1.1 What is Microsoft Excel?
Microsoft Excel is a powerful spreadsheet application developed by Microsoft as part of the Microsoft Office suite. At its core, Excel allows users to:
- Organize data in tabular format using rows and columns
- Perform calculations using built-in formulas and functions
- Analyse data through sorting, filtering, and pivot tables
- Visualize data through charts and graphs
- Automate repetitive tasks using macros and VBA
Excel is widely used in industries for financial modelling, reporting, project management, scientific analysis, inventory, budgeting and more.
1.2 Installing and Setting Up Excel
Installation Options:
- Microsoft 365 Subscription: Continuous updates, OneDrive integration, works across devices.
- Office 2021 Perpetual License: One-time purchase, no subscription, tied to one device.
- Excel for Web: Free, limited functionality, works in browser with Microsoft account.
Initial Setup:
- First launch screen with templates, recent files, and cloud sign-in
- Account configuration (File > Account)
- Customize Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar
- Set default options (File > Options: General, Save, Proofing, Language)
1.3 Understanding Excel Versions
- Excel 2019: Last perpetual version, includes CONCAT, TEXTJOIN, IFS, SWITCH.
- Microsoft 365: Always updated, includes Dynamic Arrays, XLOOKUP, LAMBDA, Power Query, real-time collaboration.
- Excel for Mac: Similar, but some VBA/shortcut differences.
- Excel for Web & Mobile: Free/lightweight, limited advanced features.
1.4 Excel File Formats
- .xlsx → Default format, compressed, macros not supported
- .xlsm → Macro-enabled workbook
- .xlsb → Binary format, faster for large files
- .xls → Legacy format (Excel 97-2003)
- .csv → Plain text, universal, no formulas
- .txt → Text files importable into Excel
- .xltx / .xltm → Templates
1.5 Navigating the Excel Environment
- Title Bar → Workbook name, window controls, Quick Access Toolbar
- Ribbon → Tabs with commands (File, Home, Insert, etc.)
- Formula Bar → Shows/edit cell content
- Worksheet Area → Grid of rows & columns, sheet tabs
- Status Bar → Displays info (sum, average, zoom)
1.6 Customizing Excel
You can personalize Excel by customizing the Ribbon, Quick Access Toolbar, default options, views, and workspace. Settings include formulas, proofing, save options, and add-ins.
1.7 Getting Help in Excel
- F1: Opens Excel Help
- Tell Me feature for quick search
- Smart Lookup using Bing
- Excel Community, Forums, Microsoft Docs
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📌 Exercise [50 Marks] – Click Here