This book is essential for anyone using Windows, Word, and Excel. The book deals with each program from the novice perspective and provides an increasingly more in-depth look at features. The book approaches the features from the angle of using the software to accomplish work in a day to day setting.
January 8, 1997
Patrick Burn's section on Windows contains twelve chapters providing insight on everything from simple mouse clicking to managing print jobs. The general overview of Windows explains the difference between using keyboard commands and mouse commands. Menu structures, dialog boxes, and even the help utility are explained with examples and thorough instructions to ensure a good understanding of the subject matter.
When dealing with Word, the author provides a quick look at Word's capabilities. An overview of the diverse set of tools provided within Word is provided. The explanations are entertaining yet complete with examples to ensure retention of material. Explanations are provided on how to create and edit documents, format text, paragraphs, and pages. Columns and tables are covered in sufficient detail to understand these capabilities. Spell check, document correction techniques, autocorrect, and the thesaurus are reviewed. Document printing, file management, and even macros are also covered. The author even takes the time to explain mail merge essentials. Almost every elementary tool is explained with examples to allow the reader to experiment.
Excel receives equal attention allowing the reader to gain a complete working knowledge of the basics. Everything from document creation to formatting of cells, to building database and performing sorts is explained. Again macros are covered quickly allowing the reader to understand capabilities and hopefully look further for future cost and time saving techniques.
Finally the author provides hints and tips on getting the most from the combination of these two excellent programs with the Windows environment allowing this integration. In summary, I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about Windows, Word, and Excel. This is an excellent overview of the features available and should prove useful for a reference tool when a particular neat feature is required to make your work simpler. The book is published by Ventana Press and is available from Books-A-Million for less than $21.95 or straight from the publisher. Patrick Burns, the author, has provided us yet another useful addition to our library.
