INTRODUCTION
A computer is a machine that can be programmed to carry
out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations (computation)
automatically. Modern digital electronic computers can perform
generic sets of operations known as programs. These programs
enable computers to perform a wide range of tasks. A computer
system is a nominally complete computer that includes
the hardware, operating system (main software),
and peripheral equipment needed and used for full operation. This
term may also refer to a group of computers that are linked and
function together, such as a computer network or computer
cluster.
Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet developed
by Microsoft for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and iPadOS. It
features calculation or computation capabilities, graphing
tools, pivot tables, and a macro programming language
called Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). Excel forms part of
the Microsoft 365 suite of software.
Microsoft Excel has the basic features of all spreadsheets, using a
grid of cells arranged in numbered rows and letter-
named columns to organize data manipulations like arithmetic
operations. It has a battery of supplied functions to answer
statistical, engineering, and financial needs. In addition, it can
display data as line graphs, histograms and charts, and with a very
limited three-dimensional graphical display. It allows sectioning of
data to view its dependencies on various factors for different
perspectives (using pivot tables and the scenario
manager). A PivotTable is a tool for data analysis. It does this by
simplifying large data sets via PivotTable fields. It has a
programming aspect, Visual Basic for Applications, allowing the
user to employ a wide variety of numerical methods. It also has a
variety of interactive features allowing user interfaces that can
completely hide the spreadsheet from the user, so the
spreadsheet presents itself as a so-called application, or decision
support system (DSS), via a custom-designed user interface, for
example, a stock analyzer, or in general, as a design tool that asks
the user questions and provides answers and reports. In a more
elaborate realization, an Excel application can automatically poll
external databases and measuring instruments using an update
schedule, analyze the results, make a Word report
or PowerPoint slide show, and e-mail these presentations on a
regular basis to a list of participants. Excel was not designed to be
used as a database.
Microsoft allows for a number of optional command-line switches
to control the manner in which Excel starts.
Excel is a very flexible instrument to perform analyses and what-if
scenarios. You use formulas in cells with one or more input cells to
calculate the various situations. To ease working with different
values and/or choices, you can put the controls from either the
Control toolbox or the Forms toolbar to good use. Proper uses of
these controls make your models easier to use.
The controls also enable you to ease data entry and at the same
time improve data quality by minimizing the risk of wrong entries.
For "day-to-day" use, I recommend the Forms controls. If there are
specific options you need which are not offered by the form
controls then you can also implement the Control toolbox
(ActiveX) controls.
FEATURES OF MS
EXCEL
Basic operation:
Almost all the professionals use this spreadsheet tool. MS Excel is
the universal language that speaks in practically all the offices.
However, as a starter or intermediate-level user, you need to know
some of the important features of MS Excel. This article will show
you the features of MS Excel.
#1 – You Can Insert a New Worksheets at Will
You might have seen one to three default worksheets while
opening the new workbook (the number of worksheets may vary
depending on the settings).
You can insert a new worksheet in excel and delete the same
at any time. First, press the “+” icon key to insert any new
worksheet available at the bottom.
Now, click on this button to insert a new worksheet.
We can also insert a new worksheet by pressing the shortcut
key “Shift + F11. “
#2 – Time Saving Shortcut Keys
The time on Excel can be reduced drastically by masterful Excel
shortcut keys. Apart from universal “Ctrl + C, Ctrl + X, and Ctrl +
V,” we can use many other abundant shortcut keys in excel.
Shortcut key for Copy:
Shortcut key for Paste:
You can refer to our article on “Excel Shortcut Keys” to learn some
of the important shortcut keys.
#3 – Get Quick Sum of Numbers
If we have serial numbers or any numerical data, we can quickly
get the sum of these numbers with simple shortcut keys.
Assume we have numbers in 10 cells, and imagine how long it will
take us to get the total of these numbers.
Select the cell where we need to get the total of these numbers
and press the shortcut key “ALT + =” to get the AutoSum.
We get the following result.
#4 – Filtering Data
Filtering the excel data is one of the important features of
Microsoft Excel. We can filter any data available under the “Filter”
section.
We can use more advanced techniques to filter the data. For
example, to insert a short filter, we can press the shortcut
key “Ctrl + Shift + L” or “Alt + D + F + F.”
Shortcut key to insert the Filter:
Or
For example,
#5 – Paste Special Feature
We love paste special because it gives us more edge to increase
workplace productivity. For example, look at the below data.
In the A5 cell, we have a formula that takes the range of cells from
A1 to 4. So, the A5 cell is dependent on the above cells. So, if we
copy and paste this cell to other cells, we may get this formula
only, not value.
So, we can use the Paste Special technique to paste as only
values. Therefore, we must copy cell A5 and place a cursor on the
cell where we need to paste.
I have copied the cell A5 and placed the cursor on the C5 cell.
Now, press the “ALT + E + S” shortcut key and open the “Special”
dialog box.
We have plenty of options under “Paste Special” features.
However, we want to paste only the value in this example, so we
must select the “Values” option to paste as the only value.
So this will paste only the value from A5 cell to C5 cell.
Like this, under “Paste Special,” we can use other available
techniques like “Formulas,” “Formats,” etc.
#6 – Insert Random Numbers
Excel has plenty of formulas and functions in its arsenal. For
example, if we want to insert random numbers with an Excel
worksheet, we can use a built-in function
called“RANDBETWEEN.”
For the first argument, supply the least number that you want to
insert.
For the last argument, we must enter the highest number that we
want to insert.
So, now, the RANDBETWEEN function inserts numbers from 100 to
1,000.
#7 – Insert Random Fraction Numbers
As seen above, we can insert random numbers. Now, we will see
how we can insert random fraction numbers.
We must use the RAND function to insert random fraction
numbers greater than 0 and less than 1.
The RAND function does not have any parameters, so we must
close the bracket and insert the function.
Note:
Both RAND and RANDBETWEEN are volatile functions and keep
varying whenever we make any changes in the workbook.
#8 – Goal Seek Analysis Tool
The Goal Seek analysis tool is extremely useful for determining
what needs to be done to achieve the desired goal. For example,
Mr. A wants to get an overall average score of 90 in 6 subjects.
However, Mr. A has already attended five exams. Below are his
anticipated scores.
Now, Mr. A is left with only one examination. He wants to know
how much he must score in the final examination to get an overall
average of 90.
So, first, we must apply the AVERAGE function for the first five
exams.
We get the following result.
Now go to the DATA tab and click on the What-If Analysis tool to
open the “Goal Seek” tool.
In the Goal Seek window, we can see three options.
We must select “Goal Seek.” Then, we may get the following
options: “Set cell,” “To value,” and “By changing cell.”
The average function applies to the cell for the “Set cell,” the B8
cell.
In the “To value,” the cell enters the value as 90.
The “Changing cell” gives the cell reference to the B7 cell.
Now, we must click on “OK.” As a result, the “Goal Seek” analysis
tool will help Mr. A to know how much he needs to score in the
final examination to get the overall average of 90.
Mr. A has to score 99 on his final examination to get an overall
average of 90.
#9 – Insert Serial Numbers
If we want to insert serial numbers incremented by 1, we can do
this by the “Fill Series” option. Then, enter the value 1 in any of
the cells.
Using the Excel FILL Handle function, we must drag until the cell
where we want to insert serial numbers
Now, click on the “AutoFill” option and choose “Fill Series” to get
the serial numbers incremented by 1.
We get the following result.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
ABOUT FEATURES OF MS
EXCEL
These are some of the basic and cool features of Excel.
We have so many uses that other features will also cover incoming
topics.
We must use the shortcut keys to use an excellent spreadsheet
tool skillfully.
We must first learn the basic formulas to get started with
functions.
SELECTING RANGE OF CELLS IN ROWS
If you want to select some specific cells in a row or multiple rows
instead of an entire row, then you need to select a particular range
of cells. This can be done in the following ways:
1. Selecting range of cells in a single
row:
To select some specific cells in a row, take the following steps:
Step 1: Select the first cell.
Step 2: Keeping the left mouse button pressed, drag the mouse
to select the desired number of cells in a row.
Step 3: Release the mouse button.
2. Selecting range of cells in
multiple consecutive rows:
To select range of cells in multiple consecutive rows, take the
following steps:
Step 1: Place the cell pointer on the cell from where the range
is to be selected.
Step 2: Select the cell and drag the mouse button diagonally to
your right or left, till the last cell.
Step 3: Release the mouse button.
3. Selecting range of cells in
multiple non-consecutive rows:
To select range of cells in multiple non-consecutive rows, take
the following steps:
Step 1: Select the first range of cells.
Step 2: Press the ‘Ctrl’ key and then select another ranges of
cells in your worksheet as per your need.
Step 3: Finally, release the key.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my greatest gratitude to all those who
directly or indirectly helped and supported me throughout the
project.
Firstly, I am highly indebted to my English teacher Mrs. Satarupa
Chaterjee for her guidance and constant supervision as well as for
providing necessary information regarding the project. I would also
like to extend my gratitude to our principal for giving me a chance
to work on this project.
Secondly, I would like to thank my parents and friends for their
continued support and coordination in this project. I also
acknowledge the endless contribution of them who always
encouraged me and support me and their wistful cooperation in
my studies and to complete this project within the limited time
frame.
Finally, I would like to thank the CBSE board for giving me this
great opportunity to do this project.
I did this project not only to get marks but also to improve my
technical knowledge. During this project, I acquired many valuable
skills, and I hope that these will help me in my future career. I
thank them all from my heart and wish that they will continue to
support me like this. Without their suggestions and feedback, the
project would not have achieved such a good outcome.
CONCLUSION
Microsoft Excel® is clearly a resource that can be used in many
careers, and is valuable for professional and personal purposes.
This textbook has focused on introducing the fundamental skills
necessary to get you started in using Excel and to a solid
intermediate level of proficiency, confidence, and comfort using
the program.
While this content refers to Excel, the skills you learn and practice
here are consistent with open-source and other variations of
spreadsheet programs. You can also scale your work on Excel to
use the lighter versions with what you learned and practiced here.
Excel is a very flexible instrument to perform analyses and what-if
scenarios. You use formulas in cells with one or more input cells to
calculate the various situations. To ease working with different
values and/or choices, you can put the controls from either the
Control toolbox or the Forms toolbar to good use. Proper uses of
these controls make your models easier to use.
The controls also enable you to ease data entry and at the same
time improve data quality by minimizing the risk of wrong entries.
For "day-to-day" use, I recommend the Forms controls. If there are
specific options you need which are not offered by the form
controls then you can also implement the Control toolbox
(ActiveX) controls.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
References:
https://www.wikipedia.org/
https://openwa.pressbooks.pub/msexcelbootcamp/back-
matter/conclusion/
https://jkp-ads.com/articles/controls.asp#:~:text=their
%20properties%20window.-,Conclusion,to%20calculate
%20the%20various%20situations.
https://www.wallstreetmojo.com/features-of-ms-excel/
https://acknowledgementletter.com/acknowledgement-for-
computer-project/#:~:text=I%20am%20glad%20to
%20present,other%20teachers%20from%20my%20heart.
