First off, I'd like to convey a little history of my experience with Microsoft Excel. I began using Excel in college. At first glance, I was mesmerized by all the many available tools and options. However, it wasn't until I started using Excel regularly, that I realized the power of what was before me.
Well - that is it. I told you, it would be short.
The first thing I want to say is that you can learn excel. And not only learn it, but improve the quality of your life. After this first lesson, I am hoping that you will see just what I am talking about.
The first lesson will cover a fun exercise. Analyzing my energy bill! You can follow along by using your own.
Turning One Month Into a Year
Type the word "January" in cell B4. Now see the screen shot below. See the spot the arrow is point to. I want you to place the curson right at the lower right corner of cell B4. You should see a "+" sign appear.
Now right click and hold the "+" sign and drag it over 11 columns. You should see all twelve months of the year appear in chronological order. Wow! For those who didn't know about this, think about how much time you just saved. This is only the tip of the iceberg. When we are finished with our analysis, you will be amazed at how much you learned, about both Excel and the energy your house uses over a year.
Please stay tuned for the next lesson, which will cover the SUM function as well as my favorite function in Excel, the VLOOKUP function, which I feel is one of the most useful and powerful Excel tools. Until next time!
Neat!
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