I'm using Microsoft Project 2003 to schedule out all my schoolwork for
the semester, and it isn't spreading out the work very well.  I set
all my tasks to be completed As Soon AS Possible, but its cramming all
my tasks into a three week period, overloading my resource (me), even
though there is plenty of empty time before their deadlines.

I was wondering if there were any free online MS Project 2003
Tutorials to help me get familiar with the software, or tutorials that
are $30 or less.  Only downloadable or web-based ones though.

Hello blueoysterpat-ga,

You can find some helpful information at the Microsoft website.


Microsoft Office Project 2003
Assistance 
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/CH790018101033.aspx



The following page looks like it may address the problem you are
having with resources.

Leveling Resources
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/CH010426611033.aspx
?About resource leveling  
 
  Distributing project work evenly  
 
  Review resource workloads  
 
  Resolve resource overallocations by leveling?




Another free resource is the Project Companion at ProjectLearning.net:


ProjectLearning.net
Project Companion
http://www.projectlearning.net/project_companion.htm
?What is in Project Companion?
 Project Companion's extensive terminology listing 
 
Although Project Companion isn't a training course in its own right,
it does contain lots of best-practice Microsoft Project information. 
If you want to know how to apply resources to effort-driven tasks,
create and apply AutoFilters, find schedule variances and achieve may
other objectives, Project Companion has something to offer you.

Over 550 keyword definitions relate Microsoft Project and Project
Management terminology
 
A full Planning Primer explains the basics of Project Management
theory and applies this theory to the use of Microsoft Project
 
Carefully chosen reference topics providing step-by-step guidance on
how to use Microsoft Project more effectively?




I found two online training programs within or close to your price range.


Staffkit.com
MS Project 2003 Online Training
$29.95
http://www.staffkit.com/learn/series/prj3mshqpp.htm
?You will receive Unlimited Access to all of the Microsoft Project
2003 tutorials listed below. Your online training courses will be
available from anywhere you have internet access.

Summary:

The Project 2003 training series is designed to help learners with the
basics of Microsoft Project 2003. This series explains how to set up a
project; manage project files; create a task list; schedule tasks;
view a schedule; define and assign resources and costs; track a
project; and analyze progress and revise a schedule.

This e-learning computer training series includes all of the online
training tutorials listed below and is provided in an interactive
e-learning format. All courses allow for 1 year unlimited access (1
user), include a variety of features and qualify for Continuing
Education Unit credit .

StaffKit is an e-learning leader in providing computer training
tutorials and online education. We have satisifed customers in over 30
countries?




TrainingCenter.com
Online Course: Project 2003
$34.95
http://www.trainingcenter.com/0304/series/project2003.htm
?Summary: 
The Project 2003 online courses is designed to help learners with the
basics of Microsoft Office Project 2003. This online courses explains
how to set up a project; manage project files; create a task list;
schedule tasks; view a schedule; define and assign resources and
costs; track a project; and analyze progress and revise a schedule.?




I hope you have found this information helpful. Best of luck to you.

Googlenut




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