Microsoft Office

Part I
Getting Started with Excel
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Keep a backup copy on a network server. Assumes that your system is connected to a server on
which you can write files. This method is fairly safe. If the network server is located in the same
building, however, you’re at risk if the entire building burns down or is otherwise destroyed.
Keep a backup copy on a removable medium. The safest method. Using a removable medium,
such as a CD-ROM, enables you to physically take the backup to another location. So, if your system
(or the entire building) is damaged, your backup copy remains intact.
Excel File Compatibility
Perhaps one of the most confusing aspects of Excel is the nearly overwhelming number of files formats that
it can read and write. With the introduction of Excel 2007, things got even more confusing because it has
quite a few new files formats.
NOTE
Excel 2007 can open all files created with earlier versions of Excel.
Recognizing the Excel 2007 file formats
Excel’s new file formats are
n XLSX: A workbook file that does not contain macros
n XLSM: A workbook file that contains macros
n XLTX: A workbook template file that does not contain macros
n XLTM: A workbook template file that contains macros
n XLSA: An add-in file
n XLSB: A binary file similar to the old XLS format but able to accommodate the new features
n XLSK: A backup file
With the exception of XLSB, these are all “open” XLM files, which means that other applications are able to
read and write these types of files.
The XML files are actually zip-compressed text files. If you rename one of these files to have
TIP
a ZIP extension, then you’ll be able to examine the contents using any of several zip file
utilities — including the zip file support built into Windows.
The Office 2007 Compatibility Pack
Normally, those who use an earlier version of Excel can’t open workbooks saved in the new Excel 2007 file
formats. But, fortunately, Microsoft has released a free Compatibility Pack for Office 2003 and Office XP.
If an Office 2003 or Office XP user installs the Compatibility Pack, they will be able to open files created in
Office 2007 and also save files in Office 2007 format. The Office programs that are affected are Excel, Word,
and PowerPoint.
To download the Compatibility Pak, search the Web for Office 2007 Compatibility Pack.
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