| Name: | Raymond T. Kaya |
|---|---|
| Date/Time: | 2008-06-07 at 20:34:41 HST |
| Subject: | Spreadsheet |
| Times Read: | [242] since 2008 June 07 |
Historically, a “spreadsheet” referred to a(n often large) sheet of paper pre-lined with rows and columns. Accountants and bookkeepers typically recorded (penciled in) numbers representing dollar amounts at the intersections of appropriately labeled rows and columns. Totals were then computed for each column and/or row using ten-key calculators; these were also written in. If a value changed, the affected total(s) had to be manually recomputed and the spreadsheet changed.
More recently when this term is used, an electronic spreadsheet is usually implied.
In 1979, VisiCalc was released by Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston. It was written for the Apple II and was the first computer spreadsheet program as we know them today. (This was revolutionary.)
In 1980, SuperCalc was released by Sorcim. It ran under the CP/M operating system.
In 1982, I began working in the office of a small bakery. They were using a CP/M computer; SuperCalc came bundled with it. This was my introduction to personal computers and to spreadsheet programs. I had little more than the manuals to learn from, but it wasn't long before I went beyond the traditional accountant's concept of the spreadsheet and automated some of the operational tasks at the bakery.
In 1983, Lotus 1-2-3 was released by Lotus Development for the DOS operating system.
Quattro Pro by Borland, a competitor to 1-2-3, soon followed. It was my spreadsheet of choice under MS-DOS.
Other programs in addition to those named above have come and gone.
In 1987, Microsoft Excel was released for Windows (a version for the Mac, in 1985). It has enjoyed long success perhaps because it was one of the first to use a less keyboard-driven, graphical interface - which appeals especially to those less technically oriented.
Many with a shorter history of usage to look back upon seem to equate “spreadsheet” with “Excel”. [Excerpt from job interview: "Do you know how to use Excel?" "Well, I've been using spreadsheets since the early 1980's." "But do you know how to use Excel?" "Yes." <sigh>]
My viewpoint is that most changes from the introduction of VisiCalc up until this point have been evolutionary - graphical interface and additional features notwithstanding.
In 2005, OpenOffice.org 2 was formally released to the public. It works on all common computers, can read and write files from other common office software packages - and is free. (Revolutionary?) Calc, one of its components, is my spreadsheet of choice. I am just beginning to explore the other components - I like what I see so far...
Raymond T. Kaya
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
www.reikialoha.com/raymond