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The Calculator, which resides in the Apple Menu, is one of the oldest components of the Mac operating system, having changed little from the early days of the Mac OS in 1984. It can do simple arithmetical calculations using the mouse to click its graphical keys, or alternatively entering data with the keyboard.

Some of the Calculator's function key protocols are a bit unorthodox--use the asterisk key to multiply, and the slash key to divide. There is no memory function, and if you make an entry error (likely with my typing) you have to clear your entire calculation and start again from scratch.

One workaround is too type your entire calculation into a word-processor or text editor first, copy it to the clipboard, and paste it into the Calculator, which will then perform the calculation. You can then copy the result and paste it back into the other program.

Recent versions of the Mac OS have also included a Graphic Calculator, which can graph algebraic equations in two or three dimensions, which is useful for math and science oriented folks, but of limited utility for most everyday calculation tasks.

The lack of any middle ground between the rudimentary capabilities of the ancient Mac OS Calculator and the advanced math horsepower of the Graphic Calculator, has resulted in an opening for third-party developers, and there is a vast selection of shareware and freeware Mac OS calculators available. I'm not going to even try and list them here, because I would inevitably leave someone out. I frequently include calculators in Shareware Beat, or you can check out VersionTracker.

The third-party calculator I have personally settled on as an alternative to the Mac OS Calculator is a freeware item from Mike Brackenridge called Econ Calculator, which I like because it includes a virtual "paper tape" rendering of your calculations. I have always preferred paper tape real calculators, as a like to be able to see how I've reached my conclusion.

There are two calculation options available using Econ Calculator; single calculations and multiple calculations. You can change between each mode using the Calculation menu, or by using the small calculator push buttons on the top right corner of the calculator window, the calculator can be set to open when launched for single or multiple calculations from thePreference window. Numbers or values can be entered and calculations made by using the calculator keys or by using your computer keyboard, just as with the Mac OS Calculator

The number and math operator keys on the keyboard relate to the same function on the calculator, shortcuts for other functions are beside each menu item. The user could use the short cut of: " Option - Command - S" to select the single Calculation Setting. The square root short cut is: "Option - Command - R" There is no shortcut for the "C" key, the "Delete" key can be used to delete the value digit by digit.

While making a longer calculation, if you find that it could be useful to have a longer tape "paper roll", you can stretch out the roll by using the zoom button in the lower right of the window. When the tape is as long as it is possible to be you can then scroll the tape using the scroll button on the right of the paper roll.

While working in the multiple calculation mode it is possible to print the tape "paper roll" calculations by selecting "Print..." from the File menu, or by pressing the printer icon button at the top of the main window (the calculations can also be saved to a text file for referencing later by selecting "Save" from the File menu. Pages are printed numbered, you have the option to print the date on the print out pages, calculations will be printed in Geneva, the default size is 10 pt which can be changed from within the Preferences window.

Econ Calculator comes with its sound options switched On by default. You have the option of turning off the main sounds using the Off Switch button , this controls the sound for the windows opening and closing, the calculator mode buttons in the main window and the math operator buttons. There are separate check box controls for the number buttons and error sounds. It is recommended to have the calculator sounds set to "Off" if you have sounds selected in your computer Appearance Control panel although it is not a known problem to have both running at the same time.

System requirements:
€ Mac OS 7.5.3 or above through to Mac OS 9x.
€ If you use a 68k Mac download the 68k version otherwise download the PPC version.
€This version of Econ Calculator is not Mac OSX compatible.

You can download a copy of Econ calculator from:
http://econsoftware.com/econ.html