Section 1.4 How to Learn Software

In this book, you will be learning how to use two software packages, Excel and MATLAB. As such it is necessary to give you a little information on how I expect you to approach learning this material.

The key to learning how to use software is to roll up your sleeves and get your hands proverbially dirty. What I am trying to say is that just reading about Excel (or any software package really) is insufficient compared to learning Excel. What you really need to do is open up Microsoft Excel, and follow along with the material as you are learning it. For example, if you are reading about how to enter data into cells in Excel, you need to take a minute to practice that (again you should be able to see the connection to the workout analogy). In my opinion, the best way to learn the material on Excel and MATLAB is to have the book opened up in your web browser of choice, and also have the software package of interest opened up beside it. That way you can read and practice simultaneously.

Make sure that when you are reading, you are also practicing simultaneously! The book is designed to take this into consideration and will often present you with links for further reading, or suggestions for problems to practice on your own. Do not skip these!