Microsoft Office, Introduction, Application, Questions And Answers

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office: Microsoft Office, created by Microsoft in 1988, is essential software for computers today. It includes various applications that are widely used worldwide. In exams, questions about Microsoft Office and its applications are common, especially in major Government Exams. This article covers Microsoft Office extensively, including its applications, essential notes for exam preparation, and sample questions and answers.

Competitive exams like SSC often include Computer Knowledge in their syllabus, which can be a high-scoring section. These questions are usually straightforward, making them easy to answer without complex calculations or solutions.

What is Microsoft Office ?

MS Office, short for Microsoft Office, is like a bundle of different office-related programs. These programs, like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, were made by Microsoft to help with different tasks. In 2019, Microsoft launched the newest version of MS Office, called Microsoft 365, which works online.

The first MS Office package with different programs came out in 1988. Since then, Microsoft has released 16 different versions. The latest one is MS Office 19, which you can use offline. But Microsoft 365 is mainly for online use.

Microsoft Office Introduction

Microsoft Office is a software suite created by Bill Gates, launched on November 19, 1990, right after Microsoft Windows. It includes various applications for different purposes.

Among these, MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint are the most widely used applications worldwide.

Microsoft Office Applications & their Functions

Currently, the world widely uses the MS Office 2016 version, utilizing its applications for both personal and professional tasks. Here's a breakdown of each Microsoft Office application and what it does:

These applications are commonly used, and questions about them are likely to appear in upcoming exams.

Microsoft Office Version

Microsoft Office started as computer software but later adapted for use on laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. Below are the different versions of Microsoft Office along with their release years:

The above dates refer to the Windows version of Office. Separate versions were released for Mac, Online, and Mobile Phones.

What Types of Microsoft Office Are There?

Microsoft Office offers a variety of software tools to help with different tasks. Let's explore some of them:

These software tools are just some of the many applications included in Microsoft Office, each with its own unique features and capabilities, making it a versatile tool for various tasks in the workplace.

Microsoft Office  Sample Practice Questions And Answers

Below are some practice questions based on Microsoft Office concepts, designed to be straightforward and accessible:

1. How do you create a new paragraph in Microsoft Word?
   • A) Press Tab
   • B) Press Enter
   • C) Press Alt
   • D) Press Shift
   • Answer: B) Press Enter
2. Which is not a version of Microsoft Office?
   • A) Microsoft Office 3.0
   • B) Microsoft Office XP
   • C) Microsoft Office 2007
   • D) Microsoft Office 1995
   • Answer: D) Microsoft Office 1995
3. What file type does Microsoft Excel use to manage data in tabular form?
   • A) Document
   • B) Worksheet
   • C) Workspace
   • D) Spreadsheet
   • Answer: D) Spreadsheet
4. What is the file extension for Microsoft PowerPoint presentations?
   • A) .ppp
   • B) .ppt
   • C) .mpp
   • D) .mp3
   • Answer: B) .ppt
5. Which software is similar to an accountant's worksheet?
   • A) Spreadsheet
   • B) Database
   • C) Graphics
   • D) Document
   • Answer: A) Spreadsheet
6. How do you align text to the left side of a document in Microsoft Word?
   • A) Alt+L
   • B) Ctrl+L
   • C) Alt+Spacebar
   • D) Tab+L
   • Answer: B) Ctrl+L
7. What is the block where a column and row intersect in Microsoft Excel called?
   • A) Key block
   • B) Cell
   • C) Square
   • D) Box
   • Answer: B) Cell
8. Which shortcut is used to paste text without removing its formatting?
   • A) Ctrl+C
   • B) Ctrl+Alt+V
   • C) Shift+Ctrl+V
   • D) Alt+Shift+V
   • Answer: C) Shift+Ctrl+V
9. Which combination of file type and extension is incorrect?
   • A) MS Word – .doc
   • B) MS Excel – .xls
   • C) MS PowerPoint – .ppt
   • D) MS Outlook – .out
   • Answer: D) MS Outlook – .out
10. What is the cell reference for a range of cells starting in D2 and going over to column F and down to row 12?
    • A) D2:F12
    • B) D-2:F-12
    • C) F12:D2
    • D) F-12:D-2
    • Answer: A) D2:F12
11. What is the default extension for a Microsoft Word document?
    • A) .docx
    • B) .txt
    • C) .doc
    • D) .rtf
    • Answer: A) .docx
12. How do you start a new slide in Microsoft PowerPoint?
    • A) Ctrl+N
    • B) Ctrl+S
    • C) Ctrl+M
    • D) Ctrl+P
    • Answer: C) Ctrl+M
13. Which tool in Microsoft Excel is used to perform calculations?
    • A) Charts
    • B) PivotTables
    • C) Formulas
    • D) Filters
    • Answer: C) Formulas
14. What is the purpose of Microsoft Outlook?
    • A) Word processing
    • B) Spreadsheet calculations
    • C) Email management
    • D) Presentation design
    • Answer: C) Email management
15. Which software is used for creating professional documents like brochures and flyers?
    • A) Microsoft Word
    • B) Microsoft Excel
    • C) Microsoft PowerPoint
    • D) Microsoft Publisher
    • Answer: D) Microsoft Publisher
16. How do you save a document in Microsoft Word?
    • A) Ctrl+S
    • B) Ctrl+P
    • C) Ctrl+N
    • D) Ctrl+O
    • Answer: A) Ctrl+S
17. What does the function 'SUM' do in Microsoft Excel?
    • A) Adds numbers
    • B) Subtracts numbers
    • C) Multiplies numbers
    • D) Divides numbers
    • Answer: A) Adds numbers
18. How do you change the font size in Microsoft Word?
    • A) Ctrl+F
    • B) Ctrl+G
    • C) Ctrl+H
    • D) Ctrl+Shift+>
    • Answer: D) Ctrl+Shift+>
19. What is the purpose of using a 'Slide Master' in Microsoft PowerPoint?
    • A) To create animations
    • B) To design individual slides
    • C) To apply consistent formatting to all slides
    • D) To insert multimedia elements
    • Answer: C) To apply consistent formatting to all slides
20. What is the function of the 'Find and Replace' feature in Microsoft Word?
    • A) To correct spelling mistakes
    • B) To search for specific words or phrases and replace them with another
    • C) To insert images
    • D) To format text
    • Answer: B) To search for specific words or phrases and replace them with another
21. What is the default extension for a Microsoft Excel workbook?
    • A) .xlsx
    • B) .xls
    • C) .xlsm
    • D) .xltx
    • Answer: A) .xlsx
22. Which feature in Microsoft Word allows you to automatically arrange text in alphabetical or numerical order?
    • A) Sort
    • B) Align
    • C) Group
    • D) Filter
    • Answer: A) Sort
23. In Microsoft PowerPoint, what is the function of the 'Slide Transition' feature?
    • A) To create animations
    • B) To change the slide layout
    • C) To add effects between slides
    • D) To insert images
    • Answer: C) To add effects between slides
24. Which tool in Microsoft Excel is used for visual representation of data?
    • A) Charts
    • B) PivotTables
    • C) Formulas
    • D) Filters
    • Answer: A) Charts
25. What is the purpose of the 'Review' tab in Microsoft Word?
    • A) To change the document layout
    • B) To insert multimedia elements
    • C) To review spelling and grammar
    • D) To apply text effects
    • Answer: C) To review spelling and grammar

These sample questions about MS Office can help candidates understand how questions might be asked in the exam.