Im new and wanted to know if im in the unix terminal and lets say i want to run microsoft word for example. i go in and go into the HD and then keep going and i type ls and see that microsoft word.app is there. how do i run it from that?

I have the funny feeling you are using Apple OSX. If you see the file of that name, you should be able to run it by typing:
./microsoft\ word.app &

The period forward slash is saying "from here, run this", the backslash is to deal with the space in the filename, and the & is to run the application in the backround so you can continue use of your terminal.

Yes im using AppleOSX in work and playing around with it right now.
Is there any difference if im doing it using apple OSX? and what does the microsoft inbetween the /\ represent? *If you said it im sorry im just trying to figure out what everything means so i can apply it to different programs and things*

Ok nevermind i just re-read your post and realized what everything meant. Thanks for the help ALOT.

Hehe ok. Glad to be able to help.