10.2. Spreadsheets

This section will speak about Gnumeric as a replacement for Microsoft Excel. Another very good, and now free, option is StarCalc StarOffice's spreadsheet application.

This introduction won't explain basic accounting principles and takes for granted you know why you would like to use a spreadsheet.

10.2.1. What Is a Spreadsheet?

Spreadsheets are the replacement for an accountant's ledger book and calculator. These software use columns and rows to allow math calculation to be performed on data previously entered. Nowadays, spreadsheets do a lot more as they are often used as (very) simple databases or as a charts and graph application.

Spreadsheets, as trivial as it may seem today, played a really important role to bring office and home computers to reality. It was the "killer app" that justified buying a computer.

10.2.2. Gnumeric

Since release 1.0, Gnumeric is ready for prime time. It's an advanced spreadsheet featuring an easy-to-use graphic interface with all the advanced functionalities of such applications. Gnumeric offers a simple and easily customizable interface, designed to minimize the learning curve for new users.

10.2.2.1. Getting Started

To start Gnumeric, access Office+Spreadsheets->Gnumeric in the menu.

Figure 10-11. Gnumeric's Main Window

10.2.2.2. Moving Around

Gnumeric's Toolbar

Figure 10-12. Gnumeric's Toolbar

The toolbars allow for a quick and intuitive access to Gnumeric's core functions. By pointing your mouse on each icon, you get a brief description of its functions.

Gnumeric's Menus

Figure 10-13. Gnumeric's Menus

Shortcut keys

You may also use and personalize shortcut keys to match your needs. For example, Ctrl-S will save your document.

10.2.2.3. Basic Functions

Gnumeric is an enterprise-ready spreadsheet application and includes loads of features way beyond the scope of this document. The software includes an in-depth help system, and you will easily find more information on the GNOME web site.

Opening Files

Gnumeric only opens its native format. To open other sources, use Import.

File->Open

Shortcut key: F3.

Creating a new file

By default, when Gnumeric starts, it creates a new spreadsheet to be used. Using File->New will open a new spreadsheet.

Saving files

Save and Save As both offer exactly the same interface. Save As will allow you to rename an open spreadsheet.

File->Save

File->Save As

Shortcut key: Ctrl-S.

10.2.2.4. Everyday Functions in Gnumeric

Gnumeric, like other spreadsheets, is primarily designed to allow mathematic operation to be performed as formulas. Hence, you statically enter values, then define functions in other cells to view or calculate their value. In Gnumeric, you can easily perform any mathematic formula, from simple additions to complex averages and ratios.

Within cells, formulas are defined by the = sign. Anything else is treated as static data.

10.2.2.5. Simple Operations

You may perform simple additions, subtractions or any simple operations with the following syntax:

  • =5+4

  • =5-4

  • =C2/C34

  • =5XC5

  • =(5+4(c3))/2

10.2.2.6. Functions

Functions simplify complex operations such as additions of numerous cells, averages, or absolute numbers. We strongly encourage you to explore further on the subject. This is what spreadsheets are all about. Here are a few examples:

  • =sum(c2,d23), you may also specify a cell range for your function to operate on. =sum(c2:c23) will add the value of every cell in between c2 and c23.

  • =average(a1:a5)

Note

You may combine both simple operators with functions. Just like in the following formula: =(c1+c3)/(average(c4:c50))

10.2.2.7. Formatting Your Work

One interesting aspect of spreadsheets is the ability to modify the format or the appearance of one or more cells. You can achieve this by accessing the Format->Cells menu which offers the most extensive options such as data type, border setting, background, etc.

Figure 10-14. Format Cells Menu

10.2.2.8. Advanced Features

Gnumeric offers extensive functionalities for advanced users. You can use it as a simple database, program complete interface. You can also convert formats, define templates, etc. Gnumeric is light, fast and flexible and will surely impose itself as the de facto standard for spreadsheet applications on Linux and Unix.

10.2.2.9. Graphs And Charts

Gnumeric recently added a very nice graph and chart tools, call the Graph Guru. It will enable you to create stunning graphics and charts to impress both customers and partners.

Here are the steps to follow:

  1. First, select a range of data.

  2. Then click on Insert +Graphs

    The Graphs Guru will appear.

    Figure 10-15. The Graphs Guru

  3. Afterwards, it's pretty straight forward. Chose your graph and, if not done, you will be prompted to specify the data and define references.

Note

In order for Gnumeric's graph guru to function, you need to make sure you have Guppi installed.

10.2.3. StarOffice's StarCalc

StarOffice has been a great office application on Linux for a few years now. Presently, it remains as one of the only true features-complete office suite on Linux. StarCalc is part of that suite and offers spreadsheet functionalities.

We will not detail StarCalc's basic functionalities as you simply have to read the previous section on Gnumeric. Obviously, you will have to read more documentation to benefit from all the available advanced functionalities of this application.

Note

An important difference between StarCalc and Gnumeric is that StarCalc supports much more import and export formats. If you use multiple operating systems, you will really appreciate this. There is also a Windows version of this application.

10.2.3.1. Opening StarCalc

To launch StarCalc, access the KDE menu->Office->Spreadsheet->StarOffice sub-menu. If you have any problems launching it, please refer to StarOffice Writer.

From the default StarOffice screen, access File->New->Spreadsheet.

10.2.4. Conclusion

Spreadsheets are one of the true killer apps of the computer age. They bring great benefits for their users and are used all over the world, from the corner-store manager who wants to manage schedules, to the biggest accounting firm who uses it to write extensive and consistent data reports.


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