Excel 2000 in a Nutshell

Chapter 2. Excel Anatomy

Before you start using Excel it is important to understand some of its basic terminology. Although many of the elements used in Excel are found in other Microsoft Windows programs, Excel does introduce a few new ones. For example, if you have used other Windows programs, the concepts of windows and the status bar are probably nothing new. But, if you are not familiar with spreadsheet programs, then formulas, functions, cells, and rows may present a degree of unfamiliarity.

This chapter provides an under-the-hood look at Excel by describing some of the basic features you will encounter. In this chapter, we explore the following main topics:

The Excel Window

Basically everything that happens within Excel occurs within this window.

The External Side of Excel

Use templates to create a default look for you workbooks.

Using Styles

Change the appearance of the data in your worksheet consistently using styles.

Customizing in Excel

Design your menus and toolbars to contain the commands you frequently use.

The Excel Window

Just like every other Microsoft Windows program, everything that happens in Excel occurs within the Excel window. The Excel window is made up of all the standards windows features, as shown in Figure 2-1.

Figure 2-1. The Excel window resembles all other Microsoft programs

1. Title Bar. The title bar displays across the top of the Excel window. It indicates ...