05. Getting Started
Getting Started with Spreadsheets
This course demonstrates functions, tools and techniques using the Microsoft Excel 2016 Desktop version on Windows 10. If you don't have Windows Excel 2016, you can use another spreadsheet application for the quizzes and exercises. Although functions and formulas behave the same in the various applications, there are sometimes large differences in menus and tools, and especially more advanced tools such as box plots. Sometimes it's easy to figure these differences out, but when in doubt, get in the habit of searching for your own answers in help files and on the Internet… there is a ton of information available on spreadsheets!
Excel 2016
Microsoft Office 365 purchasing information
There are several pricing options to choose from. Whatever your circumstance, be sure to download the desktop version. It can do a few things that the browser version can't. Note that the Windows and Mac versions of Excel 2016 are different and the Mac version does not have built-in functionality for box plots. Note also that the free Office Online version of Excel is limited in functionality and not recommended for this class.
Once you have your Excel 2016 installed on a PC or Mac, you will need to load the following addin:
Google Sheets
Link to Open a Sheet
Google Sheets is a free alternative with full functionality when you enhance it with a add-on. You'll need a free Google account to get started. If you already have one, the link above will take you where you need to go. If you don't have a Google account, click "More Options" and create one. Once you have your account established, open a blank sheet and use the "Add-ons" menu to add the following to your account:
Apple Numbers
Information about Apple Numbers
If you have a Mac, this application should already be there. Most features we present are available in Numbers, and it is compatible with Excel files. There does not seem to be a way to easily create box plots, however, which we will introduce in the Visualize Data lesson.
Open Source Alternatives
Apache Open Office Download
LibreOffice Download
Both Apache Open Office Calc and LibreOffice Calc are open source and freely available. They will read Excel format and provide most of the same functionality. There are some important differences to be aware of, however, including differences in formula syntax. Some features, such as box plots, may require internet searches for solutions and a number of steps to implement.