Summary

Visicalc electronic worksheet, later known as a spreadsheet.

VisiCalc, introduced in 1979, was the world's first electronic worksheet (spreadsheet).

VisiCalc automated many business calculations and produced results more efficiently than manual use of pencil, paper and calculator. According to the VisiCalc manual, 'The power of the VisiCalc program lies in the fact that the computer remembers the formulas and calculators used in solving a problem.'. Note that the term 'electronic workshheet' is used: the term 'spreadsheet' had yet to be coined.

Microsoft subsequently developed MultiPlan, which was released in 1984, which was the first 'spreadsheet' (as opposed to electronic worksheet) on the first Macintosh, and the ubiquitous spreadsheet, Excel, which was released for the Macintosh in 1985 and later for Windows. Excel had a significant impact on the sales of the Macintosh into the business sector.

Part of a representative collection of hardware, software, trade literature and promotional material that documents the history of the Apple company, and its contribution to, and impact on the computer industry and society.

Physical Description

Boxed manual including two 5.25 inch disks.

Significance

VisiCalc, introduced in 1979, was the world's first electronic worksheet (spreadsheet).

More Information