An Alternative to Apple iWork: Microsoft Office for Mac 2011

Microsoft Office for Mac 2011 is an alternative to the iWork suite Apple may have installed on your desktop or notebook.

While Microsoft's focus has definitely been on Windows versions first and foremost, Mac users are getting new versions and features as well. 

Microsoft Office for Mac was produced in the following versions: 2004, 2008, and 2011, with a new one coming in 2015: When Is Microsoft Releasing the Next Office for Mac?

Whether you are looking to upgrade from an older version of Microsoft Office for Mac or are switching to a new Apple desktop or notebook, this slide show can give you a quick overview including visuals of each program in the suite, so you know what to expect before purchasing a copy.

Key Features in Microsoft Word for Mac 2011

Microsoft Word for Mac 2011 offers you strong functionality both on-device and in the cloud, including:

• Visual Styles including Styles Visual Aids (these are color-themed resources to help you with creating new Word 2011 documents)
• Desktop publishing tools such as Publishing Layout View, helping you create professional documents such as business cards, newsletters, brochures, and more
• Layering options such as the Reorder Objects feature

• Focus View, a simplified document viewing experience
• Integration with Microsoft OneDrive
• Coauthoring for collaborating with others in real-time thanks to improved sharing options

For even more visual detail about this program for Mac notebooks and desktops, check out: Microsoft's Word for Mac 2011 Top Features Tour.

Key Features in Microsoft PowerPoint for Mac 2011

Microsoft PowerPoint for Mac 2011 gives an improved user interface with contextual tools on the ribbon.

Other features in this version include:

• More templates in the PowerPoint Presentation Gallery
• Improved Slide Layout including the ability to Reorder Objects
• Media Browser integration with your iMovie, Photo Booth, and iTunes collections
• More animations and transitions to choose from
• Enhanced Picture SmartArt and Format Picture options

• Slide sections for better organization
• Presenter View for sharing information
• Real-time collaboration and other sharing options (including SharePoint and OneDrive)

For even more visual detail about this program for Mac notebooks and desktops, check out: Microsoft's PowerPoint for Mac 2011 Top Features Tour.

Microsoft Excel for Mac 2011 offers more tools and features than previous versions, such as:

• More templates in the Excel Workbook Gallery
• More table styles for displaying your data
• A new PivotTable interface
• Improved filters
• Conditional Formatting and Sparklines
• Visual Basic macros
• Real-time collaboration and other sharing options
• Increased security and permissions features

For even more visual detail about this program for Mac notebooks and desktops, check out: Microsoft's Word for Excel 2011 Top Features Tour.

Microsoft Outlook for Mac 2011 is an email program that integrates with the rest of the Office suite.

This version includes improved features such as:

• More customization options for the user interface such as consolidated inboxes
• Quick Look previews for attachments
• Organizational options like categories and conversation threads
• Time Machine backups
• My Day and other new calendar viewing options
• Rich-text elements for email including hyperlinks, signatures, charts, tables, and Office Photo Browser media such as your iPhoto or Photo Booth collections.

• Instant messaging
• Access to contacts online or offline
• More security and permission options

For even more visual detail about this program for Mac notebooks and desktops, check out: Microsoft's Outlook for Mac 2011 Top Features Tour.