The ability to use spreadsheets is an increasingly helpful element in any job involving budget or other data management. Microsoft Excel is the most widely used electronic spreadsheet program in the 1990's, but there are other applications such as Claris which fill much the same need.

Many online tutorials are available, for varying versions of Excel. The novice user will be able to use these effectively with any version of Excel from 4.0 forward. However, it is advisable to use the most up to date version you can, since helpful new features are added in each release. The most recent version is Excel 2000, released in 1999.

Definitions: the terms "spreadsheet" and "worksheet" are often used interchangebly. But more precisely, "worksheet" refers to the row-and-column matrix sheet where data is entered and calculations performed, while the term "spreadsheet" refers to this type of computer application. In addition, the term "workbook" refers to the book of worksheets that is the standard Excel document.The workbook can contain worksheets,chart sheets, or macro modules.

Ideally, the student will work through the tutorial presentation with the spreadsheet software available on the same workstation, going back and forth between the examples and the actual software to be used.

http://sorrel.humboldt.edu/~tlm7001/excel.htm

A fine starting point for the beginner. Developed in support of Humboldt State University's CIS 172 course, this introductory treatment to spreadsheets covers stages from the first spreadsheet to charts and linked workbooks in eight sections.

http://www.unt.edu/training/Excel97/index.htm#TofC

http://www.computersoftomorrow.com/learning/excel.htm

Comprehensive guide to Excel 97 in two levels. Originates at Computers of Tomorrow commercial site.

http://it.is.rice.edu/~consult/cross/excel/

http://www.bamaed.ua.edu/bct100/100top5.htmwww.bamaed.ua.edu/bct100/100top5.htm

Introductory and highly graphical introduction to Excel 97, offered by the University of Alabama's College of Education.

http://w3.aces.uiuc.edu/AIM/CCSOcourses/Excel_basics_doc.html

Excel basics.

http://einstein.cs.uri.edu/excel97/excel.html