74.

Overview

After completing this chapter, you will be able to:

• Record and run a macro.

• Understand and edit simple recorded macros.

• Run a macro by using a shortcut key.

Last month, I lost the remote control to my VCR. It was awful. I wanted to set the machine to record a 'Gilligan's Island' rerun at 3:00 A.M. one night, but I couldn't do it because all the scheduling features were built into the remote control. Fortunately, after about two weeks, my roommate detected a bulge in the cloth backing of the recliner and retrieved the precious controller. I'm so happy that I can again record classic television. Someday I might even watch some of the shows.

Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is the remote control for Microsoft Excel 2000. Sure, you can use Excel without ever using VBA, but the VBA 'remote control' can make Excel more convenient to use and allow you to take advantage of features that can't be accessed with the standard 'front-panel' controls. Once you become acquainted with Excel's remote control, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.