Work Like a Pro with Excel for Windows 95

Review by Karl R. Witsman (from the I/O Port, online newsletterIf you've never owned one of the Murach Publishing line (poor reader!) you have missed out on the strategy all these books take. First, the approach centers on that 20-30% of the program which you will actually use. Second, each function is shown in a single illustration, so you don't have to search through the picture to find out which step you missed. The approach to this, and other books in the series, also shows you the fastest way to get things done and back to work on your spreadsheet. As with other Murach books we have reviewed, in this book the steps are given in a clear, precise manner. Even the person who has never worked a spreadsheet could be looking good in minutes. More advanced users of Excel will find the book can save them time in refreshing the memory and getting back to work. Just in case you are tackling the onus of learning both Excel AND Windows 95 at the same time (masochist!), the first section of this book goes through a crash course in the operating system. The 339 pages are full of over 200 illustrations, most of them screen shots of how to do various things with Excel. Those pages not graced with illustrations have sets of exercises for safely practicing the new skill you wish to learn without touching your real data.The top of the book says "The busier you are at work, the more you need this book." And it's true! This is the type of book you want on the shelf behind you when you start a new spreadsheet. It's there if you get into a jam, and it's there to read when you have a few minutes between appointments. You'll definitely pick up something new from this book, I guarantee it. (Actually, Murach Publishing guarantees any book you order directly from them. Either the book is useful or you get your money back. How many other publishers do that?) The author has split the book into five useful areas. As you learn the skills, you can easily progress to the next. Or if you already know how to do something you can just review it and move ahead. The first area is the tutorial on Windows 95. Then the author takes us through the three major instructional sections.The end part of the book contains the appendixes, which gives a summary of new features, features and commands not covered in the book, and a useful index. The book makes good use of white space to keep things organized. The use of red ink makes sure you don't miss the most important tidbits, which might otherwise be overlooked in the text. If you learn how to do each step, you'll be an Excel Pro and the envy of all in your office!