Tech Team Newsletter - Volume 3 Issue 10

Tech Team: In the Trenches

October 2005 Volume 3 Issue 10

Table of Contents

Cool Tools: I wish I knew how to...

When we were in high school, many of us used the notes of our good friend Cliff to complete English assignments. And why not? Cliff took terrific notes. They were always clear, concise and in perfect order. A real time saver.

When it comes to quick, easy explanations to help you understand your computer, you’ve got choices. Some with rather unflattering titles. Microsoft Office XP For Windows For Dummies and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Microsoft Office XP. Fact is, these reference books are easily available, comprehensive, portable and best of all, inexpensive.

We looked at two more traditional reference books with nicer names. Microsoft Office XP for Windows, Visual Quick Start Guide and Microsoft Office XP Step by Step (with CD-ROM).

They’re easy to follow with complete steps to accomplish your tasks. And if you’re a visual learner, the product with the CD-ROM may help you learn even faster.

All of these books are great whether you are a new computer user, becoming comfortable with upgrades or just in need of a gentle reminder on how to accomplish a task.

A fun fact: the publisher of the “For Dummies” series is John Wiley & Sons. Founded in 1807, the company published the works of Washington Irving, Edgar Allan Poe and Herman Melville.

Another fun fact: The publishers will accept ideas for new titles and subjects, so if you have a great idea for a self-help book, give them a call.

Here is a comparison of the four reference books we’ve been talking about.

Product	Microsoft Office XP for Windows for Dummies	The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Microsoft Office XP	Microsoft Office XP for Windows Visual Quick start Guide	Microsoft Office XP step by step (with CD Rom)
Authors	Wallace Wang for guide and Doug Lowe for quick reference	Joe Kraynak for guide. No quick reference is available.	Steve Sagman for guide. No quick reference is available.	Perspection, Inc.
Target	New users or new upgrades. Quick refresher on “how to” procedures	New users or new upgrades. Quick refresher on “how to” procedures	New users or new upgrades. Quick refresher on “how to” procedures	New users or new upgrades. Quick refresher on “how to” procedures and CD for visual assistance
Subject Coverage	Basics of Word 2002, Excel 2002, PowerPoint 2002, Access 2002 and Outlook 2002. Addresses use of the drawing toolbar for clip art, auto shapes, diagrams and text boxes.	Basics of creating documents, spreadsheets, email and presentations. Covers Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, FrontPage and Publisher. Step by step for basic functions.	Basics of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook. Covers creation of documents, spreadsheets and presentations.	Basics of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook. CD offers visual step by step.
Price	Guidebook $15 Quick Reference Guide $10	Guidebook $17. No quick reference book is available.	Guidebook $15. No quick reference book is available.	$30
Availability	Online or at big box stores and computer stores	Online or at big box stores and computer stores	Online or at big box stores and computer stores	Online or computer stores
Reader Preference	Better reviews. Readers liked the modular format where you can read an individual chapter. Subjects located alphabetically and very clearly. Humor in chapters.	Readers felt series was more basic, although they liked the humor in each chapter. Best for new users. Tips offered will help with basic tasks. Modular format allows use of individual chapters.	Readers liked the format and tips. The information provided worked for both basic and intermediate users. Overall it was ranked well for apprehensive computer users.	Readers liked the format and found the reference to be easy. CD for those readers who prefer a visual help.