A Table is a Table is a Table A table is a fundamental method for organizing information into rows and columns. Creating tables is one of the unique functions of a computer.  Microsoft Word is an excellent tool for designing, formatting and using tables and lists. Many of the demonstrations in this lesson echo the same commands and options that you can find in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access. Tables are interchangeable: you can use a Table in Excel for a Mail Merge or a Table in Access.   This lesson begins with ancient technology: Tabs. Typewriters used Tabs to create lists and columns. Very quickly you will see the limitations of using Tabs. All digital data can be recycled, so the lesson demonstrates how to Convert the Text (and all of the Tabs) to a Table. The key to working with Tables is to watch the commands on the Ribbons. So, Start Microsoft Word. When the Welcome page appears, open a new, Blank Document. What do you see, from the top of the screen? Is there a Title Bar that says Document1- Word? Yes. Is there a Home Ribbon? And the Insert, Design, Page Layout, References, Mailings, Review and View Ribbons? Yes. If your screen looks similar to the example on this page, then you are ready to begin.