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From the 1979 invention by two MIT students of the visible calculator to the war between Lotus and Microsoft for dominance in the spreadsheet market, this book is a fascinating look at the software application that helped spur the entire computer industry. This loving look back at the early computer and technology evolution will teach anyone interested in computer history about the MIT students, Bricklin and Frankston, and their unique vision; how Mitch Kapor and Lotus 1-2-3 trumped VisiCalc; how the spreadsheet gave businesses a reason to buy PCs; and how Microsoft came to dominate the market. The book also contains descriptions of 25 amazing spreadsheets that users can download from the book's web site.

This book is aimed at all spreadsheet users, from the complete beginner to those familiar with VisiCalc who wish to use ready-made spreadsheets ('templates') to help run small businesses or to perform technical calculations. The section aimed at the complete beginner assumes no knowledge of VisiCalc or of any other spreadsheet, but teaches the basic principles of spreadsheets, using VisiCalc as the medium. Once VisiCalc is understood, it is easy to convert to any other spreadsheet. The skilled VisiCalc user is introduced to the concept of 'templates' or 'master spreadsheets' and hints on designing them are included. Spreadsheets in general, and VisiCalc in particular, are normally used in financial applications, but they have other uses. Several technical spreadsheets are included to stimulate the imagination as well as others for use in education. Finally the authors show how VisiCalc can even be fun!