MS Access Blog

Hello Everyone,

I am currently in Raleigh, NC attending my fraternity’s southern Regional Convention. What better weekend to have an assignment due, right!? During the convention, I scheduled some time to finish my database up my database project. I have had a lot of experience Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher), however, with Microsoft Access, was a completely different experience. I had to re-watch many of the lectures, as well as solicit the help of some of my peers.

Author: Idlette, Walter "Sheraton Hotel" Copyright 2011

Author: Idlette, Walter "Downtown Raleigh" Copyright 2011

I had always heard about the “powers” of Microsoft Access, but had never experienced it for myself. By simply watching the lectures, I could tell that this application was much more intricate. As I began working on the Assignment, all seemed well and fairly easy. The first thing I noticed that was some unusual about the assignment was that some of the information imported from the excel file, would be formatted incorrectly. At first I overlooked this, but later noticed that an error message appeared in my database. Although this was a very subtle way the professor could tell how much we studied the material, the purpose this function serves is amazing. Instead of having to type all of the data into MS access, or having to search row-by-row for each error, MS compiles a list of format errors, as well as, provides the user with a location where the errors can be fixed.

The part of the project I had the most trouble with was the QUERY ACTIVITY! Creating the expression to “show the individuals who left the gym within the past months” was very difficult. I leveraged all of my resources: the discussion board, Google, as well as, peers. Honestly, it took me about an hour to properly create the expression, and get the desired output. I originally thought that the formulas would be very similar to word. Although some of the characteristics were similar, MS Access has a

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/access-help/examples-of-query-criteria-HA010066611.aspx

Creating expressions are very beneficial, especially when there is a lot of data and it needs to be sorted or compiled. The expression keys allow the user to organize data in a manner that is easiest for the user to interpret. Lastly the form and the report activity were fairly easy to complete. The form function allows the user to input data through as many or little fields as wanted. The report function allows the user to compile and organize the data in a way that can easily be printed and interpreted.

Overall I think that this project was very helpful and eye opening. I have never really had to manipulate a large amount of data. I know that through this project, we only grazed the abilities of MS Access. I know this because as I Googled information, I found what seemed to be an endless about of information.

Avatar Experience

Today I decided to create an avatar. I have always wondered what the pupose of an avatar was! i thought that this was going to be an easy assignment, that would only take a few minutes, however, it took me almost two hours to complete. One of the reasons, is because you can customize and personalize you avatar so much.

I created my avatar through Meez.com. I was amazed by all of the features! First, I was given 2000 coins (I had no idea what this meant). Then I noticed that I was able to change a variety of features on my avatar, everything from hair and clothing to nose size and make up.

Additionally, there is something called Meex NAtion which allows me to interact and chat with other avatars and their users. We can also play games, as well as, post to discussion boards.

Overall, I think that creating an avatar was a great experience. It allows the user to express themselves in a creative manner!

Tutorial Blog 2

During weeks 5-7, I have learned alot of information as it relates to information technology. One of the sections i found the most interesting was the project we did on excel. I took Computer problem solving my sophomore year in college and learned a lot of the basics about excel software. Although much of the information was similar, this course went into greater depth about the breathe and depth of excel. I was completely unaware of the variety as well as amount of information Microsoft excel could process.

As stated before I did an internship this past summer, and we depended on Excel to help process and organize a lot of our data. When I think back, I remember a partner making reference to pivot tables. At that point in time, i though a pivot table was just a chart with a lot of formulas. I had no Idea, that in a pivot table you could organize and format data, to produce output in a variety of forms.

Some of the more complex this I learned were
- IF Functions: Where you type in the "logical test", then the value if true (words must be in "quotations"), and then the value if false

- Pivot Tables: Select the data that you would like to organize, including the headings. once the information is selected, you have the options to import the table into the current sheet or into a new worksheet.You then have the option to organize the information in  a variety of ways. By select different heading you can calculate "sums", "avg", etc.

Overall my interest with excel has definitely grown through this course.

I not only enjoyed learning about excel, but all different types of of software programs, and the legal parameters surround software.

Overall, I enjoyed completing the web 2.0 presentation project. I have created numerous presentations in Microsoft PowerPoint presentations, but I had a great time dded a unique element to overall assignment. I was unaware of the variety of web presentation tools that were available. I learned how to import audio, pictures, and music into a single presentation file. I also learned how to incorporate some creative effects into the presentation- transitions.

This class is going great, and I can not wait for whats next!

Web 2.0 Presentation- Not For Profit

                            

                                   http://edition.cnn.com/2010/BUSINESS/10/18/charity.donations/index.html

                             Web 2.0 Presentation Link: http://jaycut.com/users/lilwait

                                                                      Self-Critique

Overall, I liked the project a lot! I have created numerous presentations in Microsoft, but incorporating Web 2.0 into the presentation added a unique element to overall assignment. I was unaware of the variety of web presentation tools that were available. I learned how to import audio, pictures, and music into a single presentation file. I also learned how to incorporate some creative effects into the presentation- transitions. All of this information is very interesting to me, as I always relate it to whats going on in my life. For instance, the difference presentations, I see at school, at work, or even in student organizations.


While doing some research I noticed that there is a lot of information on the web about a variety of topics. When making a presentation it is important to be clear and concise. After searching and finding information, I had to make sure to select the information that was the most important, as well as, make sure it is presented unambiguously.

Whend oing reserach on not-for profits and how they like to communicate information to their stakeholders. I found that the moajority use video presentations, because they create a greater dramatice effect.I experimented with different presentation forms, and as a result I decided to make my presentation into a movie. After sitting through many lecture style presentations, I feel that showing a "movie presentation", that somewhat evokes a lot of emotional response, in essence, explains itself. However, by watching others presentations, I do see how a web 2.0 presentation can be formatted to incorporate more interactive items. 

Overall, this project was great and very enjoyable. The assignment allowed students to express their creativity not only in the content that was presented, but also the way in which it was presented.

Excel Project

Excel Print Screen

For the past week I have been working on the ISM Excel Project. I took Computer Problem Solving as a freshman and was able to use a lot of the knowledge and skills I learned in this class. The purpose of the project was to arrange and interpret a set of data by using an Excel Spreadsheet.


I was familiar with most of the formulas, however, there were two formulas in particular that I need to further research. The first was a compound formula. In my previous Information Systems course, we used simple formulas that only required one mathematical operations (Addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division). The "Percentage Increase of Heart Rate" was a prime example of where i had to include two mathematical operations (subtraction and division).


Secondly, the "IF" function, gave me a little trouble. For some reason, I was able to get a numerical output responses, but whenever I typed in letters for output, I received and error. After re-watching the letter, I recalled that alphabetical output requires "quotations" around the words.


Lastly, The part of the project that was the most interesting and most useful was the pivot tables. As stated before, I completed an internship two summers ago, and pivot tables were used very heavily. I worked in the Recruiting department, and pivot tables were used to determine the number of offers extended, students who accepted offers, GMAT scores, GPAs, etc. I am definitely going to conduct some further research on pivot tables, before I return to my internship next summer.


Overall I am very please with the Excel project. I know from first hand experience how much corporations rely on Microsoft excel- everything from creating mailing lists, to creating and interpreting statistical output.

Tutorial 1: Microsoft Office Suite2010

Hello Everyone!


I would like to start off by introducing myself. My name is Walter Idlette, however everyone calls me Tre. I am a Senior majoring in Accounting, and I am originally from Fort Myers. I am taking this class because I want to broaden my technical skills as they relate to information system technologies.


Through this blog entry I am going to present some interesting information about a very well known application software suite: Microsoft Office Suite 2010. I became very interested in the software when I heard the University of Florida had managed to negotiate with a wholesaler to provide not only Microsoft Office Suite 2010, but also, the Windows 7 Operating system and various other application to students for only $15.


Below are two links that provide more insight about the actual purchase agreement between Microsoft and UF, as well as, an article by the Independent Florida Alligator.


http://www.purchasing.ufl.edu/main_contracts-microsoft.asp


http://www.alligator.org/news/campus/article_4b28edce-1f9c-11e0-94d8-001cc4c002e0.html


By watching the lectures on Application Software, I definitely increased my technical and academic knowledge of the software. MS Office 2010, a type of Horizontal Software, can be used across different industries to perform a variety of functions and tasks.


Microsoft Office Suite 2010, is also categorized as a "Software Suite", which means that a variety of individual softwares that share many common features are bundled together. Benefits of Software Suites over Standalone Applications are that training and support are reduced, applications are housed on a shared interfaced, and overall management is much simpler.


*Digital Photo of Microsoft Office Suite 2010 (Office Home and Student Edition)


The University of Florida most likely bought a Site License. This type of license is  for large business and organization that need the software installed on multiple computers.  Another fact, that caught my interest was the life-cycle of a particular software, and how it is constantly being updated. 


I did some research and found 2 interesting sites that provide a lot of historical information and show how the software has evolved to what it is today. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Microsoft_Office
http://www.emsps.com/oldtools/msoffv.htm


Learning the differences between a major and minor version, revision, and build, has allowed me to understand the numerical values better.


Of course, learning about the legal aspect of application software is interesting. By having the user, sign a EULA, they are agreeing to the terms and condition set force by the designer. Nowadays, technology has advanced to the point, that if you violate the EULA, privileges to the application software could be revoked.


All in all, I have learned a lot about the Application Software within the past week. Having the opportunity to download the new technology, as well as, learning some of the fundamental functions has been very rewarding. 


Until the Next Blog,


Tre

First Post

This is My First!! I created this blog as apart of my new informations systems course im taking ISM3004! I am really interested to learn more about blogging. Expect some cool posts!