Seattle Access Group

Items of Immediate Interest!!

Puget Sound SharePoint Users Group - Jan 21 Meeting --
Access Services presented by Steve Greenberg, Microsoft!
Pizza at 6, Opening at 6:35; Access Services Presentation at 7:30
Meetings are at the Microsoft PacWest Office CIVICA Office Commons
205 - 108th Ave NE, Suite 400, Bellevue.
For more information, visit the PSSPUG site

Database Design Forum - NEW GROUP on the MSDN Community Website (Jan 2010)
Under the SQL Server group, this forum is focused on the database design. The discussions include Access database design. Several of the authors and editors from Teresa’s upcoming book on database design are among the founding moderators and contributors to the forum; including Doug Yudovich, George Hepworth, Jerry Dennison, and me <g>.

Lunch n Learn - Access 2010 and SharePoint 2010
Better Together Tuesdays, 9 AM -10:30 PST (Jan 2010)
Through July, Kathy Malone is conducting Access 2010/SharePoint 2010-Better Together Lunch n Learns from 9 AM -10:30 PST every Tuesday. Sessions share the content that was presented at the SharePoint Conference to a wider group of people. You’ll learn about the new features, how to migrate existing aps and benefit from the open Q&A sessions. Enthusiasm for the opportunity evolved into an active working group that is leading the effort.
New participants are welcome at EVERY SESSION.
Live Meeting Sessions Dial-in number: 218-862-1000 Access code: 537996#

Brunch n Learn - Access 2010 and SharePoint 2010
Better Together - Saturday Sessions 9 AM PST (Jan 2010)
Through July, Kathy Malone is conducting Access 2010/SharePoint 2010-Better Together Brunch n Learns from 9 - 10 AM PST, every Tuesday. Session topics are based on participant requests, they explore and expand on how to leverage the capabilities offered in the new features and delve into some of the hard core issues related to upgrading, incorporating changes, transitioning to the 2010 Access data and UI macros, search capabilities and navigation panes.
Live Meeting Dial-in number: 218-862-1000 Access code: 537996#

Office 2010 Public Beta - Available NOW (Dec 2009)
Don’t JUST rely on meeting presentations ... get involved! Sign up for the public beta ... Watch the videos to learn more about the great new features provided in Office 2010. Stay up to date with release information. All that and more at

Office 2010 Tool: Office Environment Assessment Tool (Jan 2010)
Is your system or network ready for Office 2010? Use the Office 2010 Environment Assessment tool to find learn about your current configuration and what steps you may need to consider when preparing to migrate to Office 2010.

Then get the companion, Application Compatibility Assessment and Remediation Guide for Office 2010.

Windows 7 Test Drives -- No Installations required (Jan 2010)
You get the full experience of running Windows 7 without investing your time or resources to create a test environment -- Microsoft has done that for you! So, with just one click, you can explore Windows 7 features and go through a collection of fully-featured virtual labs, complete with support videos, step-by-step walkthroughs of features and Learn More resources that delve into the product info to answer your questions..

Windows 7 -- Learning Snacks -- (Nov 2009)
A growing library of short videos to make it easy to learn about new features and capabilities of a Windows 7 and other Microsoft products.

Infrastructure Planning -- Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 connect securely without VPN (Nov 2009)
From an IT standpoint, one of the great new capabilities of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 is the ability to securely connect clients to the corporate network without going through a VPN. Learn about features, benefits and options for planning and updating your networks.

Virtualization, easier than the bunny slope (Sept 2009)
White paper from Windows IT Pro, sponsored by AMD and HP - registration form required.

Windows Live Movie Maker (Sept 2009)
FREE ... turn photos into movies, create training and documentation for your solutions! How about using this and doing a demo for the groups?

Tips and Techniques for Queries in Access 2007 (Sept 2009)
From the basics to advanced topics, Luke provides insights and discusses some of the subtleties that will really make a difference.

The Basics of Writing and Testing VBA Code
Part 1 and Part 2 (Sept 2009)
Learn about code modules, write and call procedures, use variables and even learn the benefits of documenting your code.
(Hot List)

VIRUS ALERT!
PLEASE read and share this warning;

Help stop the Spread of Malware!
Keep systems current Update.microsoft.com

Be courteous and professional ... use BCC when sending email to multiple addressees. Better yet, use a mail merge and automatically personalize each email. But please, whatever you do --
DO NOT USE TO or CC when writing to multiple individuals.
A recipient computer could be infected with a virus that harvests email addresses from To and CC lines - thereby making EVERY contact susceptible! Think about the six steps of separation! You do NOT want to be a contributor to the demise!

Links, Tips and Downloads and More ...

PrimoPDF – The World’s #1 free PDF Creator - at least according to them. (July 2008)
PrimoPDF offers both a free and professional version that will work with Windows 98 through Windows Vista and can work with over 300 file types. Willie really likes PrimoPDF for client installations because it is remarkably simple and leaves a VERY SMALL footprint. Let me know what you think.

Virtualization Via HyperV
Are you ready? Are you hyped? We’ve been talking about it and our launch presentations will cover some of the key features and benefits. And NOW ... Microsoft has released Hyper-V for Windows Server 2008! Read more

Website References – Regular Expressions
We’ve recently had questions and discussions related to the use of Regular Expressions. They are often a convenient and effective, but in specific circumstances, they can also generate unexpected results. We were referred to the following sites for additional information.
10 webcasts on Regular expressions, including a good overview --
One of many Regular Expression Libraries

Compare Windows 7, Vista And XP (July 2009)
Microsoft has created a handy comparison chart to allow people to review the features and options of these three operating systems. Get the free download and make and informed decision.

Windows 7 Videos (July 2009)
A convenient way to get first rate guidance and training when you need it and at your convenience! Learn about features to save time, be more productive, enjoy more options and benefits.

SecureAble - What can Your Processor do? (July 2009)
A great tool that identifies some key features and capabilities of your processor chip, such as the bit length, if the memory can store non-executable files, and how it will support hardware virtualization. Did I mention it is free? Learn more and get the free download.
Office 2007 Home and Student (June 2009)
This is a GREAT value as it can be installed on up to three PCs. It includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote, BUT ... it does NOT include Access. Purchase from a retailer or online from Microsoft for $149.95

Office 2007 Service Pack 2 (June 2009)
This service pack includes fixes that were previously unreleased as well as product fixes that were previously released to enhance performance, stability and security. Please read KB 953195 before installing. (SP released 4/24/2009)

COLLEGE STUDENTS STEAL OFFICE ULTIMATE (June 2009)
WOW ... talk about an incentive for enrolling in college! $59.95 for Office Ultimate 2007, including Access, InfoPath, Publisher and SIX more Office programs! Requires a current student, registered and approved with a valid email ending .edu. Spread the word by sharing the link.

Marketing Opportunity for Access Developers
Microsoft partners with Elance. Expand your reach and opportunities by joining Elance -- the freelance marketplace. Microsoft is providing Access consultants another way to connect with people seeking help with Access projects. Learn more on the Access blog.

SQL Server 2008 Migration Solution Center --- Guidance about upsizing databases to SQL Server 2008.
In addition to guidance and other resources, there is also the SQL Server Migration Assistants (SSMAs) ... that helps those upsizing from Access, Oracle and Sybase to SQL Server.

SharePoint Designer 2007 --- FREE! (April 2009)
Learn how you can design attractive SharePoint sites to help with workflow and other business needs. With the growing availability of free and leased use of SharePoint sites, you don’t need to be an enterprise to use SharePoint. Learn more, watch videos, find related downloads at

Virtualization and Hyper-V --- a “green” light for saving time, SPACE, money and other resources (January 2009)
Ever which you could replicate a desktop or other platform to test before deploying at a client’s? That’s just one of the scenarios that can be quickly and easily be solved using Hyper-V. Once you’ve tried it, you may become a bigger Hyper-V advocate than IT!
You can download the server for free, read the white papers, take some tutorials, and put it to work.
Training and exams books and other offers on virtualization, even free e-learning
FREE E-Book -- Understanding Microsoft Virtualization Solutions
Learn about saving energy and resources with the Hyper-V “Green” Toolbox FREE Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008

Best of the best - Microsoft Office Online 2008 Top Hits List (January 2009)
Convenient links to 2008’s most popular training, templates, tips, clipart and more --- as rated by the users!

VISTA SP2 Beta (January 2009)
If you’re enjoying the features in Vista, you may want to participate in the Vista SP2 Beta. In addition to benefiting from the fixes and enhancements, you will be helping to ensure that the final release will be even better.

Tips & Tricks – Webcasts and Podcasts from the Experts
Microsoft Webcast Home provides links to valuable resources from the experts. These webcasts and podcasts include great tips, lessons, recommendations and other invaluable tidbits. and ... it’s FREE!

More Training Opportunities with MSDN Ramp Up
Select the track, modules and training that is right for you. A FREE community based resource offering various forms of training on a multitude of Microsoft products.

Register for DevTeach and get VS 2008 Professional, Expressions Web 2 and more   Vancouver, BC June 8 - 12, 2009
DevTeach believes that all developers need the right tool to be productive. This is what we will give you, free software, when you register to DevTeach or SQLTeach. Yes that right! We're pleased to announce that we're giving over a $1000 of software when you register to DevTeach. You will find in your conference bag a version of Visual Studio 2008 Professional, Expression Web 2 and the Tech-Ed Conference DVD Set. Is this a good deal or what? DevTeach and SQLTeach are really the training you can't get any other way.

Create Help Videos with Community Clips
Microsoft Office Labs now offers Community Clips --- where you can find a myriad of how-to videos created by fellow community members. Not only can you get free help, but you can also download the FREE program for creating help videos. This sounds like the perfect compliment to user groups and online forums. Check it out and let me know what you think. I’m looking forward to seeing YOUR videos!

Access 2003 Solution Center
This is a great starting point to find solutions, downloads, current topics and links to the latest updates.

Free online Training – Check out the courses and send comments and send me an email to suggest additional modules!
            21 courses for Access 2007
                 18 courses for Access 2003

For additional and past postings check pages for Links, Downloads, etc(Hot List)

Internet Explorer 8

Slice n dice to order, discrete and private service. New features in IE 8 allow you to select the exact slice of a web site that you want to monitor – of course, they have to offer web slices, but that’s readily apparent by the new little green icon that will be rampantly spreading though sites. And then there are the times when you’d prefer NOT to leave a trail – such as when you’re using an Internet café or a colleague’s computer. IE8 also have features that enable private browsing without leaving a history. There are several other security and performance enhancements. For more info and a free download.

Office 2007 SP1

The Office 2007 Service Pack 1 includes security, stability and performance improvements based on customer-requests and on user input received via the Microsoft Online Crash Analysis tool. This service pack also includes all of the updates released for the 2007 Office suite prior to December of 2007. For more information and to download SP1 for Office 2007

Remove Spyware with Windows Defender ... for Windows Vista

FREE program and free guidance --- Although Windows Defender is included with Vista, many people are not getting the full benefit of the service. Many people recommend using two or more spyware removal tools. They should be run sequentially and although they compliment the services of anti-spyware programs, spyware removal tools typically require the anti-virus programs to be temporarily disabled. To learn more and help your friends.
                                                                                                   (Hot List)

Access 2007
VBA Programmers Reference

Teresa Hennig, Rob Cooper
Geoff Griffith, Armen Stein
Order NOW from Amazon
REVIEW:   FIVE STAR REVIEW!!!!
This book has extensive coverage of an area vital to Access developers and power users, by a very knowledgeable team, ably led by Teresa Hennig. It includes something more than an overview explaining new features of Access 2007. That is important because: many features are new and changed in Access 2007, much of what we do with VBA is automating and enhancing features we use manually via the user interface, and the new Office 2007 user interface can be overwhelming without a helping "hand up". Then the book covers VBA from the basics to in-depth advanced levels. It is a worthy successor to the Access 2003 VBA Programmer's Reference and, in my opinion, "raises the bar" for VBA books. I'll be using it as a reference in presentations to my Access user groups, as well as a handy reference for my own work. I recommend it to Access power users, as well as aspiring and working Access developers.

Larry Linson
Microsoft Office Access MVP

CIPS Connections
Teresa Hennig, Access MVP
interviewed by Stephen Ibaraki. FCIPS, I.S.P., DF/NPA, CNP, MVP

Teresa's thoughts and recommendations for user groups, developers, managers and businesses in general.

Interview Response

... You provided an incredible contribution Teresa!

The very fine interview clearly demonstrates your passion, experience, insights, commitment, dedication ... It's also evident that you spent considerable time in thinking about and providing your responses. Your hard work and focus on value is very much appreciated. In fact, I feel so inspired by your efforts!

Thank you for taking the time and special care with the interview and sharing your considerable insights with the world. You are a very talented and gifted person who touches the lives of so many.

Moreover, you are making a significant historical contribution to our society, industry, and profession.

The world is like spiders web, you touch one corner and the whole thing shakes.
And such is your personal vision, voice, and work -- you touch all of us and impact our vision and lives for the future.

Stephen Ibaraki, FCIPS, I.S.P., MVP, DF/NPA, CNP

From My Client ...
May 4, 2007

Teresa,     "This could not have been any truer!"

“I also have time for my clients. Actually, I'm as passionate about my clients and their projects as I am about my groups. As a consultant, I am incredibly fortunate to get to work on projects from a wide spectrum of industries. Every project provides new challenges for finding ways to manage data, streamline and automate. Understanding my client's industries, operations and needs, I feel like I'm their partner and it is important to provide cost effective solutions. With the savings and benefits, my solutions typically pay for themselves in a matter of months. My biggest reward is knowing that I truly made a difference.”

"I am EXTREMELY PROUD OF YOU and equally happy! WOW!!!"
C. DiFranceisco
America First Search & Abstract, Inc.

Windows OneCare
All-in-one protection available 24/7. Now that's a package. The system includes protection from viruses and spyware, as well as a firewall, back-up and recovery, system maintenance and performance enhancements. Download a 90 day free trial from Microsoft or purchase locally.

Microsoft Virtual PC 2007
Learn about VPC, watch the demos, download the files.
Get Virtual Hard Disks with preconfigured software.

Seattle Access Groups members are offered a 10% discount on FMS products.

Supporting .NET User Groups

   10% discount to members!
Edge Tech Corp is a leading memory supplier. EDGE sells 100% compatible Dell Memory and other DRAM upgrades. EDGE also offers flash drives and portable hard drives.

               What it Means to be an Access MVP

Thank you for sharing your passion and expertise and invigorating communities globally ...

Steve Ballmer, CEO Microsoft

My thanks to the Access community for helping me to earn such a prestigious award ... for three consecutive years. 2006-2007-2008.

                                  Certificate            MVP Page