DH Templates

What is a macro?

I downloaded a template program from Avery.com, and now Microsoft Word is asking me if I want to enable the macros. It's telling me that the macros could lose some of their functionality depending on whether or not I enable it. So again... What are macros, and is it safe to enable them? Thanks for the help!

Public Comments

1. As far as I know, It may be some kind of STD....Not entirely sure though.
2. a macro is not an std
3. Macros are sets of instructions that work within a software application, very similar to wizards if you're familiar with those. Generally, macros are safe and provide great tools for productivity, but they are also potential harbors for viruses as they are basically the same thing. Know your source. If it's someone like Avery, it's probably pretty safe, they make their money on labels and templates, they can't afford to be spreading problems. If it's someone you've never heard of or don't really trust, don't use it, you'll be asking for grief.
4. A macro is a computer program that will do a bunch of things automatically when you run it. Like, I have a spreadsheet that has some data, and then it has a bunch of summaries of that data. Each month I update the data, then there's a bunch of work that needs to be done to update the summaries too. And I wrote a macro that updates the summaries automatically. Some macros are safe/helpful. But they could also be used to do destructive things. If you trust the source of the file, then you should enable the file's macros. If you don't trust the source, then you shouldn't enable them without knowing what they do.
5. A macro is a "program" that runs within Word. You can create one yourself by having word remember keystrokes and clicks so that you can repeat a task. Macros are dangerous if you do not trust the source. For example, a macro can delete files from your computer because they can do anything that Word can do. If the source is a legitimate company, it is usually OK. If you have doubts, ask about the source. What are other risks? Macros can install programs on your computer to allow others to run your computer over your internet connection, upload your personal information, or act as a source of spam.
6. A macro is a stored series of commands or keyboard strokes that allow you to perform a task simply by running that macro rather than typing everything in your self. BUT they can be a potential carrier of viruses so be sure it's clean before you install it.