Spreadsheets
VisiCalc
VisiCalc was the first spreadsheet computer program for personal computers, released in 1979 on the Apple II by VisiCorp. It was written by Dan Bricklin Bob Frankston.
Dan Bricklin
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Mutliplan
The Microsoft Multiplan logo.
Written by Douglas Klunder under the direction of Charles Simonyi, the head of Microsoft's new software application group, Multiplan was released in 1982 for numerous platforms including Apple II, Commodore 64 and 128, MS-DOS, and Radio Shack TRS-80 Model II , 4, and 100. During development, Multiplan was code named "EP" for electronic paper.
The Microsoft Multiplan title screen running on a Commodore 64.
The Multiplan text-based interface running on a Commodore 64.
The Microsoft Multiplan 5 1/4" program disk for a Commodore 64 personal computer.
Title pages 1 and 2 from the Microsoft Multiplan HesWare C64 manual.
A look inside the Microsoft Multiplan manual.
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Lotus 1-2-3
Written by Jonathan Sachs for the Lotus Development Corporation. Released on January 26, 1983. Lotus 1-2-3 proved to be a "killer app" for the IBM PC as consumers purchased IBM (or clone) PCs just to be able to use Lotus 1-2-3.
The Lotus 1-2-3 product box.
Description of Features
| Feature Category |
Core Capabilities & Attributes |
| Three-in-One Integration |
Combines spreadsheet calculations, business charting, and rudimentary database operations within a single, unified workspace. |
| Assembly Language Speed |
Written directly in x86 assembly language, bypassing operating system overhead to deliver near-instantaneous screen updates and calculations. |
| Keyboard Macro System |
Allows users to record, automate, and play back complex sequences of keystrokes to streamline repetitive data entry and modeling tasks. |
| Two-Keystroke Menu |
Introduced a highly intuitive, contextual menu system activated by pressing the forward slash (/) key, maximizing screen real estate. |
| Integrated Graphics |
Generates dynamic bar charts, line graphs, and pie charts instantly from spreadsheet data without requiring a separate program. |
| Data Management |
Offers basic database tools to sort rows, filter records, and execute statistical queries on structured tables within the grid. |
The Lotus 1-2-3 screen running on a DOS-based PC.
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Excel
Microsoft Excel, initially released in 1985 on the Mac and 1987 on the PC, gained rapid commercial success due to it's graphical interface, it's powerful built-in functions, and the ability to write and run macros to automate long, complicated tasks.
Microsoft Excel 2016 logo.
Example Microsoft Excel worksheet.
Excel Video Demonstration
View this video demonstration to learn how to setup a basic Income/Expense/Profit workbook using Microsoft Excel.