Chapter 11 Working with Spreadsheets

2Practical PC 5 th 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

3Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 11 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

4Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 11 What’s a spreadsheet? Worksheet

5Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 11 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

6Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 11 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

7Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 11 What if I don’t know the right formula? Function

8Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 11 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

9Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 11 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

10Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 11 How do I create graphs? Creating Graphs

11Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 11 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

12Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 11 Hardware: Ergonomic workstations and devices 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

13Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 11 Hardware: Ergonomic workstations and devices 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

14Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 11 Hardware: Ergonomic workstations and devices Workstation Ergonomics

15Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 11 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?

16Practical PC 5 th Edition Chapter 11 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