Spreadsheet attachments?

[Nords]

I've searched the "attachment" keyword on his forum but I can't find a previous thread on this question.

Could we add Excel spreadsheet files (*.xls) to the list of valid file extensions for attachments? I understand the macro security issues but it wouldn't seem to be any worse than .doc attachments which are already authorized.

I guess *.zip is the next best solution...

 

[target2019]

Couldn't download that, Al. Funny, I couldn't quote your post either.

Much better to post a zip file I think.

 

[Janet H]

Nords - how about using a google doc? Their spreadsheet application is fairly robust and you can export to excel if needed. You can also upload an existing spreadsheet to a google spreadsheet.

By publishing the spreadsheet, you can share it. I set up a sample spreadsheet. While I control the edit permissions on it, you can download it to an excel file. (>file >>export). As the spreadsheet is housed elsewhere there are few security concerns for the forum and handily, you have unlimited access to edit.

Sample spreadsheet: http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=rvodOl94tiSDtvj7sBfKmuw

On edit: You need a gmail account to set up google docs. Ping me if you need a gmail invitation.

 

[Andy R]

I think the reason .xls is not enabled by default is because macros can lead to potential security loopholes.

I have added .xls to the approved file formats so you can now attach Excel files. Let's keep an eye on these files that are attached and report any that might have issues so we don't let our community become a conduit for spreading a bad file.

 

[Nords]

Nords - how about using a google doc? Their spreadsheet application is fairly robust and you can export to excel if needed. You can also upload an existing spreadsheet to a google spreadsheet.
By publishing the spreadsheet, you can share it. I set up a sample spreadsheet. While I control the edit permissions on it, you can download it to an excel file. (>file >>export). As the spreadsheet is housed elsewhere there are few security concerns for the forum and handily, you have unlimited access to edit.
Sample spreadsheet: http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=rvodOl94tiSDtvj7sBfKmuw
On edit: You need a gmail account to set up google docs. Ping me if you need a gmail invitation.

Thanks, Janet, never thought of that approach. I'm frequently doing Excel spreadsheets offline but that's a great collaborative tool for the results.

As for gmail I'm good, my kid has promised to e-mail me an invitation...

I think the reason .xls is not enabled by default is because macros can lead to potential security loopholes.
I have added .xls to the approved file formats so you can now attach Excel files.

Thanks, Andy.

 

[W2R]

Just wanted to remind everyone that even a lot of those who own Excel won't open Excel spreadsheets attached to posts from anonymous people on message boards because of the security issues. So if a spreadsheet can be reasonably and easily reduced to a smaller table, then the use of the present table function instead of an Excel spreadsheet might foster more discussion and be more inclusive.

 

[Andy R]

I'll add a vote for Google Spreadsheets, it's a great collaboration tool and has some neat publishing options where you can make the data viewable like a web page. I have been moving slowly to web based apps like this and it's really nice to switch between computers and not have to worry about moving files around. Of course Box.net works for that too...