Remember the good old days when the only difference between programs was whether you used Excel or Lotus 1-2-3; Word or Word Perfect; Netscape or Mozilla?  Remember?!

It was one program or the other.  That was it. 

I know, I'm dating myself... But!

Now that the software wars are on full force, we no longer have Lotus 1-2-3, or Word Perfect, or Netscape.  The competition has been all but obliterated. Now what we have is even worse!  We have MS Off/ice 2003, Off/ice 2007, and Off/ice 2010 (Not to mention Windo/ws XP, Windo/ws Home edition, with Service Packs 1-8, V/ista, etc., etc., etc.). Gimme a break! 

Just when you think you've got a program all figured out, you inevitably have to use a different version (because your friend or co-worker has a different version than you) and that's when you get hosed!  Because each version is just different enough from the previous one that you can't find the "sort" button, or the "zoom" feature, or the "search/replace" function anymore.  Why?  Because they got moved around, supposedly to increase efficiency. 

I'll tell you what!  That's not what I would call what I've experienced.  My experience is more akin to frustration and anger!  I spend way too much time re-learning each program to do a basic feature than is necessary!  And THAT, really ticks me off!!!!

I know MS intended for everyone to be so excited about the latest and greatest versions that they would upgrade immediately, thereby eliminating this issue all together (and making them even more money!).  Unfortunately, that did not happen!  You know why?  Because humans are creatures of habit and generally frugal and once we get into a habit, we like to stay in it!  Once I've taken the time to figure out how to use Off/ice 2007, why the H would I upgrade to 2010 knowing full well that all the features I once knew are no longer valid?!  This is the way of the world people! 

Soooooo, here's my suggestion.  Make a patch.  A free patch, that will allow me to search for a feature on any of the various MS Off/ice versions and will automatically take me to it so I'm not wasting my valuable time looking for it!  MS, please get on it before I have a coronary.  Believe me, it will be to your benefit in the long run.

Thank you. Yours Kindly, MommyWizdom