A lot of people are thrown into learning about Microsoft Office when they buy a computer loaded with the package. Here's a primer.

        Microsoft Office is a conglomeration of programs. They are Microsoft Word (word processing), Microsoft Excel (spreadsheet), Microsoft PowerPoint (presentations), Microsoft Outlook (e-mail and calendar) and Microsoft Access (database). Office is designed to help users increase efficiency; however, do we really use Office to its fullest extent?

        Consider using Office to:

        • Plan for a baby.

        • Sell your house.

        • Create wedding invitations.

        • Track allergies.

        • E-mail students.

        At the Microsoft Office Web site (office.Microsoft.com), there are plenty of suggestions on how to use Office to take care of everyday tasks and some extraordinary ones, too.

        Two of the most popular choices include the template gallery (officeupdate.microsoft.com/templategallery), which holds a variety of templates, including legal, marketing, finance and accounting. You also can choose the assistance center (office.microsoft.com/assistance), which features additional templates, charts and graphics, formulas and troubleshooting tips.

        You could use Office to organize your passion for cooking. For example, use the following Office products in this way:

        Word: Make grocery lists and recipe cards.

        Excel: Create an entertainment costs spreadsheet.

        Access: Organize your recipes in a database.

        Outlook: Keep track of contacts for restaurants andgrocery stores. Exchange recipes in a personal address book and use it to e-mail your contacts.

        You also could spruce up your custom stationery with a watermark in Word 2002. The Office Web site explains how you would format a printed watermark in Word 2002:

        • On the Format menu, point to Background and then click Printed Watermark.

        • Click Text Watermark, and then select or enter the text that you want.

        • Select any additional options that you want, click Apply, and then click Close.

        • To view a watermark as it will appear on the printed page, on the View menu, click Print Layout.

        If you have an earlier version of Office, don't feel left out. There are templates and how-to articles available at microsoft.com by clicking the Office 2000 Articles and Tips heading under Assistance by product (office.microsoft.com/Assistance).

        Education online: Get your education online at Kentucky Virtual University (www.kyvu.org). It was created in accordance with the 1997 Kentucky Postsecondary Education Improvement Act. The Web site was created in 1999 and offers courses in a variety of disciplines.

        Tuition and fees are listed with each program. There are variety of degree programs including A+ certification, child care assistant certificates, bachelor of science in human resource leadership, master's of public administration and more. For more information about KYVU call (877) 740-4357 or e-mail kyvu@kyvu.org.

        Speak with a geek: Computer tech support is available at www.speakwithageek.com. Speak With A Geek can support a wide range of programs including Microsoft Office; Windows 95, 98, XP, 2000; Adobe programs; hardware; and Mac/Apple applications. There are individual and family plans. Prices range from $14.95 to $49.95 a month.

       Contact Gwen Davis by phone: 368-3632; e-mail: wiredcincy@hotmail.com.

They're best friends
Doctor prescribes friendship for herself
Author pushes creative theory
What you are reading
Food channel feasts on Cincinnati
Hot cars, hot food send hearts racing
Law office clerk dresses to please herself
Versatile clothes ideal for trips
Make use of Office programs every day
Symphony's summer 'Sundaes' debut with Russian flavor
Get To It