There are two types of data : Numeric and Non-numeric. Numeric data are data which can be calculated. For example, a sum of money would be considered numeric data. A social insurance number would not be considered numeric data since this type of data is rarely used in calculations. Non-numeric data are all data that Excel will not use in calculations, such as a person’s name, an address etc.

By default, which means that automatically and unless you specify otherwise, numeric data are always displayed in the right side of the cell. Non-numeric data are displayed in the left side of cells. It is possible to change the data’s position within the cell.

As mentioned earlier, non-numeric data are displayed on the left side of the cell. Now, let’s verify this information.

· In cell A1, enter this text: NAMES.

· Make sure that you have selected cell A1 because the text will be displayed in whichever cell is currently selected.

· If the address zone does not show A1, click cell A1. As you type the letter N, you will notice that it is instantly displayed in the cell and in the data entry line. Continue typing the other letters: A, M, E and S.

· For data to be accepted in a cell, you simply need to press the Enter key or the arrow key that points toward the next cell in which you will enter data. For example, if you keyed data in A1 and you want to enter data in B1, you simply need to press the right arrow key : 

Let’s try a simple data entry exercise to practice these important concepts.

· Move the cursor to cell B1 and enter the following text: PRICE WITHOUT TAX.

· Now enter the following data in the appropriate cells:

Your table should resemble the table below. Do not be concerned with its appearance; we will make changes shortly to improve it.

(Figure 2.8)

After entering data in a cell, it is quite easy to modify your entry. For example, we will modify the data in cell A1 so that it becomes NAMES OF ITEMS. To do this,

· Double-click cell A1

· The cursor, a vertical line, should appear after the letter S. If your cursor is not in this position, move it by using the right arrow key until the cursor is located in the space after the S.

· Type a space to separate the words NAMES and OF, and then enter the following text: OF ITEMS.

· Press the Enter key to accept the changes.

· In cell A8,we will replace the word TOTAL with AMOUNT OF PURCHASE. In this case, we will not modify the text; we will replace it.

·Click cell A8 and type the following: AMOUNT OF PURCHASE. The text entered will replace the text in cell A8, which is why it is important to select the proper cell before you begin typing.