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^CBy Daniel Tobias

   There are three traditional kinds of software used on personal computers:
databases, word processors, and spreadsheets.  Many people seem to regard these
as the only kinds of software worth mentioning; we think otherwise, and have
presented many useful, interesting, educational, and entertaining programs that
do not fit into any of these categories.  However, the fact remains that the
"big three" are major software categories, and many of you have purchased your
computers specifically to run these applications.  Because of this, we feel we
have a commitment to provide programs and features related to these applications
in BIG BLUE DISK from time to time.

   We took care of word processors in issue #4 with ^1PC-Write^0, a full-featured
"shareware" product which we presented in its entirety.  We did the same for
databases in #7 with ^1PC-File III^0.  Now it's time for us to turn to spreadsheets.
This issue, we present ^1ExpressCalc^0, an excellent "shareware" spreadsheet, as our
special program.  And, to help you make the most efficient use of this program,
this issue also features several templates created by our staff to let
^1ExpressCalc^0 do your work.

   If you don't know spreadsheets from bedsheets, check out the introductory
article on the subject.  But if you're an old hand at spreadsheets and have
created templates of your own, you might want to enter our template contest for
cash prizes.  See the articles in our special spreadsheet section for more
details.

   This issue, with its focus on spreadsheets, is the second in a series of
issues devoted to a theme.  The first was #9, the telecommunications issue. Next
issue will be devoted to graphics, and will include a full-featured drawing
program, a set of images for the popular ^1Print Shop^0 program, and more.  Let us
know about any other subjects on which you'd like to see theme issues.

   The spreadsheet theme extends even to our game of the month, ^1Calc-Man^0. You
may have heard of "integrated software" which combines several different
categories of software in one, like spreadsheets, databases, and word
processors.  Well, this is probably the first program to combine spreadsheets
and arcade games, giving you a ^1Pac-Man^0-like game on a ^1VisiCalc^0-like screen.
^1^0(Newcomers who don't recall ^0VisiCalc^0, the classic original spreadsheet, can call
it "Lotus-like.")  You've got to see it to believe it.

   As usual, there's other stuff on the issue too.  When you're printing out a
spreadsheet or anything else, our ^1Print Control^0 utility is helpful for setting
your printer's special modes.  For those of you entering the world of business
and finance, having a spreadsheet isn't enough: you must also speak the
language.  Our ^1Vocabulary Builder^0 will help you learn business-related words. If
you like weird games (and anybody who plays ^1Calc-Man^0 probably does), check out
the article describing ^1Nomic^0, the Game of Self-Amendment. Here's a game where
you change the rules as you go along.  The complete initial rules are included
to let you play this yourself, if you dare.  Having the rules change in mid-game
is no unusual experience for our computerized stickman ^1Alfredo^0; it's the story
of his life.  Watch his continuing misadventures in ^1Alfredo's Whopping Wattage^0.
All this and ^1Diskussion^0 too!  Don't waste your time reading this editorial; get
right into the issue!
