Would you like a copy of the quick reference sheet we have as handouts?  You can find those here. 

Excel 2010 (PC)

Overview

Excel 2010 is a software developed by Microsoft to make Spreadsheet editing and construction far simpler and more accessible. Excel replaces traditional pen and paper as a way of taking down information in a spreadsheet.

The Quick Access Toolbar gives easy access to common commands such as Undo and Save and saves screen space by becoming integrated with the title bar. Click the drop-down arrow to choose which commands are visible. The far right side of the Quick Access toolbar still retains the common minimize, maximize, and exit buttons of Windows.

The Ribbon is the main toolbar of Excel 2010, where commands that are most used are stored. Each tab on the Ribbon contains a different selection of tools, ordered from most often used on the left to least often used on the right. As well, contextual tabs may load at some occasions, when certain items or objects have been selected. Unlike previous versions of this software, Ribbon items and their locations are also customizable, if you dislike the standard Microsoft layout.    

Backstage is a new feature that aids in the management of files. Here, it is possible to create, save, and send spreadsheets, as well as inspect them for hidden metadata or personal information. The ability to set most Excel options, such as toggling AutoComplete suggestions as well as to modify the ribbons, is also here. The Information Tab, a new feature in Backstage, displays different metadata, commands, and properties depending on the state and type of the spreadsheet, as well as the storage location. Commands on this tab include the ability to Check In to editing the file, Check Out of the same, and Permissions to control the accessibility of others. Options are highlighted depending on the spreadsheet type currently being edited.

Helpful Videos

Here, we've included a few videos to help with not only understanding the capability of the Excel 2010 suite, but also to give useful tutorials and pointers to make your experience with this software far easier.

• The above videos were linked from the official Microsoft Office YouTube channel. Additional videos are there for your perusal.
• Excel 2010 Essential Trainingfrom Lynda.com's repository of videos is also a fantastic aid. If you would like access to these videos, feel free to contact The Tech Bar at either techbar@stmarys-ca.edu.

Helpful Websites

• The official Microsoft Excel 2010 web page and its associated help site are also fantastic resources for additional information.
• A specific help and how-to collection, as well as some videos, are also located on their site.
• At the same time, an official Office weblog also exists to help you with specific tips and tricks to improve your experience.

Need More?

Need more information to help you through your work? No problem. Please feel free to stop by our office in Galileo Hall Room 111 or email us at techbar@stmarys-ca.edu.  Our office hours are between 9 AM and 5 PM on Monday through Friday. 

Would you like a copy of the quick reference sheet we have as handouts?  You can find those here.

Excel 2011 (Mac)

Overview

Excel 2011 is a software developed by Microsoft to make Spreadsheet editing and construction far simpler and more accessible. Excel replaces traditional pen and paper as a way of taking down information in a spreadsheet.

The Standard Toolbar has been integrated with the title bar, and no longer "floats" as on previous versions of Excel. Common commands are contained in this space; here, you can start a new Spreadsheet with or without a template, open a previously accessed Spreadsheet, save your file, print a copy of the file, show or hide elements of the user interface, zoom in, and more. The most important feature of this new toolbar, however, is the Search feature, which allows you to dive into your work to quickly find any key information.

The Ribbon is the main toolbar of Excel 2011, where commands that are most used are stored. Each tab on the Ribbon contains a different selection of tools, ordered from most often used on the left to least often used on the right. As well, contextual tabs may load at some occasions, when certain items or objects have been selected. The Ribbon was first implemented in Excel 2007 for PC, and comes to Excel 2011 for Mac to provide additional commonality between the two programs.

Helpful Videos

Here, we've included a few videos to help with not only understanding the capability of the Word 2011 suite, but also to give useful tutorials and pointers to make your experience with this software far easier.