Archive for the ‘Database Tips’ Category

Technology Makeover – Hulu

Sunday, December 13th, 2009

A couple of years ago, I discovered the magic of the DVR (digital video recorder) which allows you to pause live TV, and record your favorite programs and movies without a VCR.  These days, I’m not sure how I ever did without it.

A couple of weeks ago, the DVR broke down.  I know – it was awful.  My life is way too busy to actually watch anything on TV when it actually airs, so I was a little bummed about missing my favorite shows.  I know most networks air their top programs on their websites, but their players are hit and miss.

So, I decided to check out a website I’ve heard of, but never visited…

Hulu

To my shock, Hulu is huge!  Over 1700 television programs and movies are available for FREE.

And it’s not just junk!  You can view an incredibly diverse amount of programming (The Simpsons, 30 Rock, LOST, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Office the morning after they air; classics like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The A-Team, Airwolf and Married…with Children; movies like Last of the Mohicans and Basic Instinct; documentaries like Super Size Me, Crawford and The Times of Harvey Milk; and clips from Saturday Night Live) and it’s all F-R-E-E!

There are occasional 20 second ads to watch, but in general, they are pleasant and not irritating at all.

I think my beloved DVR just found some competition…

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Create a CSV File

Sunday, October 4th, 2009

Imagine you’ve actually gone to all the trouble of organizing your contacts.

That’s a LOT of data, and it would be a shame to lose it, right?

I’m sure you know (or you will learn) that with electronic information it is imperative that you back it up.

The good news is,  it’s easier than you think.

In addition, this process is the cornerstone of importing and exporting contact files.  Did anyone say CVS File?

Steps:

  1. From the MS Outlook Toolbar, select File – Import/Export.
  2. The Import/Export Wizard will appear.
  3. Select Export to a File.
  4. Click the Next button.
  5. Select Comma Separated Values (DOS).
  6. Click on Next.
  7. In the Select Folder to Export From field, ensure that Contacts is selected.
  8. Click on Next.
  9. Click on the Browse button next to the Save Exported File As:

* This is where you choose where you want to see your file.

* You can save it wherever you like, but make it easy to find.

10.  On the left side of the Browse dialogue box, select the location.

11.  Enter “contact backup (date)” in the File Name field.

12.  Click OK.

13.  You will be brought back to the Save Exported File dialogue box.

14.  Click Next.

15.  Click Finish.

16.  You will see a dialogue box that says Import/Export Progress.

17.  The dialogue box will disappear when it is complete

18.  Check to see if you are able to see your contact file on your desktop.

Posted in Database Tips, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »