Sometimes getting started with a new application can be a little bit daunting. I may be surprised, but I’d think just about everybody over the age of 16 these days has probably spent some time in Microsoft Word, maybe Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

I find that when I’m staring at a blank canvas or a nice and blank “new document” I don’t have a good idea of what direction I could be heading with my thoughts or needs. If you start with a template and see what other people have done with the tool you’re using, it can help get your …read more

If you’re just looking for a simple Mind Mapping application, Mind Meister may be for you. Yes, Visio can be used to create some excellent mind maps, but if you’re looking for a less bloated, free, and online application, then MindMeister will be the application for you. In addition, MindMeister has a boat load of collaboration and sharing options.

MindMeister brings the concept of mind mapping to the web, using its facilities for real-time collaboration to allow truly global brainstorming sessions.
Users can create, manage and share mind maps online and access them anytime, from anywhere. In brainstorming mode, …read more

Microsoft in partnership with Waggener Edstrom has released a new e-mail newsletter for those people participating in the Office 2007 beta.
The release of the 2007 Microsoft Office system is quickly approaching. We are excited to bring you this update that will highlight useful news, information and resources that will help you evaluate the next Office release. Look for this communication to arrive in your mailbox every other week to keep you apprised of the most current Office related information.
Consider this your own personal Beta-gram…a one stop shop for …read more

There are some informative documents and information on the Microsoft Learning site for Office 2007. If you haven’t visited there before here’s a list of some of the items currently available.

Course 4697: Introduction to the New Microsoft Office User Interface
Course 4622: What’s New in Microsoft Office Access 2007
Course 4623: What’s New in Microsoft Office Excel 2007
Course 4624: What’s New in Microsoft Office InfoPath 2007
Course 4625: What’s New in Microsoft Office OneNote 2007
Course 4626: What’s New in Microsoft Office Outlook 2007
Course 4627: What’s New in Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007
Course 4628: What’s New in Microsoft Office Word 2007
Course 4629: What’s New in …read more

Don’t check your spell check, I did say “Prodcasts”. It’s a new term coined for a productivity podcast by Shawn Murray. Not sure I like the term, let’s just call it what it is, an interview delivered in MP3 or WMA format that can be enjoyed from your computer or portable media device.
All that aside though, if you’re interested in learning more about the functionality of Office, but don’t have time to sit and read, this may just be the thing for you.
There are lots of topics now available, check the list out at the The IW Center, A community …read more

The following insights into these two products are taken directly from a recent article about Microsoft’s purchase of UMT, a leading project/portfolio management and consulting company.
Full article: Microsoft Completes Acquisition of UMT and Outlines New Innovations in Enterprise Project Management
Microsoft Office Visio “12″
Office Visio “12,” the code name for the next generation of the Microsoft Office Visio business and technical diagramming program, will help organizations make more effective business decisions by enabling people to capture, visualize, analyze and communicate complex information, processes and systems. Complementary to Project “12″ advancements, Visio “12″ will help organizations take more effective action and make …read more