What are the advantages and disadvantages of using ms excel same goes to lotus 1-2-3?

advantages and disadvantages of ms excel and lotus 1-2-3 anyone??

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using ms excel same goes to lotus 1-2-3?
I can tell you lots of advantages for MS Excel:



Compatability. A lot of people use Microsoft Office, a lot fewer use Lotus, without converting files, more people will be able to use it. Even open office and google apps can use MS Excel files natively.



VBA. MS Excel allows you to use standard visual basic code. Using this, you can do virtually anything with excel.



Compatability to databases and other software, you can use excel easily with access databases when you decide you need to archive your database and allow multiple users at once.







Disadvantages for Lotus. I don't think it is being developed anymore. There are no updates, no better versions or improvements coming out. Last release was in 2002. There is a link to 123.



I am more knowledgeable about the features of excel. With all of the formulas and VBA functions that Excel has, it would be hard not to choose it as a winner. You can pick up an educational license excel for under $50. Price shouldn't be an issue to learn on.
Reply:Certainly, Excel is considered to be the Standard today. It will give you the option of more professional appearance and with Virtual Basic it allows a higher level of macro functions. All of this means the programming is more complicated for the average user. I learned on 123 and like it for creating macros. In some respects it is easier to use than Excel. The downside is that it isn't being improved today, mainly because the popularity of Excel. I hate to see it disappear but technology marches on.

Bottom line - if you are writing your own spreadsheets it would be easier to write macros in 123. Your sheets won't look as professional and if you share them with someone who uses Excel they can open a 123 file.

If you can get a good price on Excel or if you want to use Open Office (a free Excel lookalike) and your usage is not too complicated don't get 123.

I use both so it is somewhat a tossup but (and I hate to say it) Excel is the future.

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