Author Archive for Samer

Visual Basic Tip: Recycling Code

Published
by
Samer
on February 16, 2016
in Microsoft VBA Tips and Tips and Tricks
. 0 Comments

If you are new to Visual Basic, and want to start writing Macros for various MS application (most popular are Word and Excel), there are several ways in which you can utilize VB code without the need to spend time writing it from scratch. As with anything code and software related, while following our tips remember to test, test and test again to eliminate any problems, errors and to ensure quality and code is not causing any further problems or clashes when applied.

 

This is the No.1 tip I give whenever I conduct one of our Visual Basic Courses for Excel. Use code that has been written before and adapt it to your own uses. Google is great for such things, but you may spend a bit of time looking for the right code or website.

 

I always suggest checking out the Microsoft Developers Network (MSDN.com) for ideas on code when conducting of one our VBA courses (MSDN). You can always use their forums or Facebook and Twitter pages for a few hints and tips and exchanging code. You can also use the MSDN’s extensive knowledge base, documentation and help pages on a variety of VB related stuff as well as further your own knowledge. A brilliant tool for developers and programmers at any stage of experience.

 

recycle

 

 

We hope you found this tip helpful. If you want more information, check out our VBA Courses or our other Visual Basic Application Hints and Tips.

 

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Excel Tip: Conditional Formatting

Published
by
Samer
on January 26, 2016
in Microsoft Excel Tips and Tips and Tricks
. 0 Comments

Conditional formatting is a feature within Microsoft Excel which is used for highlighting cells with a certain color, depending on the cell’s value. It can be a great tool for your Excel sheets, as it has various purposes and outcomes, whether you are after the top 5 values or a simple way to values that need your urgent attention.

 

To get to conditional formatting, go to the Home tab, then to the Styles command group:

conditional formating

 

There are plenty of in-built options for users who don’t want to modify anything or want to do things on the go. However, Excel gives users the chance to customize their own rules for conditional formatting for that added personal touch.

 

Conditional Formatting

 

To customize your own rules, follow the same steps above, select the New Rule command to bring the New Rule Dialogue Box.

 

Want to learn more? Check out our Courses and our other Hints and Tips

 

Article: 5 Ways Classroom Training Is Better

Published
by
Samer
on January 21, 2016
in Other Articles
. 0 Comments

IT Training Courses are a great way to enhance personal skills, productivity and personal knowledge. Once you have a Microsoft expert in the office, that person can share their knowledge with other and reduce time and effort spent figuring out and producing spreadsheets and documents. However, a lot of companies want to step away from sending employees to day courses, and think it’s better to do online courses or even ask employees to spend personal time watching YouTube videos or learn in their own time!

IMG_19012016_092217

 

Although there are some advantages to online based training, such as reduced travel costs and reduced time out of the office, classroom based training can actually be more effective and have a greater outcome on building knowledge! So we decided to present to you 5 reasons why classroom based training courses, such as the one we present here, are better for your company and better for individuals:

 

 

  • The office can be distracting!

Especially on a Monday, phone calls, emails, POs to sign, follow ups to send and more phone calls, being away from the office on a business-based training can be refreshing and useful. A classroom can be a great place to share ideas and come up with solutions to everyday problems at the work place and allows a trainer to teach employees in a safe, quiet, clean environment, away from the noise and pressures of the work area.

 

 

  • Can provide a great opportunity to interact with other companies and build business links and opportunities.

I often find that training sessions with a variety of individuals from various companies lead to new business opportunities for clients. It also creates an environment where business leads can be generated and new links within other industries can be easily established.

 

 

  • A Relationship between the Trainer and the Learner(s) can improve the experience.

The classroom environment provides the important “human touch,” which is often missing in technology-based training. It makes way for a lot of interaction, team-building, social skills and may lead to increased learning opportunities as well as finding a place to practice any new skills acquired. Besides, a Trainer is hand to answer any questions that may come up on the spot!

 

 

  • Group interaction enhances learning.

Employees learn from one another as well as from the trainer. Sharing experiences from the office and work can help the Trainer understand why a learner wants to learn the software and helps others in the classroom understand possible wider application of it. After all, sharing is caring.

 

 

  • It can be the ideal Team building exercise.

The group setting also teaches employees how to interact with one another in a professional, productive, cooperative way, which is something that other forms of training often do not provide.

 

There are more positives to classroom led training, to experience those and see what Infero Training can offer you, check out our Training Courses can offer here, or simply sign up to our mailing list for more articles as well as hints and tips here.

Project 2013 Tip: Using the Task Inspect Tool

Published
by
Samer
on January 19, 2016
in Microsoft Project Tips
. 0 Comments

The Task Inspect Tool was introduced by Microsoft in Project 2010 to help project managers have even more control on their project and help, especially in long and complicated projects, and to determine and track down the causes of slipping tasks, which can be very problematic.  Trying to determine which predecessor relationship is pushing the scheduled start date out can be difficult with linked tasks residing multiple screens away.

 

After you have added your tasks, assigned resources and set your predecessors, you can use the Task Inspect too to help manage the project easily, without the need to bring up the Task Information Dialogue box every time.

 

To get the Task Inspect Tool:

 

1) Go to Task Tab on the Ribbon and head to the Tasks Command Group

 

pic 1

 

2) Click on the Inspect command

 

pic 2

 

3) This will bring the Task Inspect Tool next to the Ghant Chart Table view in Project. Now every time you select a Task the Task Inspector will bring all the details (predecessors, Assigned Resources, Calendars…) up in a simpler view.

pic 4pic 3

 

As you can see from screen grab, the Task Inspector can also be useful if Resourced assigned to the tasks are over allocated and will give you possible solutions.

 

If you want to learn more about Microsoft Project, join our Microsoft Project course. You can also sign up to mailing list for more hints & tips on Project and other MS applications.