Review of PowerPoint Advanced Presentation Techniques (Paperback)

The title is really misleading. This book teaches all beginning powerpoint techniques. I browsed through the book. None of these techniques are advanced. How to rotate a text box. How to fill it with color. Who calls these advanced techniques. Not me.

If you are lookong for a beginners book for powerpoint, you can give this one a try. For advanced book look for alternative.

Product Description
* The first and only book to focus exclusively on advanced PowerPoint techniques, this latest addition to our successful Power Pack series shows veteran users how to harness sophisticated program features-and take their presentations to the next level
* Techniques covered include putting together design templates and color schemes, working with master layouts, importing and manipulating digital photos and video clips, creating sophisticated animation and transition effects, and building interactive Web-based presentations
* The CD-ROM offers add-ins, utilities, background images, presentation templates, sound effects, animated image clips, third party software toolboxes, presentation libraries, sound effects, and much more

From the Back Cover
Are you about to put yourself to sleep with yet another dull bulleted list presentation?

Get ready to motivate and excite your audience with your next PowerPoint presentation! This no-nonsense, jargon-free guide dives right in to show you all the exhilarating and powerful PowerPoint features that most people don't even know exist. Packed with priceless information that steers clear of stating the obvious, this book provides technical tidbits, unique ideas, and invaluable tips on avoiding pitfalls, all of which will help you become a more effective and efficient PowerPoint user.

Everything you need to know about

• Creating design templates and color schemes
• Building consistency with master layouts
• Integrating digital photography and video clips
• Creating complex custom animations
• Building interactive Web-based presentations
• Finding and installing time-saving add-ins

CD-ROM INCLUDES

• Paint Shop Pro® and Digital Juice evaluation versions
• Pantone® Office Color Assistant trial version
• SnagIt® and Camtasia Studio™ evaluation versions
• Plus backgrounds, images, templates, and sound effects

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Review of Microsoft Office 2000 Complete (Mass Market Paperback)

This well-written, well-organised book has a superb step-by-step way of imparting knowledge. Everything about it is simple and straightforward. Both the authors and the publisher should be commended. They did a wonderful job. Not to mention the give-away price! Well, the only flaw I noticed is its title. Yes, its name! The book is not "complete" in the real sense of the word. PhotoDraw is missing. But that's the only fault.
I will recommend it to any Office 2000 beginner; or to any intermediate user that has no business with the graphics hassles of PhotoDraw.

Product Description
The best Office value ever! 1000 pages of valuable knowledge for only $19.99. This book is perfect for price-sensitive novice users. Containing vital chapters from many Sybex bestsellers, Office 98 Complete covers every area of importance for all Office users, including topics that go beyond the Office product: full coverage of Office 2000 essential features, Internet browsers and e-mail functionality, Web site planning and creation, Windows 98 tips and procedures, critical PC upgrading and maintenance information, and much more!

From the Back Cover
Microsoft Office 2000 Complete is a one-of-a-kind computer book -- valuable both for its broad content and its low price. This book contains the essentials you need to know to use the different programs and features included with Office 2000.

With Microsoft Office 2000 Complete, you'll quickly take advantage of all that Office 2000 has to offer. Get up to speed with the Office staples Word, Excel, and Access, then move on to organizing your calendar and address book with Outlook, creating stylish documents with Publisher, and constructing dazzling presentations with PowerPoint. Browse the Internet with Internet Explorer, and learn HTML basics and create Web Pages. Two handy reference guides are included: the Windows 98 Command and Feature Reference and a guide to installing Office 2000.

Microsoft Office 2000 Complete introduces you to the work of some of Sybex's finest authors, so you'll know where to go to learn even more about what's possible with the programs in the Office 2000 suite.

Word 2000
Creating, formatting, and printing Word documents
Adding shapes and clip art

Excel 2000
Entering and editing data
Writing custom formulas

PowerPoint 2000
Creating quick and easy presentations
Entering, editing, and enhancing text and graphics

Access 2000
Planning and building a database
Constructing tables and defining relationships

Outlook 2000
Organizing your schedule and planning meetings
Managing contacts and sending e-mail

Publisher 2000
Creating impressive publications
Working with graphic objects

Exploring the Internet
Connecting to the Internet
Learning Internet basics

Introduction to Web Publishing
Creating and formatting your Web pages
Learning HTML basics

Handy Reference Guides
Windows 98 Command and Feature Reference
Installing Office 2000

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Review of Office 2003 Bible (Paperback)

The previous comment seemed to not know much about Office 2003. All the Office 2003 products ahve many new features and this book shows them. It also shows how to use Office applications productively. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who wnats to learn how to use Office 2003. Great for Beginners. Good for those with experience with Office who want to learn and apply new features in Office 2003.

Product Description
Targets how to effectively and efficiently use data, text, and graphics from one Office application in another Office application.
* Features less emphasis on macros and programming and more focus on enhancements.
* Improved content and topical selection compared to previous editions.

From the Back Cover
If Office 2003 can do it, you can do it too...

Office 2003 now has everything you need to conduct business, and everything you need to know about Word, Excel, Outlook®, PowerPoint®, Access, and FrontPage® is right in these pages. From the basics like opening and saving documents to the complexities of sharing data with XML, you'll find reliable, step-by-step information.

It's a manual for each application and a guide to the integrated suite, all in one convenient volume.

Inside, you'll find complete coverage of Office 2003

• Tame Office 2003's unique interface features, including task panes and personalized menus
• Enhance Word documents with tables, graphics, styles, and templates, and collaborate with other users
• Develop useful Excel spreadsheets with charts, formulas, and functions
• Navigate Outlook's new mail view, reading pane, and navigation pane and make the layout serve your information-management needs
• Block worms, viruses, and spam with Outlook's improved security
• Create PowerPoint presentations with graphics and data from Word and Excel
• Manage your data with Access wizards, AutoForm, and reports
• Discover enhanced Web design tools, get more control over your code, and generate cleaner HTML with FrontPage

Bonus CD-ROM and companion Web site!

• Exclusive Office 2003 Super Bible eBook, with more than 500 pages of information about how Microsoft Office components work together
• Bonus shareware, freeware, trial, demo, and evaluation programs that work with or enhance Microsoft Office
• Searchable eBook version of Microsoft Office 2003 Bible
• An easy-to-use interface that allows you to browse and install everything on the CD

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Review of Cutting Edge PowerPoint For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) (Paperback)

This is one of the more "timely" books I've read in awhile.It's Cutting Edge PowerPoint For Dummies by Geetesh Bajaj, and I plan on incorporating a number of things from this book in my next presentation at Lotusphere...

Contents:
Part 1 - Powering Up PowerPoint: PowerPointing with the Best of Them; Empowering Your PowerPoint Program; Color Is Life; Streamlining with Masters and Templates
Part 2 - Achieving Visual Appeal: AutoShape Magic; Drawing in PowerPoint; Dressing Up the Text Stuff; Adding Images to Your Presentation; Pulling in Diagrams, Charts, Equations, and Maps
Part 3 - Adding Motion, Sounds, and Effects: Listening and Watching - The Sound and Video Stuff; Moving On with Animations and Transitions
Part 4 - Communicating Beyond the PowerPoint Program: Interactivity and Linking; Exchanging Information; Preparing and Delivering Your Awesome Presentation
Part 5 - The Part of Tens: My Ten Favorites PowerPoint Tips; Ten PowerPoint Problems
What's On The CD-ROM; Index

I've put together my share of PowerPoint presentations, and I normally know enough to get the basics down.I'm a firm believer in "just because you can doesn't mean you should", and I try to stay away from font and animation overload.All of that is well and good, but it usually means my slides can lack a bit in the "pizazz" department.Bajaj has written a book that starts beyond the "what is PowerPoint" mark and starts to delve into all the features that can make your presentation stand out.Yes, there is plenty of time spent on how to animate things and such, but he also offers the caveat that too much activity is distracting, not informational.Use with caution.All versions of PowerPoint from 2000 through the current version are well-covered, so you're not shut out totally if you haven't bothered to keep up with Microsoft's latest offerings.

On top of just learning about features you haven't played with before, the author offers up insights and tips based on his extensive experience with the product.You'll learn how best to avoid corrupted PowerPoint files, what features work well (and what features don't), as well as some hidden gems you probably don't know about.For instance, did you know that you can create a basic PowerPoint presentation using Notepad?Neither did I, and it's an intriguing way to get your thoughts and structure down "on paper" before you get distracted by all the PowerPoint bright shiny objects.This is also one of the few books which quickly ended up with a broken seal on the CD container.The full version of Camtasia 3 that's offered gratis is something I've long wanted to play with.Just in time for January's Lotusphere session...

I usually get *something* out of most every book I read.Some books offer up more than a few "somethings".This one ended up in the very upper range of value for my time and money...Very good stuff...

Product Description
Use these great ideas to help you make your point

Create PowerPoint presentations with Flash(r) movies, Excel(r) charts, and more

Okay, you've PowerPointed before, right? And you knew there must be more cool things you could do? Here they are! This handy guide gives you pointers on what makes a powerful presentation, tips on using the right formats and templates, and directions for dressing up text, wowing 'em with color, adding action, and much more.

Discover how to
* Tweak and streamline PowerPoint
* Get the most from color
* Avoid amateur mistakes
* Use shapes, fills, and 3D effects
* Add photos, soundtracks, and DVD video
* Deliver your presentation with punch

From the Back Cover
Use these great ideas to help you make your point

Create PowerPoint presentations with Flash® movies, Excel® charts, and more

Okay, you've PowerPointed before, right? And you knew there must be more cool things you could do? Here they are! This handy guide gives you pointers on what makes a powerful presentation, tips on using the right formats and templates, and directions for dressing up text, wowing 'em with color, adding action, and much more.

Discover how to

• Tweak and streamline PowerPoint
• Get the most from color
• Avoid amateur mistakes
• Use shapes, fills, and 3D effects
• Add photos, soundtracks, and DVD video
• Deliver your presentation with punch

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Review of Microsoft CRM for Dummies (Paperback)

There is very little in this book. Don't buy it.

P.S. The product isn't ready for prime time either.

Product Description
* The ideal introductory guide to Microsoft's much anticipated entry into the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software marketplace
* Discusses the key features of Microsoft's CRM software, including tools to help businesses sell more effectively, manage all customer communications in one place, track and convert leads, make informed decisions faster, and provide consistent service
* Provides expert tips and tricks to make the software work more effectively
* Explains how to achieve increased customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, and more profitable customer relationships
* Author is considered one of a handful of global experts on CRM for small- and medium-sized businesses

From the Back Cover
Tailor Microsoft CRM to manage records and workflow for your business

Find out how to target your sales efforts and become a customer service leader

A happy customer is a repeat customer, so how do you make 'em happy? You can manage, with Microsoft CRM and this friendly guide by your side! Find out how easily you can provide super service, track your invoices, sell more effectively, maximize your leads, and show your customers they're tops on your list.

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

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Review of Maps Made Easy Using SAS (Art Carpenter's SAS Software) (Paperback)

Not really for beginners but the book is an excellent addition to any SAS library.Zdeb is basically the Merlin of SAS.

Product Description
The world is yours with Maps Made Easy Using SAS. Bring your data to life and add meaning to your information with Maps Made Easy Using SAS. Abundant real-world examples and a tutorial approach help new users create maps easily and quickly. You will learn the basic mapping components, including map and response data sets as well as simple SAS/GRAPH statements. With in-depth examples you will move on to more advanced mapping techniques, such as annotating maps and producing customized maps and output. The process used to annotate maps is demystified and described in clear, easy-to-follow steps. You will produce data-driven, updatable maps in GIF format, for use in Web-based presentations and other applications. Also presented are details on creating more complicated choropleth maps. These include maps that combine geographic areas with internal boundaries removed, maps that display multiple geographic areas, and clipped maps. Enhance your data presentations with this well-organized guide.

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Review of The SAS Workbook Solutions (Paperback)

This is the second book of the author's set; Book 1, "The SAS Workbook" contains the problems and context for the solutions presented here in Book 2, "Solutions" (the two-volume set is available at Amazon). I don't know why anyone would purchase the Solutions book only instead of the set (perhaps a copy of the SAS Workbook" is available).

These are challenging problems, probably most appropriate for the intermediate to intermediate-advanced SAS programmer. The answer book is limited to solutions, with little or no discussion of pitfalls, alternatives, or the logic behind the answers. Therefore, if you do not immediately understand the solution, you will need to work backwards, pick it apart, or use some other technique (like asking someone). This somewhat limits its audience to those who are more experienced. I hope either Cody or someone else will have a more instructive answer book in the future. Still, at this time, with so few books like this available, this is a great way to test and expand your knowledge. (Although you may also wish to examine the shorter but cheaper "test" book by Robert Virgile, also available from Amazon.)

The four sections of the "Workbook" are "Data Step Programming," "Procedures," "SAS Programming Techniques," and "Statistics Problems." Each of these sections has several brief topics; for example, Data Step Programming includes combining data sets, using IF-THEN/ELSE and other logical operators, numerical functions, dates, arrays, and working with longitudinal data.

Why two separate books? Cody explains that the "solution is obvious once you see it" and "the learning potential of the book is lost." He therefore "removed the temptation for students to flip to the back of the book." (Come now, aren't we more disciplined than that?). A more persuasive argument is that "teachers may...feel more comfortable in assigning problems without the solutions too close at hand." Recommendation: Buy the set, especially if you are an intermediate to advanced user.

Product Description
This book provides solutions to the problems in TheSASWorkbook. Use it to compare your own programs to those created bythe author of the problems workbook. Alternate solutions are offeredfor a number of the problems. The solutions book is also available aspart of the set The SAS Workbook and Solutions.

Supports releases 6.09 and higher of SAS software.

About the Author
Ronald P. Cody
Ronald P. Cody, Ed.D., coauthor of two books, Applied Statisticsand the SAS Programming Language, Third Edition, and SASProgramming by Example, has over 17 years of experience usingand teaching the SAS System.A prolific contributor to national,regional, and local users group conferences, Cody is a professorand researcher in the medical field.

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