Changes

The application runs under CP/M with at least one floppy disk drive and a memory of 128 kByte, better with at least 62 Kbytes TPA (free space available under a patched CP/M2.2 or - of course - plus / 3), and a monitor 80 characters per line (which is included by the purchased standard monitors GT & GTM - they managed this resolution by default). Multiplan runs on all CPCs of the old (and new) generation, provided the computers 464 and 664 had a memory expansion (eg. [[Vortex Expansions RAM card|VORTEX]], or other, similar additional hardware). A printer could be accessed via the Centronics interface. The operation of a second floppy drive was recommended in terms of a more comfortable work. Also it is highly recommended that a CP/M patch for fast textout is applied in terms for "ergonomically" working. All files of the original Multiplan version being used on the usual 170 kByte 135 kByte floppy (without operating system).

[[Image:Alpha command.png|left|Alpha command.pngpicture 2 - "Text input"]]The command "<u>'''ALPHAA'''</u>'''LPHA'''" it is possible to insert text only. Just press '''[TAB ] '''oder the Initial '''inital '''or '''key-stroke '''"A" (or in other languages its analog character). If '''[RETURN ] '''is pressed the next cell is highlighted. If a '''[CURSOR&nbsp;KEY ] '''is pressed the next cell is highlighted AND it is possible to enter either a&nbsp;number, a&nbsp;text&nbsp;or a&nbsp;formula to the corresponding text (= quick method for data input).

VALUES Values could be a number between 0-9, ",", "=", "+", "-", "(", ")" oder double quotes itself.

To insert a number, figure or a formula press TAB until you reach "<u>'''VALUEV'''</u>'''ALUE'''" or press its initial. Normally you put in a number between 0-9. Nothing else, but a formula.<br>With '''formulas '''you can let the computer calculate stuff for you. And - the same way as it is in Excel or other modern spreadsheet applications - you to tell it what to do.[[Image:Formula_Command.png|right|picture 2 - "Formula and Equations"]] In the picture on the right you'll see a relative cell relation from the result cell where you have been starting. For inserting a formula just press V or "=" Key.<br>Together with formulas comes the command <u>'''N'''</u>'''AME'''. Multiplan is able to define a certain name for a certain cells or range of cells. Why? Manpower tends to cope with its enviroment in an easier way if it is built up visual. That means: it is easier for mankind to remind a name than a quantity of figures (mainly if it has more than 5 to 7 digits). The brain abstracts a name and put it togeter with experiences which can be called up very fast and ...easy. That's all. For the same reason a mnemonic (=&nbsp;crib) code was established for the assembler language insteand of working with binary digits. Came back:&nbsp;it is possible to assamble a formula with the help of cell names instead their absolut positions in the coordinates system. A name is independent from its content. It is possible to delete the content the name still is available. To delete a name you have to delete in NAME the "...to refer to:..." relationship.<br>Despite the fact that every name "wastes" a byte or more in the spread sheet and therefore rare memory will decrease, the fact that multiplan can apply ONE name over a certain range and a formula which uses a name out of that range and still knows&nbsp;the relation&nbsp;is a quite unique technique. Even MS Excel can't do this in that easy way.

For changing a cell / row /&nbsp;coloumn format you will enter the "<u>'''FORMATF'''</u>'''ORMAT'''" command. Their options are "Cells, Default, Options, Width". With "Cells" you're able to define a single cells appearance (alignment or format-code). Alignment could be: Default, Center, Block, Left or Right. Format-code could be: Default, Continous, Exponential, Fix Comma Number, Block, Integer, Currency, Chart, Percent, no changes. (Default means for text &gt; left alignement, and for figures &gt; right alignement, no decimals and currency).

By the way: To define or operate over a '''range&nbsp;'''of cells&nbsp;it is necessary to use a '''COLON colon '''between two cell-item-specification (e.g. &nbsp;R1C1:R1C6 = is a range of six cells among each other. If you want to change a format e.g. for only a certain line you specificate the range like that R1C1:63 (last cell in that line) . So the next 62 cells right from R1C1 have the same specification like R1C1. If you specificate the range like this R1C1:C63 than all cells in a range R1C1 to last Row in sheet and C63 will be adapted (and could take a very long time!). With the command <u>'''I'''</u>'''NSERT''' or <u>'''D'''</u>'''ELETE''' you are able to insert or delete a certain number of rows or coloumns before or after the highlighted cell. The command <u>'''B'''</u>'''LANK '''is as easy as it is&nbsp;said. Delete a cells content or put a blank in it. Just a matter of the point of view. <u>'''C'''</u>'''OPY '''let the applications copy the highlighted cells (content or formula) in a self-explaining way (possibilities can be right, down and "from... to...&nbsp;" is possible, but that's enough). For loading and saving your sheets you can use the <u>'''T'''</u>'''RANSFER '''command. Enhance the file name with the driver letter for changing the data storing enviroment.