This text investigates the application of Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet software as a functional tool for solving complex engineering problems. D. M. Etter, an experienced educator in engineering computation, provides a structured framework for utilizing spreadsheet functions to perform numerical analysis. The book bridges the gap between general spreadsheet utility and the specific requirements of technical calculations, emphasizing efficiency and accuracy in data processing. By focusing on Release 2.3, the author establishes a baseline for computational methods that remain relevant to the history of engineering software.

Experts recognize this work as a foundational instructional manual for engineers transitioning to digital computation tools during the early 1990s. Readers frequently note the clarity of the procedural examples, which serve as a reliable reference for those working within the constraints of legacy software environments.