On the new “MacVoices” (http://www.macvoices.com), Maria Langer, the author of the new “Word for Mac 2011 Essential Training” for lynda.com talks about the new version of the venerable word processing program, and whether you really need it.

Part of the new Microsoft Office for Mac 2011, Word 2011 has greatly reduced the number of available toolbars, eliminated the formatting palette, and added the much-talked about ribbon. Langer explains why those changes require some learning, but are for the best. The different kinds of tables in Word and which to use for what, the return of macros and why you need to understand privacy and security in Word documents are all part of the discussion.

“MacVoices” is an Internet show and podcast that delivers in-depth discussions with the most influential people in the Mac industry, as well as “the individuals who are out there making it happen on the front lines of the global Apple community,” according to host Chuck Joiner.