Customer Reviews

Microsoft Excel 97 Step-By-Step (Step by Step (Microsoft))

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This set of 2 books and a CD is beautifully done. It's a solid course and a fair reference too. The glossary and index are professionally done. Even the physical size of the 2 books is nice. BUT WATCH OUT ! AND I MEAN B E W A R E ! The Microsoft CAMCORDER program that presents the interactive course demos and examples DOES NOT RUN on Windows 98, and probably not on anything higher that Windows 95. After 7 phone calls to them, Microsoft failed to get the CD to run on Windows 98.

Microsoft's "Second Level Technical Support" has actually admitted to me that they dropped W-95's CAMCORDER.EXE support in W-98. They just really don't like to talk about it. So, if you want to use the CD to see the examples, then run it on Windows 95. I had to rebuild a W-95 system just to view the CD.

Prior to picking up this book, I had never touched Excel. After spending a week with it, on a whim, I took and passed the Excel Certified User test. I now use Excel regularly in my duties. I recommend this series to everyone I meet. (If there was an option for 6 stars, I'd use it.) Next on my list of purchases is the Advanced Topics book.

This is Microsoft approved courseware geared toward passing the Proficient Level MOUS Exam. Since I reviewed from this text to pass the Expert Level exam, I would not know if the exercises are sufficient for the Proficient Level exam. However, to pass the Expert Level exam, you must study from this book with its companion: Excel 97 Step By Step Advanced. Any other advanced books and some work experience is beneficial as well. The tasks provide fundamental knowledge but Accountants and other more spreadsheet intensive positions may need study aids focused on Excel's more advanced analytical, mathematical, and statistical functions.

Interesting real-world problems - beginners can easily follow along, those experienced in word processing can pick up tips and ideas.