Putting a chart together is just as easy as entering figures and doing calculations.

First, highlight B16 to E18, then click Insert|Chart. Click Next on the Selection, Chart Type, and Variant windows. In the Display window, fill in the Chart Title data entry box with "Salesman Revenue Comparison." Check the X axis box and fill in the X axis data entry box with "Salesman". Check the Y axis box and fill in the Y axis data entry box with "Revenue (Dollars)." When you get all done, click the Create button.

You've just created a comparison chart with total revenues and averages for each salesman. The legend tells which salesman is which according to color. How easy was that? Left click on the graph, then grab the top of the graph box and drag it up with your numbers, if you like.

If you've ever used another mainstream spreadsheet, you should be able to get around in OpenOffice.org Calc. There are lots of wizards, templates, formatting and features to explore, with Calc. We've touched on just a few. Look for an in-depth tutorial on Calc in Solveig Haugland's book "OpenOffice 1.0 Resource Kit." Browse to http://www.getoffice.org for more information. The book covers all major topics including Writer, Calc, Draw, Impress and more. It's a must-have addition to your Linux library.

Rob Reilly is a freelance Technology Writer and Speaker. He's particularly interested in stories about Linux on the desktop/laptop, recycling with Linux and portable computing. He's currently developing seminars on Linux presentation technology, "road warrior" techniques and business web basics. Send him a note or visit his web site at http://home.earthlink.net/~robreilly.

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