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Spotlight
PAGE: https://alison.com/course/introduction-to-microsoft-word-2019-365
PROMISE: Document M365 Word workflows to verify open-source replacement needs
WHO: IT leaders evaluating open-source replacements for M365
WHYNOW: Open-source tool selection requires verified feature comparisons
DESC: Learn how to use Microsoft Word 2019 as well as line spacing options, backstage view, format characters, format painter, non-printing characters, AutoCorrect.
BEFORE: M365 workflow documentation is scattered and incomplete
BEFORE: Team lacks specific data on Word feature usage
BEFORE: Open-source alternatives are judged on assumptions
AFTER: M365 workflow documentation is structured and complete
AFTER: Team holds specific data on Word feature usage
AFTER: Open-source alternatives are judged on verified features
GAIN: A defined baseline of M365 Word alignment and indent standards
GAIN: A catalog of M365 backstage components for gap analysis
GAIN: Accredited proof of M365 Word proficiency for evaluation records
STEP: Team debates swapping M365 for openDesk but lacks baseline docs || Microsoft Word || Record current M365 Word usage as the reference standard for comparison
STEP: Reviewers cannot verify which layout features openDesk replicates || Describe the alignment options on Word 2019 || List specific alignment behaviors to check against openDesk capabilities
STEP: Auto-correction rules cause formatting drift in shared documents || Identify the various types of indents on Word 2019 || Map indent standards to ensure openDesk maintains document consistency
STEP: Backstage settings differ between M365 and open-source tools || Analyze the components of the backstage view of Word 2019 || Catalog M365 backstage components to identify gaps in openDesk support
NOTFOR: Users who already have comprehensive M365 documentation
NOTFOR: Teams that do not currently use Microsoft Word
FACT: Average duration: 3-4 Hours (Contains Video)
FACT: CPD-accredited certificate available
FACT: Beginner level
COVERS: Identify the various elements on the Word 2019 screen
COVERS: Describe the different types of views on Word 2019
COVERS: Analyze the components of the backstage view of Word 2019
COVERS: Describe how to use non-printing characters and line spacing on Word 2019
COVERS: Indicate ways of saving a document on Word 2019
COVERS: Identify various AutoCorrect options in Word 2019
COVERS: Indicate ways of formatting characters in a document on Word 2019
COVERS: Describe the alignment options on Word 2019
COVERS: Identify the various types of indents on Word 2019
COVERS: Outline the major tab options in Word 2019
COVERS: Microsoft Word
MODULE: Introduction || Welcome and Overview | Overview of the MS Word Screen | The Backstage View
MODULE: Getting Started with Word || Creating a New Blank Document | Working with Non-Printing Characters and Line Spacing | Saving a Document | Opening a Document | Navigating a Document | Go To, Find and Replace | Editing a Document | Practice Exercise
MODULE: Character Formatting || AutoCorrect Options | Selecting Text | Cut, Copy, and Paste | Character Formatting Options | Format Painter | Working with Numbers | Working with Bullets | Creating an Outline | Practice Exercise
MODULE: Paragraph Formatting || Alignment Options | Line Spacing Options | Working with Indents | Working with Tabs | Practice Exercise
What you are probably seeing
Your team reports frequent outages or ticket backlogs that current providers do not resolve promptly.
Internal staff spend excessive time troubleshooting email and chat issues instead of doing core work.
Why it happens
Proprietary platforms rely on generic support tiers that may not align with your specific operational tempo.
Lack of direct access to system logs or configuration limits your ability to self-service minor issues.
What changed recently
Step by step
1. List the top five support tickets your team filed in the last quarter and note their resolution times.
2. Review openDesk documentation to identify which of these specific issues have self-service tools available.
3. Check if openDesk provides direct access to configuration files for your admins to make changes without waiting on a vendor.
4. Compare the licensing costs of your current suite against the infrastructure costs of hosting openDesk internally.
5. Draft a one-page pros and cons document focusing on support responsiveness for stakeholders to review.
Ways to go further
Start here: Introduction to Microsoft Word 2019/365 For when you need to document current M365 workflows before replacement. Open the free course on Alison ↗
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