Suggestions on Training Course or Books

**tayto** · 01-05-2007, 06:29 PM

Hello,

While I have been using Excel for various reasons for the past 10+ years, I have a lot to learn, particularly in using Visual Basic and writing Macros.

I have found that my knowledge surpasses most Computer-Based Training I have seen, but maybe I have only seen low quality CBT courses.

With my goal of being able to tackle all that Excel has available, what books or training courses (I am in Chicago) would you suggest? I want to be able to save time for myself by creating macros, as well as develop files with drop-down menus and other perks for client-ready offerings.

I am a statistician who does much of his work in SAS, so I think I have the ability to absorb this information from a book, but please advise if you think otherwise.

Thanks in advance!

**VBA Noob** · 01-05-2007, 06:32 PM

Hi,

This link might be a good start

http://www.excelforum.com/showthread.php?t=584092

VBA Noob

**dominicb** · 01-05-2007, 06:50 PM

Good evening tayto

My bible is John Walkenbach's "Excel 2003 Power Programming with VBA". It takes you from relative beginner right up to pretty advanced very quickly. It deals with all the aspects you've mentioned above, and comes with a CD with lots of examples, .pdf of the book and a copy of the PUPv5 add-in - upgrade to PUPv6 for $5.

http://www.j-walk.com/ss/books/xlbook25.htm

HTH

DominicB

**tayto** · 01-08-2007, 11:17 AM

Thank you very much for your recommendations. Would you say that any formal training is a waste of time if I can just go through these materials on my own?

**MSP77079** · 01-08-2007, 11:06 PM

Would you say that any formal training is a waste of time if I can just go through these materials on my own?

It depends on 2 things: the trainer and the trainee. It is well worth a small fee to spend some quality time with a true expert. But, if you have the initiative to read Walkenback's book cover-to-cover and to try out all of the examples on your own, then you won't find a better way to get started.

My own experience is that having an immediate need is always helpful when learning a new language. Then, practicing that language over and over again is necessary in order to become fluent in the language.

Can't recall whose website I read this on, but the idea really stuck with me ... VBA itself is not difficult. The difficulty comes from the vast array of Objects, Properties, Methods, and Events which are embedded in Excel.

**Secondary** · 01-09-2007, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by VBA Noob

Hi,

This link might be a good start

http://www.excelforum.com/showthread.php?t=584092

VBA Noob

What an amazing link.... thanks for posting this in response to tayto's question. This has helped me as well.

***Dominicb - agreed John Walkenbach's books are great. I have "Excel 2003 Formulas"...one of my first books and I still use it....

thanks