Understanding the Difference Between Close and Exit in Microsoft Word 2007
Microsoft Word 2007, like many other applications, includes two common commands that users might confuse: Close and Exit. Understanding the difference between these commands is crucial for efficient document management and workflow optimization. In this article, we will explore what these commands mean and when to use each one.
What Does Close Mean in Microsoft Word?
Closing a document in Microsoft Word 2007 refers to closing the specific file that is currently open but leaving the Microsoft Word program open to work with other files. This means you can continue using Word without having to restart the application.
For instance, if you have multiple documents open, you can close the currently active one without affecting the others. This is a useful feature if you want to switch between documents or save a file and open a new one.
How to Close a Document in Microsoft Word 2007
Click on the 'Close' option from the 'File' menu. Alternatively, press Ctrl F4 to close the active document.What Does Exit Mean in Microsoft Word?
Exiting the program in Microsoft Word 2007 means closing all open documents and quitting the Microsoft Word application. This not only closes the active document but also terminates the Word application itself.
Exiting is necessary when you have finished using Microsoft Word for the day, and you are ready to close the application to free up system resources.
How to Exit Microsoft Word 2007
Click on the 'Exit' option from the 'File' menu. Alternatively, press Ctrl Q to exit the program.Understanding the Contextual Differences
The commands 'Close' and 'Exit' behave differently based on the context and version of Word. However, the general rules remain consistent:
Close: This command ends the editing session of a specific document, but keeps the Word application running. You can continue working with other documents without restarting the program. Exit: This command ends the editing session for all documents and quits the Word application, freeing up system resources.For example, if you had two documents open at the same time and you clicked 'Close', the active document would be closed, but the application would remain open. You could then work on another document without having to restart Word.
On the other hand, if you clicked 'Exit', all documents would be closed, and the Word application would be terminated. You would need to reopen Word to work on any documents.
Choosing Between Close and Exit
The choice between 'Close' and 'Exit' depends on your specific needs and the document you are working on:
If you are done working on a specific document but want to continue using Word for other tasks, use 'Close'. If you have finished working with all documents and want to close the application, use 'Exit'.Additionally, 'Close' can be useful if you want to switch to a different file without losing your work in the current file. 'Exit' is necessary if you want to completely terminate the application and clear up system resources.
Common Terminology in Other Software
The same general terminology is used in other software as well, including applications beyond Microsoft Word. Understanding the difference between 'Close' and 'Exit' is not only useful in Word but can also be applied to other programs and workflows.
Conclusion
Misunderstanding the difference between 'Close' and 'Exit' can lead to frustration and waste of time. By understanding these commands and their functions, you can work more efficiently with Microsoft Word 2007. Whether you need to close a single document or exit the entire application, knowing when to use each command can save you a lot of time and hassle.
Keywords: Microsoft Word, Close, Exit