Recent Posts

3901

General Software Discussion / Re: Meeting minutes/action item software recommendations?

« Last post by superboyac on May 17, 2010, 05:09 PM »

No more new versions of the IQBase (IQ Database) IQMinutes will be uploaded here. I've posted the the file (V0.6) in the IQ forum.

I've added a new grid (for reports), a new field, some more indications... And everything seems to work well. Of course, using this sample makes more sense if one is already using IQ. Or -- I guess -- could serve as an intro to IQ.

Some more features that could be added :
1- action items recurrence (as I've already added it to my own DB).
2- Sending e-mail alerts or reports to meeting participants (automatically or not -- this could be done as IQ can send emails to lists of addresses etc.)

-Armando (May 17, 2010, 04:49 PM)

I was just about to ask for the status.  Thanks Armando!

3902

Living Room / Re: Best method to manage email invitations?

« Last post by superboyac on May 17, 2010, 03:09 PM »

OK, how about this.   I make the Google Calendar link I'm using public.  That means people can access the calendar without logging in at all.  The problem is that I can't make the specific event a link.  The other problem is that the link to the calendar is quite long, I'd like it shortened.  For the latter, I can use tinyurl to shorten the link.  Or, I can make a special page that embeds the calendar on my website.

the problem with all of this is how to get the people to use the Yes/No/Maybe options.  because if it requires any kind of logging in or anything more than clicking a button, they won't be inclined to do it.  Instead, they will just reply to my email and tell me they are or aren't coming.  but that defeats the purpose because the response is not recorded in the event.

3903

Living Room / Best method to manage email invitations?

« Last post by superboyac on May 17, 2010, 02:53 PM »

I'm looking for the ideal way to send out and manage email invitations.  i don't like evite because it's too cluttered.  I was using Google Calendar to send out invites.  I like Google Calendar, but the emails it sends out are pretty messy.  I discovered that it didn't inspire people to click the Yes/No/Maybe option because it was either too far down in the email, or the email itself was full of nasty headers and so forth.

part of the problem is the different ways people recieve emails.  Not all of them are using an html renderer to look at emails.  And some people access it from their blackberry's or smart phones.  So, ideally the email that is sent out should be simple enough to be handled even in text only mode.

The other problem is that all the invite services have to add additional stuff that I hate.  It's essentially advertising.  A bunch of headers and footers, and phrases about Google, and what not.

Ideally, the email should have my simple message.  And then the Yes/No/Maybe options have to be links of some sort, but they have to be very short links.  It can't be 80 characters, because the people with html turned off will see a mess.

Here's what the Google invite looks like in Outlook 2007, with html enabled:


now, it's not google's fault for the way it looks.  This is dependant on the person's email settings and will vary between clients, phones, etc.  That's why the best way to do this would be with simple text messages and short links.  And please, get rid of all the useless small print, disclaimers, and stupid mock-advertisements.

So, what's a better alternative for all of this?

3904

General Software Discussion / Re: Help me with MS Word styles

« Last post by superboyac on May 17, 2010, 12:02 PM »

This was my story then, and I'm sticking with it  :

https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=5372.msg49315#msg49315

-AndyM (May 14, 2010, 09:50 PM)

You know, Andy, I read that a while back.  Now that I am discovering Word's more powerful features, I understand what you mean.  Before this, I would use Word only as a basic text editor.  All I would do is click the bold/italic buttons, change some fonts, etc.  I'm glad to see that I can do a lot of other things with it.  So, your statement in the other thread finally hits home with me.

Random question:
Let's say I wanted to put together a nicely formatted booklet.  Would I use Adobe InDesign (which I like, but don't know how to use yet), MS Word, or both?  Shouldn't InDesign be able to do all these things like managing styles, fields, etc.?

3905

General Software Discussion / Re: Help me with MS Word styles

« Last post by superboyac on May 17, 2010, 10:13 AM »

Thanks kfitting, the code you gave works.  But it gives an error at the end for me:


Forgive me if I don't understand the things you are saying.  I'm half trying to learn this stuff on the job, and half trying to get it done.  In about 2 hours, my supervisor is going to come to me and ask why I've only done 10 pages in two days!

3906

General Software Discussion / Re: Help me with MS Word styles

« Last post by superboyac on May 17, 2010, 09:36 AM »

I don't understand why none of these macros work.  Maybe I'm doing something wrong.  I have a table of contents that is entirely made of fields...I got it from John McGhie's template.  None of these macros work in updating the TOC.  Well, the second one I listed worked on Friday, but not anymore.

3907

General Software Discussion / Re: Help me with MS Word styles

« Last post by superboyac on May 17, 2010, 09:28 AM »

kfitting, the code above does not work for me.  What's worse, the code I pasted above that I said worked on Friday, well, it doesn't work anymore either.  I get a "cant find object or library" error now.

This is so frustrating.  Why is it so hard to create a shortcut to update all fields?  Surely, this is a very common thing.  I mean, if I am using it this much on my very first attempt to do anything with Word, it has to be a very common thing.

3908

General Software Discussion / Re: SQLNotes...what is it exactly?

« Last post by superboyac on May 16, 2010, 07:39 PM »

J-Mac, I answer for myself, but Armando uses it much more intensively (and impressively!) than I do.  However, lately, I have been using it much more and it is my primary information manager at this point.  I still use OneNote occasionally because it's layout offers some things that IQ doesn't yet.  Which is, a post-it like experience.  So sometimes I'll jot some random notes in Onenote.  But if they are significant at all, they make their way into IQ.

Back to IQ...I use it for all sorts of purposes.  On one hand, I use it to store random bits of information that might interest me later.  But then I also have specific grids setup to perform specific functions.  That's why I say it's like a mini OS.  I have the project management grid that Armando created (in my other thread) which is programmed to manage meetings, action items, contact lists.  By "programmed" that means there are things happening behind the scenes to tie everything together.  Like, one grid may show all my action items, but another grid will show the same action items under a list that is organized by the meeting date that it came from, but that list will also show the attendees of the meeting, etc.

I have a grid for my transcript, and it calculates my GPA automatically, meaning, I just put in my letter grades and IQ does the rest.

I have certain grids at work where I jot notes down, but I need dates associated with it, so it will look like a list of items, but there's also a column for dates.

I don't know how to describe this effectively.  Screenshots would be better, but I don't have the time right now.  I feel like IQ can literally be used for anything.  Whenever I'm looking for a software for something, and I have a hard time finding it, I immediately think about how to set it up in IQ, and more often than not, IQ will be able to do it.  That's how the project management thing started.

IQ is like having a bucket of stuff (called "fields").  Whenever it comes time to putting some information together, you just grab some fields from the bucket and use them.  If they don't exist, you can easily make your own.

It's almost like a cross between Excel, Access, and a outline-style notetaker...and Word to boot.  At some point, videos would be needed to demonstrate all of this.  Because the power of IQ is not apparent without seeing it in use.  If you just open the program up, you won't really have an idea what it is capable of.

3909

General Software Discussion / Re: Help me with MS Word styles

« Last post by superboyac on May 14, 2010, 06:49 PM »

What I was trying to say is that your original code was looking inside range objects.  I dont know the Word Object model well enough to know if your fields are contained within the ranges you're looping through. 

The article I linked to gives a high level overview of the object model.  For example, in excel you have Workbooks, worksheets, ranges, and cells (among hundreds of other things). You can loop through all worksheets in a workbook, all cells in a worksheet, etc etc. 

For Word, I dont know where fields are "kept."  Sorry, I dont know the object model well enough, nor have the time tonight to look at it further.

-kfitting (May 14, 2010, 05:43 PM)

Ok, I sort of get it.  I keep that in mind as a resource if i have to start messing around more with VB.  Eesh, I hope not.  I'll bet someone at work is pretty good with VB.

3910

General Software Discussion / Re: Help me with MS Word styles

« Last post by superboyac on May 14, 2010, 05:12 PM »

daddydave, mine worked for me, but I'm using Word 2007.  I'm not sure what version you are using.  I know some of the articles I came across were written a few years ago, and they don't always specify what versions of Word they are using.  There are also issues with macro settings and security to consider.  In my limited experience, the options interface for Word (and Office 20070 is a mess.  Too many random places to change stuff.  it's not logical or intuitive at all.  You have a window, then a tab on the side for customize, then you go there, and there's another button labeled "customize" to edit keyboard shortcuts.  Geez.

3911

General Software Discussion / Re: Help me with MS Word styles

« Last post by superboyac on May 14, 2010, 05:00 PM »

Hmmm... dont know.  I have extensive Excel VBA experience, and minimal Word.  However, I would look at what Ranges are in Word.  By cycling through them you may be limiting your search too much.  This link may help... dont know: Word Object Model

-kfitting (May 14, 2010, 04:16 PM)

I have no idea what you're talking about, and i don't understand the article.  Is this in reference to my update all fields issue above?  Are you saying the code I posted doesn't work?  All i know is that I tried several things, and that last one is the only one that worked.  Do you have anything better, or do you see a problem with it?

3912

General Software Discussion / Re: Help me with MS Word styles

« Last post by superboyac on May 14, 2010, 03:42 PM »

Heh...yeah.

Quick problem/question:
I'm writing my manual right now, and I cannot figure out to make a macro that will update ALL the fields, especially the table of contents...all in one click.  I've scoured the web, and used all the things they say to try, but none of them work.

It's very simple.  To update everything, you have to press Ctrl-A (to select all) and then F9 (to update).  But a dialog comes up asking if you want to update the entire table or just the page numbers.  So I select the entire table, and that's it.  That works fine.

but I'm trying to make that a macro and it won't work.  I recorded the whole process, and that didn't work.  Then I used a code I found on the web, which they say works, but it doesn't for me:

Code: Visual Basic [Select]

1. Sub UpdateAllFields()
2. Dim oStory As Range
3. Dim oField As Field
4.   For Each oStory In ActiveDocument.StoryRanges
5.     For Each oField In oStory.Fields
6.       oField.Update
7.     Next oField
8.   Next oStory
9. End Sub

If anyone can help me, please advise.  Thank you.

EDIT:
I found the following code, and it works for the table of contents.  I don't know if it works fro all fields of all type, but it works for the TOC, so I'm happy for now:

Code: Visual Basic [Select]

1. Sub UpdateAllTOCs()
2. For Each toc In ActiveDocument.TablesOfContents
3. toc.Update
4. Next toc
5. End Sub

3913

General Software Discussion / Re: Help me with MS Word styles

« Last post by superboyac on May 14, 2010, 02:59 PM »

As a sidenote:
I am so glad to have a discussion that is impartial and rational about this topic.  Usually, Microsoft topics quickly deteriorate into a MS bashfest, or an open Office vs. MS thing, even if that has nothing to do with the subject.  Same goes for anything about Apple vs. PC.  So I appreciate learning about the many strengths and useful features of Word.

3914

General Software Discussion / How to automatically collect posts from a forum (that match a criteria)?

« Last post by superboyac on May 14, 2010, 08:52 AM »

Is the following possible:
Use a program or something to automatically collect a bunch of posts from a forum that match a certain criteria?  For example, let's say I want to collect all the posts that a certain user did that had a certain title.  Also, if there is formatting (bold, italics, smileys), could those be grabbed also?

Take the Tech News that is regularly posted by Ehtyar, is there a program where I can collect all of those and store it on my computer somehow?  But I'm specifically interested in doing it for another forum.

3915

General Software Discussion / Re: Help me with MS Word styles

« Last post by superboyac on May 14, 2010, 08:46 AM »

And here. (I'd hire you.) 

-40hz (May 14, 2010, 04:31 AM)

Thanks!

For all the negative stuff we see and hear about all things MS, at the end of the day their office suite is incredibly capable and powerful if we only knew how to use it to it's fullest (I know I wish I did  )     

-Target (May 13, 2010, 11:23 PM)

You know, this exact thought was probably the biggest lesson in all of this for me.  I have the tendency to bash the big time companies, not to mention my consistent railing against Word.  But now, I'm realizing that, yes, it is a powerful program.  It's me that has to learn how to use it.  And I don't know why that wasn't my attitude to begin with.  After all, software is a tool, it's up to you to learn to use it or even want to use it.  Anyway, this has all been very good for me.

3916

General Software Discussion / Re: Help me with MS Word styles

« Last post by superboyac on May 13, 2010, 10:37 PM »

Target, I understand what you are saying.  I probably am not expressing it accurately.  I'm pretty well respected at work...I know how to balance this stuff better than I'll be able to describe.

But for this thread, I apologize for my ranting.  The styles are just a sore topic with me.  I have no problem with anyone here, it's my favorite forum from top to bottom.  Also, after reading the articles by kfitting, I'm realizing my ranting was out of place, because it's me that doesn't understand how Word works, and not a fault of MS Word.

3917

General Software Discussion / Re: Help me with MS Word styles

« Last post by superboyac on May 13, 2010, 08:13 PM »

i echo 40hz' sentiments on both counts.  Firstly, I have to repeat how amazing those McGhie articles are.  Not only has it calmed me down, but it has gotten me very excited about Word.  I have to honestly say that it is one of the most useful things I have come across on the internet in a long, long time.

Anyway, about 40hz somewhat off-topic point that I brought up...yes, when it comes to work, I get very goal-oriented.  I used to be goal-oriented 100% of the time and quite irritable about it.  but as I've grown older and wiser, I've learned to appreciate the process a lot more.  And what's more, I've tried my best to be less irritable about it all, and embrace both sides.  Often times now, I realize that it is wiser to appreciate the process rather than the final product. Why?  I feel that's where the socializing and interaction is taking place, and that is a beautifully human thing.  I attribute my 'ends justify the means" to my immature side now.

But, again, with work it's different.  At work, you have to get things done.  Too many people are not getting things done, i get really sensitive about it.  At some point, you have to be the ass and put on that face.  You have to.  So, please forgive me for that mode, that's my work personality!

3918

General Software Discussion / Re: Help me with MS Word styles

« Last post by superboyac on May 13, 2010, 11:57 AM »

Sorry, have to add one more to the list (as I think back to when I was researching this I'm remembering more...).  This site attempts to explain how Word looks at a document... it revolutionized my view of Word.  Excellent read... cant recommend it enough.

http://daiya.mvps.org/wordpages.htm

It is just one of many EXCELLENT links from this page:
http://daiya.mvps.org/bookwordframes.htm

-kfitting (May 12, 2010, 10:02 AM)

That is an awesome article.  Man, kfitting, thanks so much.

3919

Living Room / Re: How to uninstall driver in Windows XP command line safe mode?

« Last post by superboyac on May 13, 2010, 11:41 AM »

Well, I thought it was the driver that was the problem.  Apparently, it wasn't, but something during the driver installation screwed up the Gina thing.  I have no idea what I'm saying, I'm just explaining what happened. 

3920

Living Room / Re: How to uninstall driver in Windows XP command line safe mode?

« Last post by superboyac on May 13, 2010, 11:13 AM »

Apparently, this fixes my problem 9and it did!):
http://www.dougknox....esc/fix_xp_logon.htm

I'm always amazed by all the stuff available on the internet for fixing problems like this.  I need to learn to stop fiddling around with my company's computers.  One day, I'm going to get myself in deep doo doo.

3921

Living Room / How to uninstall driver in Windows XP command line safe mode?

« Last post by superboyac on May 13, 2010, 10:56 AM »

Hi guys, I have an emergency.  I was using a corporate laptop, and the fingerprint sensor wasn't working.  i was browsing online, and one of the suggestions was to use another maker's driver.  i did, now the laptop gives me an error at the logon screen.  Same with normal safe mode.  But I can get into the Safe Mode with Command Line.  How can I uninstall the problem driver using the command line?  Thanks...

3922

Living Room / Re: Farewell to Frank Frazetta 1928-2010

« Last post by superboyac on May 12, 2010, 09:28 AM »

Dang...he was awesome.  I wish I could draw like him.

3923

General Software Discussion / Re: Instruction manual creation recommendations?

« Last post by superboyac on May 12, 2010, 08:38 AM »

Thank you Jabberwock.  Those are useful instructions and I found them helpful.

3924

General Software Discussion / Re: Help me with MS Word styles

« Last post by superboyac on May 11, 2010, 07:10 PM »

Yes, that was very helpful also.  In fact, a printed copy is next to my work computer as we speak!  But i went through kfitting's link, and everything is ready to go.  I don't really have to create anything.  That's why i love it.

3925

General Software Discussion / Re: Help me with MS Word styles

« Last post by superboyac on May 11, 2010, 06:06 PM »

That link by kfitting is by far the most helpful thing I've come across so far.  This is what I'm talking about people.  The template provided is great.  A lot of work went into that, and it's something I can use right out of the box.

No offense to anyone here, I love all the advice and help I receive here at DC, so this doesn't really apply here:

I've recently felt compelled to rant against certain forum habits.  There are a lot of forums out there, lots of questions being asked, lots of answers being given.  But occasionally, we're not necessarily looking for an explanation or an answer, we just want someone to give us the shortcut or the link to the place where the work is already done by someone else and we can just copy it or use it.  I know it sounds lazy, but it's really not.  It IS the answer.

I absolutely hate when the advice given is..."Just google it".  Or even more snarky is when people actually post the google link (with the search words already entered).  To me, that's being an a-hole.  Fortunately, this doesn't happen here, but everyone knows what I'm talking about!

Man, for some reason, whenever i have to use styles in MS Word, i get in the foulest mood possible.  it just hits a nerve with me.  It's my problem...