Disco Fever: Spreadsheet Guidance

The explanation of these terms should help you to understand the workings of the spreadsheet:

cell
The spreadsheet is divided into cells, referenced to by 'grid references' such as A5, B6. Cells may contain labels, values or formulas.

label
Any words, headings or messages used to help the layout and organisation of the spreadsheet.

value
A number placed in a cell. It may be used as input to a calculation.

formula
A rule for calculation which can be placed in a cell.

function
A built-in formula for special calculations such as totals and averages.

copying
The process of replicating labels, values or calculation rules from one part of the spreadsheet to another.

Copying and editing

A feature of these activities is that you start of with a simple spreadsheet and build it up into something more complex. It's easy to make alterations and then regret that you didn't keep a copy of the original sheet. Save the original sheet on a floppy disc and then make a copy of it, all the alterations can then be made on the copy, which you then save with a new name.

Printing

When doing these activities you should print out the results every time you produce something new. The benefits of the spreadsheet is that you can make changes very quickly, but it's important that you don't lose work, so its essential that you print out regularly.

Business jargon

1. Cash flow forecast statement: a prediction of how cash will flow through a business over a period of time in the future.
2. Cash flow statement: a statement showing how cash has flowed though a business over a period of time, it includes a summary of receipts and payments during a period of time.
3. Break-even: where revenue equals cost.
4. Break-even chart: a graph which total costs and total revenues and the break-even point where total revenue equals total cost.
5. Margin of safety: the quantity sold above the break-even point where the business makes a profit.