Automating Outlook

Microsoft Outlook as a great array of automation features out of the box, but for those that need a little extra or like to "tinker" then there is always the "roll your own" method..... using custom scripts.

Yes I know, I do prefer Google Apps products but there is no denying the power of Outlook and many people still use this client as the front end of their Gmail accounts.  

I have used Outlook for many years as my primary front end to email until about 4 years ago when I went completely online.  So I know the product fairly well and have always used it's better known features like Rules and dabbled in its lesser known features such as VBA script.  I will be aggregating the automation goodies I find on the web and some that I used at home and work when I used to use Outlook.

Auto copy Outlook attachments to a folder

Google Docs vs Microsoft Word - it's not as hard as you think to change over

Editing a document with Google Docs is different but it's not hard.  With unmatched features like always online, accessible from any device and super easy collaboration then its Google Docs that gets my vote.

Most of the controls and formatting options are the same as other word processors albeit a little lighter in choice. The level of functionality and visual appeal most people are accustomed to with MS Word is achievable if you can lend a little extra time to figuring it out.

I'll be highlighting some of the differences between the two of the major players (Google Docs and MS Word) and demonstrating just how to achieve a visually appealing document in Google Docs that is comparable to its competitors.

First up (just because some people have been struggling with it) is the difference between editing, commenting and viewing a document in Google Docs.  It might sound like it's pretty self explanatory but when you are used to the Microsoft way it can be a little strange at first, a new tool and a new way of doing things sometimes puts people off learning.  

But once you see how easy it really is then you'll wonder how you ever used anything else.

Editing and using Suggestions (Track Changes) in Google Docs

The different ways your home can be connected to the internet

There are many different ways to get the internet connected in your home and sometimes words are just not enough or they are too much!  

If the sources of information floating on the internet leave you a little confused or bewildered then maybe some simplified pictures can help you understand what the common internet connections to your home are and how they piece together.  

Thanks to my dad for creating and allowing me to post them here for everyone.

ADSL

This is the most common type of fixed internet connection in your home which uses the fixed line telephone copper cables running through your suburb.  This type of connection can be troublesome or slower than expected if the copper cables are old and the distance between you and the exchange (main connecting hub) is great.

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WIRELESS MOBILE IN YOUR HOME

This type of internet uses the mobile telephone network via a USB dongle which is a portable modem or SIM ready router/modem.

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MOBILE TETHERING (USB)

This connection type is similar to the one above but instead it uses your mobile phone and doesn't require any new equipment.  Just plug your mobile in via a USB cable, install the drivers from the mobile makers site and connect.  Sometimes this method is more trouble than it's worth as the drivers can sometimes be...... well....... troublesome.

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MOBILE TETHERING (WiFi)

By far the easiest method these days to use your mobiles internet from your computer, all smart phones have WiFi tethering or hot spot available to use.  Set this up on your phone with a name and password, turn on and then connect your PC or Laptop just like you would with your home WiFi.