Date: October 15th, 2007

Author: Susan Harkins

Have you ever sent an e-mail to the wrong person? If you’re lucky, it didn’t matter. However, it could be an embarrassing and even critical error. For instance, let’s suppose you have two clients named John. You sent John Smith your regular fee schedule. Later, while negotiating a new project with John Smythe, you offer a discount. Oooops! Outlook just sent the discounted fee schedule to John Smith instead of John Smythe, as you intended. Just how did that happen?
It really isn’t Outlook’s fault. Usually, this kind of error occurs when you’re in a hurry or distracted. You type John into the To box, take the first hit, and send — without realizing that Outlook’s AutoComplete feature chose the wrong John. It happens….

There are two ways to complete an e-mail address:

The second method is the one that can get you into trouble. The AutoComplete feature updates its list so fast that it’s easy to select the wrong item. It’s a great feature, but prone to mishaps if you’re not careful. You can disable AutoComplete as follows:

1. In the Mail window, choose Options from the Tools menu.
2. Click E-mail Options.
3. Click Advanced E-mail Options.
4. Uncheck the Suggest Names While Completing To, Cc, And Bcc Fields option.
5. Click OK three times.

The truth is, AutoComplete is helpful and you might not want to disable it. I use it almost exclusively.

Another problem is that Outlook maintains a history of all the addresses you enter, not just the ones you store in the Address book. These names make their way onto the AutoComplete list, even if you don’t want them. Additional names can throw a monkey-wrench into your routine if you don’t expect them. When one of these names shows up, simply delete it before it gets you into trouble.

Finally, the best advice is the least helpful. Try to slow down and pay attention to the AutoComplete viagra mail order list. Okay, I’m obligated to say that, even though I don’t always practice what I preach. Carry on as best you can, forewarned.

Date: April 1st, 2008

Author: Susan Harkins

By Susan Sales Harkins and Gustav Brock

Nothing frustrates the full spectrum of Access users — from casual user to developer — quite like a corrupted database. With a little know-how, you might get lucky enough to repair the database or at least recover the data. Sometimes, a third-party product that specializes in recovering data from a corrupted database can help. But you could end up rebuilding and re-entering data. (Or rather, your replacement will rebuild and re-enter it.)

A more proactive approach to the situation is to avoid corruption in the first place. Here are some strategies for preventing your databases from becoming corrupted.

Note: This information is also available as a PDF download.

#1: Split your database

If more than one person will access the database, split it into two pieces: a backend that stores the data in tables and a front end that contains everything else (forms and reports). Access has a wizard that holds your hand through the process so there’s no excuse not to split a shared database. Name the two ends appropriately. Remember, the backend contains your “gold” — your data. With the data and interface objects in separate databases, you can easily replace the front end from a backup, if necessary. In addition, this setup makes enhancements easier to incorporate into your system.

There is some discussion about whether the front end should be stored on a network server (and shared) or on a local drive. This decision really has no impact on corruption, so the choice is yours. If possible, consider write-protecting a shared front end. If the worst happens and something destroys the front end, simply obtain a fresh copy of it to replace the broken one and reboot the local system.

#2: Store temporary tables in a backend

If a database creates, populates, and then deletes temporary tables, keep those tables in a separate backend database to prevent bloat. Name the additional backend accordingly, making its purpose obvious. This additional backend can be shared or local.

#3: Don’t use memo fields

Avoid using memo fields if possible. They often, indirectly, cause corruption. Even though the database in these cases often can be repaired, some content in the memo fields might be lost. If you need memo fields, keep them in separate tables and create a one-to-one relationship to the parent table(s). Even better, move memo tables to a separate backend database file and name the file accordingly, to indicate its purpose.

#4: Don’t store picture files

Usually, you shouldn’t store picture files in a database. If you must, treat them the same way you would a memo field (see #3). Access has no problem attaching tables from multiple backend databases.

#5: Create temporary tables to speed up queries

If you run complex or nested queries (where one query pulls data from others that hit still others), Access may write a lot of temporary data that you never see. Most often, this happens when a query that works with a small amount of data performs slowly, putting stress on the JET engine. If Access chokes during this process, you can end up with a corrupt backend file.

To prevent this problem, write some of the temporary data to temporary tables. There’s no universal method to recommend. Analyze the specifics and run some tests to find the best solution. However, sometimes the use of just one temporary table can minimize the chance of corruption and speed up the queries by a factor of 10 or more.

#6: Be careful with wireless networks (WiFi)

A connection may work fine, but multiple users or powerful neighborhood networks (or other noise sources) can abruptly cut off the connection. That can corrupt the database file if you are writing to it at the time. This type of interference isn’t a problem if users are mostly reading from the database.

#7: Be careful with WAN connections

A WAN connection that covers any connection from a local system to a server via the Internet can cause trouble. Reading the database may be slow but acceptable. However, writing to the database is error prone and can cause corruption. When bottlenecked traffic interrupts data transfer, Access times out, believing the connection has been lost. This behavior usually leaves the backend database in a corrupted state.

#8: Don’t put Mac and Windows users on the same network

If Mac and Windows users share the same network and experience problems, establish a separate network for database users. Macs are extremely noisy, and typical Mac applications generate vast amounts of network traffic when moving large graphics files and printing. In a shared environment, use only high-quality network components.

It’s best to keep the database traffic separate from the graphics traffic, as much as possible. You can accomplish this by allowing administrative workstations to connect directly to the server with the shared database via a local switch.

#9: Troubleshoot network hardware

If corruption just happens from time to time, you may have to deal with a network hardware issue. First, try to narrow down the workstation and swap the error-prone station with another. If the issue follows the workstation, you know that’s the source. It might be easiest to get rid of the workstation.

If the problem isn’t specific to the workstation, the error is most likely to be found in the connection from the workplace to the network switch — including the actual switch port. If the cable’s in good shape, swap the ports between the workstations. If the error source now swaps too, replace the switch; if not replace the cable. If cables aren’t permanently installed or don’t cross from floor to floor, you can try replacing them before swapping workstations.

#10: Check the server’s configuration

Sometimes, the configuration for the server where you’ve stored the shared backend database file is the culprit. You’ll need a specialist to track down and resolve this type of problem. There are several possibilities, from server parameters to a malfunctioning disc controller to a misconfigured RAID array.

You can temporarily move the backend file to a different viagra low price location, like one of the popular NAS devices or a shared folder on a workstation. If the problem with corruption goes away, call the specialist. If not, the corruption’s source is somewhere else (#1 through #9).

Date: April 12th, 2007

Author: Susan Harkins

Excel is so powerful that nobody knows everything about it. If you use Excel frequently, you probably run into situations, from entering data to calculating complex workbooks, that slow you down. The following tips won’t solve unique problems, but they will help you complete common tasks more efficiently.

This entry originally appeared as an article and as a PDF download. We’re presenting it here as well so that we can build a “10 things” archive.

#1: Exploit defined names

Defined names aren’t just for ranges. You can use a defined name to define a constant value, such as a discount amount. Use the feature as you normally would, entering the literal value or expression that evaluates to the desired value into the named cell. For instance, select a cell and choose Name from the Insert menu. Then, select Define. Enter the descriptive name Discount and click OK. Now, in the same cell, enter the actual discount amount, say 3 percent (just enter .03). Now, you can use the defined name, Discount, in your formulas instead of entering the literal value .03. For instance, Excel would use .03 for Discount when evaluating the following formula

=TotalPrice - (TotalPrice * Discount)

This quick tip has two benefits: It makes updating much simpler, as you can quickly change the value in Discount and Excel will automatically update all dependent formulas. And it eliminates data entry errors.

#2: Quick copy to noncontiguous cells

Copying data or a formula is simple. You just drag the source cell’s fill handle and Excel copies the data or formula from the source cell to the cells you select using the fill handle. But copying isn’t always a nice, neat, contiguous package. Sometimes you need to copy data or a formula to a series of noncontiguous cells. You could paste the source data into each individual cell, but that’s the hard way. Instead, you can copy data into a noncontiguous block.

First, copy the source data. Then, hold down the Ctrl key while you click each cell in the noncontiguous destination range. Once you’ve highlighted each target cell, press Ctrl+V, and Excel will copy the source data into each of the highlighted cells. Formulas copied this way obey referencing rules, in regard to absolute and relative addresses.

An alternate method is to right-click in the cell that contains data you want to copy and choose Copy from the resulting submenu. Then, right-click a destination cell and choose Paste. At this point, the source cell is still highlighted, which means you can copy the contents again. Right-click another destination cell and choose Paste. Continuing selecting destination cells until you’ve completed the copy task. Press Esc to clear the selection of the source cell.

#3: Customize defaults

Excel uses template files to control default settings in new workbooks and sheets. For most of us, the settings are adequate. However, if you find yourself resetting the same defaults for each new workbook or sheet, consider changing the defaults permanently.

To change default settings for a workbook, open Book.xlt, make changes, and then save the file. Don’t change the file’s name; you’re just updating it. (It’s a good idea to create a copy of the original Book.xlt so you can revert to Excel’s original settings if necessary. Name the copy BookOriginalSettings.xlt or something similarly descriptive.) After changing Book.xlt, all new workbooks will use the custom settings you applied. To change a sheet’s default settings, open Sheet.xlt, make the necessary changes, and save it.

If you don’t have one or both files, simply create your own. Just be sure to save them in Excel’s XLStart folder (\Program Files\Microsoft Office\XLStart).

#4: Enter repetitive data quickly

Tip #2 shows you how to copy existing data into noncontiguous cells. You can also use this technique to enter data into a series of noncontiguous cells. Hold down the Ctrl key and click all the cells into which you want to enter data. Then, type the text you want to enter and press Ctrl+Enter. Excel will enter the typed text into all of the cells in the noncontiguous selection.

#5: Create custom lists

Most of us work with sets of data that seem to repeat themselves throughout our projects. That means we can enter the same values in numerous spots. If you frequently enter the same dataset, consider creating a custom list. To do so, choose Options from the Tools menu and then click the Custom Lists tab. In the List Entries control, enter each item in the list, one entry per line, in the order in which you want it to appear. When you’ve completed the list, click Add. Excel will copy the list to the Custom Lists control. Click OK to close the Options dialog. To enter the list, select a cell and enter any name in the list. Then use the fill handle to complete the list.

If you want a partial list, enter the item you want to begin with and then pull down the fill handle. Excel will fill in the remaining names.

If the list already exists in the sheet, you don’t have to retype it to create a custom list. Simply select the list before choosing Options from the Tools menu. Then, click Import on the Custom Lists tab.

#6: Customize movement

By default, the cell pointer moves down when you press Enter. Selecting the cell immediately below the current one won’t always be what you need. For instance, some people enter data from column to column. You could press the Right Arrow key instead of Enter, but out of habit, most of us reach for Enter. Even if you can retrain yourself (or users) to use the arrow keys, they’re far enough away from the main keys to slow down data entry.

Fortunately, you can change the cell pointer’s default direction. Chose Options from the Tools menu and then click the Edit tab. Select the Move Selection After viagra low cost Enter check box (if necessary) and then choose a direction from the option’s drop-down list. For instance, to move from column to column, you might choose Right instead of Down.

While entering data, you can temporarily force the cell pointer to move in the opposite direction by holding down the Shift key while you press Enter.

#7: Hide everything but the working area

You usually hide a column or row to conceal or protect data and formulas. You can also hide unused regions of a sheet to keep users from exploiting unused areas or to help keep them on task by not allowing them to wander. By hiding unused rows and columns, you present a sheet that focuses on just the work area.

To hide unused rows, select the row beneath the sheet’s last row. (Select the row header to select the entire row.) Next, press Ctrl+Shift+Down Arrow to select every row between the selected row and the bottom of the sheet. Then, choose Row from the Format menu and select Hide. Repeat this process to hide unused columns, only select the column header in the first empty column. Press Ctrl+Shift+Right Arrow and then choose Column from the Format menu instead of Row.

Before you hide anything, make sure you don’t inadvertently hide an obscure area by pressing Ctrl+End to find the last cell in the sheet’s used range. Unhide the rows and columns by selecting the entire sheet. Then, select Row or Column from the Format menu, and choose Unhide.

#8: View formulas, or not, quickly

You probably know that you can view all the formulas in a sheet by choosing Options from the Tools menu and selecting Formulas on the View tab. Doing so displays formulas instead of their evaluated results. But there’s a quicker way. Press Ctrl+~ (the tilde character to the left of the number 1 on your keyboard). The keyboard combination toggles between formulas and normal view. When you’re finished viewing the formulas, simply press Ctrl+~ again to return to normal view.

#9: Identify printed sheets

Printing a sheet is a common task. Some users find it useful to print the name of the workbook in the header or footer. In Excel 2003, you can accomplish this by choosing Page Setup from the File menu and clicking the Header/Footer tab. Then, choose the appropriate item from the Header control’s drop-down list. Versions prior to 2003 can use the following VBA procedure to print the full file’s pathname:

where sheetname is the sheet’s name as a string value. To make the procedure more dynamic, use ActiveSheet.Name instead. That way you can run it against any sheet in the workbook.

#10: Speed up calculation time

How, when, and what Excel calculates is a huge subject. In general, cell references and calculation operations are the main performance vampires. Reasonable formulas and even lots of data don’t usually slow things down. Complex formulas and repetitive references are the real culprits. Here are a few basic guidelines that should help you avoid calculation bottlenecks:

May 2nd, 2008

Posted by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

According to a poll I ran here on Monday, fully 48% (or over 2,000 respondents) see themselves running Windows XP in 2014. Another 10% expect to be running XP in a limited sense. How viable will it be to run an OS that is over a decade old?

Now, I’m going to come right out and say that I’m already skeptical that so many of you will be running Windows XP in 2014. In timescale terms, this is equivalent to running Windows 95 now – and I don’t know many people who are still doing that. XP’s already feeling long in the tooth to me and the idea that I’ll still running it in five or six years time just doesn’t appeal to me.

But there are going to be technical challenges facing those wanting to hold on to the security blanket that XP offers. These are the 4GB RAM limit that 32-bit offers and the gradual shift from 32-bit to 64-bit. When I shifted over from XP to Vista in November 2006 I didn’t really see many benefits. In fact, thanks to the fact that most drivers were still at the fetus stage of maturity (and shovelfuls of baked-in Microsoft bugs), performance and reliability took a dip. Over the months that followed the situation got a lot better as I was drip fed new drivers and Microsoft released patches and updates. However, the biggest performance boost that I’ve seen from Vista was when I moved from Vista 32-bit to Vista 64-bit. Finally, all the hassles of migrating to Vista felt worthwhile. I believe that the desire to break free of the 4GB addressable memory limit on 32-bit will become a powerful motivator for many over the coming years. After all, most motherboards now support in excess of 4GB of RAM, and RAM is cheap.

For me, breaking the 4GB barrier was a refreshing experience, and after you’ve experienced a PC with 8GB or more of RAM in it viagra label you no longer feel the need to mess about disabling services, defragging all the time and trying to squeeze more performance out of the system by optimizing the registry and nonsense like that.

I’ve made a note on my calendar to post a poll in 2014 so I can see just how many of you are running XP.

Do you use a lot of fractions in MS Word?

Do you love how it turns 1/2 into ½?

Have you ever noticed that it only does that neat little trick with the most common fractions? I'm also sure some of you have found access to a few additional choices via the Insert menu, Symbols choice, but I'd bet you're still frustrated that neither of those work for the other fractions that plague your day.

If that describes your current fractional state of viagra joke mind, I have some information that just might help!

The first thing you should know is you can format any fraction to "look right" using subscript and superscript text formatting.

Also, with frequently used fractions, you can put Word's AutoCorrect feature to good use by having it do the fraction "switch" automatically.

Here's the scoop!

For the actual formatting, you'll need to format the numbers as either superscript or subscript. If you're thinking you don't use fractions very often and will simply change them manually each time, I suggest you either add the buttons for this formatting to a toolbar using the Customize dialogue window (if you have MS Word 2007, the buttons are already on the Home Ribbon) or memorize these two key combinations:

Superscript formatting can be applied with Ctrl + Shift + = (also listed as Ctrl + +).

Subscript formatting can be applied with Ctrl + =.

1.) Type your fraction using the forward slash between the numerator (top) and the denominator (bottom). For example, 12/15

2.) Highlight the numerator and apply superscript formatting.

3.) Highlight the denominator and apply subscript formatting.

• Once you've formatted a fraction the way you want it, highlight the entire fraction.

• In Word 2007, go to the Office Button, Word Options button, Proofing Options section and click on the AutoCorrect Options button.

  

• Everyone else should go to the Tools menu, AutoCorrect choice.

• At the bottom of the AutoCorrect tab, you should see the Replace as you type list.

  

• Notice that on the right, in the "with" field, your formatted fraction is already entered. If it doesn't seem to be formatted correctly, double check that the Formatted text option is selected.

• On the left, in the Replace field, enter the plain text for the fraction that should be replaced with your formatted text.

• Click the Add button.

• Click OK to close the window.