Chapter 11 Working with Spreadsheets. 2Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 11 Getting Started In this Chapter, you will learn: − What’s a spreadsheet −

Chapter 11Working with Spreadsheets

2 Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 11

Getting Started• In this Chapter, you will learn:

− What’s a spreadsheet− How to create a worksheet− How to find the right formula− How to know if worksheet results are accurate− How to create graphs− About Hardware: Ergonomic workstations and

devices


What’s a spreadsheet?

• A spreadsheet is a tool for working with numbers– Arranged in a grid of columns and rows forming cells– Cells hold labels, numbers, and formulas

• Spreadsheet software allows you to create electronic spreadsheets– Easy to edit, print, save, and post on Web– Often referred to as a worksheet– Formulas are used to perform calculations– You can use the worksheet to examine “what-if” scenarios


What’s a spreadsheet?

Worksheet


How do I create a worksheet?

• To create a worksheet– Begin by typing a title and labels– Then enter the numbers– Finally, enter formulas

• Formulas specify how to use calculations with the numbers in the cells

• A cell reference is the column and row location of a cell, such as B2

• You can format your worksheet to make it more attractive with different fonts, cell colors, and data alignment


What if I don’t know the right formula?

• Spreadsheet software includes built-in functions– Functions are predefined formulas– Handy functions include AVERAGE and SUM– To use a function, select if from the function list

and select the cells that contain arguments• An argument is a value or cell reference that a

function uses as a basis for a calculation


What if I don’t know the right formula?

Function


How do I know whether worksheet results are accurate?

• The worksheet author is responsible for its accuracy– Test and verify the results using a hand calculator

• Common errors– Typing errors or incorrect cell input– Order for the calculations in a formula is wrong– Cell range specified is incorrect– Wrong cells are specified as arguments in a

function


How do I create graphs?

• A graph is based on the data in a worksheet – Graphs automatically reflect the change you make in the

worksheet– Data is contained in ranges, which are a series of cells

• You can create many types of graphs including line, pie, area, bar, column, and scatter

• Creating a chart – Plan your chart by identifying your data and chart type– Activate the Chart Wizard for step-by-step directions– Use menu options to change the chart’s appearance


How do I create graphs?

Creating Graphs


Hardware: Ergonomic workstations and devices

• A repetitive stress injury (RSI) is a group of overuse disorders− Symptoms include stiffness and minor pain− Caused by set up of computer equipment− Slouching forward can cause nerve damage− Key to comfort is:

• Keeping shoulders relaxed• Lean upper torso back slightly to rest on chair



• Computer use can cause eye problems− Monitor should be arm length away and tilted

back slightly− Your screen should be directly in front of you− Raising chin to see through trifocal or bifocal

lenses can cause pain and stress− Minimize glare of lights or windows



• Ergonomics is the study of safe and efficient environments− Sturdy desk with enough space for keyboard and

mouse− Adjustable chair is essential− Some experts recommend raising the front of

the keyboard about one inch− When possible use an external keyboard and

mouse with your notebook computer for ergonomic positioning



Workstation Ergonomics


Who’s to blame for faulty software?

• What do you think?– Do you usually read the EULA that’s supplied with

your software?– Should software publishers be held responsible for

mistakes that result from errors, or bugs, in the software code?

– Should software publishers be held responsible if user errors result in business or personal losses?


Chapter Summary• You should now be able to:

− Understand what is a spreadsheet− Create a worksheet− Find the right formula− Check to see if worksheet results are accurate− Create graphs− Understand ergonomic workstations and

devices

Documents

Chapter 11 Working with Spreadsheets. 2Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 11 Getting Started In this Chapter, you will learn: − What’s a spreadsheet −