I'll admit that I'm pretty fond of Word. It's been my primary word processor ever since I reluctantly relinquished WordPerfect -- for DOS. I've even come to appreciate the Ribbon interface that debuted in Word 2007, though it can be a difficult transition to make.

With issues like that in mind, I've compiled this list of three tips that can make Microsoft Word a little easier on the brain.

1. Bring Back Word's Pull-Down Menus

If you're moving to Word 2007 or 2010 from an earlier version, or from a competing word processor, the aforementioned Ribbon interface can really seem confusing -- and a lot of users never get comfortable with it.

Fortunately, there's (Excel and PowerPoint, too), thus easing your transition. Thankfully, it keeps the Ribbon, too, so you can learn the new interface without totally abandoning the old one.