SPREADSHEETS:

One of the earliest and most successful applications of personal computers, the spreadsheet package is like a 'super calculator'.  However, in addition a spreadsheet can also be used as:

• A word processor for numbers capable of manipulating and formatting your tables of data in a number of ways.
• A database programme, enabling you to sort search and filter your data.
• A graphics tool, automatically aiding you to prepare graphs and charts from your data.

As with word processing packages, there are many on the market and again the university has standardised on Microsoft® 'Excel®'.

A matrix grid or table is the basis for any spreadsheet, where each 'cell' of the table can have either numbers or controlling equations typed into them.

In the same spreadsheet table below, the columns B, C, D and E had the data entered from the keyboard, but columns G and H, and Rows 9 and 10, had formulas entered which enables the computer to calculate the totals and averages automatically.

The additional bonus of a spreadsheet is that if we later change the data for say Product 1, we can just re-type the amended data and the spreadsheet will automatically re-calculate the totals and averages again using the new data.

Not only that, but Excel will automatically help us present the data in a number of graphical ways.

Essential skills you need to master for spreadsheets include:

• Selecting cells and entering text and numeric data.
• Protecting and hiding cells.
• Creating formulas and using absolute and relative cell references.
• Formatting numbers and text, and aligning cells.
• Adding colours and shading to cells and adjusting column widths and row heights.
• Checking spelling.
• Copying, adding, and deleting cells, data, rows and columns.
• Creating charts and graphs.
• Sorting data.
• Exporting spreadsheets and charts into other packages.