Microsoft Office

Introduction
Part IV: Using Advanced Excel Features: This part consists of ten chapters that deal with topics that are
sometimes considered advanced. However, many beginning and intermediate users may find this information
useful as well.
Part V: Analyzing Data with Excel: Data analysis is the focus of the chapters in Part IV. Users of all levels
will find some of these chapters of interest.
Part VI: Programming Excel with VBA: Part VI is for those who want to customize Excel for their own use
or who are designing workbooks or add-ins that are to be used by others. It starts with an introduction to
recording macros and VBA programming and then provides coverage of UserForms, add-ins, and events.
Appendixes: The book has four appendixes that cover Excel worksheet functions, the contents of the
book’s CD-ROM, other Excel resources, and Excel shortcut keys.
How to Use This Book
Although you’re certainly free to do so, I didn’t write this book with the intention that you would read it
cover to cover. Rather, it’s a reference book that you can consult when:
n You’re stuck while trying to do something.
n You need to do something that you’ve never done.
n You have some time on your hands, and you’re interested in learning something new about Excel.
The index is comprehensive, and each chapter typically focuses on a single broad topic. If you’re just starting
out with Excel, I recommend that you read the first few chapters to gain a basic understanding of the
product and then do some experimenting on your own. After you become familiar with Excel’s environment,
you can refer to the chapters that interest you most. Some users, however, may prefer to follow the
chapters in order.
Don’t be discouraged if some of the material is over your head. Most users get by just fine by using only a
small subset of Excel’s total capabilities. In fact, the 80/20 rule applies here: 80 percent of Excel users use
only 20 percent of its features. However, using only 20 percent of Excel’s features still gives you lots of
power at your fingertips.
What’s on the Companion CD
This book contains many examples, and the workbooks for those examples are available on the companion
CD-ROM, arranged in directories that correspond to the chapters. Refer to Appendix B for a complete list of
the files.
In addition, the CD-ROM contains an electronic version of this book. It’s a searchable PDF file that’s a perfect
companion for your notebook computer when you take your next cross-country flight.
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