Spreadsheet software has been around for almost as long as computers themselves. Microsoft came out with their Windows operating system in 1985, and in 1987, Microsoft Excel for Windows was released, and it has been the go to spreadsheet software ever since and there is a good chance it even came preinstalled on your computer.

Excel can be used to perform a variety of tasks from storing lists of names to running complex calculations on financial data. No matter what you plan on using Excel for, you will need to know how to use the software and that starts with the basics.

Once you have the basics down, you can then focus on some of the more powerful features of Excel such as creating charts and formulas so you can then manipulate your data in order to view your data in a way that allows you to get the information you need.

Even though Microsoft Excel is a very powerful program, I will be sticking with the basics so you can learn how to use the major features of Excel and not get overwhelmed by all the advanced tasks you can perform. I will discuss some of the more advanced features just because I think they are important to at least be aware of. Then once you become proficient with the basics, you can then branch out and learn some of the other features if you choose to do so.