Here are some things you can do with some spreadsheet applications:
- Use built-in functions to calculate the average, sum, count (number of items), maximum value, or minimum value in a column or row of numbers and the absolute, integer, and rounded-off value of a number, logarithm, square root, and more.
- Adjust column widths.
- Cut, copy, and paste numbers and formulas from one cell to another.
- Change number format (for example, dollars to scientific notation).
- Hide a column (to protect confidential information like salary or age of employees).
- Display the spreadsheet in a graph.
- Define macros so you can type one command that represents many steps in a routine procedure. Macros are a shortcut for experienced users and an aid to inexperienced users. An experienced user can define the macro and a less experienced user can enter data without knowing a whole lot about how the application works.
A macro is a user-defined command that tells the application to carry out a series of commands when the uses types the macro.
If most of your number crunching involves home finances, you might be better off getting an application especially designed for that purpose. Read the "Home Finance" section later in this chapter.
