Curtis Frye

Gosh, I love the Step by Step books (published by Microsoft Press)!

First of all, they're dead useful. There's little you might want to learn about Excel that isn't in here.

Secondly, if you're the hands-on type, you get a link to exercise files which take you step by step (hence the name) through every single topic.

Thirdly, it's affordable. I got my copy from a large online re-seller for about $17.

Fourthly, it gives you more information and more context -- and in a more real-world way -- than the MOS Study Guide that includes Excel. It doesn't break out the objectives of the Excel expert exam, so it's not as good for cramming, but the information just seems to hang together better.

Both times I studied for the Microsoft Office Specialist exam (and passed on the first try both times), I used this book to fill in gaps in knowledge -- and there will always be gaps in knowledge. You just can't know everything there is to know about Excel.

This book may actually be more useful in a group setting, though. Different people pick up on different aspects of the writing, and a solo user may miss nuances in the way commands work.

When I am recommending a text to someone who wants to really learn the program, as opposed to just passing the test, this is where I point them. Can't give any higher praise than that.… (more)