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Betcha didn't know that Word is usually in Insert mode. That means that any new text you type is inserted just before the blinking toothpick cursor. The new stuff pushes any existing text to the right and down as you type. This is Insert mode.
Insert mode's evil twin is Overtype mode. In Overtype mode, all the text you type overwrites the existing text onscreen, replacing it as you go.
To switch to Overtype mode, press the Insert key on your keyboard. Either the key labeled Insert or the Ins key on the numeric keypad (with Num Lock off) does the trick.
 | When you're in Overtype mode, the three letters OVR are highlighted on the status bar. In fact, you can double-click those letters to switch between Insert and Overtype modes. |
Honestly, there is no reason to type in Overtype mode. Insert mode is fine by itself; you can use various commands to delete text at your whim. For example,
- Backspace key: Deletes the character to the left of the toothpick cursor.
- Delete key: Deletes the character to the right of the toothpick cursor.
- Ctrl+Backspace: Deletes the word in front (to the left) of the cursor.
- Ctrl+Delete: Deletes the word behind (to the right) of the cursor.
- Triple-click: Deletes a whole paragraph. Click the mouse three times on the paragraph. Click-click-click. Be quick about the triple click. That highlights the paragraph, and a deft press of the Delete key mooches it off the page.
 | In Overtype mode, new text gobbles up text already on the screen. If you see this weirdness happen, double-click the OVR thing on the status bar to stop it, and then use the Ctrl+Z (Undo) keyboard shortcut to yank back any deleted text. |
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