Connecting SQL and MS Access - Part 1
In my previous post, Building Reliable Data Solutions, I gave a 20-mile high view of how I use SQL and MS Access to collect and provide data to end users. What I didn't do was get into any of the nitty-gritty details of connecting Access and SQL Server together effectively, so this mini-series will attempt to cover those details. By the end of the series you should be armed with the basic steps I follow when creating a database driven system for others. In order to keep this a reasonable length I must make some assumptions about prior knowledge and experience as well as keeping examples somewhat simplified. If you feel like I have skipped something please leave a comment and I will try to address it!
In this post we will create a database using SQL Server 2012 Express edition. This database will be the foundation for the MS Access front-end we will create in future posts in this series.
Building Reliable Data Solutions
Warning: This post is outdated. It is here for reference purposes only.
Spreadsheet Hell. It's a place many people find themselves in and it's a difficult hole to dig yourself out of, because your spreadsheet is King of Spreadsheets and can do no wrong. Or, it does wrong frequently but you just can't seem to start the required Anarchy because Joe Executive might ask you a question only the King can answer. This post is quick summary about how I overthrow the King, one spreadsheet at a time and the tools I use to accomplish this feat. Reliable data solutions are a must for any business in this age.
Love Your Career as a Nerd
So far for 2014, I'm not doing very well on my target of one post per week. Why's that, you might ask? I think the best explanation is that I love my job and career. Since coming back from our extended holiday break I have barely had time to catch my breath, and I love it! I love being a nerd!
Why I Don't Like Infographics
For almost 6 years, one of my primary roles at work has been data visualization. I like data visualization for a lot of reasons, but the primary reason is because if done right, the end user will actually look at the data, think about the data, and use the data. One form of data visualization that I have tried to not hate is the ever-more common "Infographic." To be fair, I have seen good infographics but they are few and far between. So rare in fact, that I can't even find one that I liked again. Bummer.
2013 - Year In Review
Well, it's almost the end of the year and I want to recap some of what I have done and learned. Since I didn't have a blog at this time last year, I can't say that I did or didn't do what I said I was or wasn't going to do. So, I'll just go over a few highlights that come to mind quickly.
Mastodon