Software Tips & Tricks Organize Objects In Access 2000 & 2002

By Laura Noble

As a database is being built, the number of objects (forms, queries, tables, etc.) can become quite large and cumbersome. Though each of these objects is required for the database to function efficiently, there may only be a few you need access to on a regular basis. Finding these few often can be like finding "a needle in a haystack."

You can solve the problem of finding these frequently used objects by adding the objects to a group in a custom category/folder.

1. Open Database.
   
   
2. Decide which objects to group. It is often best to group related objects in the same category/folder.
   
   
3. Below the Objects bar there is a Group Bar, which contains the default folder/category Favorites. View all groups by clicking Groups bar heading to see list.
   
   
   
4. Create a new group by right-mouse clicking in the Groups section and select New Group.
   
   
   
   
5. In the New Group box, fill in name of group and click OK.
   
   
6. New group will be displayed under the Group bar.
   
   
   
7. Drag the objects you want into the new group folder. These "dragged" objects will be shortcuts/copies of the original objects.
   

Formatting and field name changes to the original object will also take place in the “shortcut.”

Stay tuned to Networking Today in the coming months for more Software Tips & Tricks from Noble Software Solutions.

Laura Noble is the owner of Noble Software Solutions. Laura can be contacted at 519-680-2689 or by e-mail at lnoble@noblesoftwaresolutions.com. www.NobleSoftwareSolutions.com

Published in Networking Today, April 2002.

Software Tips & Tricks Enable and Lock Form Fields in Access

By Laura Noble

In an Access form you may have fields that should not be edited or copied. Disabling or locking these fields will speed data entry and guarantee that these fields do not change.

Changing the Enable property of a field from Yes to No will dim the field control as shown in the sample below with the Client ID field. Data cannot be edited or selected/copied when a field is disabled.

After changing the Lock property of a field from No to Yes the field will have normal display, data can be copied but not changed.

Changing Enable/Lock Form Properties:

1. Open the form in Design view.
2. Right-mouse click on the field that requires the enable/lock change.
3. Select Properties.
4. Click the All or Data tab and change the Enable or the Lock settings.
   

To further speed up data entry remove the Tab Stop from the field by following these steps:

1. Open the form in Design view.
   
2. Right-mouse click on the field that requires the removal of the tab stop.
3. Click the All or the Other tab and change the Tab Stop setting from Yes to No.
   

Stay tuned to Networking Today in the coming months for more Software Tips & Tricks from Noble Software Solutions.

Laura Noble is the owner of Noble Software Solutions. Laura can be contacted at 519-680-2689 or by email at lnoble@noblesoftwaresolutions.com. www.noblesoftwaresolutions.com

Published in Networking Today, August 2005.

Software Tips & Tricks Shortcuts in Project

By Laura Noble

Changing Format of Resource Labels on Gantt Chart in MS Project:
In the Gantt Chart view of a Project file, the resources assigned to a task will be displayed with the resource's full name.

For tasks with multiple resources, this can make the chart crowded.


Resource labels can be changed to initials versus names to save valuable space in the chart.

1. Select all tasks.
2. From the Format menu select Bar. Click the Bar Text tab.
3. Click the drop-down arrow of the Right row and select Resource Initials.
   
4. Click OK to accept changes. Resources labels will now appear as shown in the following sample.

Changing the Task Start/Finish Date Using the Pop-Up Calendar in MS Project: The pop-up calendar in MS Project is a quick way of changing the Start/Finish dates for tasks, if you know how to use it properly.

Change the month by clicking the displayed month and a drop-down list of months will open (see the sample below).


Click on the required month from the list. Change the year by clicking on the displayed year and a "spinner" box will open (as shown in the sample below).
Click the appropriate arrow to move to the required year.


Stay tuned to Networking Today in the coming months for more Software Tips & Tricks from Noble Software Solutions.

Laura Noble is the owner of Noble Software Solutions. Laura can be contacted at 519-680-2689 or by email at lnoble@noblesoftwaresolutions.com. www.noblesoftwaresolutions.com

Published in Networking Today, July 2005.

Software Tips & Tricks Shortcuts in FrontPage

By Laura Noble

Moving Up or Down from a FrontPage Table

There are strategies to move your insertion point directly outside of a table when tables are beneath each other.

It can be difficult to move the insertion point below a table with text, as shown in the sample below. Pressing the Enter key will enlarge the current table's height and pressing the Tab key will add another row to the table.

Both options work if that is the required result, but if you want a new table below the current table (may be because of different table property requirements) then moving the insertion below the existing table can be frustrating. But there is a solution! Read below!

Insert Space Between Tables:

1. Move the insertion point to the end of the last entry of text in the last cell of the table (last column, last row).

2. Press Ctrl + Enter.

Insert Space Above a Table:

1. Move the insertion point before the first entry of text (first cell of table).

2. Press Ctrl + Enter.

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Adding a Screen Tip to a Hyperlink

Adding a Screen Tip to a hyperlink is quite easy and can be another method to inform visitors. A Screen Tip will be displayed when a mouse is hovered over the hyperlink as shown in the sample below. Click to Open Tips and Tricks Page is the screen tip for the hyperlink Tips & Tricks.

1. In the Insert Hyperlink box click the Screen Tip button in the top right corner of the box and fill in the Screen Tip Text.

2. Click OK to close the Set Hyperlink Screen Tip box and complete remaining hyperlink settings.

Note: Screen Tips will not be displayed in Design view only in the Preview Browser view or the Internet.

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Recognizing Saved & Unsaved Open Pages

Quickly verify if an open page in FrontPage is saved by looking at the Page Tab. If there is an asterisk (*) to the right of the page name, as shown in the sample below, (SoftwareTipsandTricks.htm Page tab), the page has not been saved.

Stay tuned to Networking Today in the coming months for more Software Tips & Tricks from Noble Software Solutions.

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Laura Noble is the owner of Noble Software Solutions. Laura can be contacted at 519-680-2689 or by email at lnoble@noblesoftwaresolutions.com. www.noblesoftwaresolutions.com

Published in Networking Today, June 2005.

Software Tips & Tricks Nudging Objects in MS Office

By Laura Noble

Often you want to move an object just a bit (i.e. "nudge" object) but the mouse moves the object too far...here's a solution.

1. Select the object to move.
   
2. For Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access press and continue holding down the Ctrl key while also pressing the appropriate arrow key. Each time the arrow key is pressed, the object will "nudge" in that direction.
   
   In Publisher, press the ALT key.
   
3. Release both keys once object is at desired location.

Sample of selected object in Word or Excel	Sample of selected object in an Access Form or Report, in Design View.

Stay tuned to Networking Today in the coming months for more Software Tips & Tricks from Noble Software Solutions.

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Laura Noble is the owner of Noble Software Solutions. Laura can be contacted at 519-680-2689 or by email at lnoble@noblesoftwaresolutions.com. www.noblesoftwaresolutions.com

Published in Networking Today, February 2005

Software Tips & Tricks Print What YOU Want from the Internet

By Laura Noble

After finding a great article on the Web, often you'll want to print it...but as it prints, you realize it's 20 pages long and half those pages contain unwanted ads.

Solution: Before you print perform a Print Preview.

1. From the File menu of your browser (both Internet Explorer and Netscape) select Print Preview.
   
   
2. The preview box will open (see the sample below).
   
   
3. The Page indicator in the top toolbar displays the total number of pages. The single arrows, when clicked, will move pages up or down a page. The double-arrows will move to the first/last page.
   
   
4. The actual article section of the preview will also display the total number of pages (Page 1 of 2).
   
   
   

   

   
   
5. If it is not necessary to print all the pages, click the Print button and in the Print Range section fill in the Pages from boxes and print.
   
   
6. After successful printing, click the Close button in the Print Preview box.
   
   

   

   
   

Note: A selection can also be printed. Select a portion of the Web page and select File, Print. In the Print Range section of the box click the Selection option.

Need help finding what you need on the Internet? Check out the Internet Search Tips article.

Stay tuned to Networking Today in the coming months for more Software Tips & Tricks from Noble Software Solutions.

Laura Noble is the owner of Noble Software Solutions. Laura can be contacted at 519-680-2689 or by e-mail at lnoble@noblesoftwaresolutions.com. www.noblesoftwaresolutions.com

Published in Networking Today, May 2004.

Software Tips & Tricks View Results of Calculating Selected Cells in Excel Status Bar

By Laura Noble

The Status Bar in Excel displays the formula result of selected cells without you creating a formula.

In the sample above, the Sale amounts for Charlotte Web have been selected. The result of the sum of the selected cells (1400) is displayed in the Status Bar. It is not necessary to select the cells containing text (i.e., Web and Charlotte) as Excel ignores the cells with text, but often it is easier to identify numeric values.

Right-mouse clicking on the Status Bar will open a short-cut menu where a different function can be selected to calculate.

Stay tuned to Networking Today in the coming months for more Software Tips & Tricks from Noble Software Solutions.

Laura Noble is the owner of Noble Software Solutions. Laura can be contacted at 519-680-2689 or by e-mail at lnoble@noblesoftwaresolutions.com. www.noblesoftwaresolutions.com

Published in Networking Today, February 2004.

Software Tips & Tricks Single Word Spell & Grammar Check

By Laura Noble

Spelling errors in Word (and PowerPoint) appear with a red wavy underline and grammar errors with a green wavy underline. There are times you are sure you have spelled a word correctly but do not want to go through an entire spell and grammar check to find out the correct spelling or grammar. Spell and Grammar

Check a Single Word:

• Right-mouse click on the error and a short-cut menu will open displaying the suggested corrections
  
  
• Left-click on correct spelling/grammar suggestion Single Word Spell Check also works in PowerPoint and FrontPage.
  

Stay tuned to Networking Today in the coming months for more Software Tips & Tricks from Noble Software Solutions.

Laura Noble is the owner of Noble Software Solutions. Laura can be contacted at 519-680-2689 or by e-mail at lnoble@noblesoftwaresolutions.com. www.noblesoftwaresolutions.com

Published in Networking Today, December 2003.

Software Tips & Tricks Assigning Same Account Charged to Customer/Vendor in Simply 2003

By Laura Noble

It is common to charge the same account code to a customer/vendor each time an invoice is created. To save time, include this account code in the customer/vendor ledger.

1. Open vendor/customer ledger
   
2. Click the Options tab
   
3. In the Receivables Ledger click the drop-down arrow of the Revenue Account and select the account.

OR

In the Payables Ledger, click the drop-down arrow of the Expense Account and select the account.

Next time an invoice for the customer/vendor is created, the assigned account code will automatically be filled in.

Stay tuned to Networking Today in the coming months for more Software Tips & Tricks from Noble Software Solutions.

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Laura Noble is the owner of Noble Software Solutions. Laura can be contacted at 519-680-2689 or by e-mail at lnoble@noblesoftwaresolutions.com. www.noblesoftwaresolutions.com

Published in Networking Today, November 2003.

Software Tips & Tricks Customizing Outlook Appointments

By Laura NobleChanging Outlook Appointment's Time

Quickly change the time of an appointment by clicking the appointment. When a 4-headed arrow appears along left border, left-drag to a new time.

Increase or Decrease Length of Outlook Appointment

Often the length of an appointment will be changed after it is entered into Outlook, however, there is a quick method to change the length.

Place the mouse over the top or bottom border. When it changes to a double-headed arrow drag up or down to increase/decrease time of meeting.

Stay tuned to Networking Today in the coming months for more Software Tips & Tricks from Noble Software Solutions.

Laura Noble is the owner of Noble Software Solutions. Laura can be contacted at 519-680-2689 or by e-mail at lnoble@noblesoftwaresolutions.com. www.noblesoftwaresolutions.com

Published in Networking Today, September 2003.

Software Tips & Tricks Finding a Word or Phrase on a Web Page

By Laura Noble

In the Tip article, Internet Search Tips, includes tips on how to best search the Internet. Often, after the search you may discover multiple pages of text and cannot easily find the word or phrase you are searching.

Solution:

	Press Ctrl + F
	The Find box opens (see sample below)
	In the Find What box fill in the word or phrase you are searching
	If required, select any options (for example, Match Case)
	Click the Find Next button and the word or phrase will be highlighted on the Web page
	Close box by clicking the X in the top right corner

Stay tuned to Networking Today in the coming months for more Software Tips & Tricks from Noble Software Solutions.

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Laura Noble is the owner of Noble Software Solutions. Laura can be contacted at 519-680-2689 or by e-mail at lnoble@noblesoftwaresolutions.com. www.noblesoftwaresolutions.com

Published in Networking Today, September 2003.

Software Tips & Tricks Actions & Contacts - Outlook 2000 and 2002 (XP)

By Laura Noble

Many actions can be completed in the Contacts folder in Outlook by selecting the necessary contact(s) and then clicking the Actions menu.

Select contact(s). For multiple contacts select first contact and press and continue to hold the Ctrl key and select remaining contacts. Release Ctrl key.

From the Actions menu select an action such as New Message to Contact or New Task for Contact or New Appointment with Contact.

The appropriate window will open (e.g. New Mail Message, New Task, or New Appointment) with the selected contact(s) information automatically completed.

Laura Noble is the owner of Noble Software Solutions. Laura can be contacted at 519-680-2689 or by e-mail at lnoble@noblesoftwaresolutions.com. www.noblesoftwaresolutions.com Published in Networking Today, July 2003.

Software Tips & Tricks Adding an Access Object to the Desktop

By Laura Noble

If you have a particular form or report that you consistently open in Access you can add this object to your desktop as a shortcut. When the shortcut is opened, it opens the Access database to the object linked to the shortcut.

1. Open Database.
   
   
2. Locate object.
   
   
3. Right-mouse click on object that requires the shortcut.
   
   
   
   
   
4. A Create Shortcut box will open, click OK to close.
   
   
5. Close Access.
   
   
6. Go to Desktop and double-click on new shortcut icon linked to database object.
   
   
7. Access will open to the linked object.
   

Laura Noble is the owner of Noble Software Solutions. Laura can be contacted at 519-680-2689 or by e-mail at lnoble@noblesoftwaresolutions.com. www.noblesoftwaresolutions.com

Published in Networking Today, June 2003.

Software Tips & Tricks Safeguarding Properties of a Form in Access 2000 and 2002 (XP)

By Laura Noble

Properties of an Access form can be changed in Form View, which is very handy when the form is being developed. Often, though, it is necessary to prevent users from accidentally (or on purpose) changing the form's properties while doing data entry. To safeguard the form's properties, the Properties option can be disabled in Form View.

1. Open Form in Design View.
   
   
2. Right-mouse click on the form (In Access 2000, verify a section or an object is NOT selected). Select the Properties option.
   
   
   
   Or click the Properties icon on the Standard Toolbar.
   
   
3. The Properties box for the form will open. Click the Other tab.
   
   
4. In the Allow Design Changes row change the setting from All Views (the default) to Design View Only.
   
   
   
   
5. Save Form.
   

Stay tuned to Networking Today in the coming months for more Software Tips & Tricks from Noble Software Solutions.

Laura Noble is the owner of Noble Software Solutions. Laura can be contacted at 519-680-2689 or by e-mail at lnoble@noblesoftwaresolutions.com. www.noblesoftwaresolutions.com

Published in Networking Today, May 2003.

Software Tips & Tricks Changing Case in Word & PowerPoint: Keyboard Shortcut Method

By Laura Noble

Have you ever typed something in UPPER CASE and afterwards thought "what would it look like in lower case?"

In Word and PowerPoint there are menu commands that will change the case of existing text, but there also is a keyboard shortcut, Shift + F3, that acts as a "toggle switch" between cases making changing case quite fast and easy.

• Select text that requires the case change:
  
  
  
  
• Press Shift + F3 and text will change case.
  
  In the sample above, the selected text changes to UPPER case:
  
  
  
  
• Pressing Shift + F3 again will "toggle" the selected text to lower case:
  
  
  
  
• Pressing Shift + F3 a third time will change the case of the selected text to Proper Case:
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Each time Shift + F3 is pressed the selected text will change case. For more keyboard shortcuts refer to tip To Mouse or Not to Mouse.
  

Stay tuned to Networking Today in the coming months for more Software Tips & Tricks from Noble Software Solutions.

Laura Noble is the owner of Noble Software Solutions. Laura can be contacted at 519-680-2689 or by e-mail at lnoble@noblesoftwaresolutions.com. www.noblesoftwaresolutions.com

Published in Networking Today, April 2003.

Software Tips & Tricks Revising Mail Rules in Outlook Express

By Laura Noble

Email rules can be revised or deleted. Refer to Colour Coding Inbox in Outlook Express Tip for details on how to set rules.

1. From the Tools menu select Message Rules, Mail.
   
   
2. Select the rule to revise or delete.
   
   
3. Click the Modify button to revise rule or click the Remove button to delete rule.
   
   
   
   
4. The Edit Mail Rule box will open
   
   
   
   
5. Make the necessary changes.
   
   
6. Refer to Colour Coding Inbox in Outlook Express Tip for details on how to set rules. Click OK twice.
   

Stay tuned to Networking Today in the coming months for more Software Tips & Tricks from Noble Software Solutions.

Laura Noble is the owner of Noble Software Solutions. Laura can be contacted at 519-680-2689 or by e-mail at lnoble@noblesoftwaresolutions.com. www.noblesoftwaresolutions.com

Published in Networking Today, January 2003.

Software Tips & Tricks Colour Coding Inbox in Outlook Express

By Laura Noble

A helpful method to organize the "sea of emails" in your Inbox is to colour code the incoming mail by sender. Assign different colours to different addresses/senders. Colour coding will highlight the email separating the priority messages.

1. From the Tools menu select Message Rules, Mail and click New
   
   
2. The New Mail Rule box opens
   
   
3. In the Select the Conditions for your rule section select Where the From line contains people
   
   
4. In the Select the Actions for your rule section select Highlight it with color
   
   
5. In the Rule Description box left-mouse click contains people
   

   

   
   
6. The Select People box will open
   
   
7. Click the Address Book button and select address(es) from your Address Book
   
   OR
   
   Type the email address and click the Add button
   
   
8. Click OK when all addresses have been selected for the new mail rule.
   
   
9. In the Rule Description of the New Mail Rule box left-mouse click color and the Select Color box will open.
   
   
10. Select a colour and and click OK.
    

    

    
    
11. In the New Mail Rule box fill in name of Mail Rule and click OK twice to close boxes and save rule.
    
    
12. Incoming emails from the selected address(es) will be displayed in the selected colour.
    

    

Stay tuned to Networking Today in the coming months for more Software Tips & Tricks from Noble Software Solutions.

Laura Noble is the owner of Noble Software Solutions. Laura can be contacted at 519-680-2689 or by e-mail at lnoble@noblesoftwaresolutions.com. www.noblesoftwaresolutions.com

Published in Networking Today, December 2002.