Office 2007 programs, which contains the main menus for the Office program, along with a list of recent documents.

Mini Toolbar

A ghost image of tools that appears when you select text in an Office 2007 document. When you move the mouse over the ghost toolbar, it becomes a functioning toolbar with text formatting options.

Overlay Mode

An Outlook 2007 feature that lets you navigate multiple calendars stacked on top of one another.

Portable Document Format (PDF)

A file format that preserves document formatting in a fixed layout and ensures that when the document is viewed or printed, it will retain the exact original format. You can save documents in PDF format in Office programs after installing the Microsoft Save As PDF Or XPS add-in for 2007 Microsoft Office programs, which you can download here.

Quick Access Toolbar

A small toolbar located by default at the top of the Office window to the right of the Microsoft Office button, which provides quick access to tools you need frequently (by default, Save, Undo, and Repeat Typing). It can be customized to add other tools to which you want quick access.

Quick Style sets A feature in Office 2007 that allows you to select from a gallery of styles to preview and apply a set of styles to a document.

Research Options

Reference books and research Web sites that can be accessed through Office 2007 programs via the Review tab | Proofing group | Research selection on the Ribbon.

Ribbon

The new tabbed interface that groups Office tools by tasks so that the ones that are used most frequently are easy to find. It replaces the traditional Office menus and toolbars.

RSS

Really Simple Syndication; a method of distributing standardized content that is updated frequently through "feeds". RSS is supported by Outlook 2007.

To-Do Bar

A new feature in Outlook 2007 that integrates tasks, upcoming appointments, calendar information, and e-mail messages you've flagged for follow-up; it gives you a consolidated view of priorities for the day.

XML Formats

New default file formats for Office 2007 programs that are based on the Extensible Markup Language (XML)and are generally differentiated from their counterparts in previous versions of Office by an "x" appended to the end of the file extension (e.g., .docx, .xlsx, .pptx).

XML Paper Specification (XPS)

A file format that preserves document formatting in a fixed layout and ensures that when the document is viewed or printed, it will retain the exact original format; similar to PDF. You can save documents in XPS format in Office programs after installing the Microsoft Save AS PDF OR XPS add-in for 2007 Microsoft Office programs, which you can download here.