When we prefer "word" over "Excel"; "Access" over "Excel"

[Rajesh]

Microsoft is having different product, specific for Engineering Industry. I
observed that many use excel for making documents and later struggle for
printing and arranging. Use Excel instead of Access for analysis and later
put time in compiling details. Please let me know what is the specific
intention of having these three (Word, Excel, Access) mostly used stuff.
What are the recommended applications we should prefer one over other. Please
comments.

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

Rajesh

MS Word produces text and/or graphic documents where only simple formatting
is required.. they can do more than just letters these days, but the
formatting conventions that allow easy production of a letter do not allow
for complex documents like newsletters or tri-fold brochures..

MS Excel is a spreadsheet program primarily for running numeric
calculations.. in the very early days of Lotus 123, it was recognised that a
spreadsheet could also be used as a database, and over the years,
spreadsheet operators became very adept at creating complex layouts.. users
who have become accustomed to using spreadsheets in this way are loathe to
change..

MS Access is a fully fledged database application, but it appeared long
after spreadsheets.. if you were going to create a database, Access would be
the application to use rather than Excel..

All three are capable of exchanging information..

The secret of printing and arranging in Excel is down to the expertise of
the person who creates the spreadsheet.. the experienced and skilled user
has sections that exactly produce in print the information required in hard
copy.. to do this requires skill at linking cells and of course, a very good
memory..

 

[Timothy L]

Although I've never heard of Microsoft Excel being used to create a simple,
long, or legal document, here are some links that might help you:


Choose the best Microsoft Office program for the job
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA012045701033.aspx

Crabby's tips for choosing the best program for the job
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010919191033.aspx

 

[Evadne Cake]

Rajesh

MS Word produces text and/or graphic documents where only simple formatting
is required.. they can do more than just letters these days, but the
formatting conventions that allow easy production of a letter do not allow
for complex documents like newsletters or tri-fold brochures..

Actually, the Mac version of Word does a damned fine job of tri-fold
brochures - but, then, Mac Office lacks Publisher so it's sort of a hybrid.

 

[Randy]

"....and what exactly does that have to do with..BLAH BLAH...."
You are one big hypocrite aren't you?
IFC

 

[Rajesh]

Thanks for sending me useful link.

Rajesh

Although I've never heard of Microsoft Excel being used to create a simple,
long, or legal document, here are some links that might help you:


Choose the best Microsoft Office program for the job
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA012045701033.aspx

Crabby's tips for choosing the best program for the job
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010919191033.aspx