▪▪ For forms, if you want the data entered in a form to be automatically collected, use

InfoPath or Access. There are several deciding factors in choosing which applica-
tion to use. The primary factor is whether the people using the form will have access
to the tools they need to fill it out. For InfoPath forms, either the users must have
Microsoft InfoPath Filler, or you must have InfoPath Form Services technology so that
your intended audience can use a web browser to fill out the form. For Access, either
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the users must have the Access application, or you must have Access Services for web
browser-based forms, which is a component of SharePoint.
Other form considerations are whether the form contains calculations. If you don’t
need to automatically collect your data, then use Excel. Although Word supports
calculations, creating formulas in Excel is easier and more reliable. However, if your
form needs to contain advanced text features or needs the page flexibility of a word
processor, then create your form in Word.

This list is certainly not an exhaustive list of all of the different types of files you can create
or tasks you’ll perform in your work projects. This is a vast topic that could easily warrant its
own book. But the information provided here should be enough to give you a good start in
choosing the right application.

Key points
▪▪ The ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar have commands for working with the content
of a file.

▪▪ The Backstage view has commands for working with the entire file or the application.
▪▪ You can create new documents, workbooks, presentations, publications, notebooks,
and databases on the New page in the Backstage view.

▪▪ You can open, save, print, share, and export documents in the Backstage view.
▪▪ You can customize the Office user interface and modify application settings to fit your
workflow.

▪▪ Choosing the right application for specific tasks can help you be more productive and
get better results.

Key points    39