Spreadsheets - glossary of terms
Lets start by giving you some definitions of what you will see when you start an Open Office spreadsheet. It helps if you know the correct name for each tool and function.
Spreadsheet Active Cell | The Active Cell is the cell that you have selected. To work in a spreadsheet you need to have a cell active. This tells the computer where you want to work. The active cell is surrounded by a thick black rectangle, with a square in the bottom right hand corner. (The reference for the active cell is displayed at the left end of the formula bar). |
Column Headings |
The Column Headings are the grey lettered boxes near the top of the screen. You can use the column headings to select an entire column. |
Formatting Toolbar |
The Formatting Toolbar contains a row of icons starting with the font box that
allow you to change how the workbook looks. This includes:
|
Formula Bar |
The Formula Bar helps you to enter text onto the worksheet. You can also enter text directly onto active cells. However, using the formula bar will allow you to edit your work more easily. When you click onto the formula bar the following functions become active:
You can also use the formula bar to edit information that you have input. You would click onto the cell in question. Then if you move up to the formula bar, your pointer would change to an I you would then be able to click to set the insertion point in order for you to delete or add individual characters. |
The Menu Bar | The menu bar allows you to maximise, minimise, restore or close the worksheet. |
allows you to cancel what you have input
allows you to enter what you have input
Mouse Cursor | In Open Office-Spreadsheets the Mouse Cursor or pointer, appears in three forms. The shape of the
cursor changes when it is positioned in different places on the window.
The Arrow Pointer is activated a. when the cursor is moved over cells in the worksheet. You use the cell pointer to select any cell in the worksheet. b. when the cursor is moved over any menu. This allows you to point to the function that you wish to select. The arrow is also activated when you point it around the outside edge of an active cell, or range of cells, you can use the arrow to move the cells to a different location. The I-beam is activated when you move the pointer to the formula bar. The pointer changes to the shape of an I. You can click here to set an insertion point and edit text. The Cross is activated when you position the cursor over the small square box on the bottom right-hand corner of the active cell box. The cross allows you to copy the contents of a cell into the adjoining cells, row or column. |
Range | A Range is a group of cells that you have selected. This can be a row a column, or any combination of cells, columns or rows. The range is identified by the Range Co-ordinates. The first element in the range co-ordinates is the cell reference of the top left cell, the second element is the bottom right cell. The two references are separated by a colon : |
Row Headings | Row Headings are the grey numbered boxes down the left hand side of the screen. If you click on a row heading you select the entire row. |
Scroll Bar/Arrows | The Scroll Bar and Arrow Keys allow you to move around your worksheet. They are located around the right bottom hand corner of the window. The arrow keys allow you to move by single rows or columns and should be used if you only need to across a few rows or columns. The bar allows you to quickly move around large segments of the worksheet. As you move Spreadsheets displays the row or column reference that you are currently on. This allows you to move quickly and accurately around your worksheet. |
Select All Box | The Select All Box, does just what it says, it allows you to select the entire worksheet just by clicking it. It is a small grey box to the left of column A and above row 1 towards the top left-hand corner of the screen. |
Sheet Tabs | The Sheet Tabs allow you to move between worksheets. Each worksheet is part of a workbook. A new workbook contains three sheets,at the bottom left-hand corner of a worksheet, named Sheet1 - Sheet3. You can insert a new worksheet by clicking on the green cross or through the Insert menu (Insert/Worksheet). |
Standard Toolbar | The Standard Toolbar contains icons for tools that are used frequently. This
includes;
New, Open, Save Print, Print Preview, Cut, Copy, Paste, Undo Redo, AutoSum, Paste Function, Chart, Zoom and Help. |
Tab Scrolling Buttons | Tab Scrolling Buttons are used for scrolling between sheets. Choose the direction you want to go and click. Alternatively you can point and the tab scrolling bars with your cursor, it will be in the shape of an arrow, then click your right mouse button. This will display a menu of all the worksheets, allowing you to select one. |
Title Bar | The Title Bar allows you to minimise, maximise, restore or close Spreadsheets. |
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