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What's the difference between Save and Save As?

Anonymous
2014-04-14T16:36:11+00:00

I have a very similar situation.  My question is, what happened to all the instances when I'm "saving" the document.  It never brought up a 'save as' prompt, even if the original device was now disconnected.  Was it simply not saving a copy anywhere? 

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  1. Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 435K Reputation points
    2014-04-14T23:08:41+00:00

    Fundamental difference: Save As creates a different file, Save updates the current file. Notice that when you Save a new file for the first time you are prompted but there is no further need for a prompt unless you actually close the file.

    Other than that there is no real distinction. Some of what Phillip refers to may have been fairly accurate in the days of binary file formats, but doesn't apply to contemporary OOXML files types... they are handled in a completely different manner.

    On the same subject: It sounds like you may be looking for some sort of confirmation or 'reassurance' that the Save occurred. If so, note the leftmost of the 3 stoplight buttons in the upper left corner of the document window. If a dot appears within the button the document contains unsaved changes. When you save the dot goes away. This is a standard feature of OS X.

      

    Additionally, when you Save glance at the Status Bar to see the progress indicator provided by Word.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-04-14T21:27:05+00:00

    Okay here is the relatively Technical explanation:

    Save:

    Save does Just that. It saves the file each time the Save item is clicked.

    All Changes are appended to the end of the Document with instructions t show and Print the changes at the Correct Position.

    Each time a normal save  is used, makes the Document more Complex, and Easier to Corrupt.

    An advantage though, is that you can click Undo and undo changes up to a certain number of changes..

    Save As... :

    when Save As... is pressed You have the option of changing the Name or using the same Name.

    You can save to a different Location.

    By using Save As any changes you make are permanent and can not be undone. I use this all the time. The files are smaller and more compact. And the biggest thing they are less Complex and less like to corrupt. Your making an absolutely clean File.

    Even In iWork (when I use it which is rare)  I hold option key down to do Save As ...

    __________

    Disclaimer: The opinions & answers are solely mine and mine alone, and do not necessarily reflect upon my position as a Community Moderator.

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