Every time a new version of Microsoft Excel appears, you're introduced to another batch of powerful features--most of which you'll never understand or use. Even if you're experienced with this spreadsheet program, you'll struggle to keep up with all of the improvements. But if you're a beginner, you probably don't know where to start. Now, with Excel 2003 Personal Trainer, beginners and experts alike can become black belts, quickly and easily. This fully illustrated book takes a modular approach to learning, allowing you to start with the fundamentals and work your way to advance topics through dozens of task-oriented lessons---at your own pace. The companion CD tutorial guides you through each lesson interactively. Excel 2003 Personal Trainer includes sections on editing, formatting, functions, formulas, lists, macros, creating and managing workbooks, and creating and editing charts. You'll also learn data analysis, what-if analysis, pivot tables, how get Excel to work with other programs and the Internet, and advanced topics like using detect and repair. Every chapter includes detailed diagrams and a review at the end to help you absorb and retain all you have learned. If you already use Excel, you can dive right into those topics (and only those topics) that you need or want to learn. Unlike many consumer software tutorials that dumb down the material or present it in a confusing fashion, Excel 2003 Personal Trainer is written in a non-technical and engaging style that you will find fun, easy, and most of all, clear and informative. You don't have to wade through tons of jargon and technical information to become proficient with Excel. Part of our new Personal Trainer Series, this book is based on content from CustomGuide (www.customguide.com), a leading provider of computer training materials. Founded by instructors who grew dissatisfied with the industry's dry course materials, CustomGuide offers courseware (for instructors and students), quick references, to software bulletins and e-learning courses that are fun, flexible, and easy to use.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 21 Ratings

Great Tutorial for Beginner to Intermediate - 2008-12-13
Reviewer Rating:
I have read several tutorials on the subject MS Excel 2000 - 2003, and none can rival the thoroughness and the ease of use of the Personal Trainer. Each lesson is complete in itself, and there is even an inter-active video tutorial included on the CD. The student can start each new lesson by viewing the video, and then, upon completion, move on to the workbook, which covers the same material but in more detail. There is an exam at the end of each chapter to evaluate the student's progress. (The video is also good for a quick review, without bogging the student with detail)

Back in 2006, my co-worker allowed me to borrow his set of video CD's, on the subject of Excel, which had cost him about $200.00 to purchase (I will not mention the product's name). The presentation was boring, non-interactive, and I didn't think there was adequate review material for me to fully absorb the subject. By contrast, the purchase price of the Personal Trainer was only $30.00! Moreover, it included a fully interactive CD, as well as a comprehensive workbook, all in one. At last, here was superior quality for far less cost!

This is a beginner to intermediate tutorial although it does touch on macros, VBA, pivot tables, as well as the Web. I point this out, because there are those out there who'd buy something like this, expecting to become something of a certified Excel instructor/designer/know-it-all. Personal Trainer is a stepping stone for further development. Once the student has successfully completed all the material (or at least eighty percent), he or she should have little difficulty in understanding the more advanced features in MS Excel (pivot tables, VBA, etc.). There are many texts and tutorials on the subject of advanced-level Excel available in bookstores and on the Net. As I pointed out, Personal Trainer is a start.

I encourage anyone aspiring to work with Excel 2003 (or even 2002) to purchase this product. It is non-intimidating and complete. It will not discourage you. I can only assume anyone who has any problems following the material in the Personal Trainer isn't cut out to work with spreadsheets.

There is no CD with this book. - 2009-12-23
Reviewer Rating:
This book is advertised here as coming with a CD. Mine did not. The envelope for the CD was empty. I see that another review was written to this effect several months ago, but neither the seller nor Amazon has chosen to rectify the situation.

excel personal trainer - 2009-08-22
Reviewer Rating:
this book was suppose to come with a training cd and i didnt receive it with the book.

Good for a Excel Beginner. - 2008-07-14
Reviewer Rating:
Easy to read and follow. But the first half is really basic. If you know how to save, create and rename workbooks, cut and paste, etc.. you may want to find another book.
I need more advanced help....but I won't give a bad review because I bought the wrong book. If you're new, really new, to Excel this book would be a fine choice. Easy to follow with good examples.

excel 2003 personal trainer - 2008-02-09
Reviewer Rating:
this book was extremely friendly and easy to use. i highly recommend it to anyone who wants to brush up on their excel. if i can learn this, anyone can.

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