Computer Basics “Windows” vs. “Office” It is easy to confuse Windows XP with Microsoft Office XP. Windows is the operating system; Microsoft Office is a program. Definition – Operating System: a master program that controls a computer's basic functions Definition – Microsoft Office: a group of programs used for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, etc. It is a suite of programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and sometimes Publisher Think of it this way .... Your operating system is like the engine of your car. It’s what makes things run. Microsoft Office is like the stereo system in your car. It’s an option that can be installed. It does not make your car run; it is something that you use while your car is running. How to Find Out Which Operating System is on Your Computer Right click on the My Computer icon on your desktop. On the General tab, you will see which version of Windows you have on your computer. 1 © D. Rich, 2008 Another way to find out which operating system is on your computer is to note the screen at start up: How to Find Out Which Version of Microsoft Office is on Your Computer Open Microsoft Word (or Excel, or PowerPoint). In the toolbar at the top of the screen, choose Help > About Microsoft Word (or Excel, or PowerPoint). At the top of the window, you will see which version of Microsoft Office you have. NOTE: Microsoft Office 2002 is another name of Microsoft Office XP. New Kids on the Block - Window Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 If you have purchased a home computer within the last year or two, it may have newer versions of Windows and Microsoft Office. Vista is the newest windows operating system - it takes the place of Windows XP. Office 2007 is the newest version of Microsoft Office - it takes the place of Office XP/2002. NOTE: A computer could have the older operating system (Windows XP) and the new version of Microsoft Office (2007). A computer could have the newer operating system (Vista) and the older version of Microsoft Office (XP/2002). 2 © D. Rich, 2008 .