The material is so remedial that it begs the question "If you have to be instructed to click on 'File -> Open' to open a new document/spreadsheet/database, what on earth are you possibly using MS Office 2000 for?" If you have to be instructed on fundamental basics, you probably don't have much use for the instructions on creating an ACCESS database. If your knowledge of e-mail, word processing, or other simple functions is limited, your time would be better served taking a general computer class or reading a different "basics" book that covers fundamental software knowledge - not one suite.

With the individual "Dummies" book for any of the applications, you're able to skip over the fundamental information and refresh your memory on more difficult tasks or expand your acquaintence to a working knowledge of the program. "Microsoft Office 2000 for Windows for Dummies" does not allow this freedom. They've attempted to write about a huge subject in 438 pages (sans index) and the authors fall short here of anything but a simplistic recant of fundamental skills and bland humor. For this reason, I give it 3 stars.

That said, if you do need to learn fundamental office skills, and are comfortable with the "Dummies" style, this is a nicely priced book with a great index. WONDERFUL index!!! Even I found the index useful for a couple of references I was looking for and didn't want to skim the entire section on "Storing 'STUFF' in ACCESS".