Archive for March, 2010
4 ways to make your Word file “slim”
We will talk about some related to your office daily work. Did you encounter the following situation? You want to send an email with a Word file attachment, but the email cannot be send out cause the Word file is too large. And you waste many efforts in making the file slim. You can try the following methods, which can reduce the size a lot.
1. Save as
In Menu, choose “File > Save As”, and save the file with a new name. You can compare the new file with original one; you will find that the file size of new one is much smaller.
You can also work in this way. Select the whole content of the document, copy and paste it to a new blank document and save it. Again, you will that file size of two documents is different.
2. Delete old versions
If there are many old versions kept in the file, the file size will be larger. In Menu, choose “File > Version”, check to see if there is any old version saved. You can delete those versions with no value to make the file slim.
3. Insert picture wisely
“Insert Picture” is one of the main reasons for the word file get fat. Try to insert a smaller picture. You can use graphic editor to reduce the size of picture before insert into the file. The file format should use GIF or JPG and do not use those high-resolution graphic, like BMP.
4. Don’t “Embed True Type Font”
“Embed True Type Font” will increase the size of word file. In Menu, choose “Tools > Options”, switch to “Save” tab page. Confirm that your word file have no true type font, and cancel the “Embed True Type Font” option. If you embed true type font, then choose “Embed characters in use only”.
Try the above four methods, you will see your word file getting slim.
Php – A First Look
PHP: Hypertext Processor is a server-side web programming language that blends seamlessly with HTML. PHP can run on both Unix and Windows servers, which makes it more accessible than its Windows counterpart, Active Server Pages (ASP). Most full-service web design firms will have at least one PHP guru.
PHP uses are widespread, and can include any kind of server functionality that takes user’s input and displays or manipulates the input. Some pertinent examples of such work are message boards, auction sites, shopping carts, and more. This synopsis is meant to serve only as a gateway to other works; although the main goal is to give a reader enough information so they can make educated decisions about what their web developer should do. For those looking to get into PHP, there are many free tutorials and primers out there:
http://www.4webhelp.net/tutorials/php/basics.php, is a pertinent example
PHP generally uses the mySQL database system. MySQL is a server-side system that is included on many Unix, and some Windows servers.
Once a user knows the basics of PHP and its capacities, he can work with plenty of open-source scripts. Without having to actually build a script from scratch, one can get a fully functional website with a custom design (assuming the designer has HTML/graphics knowledge). Two of the most popular open-source (free) scripts for PHP/mySQL are PHPBB and osCommerce. PHPBB is forum software that is fairly common. It has all the main features of a message board and can have mods (modules) added for more features. OsCommerce is a shopping cart script that has support for many payment gateways, including some free ones like Paypal. The great thing about scripts like these is that they have a full community of developers – both beginners and professionals – that are there to help with installation and modification.
However, if a user doesn’t feel that he’s ready to take the plunge and work with PHP code, most web design firms are more than willing to work with open-source scripts. Others even have their own pre-made, or can work from scratch for an upgraded fee. Sometimes, an open source script simply won’t suffice because a user needs something tailored to his needs. Larger-scale online business and e-treps require capabilities that may be out of the reach of osCommerce.
To conclude, PHP is a server-side scripting language that offers widespread capabilities for web developers looking to interact with their viewers. It may take years to master a technology like this, but there are plenty of great deals out there for pre-made scripts or from-scratch technologies. This story served as an introduction to PHP, later articles will go into further detail.
5 Tips for Buying a Laptop
5 Tips for Buying a Laptop
Buying a laptop is a major investment decision. As such it is not one that you should make lightly. Below are 5 tips that will help prepare you for making the best and most well informed decision when buying a laptop.
Tip #1 Size Matters
Buying a laptop is a matter that requires some thought. Consider the size and weight of the laptop. How often will you be carrying your laptop? Your answer will help determine which size and weight will best suit your needs. If you will be carrying your laptop frequently, a lighter model will be preferable.
The keyboard is another area to consider when buying a laptop. Why is the size of the keyboard important? A larger laptop will have a slightly larger keyboard area. But keep in mind that if you worry about your fingers or wrists taking on too much stress from typing on a keyboard that is too small, you may want this to be a main factor in your purchasing decision,
Tip #2 Choose Your Mouse
A laptop it will come with a built in touch pad, an alternative to the mouse, whereby the pad is controlled by the user’s finger movement. For some people, this type of pad is uncomfortable and not easy to work with. Before purchasing a laptop, determine what mouse options are available. Test each one and determine which one best meets your needs.
Tip #3 Wireless Options
Today, when many people think laptop, they think “wireless”. No doubt people want to make sure that their laptop computer will be able to access the Internet with a wireless connection. Many try to account for this by ensuring that their laptop has potential upgrade options, such as room for an expandable PC card or a USB port. However, since so many laptop users are looking for wireless connections, many of today’s laptops come pre-wired for wireless Internet. All you need to do is activate your wireless Internet service, and your laptop will take it from there. So depending on your needs, choose your laptop whether it is capable of expanding or if it is already configured for wireless Internet.
Tip #4 Check for Ports
Peripheral equipment will be connected to your laptop through USB ports. You will make your life much less complicated by ensuring that your laptop has adequate ports. Connecting equipment such as printers, scanners, and digital cameras will be much simpler if you have the ports readily available. If you are not sure, thoroughly read the specs for any laptop that you are considering purchasing.
Tip #5 Check Your Budget First
Finally, when buying a laptop, beware that you do not overspend. First create your budget and stick to it. When you think that you have found the laptop that you want, do not rush into it. Wait a day and check over your budget, requirements, and see if you are still as excited about the laptop in the morning, as you were when the sales clerk was showing off its specs. If you still feel that it is the laptop that you want to purchase, then go for it.