New Perspectives on Microsoft Office Excel 2003: Comprehensive : Book Review

"New Perspectives on Microsoft Office Excel 2003" is an extensive guide written by June Jamrich Parsons that aims to help users fully explore the features and functions of Microsoft Excel 2003. This book provides a comprehensive understanding of this powerful spreadsheet program.

Beginning with the basics, Parsons introduces readers to Excel 2003, covering essential tasks such as creating and formatting worksheets, data entry, and navigation through the interface. Moving on to more advanced topics, the book delves into formulas and functions, charting, and data analysis. By mastering these concepts, readers can manipulate data and make informed decisions based on the information presented.

What sets this book apart is its focus on real-world applications of Excel 2003. Parsons includes practical examples and exercises that allow users to apply what they have learned to solve common business problems. This hands-on approach ensures that readers can confidently use Excel 2003 in their personal and professional lives.

Additionally, "New Perspectives on Microsoft Office Excel 2003" covers advanced features such as macros, pivot tables, and collaboration tools. These sections are particularly valuable for individuals seeking to enhance their Excel skills and optimize their workflow.

June Jamrich Parsons has created a valuable resource suitable for beginners and intermediate users of Excel 2003. The book's clear explanations, practical examples, and comprehensive coverage equip readers with the knowledge and techniques required to effectively utilize Excel for a wide range of tasks. From basic calculations to advanced data analysis, this book serves as an essential guide for anyone looking to master Excel 2003.

What are readers saying?

New Perspectives on Microsoft Office Excel 2003 by June Jamrich Parsons has received a mix of reviews from readers. On one hand, many reviewers appreciate the book for its comprehensive coverage of Excel 2003 features. They find the explanations to be clear and concise, making it easy to understand and follow along. The step-by-step approach is praised for allowing readers to learn at their own pace, and the exercises and examples provided are helpful in reinforcing concepts and improving practical application skills. The inclusion of a CD-ROM with additional resources and practice files is also well-received.

However, there are some readers who express frustration with the organization and structure of the book. They feel that the content is disorganized and lacks a logical flow, which can lead to confusion. Some topics are not explained thoroughly enough, leaving readers feeling unsure. Additionally, a few readers mention that the book feels outdated since it focuses on an older version of Excel, and they would prefer more recent versions to be covered.

Another common critique is the lack of engaging visuals and illustrations in the book. Some reviewers find the text-heavy nature of the book to be challenging to stay engaged with, particularly when trying to understand complex concepts. They suggest that incorporating more visual aids would greatly enhance the learning experience.

Furthermore, a few reviewers mention instances where the instructions in the book are inaccurate, causing frustration and confusion. They recommend double-checking instructions or consulting other sources for clarification.

Overall, New Perspectives on Microsoft Office Excel 2003 is valued for its comprehensive coverage and step-by-step approach. However, the book's organization, lack of engaging visuals, and occasional inaccuracies in instructions are areas that some readers find disappointing. While it may be a useful resource for those specifically seeking guidance on Excel 2003, readers looking for more recent versions or a more polished learning experience may want to explore other options.

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