Tutorial 4: Installation and Setup of Windows Virtual PC 2007

The technological advancements of virtual workstations has ridden users of the major issues of physical machines.  Virtualization allows the user to run multiple virtual computers off of one host computer.  This allows you to run multiple operating systems.  With multiple operating systems, the user can take advantage of a greater variety of programs.  Virtual computers allow you to allocate your computers resources more efficiently.  This saves the user time, money, space, and energy.  A virtual system can also protect your computer from malicious material.  This is useful when downloading and trying out new software.  This protects the user from user error such as accidentally deleting files.  With a virtual system, the user can restore the previous "snapshot" and restore the lost data.  This tutorial will run you through the steps of installing and setting up Windows Virtual PC 2007.  This program is offered for free through Microsoft.  I will be installing this on Windows XP.

Step 1:  Follow this link to the Windows website. Windows Virtual PC 2007

Note: This link will take you directly to the system requirements page.  Make sure your system meets the requirements before proceeding.  The page will look like the image bellow.  Scroll down to view the system requirements.

 Step 2:  Your going to have to determine if you have the 32 bit or 64 bit version of Windows.  To do this, click on the "Start" menu on the lower left hand corner of the screen.  Next, click on "Control Panel."  The "Control Panel" is a powerful tool to access and modify your system.  Your going to want to click on "Performance and Maintenance."  You will see a icon called "System," click there.  After it opens up, it will look like this. 

I am running the 32 bit version on my system and I will be demonstrating the install using this.  You can see the absence of "x64" under System in the above screen shot.  The next screen shot was taken on my other computer that is a 64 bit system.  Notice the difference is underlined in orange.

 

Step 3:  It is now time to download the program from the website.  This can be accomplished by simply clicking "Download" next to the appropriate version.

 

I am using Mozilla Firefox.  It will download into my download manager.  If you are using other internet explores, just accept any screen that pops up.  This is a secure site and you are only downloading the setup file.  Open up the setup file once it has been downloaded.  Click "Run" on the screen that looks like this:

Step 4:  It's time to run through the installer wizard.

 

Click "Next" > Accept the terms > Customer information will be next, fill in if you wish and click "Next" > Click "Install"

 

Allow the wizard to run through the install procedures.

Step 5:  INSTALLATION COMPLETE!  Select "Finish"

 

You have now successfully installed Windows Virtual PC 2007 for free!

Step 6:  It's now time to setup Windows Virtual PC.  When you first open the program, it will look like this:

  

Click "Next" > Select "Create a Virtual Machine" and click "Next" > Type what you want it to be saved as and click "Next" > Select the appropriate operating system from the drop-down menu & select "Next" > Select "Next" again unless you want to change the memory settings > If you don't have an existing "Virtual Hard Disk" select "Add new virtual hard disk" and click "Next" > "Next" again > now select "FINISH"

YOU HAVE NOW SUCCESSFULLY INSTALLED AND SET UP WINDOWS VIRTUAL PC 2007.  CONGRATULATIONS!

All screen shots were produced by Erick Ramdeholl.

Secure Email Project

In today's technological age, keeping data secure has become an important aspect for many companies.  Hackers have become more advanced than ever, employing new techniques with devastating affects.  After completing this project, I have realized how important it is to send secure emails.  Emails with precious data should be digitally signed and encrypted.  Email clients such as Mozilla Thunderbird allow users to send secure emails with ease.  The company, HBGary Federal, learned that sending secure emails can't be looked over after recent attacks.

Hackers Reveal Offers to Spy on Corporate Rivals 

This article is about how hackers penetrated the HBGary Federal system.  HBGary is a company that does investigations on a company's competitor to find damaging information about them.  When internal emails were breached, this highly classified information was spread throughout the Internet.  Many of these emails contained information about different companies that HBGary was doing investigations on.  HBGary proposed that many of these leaked emails were falsified.  Whether they were falsified or not, this cyberattack has been very damaging to the company.  This article shows how important it is to secure your emails before you send them.  With such highly classified information, I'm surprised the emails weren't secured in the first place.

Avatar

Creating an avatar was a fun experience.  I used the website, Doppelme.com, to create my avatar.  The process was very intuitive in nature.  It allowed you to alter a vast array of details such as hair color and style, clothing, and accessories.  There were added features such as additional hair styles that you have access to after signing up.  Including an avatar would definitely spic-en up a presentation. 

Tutorial 3: Creating Reports in Microsoft Access

Microsoft Access is an intuitive program that allows you to create a relational database.  Access allows you to organize and work with data and information effectively.  Access allows you to work with tables of information to create forms, queries, and reports.  This tutorial will teach you how to generate a report after you have inputted data into the table and get it ready for printing.  I will be using Access 2007 while demonstrating.

We first start with a table of information.  I will be using a sample table.  Once you have inputted the table or query you wish to use you can then click on “Create” in the ribbon bar.

 Source: Screen shot by Erick Ramdeholl  

You can now click on “Report Wizard” in the “Reports” ribbon bar.  This will load the “Report Wizard.”  There are many ways to create reports in Access.  The “Report Wizard” will walk you through the majority of the steps, which I find easier.

Source: Screen shot by Erick Ramdeholl  

The "Report Wizard" should look like the image bellow once open.  Arrow 1 shows you where you can click to select a table or query to pull the data from.  Arrow 2 shows the available fields you can select.  You can either select each field one at a time by clicking " > " or add all fields by clicking " >>. "  Fields can be removed by clicking the corresponding buttons bellow.  Once you have completed those steps, you can click "Next."

Source:  Screen shot by Erick Ramdeholl

The next step in the wizard will allow you to group information.  Grouping allows you to organize information by similarities such as, "City" or "Last Name."  The arrow denotes where you can click to prioritize information.  The field closest to the top will be grouped first with priority.  After you have completed this step, you can click "Next."

 Source: Screen shot by Erick Ramdeholl

  

The next step in the wizard allows you to sort data of fields in either ascending or descending order.  After you have completed this section, you can click "Next."

 

Source: Screen shot by Erick Ramdeholl

 

 

The next step will help you lay out your report.  In this step, you can select layout format and orientation.  I prefer to use a stepped format.  Portrait or landscape can be selected under "Orientation."  You may want to use landscape if your report contains many fields of data.  I leave the box checked in towards the bottom.  The field widths usually have to be adjusted again later, this will make that process faster.  Once completed, click "Next."

 

Source: Screen shot by Erick Ramdeholl

 

This step allows you to select a style.  There are many styles Microsoft offers.

 

Source:  Screen shot by Erick Ramdeholl

This is the final step of the wizard.  You can just click "Finish."

 

Source: Screen shot by Erick Ramdeholl

 

After completing the wizard, you will be brought to the "Print Preview" view.  The different views can be selected at the upper left portion of the ribbon bar.  If all your data can't make it onto on sheet, we can adjust the field widths further.  You can do this by going into the "Design View."  Field widths can be adjusted by clicking and dragging the edge (see arrow in image) the field to the correct width.  You should double check all fields are on the page by using the "Print Preview."  Other features like margin adjustment and paper size can be selected in "Print Preview."

 

Source:  Screen shot by Erick Ramdeholl

Congratulations!  Your report is now ready to be printed.

The YouTube video bellow offers more information on creating Access reports.  

    
 Source: YouTube  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER6a5QPpZa8

Database Project

I have gained vast amounts of knowledge of the powers of Microsoft Access.  Access provides an intuitive platform that allows you to create a database, forms, reports, and queries.  This project thought me the basics of those aspects.  I can now use Access with confidence.  I have become familiar with the different tools and views that allow you to motivate data.  From there, I will be able to expand my knowledge of Access.  This knowledge will be greatly important when entering the business world.  Effectively assessing data is the key to the success of a business.

There are a few things that would help create a more effective database.  The database is missing important contact information such as phone numbers.  Creating "drop down menus" would make inputting data into the form quicker and easier.  For instance, there is no reason why you should have to type in "individual" or "family" under the type of member.  If someone were to misspell "individual," that data would not be sorted in the "Recently Departed Individual Members Report."  Creating selection menus would make this much easier to use and error-resistant.   

Web 2.0 Presentation

Lower Suwannee River Fishing and Wildlife Presentation

Peer critiquing was extremely helpful in creating an effective presentation.  By critiquing others, it was easy to learn from others mistakes and strong points.  More importantly, it was important to critique my own presentation as I was completing it.

I believe there was a logical flow in my presentation.  I accomplished this by introducing the location first.  I then described different species of fish; I started with the redfish and black drum because they are in the family.  Then went on to describe the sheepshead that looks similar to the drum fish and then other wildlife that was seen.  Throughout the presentation, I tried to address questions I thought would come up.  The first question, “Do you like to get your line wet and enjoy the great outdoors?” grabbed the audience’s attention in less than 60 seconds.  I also accomplished this with the first photo.  That picture makes the audience wonder about what I will be talking about next.

Throughout my presentation, I avoided clutter by using simple phrases and one picture per slide.  I did have one slide that contained two pictures of a redfish.  This was done to help aid in comparison of the two fish.  Readability was ensured by using colors that easily contrast.  I believe my presentation was very consistent and error free.  I did not validate any claims that weren’t true.  All claims made were based on facts.  I made sure I said what had to be said before showing it.  My presentation was very concise and the topic was easily discernible by the audience.

I have learned a great deal of knowledge from creating this presentation that will help me in the business world.  Creating effective presentations is very important in business.  Business is now global and much of business will be done over the internet.  This presentation allowed me to exercise the use of Web 2.0 tools.  I have learned how to effectively use programs such as PowerPoint and integrate the presentation into Camtasia.  I then learned how to broadcast my presentation for all to see on YouTube.  The skills learned will surely impress managers and business partners in the future.

Tutorial 2: Creating an Effective Presentation

In the words of Robert Frost, "Half the world is composed of those who have something to say but can't; the other half is of those who have nothing to say and keep on saying it."  A presentation isn't just giving a speech and reading off of PowerPoint slides.  Effective presentations are appealing to the senses.  You want to create a media rich presentation.  Some effective tools are video, audio, and graphics.

1. PLAN AHEAD:  

It is best to plan ahead when creating a presentation.  While there are those that can jump right in, your presentation will be easier to create if you plan ahead.  You're going to want to brainstorm and come up with as many ideas as possible.  Explore the many resource available.  YouTube is an excellent resource for a variety of information.  Doing your research ahead of time will help you create a presentation that flows.  

2. STORY TIME: 

After you have completed your research, it's time to put pen to paper.  The best way to organize your ideas is to create a storyboard.  The storyboard contains the ideas for each slide you will be presenting.  You can create a storyboard with a variety of techniques.  You can use a "Paint" program on your computer, a word processor, or even pen and paper.  You should take note of the things you will say and when they should be said.  You should also show where graphics and audio will be placed.  The storyboard is designed to help you organize your ideas.  Write anything that will help you organize the flow of your presentation.

4. LETS GET DIGITAL:  
It's time to start using technology.  Two popular software programs that are used to create presentations are PowerPoint and KeyNote.  Don't be afraid to explore the tools.  There are many tutorials on using these programs available.  The "help" function will answer most questions you may come across.

 

Source:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMGmevekJwQ

4B. IMPORTANT TIPS:  

     I. Introduction:  You only have 30-60 seconds to capture your audiences attention.  I personally find it best to use famous quotes for an introduction.  Did the first sentence of this tutorial grab your attention?  The introduction must make your audience think.  Sometimes, asking your audience a question is an effective technique.  You want to get the wheels turning.

     II. Words:  When creating slides, appearance is everything.  Clutter distracts your audiences attention.  When creating slides, less is more.  Only put the key points in your slide.  The slides aren't there for you to read off of.  Limit your slides to about 6 lines.  They are there to enforce what you are saying.  Use a font that can be easily read.  The font I am using is called "Helvetica."  Simple font will make the words pop out more.    

     III. Graphics:  Instead of words, you can use pictures to get your point across.  Visual representations help embed an image into your audiences mind.  Try not to put a collage of pictures on the slide; that can be distracting.  One picture that takes up the slide is usually all your audience will need to get your point.  Use photos with a high resolution.  This will help you avoid ending up with pixelated images after you edit the photo.  Always cite your sources and ALWAYS GET PERMISSION TO USE COPY RIGHTED GRAPHICS.

 Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTYtLCLCb6w

The importance of verbal and graphic cues is explained starting at 3:00.

5. PRESENTATION TIME:  

When presenting, you can either do it live or digitally.

     

    I. Digital Presentation:  There are many software and online programs available to help you create an effective digital presentation.  Some of these programs include Camtasia Studio, Prezi, and VUVOX.  Don't be afraid to experiment.  There are tutorials available that will help you accomplish your goals in mind.  You should try to acquire the best quality microphone within your price range.  Sound quality can affect the meaning of your presentation.  You want your audience to hear you clearly.  Take your time and speak slow.  Don't just read off the slides.  Say what you're going to say and then show it.  After your presentation is completed, it's time to share it.  Websites like YouTube allow you to upload your videos for the world to see.

    II. Live Presentation:  Actions speak louder than words.  Relax when you are presenting.  Your audience can sense your nervousness.  They may find your claim to be less valid because of your nervousness.  Don't be stiff.  Humans use their body movements for a great deal of communication.  Don't stand still.  Move around if the venue permits.  Use hand gestures to help get your point across.  When presenting, speak clearly and slowly.  We often speak faster in nervous situations.  Slowing it down will help your audience absorb the information.

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJgeF3ALl0g

I hope this tutorial helps you along your journey of creating an effective presentation.  The best presentations are those that get the audience involved.  The more they are thinking, the more they will remember.  If the presentation is effective, your audience will remember your thoughts long after they've gone.

Excel Project

The Excel Project was a great experience.  The project made understanding Excel easy with the real-world situation.  The project entailed analyzing data for the owner of a large fitness center.  The study included 500 participants that had their heart rates measured while they exercised for 15 minutes and had a 5 minute cool down.  There are 21 heart rate measurements for each participant taken over a 20 minute period.

The project required the use of many Excel skills.  A variety of formulas had to be created to find the necessary data needed.  Some of the data needed was: the maximum heart rate, target heart rate, highest heart rate, increase in heart rate, and whether the target heart rate was achieved.  The raw data had to be properly formatted and sorted.  During the project, I learned how to correctly produce formulas.  I soon found at that absolute and relative cell addressing were extremely important to get correct.  I found that the Excel help function was very useful when I came across troubled tasks.

Pivot tables were also created to help make data analysis more visual.  Pivot tables were made for the amount of participants that reached their target heart rate and the average percentage of increase of heart rates.  The pivot tables were very intuitive and interactive.  It made setting up the pivot table easy.  A screen capture of the average increase of heart rates is bellow.  This Excel Project has expanded my knowledge of the program.  I now feel confident creating reports for my manager.     

Tutorial 1: Choosing The Proper Application Software

Application software is designed to increase the users production by assisting them with tasks.  Having the proper applications can have detrimental affects on work efficiency.  Applications can be used to assist the user in word processing, math, graphics, and web browsing.  There is an endless array of applications available to help users with almost anything.

Application software can be broken down into 2 main divisions:

If you are a company with special needs such as customers relations management, you will need a vertical application.  Software such as word processors and graphics editors are horizontal applications.

Choosing the proper software is a 4 step process:

Step 1:  Perform a Needs Analysis:  In this step, the user must decide what their needs and requirements are for the program.  The user must decide what tasks the program must help them accomplish.

Step 2:  Software Options:  Do your research on the programs available to meet your needs.  Explore the web for reviews and better options.  Obtain references to efficient programs.  Websites are available such as www.cnet.com .  These sites offer reviews and information about various programs.

Step 3:  Compare Software Features:  Compare features of the programs in question.  Choose the program that best meets your needs.  When comparing options keep in mind key features like: hardware requirements, expandability, adaptability, and whether it is upgradeable.  www.cnet.com can also be used to compare programs.

Step 4:  Value Proposition:  Applications are designed to increase productivity and efficiency while lowering cost.  It today's world, time is money.  The more efficient a user is, the more money they can make. 

-Hardware and system requirements is another key issue.  Must the program be compatible with the current system or can upgrades be done?  

-Is training needed?  Training a large company can become costly. 

-Who will help with installation and support?  Will the program developers provide support?  Large companies may need an IT team to keep systems running.

After these steps have been completed, you can confidently choose the most productive and efficient program.