Getting to know ArcGIS desktop

the long version

From the Publisher: Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop introduces principles of GIS as it teaches the mechanics of using ESRI's leading technology. Key concepts are combined with detailed illustrations and step-by-step exercises to acquaint readers with the building blocks of ArcGIS Desktop including ArcMap, for displaying and querying maps, ArcCatalog, for organizing geographic data, and Model builder, for diagramming and processing solutions to complex spatial analysis problems. Its broad scope, simple style, and practical orientation make this book an ideal classroom text and an excellent resource for those learning GIS on their own.