Did you know your Windows7 calculator could look like this?
At first glance, the Windows7 calculator seems the same as every version offered in Windows before. However, if you take a little time to explore, you’ll soon find there is much more to the calculator than ever before.
What do you do when you need a scientific, programming, or statistics calculator? When you need to, how do you calculate your mortgage, a vehicle lease, or the fuel economy of your vehicle? In the past you would probably turn to special online calculators, or complicated spreadsheets to figure things out.
But now you don’t need to do that. Instead, whip out your trusty Windows7 calculator, and calculate virtually any equation or situation. To change the way your calculator behaves, change the settings under the View menu.
Different Types of Calculators
Basic Calculator: When you first start the calculator, it opens as a basic calculator, allowing you perform all the normal functions you’re used to. You can always return to the basic calculator from any other setting by pressing ALT + 1.
Scientific Calculator: To access the scientific calculator go to View > Scientific. Or, you can press ALT + 2.
Programmer Calculator: To access the programmer calculator go to View > Programmer. Or, you can press ALT + 3.
Statistics Calculator: To access this calculator go to View > Statistics, or press ALT + 4.
Different Calculation Modes
Aside from 4 different types of calculators, you can also choose from different calculation “modes” to get the most out of your calculator. These are all located under the View Menu, toward the bottom of the list.
Unit Conversion: Whenever you are looking to convert something, this is the calculator you want. This mode allows you to calculate one type of unit of measurement into another type. For example, easily convert an angle into a degree, gradian, or radian. Or, calculate the area of something into square meters, or better yet, square millimeters. To quickly access this function, press CTRL + U.
Date Calculation: Want to quickly calculate the difference between two dates? This calculator mode makes it easy. Just put in the two dates, and it will show you
the difference in years, and in days. To quickly access this function, press CTRL + E.
Worksheets: When you want to calculate your mortgage, vehicle lease, or fuel economy, you’ll want to use these easy worksheets. Unfortunately, there are no shortcut keys for Worksheets. You will find them located at the bottom of the View Menu.
Mixing Calculations
Additionally, you can mix-up the functionality of your calculator, so that it’s unique to your specific needs. To do this, activate a specific calculator type and a specific mode. For example, you can change your calculator to a scientific calculator, and activate the date calculation mode so that you can quickly do either type of calculation.
Any of the calculators and modes can be mixed together, so play around with your Windows7 calculator settings. Before long you’ll have it custom tweaked for your needs, and you’ll never again seek out an online calculator or turn to a complicated spreadsheet for your calculation needs.
Julie Strier is a freelance writer who is interested in helping you enjoy your computer experience. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.mybusinesswriter.com.