Q. CPAs once relied on bulky, but wonderful, 10-key calculators until limited desk space relegated them to the closet or, worse, the garbage. But now I find that the calculator built into Microsoft Windows is of little use. Is there a program that functions like a 10-key I can install on my PC?
A. I’ve had a 10-key program called PentaCalc for years. The vendor has since introduced a spiffed-up version called the PentaCalc Pro.
You can engage the PC calculator, which works with any Windows application, by clicking on a hot button no matter what you happen to be running on your computer. It comes with a huge bundle of options, including the ability to combine buttons from other calculators and even link several calculators. It’s programmable and costs just $39.95. For more information go to www.headgatestudios.com/products/pentacalc/features.htm .
The versatile PentaCalc Pro replicates a 10-key calculator.