applications

The most positive aspect of this book is that is also available as an ebook on its accompanying CD. It is certainly a starter book on Office XP, and there is probably not enough in each section to develop a depth of expertise. The section on VBA for instance is fairly general. However, if you are trying to come to terms with Office as a whole for the first time this is a worthwhile book compared with many others of similar size.

However, let me add one caveat. There is a companion volume 'XP Inside Out' which covers a lot of the ground covered in this book. I would recommend buying that volume first and then decide if you need Office XP Inside Out or one of the application specific Inside Out books.

The name of this book is no exaggeration. It has that "Inside Out" coverage. Both beginners and expert users of the software will find it useful. (Although that I will suggest a more concise introductory book like the "Office XP Step By Step" for most beginners).
This textbook has a good pattern, and includes many trouble-shooting tips. It has depth. You can just start from any chapter of your choice without having to know what the previous chapter was all about.
Also, the attached CD-ROM is a big asset. It contains every topic that you will find in the main text; and since the text is heavier than most laptops, mobile users are bound to appreciate the extra flexibility that this CD-ROM provides.

I have a question about this parse...
"The book also shows how to integrate Office XP applications by sharing data, using the Office Binder program"
Office XP comes without Binder program.