Lotus 1-2-3: A Classic Spreadsheet Program
If you are a fan of vintage software or nostalgic about the early days of personal computing, you might have heard of Lotus 1-2-3. It was one of the first and most successful spreadsheet programs that revolutionized the business world in the 1980s. It was also one of the main reasons why people bought IBM PCs and their clones.
But what is Lotus 1-2-3 exactly and why was it so popular? How can you download and install it on your Windows 10 computer today? And what are the alternatives and benefits of using modern spreadsheet programs instead? In this article, we will answer these questions and more.
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What is Lotus 1-2-3 and why was it popular?
Lotus 1-2-3 was a spreadsheet program developed by Lotus Software (later part of IBM) in 1983. It ran on DOS, Windows, OS/2, Mac OS, and other operating systems. It was named after its three main features: spreadsheet calculations, database functionality, and graphical charts. It allowed users to create, edit, and analyze data in various formats, such as tables, graphs, reports, and macros.
Lotus 1-2-3 was the first killer application of the IBM PC, meaning that it was so useful and powerful that it drove the sales of the hardware platform. It was also much faster, easier, and more versatile than its competitors, such as VisiCalc, Multiplan, and SuperCalc. It became the standard spreadsheet program throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s, along with other office automation products like dBase and WordPerfect.
Features and functions of Lotus 1-2-3
Lotus 1-2-3 had many features and functions that made it a superior spreadsheet program at its time. Some of them were:
It supported up to 256 columns, 8,192 rows, and 32 sheets per workbook.
It had over 100 built-in functions for mathematical, statistical, financial, logical, date/time, text, database, and other operations.
It had a powerful macro language that allowed users to automate tasks, create custom functions, menus, dialogs, forms, etc.
It had a flexible database feature that allowed users to sort, filter, query, import, export, link, and merge data from various sources.
It had a graphical feature that allowed users to create charts, graphs, histograms, pie charts , and other types of visual representations of data.
It had a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) interface that allowed users to see how their spreadsheets would look like when printed.
It had a menu-driven and keyboard-driven interface that allowed users to access commands and functions easily and quickly.
It had a help system that provided context-sensitive and comprehensive information on how to use the program.
History and evolution of Lotus 1-2-3
Lotus 1-2-3 was created by a team of programmers led by Mitch Kapor, who was also the founder of Lotus Software. Kapor was inspired by VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet program for personal computers, but he wanted to create a more advanced and user-friendly product. He hired Jonathan Sachs, a former employee of VisiCalc's developer, Software Arts, to be the lead developer of Lotus 1-2-3. Sachs wrote most of the code in assembly language, which made the program very fast and efficient.
The first version of Lotus 1-2-3 was released in January 1983 and sold for $495. It was an instant success, selling over 100,000 copies in the first year and generating over $50 million in revenue. It soon became the best-selling software product in the world, surpassing VisiCalc and other competitors. It also helped IBM to dominate the PC market, as many customers bought IBM PCs or compatible machines just to run Lotus 1-2-3.
The rise and fall of Lotus 1-2-3
Lotus 1-2-3 continued to dominate the spreadsheet market throughout the 1980s, releasing several updates and new versions that added more features and functions. Some of the notable versions were:
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Lotus 1-2-3 Release 2 (1985), which added support for expanded memory, international character sets, improved graphics, and more functions.
Lotus 1-2-3 Release 3 (1989), which added support for Microsoft Windows, OS/2, networked environments, data analysis tools, and more database features.
Lotus 1-2-3 Release 4 (1991), which added support for multiple windows, object linking and embedding (OLE), macro virus protection, and more graphical features.
Lotus 1-2-3 Release 5 (1994), which added support for Internet connectivity, multimedia, voice recognition, and more customization options.
However, Lotus 1-2-3 also faced increasing competition from other spreadsheet programs, especially Microsoft Excel, which was launched in 1985 as part of Microsoft Office. Excel offered many advantages over Lotus 1-2-3, such as a more intuitive user interface, better integration with other Microsoft products, more compatibility with different platforms, and more innovation and development from Microsoft. Excel gradually gained market share and surpassed Lotus 1-2-3 as the most popular spreadsheet program in the mid-1990s.
In addition, Lotus Software faced several challenges and changes in its corporate structure and strategy. In 1986, Kapor left the company after a dispute with the board of directors over the direction of the company. In 1995, IBM acquired Lotus Software for $3.5 billion, hoping to leverage its expertise in office productivity software. However, IBM failed to capitalize on its acquisition and did not invest enough resources or attention to Lotus 1-2-3. IBM also faced antitrust lawsuits from the US government and other competitors over its alleged unfair practices in bundling Lotus 1-2-3 with its hardware products.
The legacy and impact of Lotus 1-2-3
Despite its decline and eventual discontinuation in 2014, Lotus 1-2-3 left a lasting legacy and impact on the software industry and the business world. Some of its contributions were:
It established the spreadsheet as a vital tool for business analysis, planning, forecasting, budgeting, accounting, and decision making.
It popularized the concept of a killer application that drives the demand for a hardware platform or an operating system.
It set the standards and conventions for spreadsheet design, functionality, and usability that are still followed by modern spreadsheet programs.
It influenced the development of other software products and technologies, such as databases, graphics, macros 1-2-3 on Windows 10. Some of them are:
Option 1: Copy the CD to the local drive and run as administrator. This is the simplest and easiest option, but it may not work for all versions of Lotus 1-2-3. You will need to have the original CD or a copy of the installation files of Lotus 1-2-3. You will also need to have a CD-ROM drive or a virtual CD-ROM drive on your Windows 10 computer. The steps are as follows:
Insert the CD or mount the virtual CD on your Windows 10 computer.
Copy the entire contents of the CD to a folder on your local drive, such as C:\Lotus123.
Right-click on the setup.exe file in the folder and select Properties.
Go to the Compatibility tab and check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for. Then, select Windows XP (Service Pack 3) or another older version of Windows from the drop-down menu.
Also, check the box for Run this program as an administrator.
Click OK to save the changes.
Double-click on the setup.exe file to start the installation process. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
Once installed, you can launch Lotus 1-2-3 from the Start menu or the desktop shortcut.
Option 2: Use a virtual machine or an emulator. This is a more reliable and flexible option, but it requires more technical skills and resources. You will need to have a virtual machine software, such as VirtualBox or VMware, or an emulator software, such as DOSBox or vDos, on your Windows 10 computer. You will also need to have an image file or a diskette of an older operating system, such as DOS or Windows 3.x, that can run Lotus 1-2-3. The steps are as follows:
Install and launch the virtual machine or emulator software on your Windows 10 computer.
Create a new virtual machine or emulator session and load the image file or diskette of the older operating system.
Configure the settings and preferences of the virtual machine or emulator, such as memory, disk space, display, sound, etc., according to your needs and preferences.
Insert the CD or mount the virtual CD of Lotus 1-2-3 on the virtual machine or emulator.
Run the setup.exe file from the CD and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
Once installed, you can launch Lotus 1-2-3 from within the virtual machine or emulator.
Option 3: Use an online archive or a third-party website. This is a convenient and quick option, but it may not be legal or safe. You will need to have an Internet connection and a web browser on your Windows 10 computer. You will also need to have a trusted and reputable online archive or a third-party website that offers Lotus 1-2-3 for download. The steps are as follows:
Open your web browser and go to the online archive or the third-party website that has Lotus 1-2-3 available for download.
Search for the version of Lotus 1-2-3 that you want to download and click on the download link.
Save the downloaded file to a folder on your local drive, such as C:\Lotus123.
Extract the contents of the downloaded file using a file compression software, such as WinZip or 7-Zip.
Right-click on the setup.exe file in the extracted folder and select Properties.
Go to the Compatibility tab and check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for. Then, select Windows XP (Service Pack 3) or another older version of Windows from the drop-down menu.
Also, check the box for Run this program as an administrator.
Click OK to save the changes.
Double-click on the setup.exe file to start the installation process. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
Once installed, you can launch Lotus 1-2-3 from the Start menu or the desktop shortcut.
What are the alternatives and benefits of using modern spreadsheet programs?
While Lotus 1-2-3 was a great spreadsheet program in its time, it is no longer suitable for today's needs and expectations. It is outdated, unsupported, insecure, and incompatible with modern operating systems and applications. Therefore, it is advisable to use modern spreadsheet programs instead of Lotus 1-2-3. Modern spreadsheet programs offer many advantages and benefits over Lotus 1-2-3, such as:
The advantages of using modern spreadsheet programs over Lotus 1-2-3
Some of the advantages of using modern spreadsheet programs over Lotus 1-2-3 are:
Better user interface and functionality
Modern spreadsheet programs have a more user-friendly and intuitive user interface that makes it easier and faster to create, edit, and format spreadsheets. They also have more functionality and features that allow users to perform more complex and sophisticated tasks, such as data analysis, visualization, automation, collaboration, etc.
More compatibility and integration with other applications
Modern spreadsheet programs are more compatible and integrated with other applications and platforms, such as word processors, presentation software, email clients, web browsers, cloud services, etc. They can also open and save files in various formats, such as .xlsx, .csv, .pdf, .html, etc. They can also import and export data from various sources, such as databases, web pages, XML files , etc. They can also communicate and share data with other applications using various methods, such as OLE, API, web services, etc.
More security and support from developers
Modern spreadsheet programs are more secure and supported by their developers and vendors. They have more protection and prevention measures against viruses, malware, hackers, data loss, corruption, etc. They also have more updates and patches that fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features and functions. They also have more documentation and help resources that provide guidance and assistance to users.
The examples of modern spreadsheet programs that can replace Lotus 1-2-3
Some of the examples of modern spreadsheet programs that can replace Lotus 1-2-3 are:
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel is the most widely used spreadsheet program in the world. It is part of the Microsoft Office suite of productivity software. It runs on Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android, and web browsers. It has a rich set of features and functions that cover all aspects of spreadsheet creation, editing, analysis, visualization, automation, collaboration, etc. It can also integrate and interact with other Microsoft products and services, such as Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, SharePoint, etc. It can also open and save files in Lotus 1-2-3 format (.wk1, .wk3, .wk4), as well as other formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv, .pdf, .html, etc.). It is available for purchase or subscription from Microsoft or authorized resellers.
Google Sheets
Google Sheets is a free online spreadsheet program that is part of the Google Workspace suite of cloud-based productivity software. It runs on web browsers and mobile devices. It has a simple and intuitive user interface that makes it easy and fast to create, edit, and share spreadsheets. It has a decent set of features and functions that cover the basic and intermediate needs of spreadsheet users. It can also integrate and interact with other Google products and services, such as Docs, Slides, Gmail, Drive, Calendar , etc. It can also open and save files in Lotus 1-2-3 format (.wk1, .wk3, .wk4), as well as other formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv, .pdf, .html, etc.). It is available for free or with a paid subscription from Google or authorized resellers.
LibreOffice Calc
LibreOffice Calc is a free and open source spreadsheet program that is part of the LibreOffice suite of productivity software. It runs on Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and other operating systems. It has a comprehensive and customizable user interface that makes it powerful and flexible for creating, editing, and analyzing spreadsheets. It has a large set of features and functions that cover the advanced and professional needs of spreadsheet users. It can also integrate and interact with other LibreOffice products and services, such as Writer, Impress, Base, Math, etc. It can also open and save files in Lotus 1-2-3 format (.wk1, .wk3, .wk4), as well as other formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv, .pdf, .html, etc.). It is available for free download from the LibreOffice website or authorized resellers.
Conclusion
Lotus 1-2-3 was a classic spreadsheet program that changed the software industry and the business world in the 1980s. It was the first killer application of the IBM PC and the standard spreadsheet program for many years. However, it became obsolete and incompatible with modern operating systems and applications, such as Windows 10. Therefore, it is advisable to use modern spreadsheet programs instead of Lotus 1-2-3. Modern spreadsheet programs offer many advantages and benefits over Lotus 1-2-3, such as better user interface and functionality, more compatibility and integration with other applications, and more security and support from developers. Some examples of modern spreadsheet programs that can replace Lotus 1-2-3 are Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and LibreOffice Calc.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Lotus 1-2-3:
Q: Is Lotus 1-2-3 still available for purchase or download?
A: No, Lotus 1-2-3 is no longer available for purchase or download from IBM or any authorized resellers. The last version of Lotus 1-2-3 was released in 2014 and discontinued in 2015.
Q: Can I open Lotus 1-2-3 files with modern spreadsheet programs?
A: Yes, most modern spreadsheet programs can open Lotus 1-2-3 files with the extension .wk1, .wk3, or .wk4. However, some formatting or functionality may be lost or altered during the conversion process.
Q: Can I convert Lotus 1-2-3 files to other formats?
A: Yes, you can convert Lotus 1-2-3 files to other formats using online converters or third-party software. However , some quality or accuracy may be compromised or lost during the conversion process.
Q: What are the system requirements for running Lotus 1-2-3 on Windows 10?
A: The system requirements for running Lotus 1-2-3 on Windows 10 depend on the method and tool you use to run it. Generally, you will need at least a 1 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM, 500 MB of disk space, a CD-ROM drive or a virtual CD-ROM drive, and an Internet connection.
Q: Is it legal or safe to use Lotus 1-2-3 on Windows 10?
A: The legality and safety of using Lotus 1-2-3 on Windows 10 depend on the source and method you use to obtain and run it. Generally, it is legal and safe to use Lotus 1-2-3 on Windows 10 if you have a valid license and a legitimate copy of the software. However, it may not be legal or safe to use Lotus 1-2-3 on Windows 10 if you download or install it from an unauthorized or unverified online archive or third-party website. You may also violate the terms and conditions of IBM or Microsoft by using Lotus 1-2-3 on Windows 10.
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