Alternatively, do use Excel for data analysis, but instead of opening CSV files directly in Excel, create a new blank workbook, then go to the Data tab, select

Alternatively, do use Excel for data analysis, but instead of opening CSV files directly in Excel, create a new blank workbook, then go to the Data tab, select From Text/CSV, and follow the prompts, which will allow you to preview your data and select proper data types for each column. This will avoid all the issues alluded to here. And yes, I know that it's stupidly simple to go the wrong route, but I also think by now people would be wise to all of this, since the proper functionality has only been there for a decade or so. But, hey, apparently total helplessness keeps getting clicks.