Spreadsheet Resources for Incoming Freshmen
All SCSE majors use a spreadsheet application at some point in their courses. It is advantageous to have some degree of skill in using spreadsheets before you start classes for your first semester.
Take the online Spreadsheet Skills Assessment
Online training resources are available including these (many are old but still useful):
Excel Help (Microsoft)
Excel Basics (University of Alberta)
Excel Tutorial (University of South Dakota)
Excel Tips (University of Alberta)
Excel Starter's Guide (PDFConverter.com)
Excel Training (a fee is charged) (Microsoft)
Office Suite Purchasing
Many students use Microsoft Office which is available at a deep discount from the UMD Computer Corner. Open source office suites are also acceptable including OpenOffice, NeoOffice, and others but be aware that support is limited and some features may not be available.
Many courses use the Excel Analysis Toolpak which is a no cost add-on to the program. The Macintosh version of Microsoft Excel does not currently have the Toolpak available (the next update will have the Toolpak) so please be aware of that before purchasing.