It amazing how much cheaper a computer is if it doesn't
have much memory, has a small monitor, and doesn't have
the software you need.   People often forget about the software.
Chances are good that you get Microsoft Word with a new
computer but Excel is going to be left off of the bargain
computers.

Many of the free spreadsheet programs probably simulate
the function of Excel very well, but don't have support for
macros.

Most of us think Excel left out a lot of good stuff and make up
for that with User Defined Functions,  and macros,  neither of
which are available in the free spreadsheets and if they were
the language would not be one that most people are used to.
More people using a PC are familiar with Visual Basic than any
other programming language (as far as I know).
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HTH,
David McRitchie, Microsoft MVP - Excel    [site changed  Nov. 2001]
My Excel Pages:  http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/excel/excel.htm
Search Page:        http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/excel/search.htm