Making Internet Explorer the Default Browser

If you have ever installed a new Internet Browser other than Internet Explorer (i.e. Mozilla, Google Chrome) and you no longer have Internet Explorer as the default web browser, then this tip is for you.

To make Internet Explorer the default browser, first open the Control Panel:

Next you would choose Internet Options and go to the Programs Tab

While you are on the screen above, you can click on the Make Default button or select the option to have the computer tell you if the Internet Explorer is not the default browser.  Once done, click on Apply and then OK.



SQL Query vs Microsoft Access Query

There are subtle differences in the way that you write queries depending on if you use SQL Server or Microsoft Access to write your query.  One difference is that Microsoft Access uses the pound(#) sign for a date and SQL Server uses an apostrophe(') for a date. 

SQL Server Example:  WHERE Date_Found BETWEEN '11/1/2010' and '11/20/2010'
Microsoft Access Example:  WHERE Date_Found BETWEEN #11/1/2010# and #11/20/2010#

Another difference is with the LIKE command.  When you use the LIKE command with SQL Server, you would use the percent(%) sign.  With Microsoft Access, you would use the asterick(*).

SQL Server Example:  WHERE Example LIKE '%this%'
Microsoft Access Example:  WHERE Example LIKE "*this*"

As you can see, Microsoft Access utilizes quotes(") for strings and SQL Server utilizes apostrophes(') for strings.  These differences can cause errors, and even though you may think you are writing the correct query, you are actually not.

Powering off a stuck computer

If you have ever experienced a time when your computer has frozen and nothing can be done with the keyboard or the mouse.  Well, some people unplug the computer, but there is a simpler way to shut down the computer.  All you have to do is hold down the power button until the computer shuts down itself.  I wouldn't recommend doing that unless it was your last option.  I say this because you have no chance to save anything that you have been working on.  Plus, don't power off your machine if the computer is doing something for you (the hard drive light is flashing).  But if the computer is frozen, it should be fine.

This is a simple tip that I will start with after being back from my blog vacation.

I am back

I know it has been a while since I have posted something on this blog.  I have been on a blog vacation but now I am back to write more about the things that I like, computers and programming.

I will try and write more frequently so there are more tips and advice for computers and the computer industry.  The industry changes so often that there are endless things to discuss. 

Folder options with Windows 7

I have been using Windows 7 for some time now and I am still figuring things out with it.  The folder options aren't new within Windows 7,  it has been utilized in older version of Windows as well.

First go to the Conrol Panel and then click on Folder Options

On the General Tab, you can be able to open an item with a single click instead of double clicking something.  I prefer double clicking but some other people prefer to single click on things to open them.

  

On the View Tab, you can hide the extensions for known file types.  This option is normally already checked.  If you would like to see "FileName.doc" instead of "FileName", then you would uncheck this option.  You may also choose the option to show hidden files and folders.  These are files like autoexec.bat or config.sys (or other system files that are hidden).  If you don't want to mess with these types of files, then use the "Don't show hidden files, folders, or drives" option.

Full screen mode on Internet Explorer

Have you ever ended up in full screen mode in Internet Explorer and don't know what happened.  Your taskbar is gone all of a sudden!  Well, when you hit F11, the computer puts Internet Explorer into Full Screen Mode.  Pressing F11 will also take it out of Full Screen Mode. 

If you have kids that like to push keys, this can happen also.  I hope this tip helps you out and you don't get stuck in Full Screen Mode without knowing what to do to get out of it.

Shortcuts while typing

If you want to use Bold, Italics, or the Underline, you can change your text to these things with these simple shortcuts:

(Control Key + B) - This toggles on and off the BOLD feature
(Control Key + I) - This toggles on and off the Italics feature
(Control Key + U) - This toggles on and off the Underline feature

You can use all 3 of these together or alone within your text.  These shortcuts help when you don't want to stop typing to use the mouse to find the Bold, Italics, or Underline icons.