Appendix C. Additional Excel Resources

If I've done my job, the information provided in this book will be very useful to you. The book, however, can't cover every conceivable topic about Excel. Therefore, I've compiled a list of additional resources that you may find helpful.

I classify these resources into four categories: Excel's Help System, Microsoft technical support, Internet newsgroups, and Internet Web sites.

C.1. The Excel Help System

Many users tend to forget about an excellent source of information: the Excel Help system. This Help information is available by clicking the question mark icon in the upper-right corner of Excel's window. Or, just press F1. Either method displays Excel Help in a new window. Type your search query and then click Search.

NOTE

The Search button is a drop-down control that lets you specify what and where to search.

The Excel Help system isn't perfect — it often provides only superficial help and ignores some topics altogether — but, if you're stuck, a quick search of the Help system may be worth a try.

C.2. Microsoft Technical Support

Technical support is the common term for assistance provided by a software vendor. In this case, I'm talking about assistance that comes directly from Microsoft. Its technical support is available in several different forms.

C.2.1. Support options

The Microsoft support options are constantly changing. To find out what options are available (both free and fee-based), go to

http://support.microsoft.com

C.2.2. Microsoft Knowledge Base

Perhaps your best bet for solving a problem may be the Microsoft Knowledge Base, which is the primary Microsoft product information source. This extensive, searchable database comprises tens of thousands of detailed articles containing technical information, bug lists, fix lists, and more.

You have free and unlimited access to the Knowledge Base via the Internet. To access the Knowledge Base, use the following URL and then click Search the Knowledge Base:

http://support.microsoft.com/search

C.2.3. Microsoft Excel Home Page

The official home page of Excel is at

http://www.microsoft.com/office/excel

This site contains a variety of material, such as tips, templates, answers to questions, training materials, and links to companion products.

C.2.4. Microsoft Office Home Page

For information about Office 2010 (including Excel), try this site:

http://office.microsoft.com

You'll find product updates, add-ins, examples, and lots of other useful information.

NOTE

As you know, the Internet is a dynamic entity that changes rapidly. Web sites are often reorganized, so a particular URL listed in this appendix may not be available when you try to access it.

C.3. Internet Newsgroups

Usenet is an Internet service that provides access to several thousand special interest groups that enable you to communicate with people who share common interests. A newsgroup works like a public bulletin board. You can post a message or questions, and (usually) others reply to your message.

Thousands of newsgroups cover virtually every topic you can think of (and many that you haven't thought of). Typically, questions posed on a newsgroup are answered within 24 hours — assuming, of course, that you ask the questions in a manner that makes others want to reply.

C.3.1. Accessing newsgroups by using a newsreader

You can use newsreader software to access the Usenet newsgroups. Many such programs are available, but you probably already have one installed: Microsoft Outlook Express, which is installed with Internet Explorer.

Microsoft maintains an extensive list of newsgroups, including quite a few devoted to Excel. If your Internet service provider (ISP) doesn't carry the Microsoft newsgroups, you can access them directly from the Microsoft's news server. (In fact, that's the preferred method.) You need to configure your newsreader software (not your Web browser) to access Microsoft's news server at this address:

msnews.microsoft.com

C.3.2. Accessing newsgroups by using a Web browser

As an alternative to using newsreader software, you can read and post to the Microsoft newsgroups directly from your Web browser. This option is often significantly slower than using standard newsgroup software and is best suited for situations in which newsgroup access is prohibited by network policies.

  • Access thousands of newsgroups at Google Groups. The URL is

    http://groups.google.com

  • Access the Microsoft newsgroups (including Excel newsgroups) from this URL:

    www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/default.mspx

Table C.1 lists the most popular English-language Excel newsgroups found on the Microsoft news server (and also available at Google Groups).

Table C.1. The Microsoft.com Excel-Related Newsgroups
NewsgroupTopic
microsoft.public.excelGeneral Excel topics
microsoft.public.excel.chartingBuilding charts with Excel
microsoft.public.excel.interopoleddeOLE, DDE, and other cross-application issues
microsoft.public.excel.macintoshExcel issues on the Macintosh operating system
microsoft.public.excel.miscGeneral topics that don't fit one of the other categories
microsoft.public.excel.newusersHelp for newcomers to Excel
microsoft.public.excel.printingPrinting with Excel
microsoft.public.excel.programmingProgramming Excel with VBA macros
microsoft.public.excel.templatesSpreadsheet Solutions templates and other Xlt files
microsoft.public.excel.worksheet.functionsWorksheet functions

C.3.3. Searching newsgroups

The fastest way to find a quick answer to a question is to search the past newsgroup postings. Often, searching past newsgroup postings is an excellent alternative to posting a question to the newsgroup because you can get the answer immediately. Unless your question is very obscure, there's an excellent chance that your question has already been asked and answered. The best source for searching newsgroup postings is Google Groups, at the following Web address:

http://groups.google.com

How does searching work? Suppose that you have a problem identifying unique values in a range of cells. You can perform a search using the following keywords: Excel, Range, and Unique. The Google search engine probably will find dozens of newsgroup postings that deal with these topics.

If the number of results is too large, refine your search by adding search terms. Sifting through the messages may take a while, but you have an excellent chance of finding an answer to your question. In fact, I estimate that at least 90 percent of the questions posted in the Excel newsgroups can be answered by searching Google Groups.

Tips for Posting to a Newsgroup

If you're new to online newsgroups, here are some pointers:

  • Conduct a search to make sure that your question has not already been answered.

  • Make the subject line descriptive. Postings with a subject line such as "Help me!" and "Another Question" are less likely to be answered than postings with a more specific subject, such as "Sizing a Chart's Plot Area."

  • Specify the Excel version that you use. In many cases, the answer to your question depends on your version of Excel.

  • For best results, ask only one question per message.

  • Make your question as specific as possible.

  • Keep your question brief and to the point but provide enough information so that someone can answer it adequately.

  • Indicate what you've done to try to answer your own question.

  • Post in the appropriate newsgroup, and don't cross-post to other groups unless the question applies to multiple groups.

  • Don't type in all uppercase or all lowercase; check your grammar and spelling.

  • Don't include a file attachment.

  • Avoid posting in HTML format. Plain text is the preferred format.

  • If you request an e-mail reply in addition to a newsgroup reply, don't use an "anti-spam" e-mail address that requires the responder to modify your address. Why cause extra work for someone doing you a favor?


C.4. Internet Web sites

The World Wide Web has dozens of excellent sites devoted to Excel. I list a few of my favorites here.

C.4.1. The Spreadsheet Page

This is my own Web site, which contains files to download, developer tips, spreadsheet jokes, an extensive list of links to other Excel sites, and information about my books. The URL is

http://spreadsheetpage.com

C.4.2. Daily Dose of Excel

This is a frequently updated weblog created by Dick Kusleika, with about a dozen contributors. It covers a variety of topics, and readers can leave comments. The URL is

http://dailydoseofexcel.com

C.4.3. Jon Peltier's Excel Page

Those who frequent the microsoft.public.excel.charting newsgroup are familiar with Jon Peltier. Jon has an uncanny ability to solve practically any chart-related problem. His Web site contains many Excel tips and an extensive collection of charting examples. The URL is

http://peltiertech.com/Excel

C.4.4. Pearson Software Consulting

This site, maintained by Chip Pearson, contains dozens of useful examples of VBA and clever formula techniques. The URL is

www.cpearson.com/excel.htm

C.4.5. Contextures

This site, maintained by Deborah Dalgleish, covers Excel and Access. The URL is

http://contextures.com

C.4.6. David McRitchie's Excel Pages

David's site is jam-packed with useful Excel information and is updated frequently. The URL is

www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/excel/excel.htm

C.4.7. Pointy Haired Dilbert

An interesting Excel blog by Chandoo. The URL is

http://chandoo.org/wp

C.4.8. Mr. Excel

Mr. Excel, also known as Bill Jelen, maintains an extensive site devoted to Excel. The site also features a message board. The URL is

www.mrexcel.com

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