Excel is World Most Used Database

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Yes, there are a lot of people out there that use Microsoft Excel as a pseudo database product, even if Access is installed. I’ve seen my share of it, and I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut when seeing it. I remember creating databases in high school using Access for a local farming business, so I know it’s not that difficult. You just have to be in the right mindset to get it up and running. After that, it usually runs smoothly. This site explains why people do it, and why they shouldn’t. No reading glasses required, as the text is abnormally large.

First off, the title is meant to get a point across.

New Xbox 360 Slim Announced

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More XBox 360 news from E3: Microsoft has announced the new XBox 360 Slim model. Being slim doesn’t mean they cut corners and lost some features, in fact they gained a few. Built in Wi-Fi (802.11n for fast transfers), 250GB Hard Drive, and a beautiful shiny black case. Price? Unchanged: $299.

With the brand new Xbox 360 announcement, Microsoft also surprised everyone by saying the new console will begin shipping this week in the U.S., and everyone attending the Microsoft E3 press announcement will have it shipped out today. For folks in the UK and Europe the new Xbox will be available on July 16.

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Project Natal Now XBox Kinect

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The XBox peripheral that is supposed to change the way you game forever has changed its name from Project Natal to XBox Kinect. Rumored pricing is anywhere from $100 to $150, with $150 being more likely. I can see how this would be unpopular with some people, the ones that don’t like to move much when playing games. The rest will get some decent exercise.

These ranged from jumping and flying games to a yoga simulator and Star Wars shooter, in which players control a virtual light sabre and use hand gestures to control action on the screen.

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Dreamcast Returns on XBL

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Coming soon to XBox Live Arcade: Sega Dreamcast! I’ve been a huge fan of Sega since the Master System, even buying the SegaCD and Saturn on launch day… then watched as the prices tumbled. Then I picked up a second generation SegaCD for $9.99. Oh well, I loved it. Probably one of my favorite systems of all time! Sega and Microsoft are releasing Crazy Taxi and Sonic Adventure first, with others to come later.

Sega announced that those two games will be available this fall in North America and Europe, calling them the “first two classics” to be released as part of Sega’s plan to republish Dreamcast games on PSN and XBLA. The games will include improved resolution, surround sound, and modern amenities like online leaderboards, Achievements, and Trophies.

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Patch for Help Vulnerability in XP & 2003

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This morning, a vulnerability was announced with Windows Help in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. This afternoon (well, about 10 minutes ago), Microsoft has released a patch for the issue. That’s a pretty quick turnaround for a fix. Patch up your systems if you are affected!

We have released Security Advisory 2219475, addressing the vulnerability in the Windows Help and Support Center function in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. We are not aware of any active attacks at this time. Customers running Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 are not vulnerable to this issue or at risk of attack.

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Office 2010 and VBA, Open File Format

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I know a few of you use the advanced features of Office. Microsoft, via Channel 9, has posted an 11 minute video with the developers to discuss Office 2010 and VBA (Visual Basic for Applications), Programmability and Open File Format. Some good information in there.

Learn about the programmability enhancements in Microsoft Office 2010 from one of its creators. In this interview, Brian Jones, Group Program Manager for the Microsoft Office Solutions Framework Team, dives deep into the details.

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Is Steve Ballmer Still the Right CEO?

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Seattle Pi asks if Steve Ballmer is still the right CEO for Microsoft. I’ve mentioned before that I didn’t have much faith in him, and never really have. I hoped he would do well, but he hasn’t really. So, vote in the poll, add your comments, and make your voice heard. Maybe Microsoft can turn back around and get back to making some kick ass products without all the car salesman promises and hype.

As everyone realizes Microsoft is facing big challenges in just about every one of its businesses, and as its senior leadership continues to spew talking points that make them seem completely out of touch, pressure is mounting on Microsoft to oust Steve Ballmer as its chief executive officer.

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Service Pack 1 Beta for Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 in July

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Microsoft has announced at TechEd that the public beta for Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 will be released sometime in July. Do note, though, that for Windows 7, Service Pack 1 will not include any additional functionality, only updates that are currently available. So, technically, you could roll your own SP1 for Windows 7 if you were so inclined.

While the new features for Windows Server 2008 R2 benefit Windows 7 by providing a richer VDI experience, SP1 will not contain any new features that are specific to Windows 7 itself. For Windows 7, SP1 will simply be the combination of updates already available through Windows Update and additional hotfixes based on feedback by our customers and partners. In other words, customers can feel confident about deploying Windows 7 now!

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Wow. Just Wow. Justin Beiber and XBox

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It’s bad enough this little girl thinks she can sing, but come on Microsoft. This is a bit of a stretch. Sure, she may be a popular singer for the pre-teen girls, but there are other (MANY other) ways to get the news about Project Natal out there. And I’m sure most, if not all, of the other options would fit more with the demographics that would actually BUY Project Natal and use it. Sorry, Microsoft, but this is a HUGE mistake. As much as I didn’t like Bill Gates, he made a lot better business decisions for Microsoft than this one. I’m hanging my head in shame. For those that are scared to click the link, Microsoft has partnered with Justin Beiber to promote Project Natal. Most of the people Project Natal is aimed at will NEVER attend one of those concerts.

Eager to experience Project Natal for yourself? Xbox 360 has teamed up with Justin Bieber to bring all the fun of Project Natal to the singing sensation