Microsoft Office

Introduction
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Press: Press the left mouse button once and keep it pressed. Normally, this is used when
dragging.
Click: Press the left mouse button once and release it immediately.
Right-click: Press the right mouse button once and release it immediately. The right mouse
button is used in Excel to pop up shortcut menus that are appropriate for whatever is currently
selected.
Double-click: Press the left mouse button twice in rapid succession.
Drag: Press the left mouse button and keep it pressed while you move the mouse. Dragging is
often used to select a range of cells or to change the size of an object.
What the Icons Mean
Throughout the book, you’ll see special graphic symbols, or icons, in the left margin. These call your attention
to points that are particularly important or relevant to a specific group of readers. The icons in this
book are as follows:
This icon signals the fact that something is important or worth noting. Notes may alert you to
a concept that helps you master the task at hand, or they may denote something that is fundamental
to understanding subsequent material.
NOTE
TIP
CAUTION
CROSS-REF
This icon marks a more efficient way of doing something that may not be obvious.
I use this symbol when a possibility exists that the operation I’m describing may cause problems
if you’re not careful.
This icon indicates that a related topic is discussed elsewhere in the book.
ON the CD-ROM
This icon indicates that a related example or file is available on the companion CD-ROM.
NEW FEATURE
This icon indicates a feature that is new to Excel 2007.
How This Book Is Organized
Notice that the book is divided into six main parts, followed by four appendixes.
Part I: Getting Started with Excel: This part consists of ten chapters that provide background about Excel.
These chapters are considered required reading for Excel newcomers, but even experienced users will probably
find some new information here.
Part II: Working with Formulas and Functions: The chapters in Part II cover everything that you need to
know to become proficient with performing calculations in Excel.
Part III: Creating Charts and Graphics: The chapters in Part III describe how to create effective charts.
In addition, you’ll find a chapter on the new conditional formatting features, and a chapter on graphics —
including the new SmartArt.
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