Finding the right gaming computer can be a daunting task. With so many options available in the market today, it can be overwhelming to determine which one is the best for you. In this blog post, I will help explain the differences between gaming computers available today and Computer Physicians in Longmont Colorado can help you make an informed decision and we can custom build a gaming computer for you that suits your needs.
Desktop Gaming Computers
Desktop gaming computers are powerful machines that offer the best gaming experience. They come with high-end graphics cards, processors, and RAM, which provide an excellent gaming experience. The primary advantage of desktop gaming computers is that they offer the most customization options, and you can easily upgrade the parts as technology improves. Desktop gaming computers are ideal for gamers who want the best gaming experience and do not mind the size of the computer.
Gaming Laptops
Gaming laptops are portable machines that offer a decent gaming experience. They come with dedicated graphics cards, processors, and RAM, which allow them to handle most modern games. Gaming laptops are ideal for gamers who want to take their gaming experience on the go or for those who have limited space. However, gaming laptops are not as powerful as desktop gaming computers, and their parts are not as easily upgradeable.
Gaming Consoles
Gaming consoles are specialized computers that are designed specifically for gaming. They come with dedicated graphics cards, processors, and RAM, which allow them to run modern games. Gaming consoles are ideal for gamers who want a simple and straightforward gaming experience. The primary advantage of gaming consoles is that they are user-friendly, and you do not need any technical knowledge to use them. However, gaming consoles are not as powerful as desktop gaming computers, and they do not offer the same level of customization.
All-in-One Gaming PCs
All-in-one gaming PCs are desktop computers that come with a built-in screen, keyboard, and mouse. They offer a decent gaming experience and are ideal for gamers who want a complete gaming setup in one package. All-in-one gaming PCs are not as powerful as desktop gaming computers, but they are more compact and take up less space. However, the parts in all-in-one gaming PCs are not as easily upgradeable as desktop gaming computers.
Choosing the right gaming computer depends on your specific needs and preferences. Desktop gaming computers offer the best gaming experience and the most customization options, but they are not portable. Gaming laptops are portable and offer a decent gaming experience, but they are not as powerful as desktop gaming computers. Gaming consoles are user-friendly and offer a simple gaming experience, but they are not as powerful as desktop gaming computers. All-in-one gaming PCs are compact and offer a complete gaming setup, but they are not as easily upgradeable as desktop gaming computers. Contact Longmont Computer Physicians for help with your gaming computers
If you’re a business owner in Longmont, Boulder, or Denver, then you know how important it is to have reliable IT support. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, you need to have a team of professionals who can help you maintain and manage your computer systems.
That’s where Computer Physicians comes in. They are the premier IT support provider in Longmont, and they offer a wide range of services to businesses of all sizes.
Here are some reasons why Computer Physicians is the best choice for IT support for your business:
Experience
Computer Physicians has been in business for over 20 years, and they have a team of experienced professionals who know how to handle all types of IT issues. They have worked with businesses of all sizes and across a wide range of industries, so they have the expertise to help you with any IT-related problem.
Range of services
Computer Physicians offers a wide range of IT services to meet the needs of any business. Whether you need help with network security, data backup, cloud computing, or anything else, they have the knowledge and experience to get the job done right.
Local presence
Computer Physicians is based in Longmont, so they are always nearby when you need them. They also serve businesses in Boulder, Denver, and the surrounding areas, so they are well-positioned to provide IT support to businesses throughout the region.
Customer service
At Computer Physicians, customer service is a top priority. They understand that when you have an IT issue, you need help right away. That’s why they offer fast response times and 24/7 support to ensure that your business is always up and running.
Affordable pricing
Computer Physicians offers competitive pricing for their IT services, making them a cost-effective choice for businesses of all sizes. They also offer customized pricing plans to meet the specific needs of your business.
If you’re looking for reliable IT support for your business in Longmont, Boulder, or Denver, then Computer Physicians is the best choice. With their experience, range of services, local presence, customer service, and affordable pricing, they are the premier IT support provider in the region. Contact them today to learn more about how they can help your business succeed.
Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system, released in 2021 as the successor to Windows 10. While Windows 11 shares many similarities with its predecessor, there are also several key differences that make it worth considering for computer users.
If you’re not sure which operating system is right for you, don’t worry. Computer Physicians, a leading provider of computer services in Longmont/Boulder Colorado, can help you evaluate your needs and find the best version of Windows for your system.
Here are some of the main differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11:
User Interface
One of the most noticeable differences between the two operating systems is the user interface. Windows 11 features a more modern, streamlined design that is optimized for touchscreens and includes new features like a centered Start menu and taskbar, snap layouts, and virtual desktops. Windows 10, on the other hand, has a more traditional desktop layout.
Performance
Windows 11 is designed to be faster and more efficient than Windows 10. It includes new features like a faster startup time, improved power management, and better system updates. Additionally, Windows 11 supports newer hardware, which means that it can take advantage of the latest processors, graphics cards, and other components.
Compatibility
Windows 11 is designed to only work with the newest computer systems that are designed for Windows 11. Some slightly older software or hardware that was not designed for Windows 11 will not work. So it’s important to check compatibility before upgrading.
Security
Windows 11 includes several new security features, such as Windows Hello for biometric authentication and a more secure default configuration for new installations. It also includes ongoing security updates to help protect your system from viruses and malware. And supports newer encryption on the hard disk.
At Computer Physicians, our experienced technicians can help you evaluate your needs and find the best version of Windows for your computer system. We can also help you upgrade to Windows 11, transfer your data and settings, and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
In addition to Windows upgrades, we offer a wide range of other computer services, including virus removal, data recovery, hardware upgrades, web design and more. We pride ourselves on providing friendly, reliable service at an affordable price, and we’re always here to help you with any computer-related issues you may have.
In conclusion, Windows 11 is a new and improved version of Microsoft’s operating system that offers several key differences from Windows 10. If you’re not sure which version is right for you, Computer Physicians in Longmont/Boulder Colorado, can help you evaluate your needs and find the best option for your computer system. With our expert advice and reliable service, you can trust us to keep your computer running smoothly and efficiently.
As a business owner or individual in Longmont, Colorado, you rely on technology to help you stay productive and competitive. But when your computer or network experiences problems, it can quickly bring your operations to a halt. That’s where Computer Physicians, LLC comes in.
Computer Physicians, LLC is a leading IT computer repair and web design company in Longmont that offers a wide range of technology services to help you get back up and running as quickly as possible. Steve is an experienced professional dedicated to helping you maximize your technology investments and achieve your business goals.
We offer comprehensive computer repair services to help you resolve any technical issues you may be facing, whether it’s a simple software problem or a more complex hardware issue. We also offer web design services to help you create a professional and user-friendly online presence for your business. And, with our data recovery services, you can rest assured that your important files and information are safe and secure, even in the event of a disaster.
At Computer Physicians, LLC, we understand that technology can be complex and confusing, which is why we strive to provide clear and straightforward solutions. Steve is always available to answer your questions and help you understand your technology options, so you can make informed decisions.
We are committed to delivering high-quality services at an affordable price, and we always go the extra mile to ensure that our clients are completely satisfied with their experience. Whether you need help with computer repair, web design, or data recovery, we have the expertise and resources to get the job done.
So, if you’re looking for a trusted partner to help you maximize your technology investments in Longmont, look no further than Computer Physicians, LLC. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help you achieve your business goals.
Computer Physicians Provides IT support for PC computer maintenance and to make sure your systems are running smoothly in the Longmont, Boulder and Denver areas of Colorado and we can also provide REMOTE support through the internet.
Computer Physicians, LLC provides:
Onsite, in-shop, and remote PC troubleshooting, repair and customization
IT Support, Network setup, maintenance, troubleshooting
Data Recovery
Internet setup, troubleshooting, repair
Virus, spyware, malware, and adware removal
Hardware and software repair
Smartphone help, setup, and training
Website design, hosting
Computer Sales – new and used systems available
Computer peripherals, parts and accessories for sale
Upgrades & Installations
Building customized PC computer systems
Tutoring & Training
Computer and network security
Working with all versions of Microsoft O.S. From DOS to Windows 10, Server 2012.
Troubleshooting, maintaining, customizing application programs such as MSOFFICE, ACCESS, EXCEL, WORD, QuickBooks, email programs, Outlook, Outlook express, etc.
Troubleshooting and maintaining networks-wireless, wired, router setup, switches, cable modems, CAT 5e cable installations.
Email, internet problem solving and customization
Networking – managing users, groups, sharing, permissions, printers and troubleshooting the network. stand alone PC’s as well as workstations.
Computer Physicians provides remote computer help. Just give us a call or text or email us and we will arrange a time to help you with your computer issues remotely through the internet. By using your internet connection we can access your computer temporarily to fix your computer problems. We use a secure connection and once we log off the session is ended and would need a new password to reconnect again.We have found that by using remote access and with you on the other end to deal with moving of equipment or pressing buttons that many problems can be resolved. Many times we can help you the same time you call.
We provide on-site, in-shop, and remote computer service. In many cases, we can repair your computer the the day you call us. We also provide remote computer help through the internet or we can come to you so you never have to leave your office. For a reduced rate and quick turn-over time you can visit us at our workshop in Longmont close to 19th and Main. This is about 7 miles from downtown Boulder Colorado. You will need to call us first to let us know what time you will be coming to drop it off, and to get directions. By appointment only. Servicing Boulder, Longmont, Erie, Denver and the Colorado Front Range and worldwide via remote access.
Call us for information on pricing or to schedule an appointment.
As part of our series of helping customers with their small business needs Longmont Computer Physicians, LLC is offering these free classes on how to use and install Apps in Windows 10.
Starting with Windows 8, Microsoft decided that it wanted to have a common interface for the version of Windows running on tablets and the version running on desktop PCs. Unfortunately for them, this idea didn’t work out too well. Windows 8 was kind of a flop, and didn’t last too long. Even though Windows 10 is a huge improvement over Windows 8, Microsoft still tried to sneak in some of that tablet interface aspect into Windows 10, but this time it works, for the most part. Apps vs. Programs Even though most of us are used to running programs like Microsoft Word or Adobe Photoshop, that doesn’t mean that they are the only types of software we can run. Windows 10 comes with apps that are preinstalled on your computer and also allows you to install more apps for things like games, photo editing programs, and so on. There is a difference between a program and an app, even though they may function in a similar way. A Program (also called Desktop App) is a traditional Windows software package that you install on your computer, and it can be from any number of software manufacturers. Programs will have a specific type of interface designed to be used with a mouse and keyboard and will only run on PCs, not smartphones or tablets. Windows Apps on the other hand look and feel more like an app you would use on your smartphone or tablet, and run on all types of devices.
Windows 10 comes with a bunch of apps preinstalled, and you can find these apps on the start menu. They will be listed alongside your desktop apps. Some examples of common default Windows 10 apps include Facebook, Calendar, News, Mail, Maps, and Paint 3D. Microsoft Store Apps If you have a smartphone, you have most likely used the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android) to get more apps for your phone or tablet. Windows 10 comes with the Microsoft Store that lets you search and download new apps that can be used on your computer. There are many free applications to choose from as well as more advanced apps that you can purchase. To get to the Microsoft Store simply find it on your Start Menu, or do a search for it using Cortana. After you find and open the app, you will see a window similar to figure 5.3. As you can see, the Microsoft Store is categorized by types of apps on the top and then has a search function underneath that.
Once you find an app you want to try out, simply click on the Get button to have Windows download and install the app for you. If you scroll down past the Get button you will see the system requirements for the app as well as additional information such as the developer name, release date, and size of the app itself. Just like with your smartphone, there are many apps that you can download and try out for free and many that you can purchase, but just remember that when you install these apps on your computer they will take up disk space, just like regular programs will. Uninstalling Apps If you are the type that likes to try new things, then there is a chance you might go overboard at the Microsoft Store and download one too many apps while checking things out. If this is the case there is no need to worry, because it’s easy to uninstall these apps once you have installed them.
Longmont Computer Physicians, LLC can help you with any computer problem you may have. Please call us to set up an appointment. In Longmont, Boulder, Denver Colorado
Longmont Computer Physicians learning teaching series. Computer Physicians of Longmont, Colorado will post an explanation of User Accounts in Microsoft Windows 10.
One thing you will definitely need to have to use a Windows computer is a user account. User accounts are required to make sure people are allowed to access the computer only if the owner wants them to. In order to use a Windows computer, you will need a user account that has been configured for you by an administrator or when you first set up your new computer. There are many reasons why Windows has user accounts, including the following: Having a way to protect their personal files from being accessed from others (unless they want them to be accessed); Providing a way to assign permissions to shared files and folders on the local computer or network; Determining what type of functions that person is allowed to perform on the computer itself; Tracking things such as login times, failed login attempts, and file access using event logging; Setting allowed times for users to be able to log onto a computer or network; Saving the personal settings of your computer, such as your desktop background and installed printers etc.; Assigning levels of access for software usage. Keep in mind as a home user you won’t have to worry about most of these because your user account will mainly be used to save personalization settings that you customized for your user account and to keep your documents from being accessed by other users. As usual, Microsoft has given us a couple of ways to work with user accounts, and each way works a little differently, but we will get to that later on in this chapter. User Account Types There is more than one type of account for a Windows user, and this makes sense because different people need different levels of access and permissions. The two main types of user accounts that you will be dealing with are the standard user and the administrator.
Standard user accounts are for people who need to do everyday tasks on the computer such as run programs, go online, print, and so on. Standard users can also install and uninstall certain software as well. It’s usually a good idea to make everyone on your computer a standard user, and then if they need something done that requires higher privileges, they can have an administrator do it. And by administrator, I mean you! Administrator user accounts have full control over the computer and can do things such as install or uninstall any software, add or remove user accounts, add or remove hardware, and make changes that affect Windows itself. If you are logged in as a standard user and need to do something that requires administrator access, many times you will get prompted to enter the username and password of an administrator so you don’t need to actually log out and then back in as an administrator to get the job done.
Creating User Accounts With social media being all the rage and everyone and everything being connected to each other, Microsoft decided that it wanted to use what they call a Microsoft account to log into your computer with. This way whenever you log into another device with the same account, it will use many of the same settings for a universal experience each time. A Microsoft account uses an email address to login rather than a standard username. But if you are the type that likes to keep things old school (and simple), then you can still use a standard user type to log in with. Even if your computer was initially configured with a Microsoft account, you can convert it to a standard account pretty easily. I find that local accounts are much easier to troubleshoot when it comes to login problems. To view the user accounts on your computer, go to the Windows 10 Settings and click on Accounts and then on Family & other users. From this screen you will see your account and any other accounts configured on the computer.
Longmont Computer Physicians learning teaching series. Computer Physicians of Longmont, Colorado will post an explanation of User Accounts in Microsoft Windows 10.
Computer Physicians, LLC is a Microsoft Certified provider, MCP, MTA, A+ Certifications
As part of Longmont Computer Physicians learning teaching series. Computer Physicians of Longmont, Colorado will Post an explanation about the Microsoft Windows Operating Systems throughout the years. Ending with Windows 10 – The current Windows version.
Microsoft Windows is what is known as an operating system. An operating system is what allows your software, such as Microsoft Word or Google Chrome, to work with your computer, and therefore let you use the software itself. A computer consists of various hardware components, such as video cards and network adapters, and the operating system is what allows the user (which is you) to make use of that hardware so you can do things like check your email, edit photos, play games, etc. Windows History and Versions Windows has been around for a long time, and there have been many versions. So, let’s start with a history of the different versions and features that have taken us to where we are today (Windows 10).
Windows 3.1 Windows 3.1 was released in April 1992 and became the best-selling GUI in the history of computing. It added multimedia functionality, which included support for connecting to external musical instruments and MIDI devices. TrueType font support was added to provide Windows with a WYSIWYG or What You See Is What You Get interface. Windows 3.1 added the ability to close applications by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del and terminating hung applications from the list of running programs. Drag and drop functionality provided a new way to use the GUI, and support for Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) was added. OLE allowed embedding elements from different applications into one document.
Windows 3.11 Windows 3.11 was released in November 1993. It did not add any feature improvements over Windows 3.1, but corrected problems (most of which were network problems). Microsoft replaced all new retail versions of Windows 3.1 with Windows 3.11 and provided a free upgrade via their Web site to anyone who currently owned Windows 3.1. Windows for Workgroups 3.1 Windows for Workgroups (WFW) 3.1 was released in April 1992. It was the first Microsoft OS to provide native support for peer to peer networks. It supported file and printer sharing and made it easy to specify which files should be shared with other computers running DOS or Windows. WFW also included Microsoft Mail (an e-mail client) and Schedule+ (a workgroup scheduler). Windows for Workgroups 3.11 Windows for Workgroups (WFW) 3.11 was released in February 1994 and was geared toward local area networking. This made it a hit for corporations wanting to increase productivity by sharing information. The default networking protocol was NetBEUI, and TCP/IP or IPX/SPX could be added. WFW 3.11 clients could connect to both workgroups and domains, and it provided built-in support for Novell NetWare Networks. WFW 3.11 also improved support for remote access services.
Windows 95 was released in August 1995, and it changed the face of Windows forever. Windows 95 had features such as Plug-and-Play to make hardware installations easier, and dial-up networking for connecting to the Internet or another network via a modem. Windows 95 was the first Microsoft operating system that supported long filenames. Windows 95 also supported preemptive multitasking. Perhaps the most drastic change was that Windows 95 was a “real” OS. Unlike its predecessors, it did not require DOS to be installed first. Windows 95b (OSR2) was an improved version that was never offered for sale to the public, and was only available to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to install on new computers that they were offering for sale. Windows 95b added support for universal serial bus (USB) devices and the FAT32 file system that allowed for larger partitions, better disk space usage, and better performance.
Windows 98 was released on June 25, 1998. It was the retail upgrade to Windows 95 that provided support for reading DVDs and using USB devices. Applications in Windows 98 opened and closed more quickly. Like 95b, Windows 98 included a FAT32 converter, which allowed you to use hard drives over the 2GB limit imposed by DOS. The backup program was revamped to support more backup devices (including SCSI), and Microsoft added the Disk Cleanup utility to help find and delete old unused files. Windows 98 also included Internet Explorer 4.0 and the Active Desktop.
Windows 98 Second Edition Windows 98 Second Edition (SE) was released in June 1998 as an incremental update to Windows 98. Windows 98 SE improved the home multimedia experience, home networking, and Internet browsing. Windows 98 SE introduced Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), which allowed a Windows 98 SE machine to function as a Network Address Translation (NAT) server for other machines on the home network. In other words, you could have multiple machines connected to the Internet at the same time using only a single ISP account and a single public IP address, and all Internet traffic would go through the Windows 98 SE machine running ICS. Windows 98 SE also included NetMeeting and Internet Explorer 5.0. Windows 98 SE was the first consumer operating system capable of using the same drivers as Windows NT 4.0. Windows ME
Windows Millennium Edition (ME) was the last OS built on the MS-DOS kernel. It was released in September 2000 and added improved support for digital media through applications such as Image Acquisition, Movie Maker, and Windows Media Player. Image Acquisition was added to simplify downloading images from digital cameras. Movie Maker was included to ease editing and recording digital video media files. Media Player was used to organize and play music and video files. To enhance reliability, Windows ME added the “system restore” feature, which could be used to restore any deleted system files to fix problems. Another important feature was system file protection, which prevented important OS files from being changed by applications. Windows ME also included a new home networking wizard to make adding peripherals and computers to a home network easier.
Windows 2000 Windows 2000 was released in February 2000 and put an end to the NT name. Even though it was built on the same NT kernel, it no longer used the name. Windows 2000 shipped with four versions: Professional, Server, Advanced Server, and Datacenter Server. Professional was the replacement for NT 4.0 Workstation, and was used as a desktop/client OS. Windows 2000 added many of the features that NT 4.0 didn’t have, such as a disk defragmenter, device manager, and Plug and Play support.
Windows XP Home Edition Windows XP Home Edition was released in 2001. It was the first consumer OS based on the NT code, which makes it the most stable and secure Microsoft consumer OS to date. Home Edition supports the Internet Connection Firewall (ICF), which protects your computer while you are connected to the Internet. It also features Fast User Switching, which allows you to switch between users’ desktops without having to log off first. Home networking and multimedia capabilities have also been enhanced. Remote Assistance is a new feature that lets you ask someone for help. The helper can then remotely control your desktop and chat with you online. Also included are features such as Task Manager and System Monitor, and brand new features such as the Desktop Cleanup Wizard and taskbar grouping were introduced. Windows XP Professional Windows XP Professional includes all the features of Home Edition, and many new features geared toward business uses. Some of the new features include: Remote desktop, which allows XP Pro to act as a mini Terminal Server, hosting one remote session. Encrypting File System (EFS), which allows you to encrypt files stored on disk. EFS was included with Windows 2000 Professional, but XP Professional adds the ability to share encrypted files with other users. Internet Protocol Security (IPSec), which allows you to encrypt data that travels across the network. Integrated smart card support, which allows you to use smart card authentication to log on to the network, including Windows Server 2003 terminal sessions. Recovery console, which provides a command-line interface that administrators can use to perform repair tasks if the computer won’t boot. The ability to join a Windows domain. While users who have a domain account can log onto the domain from an XP Home computer, the Home computer cannot have a computer account in the domain. XP Professional computers have computer accounts, allowing the administrator to manage them centrally. Windows XP Media Center Edition Windows XP Media Center Edition is built on Windows XP technology and comes preinstalled on Media Center PCs. Media Center Edition combines home entertainment and personal computing. It puts all of your media in one place and allows you to control it via remote control. Some of the features of Windows XP Media Center Edition include: Watching live TV Personal Video Recording (PVR) Electronic Program Guide (Guide) Playing DVDs Listening to music Watching videos The Media Center Remote Control
Windows Vista Microsoft Windows Vista was released in January 2007. It included many changes and added new features such as the updated graphical user interface\visual style called Windows Aero. It also featured redesigned print, audio, networking, and display subsystems. It offers improved security, easier networking, better organization, and new multimedia capabilities. Criticism of Windows Vista was based on its high system requirements, lack of driver and hardware support, as well as other problems, such as crashing and locking up. Windows Vista comes in a variety of editions, including Home Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate, Business, and Enterprise, each with its own set of features which allows you to choose the edition you need based on pricing and what you plan to do with the operating system.
Windows 7 was released in October 2009, and is the successor to Windows Vista. It features the same look and interface as Vista but offers better performance and reliability. Windows 7 has more efficient ways to manage files and improved taskbar previews. It also has faster startup time and runs programs faster than Vista, although it still requires a higher end hardware to run up to its potential. Windows 7 comes in many editions, including Starter, Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise, each with its own set of features which allows you to choose the edition you need based on pricing and what you plan to do with the operating system.
Windows 8 was released in October of 2012 and is Microsoft’s first attempt to combine the desktop PC and smartphone\tablet operating system into one OS. With this new OS came new devices, such as tablets, that could easily be converted into laptops and desktops with tablet-like interfaces and features. Windows 8 is a big change from Windows 7 and the standard interface that everyone was used to. Many people were turned off by this new interface while others embraced it.
Windows 8.1 fixed some of the things people didn’t like, but the OS never gained the popularity Microsoft wanted.
Windows 10 Microsoft claims Windows 10 will the last desktop version of Windows, and it will be continually updated and improved upon so there won’t be a need for a replacement. Windows 10 brings back some of the look and feel we all loved about Windows 7, but also retains that tablet-type feel that Windows 8 had. The Start menu is back, but this time it has Live Tiles that change information for things like current events and weather. It also comes with a built-in personal assistant named Cortana, which is similar to Apple’s Siri. Windows 10 Editions Now that Windows 10 has been around for some time and has made its way to desktop computers around the world, Microsoft has decided that it will be the last version of their desktop OS (for now, at least), and that they will simply come out with new feature releases that build on the functionality of Windows rather than keep coming out with new versions. Windows 7 was a big success, and the changes they tried to push on us with Windows 8 kind of flopped, so it appears they got things right with Windows 10, and we have a compromise of both of the previous versions within it. To find out which edition of Windows 10 you are running, simply click on the Start button (window icon on the left hand side of the taskbar) and then click on the Settings gear icon. Finally, click on About at the bottom of the list on the left and it will tell you your Windows version, as well as other useful information such as what processor your computer is using and how much RAM your computer has installed.
As part of our series of helping customers with their small business needs Longmont Computer Physicians, LLC is offering these free classes on how to use different software programs. Here is our instructional video on using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.
The IF function in Excel is one of its logical functions, which evaluate to either a “TRUE” or “FALSE” value. The IF function in Excel lets you perform a logical test on a cell’s value and then return a result based on whether or not the cell’s value passes or fails the test. The IF function is similar to an “If…then…else” coding statement. You must know at least three different arguments to write a logical function. The first argument is the “logical test” to apply to the cell. The second is the cell value or formula to return if the test returns a “TRUE” value or “passes” the logical test. The third is the cell value or formula to return if the test returns a “FALSE” value or “fails” the logical test. The syntax of the IF function is: =IF(logical_test,true_response,false_response) If you want the formula to display a text value for the true response or false response, then you must place the text value inside double quotation marks (“ ”). If you want the function to display a date, it must be enclosed within pound signs (##). The only time you wouldn’t mark the data type of the value to return is if you want the function to display a numerical result or calculate a formula. Often, you may want to know if a cell passes or fails multiple logical tests.
One way to apply multiple logical tests to a cell is to use nested logical functions. A “nested” logical function in Excel is one that places the cell through a second logical test if it “fails” the first. These functions are useful for determining the value of a cell by placing it through several different tests, displaying different results based on which test it passes. You can nest up to 127 additional IF statements behind your original, if needed. The syntax for these are: =IF(logical_test _1,true_response,IF(logical_test_2,true_response,false_response)) You must remember to close all open parentheses for every IF statement you nest within the logical function at the end of the formula. In this case since there are two IF statements, there are two closing parentheses at the end of the formula. Alternatively, if using Excel 2019 or later or using Excel as part of Office 365, you can use the new IFS function to pass a cell though multiple logical tests and return a value for the test it passes. The IFS function replicates the features provided by nested IF functions, but uses a simpler, streamlined syntax. We’ll examine the IFS function in a later lesson.
In addition, you may also want to know if a cell meets multiple criteria at the same time. You can use the AND and OR functions to find this out. The AND function returns a “TRUE” value if the evaluated cell passes all the logical tests listed after the AND function. The OR function returns a true value if the evaluated cell passes any of the logical tests that follow the OR function. Note that you can evaluate up to 255 different logical tests after the AND and OR statements. When you look at how you can combine these tests with the IF function or nested IF functions, you can see how you can start to become a very powerful formula creator. Combining these Excel functions lets you place cells through a battery of tests, and then decide what function to perform or value to display, based on the results from the tests. The general syntax when combining the IF function with the AND and OR functions is as follows: =IF(AND(logical_test_1,logical_test_2,logical_test_3,etc.),true_response,false_response) =IF(OR(logical_test_1,logical_test_2,logical_test_3,etc.),true_response,false_response) The IFS function is only available in Excel 2019 or later or Excel as part of an Office 365 subscription. The IFS function in Excel lets you pass a cell through a series of logical tests and then return a value based on which logical test the cell passes. This provides a very similar functionality to using multiple, nested IF statements. When using Microsoft Office Excel 365.
