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Burt is now being published in the Universal Thread Magazine www.utmag.com and the Virtual FoxPro User Group Newsletter www.vfug.org. |
All Articles in Software News & Views are listed by their category. The categories are:
AntiVirus, Backup, Book Reviews, CGI-Scripts, Conferences, De-Fragmentation, DSL, EDEX, Firewall, General, Internet, Intuit, Microsoft, QuickBooks, Quicken, Speech Recognition, Symantec, Turbo Tax, Utilities, Visual FoxPro, Web Tools and Windows.
What is the difference between AntiVirus software and a firewall? Simply put, an AntiVirus program is a program that will attempt to protect your computer against viruses and worms. A virus or worm is a program that will infect your computer, and could impact it in some way. The impact can be benign: like displaying a greeting, or it could do something disastrous, like reformatting your hard disk, or it could do anything in between. Downloading files from the Internet or from any other source can transmit computer viruses, including from your home computer to your office computer. The primary way to guard against a computer virus is with AntiVirus software.
Let us take a look at Norton SystemWorks 2001. Norton SystemWorks includes the following products: Norton Utilities 2001, Norton Antivirus 2001, and Norton Web Services. All of the software is compatible with Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows ME, Windows NT, and Windows 2000. The Professional version also includes Norton Ghost and WinFax 10.0 Basic Version.
For purposes of this discussion, I am not going to distinguish between a virus, a worm, and a Trojan horse. Suffice it to say, you do not want any of them. The basic defenses for them all are similar for our purposes
One customer experienced the worst of times while the other had a total disaster. What makes the difference between the worst of times and a total disaster? The worst of times is when you discover that your computer disk has been destroyed. This can happen for a good reason or for no reason. Sometimes you will never know why a disk is destroyed, it just is.
As we all know, computers are totally dependable devices that never fail. If you believe the previous statement, we are not living in the same universe. Computers not only fail, but they fail dramatically and usually at the worst possible time. This column is not about why they fail, or how they fail, but what to do about it.
I am currently using Retrospect Disk-to-Disk backup software from Dantz. In my company I have a local area network with a server and five workstations. Retrospect allows me to set up an automatic system where all of my workstations are automatically backed up every night from the server. The beautiful thing about this is that the users do not need to do anything.
This book really surprised me. I expected a very heavy hitting reference book that nobody would actually sit down and read. Instead I found an easy to read book, which also serves as an excellent reference.
One of my requirements in building this web site was to either find or build a subscription management system. Based on the specifications of the program, I chose to use Password Manager V 2.0 from i2-Services.
Visual MaxFrame Professional (VMP) is a full featured programming framework for Visual FoxPro. VMP is a product of VisionPace. MaxStart is a one day introductory training session for users of VMP.
The Southwest Fox 2005 conference took place in Phoenix from October 13 through October 17, 2005. The conference focused on Visual FoxPro, with a smattering of .net content thrown in for good measure. How would I rate this conference? Fantastic!
Let us take a look at Norton SystemWorks 2001. Norton SystemWorks includes the following products: Norton Utilities 2001, Norton Antivirus 2001, and Norton Web Services. All of the software is compatible with Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows ME, Windows NT, and Windows 2000. The Professional version also includes Norton Ghost and WinFax 10.0 Basic Version.
In my business, and my personal life too for that matter, I use the Internet a lot. For the last 3 years, I have used a DSL connection. What does that mean? Even more important, what happens when it goes away?
In 1994, the DWC published the EDEX specification. EDEX is a system for electronic filing of liens with the WCAB. Under the Board procedures, in place then and now, a lien claimant is required to serve the paper lien and related documentation on the employer, insurance company, and related attorneys in order to perfect the lien. The lien claimant files the lien with the Board electronically, but does not have to serve the Board with paper copies of the lien or related documentation. This greatly reduces the vast amounts of paper flowing into the WCAB offices on a daily basis.
EDEX Information Systems (formerly EDEX Express) provides an Internet-based EDEX Interface. Using EDEX Information Systems web site, interested parties can file EDEX Inquiries and/or Liens, as well as receive notifications of significant events and hearing notifications. They also provide a printable copy of the lien and proof of service.
In 1993, I got involved in an exciting new project, the California State Workers' Compensation Appeals Board EDEX (Electronic Data EXchange) system. Over the next 3 years, I became the principal designer and developer of both the CompData and SpeedComp EDEX interface packages. In addition, I worked closely with the programmer's for the state, finalizing the design for EDEX, and testing the finished software. (2005 Note - I am no longer affiliated with either CompData or SpeedComp and I have in fact developed my own EDEX Software LMS - Lien Management System. If you want more information on LMS, please contact me at [email protected]).
In this day of ever-increasing automation, we sometimes forget the importance of the "human touch." At best, computers are programmed to do exact tasks, and do them quickly and efficiently. Unfortunately, that leaves us with two potential problems: malicious acts and a just plain don't know-don't care attitude on the part of computer programmers.
What is the difference between AntiVirus software and a firewall? Simply put, an AntiVirus program is a program that will attempt to protect your computer against viruses and worms. A virus or worm is a program that will infect your computer, and could impact it in some way. The impact can be benign: like displaying a greeting, or it could do something disastrous, like reformatting your hard disk, or it could do anything in between. Downloading files from the Internet or from any other source can transmit computer viruses, including from your home computer to your office computer. The primary way to guard against a computer virus is with AntiVirus software.
Everywhere you turn, you find kits that let you print your own checks on your laser printer. The software is easy to use, and the blank-check stock is inexpensive and easy to find. There is just one drawback, unless you purchase a MICR toner cartridge for your printer, the banks and automated retail systems cannot read the routing and account information on your check. This will prevent you from using your checks anywhere that uses a machine to read the check.
In my business, and my personal life too for that matter, I use the Internet a lot. For the last 3 years, I have used a DSL connection. What does that mean? Even more important, what happens when it goes away?
Now that we are in the 21st Century, we are all working in paperless offices- right? Not! (Pause here for a good laugh). Like most people running a small business, postage is a daily fact of life for Paulette and me. This used to require frequent trips to the post office to purchase a variety of stamps. Then we discovered small-business postage meters.
Have you ever tried to hold a conversation with a computer programmer? When you stop laughing, read on, and I will explain why it is impossible.
In this day of ever-increasing automation, we sometimes forget the importance of the "human touch." At best, computers are programmed to do exact tasks, and do them quickly and efficiently. Unfortunately, that leaves us with two potential problems: malicious acts and a just plain don't know-don't care attitude on the part of computer programmers.
The other day, I saw the question," What is Custom Software?" The question was posted on an online discussion board for programmers. This surprised me, because I assumed that all programmers would be able to define custom software vs. packaged software. I realized that if this is a question for a professional programmer, it is certainly an open question for a business computer user.
In my business, and my personal life too for that matter, I use the Internet a lot. For the last 3 years, I have used a DSL connection. What does that mean? Even more important, what happens when it goes away?
What is the difference between AntiVirus software and a firewall? Simply put, an AntiVirus program is a program that will attempt to protect your computer against viruses and worms. A virus or worm is a program that will infect your computer, and could impact it in some way. The impact can be benign: like displaying a greeting, or it could do something disastrous, like reformatting your hard disk, or it could do anything in between. Downloading files from the Internet or from any other source can transmit computer viruses, including from your home computer to your office computer. The primary way to guard against a computer virus is with AntiVirus software.
One of my requirements in building this web site was to either find or build a subscription management system. Based on the specifications of the program, I chose to use Password Manager V 2.0 from i2-Services.
If you're not on the Web do you really exist? The first thing we must do is to find the Web. A Web is something very tangled that we weave when first we practice to deceive. Whoops, wrong web. The World Wide Web (the WEB) is one facet of the Internet. (No, it is not the whole Internet, just the most widely publicized part). The WEB is a massive (worldwide) display of information in text and picture form. As such, it is probably the greatest tool for gathering and distributing information in Human history.
At first glance, I did not like the QuickBooks 2001 update. They eliminated the multiple overlapping windows capability, and I thought this made it harder to switch back and forth between windows. Boy was I wrong! While they eliminated the overlapping windows, they added a picker list that shows all windows that are open and available.
I have been using the latest Personal Quicken product for just over a month now (I use QuickBooks for my business). When I first started using the new Quicken, I was very startled. They have made major changes to the features and the user interface in this newest version. In fact, I was so disconcerted that I considered dropping it and returning to an older version.
I do my own taxes every year using Turbo Tax Software. This year I needed to obtain four separate packages to do my income tax returns: Turbo Tax Deluxe, Turbo Tax State, Turbo Tax for Business, and Turbo Tax Business State. All of these packages are Intuit products. As usual, the quality of the software is excellent. In my opinion, Intuit with their Quicken, QuickBooks and Turbo Tax products, is probably producing the best pc software on the market today.
While filing taxes is not pleasant, Turbo Tax lessens the pain. It is very easy to use, with an interview process that takes you through the process step-by-step. If you prefer, you can also go directly to the forms and work with the raw materials. The software includes a number of reference materials to help you minimize your taxes, as well as tracking all of the latest tax-law changes.
It is that time of year again, when a young man's fancy turns to Income Tax Returns. (I hear rumors this also applies to old men as well as young and old women). As usual, I used Turbo Tax for both my business and personal taxes. Turbo Tax turns out-as usual-to be quite excellent, easy to use, and quick. I do, however, have several new observations to make.
This year, as I have done routinely for the last few years, I am using TurboTax to do my income tax returns. TurboTax is an Intuit product, the same company that brings us Quicken and QuickBooks. In my opinion, Intuit's products represent some of the best software I have ever had the pleasure of using. Unfortunately, that pleasure does not extend to this year's TurboTax product. I am not competent to comment on the accuracy of the tax-related issues, other than to say that I do not see any glaring problems. As a piece of software however, this year's TurboTax, is by far, the worst Intuit product I have ever used.
Imagine this situation. You purchased a new product, agreeing to a contract, which specifies the terms of use. After a period of use (sometimes quite short) you find that the software has an inherent flaw. But you do not have to worry; the product is covered by a manufacturer's warranty. The manufacturer announces that they have the fix available, however, in order to receive it, you must accept new terms of use, which will be unilaterally dictated by the manufacturer.
I feel like I should be standing in front of a room of people announcing "My name is Burt, and I am a FoxPro programmer." Does anyone know if there is a twelve-step program called FPPA, FoxPro Programmer's Anonymous?
Microsoft has been in the news lately (so what else is new). We are hearing about anti-trust decisions and new flavors of Microsoft Office and Windows. First, let's get legal. The Appeals Court threw out the penalty in the Microsoft Anti-Trust trial.
I have recently starting using Microsoft Project 2000. This is a very powerful project management tool that is designed to be appropriate for massive projects of all types. But, here I am going to discuss that usefulness of Microsoft Project for managing small projects.
When I tried to install Win 2000, the installation program politely told me that I could not do an upgrade; I needed to do a clean install of the operating system. Normally, this means that you need to format the disk (erase EVERYTHING), and then reload ALL of your PROGRAMS and DATA. Fortunately, in this case, they just meant that I would need to reinstall my programs, not all of my data.
This book really surprised me. I expected a very heavy hitting reference book that nobody would actually sit down and read. Instead I found an easy to read book, which also serves as an excellent reference.
At first glance, I did not like the QuickBooks 2001 update. They eliminated the multiple overlapping windows capability, and I thought this made it harder to switch back and forth between windows. Boy was I wrong! While they eliminated the overlapping windows, they added a picker list that shows all windows that are open and available.
I use QuickBooks 2005 for my company's accounting records. I love it and I could not live without it. In this article, I am going to address the main reason why I love it so much - the banking features. There are three main features of QuickBooks 2005 that I use every day; Check Register, Reconcile, and Online.
I have been using the latest Personal Quicken product for just over a month now (I use QuickBooks for my business). When I first started using the new Quicken, I was very startled. They have made major changes to the features and the user interface in this newest version. In fact, I was so disconcerted that I considered dropping it and returning to an older version.
This month we delve into the world of science fiction. In Star Trek IV, we see Scotty picked up a mouse and begin to speak into it in order to communicate with a computer. For all of us with any technical knowledge, this scene provided a great laugh. At the time, we all knew that it was not possible to just speak with a computer. Well, guess what, the future has arrived. As I sit here in the first year of the 2000's, I am speaking to my computer. What is more amazing is the fact that my computer is listening to me.
Let us take a look at Norton SystemWorks 2001. Norton SystemWorks includes the following products: Norton Utilities 2001, Norton Antivirus 2001, and Norton Web Services. All of the software is compatible with Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows ME, Windows NT, and Windows 2000. The Professional version also includes Norton Ghost and WinFax 10.0 Basic Version.
I do my own taxes every year using Turbo Tax Software. This year I needed to obtain four separate packages to do my income tax returns: Turbo Tax Deluxe, Turbo Tax State, Turbo Tax for Business, and Turbo Tax Business State. All of these packages are Intuit products. As usual, the quality of the software is excellent. In my opinion, Intuit with their Quicken, QuickBooks and Turbo Tax products, is probably producing the best pc software on the market today.
While filing taxes is not pleasant, Turbo Tax lessens the pain. It is very easy to use, with an interview process that takes you through the process step-by-step. If you prefer, you can also go directly to the forms and work with the raw materials. The software includes a number of reference materials to help you minimize your taxes, as well as tracking all of the latest tax-law changes.
It is that time of year again, when a young man's fancy turns to Income Tax Returns. (I hear rumors this also applies to old men as well as young and old women). As usual, I used Turbo Tax for both my business and personal taxes. Turbo Tax turns out-as usual-to be quite excellent, easy to use, and quick. I do, however, have several new observations to make.
This year, as I have done routinely for the last few years, I am using TurboTax to do my income tax returns. TurboTax is an Intuit product, the same company that brings us Quicken and QuickBooks. In my opinion, Intuit's products represent some of the best software I have ever had the pleasure of using. Unfortunately, that pleasure does not extend to this year's TurboTax product. I am not competent to comment on the accuracy of the tax-related issues, other than to say that I do not see any glaring problems. As a piece of software however, this year's TurboTax, is by far, the worst Intuit product I have ever used.
Let us take a look at Norton SystemWorks 2001. Norton SystemWorks includes the following products: Norton Utilities 2001, Norton Antivirus 2001, and Norton Web Services. All of the software is compatible with Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows ME, Windows NT, and Windows 2000. The Professional version also includes Norton Ghost and WinFax 10.0 Basic Version.
I feel like I should be standing in front of a room of people announcing "My name is Burt, and I am a FoxPro programmer." Does anyone know if there is a twelve-step program called FPPA, FoxPro Programmer's Anonymous?
Visual MaxFrame Professional (VMP) is a full featured programming framework for Visual FoxPro. VMP is a product of VisionPace. MaxStart is a one day introductory training session for users of VMP.
In this article I will address the basics of OOP - Object Oriented Programming. The article is oriented towards VFP, but the basic concepts apply to all Object Oriented Programming Languages.
The Southwest Fox 2005 conference took place in Phoenix from October 13 through October 17, 2005. The conference focused on Visual FoxPro, with a smattering of .net content thrown in for good measure. How would I rate this conference? Fantastic!
One of the more interesting VFP features I have learned to use is the updateable view. This is like having a SQL-Select statement on steroids. VFP has a built in view editor, but it leaves much to be desired. In this column, I am going to take a look at ViewEditor Professional from White Light Computing.
CuteHTML is a simple, easy-to-use HTML and page editing tool from GlobalSCAPE, Inc. It gives the user a quick, easy-to-use, easy-to-learn method of creating and/or editing HTML files without a lot of learning curve or overhead.
Imagine this situation. You purchased a new product, agreeing to a contract, which specifies the terms of use. After a period of use (sometimes quite short) you find that the software has an inherent flaw. But you do not have to worry; the product is covered by a manufacturer's warranty. The manufacturer announces that they have the fix available, however, in order to receive it, you must accept new terms of use, which will be unilaterally dictated by the manufacturer.
When I tried to install Win 2000, the installation program politely told me that I could not do an upgrade; I needed to do a clean install of the operating system. Normally, this means that you need to format the disk (erase EVERYTHING), and then reload ALL of your PROGRAMS and DATA. Fortunately, in this case, they just meant that I would need to reinstall my programs, not all of my data.
This book really surprised me. I expected a very heavy hitting reference book that nobody would actually sit down and read. Instead I found an easy to read book, which also serves as an excellent reference
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