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
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Collection Names
The Apple Company Collection, Internet Macintosh User Group (iMug) Collection
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Brian Ferguson, 22 Nov 2006
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Manufacturer
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Format
Magnetic carrier, Floppy disk, 5¼ inch
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Inscriptions
Front Sleeve: VISICALC: INSTANTLY CALCULATING 'ELECTRONIC WORKSHEET'+ Logo: VISICORP, PERONAL SOFTWARE TM Sticker: IMAGINEERING, Approved Software Rear Sleeve: Includes the words 'The program that takes the work out of working with numbers' and a screen shot. Box cover: Logo, VISICORP PERSONAL SOFTWARE Manual - ring binder has logo and VISICORP PERSONAL SOFTWARE. The manual consists of a black plastic cover with approx. 174 pages and 4 information sheets: 1. User Support Plan. 2. License agreement. 3. Pocket reference. 4. Promotional material. Two 5.25 inch floppy disks: 1. VisiCalc program diskette, Apple II and II Plus 48k, 16 sector by Software Arts Inc. Handwritten in pe: B.J. Ferguson 857-7625. © 1979, 1981. all rights reserved. 2. One spare 5.25 inch floppy disk with write protect tab.
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Brand Names
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
260 mm (Length), 200 mm (Width), 45 mm (Height)
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Keywords
Computer Graphics, Computer Software, Computers, Computing, Spreadsheet Software, Spreadsheets Software, Making History - Apple Computer Collection