Image: Master the fundamentals of Excel and build a solid foundation for the future

On the standard toolbar, note the box labeled "Type a question for help". Do what it says and good things happen. The image shows what happens when you type "formula" into the box. Excel shows you help topics that have to do with creating Excel formulas. Note that Excel uses the Task Pane to display the results of your search.

To open one of the help topics displayed, click the heading. The help topic will open in a separate window. Excel 2003 includes a vast knowledgebase for your use. Just about any question you have can be answered using Excel's built-in help. In fact, your help is usually current since Excel continually connects to Microsoft's site to get updated help topics as you search for them.