[sadefoy]

I have a new computer with windows vista. There is no spreadsheet with it like there used to be on computers. Is there a free way to get a spreadsheet system in my computer. I use spreadsheets some but not enough for me to buy anything to get it to work.

[robertva]

Microsoft operating systems don't come with spreadsheet applications. SOME computer vendors include such software as an additional incentive for you to purchase the computer system. This is an OPTION on the part of the computer retailer and is NOT by ANY means universal. Apparently you or someone you know enjoyed such an arrangement when you purchased an earlier computer.

Some retailers even install trial versions of software on computers which will only function for a few weeks. Some buyers don't realize the temporary nature of these trial versions and find themselves needing to make significant investments to purchase more durable versions in order to recover the data files they generated during the trial period.

You have the choice of purchasing an Office Suite like Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works, which include spreadsheet applications; using Google's web based spreadsheet application server OR downloading the free OpenOffice.org office suite

[benn11]

There is free download of Microsoft like office products, It is called OpenOffice. Download it here and Spreadsheet program is also included...

[ScottGem]

Most new PCs include Microsoft Works which includes a spreasheet. Otherwise OpenOffice is your best alternative.

[jstrike]

Open Office is a great way to go and best of all... it's free! The intervace is not quite as nice as Office but you'll get used to it.
My folks bought a Dell which came with a trial version of WP and all of the sudden it ran out. Needless to say they weren't too thrilled and didn't want to drop $$$ on MS Office.
Open Office will open up pretty much everything out there so you shouldn't have to worry about getting a file that you can't open.