Recently in tidbits Category
Most of you know by now that I like graphics. I'm a visual learner, so it helps me to process data if I can see it in a picture or graph or some visual representation. Today I came across a screencast showing how to create in-cell bar graphs in Excel and thought I'd share it here. (I have a vague sense that I may have covered this some time ago, so excuse me if this is a repeat!)
In-cell bar graphs allow you to kind of trick Excel into showing you numbers in a bar graph without having to actually add a chart. If you're curious, take a look at this screencast and see if it might work for you.
> contributed by Beth (found via Lifehacker)
> contributed by Beth
The screencast below will show you how to create a custom toolbar. It moves pretty quickly, but you can always pause the video as it goes to follow along at your own pace.
Originally found on Lifehacker.
>> contributed by Beth
I came across a couple of tips this week, one on Excel and one on Word, but both on the 2007 versions of MS Office. The Excel tip explains how to show percentages with a little color without having to use a pie chart to do it. The Word tip explains how to make sure your 2007 document plays nice with earlier versions of Word.
Are any of you using Office 2007? If so, what do you think? Does it drive you crazy or make you squeal with delight (or something in between)? Post your thoughts in the comments.
>> contributed by Beth
Learning how to get around without your mouse can save you some time when working on your computer. Here are some tips to help you change your font settings while skipping the mouse routine in your MS Office applications.
To change the font type: use CONTROL + SHIFT + F. The current font name will become highlighted in the menu bar. You can now use the arrow keys to scroll up and down in the list. If you know the name of the font you want you can just type it in, but you'll have to have the spelling exactly correct (including capital letters) or it won't work. Hit the ENTER key when you find the font you want.
To change the font size: use CONTROL + SHIFT + > to make the font increase in increments, and CONTROL + SHIFT + < to make the font decrease in increments. The > and < keys will increase and decrease according to the font sizes listed in the drop down list in the menu bar. If you want to increase or decrease by point size instead, use CONTROL + ] and CONTROL + [ respectively.
One more option for quick font size control with the keyboard is to use CONTROL + SHIFT + P. This will highlight the current font size in the drop down box in the menu bar. Now simply type in the font size you desire and hit the ENTER key. Quick and easy if you know your points.
Note to MS Office 2007 users: the commands included above operate a bit differently in Office 2007. The font window will open instead of taking you to options in the menu bar. Simply use your arrow keys and tab key to move around within window.
>> contributed by Beth
This tip is for you power Excel users out there (Hi, Gerri and Rick!). When you create a monster Excel workbook, it can start to get a bit difficult to navigate around in it. Save yourself some time and frustration by creating hyperlinks that will take you from one place to another in your workbook with just the click of a mouse. Here's how:
* Select the cell you want to jump from (where you want the hyperlink).
* Enter the text for your link.
* Choose INSERT > HYPERLINK from the menu bar to open the appropriate dialog box.
* Click on the "Place in this document" button on the left of the dialog box.
* Pick the worksheet you want to link to and enter the cell reference for where you want your link to land.
* Click OK, and voila!
Instructions for MS Excel 2007 will differ slightly, in that you select the INSERT tab after entering the text for your link. You'll then see a Hyperlink icon to click on.
>> contributed by Beth
Ever have this happen to you? You leave work, stop by the grocery store (or if you're like me, the pizza place) to pick up something for dinner, then remember something you need to do at work the next day. What? No paper? No pen? If I can't write something down right away, I can't remember my thoughts in 10 minutes. A couple of weeks ago I found an online tool that has saved me just about every day since.
Jott allows you to use your cell phone to send yourself (or any of your contacts) email and text messages with just your voice. Simply set up a free account, add your contacts, and Jott away! The next time you're out and about and remember something you don't want to forget, simply use your speed dial to call Jott, speak your message, and you'll receive an email with your voice message transcribed. It's also a good tool for learning how to enunciate -- if you don't speak clearly, you'll get some interesting messages!
Give it a try and see what you think. I just love it.
>> contributed by Beth
Here's a tip for your next Google search. If you're tired of receiving out-of-date info in your search results, go to Advanced Search (link to the right of the search box) and check out their date options. Did you know you can limit your results to pages that have been updated within the last 3, 6, or 12 months?
Give it a try and see what you think. YMMV!
>> contributed by Beth
