Microsoft Windows and spreadsheets: to be or not to be?

• Author: Palmer, Don
• Position: Computer Corner

A survey of the members of the Oregon Municipal Finance Officers Association (OMFOA) concerning their use of computer software was described in the August 1993 issue of Government Finance Review. In addition to conducting this annual survey and publishing its results, the Data Processing Committee of the OMFOA exchanges information and consults with peers several ways. First, in the past two years, OMFOA's annual conferences have had roundtable discussions regarding information systems and technological changes. Secondly, the committee is developing a resource directory to assist members with various types of shared documents or spreadsheets. Finally, the committee's members are publishing articles in the state newsletter providing tips or information regarding information technology.

OMFOA's Data Processing Committee completed its third annual data processing survey of members. The results in Exhibit 1 show trends occurring among OMFOA members. One trend emerging is members either have made the switch from DOS spreadsheets to the Windows versions or have at least pondered the idea: "To be or not to be?"

In the same spirit of sharing successes and some not-so-successful ventures that we have among OMFOA members, I am offering to Government Finance Review this commentary based on my experience with Windows spreadsheets that was published in the OMFOA newsletter Update for whatever help it may be to colleagues throughout the country.

Before you consider to be or not to be, I would like you to consider software, training and hardware. Microsoft Windows has made our spreadsheets a more effective tool, which has made our current DOS software obsolete. Using a mouse as the command bar and a group of pictures called icons, we can perform several tasks at the touch of a button instead of multiple keystrokes.

For those who have converted, the efficiency obtained makes work fun. With the newer spreadsheets, graphing is easier, formatting is faster, and moving around the spreadsheet is at the touch of a button.

Exhibit 1 RESPONSES TO OMFOA DATA PROCESSING SURVEY Data from survey Percent increase (decrease) over prior year Use of Windows environment 19.0% Use of PC networks 16.8 Use of mainframes and/or mini computers 2.6 Use of PC stand alone 23.0 Those still using DOS should weigh the issue of compatibility to other users. It is becoming more difficult to network or share each others' spreadsheets. Information is lost when saving from a higher...