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FMS Email NewsletterApril 2012

For Microsoft Access, SQL Server,
Visual Studio .NET, and VB6 Professionals


Space Shuttle Discovery over FMSGreetings!

We have to look out our window more often. After last month's spectacular rainbow, we were treated to a fly-by of the Space Shuttle Discovery. Actually, three fly-bys right in front of us. This was a bittersweet observation of its final flight on its way to the Smithsonian Air and Space museum.

In this issue, we're announcing the release of an update to Total Access Analyzer 2010, a new paper discussing the advantages and disadvantages of Microsoft Access vs. Excel, an alert to make sure you claim your 25GB SkyDrive partition before Microsoft reduces it to 7 GB, and our top 5 tips for using combo boxes. We've also included some Microsoft related news on their Open Source initiatives, Cascading Style Sheet tips, and their recent report of strong Windows, Office, and Server sales.

Next week, I'll be at the sold out Portland Access User Group conference at the rustic Silver Falls State Park conference center where there are still pay phones because cell coverage doesn't exist. Hope to see you there.

Luke Chung
President

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Contents


Microsoft Access 2010Documentation and Analysis of Microsoft Access DatabasesTotal Access AnalyzerAccess Analysis

Total Access Analyzer for Access 2010 Updated

We've released an update to Total Access Analyzer 2010 to existing customers that includes several enhancements:

  • Documentation and detection of unused temporary variables (TempVars) was enhanced and fixed
  • Handle macros and embedded macros with no lines
    • Embedded macros with no lines are now flagged as suggestions for removal.
  • Cross-reference analysis of objects and code in IF statements of macros
  • Improved display of the Explorer form when database is using overlapped window mode, and 32 vs. 64 bit versions
  • Updated report thumbnails to show latest versions
  • Fixed cosmetic user interface issues and other minor bugs

Here are the details of the Total Access Analyzer 2010 update. Existing customers should have received an email with download instructions. If you didn't receive an email, please contact support so we can ensure your email address and registration are accurate.

If you weren't aware, we've shipped Total Access Analyzer for Microsoft Access 2010 to support both the 32 and 64 bit versions of Microsoft Access 2010. Here is a description of the new Access 2010 features and the new PDF flier.


Space Shuttle Discovery over FMSSpace Shuttle Discovery Flies by Our Offices Three Times

We were treated with a very memorable experience last week as the Space Shuttle Discovery flew by our offices three times on its final flight. Atop a 747 with fighter jet escort, it came toward us from Washington DC, banked right in front of our windows, then headed back to DC.

They eventually flew over us toward the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy National Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport, where the shuttle is now on permanent display. We've posted some pictures in our FMS Facebook Page Facebook album.


Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft Access versus Microsoft Excel for Data Analysis and Reporting

We are often asked by Microsoft Office power users whether, why, and when they should use Microsoft Access versus Microsoft Excel. Especially when they are very comfortable using MS Excel and don't understand the reasons why anyone would use MS Access or databases.

We've written a new paper that describes the issues in detail:

  • How Microsoft Access and Excel Empower Information Workers
  • Advantages of Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets
  • Disadvantages of Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets
  • Advantages of Microsoft Access and Databases
  • Disadvantages of Microsoft Access
  • How Using Both Gives You and Your Organization a Competitive Edge

Read more in Microsoft Access vs. Microsoft Excel for Data Analysis and Reporting (Spreadsheets versus Databases)


Microsoft SkyDrivePreserve Your Free 25GB Microsoft SkyDrive Account

Microsoft's SkyDrive service has offered everyone a free 25GB hard disk in the cloud. This lets you store your files, backups, and even share files with others. It's an amazing free offer that we've mentioned in the past.

Unfortunately, Microsoft has just reduced the free amount to 7 GB. That's still generous, is more than Apple's iCloud, and is what's offered to new customers.

For a limited time, if you already have a SkyDrive account, you can keep your 25GB disk but you need to claim it.

Skydrive Upgrade to Preserve 25GB

FMS BlogRead our blog for upgrade details: Preserve Your Free 25GB Microsoft SkyDrive Account


Microsoft AccessTop Five Tips for Using Combo Boxes on Microsoft Access Forms

Microsoft Access combo boxes let you display data for users to select values from predefined lists. Using them effectively simplifies data entry and accuracy.

Most commonly, the list of values is from a table or query, and can be bound to one field (like an ID field) while displaying a field the user sees and understands. Combo boxes in Access also support the display of multiple columns so you can show more data to make it easier to select the right item.

Check out our Top Five Tips for Using Combo Boxes on Microsoft Access Forms

Microsoft Access Zip Code Lookup for City State Autofill and City Combo Box Selection
Example of Address Validation with Zip Code Lookup of City/State Names and Multiple City ComboBox


Luke Chung Speaking at Portland Access User Group Conference

Luke Chung, FMS PresidentFMS President Luke Chung is attending and speaking at the sold-out Microsoft Access conference sponsored by the Portland Oregon Access User Group. Join him and other guest speakers May 5-7 at the beautiful Silver Falls State Park Conference Center.

Microsoft speakers include Ryan McMinn, Microsoft Access Senior Program Manager Lead, and Kevin Bell, test engineer on the Access team. Other speakers include industry authors and notables F. Scott Barker, Alison Balter, Juan Soto, and Armen Stein.

Luke will be giving a new presentation on Tips and Techniques for Taking Over an Existing Access Application.

For complete details and registration, visit the PAUG Conference site. See photos from last year's conference on our Facebook page.


Thank you for your continued support!

Watch our FMS BlogBlog, FMS Facebook PageFacebook page, and FMS TwitterTwitter feed for our latest announcements


________________

ASP.NET MVC, Web API, and Web Pages Open Sourced

Microsoft Open Source Announcement

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5 Things Web Developers Need to Know About CSS

MSDN Web Dev Report

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Microsoft's Windows, Office and Server Lines Remain Strong

NY Times Article

Resources

Product Catalog for Microsoft Access, Visual Basic 6, VBA, Office
FMS Product Catalog

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