Because of the major changes to the interface of most of the Microsoft Office 2007 applications the learning curve while not as steep as if you were coming to Office for the very first time still require some re-education. For me I like the new interface just fine, but it has taken me a good deal of time finding where Microsoft has moved certain features. For example trying to find the "change case" command to convert uppercase text to lowercase took me a good 10 minutes.

Because of this as well as the additional new features and the enhanced features a good book is going to save a lot of time and headache and will serve not only as a roadmap to finding things, but also as instruction on how to use the new and enhanced features.

One of the best overall Microsoft Office 2007 books that I have come across is Office 2007 The Missing Manual Front Cover. What I like about this book is that it covers the entire Microsoft Office 2007 suite instead of just one program. If you just need a good refresher and a basic roadmap to feature locations Microsoft Office 2007 The Missing Manual is a good choice.

It is also loaded with tips and side articles they call "Power Users' Clinic" that goes in to more detail about specific features for example "Search Options Explained" on page 67. There are also lots of screen shots and there is another type of side article called "Up To Speed" that explains terminology like "Fax Modem vs. Fax Machine" on page 180.

The book is very well laid out, easy to read and is just a good overall reference guide and feature help guide for any one new to Microsoft Office 2007 or to Microsoft Office in general.

Chapters:

Part 1: Word 2007

Chapter 1: Creating, Opening, and Saving Documents
Chapter 2: Entering and Editing Text
Chapter 3: Formatting Text, Paragraphs, and Headings
Chapter 4: Setting Up the Document
Chapter 5: Themes and Templates
Chapter 6: Spelling, Grammar, and Reference Tools
Chapter 7: Printing Word Documents
Chapter 8: Planning with Outlines

Part 2: Excel 2007

Chapter 9: Creating and Navigating Worksheets
Chapter 10: Adding Information to Worksheets
Chapter 11: Moving Data Around a Worksheet
Chapter 12: Managing Worksheets and Workbooks
Chapter 13: Formatting Cells
Chapter 14: Viewing and Printing Worksheets
Chapter 15: Building Basic Formulas
Chapter 16: Tables ad Charts

Part 3: PowerPoint 2007

Chapter 17: Creating a Basic Presentation
Chapter 18: Editing Slides
Chapter 19: Formatting and Aligning Your Text
Chapter 20: Formatting and Laying Out Your Slides
Chapter 21: Editing Your Slideshow
Chapter 22: Adding Charts, Diagrams, and Tables
Chapter 23: Delivering Presentations
Chapter 24: Printing Presentations
Chapter 25: Images and Transitions

Part 4: Access 2007

Chapter 26: Creating Your First Database
Chapter 27: Building Smarter Tables
Chapter 28: Mastering the Datasheet
Chapter 29: Blocking Bad Data
Chapter 30: Linking Tables with Relationships
Chapter 31: Queries: Reusable Searches
Chapter 32: Creating Reports
Chapter 33: Creating Simple Forms
Chapter 34: Importing and Exporting Data

Part 5: Appendixes

Appendix A: Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar
Appendix B: Getting Help