05-16-2011, 05:36 PM

What is a straightforward, easy to use spreadsheet or database? I need date, currency and txt columns and easy sort for my medical records. I will have abt 2000 records. I am very busy and don't have time to learn a complex program. Excel is too complex. It changes my data, the help is not useful, and I don't need the time consuming hassle. I suppose there is an Apple spreadsheet, but I don't have it.
Should I get the Apple spreadsheet or go for something else. Any ideas?

05-16-2011, 10:41 PM

Your post was moved to the correct forum as it does not belong in the "Lounge". We ask that you read forum descriptions and Sticky notices in each forum before posting. Thanks.

05-16-2011, 11:10 PM

well, there is Numbers which is a simpler version of Excel. If you want your spreadsheets to be fully compatible though, you will have to create them in Excel.

05-16-2011, 11:14 PM

I'm not sure I completely follow your post. Excel is only as complicated as you need it to be. The columns and sort functions you just described would be simple to do in Excel and are fairly fundamental spreadsheet functions - and I'm sure someone here or and the Excel forums could easily walk you through it. I don't see a point in getting a different package - since you already have Excel. Database functions are another matter entirely. Do you have any experience at all using a spreadsheet?

Maybe take a few seconds - describe what you're trying to do - and how your data 'changed' - and I'd bet someone here can sort you out pretty quickly.

05-17-2011, 12:27 AM

Yeah I agree with Brian, we need a bit more info.

05-17-2011, 01:16 PM

Open Office is always an option. Free download!

05-17-2011, 02:10 PM

Free options: OpenOffice (now replaced by Libre Office), NeoOffice, Google Docs.

Paid options: MS Office for Mac, Numbers.

05-17-2011, 09:17 PM

Originally Posted by BrianLachoreVPI

I'm not sure I completely follow your post. Excel is only as complicated as you need it to be. The columns and sort functions you just described would be simple to do in Excel and are fairly fundamental spreadsheet functions - and I'm sure someone here or and the Excel forums could easily walk you through it. I don't see a point in getting a different package - since you already have Excel. Database functions are another matter entirely. Do you have any experience at all using a spreadsheet?

Maybe take a few seconds - describe what you're trying to do - and how your data 'changed' - and I'd bet someone here can sort you out pretty quickly.

Excel is an excellent database, trust me, and quite easy to learn.

I've taught MS Office (primarily Word, Excel, Publisher, and Access) at the high school level for years. If 14 and 15-year-olds can master this software and learn it as a spreadsheet and database tool, anyone can. It's just learning it with the right approach and at the right pace.

And I happen to like to use BIG pictures.

05-17-2011, 09:22 PM

Originally Posted by txtchr

Excel is an excellent database, trust me, and quite easy to learn.

I've taught MS Office (primarily Word, Excel, Publisher, and Access) at the high school level for years. If 14 and 15-year-olds can master this software and learn it as a spreadsheet and database tool, anyone can. It's just learning it with the right approach and at the right pace.

And I happen to like to use BIG pictures.

I'm not sure what part of my post this is directed at - so I don't know how to respond.

05-17-2011, 09:31 PM

Agreeing with you wholeheartedly, that's all. Many people get all willy-nilly about Excel and think it's just a spreadsheet, albeit a very powerful one if you know how to use all of its functions.

It can be a very basic and friendly database for those that don't want to mess with Access. Personally, I got frustrated with Access, which is why I always tended to use Excel instead. I liked it a whole lot more, and it always gave me what I wanted.

I could keep track of over 1000 kids attending prom by individual and date name, ticket number, and date of ticket sold. I had that database sorted and printed in so many ways that there were no security issues at our event. That was just one of the many ways I used Excel to make my life easier.