Update your documents to the newest file type!

If you see the words "Compatibility Mode" in the title bar next to your document's name, you are working in a older file format. This happens in both the 2007 and 2010 Office Suites. Although it is fine - and sometimes necessary - to stay in that mode, you might discover that some of the tools you want to use are not available. When that happens, you will need to convert your files to the newer file type. If you have concerns that something in the document might not appear the way you planned or work correctly, use the option to "save as", give the document a new name, and save. This way you can review your work in the new file yet still have the ability to revert back to the older file if you discover any issues.

For those of you that fearlessly forge ahead, another option is to use "Convert", which will actually replace the original file with the newest type:

      • In Office 2007, "Convert" will appear as the third option of the Office Button menu.

      • In Office 2010, "Convert" will be the top item in the Info category which appears in the backstage view when you click the File tab.

By the way, you will find that even if the file was created in the 2007 XML file format, you will still need to convert files when you upgrade to 2010 due to the enhancements available in the newest software!

- Irene Heckert, Microsoft Office Expert; CTT, MCAS, ITIL Certified, MOS LinkIn with Irene

Missing Your Commodore?

Your kids have it so easy today.. I remember writing programs for the Commodore PET in my high school, saving programs onto cassette tape. Why, even my first programs crushed the 16 kilobytes of RAM tucked underneath that chiclet keyboard. Then, as I got older, a bright star became visible on the horizon, and I knew I'd found the computer for me.

Looks like the star may rise again, but boy, it sure would be nice if it had a ROM for running some of the classic Amiga games, too.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12997245

- Bob Reinsch, Microsoft Exchange/Windows 7 Expert; MCT, MCITP LinkIn with Bob

50 best tips for Windows 7

I do love compilation articles that list a number of great tips that anybody can skim through and find some nugget that can be useful. To that end, here's a link to a pretty decent article that lists some of the 50 best tips for Windows 7.

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/39553/the-50-best-how-to-geek-windows-articles-of-2010/

- Bob Reinsch, Microsoft Exchange/Windows 7 Expert; MCT, MCITP LinkIn with Bob

How To: Query Spreadsheet Data in a SQL Table [VIDEO]

Centriq's SQL Expert, Ed Dressler demonstrates a quick solution to a very common SQL problem. 




- Ed Dressler, SQL Server Expert; CTT+, MCDBA, and MCITP LinkIn with Ed

Windows Thin PC Preview!

Microsoft has released a community technology preview (CTP) of its Windows Thin PC product.
 
Windows Thin PC (WinTPC) is a new version of Windows 7 designed specifically for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) customers. Windows Thin PC is a smaller footprint, locked down version of Windows 7 designed for virtualized environments to rebuild their existing PCs as thin clients. PCs with WinTPC will not require the VDA license that regular thin clients will need to access VDI desktops according to Microsoft.
 
http://www.winrumors.com/windows-thin-pc-beta-download-now-available/

- Bob Reinsch, Microsoft Exchange/Windows 7 Expert; MCT, MCITP LinkIn with Bob

Help yourself!

Next time you get stuck with how to do a specific task in Microsoft Office, try searching one of the following web sites:

Microsoft training site with step by step “how to” guides: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/support/training-FX101782702.aspx?CTT=97x

Training videos on a multitude of software topics:

http://www.lynda.com/

http://www.woopid.com/

http://www.techtutor.tv/

Google and YouTube have lots of other good web sites and videos that will step you through whatever you  are stuck on!

- Irene Heckert, Microsoft Office Expert; CTT, MCAS, ITIL Certified, MOS LinkIn with Irene

Excel - Right the wrong range

When you begin a function, sometimes Excel does not automatically select the appropriate range of cells, as in the example below. The moving border indicates the range of cells included in the selection.

In this case, the range selected includes the Team Total in cell B15, which should not be included in the results when trying to calculate the average!

How to quickly fix it?? If you have not already completed the function, using your mouse, click and drag to select the appropriate cells. A moving border will indicate the newly selected range. Touch the Enter key to complete the function and view your answer!

But what if you have already completed the function before you notice the error?

Click into the formula bar next to the function. This will show a solid blue border that indicates the range of cells included in the result.

The range can be adjusted by using your mouse. Hover over any corner of the range box to find the sizing handle which appears as a double headed arrow (↔). Now click and drag to adjust the range border and correct the selection.

By the way, if you see a 4 way arrow, you will be moving the selection box instead of re-sizing. This also comes in handy at times! 

Touch the Enter key to complete the function and see your adjusted (and hopefully correct) result!

When editing any formula or function, if you run into trouble selecting the appropriate range, use the Esc key to avoid reference errors and start over. Keep in mind when working in Excel: just because you get an answer doesn't always mean it is the correct answer. Examine the results to be sure!

- Irene Heckert, Microsoft Office Expert; CTT, MCAS, ITIL Certified, MOS LinkIn with Irene