I didn't really intend on this becoming another slanging match about excel, but would like to thank you who replied constructively (by PM and on this forum).
IF Excel are really as bad as they are made out to be by some, then at least life can only get better! Certainly I'm impressed by what my partner came home with today (info wise and salary wise). So thanks for those who helped settle her mind a bit and now I'll let you get on with slagging each other off!!!