Msg: 4190 *Conference*

04-11-93 00:06:53

From: RICHARD HANSON

To : ALL

Subj: SPREADSHEETING

-----
Model T Spreadsheets by Richard Hanson
 
For quite some time, I've talked about getting more our of your Model T
computer--more then just word processing.  This is not to say that word
processing isn't a good thing to do with a Model T.  It is!  But, what else can
we do with our Model T's that would serve us just as much as word processing?
The answer is spreadsheeting. 
 
I cut my teeth on VisiCalc back in the mid to late 70's.  VisiCalc was the
first, micro-based spreadsheet application program.  I not only learned
VisiCalc on my own but applied it to running just about everything in my real
estate brokerage business back then.  I spent tons of hours playing with the
various features.  And I was often called in by fellow business friends to
build stand-alone spreadsheets for their operations. 
 
I enjoyed spreadsheet work so much that I started contracting out on a regular
basis.  In the early 80's when I switch my career to computer education, I
augmented my teaching duties as a professional spreadsheet developer.  And,
during the hey day of Lotus 1-2-3, was earning over $500/day at spreadsheet
development.  At the same time, I taught beginning and advanced Lotus 1-2-3 for
6 1/2 years at Presidio of San Francisco as a contractor.  That's where I met
my good friend and fellow Model T'er, Bill Clyde.  Bill logs onto this system
quite often.  Bill was one of the original Club 100 members--but all that is
another story. 
 
Like all businesses, things change.  Spreadsheet development work, and
spreadsheet training went away, and I went in other directions.  But, thanks to
all that background, my spreadsheet skills are honed to the point that I think
spreadsheet before thinking anything else.  In fact, I model just about
everything with a spreadsheet program.  Guess what?  All Club 100 sales
operations are accomplished with macro-driven Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets. 
 
Okay, so why the brag?  Why am I telling you all this?  And why am I placing
this in the (1)Conference instead of some place else on this BBS?  Quite
simply: To kick off a major focus for Club 100, as we start the second decade
of Model T computing. 
 
-----
 
There were only 4 spreadsheet programs built for Model T's.  They are:
Multiplan, Lucid, MiniVC, and Spread. 
 
Multiplan was developed by Microsoft and sold by Tandy.  It's a ROM-based
program available as an option ROM for Model's 100 and 102, and built into the
system ROM's of the Model 200.  Today, Club 100 is "the" source for Multiplan.
We bought out Tandy's warehouse of all Multiplan ROM's available.  We did this
two years ago and are down to about 30 copies.  Once they are gone, we will
negotiate with Microsoft to manufacture it on site. 
 
Lucid was developed by The Portable Computer Support Group (PCSG) in Texas.
Lucid is also a ROM-based program available for Model's 100, 102, and 200.
Lucid is available by itself or as one of the programs on the SuperROM option
ROM.  Frankly, Lucid is "the best" spreadsheet for Model T's.  PCSG sold the
marketing and manufacturing rights to Tri-Mike Network East (Mike Nugent of
Portable 100 fame).  Mike sells Lucid and the other PCSG ROMware, but getting a
hold of Mike is almost impossible due to Mike's varied interests.  To make a
long story even longer, Mike recently turned over the sales of Lucid, and all
the other PCSG ROMware to ... guess who?! 
 
The last two spreadsheets are RAM-based; meaning that they must reside and run
from RAM.  Also, they are available for Model's 100 and 102, only.  MiniVC,
known as MVCWM3.BA, and Spread.BA are available for downloading from the Club
100, online library.  The descriptions are as follows: 
 
 MVCWM3.BA      12130   (07-01-88)
 MVCWM3.DO      13637   (07-01-88)
 The newest version of MINIVC. It is a spreadsheet program which works similar
to Visicalc. MVCWM3.DO - The long awaited documentation for MVCWM3.BA. 
 
 SPREAD.BA      11660   (11-20-87)
 SPRED1.DO       4987   (11-20-87)
 SPRED2.DO      11525   (11-20-87)
 A spreadsheet similar to MINIVC but quicker and more versatile. Note: this
program supports the expanded modes of the Disk/Video interface. 
 
-----
 
This ends the introduction to spreadsheeting; and thus kicks off our new focus.
From here I will--together with you, of course--explore building spreadsheets
for fun and profit.  I will set guidelines for uploading and downloading
spreadsheet templates in future messages.  All templates will be placed in the
online library, available to online library access members. 
 
In the mean time, I expect that "all interested readers" acquire online library
access.  The cost is just $12 annually.  Frankly, if you're using this BBS and
don't have online library access I must question your priorities.  We support
you.  The least you can do is support us.  I don't think I can be any more
blunt.  But of course, your participation over the next year or so will be well
worth the effort. 
 
Thank you... -Rick-