In the computer arena, to expect the reader to "decipher the jargon, and extract the instruction the writer is trying to give" doesn't work well, unless you first have a basic understanding. I sometimes liken it to an individual trying to go to high school without first acquiring the things presented during an elementary school education. Eventually, you might be able to do the work, but you have to learn two things at once. That doesn't work well, unless you have someone or something to provide lots of help.

I believe Wiley Publishing, Inc. and maranGraphics have teamed to try and take help material from different authors, and make it available, as much as possible, in visually depicted book form (maranGraphics does the layout of text and graphics, and Wiley prints the product). With maranGraphics being a family-run business, this is more easily controlled. The words from the family, at the beginning of the book, makes this clear: 

There are a few books in the "learning a new program" category at both the Wiley and Maran sites, but the initial focus appears to have begun with the Top 100 Simplified series. Each book brings you 100 shortcuts, tips, and tricks about a program in which you should have already mastered the basics. The wording for each would generally be, "You already know (the program) basics. Now you'd like to go beyond with shortcuts, tricks, and tips that let you work smarter and faster. And because you learn more easily when someone shows you how, this is the book for you. Inside, you'll find clear, illustrated instructions for 100 tasks that reveal cool secrets, teach timesaving tricks, and explain great tips guaranteed to make you more productive with (the program)."

The approach is not the typically accepted "read more - learn more" idea. It is based on the "Read Less - Learn More" idea and encompasses a 5-Star Visual Learning System. The 5-Star system includes the following:

1. Minimal text and maximum illustrations
2. Task-oriented, step-by-step approach
3. Lines and "lassos" (loops) connect instructions to illustrations
4. Self-contained two-page lessons
5. Uniform layout makes it easy to read less, learn more.

Accompanying the 5-Star system is a "Difficulty Level" rating for each task (lesson) number, located below each task number. The rating system is identified with a small picture of a mouse pad that has a mouse resting on it. There are 4 of these for each task. Initially, the mouse is dark in color and the pad is light in color. As the difficult level increases (depicted from left to right for levels 1-4) the mouse pad becomes dark and the mouse becomes light. The 4 levels are: 1. Demonstrates a new spin on a common task, 2. Introduces a new skill or a new task, 3. Combines multiple skills requiring in-depth knowledge, 4. Requires extensive skill and may involve other technologies. This combined system should allow the reader to work with the tasks they are most comfortable with for the current skill level, and seek additional help for the more difficult tasks that they might have trouble performing.

There were 10 chapters in the PowerPoint 2003 book, with typically 10 tasks for each chapter (4 chapters departed from this with the least being 6 and the most being 15). Each chapter has a brief overview and listing of the tasks to be presented, along with the beginning page number. Tasks 24 & 25 covered only one page each, but all others were an opposing two-page layout. And, each task closely followed the same general layout location for title, lesson number, difficulty level, screen depictions and instructions. That makes it pretty easy to find things, once you do a task or two.

Whether you are neophyte or a seasoned professional, this book should make working with PowerPoint 2003 easier and more fun. The use of color was particular appealing to me. It helped offset the typical "white most everywhere" that other books tend to have. With the exception of the use of yellow in the table of content for lesson 9 - subject and task numbers were hard to read - all other colors, and shades of colors, appeared to work well and were pleasing to my eyes.

Overall, I would have to say this is one of the best teaching books I have seen. It provides short, concise lessons in a very appealing manner. It won't answer all of your questions (no book will), and it won't teach you everything you need to know (no book does). But, it is an excellent beginning. I think you will also like it if you try it. And, if you try it, you may help "spread the word" about this good product (and the Top 100 series).

If interested in a purchase, try the local major computer stores. But, in early June 2004, Amazon.com had an online price of $13.99 US and also listed 11 used and new from $11.00 US. With a little searching, you may be able to find a better price. Good hunting!

For more information: U.S. Corporate Sales - maranGraphics, Inc., 5755 Coopers Avenue, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, L4Z 1R9, PH: (800) 469-6616, Fax: (905) 890-9434, < maran.com>; U.S. Trade Sales - Wiley Publishing, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774, PH: (800) 762-2974, Fax: (317) 572-4002, < wiley.com>