Microsoft Office 2007 For Seniors For Dummies | Date: 28 April 2011, 05:49
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Microsoft Office 2007 For Seniors For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))
By Faithe Wempen
* Publisher: For Dummies
* Number Of Pages: 360
* Publication Date: 2009-07-27
* ISBN-10 / ASIN: 0470497254
* ISBN-13 / EAN: 9780470497258
Product Description:
Seniors who are new to computers can learn Office applications quickly and easily
If you're over 50 and new to computers, everything about them can seem intimidating. The most common applications you'll want to use are part of the Microsoft Office suite - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Microsoft Office 2007 For Seniors For Dummies shows you how to use each one in a straightforward, fun manner that takes all the apprehension away.
This plain-English guide shows you just what you need to know to write letters with Word, keep a budget with an Excel spreadsheet, create fun slideshows with PowerPoint, and set up an e-mail account using Outlook. Microsoft Office 2007 For Seniors For Dummies doesn't assume you were born knowing how to use a computer; it starts at the beginning and makes learning easy and quick.
* Each chapter lists the tasks covered, with page references to help you locate what you need
* Shows how to start each application and navigate the elements on the screen
* Covers how to create documents in Word and provides templates for letters and faxes
* Explains how to create spreadsheets and includes a grid for budgeting
* Guides you through creating a PowerPoint presentation
* Demonstrates how to set up an e-mail account with Outlook and communicate with others
Microsoft Office 2007 For Seniors For Dummies will have you using basic Office applications in no time, and boost your confidence too.
Summary: Middle of the road, not basic enough, not advanced enough
Rating: 3
A fan of the "for Dummies" series, I jumped at the chance to review this for the Vine Program.
Some points to consider though. In a nutshell, I am not the intended user of this book.
* I am not a senior, but close
* I was at an intermediate level on Office 2003 and just recently moved to Office 2007 (groan...) so I technically have more skills than the intended audience.
* But, I am a Usability engineer and often review software, written material and hardware for usability, so I do know what some stumbling blocks might be.
FORMAT PROVIDED AMPLE LOOK UP ABILITIES:
The first thing I noted was as with all "for Dummies" books there were nice shortcuts, had a at a glance table of contents and then the actual full table of contents. There is an Appendix and Index too. On the book, you can go online for Videos and step-by-step examples.
NICE BIG PRINTING:
The second thing I noticed was the nice big printing (font) within the book...Yeah! That makes it easier for seniors to read. Heck it makes it easier for all of us to read. I often wonder, when I see a book with tiny lettering, how much was saved in paper to justify the eye strain.
COVERAGE:
This book covers general behavior of Office that is common to most of it, then specifically covers Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. It covers a reasonable number of topics within each to touch on most of the main aspects of the programs.
However, as I am an experienced user and this is supposed to be for the rank amateur, I really felt it would have benefitted by going into "Why" you would want to do something at times, not just the "How".
Additionally since there is some jargon in the book like the "ribbon" and other references to screen graphics, more illustrations (maybe even twice as much) would have greatly helped understanding. My logic here, was though I was quite experienced at using Office products, I was new on Office 2007, so in some ways representative of the intended user. I found often, I was confused due to terminology and more strategically placed illustrations would have helped clear this up, rather than having to page back and forth a page or two.
LEARNINGS:
Since I was new to Office 2007, but experienced with 2003, I found only about 20% of this book helpful. This is where there were some features I had never used in 2003 were mentioned or where familiar items I had not yet found in Office 2007 were discussed.
OVERALL SUMMARY:
If you are an experienced Office 2003 user, this book may alleviate some of your frustrations in finding some familiar features. However, I think there would be more value in a more advanced version. If you truly are a novice Office user but use other Office-type applications, this would be a good buy. However if you are rank novice, not used to any Office-type applications, this book may not be basic enough for you.
Summary: Very Helpful With Big Print!
Rating: 5
I don't have Microsoft Office 2007, but thought I'd get this book in case I ever got it. I do have Microsoft Works Words Processor, and it's very similar to Office Word...or maybe it's the same thing...and this book did show me all sorts of things about MWWP I did not know. It's an excellent, easy-to-understand book, with bigger print than the other Dummies books. (Personally, I'm near-sighted, so the big print was not something I needed.) I know many people I could loan it to, but am afraid to do so...for fear I'll never get it back!
Summary: Definitely not "dumbed down" - classic Dummies approach to technology.
Rating: 4
I have enjoyed the Dummies books I have reviewed for their approach to topics. Generally, the authors find a way to communicate an idea to the reader in terms that are easy to understand without skipping content or taking leaps that leave you re-reading sections to see something you obviously missed. In the "for Seniors" version, the thing I first noticed is the typeface is a larger size. This helps a great deal with the readability. There are plenty of illustrations and step-by-step guidance for performing a number of basic tasks in the core Office applications (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook). They even manage to slip in a mail-merge (I have yet to apply this functionality since first learning how to back in the early 90's). This is a good, gentle introduction to help someone get acquainted with the software and prepare him or her for more exploration.
Summary: decent guide with good size fonts
Rating: 4
As an advanced user, I wanted to see how this guide stacks up for someone like my mother.
For a complete novice- it will teache basic data entry and book keeping in Excel, with simple arithmetic formulas and sample forms. Word also shows the basics- formatting a document, creating letters, envelopes, and projects. There is also a decent introduction to Outlook, but the advanced features that would make for better organization were glossed over.
All in all, it's a good guide. Recommended.
Summary: Great & Detailed, Step By Step Instructions!
Rating: 5
My grandmother has been bugging me about helping her get better at using a computer. This book takes care of the basics of word processing and gives step-by-step instructions. There are screen shots that help the reader navigate menus, and there are helpful tips and hints throughout the book.
This book is a great resource, one of the few "Dummies" books that really makes sense!
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