Microsoft Project 98 for Dummies [Paperback]

Martin Doucette (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0764503219 | ISBN-13: 978-0764503214 | Publication Date: February 20, 1998

Managing single or multiple projects is tough enough. Why compound your troubles by tackling the learning curve of a new software program at the same time? Instead, turn to Microsoft Project 98 For Dummies and let author Martin Doucette save you the headaches and hassles of mastering Microsoft Project 98 by yourself.

Starting at the very beginning -- What's a project? -- Doucette takes you step-by-step through the powerful features and built-in planning, productivity, and tracking capabilities that make Microsoft Project 98 a must-have for project managers of all stripes and skill levels. In no time, you'll be building your own project schedules to meet deadlines and budgets, using Gantt charts to communicate your ideas visually, and adding pictures, sound files, or movies to your project pages. Sample project files from Microsoft Project 98 For Dummies are included on a special CD-ROM that also features project management software from the Project Management Institute and a trial version of the hot brainstorming software, Project KickStart.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Whether you're coordinating the development of a jet engine or helping to organize a conference, your job is to juggle variables. Microsoft Project 98 can help ensure you reach your goals on time and on budget--if you know how to use it, that is. Microsoft Project 98 for Dummies gives you the leg up you need to figure out this powerful project-management software.

Author Martin Doucette begins with a discussion of project-management concepts before delving into Project's tools. In his coverage of Project, the author includes instructions on establishing a schedule, outlining tasks, and identifying dependencies among tasks and milestones. Along the way, Doucette shows how to take resources (equipment, mainly) and money into account. He then goes into considerable depth on the graphical representations available to Project users, including Gantt and PERT charts. There's also excellent coverage of filters, the data-sorting tools you can use to pick details out of your Project files.

In case you'd rather look at the work of a pro before attempting to shoehorn your project's particulars, Microsoft Project 98 for Dummies includes a CD-ROM containing a number of demonstration files. You can experiment with these to see how Project behaves in different circumstances. --David Wall

From the Back Cover

Includes Bonus CD with Sample Project Files!

Project Management with Microsoft Project 98 Is Easy with This Reference by Your Side! Stay on top of all your projects, small or mammoth, with Microsoft(r) Project 98 For Dummies(r). With clear instructions and interesting examples, Martin Doucette shows you how to make the most of Project 98's high productivity, planning, and tracking capabilities. You'll quickly and easily find out how to create and edit tasks, assign resources, establish task relationships, manage deadlines, and communicate more effectively. About the CD The valuable bonus CD contains sample files for practicing Microsoft Project functions, as well as a multimedia introduction to project management concepts and the Project Management Institute. System Requirements: Pentium or multi-media PC with 486 or higher processor; Windows 95 or later, or Windows NT 4.0 or later; MS Project 98 installed; CD-ROM drive; 16MB RAM; and a VGA or higher-resolution video adapter Ask for For Dummies(r) Books, the Fun and Easy Way to Find Out about Computers. Also look for PCs For Dummies(r), 5th Edition, the fun and easy way to use your PC, and Upgrading & Fixing PCs For Dummies(r), 3rd Edition, the fast and friendly way to figure out how to maintain your PC.

Inside, find helpful advice on how to:
* Build your own schedules in minutes
* Use Gantt charts to communicate visually and efficiently
* Compare your planned and actual tasks and budgets
* Get the most out of your schedule by optimizing your calendar
* Put graphics, audio, or movies into your project pages
* Share information with team members from within Microsoft Project
* Export your project information to your favorite database or spreadsheet application

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 382 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies (February 20, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764503219
• ISBN-13: 978-0764503214
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,438,361 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good Book - Lacks some things..., November 28, 1999

By 

George Levy (Miami, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Microsoft Project 98 for Dummies (Paperback)

I really enjoyed the book and learned a lot about Project 98.

Still, the book said that there would be a FORMS folder in the CD which had many forms that would simplify the whole project development process.

This folder doesn't exist (they forgot to include it in the CD even though it is constantly referred to in the book). I've tried contacting IDG books on numerous occasions but to no avail. It is a good book - I'm just upset they left out a crucial part.

Maybe if they would have used Project 98 to plan all the elements of the book they wouldn't have left it out...

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A lot of words on basic stuff, March 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Microsoft Project 98 for Dummies (Paperback)

This book doesn't cover much you probably couldn't have figured out on your own. You'll bypass the scope of this book in a couple of days or weeks, at which point you'll want to get something bigger and broader in scope. This book is also WAY too padded with theoretical junk on how project planning works. Isn't Project98 supposed to help bypass a lot of the "theory"?

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The amount of detail is amazing!, March 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Microsoft Project 98 for Dummies (Paperback)

This book should have been called, "Everything you need to know about Microsoft Project 98, but were afraid to ask." Project 98 has an incredible amount of detail; this book covers all of it. Every "Dummies" book assumes you know nothing. For this piece of software, you need that assumption! It makes an excellent reference book, as well.