really stupid question...from someone who knows nothing about computers

[cra-z-4-dizney]

My computer does not have a spreadsheet...how can I get that, and how does it work???? TIA

 

[G00fyDad]

You need a program such as Excel. That can do spreadsheets.

 

[oogieboogie]

There are several programs out there that you can use:

Excel - Microsoft - the most popular program out there
Quattro Pro - Wordperfect/Corel
Lotus 1-2-3 - From Lotus
StarOffice Calc - From Sun
OpenOffice - also from Sun

Out of the above, Excel/Microsoft Office is the most expensive. If you're looking for a good program but free, you can try the open office from Sun. Since it's open source they're giving it away free.

http://www.openoffice.org/

 

[ibleedblue]

Also if you just want to view Excel spreadsheets and not create or modify them, you can download a Excel viewer free from Microsoft. Linky here.

 

[Taja]

Is your computer a PC or Mac?

If a PC, does it have Windows?

If so, was Microsoft Works preloaded?

If you do have MS Works, there is a simple spreadsheet in it. It's several generations behind the current Excel spreadsheet, but it can handle basic stuff. Its also more awkword to use--they want you to upgrade to MS Office!

 

[cra-z-4-dizney]

Is your computer a PC or Mac?

If a PC, does it have Windows?

If so, was Microsoft Works preloaded?

If you do have MS Works, there is a simple spreadsheet in it. It's several generations behind the current Excel spreadsheet, but it can handle basic stuff. Its also more awkword to use--they want you to upgrade to MS Office!

OK, to answer your first question, it is a PC....as far as your second question goes, I have no clue...lol...is this something I can buy, and how much does it usually go for??? When I said I was computer stupid, I wasn't kidding...all I know how to do is turn the computer on, get onto the internet, and turn the computer off.

 

[MOMO2DK]

go for openoffice.org, it's free! I have downloaded it a like it better than excel, it is also excel compatible.

 

[oogieboogie]

OK, to answer your first question, it is a PC....as far as your second question goes, I have no clue...lol...is this something I can buy, and how much does it usually go for??? When I said I was computer stupid, I wasn't kidding...all I know how to do is turn the computer on, get onto the internet, and turn the computer off.

OK, my best guess is you have a PC, and since most PCs are Windows based, you have a Windows PC. What version, don't know. If you have a little icon on your computer that says my computer, right click on it and select properties - it'll tell you what version of Windows you have.

If you bought a newer PC (say 2000 and above) and you bought it say at BestBuy, you're more than likely to have Microsoft Works. Click on Start - Programs. Do you see a MS Works? If not, you're going to have to get a program.

Since you're probably not going to do much on it based on your computer knowledge level, just get the open office. Download it, install it, and you should be able to do your spreadsheets.

 

[erinch]

if you don't know whether you're running windows or a mac, your very best bet would be to entice somebody who knows something about computers and offer then mountain dew if they are 15, and a sixpack if they are over 21, and ask them to find out what programs you have on your computer, and show you how to open a spreadsheet, or to download openoffice, install it, then show you how to open it.

 

[cra-z-4-dizney]

if you don't know whether you're running windows or a mac, your very best bet would be to entice somebody who knows something about computers and offer then mountain dew if they are 15, and a sixpack if they are over 21, and ask them to find out what programs you have on your computer, and show you how to open a spreadsheet, or to download openoffice, install it, then show you how to open it.

I know that much...I have a PC, not MAC, and it is windows 98 version. We had the computer custom built...actually not WE, but my DH...and he only went by what a friend who is a major game freak on the PC told him to get, so we have like a 500.00 game board in it. Other then that I don't know. It didn't have microsoft word, I had to download that. I think I will do the office thingy. Thanks for the help everyone!!