Software utilities

I know this might be pretty straightforward for some people to do, but for others, it isn’t. And there’s no shame in that. We all have to start somewhere, after all.

So here are step-by-step instructions on how to convert information from a spreadsheet (in Excel) to a database (on Access).
 
1] Open Access

2] Create a new database (by clicking File then New;  Give the database a name. Then click Create.)

3] Click on File, scroll down to External Data and click on Import

4] A search window will open.

(You’ll need to choose from the dropdown menu ‘Files of Type’ either *.csv or *.xls for the files of that extension to show)

Then search for the spreadsheet you want to import

5] Click Import

6] A wizard will open to guide you through the rest of the Import process

At the bottom half of the window, you’ll see a sample of the table you want to import.

If there are headings in the spreadsheet you’re importing, click the box that says ‘First Row Contains Column Headings’.

7] Click Next

8] Click ‘In a New Table’ (this will probably already be chosen by default)

9] Click Next

10] If there are no headings in the spreadsheet, this section asks you what headings you want to give each column. By default, these columns are called Field 1, Field 2, Field 3, etc by Access. Change these names to something more appropriate.

To name each column, just click on the column you want to rename, then type in your chosen name in the Field Name box.

11] When you’ve finished naming each column, click Next.

12] It will ask you if you want to create a primary key. Leave it at the default option ‘Let Access Add Primary Key’.

13] Click Next

14] Give the table a name – do this in the ‘Import to Table’ text box.

15] Press Finish and a message confirming that the import is finished will appear.

16] Once you click on OK, you will see the imported table. Double-click on it to take a look.

And that’s it! You’re done!

The era of all for free is almost finally dead.

Dozens of programs are issued free of charge, but you must accept advertising, which rewards (and pays) the author of the Software.

MSN Messenger and the Banner
Microsoft MSN Messenger works like this, but using a particular technique you can block and completely remove Banner Ads.

You need to edit the HOSTS file of Windows.
Go to the folder:

C: \ Windows \ System32 \ Drivers \ Etc.

and edit the file.

Add the following line at the end of the file:

127.0.0.1 rad.msn.com

The address rad.msn.com corresponds to an address that sends banners to MSN Messenger. With this technique, we determine that this address must be resolved with the IP 127.0.0.1 which corresponds to the localhost IP. The result is that MSN Messenger, unaware of this, trying to connect to its servers, will look for the banner in our computer, but not finding any active service, will not receive any banner, thus leaving the ads space empty.

Ethics and problems of this solution
Although it is not an illegal move, it could be wrong. We use a useful service but at no cost; a little advertising is a way to repay the activity of those who built the software and therefore in future we can expect improved versions. Commercial television has always adopted this model.

Any problem stems instead from the fact that this address may vary over time, and then at some point the banner could reappear. Following a thorough investigation, however, it could again be traced back at once and added to file HOSTS to restore the situation.

A more effective solution might be to activate a firewall and block outbound packages that have as destination the IP addresses of advertising servers to obtain the same effect.