Word processing tip - .docx files

.docx is the new file extension that Microsoft Word 2007 uses when it saves documents, instead of the more familiar .doc

Patrons cannot open files with the extension .docx on our computers since we do not have that version of MS Word.

Here's a suggestion: direct the patron to the online word processing application Zoho (www.zoho.com). Zoho recently added the ability to open docx files and has long had the ability to save document in the older doc format. Patrons will have to sign up for a free account, but the form is short and the process relatively fast and painless. After opening their document in Zoho they have the option either to save is as a .doc (regular Microsoft Word document) and open it on our computer or to continue and edit it using Zoho itself.

Zoho also provides storage space and this would be useful for those lacking removable storage (thumb drive) on which to save their work. Google has a similar service but as yet does not support .docx. When it eventually does, Google will likely be a better option.

From Ian, a librarian at Malvern Branch