Customer Reviews

Office 2003 All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The last book review I wrote on this site was close on one year ago... for no other reason than leading a busy life doing other things. But I just felt I had to come out of `exile' for this book because it's classic Peter Weverka at his stunning best.

Clear, precise, a touch of gentle humor, Peter cuts through the jargon like a hot knife through butter. There is simply NOTHING that doesn't get properly explained and simplified.

"Office 2003 All-In-One" is the Dummies Guide to not just one program but to no less than NINE. (Word 2003, Outlook 2003, PowerPoint 2003, Excel 2003, FrontPage 2003, Access 2003, Publisher 2003, Office 2003 - one step beyond and Windows XP). It's a true compendium of reference books - a genuine all-in-one library.

Just so you understand why I feel so qualified to comment on this publication, I should tell you that I am an 'expert user' at Excel and Access. I'm very much a middle-of-the-road user at Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Windows XP, and I have never before even looked at FrontPage or Publisher. I reckon that gives me a unique insight into how effective Mr Weverka's writing for all types of users and all levels of expertise.

I can assure you it hits the mark at EVERY level. Never condescending, never too clever for his own good, always explained in clear simple language, this book is an absolute pleasure to own, and a real treasure house of information and reference.

Screen captures are clean and easy to understand, cross-referencing is more than adequate, and there's hardly a word of unintelligible jargon or computerese anywhere. (Oh, and the author throws in a few smiles from time, to time, just to stop you nodding off.)

Peter Weverka has really excelled himself, and has again produced a masterly tome that will stand the test of time. If you want to know more about the inside workings of Office 2003, THIS is the only reference book you will ever need... and that's a promise.

I found this book to be a real treasure -- easy to read, easy to look up information in, and easy on the eyes. For once in a computer book, the screen shots are clear and cogent to the text.

The Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, FrontPage, and Word coverage (I have not dipped into Publisher or Windows yet) was excellent, but I have to reserve a word for this book's coverage of Access. That program mystified me until I discovered this book. I have been able to take what I learned and use it to create a database for my company. The author of "Office 2003 All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies" has a real talent for teaching software, and my hat goes off to him.

I thought I was an Office guru (I use the software suite daily), but even I found numerous helpful tips and tricks to increase my office automation efficiency. For Dummies books are a great reference series and this one did not let me down. It is a little light in the Access area for my needs, but it draws the reader/student step-by-step through creating/using with each of the Office programs. So simple to read, follow, and understand, I've incorporated it into my 12-year old's homeschool curriculum and he loves it. Well worth the price.

I got this book really to learn more about Excel and Access, but I ended up reading the whole thing. I find it works best if you have the programs open and you can practice doing the things the author mentions in the book. As far as Excel goes, I've just about mastered that program after reading the section on it. At work I've put everything on spreadsheets now and it's made my life a whole lot easier!

At first I wasn't going to read the sections on Word or Outlook because I've been using those programs for many years and felt like I already knew everything. However, after reading the sections I was surprised by how much I didn't know. And how I had been doing things the 'hard way' because I was unaware of all the little short cuts and tricks. I highly recommend this book. I was able to go through 2 sections a day, so it took me less then a week to become proficient at Microsoft Office Suite.

It has a lot of useful information on Word, Outlook and Windows XP. It usually always has the answer to any questions I have on these items. It is a great reference to have with our computers.

This book has been every thing I had hoped it would be...an invaluable reference to have at one's elbow for quick help!

I bring the book with me to work and when I don't know how to perform a task with windows, the book walks me through it. It is a wonderful book to keep on my desk as well as help at home.

This book certainly has value, but fails to fulfill expectations beyond the basic use of the various programs. There were many helpful tips, but for an advanced user, this book is not the answer. It is perfect for a beginner or early intermediate user of the programs and is a good reference for a person just getting started on these programs.

This one book took me out of a very dark closet and into the bright light of my computer. It is simple, concise, and to the point... No condensending, all business... Loved the style of writing, which made it easy to comprehend..

Office 2003 for Dummies is helpful for the basics and beyond. If you're a regular Joe (or Jill) looking to use any of the Office 2003 programs for day to day work tasks, this book is perfect for you!