how do i open .xls files

what do i need to open .xls files? every time i have an email with a .xls file attach i would have to get back on other computer to view the file since i can't on my macbook

.xls files are Microsoft Excel files. You will either need to buy Microsoft Office for Mac, or download the free NeoOffice, which is a Mac version of the open source Open Office.

THANKS!! lobster. no more switching back and forth

LobsterMan is right, you can also use QuickLook to at least see what is inside a Excel file.

LobsterMan said:

.xls files are Microsoft Excel files. You will either need to buy Microsoft Office for Mac, or download the free NeoOffice, which is a Mac version of the open source Open Office.

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It is not free. They EXPECT a 'Donation'. BS!

This thread is three years old. Things change.

Sherman Homan said:

LobsterMan is right, you can also use QuickLook to at least see what is inside a Excel file.

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I have quicklook turned off, yes disabled, when I have it on my macbook goes crazy cpu 100% so I disabled it. How do I view .xls files? I have open office but it is too slow, I only need to view the files, does anybody have any ideas please.

Lez

QuickLook.

QL shouldn't be using that much CPU to view files so it might be worth addressing that problem since (a) it's evidently broken and (b) it's the perfect tool for the job here.

vansmith said:

QuickLook.

QL shouldn't be using that much CPU to view files so it might be worth addressing that problem since (a) it's evidently broken and (b) it's the perfect tool for the job here.

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Wow quick reply.
You are perfectly correct I should address the problem, I spend ages finding out what the problem was & even more time trying to sort it out. The bottom line is "it shouldn't happen, but it does". so in total frustration I disabled quicklook months ago & have had a happy Macbook, apart from not being able to view .xls files. According to the internet (Apple) it is a known problem with no solution, a minor glitch compared to Windows ;P