Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Be Inspired to Create Better Websites

Being a writer, when I was asked to do some research into what makes a good website, of course I straightaway went to check out all of my favorite authors. After sifting through a few standard sites I remembered to look at one of my all time respected writers-Paulo Coelho. Judging by how many books he has sold he is obviously a lot of people’s favorite, and his website is exactly what you’d wan. . .

Who needs T.V. News, Newspapers and Radio News?

T.V. and radio News got you down? On-line current events and News blogs make being informed a much more enjoyable experience. For many the News on television has become a trying time of the day. Focused mainly on negative events, you may have to wait through the whole program just to hear the one story you were waiting for. If you miss the 6:00 p.m. show, waiting until the late night segment ca. . .

Your Computer Can't Keep Time

A computer needs a certain amount of information to operate; for example, the date and time, the amount of memory installed, the number of drives and their configuration, and so on. In the early days of computers, either the user typed in this information each time the computer started, or it was set using DIP switches and jumpers. Today, computers store this information in a CMOS chip that use. . .

Microsoft CRM Programming Techniques – overview for devel...

Microsoft CRM is the CRM answer from Microsoft and it will have all the Microsoft Business Solutions muscles behind.If you are developer who is asked: how do we customize Microsoft CRM – read this and you will have the clues on where to look further.1. Microsoft CRM SDK – this is software development kit with C# and partly VB.net examples – it is supported by Microsoft Business Solutions techni. . .

How to Backup Windows XP Home Edition

Your computer cost you from hundreds to thousands of dollars, but the computer itself is not the most valuable part. The data on the hard disk is the most valuable part. How many hours of work did you put into creating that data? One little event, like a power line spike from a lightning strike, and all that work could be lost. Unfortunately, backing up with Windows XP Home Edition is not as si. . .

Spam: The Tasteless Internet Meat of Criminals

Spam. You’ve all heard of the crazy pink meat in a can, but what’s it got to do with the Internet? Well, it’s also the namesake for a major problem in the World Wide Web-unsolicited junk email. Problem! We’re talking serious pain in the butt both as a waster of time, space, and money. It is estimated that around half of all email received on the Internet is this sneaky illegal attempt at sellin. . .

Microsoft Navision DB Selection: C/SIDE or MS SQL Server ...

Microsoft Business Solutions Navision serves both European and American megamarkets. It was originally written by Denmark-based Navision Software in its own proprietary language C/SIDE (Client/Server Integrated Development Environment). You should consider several factors in deciding on the database selection. Currently Navision is supported on two platforms - Navision native (C/SIDE) databa. . .

Web Copy – How Much is Enough?

These days, there’s widespread acceptance that a website is an integral part of the marketing plan of any business. Likewise, it’s commonly accepted that web copy is a vital component of any website. But how much web copy is enough?The pure volume of information available on the Internet is daunting – often counterproductive. There are approximately 550 billion documents on the web, and every d. . .

There's Gold in Your Website's Server Log

Many Webmasters have never bothered to view their website's server log. Ignoring your server log is like flying with a blind pilot. You may still be cruising along, but you have no idea where you are or where you're headed. If your website is on a free host, you probably don't have access to the server log. However, if you pay for your web host, or if you own the server, you almost always have . . .

Spyware: What It Is and How to Combat It

Spyware is software or hardware installed on a computer without the user's knowledge which gathers information about that user for later retrieval by whomever controls the spyware. Spyware can be broken down into two different categories, surveillance spyware and advertising spyware. Surveillance software includes key loggers, screen capture devices, and trojans. These would be used by corporat. . .

Is Your Computer Sick?

Viruses and spyware usually show up on your computer one of two ways. Either they invade your system with a frontal assault like the Huns attacking the Romans, or they sneak in a back door like a cat burglar. Either way, once a virus or piece of spyware gets on your system, getting it off can rate harder than curing a severe case of trench foot! Viruses, malicious programs designed to disrupt. . .

Microsoft Great Plains Dexterity Customizations

Microsoft Business Solutions is on the way to popularize it's ERP systems implementation. Right now such products as Microsoft CRM and Small Business Manager (cheap version of Microsoft Great Plains, based on the same Great Plains Dexterity runtime and DYNAMICS.DIC dictionary) are targeted to self-implementation by in-house IT group. This is short article, written in question/answer/FAQ style. . .

Watch Out For Spyware Programs That Slows Down Your Compu...

Spyware is a program that once loaded on your computer unknowingly collects information from your PC and sends it to another party. The most dangerous types of Spyware programs copies personal information that you would not share with anyone such as passwords, files and credit card numbers. Other types of spyware programs act as a forced advertising program. The program will track your keyst. . .

Microsoft CRM Customization - processing in/out-going ema...

We would like to give you several situations, when you may need custom development and programming to improve Microsoft CRM functionality. This overview is for programmer, software developer, IT specialist, database administrator.Microsoft CRM, the CRM application from Microsoft Business Solutions utilizes almost all the recent Microsoft technologies: .Net (it is actually written in C#.Net wit. . .

Microsoft Great Plains customization and development – ov...

When Great Plains Software was designing and developing Great Plains Dynamics/Dynamics CS+/eEnterprise - it placed several fundamental principles into the system1. Computer platform independence. If you consider the situation in the computer software industry those days (earlier 1990-th) - nobody knew which office computer platform will be the winner: IBM PC clones with Microsoft Windows, App. . .

Introducing GRML

Creating a new markup language. Introduction.General Reuse Markup Langauge, or GRML, is a markup language for web browsers. It has the data definition features of character-delimited files and XML, with the hyperlinking and form support of HTML. The purpose of this article is to show why GRML exists and how it complements HTML, XML, RSS, and character-delimited formats. Background.GRML is not t. . .

ContentWatch Announces “Family Safe” Recognition for Fami...

SALT LAKE CITY – September 15, 2004 – ContentWatch, Inc., a trusted provider of Internet filter and protection tools, today announced the launch of its Family Safe Program, a list of Web sites that have been identified and recognized by ContentWatch™ as “family safe.” More than 30 Family Safe sites have already been identified and approved, and anyone can recommend a Family Safe site by emailin. . .

Device Driver Basics

Most people understand that the "hardware" part of their computer is the real physical parts, like the keyboard, mouse, modem, hard drive and so on. They understand that the "software" is computer bits stored on the hard drive, CD-ROM, or other storage media. But most people are a little hazy about exactly what a "driver" is. In this article, I'm going to reveal in plain English what a driver i. . .

Get Personal With Google

Anyone who's been on the net any time at all knows that Google has been the search engine of choice for many for a while now. Whether that continues remains to be seen, but for now, with MSN still in development and Yahoo going through some growing pains, many still feel that Google is the leader. As such, it's worth dropping in to the Google Labs every now and then to see what's going on there. . .

Microsoft Great Plains Project Accounting – overview for ...

Microsoft Business Solutions is now in process of creating so called Microsoft Suites: Microsoft Financials, Microsoft Logistics, Microsoft Manufacturing, Microsoft Professional Services - this last one will be based on Solomon Project module. The long story of Great Plains Software Project Accounting - it was originally created by MatchData, which was bought by Great Plains in late 1990-th an. . .

To The Next Level With Google Groups 2

If you haven't visited the Google Labs lately, they have released a beta of Google Groups 2 that you may want to check out. This is Google's answer to Yahoo Groups, and they've added some new features to make their service more useful. For those who don't know, such groups allow anyone to easily and quickly start their own announcement lists and discussion forums. There is no need to install sc. . .

Great Plains Customization Upgrade– overview for CIO/IT D...

When Microsoft bought Great Plains Software, then Navision it formed special subdivision - Microsoft Business Solutions. Several accounting/ERP systems: Great Plains Dynamics/eEnterprise, Navision Attain, Axapta, Solomon, later QuickSell - all written in different programming languages and manner and on different DB platforms were in Microsoft disposition at this time. While assuring existin. . .

Destination: Desktop for Google

First we had the original Google search that evolved into the leader in its class. In fact, it became so popular that the word "google" worked its way into our everyday language as a verb, as in "to google" something. Google later introduced a toolbar that was plug-in for some browsers like Internet Explorer. The Google toolbar features a direct Google search box with quick access to image and . . .

What's Your NICHE market?

Knowing your NICHE MARKET and where to find your NICHE is more important than the product you sell.Most Netpreneurs take a narrow view of NICHE MARKETING as a limitation on their business, when in fact it is the POWER that provides longevity to their business.The biggest mistake most new netpreneurs make online is that they have no idea where, or what, there NICHE MARKET is and therefore, sell . . .

Navision Customization: C/SIDE, C/ODBC, C/FRONT, XBRL – d...

Microsoft bought Navision, Denmark based software development company, along with Great Plains Software. Now Microsoft Business Solutions offers following ERP applications: Navision (former Navision Attain), Microsoft Great Plains (former Great Plains Dynamics/eEnterprise), Solomon, Axapta. Formerly Navision had strong positions in Europe. Now it is promoted in USA and Europe. Navision has . . .

Five and a Half Ways to Amp Up Your Search EngineOptimiza...

Statistics show that 85% of pages visited on the Internet come from people who have gotten there from a search engine. Statistically, people look first at the top of the first page of the regular search results, then the bottom, and then they go to the sponsored listings. There is an art and science to being ranked highly on the search engines. The science is formatting the pages with the right. . .

What is a domain name and why would I want one?

In this article we will cover the basics of what a domain name is, how they work and why you need to have at least one. I am going to try and avoid complicated computer terms and stick to explanations that should be easily understood by someone without a computer science degree.What is a Domain Name? Before we can go into what a domain name is I'm going to tell you why we need them as the answe. . .

Microsoft CRM – Typical Customizations

Microsoft CRM was designed to be easily customizable. Microsoft CRM Software Development Kit (MS CRM SDK) which you can download from Microsoft website contains descriptions of the objects or classes, exposed for customization. It has sample code in C# and partially in VB.Net. In Visual Studio.Net you can analyze all the classes, used by Microsoft developers to create MS CRM - you will disco. . .

Open Sesame - Password Security

“Open Sesame!” is probably the most famous password in literature. It gave Ali Baba access to vast treasure. In the realm of technology, computer passwords also give access to valuable treasures: precious business and personal data.Information about your personal life, buying habits, credit quality and life style is valuable to those who can profit from it. For the Corporation, information h. . .

Translation Plez !

While we are here sending messages in English, there are at least one third of the worlds population who can't read them, for English is not even a second language for them. I refer to China. More people in China are logging on to the net every day, but most of what has been put up on the net is in English, this can be very frustrating for them. Very few web sites I visit, and I visit very many. . .

Internet Home Business Secrets That Payoff!

I can picture you exactly where I was just a few short years ago -- Sitting in another useless meeting organized by a group of senior managers that have a combined IQ less than your own child at 3-months old. Around in circles you go, no progress again today and only those who play the game the best will collect the bigger paychecks - but even they can't outlast this game of roulette can . . .

Reach Out To Billions

Have you heard of 'Babel Fish'? It's a service provided by Alta Vista search engine people to translate every page you put 'Babel Fish' code, and up comes a a new language. Your page may be written in English, but people across Spain and Latin America can translate your web page into Spanish. Likewise if your web page is written in Spanish, German, French, Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, people c. . .

The Development of Printer Ink Cartridges

With the introduction of the inkjet printer and printer ink cartridge in 1984, the task of printing your documents and changing printer ink cartridges became more convenient, reliable and cleaner than the previous methods of changing ribbons or inserting a toner cartridge. Prior to 1984, the ink delivery systems were not as dependable as they are now. The inkjet system replaced the old dot ma. . .

Creating Quality Websites

Websites, there are literally billions of them out there in cyber-space. How many of them do you go to and just think this is boring, bland, or hard to use? It seems like too many to mention. So what makes a good website? I reckon it’s about interaction. You’ve got to make the visitor interested. You’ve got to grab their attention. Many sites use plenty of bright and shiny gimmicks to attract y. . .

Could there be a new way of hearing the stories we feel a...

If you’re anything like me you are really getting tired of the mainstream media’s one-voice-to-many analysis of life on Earth. First of all, it’s just too negative! I read a survey recently that stated that fourteen out of fifteen newspaper and TV News stories had negative fear-based stories. I don’t know about you, but if I look at my everyday life, the amount of good and bad I experience seem. . .

Every website is a human being’s attempt at achieving a g...

Have you ever thought about the real stories behind all the websites on the Internet? There are over 10 million sites out there and a human being with some hope or dream driving the process constructed each one. Too much of our modern world is presented to us in a barrage of superficial pictures that only show a very external glimpse of the true reality beneath the surface. Wouldn’t you like to. . .

Internet Tutorials are the Teachers of the Future

I know some people don’t even believe that the Internet or World Wide Web exists. They think that it is an abstract concept and that if asked to show it to someone they would fail miserably. Well, whether or not it exists I think that the collective consciousness of humanity is evolving everyday because of the sharing of ideas on the strange boxes called computers and the electronic network tha. . .

Blogging Communities Turn Faceless Strangers into Close F...

I’ve been searching the Internet for blogging sites for a fair while now and recently I came across a whole blogging community, which has grabbed my interest greatly. It’s called Joe User and it’s a site that many bloggers all around the globe are partaking in. It is very well organized into categories such as Best Articles, Newest blog entries, Top blogging sites, New sites and Most hit-on blo. . .

Great Plains Dexterity Programming – overview for developer

Looks like Microsoft Great Plains becomes more and more popular, partly because of Microsoft muscles behind it. Now it is targeted to the whole spectrum of horizontal and vertical market clientele. Small companies use Small Business Manager (which is based on the same technology – Great Plains Dexterity dictionary and runtime), Great Plains Standard on MSDE is for small to midsize clients, an. . .

Great Plains Custom Development: Dexterity, VBA, SQL, Cry...

Microsoft Great Plains is main Microsoft Business Solutions accounting package for the US market. It has multiple customization/modification/reporting tools. Currently there is upgrade campaign to version 8.0 and due to the discontinuation of the technical support for Microsoft Great Plains Standard on Ctree and Pervasive SQL - we see substantial increase in migration needs: migration from ct. . .

Why You Should Switch To A Fast Internet Connection

With high-speed Internet access becoming available in more and more areas, perhaps it is now available in your neck of the woods. If it is, you might be wondering if it makes sense to upgrade from dialup. For most people, the answer is probably yes! Here are a few reasons why:- Cost - As it was for me, your most important consideration is most likely the extra expense required to move up to a h. . .

Cisco CCNA / CCNP Certification: Learning To Navigate Cis...

When studying for your Cisco CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE exam, you’ve got a powerful online weapon at your disposal. It’s Cisco Connection Documentation, found at www.cisco.com/univercd. This site contains product, code, and protocol documentation for all Cisco products.Many exam candidates really don’t start using this powerful tool until they’re studying for their more advanced exams. However, it’s i. . .

The Evolution of Technology - The History of Computers

While computers are now an important part of the lives of human beings, there was a time where computers did not exist. Knowing the history of computers and how much progression has been made can help you understand just how complicated and innovative the creation of computers really is.Unlike most devices, the computer is one of the few inventions that does not have one specific inventor. Thro. . .

Lotus Domino/Notes - Microsoft Great Plains tandem as ERP...

Lotus Domino/Notes – Microsoft Great Plains tandem as ERP with Documents Workflow – overview for IT SpecialistMicrosoft Business Solutions has the whole spectrum of business applications, the good combination seems to be Microsoft Great Plains and Microsoft CRM. However we need to admit that Microsoft is relatively new in the CRM market and also for large corporation it could not be a good ide. . .

Introduction to Google Page Rank (PR)

For anyone looking to enhance their Google Page Rank (PR) to get a better place in the search results, we now have software that makes finding good links so much easier. In case you didn't know, to get your PR rating up it is essential to have a significant number of good quality links to your site (the techy bit)... to make a link count, the page who is linking to you needs to have a PR of 4 o. . .

FInding a Safe Dating Site

Seems like everywhere we surf on the Internet nowadays we run across this little advertisement: 'Free online personals'. They are everywhere, they are dating sites, and more are opening up shop every day. Welcome to the newest internet gold rush. More and more people are signing up to these new and "free" dating sites. What they are really getting is a place on the web where they can post their. . .

Upgrading Great Plains Dexterity Customization – switchin...

This article is for intermediate Great Plains Dexterity developer. It describes the directions to phase out Dexterity functionality and replace it with newer technologies.Microsoft Great Plains and its current programming language Dexterity should still be considered seriously by developers community. However Microsoft Business Solutions announced switching to new technologies, mostly .Net, w. . .

Sales Versus Customer Oriented Websites

Customer oriented websites designed and created with the customer in mind will always outperform sales oriented websites, which often considers the customer as a secondary motivator. Find out what differentiates these websites.Should Generating Revenue From A Website Be The Prime Motivator?A pure sales site has only one purpose... to generate as much revenue as possible at any cost. In other wo. . .

RSS Reader is a life raft saving us from getting lost in ...

One of the main problems with the Internet these days is the fact that there is so much information out there; it can be quite hard to find the particular knowledge that you’re looking for. It can often feel like you’re surfing waves of thick chocolate fudge sauce and your honeycomb board has a crack that’s getting wider by the second. Over stimulus is the issue here; you wanted to read opinion. . .

Webcams: Science-Fiction Becomes Reality

One of the most incredible inventions I’ve ever come across is the web cam and its process of video conferencing. This is just so futuristic I can’t believe they really exist and are readily available to anyone with the Internet, speakers, and the right software. I’m not absolutely sure but doesn’t this spell the end of telephones? Now we can have conversations with people on the other side of . . .