Xspread divides the spreadsheet window into four regions. Xspread uses the top line for displaying the cell address the cursor is on, displaying cell values, and entering commands. The second region consists of the second and the third line. Here xspread display messages or options for the slash (/) command. In the latter case the third line is used to show a short description of the highlighted option. A third region is immediately under the third line and along the left edge of the window. This region shows the column addresses and row addresses. The fourth region is the worksheet work space which is currently displayed.
Unlike other spreadsheets, xspread does not have a status line showing such information as the current time, operating mode, or amount of workspace left.
The xspread electronic worksheet is organized in two dimensions: vertical columns and horizontal rows. The worksheet has 702 columns labeled alphabetically A through ZZ (A through Z and AA through ZZ). The number of rows only depends on the available memory. Rows are numbered from 0 on.
Where a row meets a column, the intersection is called a cell. Cells have addresses which consist of their column letter(s) and row number. Examples of cell addresses are A1, E56, and AH187. The upper left corner has cell address ``A0''. The cell address occupied by the cursor is shown on the top line.
If a cell's numeric value is wider than the column width, the cell is filled with asterisks. If the cell's label string is wider than the column width, the display of the label is truncated at the start of the next non-blank cell in the same row.
The xspread worksheet window has two cursors. The cell cursor highlights the current cell. The character cursor shows up when you type a command on the top line.
The user gives commands to xspread through the use of function keys and slash (/) commands. Unlike other spreadsheets, xspread does NOT assume the existence of dedicated function keys on the terminal keyboard. Therefore, you have to enter all xspread commands using either printable ASCII characters or control key combinations. All commands entered using printable characters are case sensitive.
This manual indicates control key combinations by showing a caret (ˆ ) immediately prior to the control key's letter. For example, control A is shown as ˆ A.