Didgets
CD set teaches more on Microsoft Office XP

By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer

Microsoft Office XP, the fabled last big upgrade to the Office suite of programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook) is bound to cause some head-scratching. So there's sure to be a market for Professor Teaches Microsoft Office XP Plus, a nine-CD tutorial set, the latest product from Individual Software. The "plus" aspect refers to the inclusion of lessons on Windows Me, 2000 and 98, as well.

Microsoft has said it's planning to quit selling high-priced upgrades to its operating system and start a subscription scheme instead, in which customers get "free" upgrades during the subscription term. Meanwhile, of course, there are corporate hopes that people will buy XP, and thus hopes by Individual Software that folks will need instruction beyond what the Help files provide.

These tutorials have a nifty interactive aspect. Each CD creates a miniature version of the desktop so that you can try out the feature or operation in question and see exactly how it works.

It's always a little distressing when programs don't come with their own un-install utility, but this series has a good reputation so that may not be a deal-breaker. Also: No information on why Windows Me causes so many computer crashes. The set delivers a lot for $39.95 (1-800-822-3522, www.individualsoftware.com), but you can't expect miracles.