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Jun

Change default hyperlink color in PowerPoint 2007

By Sheri T

What happens if you are using a blue background in your presentation and you insert a hyperlink? It automatically changes the text color to blue. Now you can’t read your hyperlink because the text and background are almost if not exactly the same color! UGH!

In PowerPoint 2007, it is very easy to change the color of all hyperlinks in your presentation.

1. Go to the Design Tab
2. In the top right of the Themes grouping, click on the Colors down arrow
3. Select Create New Theme Colors located at the bottom of the list
4. Select the desired color for the Hyperlink as well as the Followed Hyperlink

All hyperlinks in your presentation are now changed. Easy and quick!

Filed Under General, Microsoft, Office Applications, PowerPoint |

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May

Introducing the Springhouse iLearn Webcast Series

By Jeff Tincher

Springhouse Education and Consulting Services would like to introduce our latest training series to bring education to you, we’re calling it Springhouse iLearn Webcasts.

The iLearn Webcast series will be short, 1-hour and free webcasts covering such topics as:

Microsoft Excel 2007: Tips and Tricks

Microsoft Visio 2007: Tips and Tricks

Microsoft Project 2007: Tips and Tricks

Getting Started with Project Server 2007

Windows 7 User Experience for the IT Professional

Windows 7 Networking and Security Features for the IT Professional

Filed Under General |

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May

Ever ask yourself, what Task Type should I use in MS Project?

By Denny Rittenhouse

Are you looking to answer the million dollar question in Microsoft Project: What task type should I use for my tasks? This question can make or break resourcing a project schedule and can cause headaches for those managing those schedules when not properly understood. Continue reading to better understand this feature and how to greatly simplify the answer to this daunting question.

Lets start with the basics, outlined by Microsoft. There are three task types in MS Project: Fixed Units, Fixed Duration, and Fixed Work. And in addition to those three task types, there is this thing called Effort Driven that can be enabled for each. First things first, it is important to understand the terms Duration, Work, and Units. Not just in answering the “million dollar question” but more importantly because these three variables are at the heart of how MS Project works.

First, all three task types have the word “fixed” in front of it So when dealing with each type of task, know that if something is fixed, then it is constant, and not changing. Lets define each task type:

Duration is known as business hours or business days. By default, in MS Project we are working 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, 20 days a month.

Work is also known as effort or person hours and days. How much effort or time will a person spend executing their assigned task

Units is Microsoft’s way of defining how much of a resource ’s time will be dedicated to do work.

Project uses the following arithmetic equation to define how tasks calculate, based on what task types you use: Duration = Work/Units. Now throw in that each task type can be combined with the Effort Driven functionality, and you start the confusion. Microsoft has a useful chart that tells you what is recalculated based on what task type your using. But this chart can even be further simplified as you will soon see. Read more

Filed Under General, Microsoft, Microsoft Project, Project Management, Project Server |

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Apr

Windows 7 Windows Tricks

By Dave Dunn

Under the heading of “just learned” and REALLY cool, I found these:

Windows 7 allows you to adjust windows on your screen in really cool ways. First, you can grab the top of a window (this even works with a maximized window) and shake it (click and drag it back and forth). That will clear all windows behind and show the desktop.

Also, you can grab and push the windows to the left or right side. When your mouse reaches the side of the screen, release the mouse-button to have it open to (about) half the window. You can then do the same on the other side of the screen so you can easily compare and contrast.

Maximizing can be done by dragging the window to the top (not as easy as double-clicking the top bar, which is still there).

Thanks for listening!

Dave Dunn

“OCS is the best thing to happen to SharePoint since SharePoint.”

Filed Under General, Microsoft |

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Apr

Philly Tech Fest 2009 sponsored by Springhouse

By Springhouse

Are you a tech worker, IT manager or just someone that loves technology? You’re in luck…

Springhouse is teaming up with Microsoft Learning to bring you a two-day tech fest featuring Microsoft’s latest product releases, training paths, and certifications.

Windows Server 2008
SharePoint 2007
Office 2007
Windows 7
Exchange 2007
OCS 2007
Virtualization

Follow @PhillyTechFest on twitter using #shtf09

Filed Under Featured Articles, General |

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Mar

We’re In Search of a Developer

By Springhouse

Who out there remembers In Search Of? That great mid-1970’s TV show with Leonard Nemoy as the host. They were always In Search Of … Bigfoot or other strange creatures and such.

Well it is now Spring 2009 and search has a very different meaning…and this time we hope we find what we’re In Search Of…

A Developer with SharePoint experience.

Springhouse Education and Consulting Services has an immediate opening for a full-time Developer with SharePoint experience. We are seeking a dynamic, hard-working professional with a solid education or background and a desire to work for a fast-paced, growing organization.

Job Requirements

Three plus years experience with ASP.NET, ASP, XML, XSL and CSS

Three plus years experience with Active Server Pages, IIS, SQL Server

Experience with the SharePoint MOSS 2007 platform, SharePoint Designer and extension applications such as custom workflows and webparts is required.

You can read the full job posting on our website and also submit your résumé.

Also take the time and link to us on the following social networks:

Filed Under Excel, General, SharePoint, SharePoint Designer, Word |

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Mar

We’re Giving Away Microsoft Press Books

By Jeff Tincher

step by step 5 book rotate We’re giving away a Microsoft Press Book each month to one lucky winner that registers on our contest page!

Right now we’re running this contest with a catalog of books that include the following topics:

Microsoft Office SharePoint Designer
Microsoft Office Project 2007
Microsoft Office Excel 2007
Microsoft Office Outlook 2007

We are currently running the contest for a MS Press Step by Step Microsoft Office Project 2007 book.

Register now to win a MS Press Book

Filed Under General |

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Feb

Springhouse Spearheads Skills Development, Career Growth

By Springhouse

Discounted training, certification and networking opportunities abound for local IT professionals and developers.

Springhouse Education and Consulting Services today announced it will host a series of events on Tuesday, March 10th and Friday, March 13th during Microsoft Skills Week, March 9-13, 2009. More than 100 Certified Partners for Learning Solutions nationwide will offer more than 200 events with activities to help IT professionals and developers train and test to achieve Microsoft Certified Professional status. Opportunities for skills development include exam crams, Live Meetings with Microsoft technical specialists and certification exams that enable IT professionals and developers to obtain and validate skills to help differentiate them in today’s competitive job market.

“Microsoft is delighted to work with Springhouse to extend technical skills development and validation through high-quality learning solutions,” said Lutz Ziob, General Manager, Microsoft Learning. “The relationships Springhouse builds with customers allow businesses of all kinds to reach their full potential and realize the maximum value of their technology investments.”

“Springhouse is excited to host Microsoft Skills Week because it’s a great opportunity for individuals to boost their skills, improve technical efficiencies that drive short term gain for their organizations and also position themselves favorably for the skills gap on the horizon,” said Neall Alcott, VP of Technical Services, Springhouse Education and Consulting. “This event will help IT professionals and developers gain and validate real-world skills and improve their productivity, efficiency and impact within their organizations.”

Microsoft Certified Partners for Learning Solutions have proven expertise in providing high-quality training and full-service learning solutions on the Microsoft platform to individuals and organizations of every size worldwide. They are the only Microsoft-authorized providers of technical skills training.

For more information and to register, please visit: www.springhouse.com/skillsweek.

Filed Under General |

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Oct

Using Mind Mapping to Help Gather Requirements

By Dee Anne Kotzur

Mind Map Example - click for larger view

One tool that works great for capturing requirements is a mind map.

I have been using mind mapping since 2001 and I just love it. Whenever I am in a client meeting or facilitating a discussion, I use a mind map to capture the stream of the conversation and make connections as the dialog occurs. The mind mapping tool allows me to quickly capture the topic and the associated comments and feedback from others taking part in the conversation. As the dialog takes place, I can move the topics and threads around the diagram to more logical locations.

After the conversation, I can go back to the mind map and remember the conversation based on what I have captured. The flexibility of the tool allows me to easily update the map and export to other applications like Microsoft Word or PowerPoint to create deliverables without having to retype the content.

One of my most recent mind maps helped me understand the requirements for a portal page for my finance department. I start by asking a few questions about how the job gets done, what things are needed at your finger tips, etc. After a few minutes, I have a map that shows how to organize a site that matches how the end user will access the information.

After a little practice, it becomes second nature. My preferred application is MindManager Pro, but there are many types available and some versions are free. To read more about mind mapping, check out Wikipedia by searching on Mind Mapping.

Filed Under General |

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Sep

Are You an Instructional Designer? We Need You!

By Jeff Tincher

Are you an Instructional Designer?

Springhouse is currently looking to fill a position for Instructional Designer. You can read the scope of the position below and then visit our career page.

Position Scope

Respond to client requests or Springhouse internal needs to create curriculum and training solutions using formal instructional design methodologies with delivery options to include instructor led material, e-learning, distance learning and fully developed blended learning solutions. Assignments at times include Train the Trainer and delivering the training using the developed material.

About Springhouse

Springhouse has established a reputation for integrity and has been delivering quality education and consulting since 1989. Our success is revealed by our rapid growth. Our high expectations and results driven focus have combined with our employee-focused corporate values to create a renowned working environment. Our team is self-motivated with high energy and a positive approach. We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits plan.

Accelerated growth and demand for performance based educational services has created a unique opportunity for the creative and experienced instructional designer/trainer. Looking for Full Time, Part Time and/or contractors. Excellent working environment with strong support team in place. Growing environment also offers the opportunity to create an excellent career path.

Filed Under General |

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