Running Microsoft Excel 2000

This is NOT a book for beginners; if you're new to Microsoft Excel, avoid this book! Even though the back of the book says it's a reference for beginning to advanced users, this book will confuse you if you're a beginner. It's a book for people who already have some knowledge about Excel; I'm in the intermediate to advanced user category, and even I get confused by some of the explanations provided in the book.The book has lots of text, but it needs more examples and more pictures; I can't really grasp a particular subject on Excel, if there's no picture to show what it's supposed to look like on screen. Some of the subjects aren't explained fully; these areas need more explanations, examples and pictures.The book gets four stars, because I did learn some things I've never learned before; also, the book's layout is excellent.Like the one of the reviewers below, I suggest you get the "Microsoft Excel 2000 Learning Kit". The kit contains the "Running Microsoft Excel 2000" book, as well as a "Microsoft Excel 2000 Step by Step Interactive" software. The software in the kit is excellent!

I would recommend buying the package (step-by-step interactive cd + this book = $30 cost)

Running Excel 2000 provides a very complete look at using Excel in most day to day situations. The general usage information is well structured and each topic is covered in detail.For me the real value in this book comes from the section on analyzing data. The author discusses the worksheet functions but then delves into common analysis situations. Their coverage of financial analysis discusses all of the different financial functions and how to use each of them. The statistical analysis section talks about each of the different distributions supported and when each should be used. Finally they present a what-if analysis section that shows how to use Excel's solver and scenario manager.The book even touches on Visual Basic, but only enough to get your feet wet with Excel's macros. All in all a very good book.. much more than I was expecting from a general "how to use Excel" book.

This book was very helpful to learn advanced formatting techniques, straighten out formulas and other spreadsheet techniques. It was only difficult to follow the macros directions. I would suggest purchasing a beginning book just on that for those with no experience in VBA, because if you're a beginner, like me, then you will probably get frustrated. Other than that, I found the book to be thorough, clear and concise.

This book is a solid reference and guidance to Excel 2000 users. The authors have clear thoughts through the book, their instructions are clear and simple. It resolves most of the puzzles and questions you have, while introducing new functions. Seems like, it is designed for experienced Excel users. If you are new to Excel, you'd better read "Excel 200, Step by Step" instead. Strongly recommended! Will not waste your time and money.