I am trying to learn how to use Excel and this is one thing that the trial and error method does not work with. So is there anything online (maybe a tutorial), that is free? I'm starting back to school and it's also becoming the big thing in my office.

The Microsoft Knowledgebase has TONS of tutorials.

Excel 2003: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/CR061831141033.aspx

Excel 2007: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/CR100479681033.aspx

You can also do the help feature is part of your Excel software. I personally hate the animated help icon. I suggest using the index and type in whatever you are looking for. If it's not listed there, use the "search on line" feature.

Good luck. Come back here and ask specific questions once you get started. There are lots of people here who can help you if you get stuck!

there are books that you can purchased at the books store...like "excel for dummies", i heard that those books are usually good

There are computer programs that you can download or buy at the store that teach you how to use excel.

Do you have Excel loaded on your computer? If so, there is a tutorial that will walk you through it. Also, you can go to the bookstore and get a manual on it. Excel for dummies or something like that. [Not saying you are a dummy - just that is the name of the book] Hope this helps you.

You might not want to have to take a college class for Excel but if you want to be able to use it being with other people who are learning can help. Many places have community outreach programs to help people gain skills, so instead of a long class with homework you would have a short class to help you gain an understanding of the program. If you think you can self teach yourself Excel then go to a bookstore find the computer programs section and pick out an Excel book that you can understand. Look through a few of them and make sure that the way they walk you through a lesson is something you can follow. Don't just get a book because you heard other people used it, every book is written a little different and finding one that will work for you will really help reduce frustration and actually help you learn.