Microsoft Project 2013: The Missing Manual

Chapter 3. Getting to Know Microsoft Project

Learning how to manage projects while also learning how to use Project 2013 is too much for most mortals. So this chapter starts with a simple map to show you around the program. The journey begins with launching Project 2013. After that, the chapter takes you on a tour of Project’s ribbon tabs and the Quick Access toolbar. Then you’ll wander through the panes that appear in the Project window.

This chapter wraps up with an explanation of Project’s two modes for scheduling tasks. Some project managers want a simple tool they can use to craft a list of tasks and set the dates when they should occur. Other project managers want a scheduling engine that digests all the information they provide and spits out schedules. Project’s task modes enable you to work whichever way you prefer. Manually Scheduled tasks wait for you to tell them when to start and finish. In contrast, with Auto Scheduled tasks, Project calculates your schedule using the task links, resource assignments, working calendars, and other details you specify. It’s easy to set which task mode Project uses if you always use one or the other. But you can switch back and forth anytime you want or change a task’s setting at any time.