Software

This vintage suite still runs like a champ on older Macs. I kept my 2011 Office install going for years after support ended, just to prove it could be done. The final 14.7.7 update patched critical security gaps and added stability fixes that made the suite viable long past its expiration date. It’s the last … Read more

I turned a messy SharePoint list into a functional app in 20 minutes last week. No code, no stress, just pointing and clicking through Power Apps’ interface. You’ll need a SharePoint list with clean data and the right permissions. The process starts with a single click from the SharePoint list itself—Power Apps handles the rest, … Read more

I’ve moved dozens of Access databases to SQL Server over the years. The process is straightforward when you know the right tools and pitfalls to avoid. Microsoft’s Import/Export Wizard handles most migrations in under 30 minutes. For complex databases, the SQL Server Migration Assistant adds extra control over data type conversions and schema adjustments. You’ll … Read more

I was in a client meeting last year when the request came: “Can you pull up that document from SharePoint?” My phone was the only device handy. ⚡ Turns out getting the mobile app is simpler than most think. One trip to your app store, a quick install, and you’re looking at your team sites … Read more

I still remember the first time I needed to convert a Word doc to PDF without losing formatting. That’s when I discovered Adobe’s PDFMaker—it turns your Office apps into PDF powerhouses without ever leaving the program. This official add-in embeds PDF creation right into Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. One click to convert, another to email … Read more

I first moved Excel data into SQL Server 2008 R2 during a Carnegie Mellon project. The process seemed daunting until I discovered the Import/Export Wizard’s simplicity. This built-in tool handles most migrations with zero coding. You’ll map columns, preview data, and execute the transfer in under 10 minutes for typical spreadsheets. I’ve since used it … Read more

I still remember the first time I tried moving handwritten notes into OneNote back in the CMU library—it felt like magic. The process has only gotten smoother since then. Converting sections to OneNote isn’t about copying and pasting. It’s about preserving formatting, images, and even that handwritten chicken scratch you swear you’ll decipher later. With … Read more

Here’s the thing—Microsoft GP’s item allocation inquiry hides in plain sight. I spent three hours digging through the interface before realizing a simple SQL query could surface exactly what we needed. The trick is hitting the right tables: IV00101 for items, IV00102 for quantities, and IV10200 for allocations. One join and you’ve got visibility into … Read more