Excel® 2010 Bible

Chapter 30. Using Excel in a Workgroup

IN THIS CHAPTER

Using Excel on a network

Understanding file reservations

Using shared workbooks

Tracking changes in a workbook

Most people who use a computer in an office connect to others via a network. In fact, networks are also common in homes. By enabling users to easily share data (and peripheral devices), networks make it much easier for you to work together with several people on projects. Excel has a number of features that facilitate this type of cooperation, and those features are the subject of this chapter.

NOTE

If you're working on a corporate network, you may need to consult with your network administrator before using any of the features described in this chapter.

30.1. Using Excel on a Network

A computer network consists of two or more PCs that are linked electronically. You can perform these tasks on a network:

• Access files on other systems.

• Share files with other users.

• Share resources, such as printers, scanners, and fax modems.

• Communicate with each other electronically.

Excel has tools that enable you to work cooperatively with other Excel users on a project.

30.2. Understanding File Reservations

Networks provide you with the ability to share information stored on other computer systems. Sharing files on a network has two major advantages:

• It eliminates the need to have multiple copies of a file stored locally on user PCs.

• It ensures that the file is always up to date. For example, a group of users can work on a single ...