It sounded to me that it was as bad as trying to pass for a Microsoft Certification test, which is why I ended up studying Linux distributions instead haha and just got a degree rather than pay for a test certification like my A+ computer repair certification.

I'm a big fan of paper and pen.I used to use Microsoft Project.  

You can use Access through Microsoft to store you data and use it. and you probably have it in your computer. 

As for now I have nothing but some paper, pens and Microsoft Word on my computer, ha.

A lot of years ago, I wrote a technical paper on this topic (long before there were blogs or MicroSoft Word).

. :)I would also HIGHLY recommend you make Microsoft Excel your friend.  

I'm a technologist by trade with over 15 years experience in Enterprise IT, IT consulting, Cloud computing and an extensive resume that includes a tenure working at Microsoft. 

And I know she got a great education. as she got offers from Microsoft Intel and Aurther Anderson.She is getting head hunted now by Bay Area companies so there could be a move in the next couple of years one were she could get a big amount of stock options etc to come on board..

This is one of Microsoft's hidden gems.

Microsoft excel has a function to calculate IRR.