Microsoft Office 2003 provides Windows XP users with a comprehensive suite for all document processing, work flow and communication needs on both Enterprise and Home consumer markets. With the release of Microsoft Office 2007 a significant portion of Microsoft Office Users experienced a major adjustment in the Graphical User Interface (GUI), functionality, and downgrade compatibility. The change was a major over hall so that Microsoft would incorporate newer .NET framework into the Microsoft Office Suite to enhance user flexibility, productivity and efficiency. Since the release of Microsoft Office 2007, newer versions of Microsoft Office (2010 and 2013) have used the newer .NET Framework. Additional enhancements include a 40% increase in the amount of data in Spreadsheets, improved Visual Basic Programming, 40% increase in the amount of data in Access Databases, enhanced security features, a “tab” ribbon, and are agnostically designed for a multi-platform installation. It will even run in the cloud.

Getting Started with Microsoft Office 2013 identifies the core differences in 2003 and softens the transition to the newer version of software. In this section we’ll cover the general differences and discuss why these differences exist.


Graphical User Interface 

Differences Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) are what you see when you open any program or electronic device and allow users to interact with the device. In the case of Microsoft Office 2013 and Microsoft Office 2003, the graphical user interface granularly consists of a Ribbon inclusive with Menu Options and the Spreadsheet. 


The .NET framework was developed by Microsoft to run on Microsoft Windows products and includes an extensive library. Coders can even program in their own language and incorporate it into the .NET framework allowing flexibility and scalability for developers as well as end users.


With the rise in new technology Microsoft needed to implement a GUI in a framework that allowed users to work off of any device (computer, laptop, tablet and mobile devices). In other markets, the race to the cloud also peaked the interested of Microsoft users and once again, Microsoft was in need of a way to present their software to users. This time, in the cloud.


The .NET framework’s framework includes enhancements to the user interface, data access, database connectivity, cryptography, web application development, numeric algorithms and network communications. Its overall design allows for a multi-platform use and supports newer operating systems such as Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2013. An overview of differences can be seen below:


Previously in Microsoft Office 2003, users navigated drop down menus to locate the tool or feature they wanted to use. Although a much debated topic, the Microsoft Ribbon was designed in 2013 to enhance the user experience. When hovering over it with your mouse, for example, a user can scroll their wheel to switch tabs and eliminating a mouse click entirely. It’s also touch screen friendly.


Menu Options (File, Insert, Design, Page Layout, etc.) in Microsoft Office 2003 became the “Tabs” in Microsoft Office 2013. By navigating to a tab identifies the entire menu options that in Microsoft Office 2003 might have to be drilled down to. Statistically, this is one of the hardest and most drastic changes to new Microsoft Office 2013 users. The new Ribbon and File menu are present below.


The graphics are a difficult change to conceptualize without trying to navigate. However, some menu options have moved to new locations.

  • · Exit is no longer available under the File Menu.
  • · You can no longer create a new document from an existing open document. This feature was changed to “Recent” under the File Menu.
  • · Clip Organizer (Clip Art) and Picture Manager now have a direct link to the cloud and already access it for more options in imagery than in previous Office versions. 
  • · The Show Markup is no longer available in the Tracking group. It is easily accessible from the Quick Access Tool Bar. A Quick Access Tool bar are option shortcuts you can place above your Ribbon. Simply right click on the menu and hit Customize like the menu below. 


If you’re an experienced Microsoft Office 2003 user slowly navigate through the 2013 menu. Pay careful attention to what “Tab” you are on. The features of Microsoft Office have not changed; they are simply enhanced for quicker access.

Additionally, the File Menu has changed slightly. Besides graphical enhancements, the file menu now allows users to save files to the Cloud. Assuming a user has a Microsoft Cloud Account a user can link their Cloud Drive to Microsoft Office 2013 so that it is accessible anywhere a Cloud Drive user can be authorized and authenticated.

System Requirements