Centriq Blog Category: Microsoft Office

A split database will very often use a Navigation Form on the front-end as the entry point for users.  A good idea is to display the Navigation Form by default each time a user opens the database. This makes it easy for users to switch between the various forms and reports in the database without affecting the data tables stored and protected on the back-end.

This blog will explain a simple process of creating a Navigation Form by adding buttons to display forms and reports and then configuring options to display the Navigation Form at startup instead of the navigation pane.  In addition, a brief discussion will describe a more advanced process of Navigation Form design that opens database objects (including queries) and shows a message (if preferred) at startup.Read More

_{(Original content provided by Gladys Rama/ Redmond Channel Partner)}

“It’s promising to be a busy year for Microsoft watchers, with major version releases on tap for some of the company’s most venerable product lines. Here are the biggest milestones to watch out for.”

Every year Redmond Channel Partner puts out the Microsoft Product Roadmap, which provides a comprehensive guide to upcoming Microsoft product updates and new product releases. Centriq’s summarized this information for you, providing an overview of version updates, next-gen releases and brand new releases, as well as anticipated release dates.Read More

If you have not spent much time reviewing the options and settings in Word, that is unfortunate because you can really customize Word to your own personal preferences and work situation.

This blog will share some examples of the things you can do with options and settings. Perhaps these “gold nuggets” will encourage you to explore other options and settings that might be helpful to you.Read More

An add-in is a term used for a software utility added to a primary program. In other words, add-ins are mini applications that extend what you can do with Microsoft Office programs, such as Word. When you enable an add-in, it adds custom commands and new features that help increase your productivity.

By default, add-ins are not immediately available, so you must first install (and in some cases activate or configure) these add-ins so that you can use them. Many of the add-ins are free from the Microsoft Store (https://store.office.com). You may also be able to search for add-ins from third party vendors.Read More

Since Microsoft Word is one of the most frequently used software programs, people assume they know everything there is to know. Therefore whenever you find new and cool things you can do in Word, it is an awesome treat. I have been teaching Microsoft Word for years and it seems like I learn new and cool things (or maybe remember old, useful things) frequently. Here are some of my most recent favorites that I thought you might enjoy:Read More

The ability to create customized, interactive forms to collect data is a powerful, but often underutilized feature of Word. In this blog, we will discuss how to create electronic forms using form controls such as text content, drop-down list, and check box. In addition, you will learn how to protect the form and collect data.Read More

There is no shortage of tips for creating and delivering an effective presentation in PowerPoint. Just search the web and you will find lots of advice. Here is Microsoft’s official article on the subject.

My goal for this blog posting is not to repeat some of the generic information and suggestions out there but to provide less common tools, applications, and tricks such as:

• Using tools and shortcut keys for screen and cursor options
• Utilizing special applications such as Mix (Free Add-in) and Office Presentation Service (Free Option)
• Employing special tricks like hiding slides and creating custom shows

Read More

An add-in is a term used for a software utility added to a primary program. In other words, add-ins are mini applications that extend what you can do with Microsoft Office programs, such as PowerPoint. When you enable an add-in, it adds custom commands and new features that help increase your productivity.

By default, add-ins are not immediately available, so you must first install (and in some cases activate or configure) these add-ins so that you can use them. Many of the add-ins are free from the Microsoft Store (https://store.office.com). You may also be able to search for add-ins from third party vendors.Read More

Without a doubt, one of the most powerful features in PowerPoint is the ability to animate objects; there are several basic options available, which are very good. However, you can supercharge your animations and really dazzle your audience by creating custom animations and by using layers and triggers.

You can create custom animation effects using one of the following methods:

• Applying multiple animation effects to one object
• Applying motion path animation (including Custom path)

Read More

If you are like most people, you may not have spent much time in the Options area of Excel. That is unfortunate because you can choose some settings that can really customize your version of the program to your own personal preferences and work situation.

This blog will share some examples of the things you can do with options and settings. Hopefully these “golden nuggets” will encourage you to explore other options and settings that you might find helpful to you.Read More