By Mark Brett Independent Reviewer

Book Review

Title: Word Hacks

Author: Andrew Savikas 

Publisher: O’Reilly

ISBN:        0-596-00493-1                 Price: £ 17.50

Word is one of the most used computer programs in circulation today. Word is recognised as the word processor of choice for business and many books on using Word have been written over many years. This book is different in that it explains some of the detailed features and ways of exploiting the programme to do what you want how you want.

Many readers will be aware of the powerful macros and visual basic control tools for Word, few would venture to dabble with either. This book positively encourages you to do so and clearly explains how to customise and bend word to your own needs and preferences. No longer need you suffer in silence over the way a menu looks or the way in which Word operates, you can simply “roll you own” version of Word, changing menus and settings in just about any part of the program, the book clearly through words and illustrations takes through the process.

The popular “Hacks” format of the book gives you a bite size discrete solution to particular problems. Often hacks are linked together, this approach enables you to go through the book by theme or dive straight in.

All of the hacks are available to download from the books associated web page at:

http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/wordhks/  

Word enthusiasts of all abilities will find this book of value. The chance to change the look, feel and functionality of a program we spend so much time using, not only improves productivity, but also gives the chance to make the program work the way you want to.