If there's one type of software that's universally employed, it has got to be the word processor; and inarguably, the one that's most used is Microsoft Word. Over the years, the Redmond-based giant has kept on improving its offering. Still, for those looking for that little bit extra, there are third-party utilities that add useful functionality to what you get out of the box. All of the addons mentioned here are free.
OfficeTabChina-based Detong Technology's OfficeTab is one utility that you simply must install if you crave the tabbed functionality that web browsers offer. Currently, whenever you open multiple documents in Word, they appear as separate instances that sit on the taskbar.
However, this addon lets you toggle easily between multiple files within the same window with the help of tabs; one for each of the open files.
The freeware version of OfficeTab, which also lets you create tabs for Excel and Powerpoint, allows you to open, edit, and manage multiple documents in a single tabbed window; minimize the number of windows you open at the same time; and even save and close all Office documents with one click.
PDFCreator PDFCreator is a freeware that, as its name suggests, lets you create PDFs from almost any Windows application, including your web browser. After an 18MB installation, all you have to do to create a PDF is go to the Print option in Word (or whichever other software you may choose), and instead of selecting your print device, select the PDFCreator option from the printer dropdown.
The add-on allows you to create password-protected PDFs that prevent unauthorized users from opening them, or even printing the file. Using this tool, you can also create PNG, JPG, TIFF, BMP, PCX, PS, EPS out of the MS Word file. Ideal for creating a neatlyformatted Curriculum Vitae, if you ask me - and very professional too!
CrossEyesIf your job involves working with complex .doc files that are full of formatting elements - headers, footers, bold, italic, various font sizes and types, etc - you might want to tryout CrossEyes. This add-on for MS Word lets you easily demystify and resolve any formatting problems by revealing the hidden settings that control your document. Once installed, open the file you are working on and press Alt+K to access a window that shows you all of the formatting codes in different colours.
Then you can simply click the corresponding coloured representation in the CrossEyes window, doing which will bring up the dialog box to control the format settings. Of course, to understand the true powers of this add-on , make sure you pour over the 'Read Me' file that you can also download from the same location as the software. Seriously, this is easier than it sounds.
