Microsoft Excel – It’s More Than Just Spreadsheets

May 25th, 2009

Most of us are familiar with the program known as Microsoft Excel, which is one of the programs that is part of the Microsoft Office Suite. To many, it’s a simple database program that allows you to create spreadsheets for whatever you may need. But if you take the time to learn the ins and outs of this program, you will find it is much more useful. By thoroughly learning this robust software, you can set yourself up for not only success in your job but at home as well.

Many people don’t realize how functional a spreadsheet can really be and what a program like Microsoft Excel can bring you. Professionally, there are plenty of options available to you depending on your line of work, and the types of data you have to utilize with your job functions. Everything from call sheets that can be highlighted and edited on the fly to database information and management of assets can all be handled through a properly laid out spreadsheet. Many people don’t have a true working understanding of Excel and, due to this, aren’t able to fully utilize all of the functions it can offer you.

By taking the time to master Microsoft Excel, you can increase your productivity to keep your work and your life in order. When you take the time to learn this powerful program, you will be working to achieve a better understanding of all its strengths and capabilities. You will be able to build fast, usable spreadsheets and have a better idea of how to use the software to maximize your own productivity. In addition, since Microsoft Excel is commonly used in office settings, you will help yourself become a valuable asset to your place of employment. You may notice that you do not utilize Excel very often in your current job. This is usually due to the lack of a fundamental understanding about the program at the office level. When you gain better skills, you may even be able to help your entire department become more productive, not just yourself. You will be able to introduce others to key functions of the program that most people didn’t even know existed. And if you want to go to the next level, you can earn your MCAS - Microsoft Certified Application Specialist - in Excel 2007, which will show your employer that your skills have been validated by Microsoft.

And it It doesn’t have to end with work, though. If you decide to use Micosoft Excel at home, and you have the Microsoft Excel software installed on your home computer, it can easily be brought into your personal life. This will help you keep personal things in order by keeping all of your important information in one safe place. Many people find it to be an incredibly useful budgeting tool. When used to create a home budget, you will find that it can easily be manipulated, tracked, and reviewed. Others find it to be a useful asset for keeping things like important names, telephone numbers, addresses, or even usernames and passwords to their favorite sites all in one easy to access location. The possibilities are endless. Just keep in mind that if you are storing very important or sensitive information on your computer, though, it is best to secure it in case it is ever lost or stolen.

FPARC1

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What Do Spyware Programs Do?

May 1st, 2009

Spyware programs can accomplish a multitude of malicious tasks. Some of their deeds are simply annoying for the user; while others can become downright aggressive in nature.

Spyware can:
1. Monitor your keystrokes for reporting purposes.
2. Scan files located on your hard drive.
3. Snoop through applications on our desktop.
4. Install other spyware programs into your computer.
5. Read your cookies.
6. Steal credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal information.
7. Change the default settings on your home page web browser.
8. Mutate into a second generation of spyware thus making it more difficult to eradicate.
9. Cause your computer to run slower.
10. Deliver annoying pop up advertisements.
11. Add advertising links to web pages for which the author does not get paid. Instead, payment is directed to the spyware programmer that changed the original affiliate’s settings.
12. Provide the user with no uninstall option and places itself in unexpected or hidden places within your computer making it difficult to remove.

There are a couple things you can do to prevent spyware from infecting your computer system, and probably the first thing you might want to do is to invest in a reliable commercial anti-spyware program

If your computer has been infected with a large number of spyware programs, the only solution you may have is backing up your data, and performing a complete reinstall of the operating system.

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When to Schedule your Certification Exam

May 1st, 2009

When preparing for certification exam success, one of the basic steps is to schedule your exam! And when should you do that?

NOW! Yes - now - even if you have not started to study yet. This technique works. People complain about timetables and deadlines, but the truth is that people do their best work with a deadline. “Stress” is not the dirty word that we’ve made it out to be. A diamond is only a lump of coal that was put under pressure. Many people think it is better to schedule the exam when they are ready, but when do you know when “ready” is?

By scheduling your exam now, you give yourself a mental deadline. You’ll be surprised at how focused your mind becomes when you know the date of your exam before you start. Just like when you were a teenager about to make your road test appointment to get your driver’s license. You never felt that you would be ready - but you scheduled the appointment anyway. And you made sure you were ready by that date.

It doesn’t matter whether you are going for CompTIA A+ certification, or a Cisco CCNA test - you can register online today, with Prometric or VUE. And if you’re not sure where to go, both of them have test center locators. So no matter where you are in the world, you can find a local testing center near you, simply by supplying your country and state. You can even select which language you want to take your exam in - again, it could be Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco or any other vendor exam that’s offered.

What time should you schedule your exam? We all have times of the day that we’re mentally sharper than others. Some people consider themselves to be a “morning person”, so they may wish to schedule their exams for first thing in the morning. If you’re stronger in the afternoon, schedule an afternoon exam. Regardless of the time of day you’re going to take your certification exam – stop procrastinating and schedule it right now!

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Trouble-Shooting a Scanner

May 1st, 2009

Many of us own scanners these days. Some scanners are part of the printer or copier for our computers. As with most gadgets, we can sometimes encounter some issues with the scanner. Generally, troubleshooting a scanner involves identifying the problem and applying the appropriate fix.

Some common problems related to scanners include:

  • inability of the scanner to turn on
  • inability of the scanner to scan
  • scanner scans blank pages
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    One of the most often overlooked simple fixes, when the scanner does not turn on, is to check the power cord to make sure it is connected properly to the power source as well as to the scanner.

    Inability of the scanner to scan
    If the scanner is unable to scan, you can first disconnect and then reconnect all the cords to the scanner. If this does not work, you can check whether the scan head is locked.

    Flatbed scanners often have locks to make sure the scan heads are not damaged when being transported. If the scan head is locked, you should unlock it.  If your scanner’s lock/unlock switch isn’t clearly labeled, check the manufacturer’s documentation for it’s location.

    If a feed-through scanner produces blank scans, make sure the document is being passed through the scanner facing the right way or on the glass correctly.  Make sure to check your scanner’s settings for brightness and resolution. The optical elements may not be picking up your document’s material if these settings are too low.

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    Securing Your Computer System

    May 1st, 2009

    Today, as more people are using their computers for everything from communication to online banking and investing to shopping, we find ourselves potential targets of hackers, attackers and crackers. While some may be looking to phish your personal information and identity for resale, others simply just want to use your computer as a platform from which to attack other unknowing targets. Below are a few easy, cost-effective steps you can take to make your computer more secure.

    1. Always make backups of important information and store in a safe place separate from your computer.
    2. Update and patch your operating system, web browser and software frequently.
    3. Install a firewall, to help prevent viruses, worms, Trojans, etc from gaining access to your computer from the Internet.
    4. Review your browser and email settings for optimum security. At a minimum set your security setting for the “internet zone” to High, and your “trusted sites zone” to Medium Low.
    5. Install antivirus software and set for automatic updates so that you receive the most current versions.
    6. Do not open unknown email attachments, even if it is from a familiar address, as many viruses are spread that way
    7. Do not run programs from unknown origins, and do not send them on to friends and coworkers. Those funny stories and amusing jokes may contain a Trojan horse waiting to infect a computer.
    8. Disable hidden filename extensions so that file extensions display in Windows. Although some file extensions will continue to remain hidden, you are more likely to see any unusual file extensions that do not belong.
    9. A hacker can not attack your computer when you are disconnected from the network or the computer is off, so make sure you turn off your computer and disconnect from the network when you are not using your computer.
    10. Before you experience a hostile breach of your system, consider keeping a backup of your computer’s files, in case it is damaged by a malicious program.

    These are examples of some of the many ways you can protect your computer from hackers. You can also learn to protect and repair your own computer with some of the computer training products that are now available for aspiring IT technicians.

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    SAP Software – A Powerful Business Solution

    May 1st, 2009

    SAP Software provides powerful solutions to companies around the globe, and comes in many different forms. The easiest way to think of SAP is much like building blocks, or modules, that can be plugged in to build a program suite that suits your specific needs. Ranging from customer resource management to warehousing, there are many different modules that allow businesses to create a robust program for their specific needs. This creates a streamlined performance, better efficiency, and the net result is a better bottom line.

    Many find the SAP business warehouse module to be particularly useful in their SAP software. This module can help cover logistics of inventory both coming in and out of the warehouse. It allows smaller businesses to employ a functionality usually found in larger business operations. Since SAP Software “talks” to the different modules, it provides an opportunity for a more efficient workflow. For instance, once a product leaves the warehouse, it would get logged into the SAP accounting module automatically, allowing the customer to be billed or whatever the case may be. This helps to keep your SAP financials in order for easier tracking and auditing.

    Another module that brings SAP software to the head of the pack is something known as SAP CRM software. CRM, or customer resource management, allows employees and sales personnel to keep track of all of their customers. It allows pertinent information regarding the business relationships between two companies, to be easily accessd and reviewed quickly. One of the biggest downfalls businesses make is losing track of it’s customers and making them feel unappreciated. CRM software helps to create a bridge to the information about your customers, so that it is readily available.

    As effective as SAP software is, without the assistance of an staff member or a department who knows how to handle the upkeep and implementation, it looses it’s usefulness With an SAP certification, you will position yourself for a career that can take you further and command more salary. Every certification comes with it’s own benefits and advantages, and an SAP certification is no different

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    Welcome

    March 22nd, 2009

    Blog News for IT Certification

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