Graphing data that is not contiguous (not row by row or column by column, for example in column 2 and 5): Highlight the data while holding the CTRL key.

Creating patterns of numbers, text, and dates: Highlight the top of the pattern and drag to the bottom. Let go of the mouse. You should see a small button in the bottom right. Carefully highlight it and drag. The pattern should continue (if there is a discernable pattern).

Workbooks and worksheet: Think about the challenge first. Worksheets make managing related sets of data much easier. A few of the secretaries are using Quicken to manage finances.

Formulas: There are numerous formulas. Most of the ones you need are fairly intuitive; although there are some neat time and date formulas we will explore. Check out INSERT MENU: FUNCTIONS

Layout colors and shades: Shading makes a form much easier to read. Say you have numerous rows in a form -- give every other a slight shading.

Sizing: Fitting your Excel spreadsheet to one page has always been a hurdle. The fix is easy. FILE MENU: PAGE SETUP — fit to one page.

Headers and footer: A good habit is to use the headers and footers to enter titles on your spreadsheet. Another good habit is to automatically place the date and time on the bottom of your spreadsheets.

Sorting: Be sure to highlight all of your text before sorting. New versions of Excel warn you if don’t do this. There is also an option called "My list has or does not have a header row". This option lets you exclude your titles from the sort. A good thing!

Formatting cells: This is an area you need to investigate completely. Formatting (FORMAT MENU: CELL) is a necessary Excel skill. For example, making NH zip codes appear (03301 versus 3301), having two+ lines of text (text wrap), placing parts of your sheet into borders…. All are completed in this area. Go through each one. We will discuss uses.

Charts and graphs: Charts and graphs can be copied, and then pasted, into Word and other programs.

This command is for all of your formatting – putting in dollar signs, providing borders, using shading, wrapping text…. Remember to highlight first.

This command guides printing and titles – defining the print area, placing titles, auto-entering dates and times, fitting everything to one page….

There are some very advanced features in the function menu. They range from complicated statistical formulas to simple date formulas. You will probably only need the most basic functions. The menu gives you some simple wizard to show you how to enter a function.

As much as Microsoft has tried to make graphing easy – it is still not intuitive enough. Always remember to highlight your data first. You can make a simple graph by choosing your data, selecting your kind of graph, and pressing finish. Options include legends, titles, and axis names.