Microsoft Word is named so because most of work it is used for is about 'words'

[jackson6612]

I believe Microsoft Word is named so because most of work it is used for is about 'words'. What do Excel and Power Point reflect? Are they just random brand names? Please let me know. Thanks.

 

[rcgldr]

Before interacitive word processing, there were programs like "runoff", which had user visible commands embedded in the text. The first popular interactive word processing application was WordStar, which ran on CPM systems, probably the number one application for CPM systems. It was ported to run on MS-DOS and PC systems, but mostly went away by the time of Windows 3.1 Next was Word Perfect, which ran on Windows and also on the Atari ST (like a color Macintosh). Micorsoft Word was the third in the series of word processors for PCs and is the dominant word processing app for Windows based systems.

Spreadsheets started with VisiCalc, which ran on Apple II's and 8 bit Ataris. Next was SuperCalc for CPM. Then there was Lotus 123, and Borland's Quattro Pro. (On a side note, Lotus sued Borland for "look and feel" issues even though it was spread sheet #3.). During this time period, Microsoft had MultiPlan but it was never popular. Excel was originally for the Macintosh (1984), but was ported over to Windows around 1987. Not sure why they chose that name.

 

[jtbell]

Brand names are almost never random, but are instead chosen carefully. They have to avoid duplicating or being too close to brand names that other companies use, and they should convey some favorable impression of the product.

"Excel" obviously derives from the verb "to excel."

When I see "PowerPoint" I think of a lecturer pointing at a chalkboard or projected image, and "power" connotes strength or effectiveness.