Got a lot of calculations to do? Well, the built-in Windows calculator is nice and everything and it’s easy to use, but there are other alternatives that you might want to give a try
Although it is conveniently located within the operating system, the Windows calculator leaves users desiring a more powerful program. Due to this desire, a number of software program alternatives have been written that are more powerful and have more features. The following is a representation of a few of the programs.uilt-in file manager in Windows, Windows Explorer (or File Explorer if you are using Windows 8), is sufficient at times but there are those moments where it becomes clunky and completely useless. It is also very unstable; when you transfer large files it might suddenly stop and crash. With that in mind, you’ll want to use some alternatives to Windows Explorer. Most of them are easy to install and some are even for free. Consider some great alternatives below:
1) SpeQ
SpeQ is a small, but extensive mathematics program. All calculations are entered in a sheet where one can add, edit and execute calculations.This software is written to be used as an advanced math program, but it is still easy to use. It is efficient for simple brief calculations or working out complex formulas. SpeQ has about 100 built-in physical, mathematical, and conditional constants. It also features the ability to plot adaptable graphs and to save and reload work. A help function and detailed users guide is included. This program can be run from an USB-key or floppy disk, and operates with Microsoft Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, NT, XP, Vista or 7. It is free to download.
2) Moffsoft FreeCalc
With Moffsoft FreeCalc, numbers and operators are recorded on a receipt tape that can be saved, printed and reused. The user is asked for sure if an amount is to be cleared before it is actually deleted, and, cleared actions are recorded on the tape.After adjusting the resizable window to increase or decrease the size of the keys, Moffsoft FreeCalc will remember the selected size. In addition, a desired window size can be set in the default settings.Figures on the screen are easy to read with a bold-faced font. Moffsoft FreeCalc can be used with Microsoft Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, NT, and XP. Downloading this software program is free.
3) Speedcrunch
This program has the ability to automatically complete data entries. It has more than 50 built-in math functions and a customizable appearance.With Speedcrunch, a user can type in an equation that can easily be seen in a scrollable display.This program accepts calculations entered from the clipboard. It has a CTRL+F function that pops up a dialogue box where one can choose more functions, and, additional keyboard shortcuts are also applicable. Speedcrunch has a virtual keyboard option that is used with the mouse. This software program can be run with Linux, Microsoft Windows, and Apple Mac OS X. Speedcrunch is another alternative that is free to download.
4) Graphcalc
This software can be used to graph calculations. GraphCalc supports multiple graphing tabs so one can work with many functions at once without having a cluttered view. For slower computers, the resolution can be turned down to speed up the graphing, yet one can still see the form of a graph. This software can be used for everyday calculations or for ones that are more complicated. Output can be saved to a “save as” file. The program has sound effects that can be turned off and on, a color customizable display and help files. Graphcalc can be used with Linux and Microsoft Windows.This program is also free to download.
Before selecting a calculator software program, it would be helpful to think about what extra functions and features are needed. After taking that into account, it will be easier to select an alternative to the Windows calculator that will be more suited to a user’s specific needs.
