Pharos Technology

Mastering the art of academic writing is a vital skill for success in university courses, especially for students in fields like IT, where writing may not be the primary focus. This video, hosted by Dr. Hanson from Pharos Technology, offers a comprehensive guide to avoiding common pitfalls in academic writing and improving your paper-writing skills. Whether you are a self-taught student or looking to refine your writing techniques, this tutorial provides valuable insights and tools to enhance your academic performance. The video starts with an introduction to the issues many students face, highlighting real examples from Dr. Hanson's experience in grading papers. It then progresses to a detailed three-part method designed to help you excel in academic writing. The first part focuses on mastering citations, an area where many students struggle. It introduces Zotero, a free tool for managing and inserting references and creating bibliographies in various citation styles like APA, MLA, and Chicago. The second part jumpstarts your writing process, providing strategies to transform your thoughts into well-structured academic texts. This includes understanding the assignment's requirements, creating effective outlines, and tackling the body, conclusion, and introduction of your paper in a systematic way. The final part of the method introduces time-saving techniques, emphasizing the importance of using templates in Microsoft Word to ensure your papers meet formatting guidelines efficiently. This guide is not just about avoiding failure; it's about excelling in your academic journey. With Dr. Hanson's expert insights and practical tips, you can develop skills that are crucial not only for passing courses but also for contributing meaningfully to your field of study. Keywords: Academic Writing, University Success, Citation Mastery, Zotero, Essay Writing, Paper Formatting, Microsoft Word Templates, Academic Excellence See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

This video demonstrates how to read file names inside of Microsoft Access using VBA. Our family bookstore used to process around 50 books per hour. A significant part of the time spent per book was checking to see if we had an image of that book. Using VBA, we were able to get a list of all images on the drive, which significantly reduced how much time it took to process each book. By the end, we were able to process more than 200 books per hour. This guide walks you through the creation of necessary object variables, the setup of the function, and the construction of a table to hold the file names, effectively optimizing the task by a factor of four. Resources https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/office/vba/language/concepts/getting-started/understanding-automation https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/office/vba/language/reference/user-interface-help/filesystemobject-object https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/office/vba/language/reference/user-interface-help/createobject-function Menu Video: https://youtu.be/J_o80wYPu7I Keywords: optimization, VBA, Windows Explorer, object function, file retrieval, bookstore efficiency, file system object, automated search, database management See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

This video addresses the need for precise navigation in large applications and provides guidance on creating a user-friendly main menu in Microsoft Access. We delve into the use of the built-in switchboard manager and provide insights on customizing your own menu. By watching, you'll grasp the significance of a flexible design, the step-by-step walkthrough of the switchboard tool, and the pros and cons of the switchboard tool versus creating a custom menu. Keywords: Microsoft Access, main menu, menus, switchboard manager, navigation design, forms, reports, flexible design, custom menu, embedded macro, queries, See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

Navigating Excel's vast array of tools can be a daunting task, especially when looking to optimize productivity. This video is for anyone who is new to Microsoft Excel and needs a primer on where to find the many tools it offers. This video covers Excel's ribbons, focusing primarily on the 'home' and 'insert' ribbons which are most frequently used. We delve deep into each ribbon's features, from modifying fonts to inserting graphs, and highlight the quick access toolbar's benefits, ensuring you have the most critical tools right at your fingertips. Learn to streamline your Excel experience, making it more intuitive and efficient. Keywords: Excel, ribbons, quick access toolbar, home ribbon, insert ribbon, modify fonts, graphs, alignment, number formatting, insert, delete, formatting tools, charts, page layout, formulas, data analysis, macros, VBA code, switch windows See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

This video addresses the challenge of efficiently navigating and displaying specific records on an Access form. By implementing a combo box, viewers learn how to filter and bring up a particular record swiftly without manually scrolling through all entries. The tutorial dives deep into VBA coding and database queries to enhance the usability of the form. By the end, you'll have a combo box in your Access form that lets you quickly showcase a specific vehicle or inventory item to your customers. Keywords: Microsoft Access, combo box, VBA coding, form filtering, database queries, navigation, record display, usability enhancement See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

This video shows how to effectively access and manipulate data in a database using VBA code. As you dive into this video, you'll be introduced to the object model and its components like tables, queries, and record sets. Learn how to define tables, append fields, navigate through record sets, and interact with various commands for efficient data handling. By the end, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of DAO and how to effectively manage and retrieve your database information. Keywords: DAO Object Library, VBA code, database, object model, tables, queries, record sets, table definitions, database engine, fields, SQL, snapshot, navigate, edit, access container See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

This video addresses the need to refine and finalize a spreadsheet before presenting or sharing it with others, ensuring it is polished and professional. We guide viewers, especially those who might be new to Excel, on organizing data, moving charts, optimizing for print, adjusting columns, and enhancing the overall appearance of the spreadsheet. This video serves as the culmination of our beginner series on Microsoft Excel, laying the foundation for our upcoming in-depth series on the application. Keywords: Excel, spreadsheet, organize, chart, Ledger, print, page break preview, formulas, borders, header, font size, professional presentation See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

This video addresses the nuances and intricacies of testing and debugging VBA code, especially using tools such as debug.assert in Access. We dissect a sample VBA code, investigating an error and showcasing how debug.assert can be effectively utilized to identify and resolve the mistake. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of the debug.print command in conjunction with the immediate window. By the end of this tutorial, viewers will be equipped with strategies to efficiently identify, understand, and rectify errors in their VBA scripts. Keywords: VBA, debugging, testing, Access, debug.assert, immediate window, debug.print, code error, date serial function, VBA script, error identification See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

This video addresses the need for viewers who want their spreadsheets to be not just functional but also aesthetically appealing and consistent in data presentation. In this tutorial, we delve deeper into the art of cell formatting in Microsoft Excel, focusing on making your data look professional and legible. By understanding the tools available within Excel's Ribbon, you can swiftly format date and currency cells to match a traditional ledger's appearance and improve overall readability. Glossary of Terms: Cell: The individual box or container in a spreadsheet where data is entered. Each cell is identified by a unique column letter and row number. Column Header: The labeled cell at the top of each column, typically containing a letter which identifies the column. Column: A vertical series of cells in a spreadsheet. Format: In this context, it refers to the predefined styles and structures that determine how data appears in cells. Formulas: Predefined operations in Excel that perform calculations using data in cells. General Format: The default cell format in Excel which does not apply any specific number format. Home Tab: The default tab on Excel's ribbon that contains essential tools such as font and cell formatting, cell styles, and basic formulas. Ledger: A book or other collection of financial accounts. In this context, it refers to the paper version that was transcribed into Excel. Ribbon: A set of toolbars at the top of the Microsoft Excel interface, used to help users easily find commands to complete tasks. Spreadsheet: A digital document or software interface that displays data in rows and columns. It can be used for a wide variety of tasks, including data storage, analysis, and calculation. Tab: Sections within the ribbon that categorize functions and tools. For example, the Home tab, Insert tab, etc. Transactions: In the context of this video, it refers to financial transactions listed in the ledger, such as purchases or sales. Keywords: Microsoft Excel, Formatting, Ribbon, Cell, Ledger, Data Presentation, Date Format, Currency Format, Data Legibility, Tutorial, Professional Spreadsheet See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

This video addresses the complexity of the Access Event Model and its core role in Microsoft Access. Microsoft Access is inherently event-driven, and understanding its event model is vital for creating responsive and efficient applications. This tutorial delves deep into what an Access event is, how it results from user actions, and its categorizations, with a comprehensive demonstration of how these events are implemented in forms and controls using VBA. Keywords: Microsoft Access, Access Event Model, VBA, event-driven, user actions, forms, controls, keyboard events, mouse events, event procedures, focus events, data events, print events, error events, timing events See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

Understanding arrays and how to implement them can transform your coding efficiency and structure. This video addresses the nuances of arrays, from the basics of fixed arrays to advanced topics like dynamic arrays, two-dimensional arrays, and the associated functions. With practical examples, you'll grasp how to use arrays in different contexts, optimizing storage, and output of variables. Keywords: arrays, fixed arrays, dynamic arrays, two-dimensional arrays, coding efficiency, variable storage, boundary functions, re-dimension, debug print, functions See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

This video addresses the intricacies of VBA variables, their naming rules, and how to correctly utilize them in your coding. Delve into the best practices for naming, understand the scope of variables, and familiarize yourself with various data types that can be employed. Whether you're a beginner or just brushing up on your VBA knowledge, this comprehensive guide provides the essentials you need to streamline your coding process. Keywords: VBA, variables, naming rules, naming conventions, variable scope, data types, explicit declaration, coding best practices, integer, long integer, string, date, boolean, byte, single, double See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

This video addresses the intricacies of objects, collections, and their relationship in the world of VBA programming. Objects like forms, pages, or frames contain collections, and among the most commonly encountered are controls. These controls, often found on a form, offer a myriad of functionalities and can be manipulated using VBA code. The video delves deep into how to effectively address and change the values of these controls through various loop methods, especially in scenarios where end-users might have specific accessibility needs. You will witness live demonstrations on how to dynamically change the appearance of controls using 'For Next', 'For Each', and 'With' loop syntaxes in VBA, and see the significance of each in achieving distinct visual outcomes. Keywords: VBA, objects, collections, controls, loops, For Next, For Each, With syntax, accessibility, font change, color change, dynamic appearance, form controls See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

This video addresses the intricate topic of looping and decisions in programming, illustrating how decisions are made based on set conditions. I guide you through various branching constructs, from basic if-then statements to more complex do loops and case statements, using the popular tool Notepad++. By understanding and employing these constructs in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), you can optimize your decision-making processes in code. Keywords: branching structures, if-then statements, do loops, case else statements, Notepad++, Visual Basic for Applications, VBA, programming, decision-making, conditions, Notepad++ programming tool, code optimization See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

This video addresses the intricacies and flexibility of the VBA code window, helping you understand and employ optimal practices for clearer and more efficient coding. Beginning with an exploration of the non-significance of white space in VBA, we delve deeper into line space continuation and how to break up or combine lines for better readability. Additionally, the video also uncovers how Access assists users in the code window, and the importance of compiling your code to ensure its correctness. Keywords: VBA, code window, white space, line space continuation, Access, compiling, readability, do command See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

This video addresses the fundamentals of VBA sub-procedures and functions, their differences, and how to implement them effectively. We deep dive into creating a module, understanding the Visual Basic environment, and writing a subroutine called 'SquareIt'. Following that, we navigate through the essentials of subroutines, discussing naming conventions, variable declaration, and basic assignment operations. The video then transitions to functions, exemplifying them with a 'square feet' calculator. By the end of the video, viewers will understand the distinction between subroutines and functions, their purpose, and the best practices for coding them in VBA. Keywords: VBA, sub-procedure, function, module, variable declaration, naming conventions, Visual Basic, subroutine, square feet calculator, coding best practices See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

Taking the first step into the world of VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) can be daunting, especially with the wealth of terminology and history surrounding it. This video provides an introductory guide to VBA, aiming to simplify the complexities by offering a concise history and breaking down fundamental terms like keywords, statements, procedures, modules, and variables. If you're looking to understand the capabilities and basic structure of VBA to enhance your Access, Word, or Excel applications, then this video is your starting point. Keywords: VBA, Visual Basic for Applications, Introduction, Terminology, Keywords, Statements, Procedures, Modules, Variables, Microsoft Access, Word, Excel, Programming Language, Syntax See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

Producing clear, actionable reports is a crucial part of effective business operations. This video addresses how to leverage VBA to augment the clarity and functionality of your inventory reports. Delve into an intricate demonstration of how VBA can add layers of context to your data—indicating when stock levels necessitate specific actions such as reordering or sales promotions. Learn how VBA empowers the user to create visual distinctions like italics, based on certain conditions, enhancing the readability and actionable insight of each report. Keywords: VBA, Reports, Enhancement, Italicize, Formatting, Visual Clarity, Data Augmentation, Actionable Insights See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

This video addresses the need to transition from macros to VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) code in Microsoft Access for increased efficiency, speed, and the inclusion of error handlers. We'll walk through the steps of converting a typical backup macro into VBA code, highlighting the benefits and demonstrating the simplicity of the process in the Access interface. By the end, you'll understand the advantages of VBA over macros and how to make the switch seamlessly. This is a remaster of a previously released video. Keywords: Convert macro to VBA, Microsoft Access, Backup macro, Efficiency, Error Handler, VBA code, Visual Basic for Applications, Database, Conversion process, Macros vs VBA See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

This video addresses the intricacies and nuances of data macros in database design. Navigating the complexities of data macros can often be a challenge, especially when trying to understand their functionalities within table designs. In this comprehensive walkthrough, we explore the distinctions between different data macros, their specific uses, and their placements within the database. Whether it's triggering actions before or after a data change, or the more advanced functionalities like logging events and raising errors, the video dives deep into each aspect. By the end, viewers will possess a solid understanding of how to effectively implement and maintain data macros for robust and consistent database management. Keywords: Data macros, Database design, Before data macros, After data macros, Data consistency, Logging events, Raising errors, Table design, Datasheet View, Error trapping See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

This video addresses the need for understanding and implementing embedded macro. Embedded macros allow users to attach specific macros to buttons or events within a form or report, enabling efficient data manipulation. In this video, we will demonstrate how to create and use embedded macros in a real-world database example dealing with hierarchical data. We will guide you through the process of embedding macros on buttons, different events, and show you how to build complex macros for various data operations including importing, exporting, and editing. Keywords: embedded macros, Access, database management, buttons, events, importing data, exporting data, data anomalies, queries, real-world example See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

This video addresses the issue of utilizing the available real estate on a page while generating reports that are not wide enough to fit a full page. I demonstrate how to split the report into two columns by adjusting the settings in print preview mode in Access, providing immediate feedback and making the data layout more visually appealing. You'll also learn how to control breaks in the report, allowing you to see all the records together as much as possible. Keywords: report layout, two columns, print preview, Access, page real estate, data visualization, column breaks, page setup See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

This video addresses the challenges faced in macro debugging and error handling, particularly in handling division by zero errors within macros. It explores how to create macros that can trap errors, giving viewers an understanding of how to avoid the "ugly dialog box" that interrupts processes. Through a step-by-step walkthrough of a macro for a division problem, including the edge case of dividing by zero, the video provides an instructional guide on how to create error handlers, debug, and efficiently construct macros that handle exceptions gracefully. Keywords: Macro Debugging, Error Handling, Division by Zero, Error Traps, Macro Design, Step-by-Step Guide, Temporary Variables, Error Handlers, Access Macros See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain

This video addresses the challenge of automating various functions within Microsoft Access using macros, especially for those just starting out. You'll learn how to create and customize macros, with a step-by-step guide on adding actions, constructing message boxes, and leveraging temporary variables. By the end, you'll understand the power of macros as we dive deep into more advanced functionalities like attaching macros to buttons, managing warnings, and changing the display pointers. Keywords: Microsoft Access, macros, automation, functions, actions, message box, temporary variables, set warnings, display hourglass, echo, status bar notifications, archiving data See my other channels: Current news on the economy and economic concepts: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorecon Current thoughts on leadership topics: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosleadership Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News: https://www.youtube.com/@pharosblockchain