Learning office

Discussion in 'Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Office 365' started by flex22, Dec 16, 2003.

  1. flex22

    flex22 Gigabyte Poster

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    I need to learn office, be pretty comfortable with it.

    I don't have the time nor the want to be a super duper expert, I just need a book recommendation so that I can say to an employer that I've read up on office and that I can perform common tasks.

    Also, is Office XP and Office 2003 the same thing :?:

    Suggestion ASAP please.

    Thanks :!:
     
  2. Jakamoko
    Honorary Member

    Jakamoko On the move again ...

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    Like, I'm no expert, but - No - more whistles and bells, I believe.
     
    Certifications: MCP, A+, Network+
    WIP: Clarity
  3. Phil
    Honorary Member

    Phil Gigabyte Poster

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    Flex, I did a quick search and found this which may help. As for the differences between office versions, as far as I'm concerned between office 97 and 2003 the basics all stay the same. As Gav says they just add a few more bells and whistles each time. The main apps you'd need to know about are Word and Excel, perhaps a little about Powerpoint. Word is still just a word processor, the important functions are accessed in the same way, same goes for Excel. To be honest I couldn't tell you the first thing about using Powerpoint, all i know is people like parading the worlds most monotonous information in front of me on it. :sleeping
     
    Certifications: MCSE:M & S MCSA:M CCNA CNA
    WIP: 2003 Upgrade, CCNA Upgrade
  4. Rosy
    Honorary Member

    Rosy Megabyte Poster

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    Flex - if you wish to learn about Office for work purposes then I highly recommend taking the ECDL course (European Computer Driving Licence). You can do this at most learning centres and the textbook Learning to Pass ECDL using Office 2000 by Angela Bessant is excellent if you wish to teach yourself this course and only attend a centre to sit each of the 45min exams. This is a fairly short course compared to the likes of MCSA as it usually takes between between around 40 to 120 hours to complete depending on previous IT knowledge. I know that you stated that you are looking for a textbook but if it is for employers this is fastly becoming the most recognised qualification for end users in the UK at least. Just as an example, in Derbyshire there are targets to push all NHS staff and teachers to have either this qualification or something equivalent so it's definately worth considering.

    If this is not what you are looking for then you could contact a Learndirect centre who can advise you on short courses in the basics of each area. There are a set of courses called IT1 which are all textbooks and are the very basics of each section of office that you can work through at your own pace (and no exams!!) and get to keep that will teach you the basics upon which you can then build.

    As for other textbooks I have used the Microsoft Press ones to get through my MOS exams which I found very useful and quite easy to follow through although I did have to do a bit of extra study outside these in order to pass these particular exams.

    HTH :!:
     
    Certifications: MOS Master Instructor
  5. flex22

    flex22 Gigabyte Poster

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    Phil, that link you gave is pretty darn good.Thanks.

    Rosy, thanks very much for all that information.I'll think on what you've advised.

    The problem at the minute is lack of funds, so Phil's link looks a safe bet to start getting to know office.

    Am I right in thinking that LearnDirect is free :?: If so, that'll be useful right now.

    My strategy is to become competent enough at office, so that I can put "knowledge of office" on my CV.Then when I have the money, I can take some kind of course and maybe some exams, depending on my future circumstances, i.e does the job require it/ will I too busy studying other stuff.

    Thanks :!:
     
  6. Rosy
    Honorary Member

    Rosy Megabyte Poster

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    Flex

    Am I right in believing that you are not working at the moment? If so then I would contact training centres and any colleges near to yourself and see if you can get ECDL free as I know most places do this or for a very small fee (Where I work we charge £50 for the course and £10 if learners are on any benefits). If you get no joy with this then try Learndirect centres and see what they can offer you as some centres are completely free but others are not so best to contact them direct and check out what they can offer you (as centres usually only offer a selection of the courses available due to tutor support required).

    Flex, if you wish then PM me your address and I could send you out some information sheets that you may find useful in helping you choose your course :!:
     
    Certifications: MOS Master Instructor
  7. Sandy

    Sandy Ex-Member

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    Just don't tell Gav!!
     
  8. Rosy
    Honorary Member

    Rosy Megabyte Poster

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    Flex, did you get the information I sent you and was it useful? Let me know if I can be of any more use to you as I know some of the information I sent you is similar so it depends what your end goals are as to what to choose.
     
    Certifications: MOS Master Instructor
  9. flex22

    flex22 Gigabyte Poster

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    Yes, Rosy, thanks very much, I got the information.

    I've just got to clear up something first, before I decide to go ahead with one of these courses.

    I'll email you, when I decide what I'm doing.I'll let you know ASAP.

    Thanks again, I appreciate the help :!:
     

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