Microsoft Works

[Joe Scharle]

Does everyone have this product? It comes with a simple budget spreadsheet that I think would be helpful in forecasting. Directors who have project/cost responsibilities could present expected cost, followed at project end of actual expenses/gain. If you are already using a budget planner, please excuse me, as I couldn't find any in the materials Doug gave me on Friday. And if in your experience, you don't think a budget plan is necessary for the purposes of the board's operation, let me know your feelings on that as well.

Thanks, Joe

 

[ScottM]

Joe we did not have a formal budget last year. We did talk about establishing one but it was not a top priority. I agree one should be created. Now that we have a year under our belt it might be easier to create a plan.

 

[SteveColes]

Planning:swoon::swoon::rotflm:
How about excel?

 

[Joe Scharle]

I thought of Works (free) since not everyone may already have Excel ($$$). I've got both, so I can go with either. However, Works has some already put together templates included. I'll send you guys one example via email to look over.

 

[SteveColes]

Joe, I went to get a copy of Works and it $40, certainly not much but not free:gar-Bi I have no problem using whatever you prefer.

Just as an aside, I pretty sure the Works templates can be converted to work in excel. The one you sent, I converted to both windows and Mac excel with out any obvious problems.

 

[Joe Scharle]

That's true about Excel/Word recognizing Works. But I'm surprised you don't already have Works in your ver of Windows. Have you clicked START, typed 'works' in the search box?

 

[Trent Mason]

Joe, I don't have MS Works on my machine, but as others have stated, I'm pretty sure Excel will recognize the files. If you go with Excel, I would recommend saving them in ".xls" format and stay away from the newer format ".xlsx" as some folks may not have that new of a version. Good job taking the initiative to put this together. :icon_thum

 

[SteveColes]

That's true about Excel/Word recognizing Works. But I'm surprised you don't already have Works in your ver of Windows. Have you clicked START, typed 'works' in the search box?

If I remember correctly, Works does not come with the OS. But most manufacturers who pre-install windows will include Works as part of their software package. Since all machines have OEM versions of windows 7, there is no Works. Yes I searched for it. But I coud be the only one.

 

[Joe Scharle]

OK. But if you guys get a chance before Tuesdays conf call to play with that little budget planner, let me know what you think. Change some names, plug in some data etc.
Thanks,

Joe

 

[ScottM]

It works fine on my work machine. As far as budget goes I ONLY need $1.2 million this year. Last year I asked for $1.5 million.

 

[McRabbet]

I have both MS Works 7.0 and MS Excel (as part of MS Office 2007 Professional version), so I can work with either program although I prefer Excel. I agree that if we use Excel that we save files in the 2003 format (.xls) so there are no interchange issues. Joe, if you sent out a budget template, I did not get it -- my email is rrpayne@bellsouth.net. Thanks -- I'll be on the conf call tomorrow evening.

 

[Joe Scharle]

Budget Proposals

I've received completed proposals from Scott Miller.

Yeah SCOTT!:banana: Anyone else?

BTW, Scott sent his 4 proposals (He has 4 projects) combined into a Workbook. Makes it more convenient for me!