Re: computer issues: part infinity
Access aims to be a database and front-end application in one.
Access aims to be a database and front-end application in one.
USCHO Fan Forum
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
-
The USCHO Fan Forum has migrated to a new plaform, xenForo. Most of the function of the forum should work in familiar ways. Please note that you can switch between light and dark modes by clicking on the gear icon in the upper right of the main menu bar. We are hoping that this new platform will prove to be faster and more reliable. Please feel free to explore its features.
computer issues: part infinity
- Thread starter unofan
- Start date
dxmnkd316
Lucia Apologist
Re: computer issues: part infinity
Access is great for what it is. People like to sneer at it but I don't get it. It's a fairly user-friendly way for the vast majority of people to have a database.
St. Clown:
I'd highly, highly recommend you take a look at Quicken or Mint (which I use). Mint was bought by Intuit a few years back and it's hasn't quite been the same since. I still export everything to a spreadsheet because Mint does have issues with handling stock (dividends, purchase prices, buying vs. reinvesting, cost basis, etc.) But it does do a fairly decent job of tracking spending and balances. The budget features are fairly decent as well.
Access is great for what it is. People like to sneer at it but I don't get it. It's a fairly user-friendly way for the vast majority of people to have a database.
St. Clown:
I'd highly, highly recommend you take a look at Quicken or Mint (which I use). Mint was bought by Intuit a few years back and it's hasn't quite been the same since. I still export everything to a spreadsheet because Mint does have issues with handling stock (dividends, purchase prices, buying vs. reinvesting, cost basis, etc.) But it does do a fairly decent job of tracking spending and balances. The budget features are fairly decent as well.
Re: computer issues: part infinity
I think one reason it gets a bad wrap is because, much like elaborate Excel spreadsheets, Access databases have the tendency to go "mission-critical". This often means the IT department ends up supporting them. The code that you often find in these things is what you'd expect from who the product is aimed at.
I think one reason it gets a bad wrap is because, much like elaborate Excel spreadsheets, Access databases have the tendency to go "mission-critical". This often means the IT department ends up supporting them. The code that you often find in these things is what you'd expect from who the product is aimed at.
Re: computer issues: part infinity
I'm doing this more as a DB exercise than a budget tool. Back in the day, I used to have MS Money, but they discontinued it some time ago.
The reason I want to shy away from pre-built budgeting tools is that I want to create some specialized categories, and even breakdown expenditures from a single shopping trip. Like entering in my trip to Target, for instance, the groceries portion was X, the toiletries Y, and clothing Z, but still be able to tie it back into an overall single entry on a main viewing form.
From what I've seen with pre-built applications, they would require me to make three separate entries in their form, which then wouldn't easily tie back to a credit card statement, when I choose to briefly audit my monthly bills.
I'm doing this more as a DB exercise than a budget tool. Back in the day, I used to have MS Money, but they discontinued it some time ago.
The reason I want to shy away from pre-built budgeting tools is that I want to create some specialized categories, and even breakdown expenditures from a single shopping trip. Like entering in my trip to Target, for instance, the groceries portion was X, the toiletries Y, and clothing Z, but still be able to tie it back into an overall single entry on a main viewing form.
From what I've seen with pre-built applications, they would require me to make three separate entries in their form, which then wouldn't easily tie back to a credit card statement, when I choose to briefly audit my monthly bills.
MarkEagleUSA
C'mon Q!
Re: computer issues: part infinity
Get married. Then you'll have no money and thus no need to build a budgeting DB.
dxmnkd316
Lucia Apologist
Re: computer issues: part infinity
I would highly recommend staying away from trying to split expenses. I tried that and it lasted a month before I realized it was an enormous amount of work. It's easier for me to just use the bulk of the purchase to represent the category.
I know with Mint you can create custom subcategories that roll up to their preprogrammed categories and track that within the budget interface. You can also create separate "tags" that can be tracked in the Trends page (I create one for every Frozen Four trip, for example, to track expenses). You can't use that in the budget page unless you create a separate subcategory for it as well. But it won't be tracked against groceries, just "Frozen Four 2015".
Part of that issue is with the structure of most databases. There are ways to do it sure, but is it clean? Is it susceptible to errors? How hard is it to maintain data integrity?
I would highly recommend staying away from trying to split expenses. I tried that and it lasted a month before I realized it was an enormous amount of work. It's easier for me to just use the bulk of the purchase to represent the category.
I know with Mint you can create custom subcategories that roll up to their preprogrammed categories and track that within the budget interface. You can also create separate "tags" that can be tracked in the Trends page (I create one for every Frozen Four trip, for example, to track expenses). You can't use that in the budget page unless you create a separate subcategory for it as well. But it won't be tracked against groceries, just "Frozen Four 2015".
Part of that issue is with the structure of most databases. There are ways to do it sure, but is it clean? Is it susceptible to errors? How hard is it to maintain data integrity?
Re: computer issues: part infinity
Surprised this hasn’t come up in this thread before. I looked back a few pages and didn’t see it. If I missed something, I apologize.
A few weeks ago, I did the free upgrade to Windows 10. Since I did the upgrade to Windows 10, I haven’t been able to update iTunes. When I try to update, I get an error message:
When I tried that, I got the error message:
A brief Google search indicated that I’m not the only one who has had this problem, but I also found no work-around or solution to the problem. Does anybody know of one?
Surprised this hasn’t come up in this thread before. I looked back a few pages and didn’t see it. If I missed something, I apologize.
A few weeks ago, I did the free upgrade to Windows 10. Since I did the upgrade to Windows 10, I haven’t been able to update iTunes. When I try to update, I get an error message:
When I tried that, I got the error message:
A brief Google search indicated that I’m not the only one who has had this problem, but I also found no work-around or solution to the problem. Does anybody know of one?
Re: computer issues: part infinity
Thanks. Actually, I'm not sure whether iTunes is operating properly or not; I only use it for file management, buying music, and updating my iPod. I just know it's not updating.
Thanks. Actually, I'm not sure whether iTunes is operating properly or not; I only use it for file management, buying music, and updating my iPod. I just know it's not updating.
Spartanforlife4
Generic Catchy Message
Re: computer issues: part infinity
Now, for what appears to be the exciting conclusion to the MacBook Pro saga:
After putting up with a computer that would randomly freeze for a little over a month, it looked like it was finally dead. Wouldn't start, would simply give the three beeps for memory failure, made even more frustrating by the fact that I had just reinserted it yesterday to make sure nothing was broken. Everything appeared fine, and when I started it up that first time it worked like a champ. Alas, it sat dark, yelling at me that the memory was still messed up. So I researched for the millionth time and it started to look like my worst fears were coming true, and that it was actually a logic board problem that the Mac sometimes believes is a memory issue. Replacing it would essentially be half the original cost of the computer, and would probably be more than it's worth right now.
Then, in the depths of the Apple forums, was a beacon of light. A stranger spoke of a solution he had found that lay in the form of a sticker. Evidently, the geniuses at Apple have the sticker with the serial number with a piece of foil underneath, and then an adhesive/plastic type substance after that. After years of use and heat, that adhesive material had degraded somewhat so some of the foil was exposed. If this foil touches the contacts on the memory slot, it causes the computer to short circuit. I lifted the sticker a little bit and reapplied it somewhat, took out the top memory slot just to be safe, and haven't had a problem yet. Obviously runs slower, but it still has the same memory I had around six months ago when I doubled the amount.
So now I'm left with the decision to take off the serial number completely and insert the second memory, readjust the sticker and insert the second memory and hope events don't reoccur, or leave it as is and run on half memory.
That crackling noise I would hear occasionally when it froze suddenly makes sense. I guess I'm lucky it didn't just burst into flames.
Now, for what appears to be the exciting conclusion to the MacBook Pro saga:
After putting up with a computer that would randomly freeze for a little over a month, it looked like it was finally dead. Wouldn't start, would simply give the three beeps for memory failure, made even more frustrating by the fact that I had just reinserted it yesterday to make sure nothing was broken. Everything appeared fine, and when I started it up that first time it worked like a champ. Alas, it sat dark, yelling at me that the memory was still messed up. So I researched for the millionth time and it started to look like my worst fears were coming true, and that it was actually a logic board problem that the Mac sometimes believes is a memory issue. Replacing it would essentially be half the original cost of the computer, and would probably be more than it's worth right now.
Then, in the depths of the Apple forums, was a beacon of light. A stranger spoke of a solution he had found that lay in the form of a sticker. Evidently, the geniuses at Apple have the sticker with the serial number with a piece of foil underneath, and then an adhesive/plastic type substance after that. After years of use and heat, that adhesive material had degraded somewhat so some of the foil was exposed. If this foil touches the contacts on the memory slot, it causes the computer to short circuit. I lifted the sticker a little bit and reapplied it somewhat, took out the top memory slot just to be safe, and haven't had a problem yet. Obviously runs slower, but it still has the same memory I had around six months ago when I doubled the amount.
So now I'm left with the decision to take off the serial number completely and insert the second memory, readjust the sticker and insert the second memory and hope events don't reoccur, or leave it as is and run on half memory.
That crackling noise I would hear occasionally when it froze suddenly makes sense. I guess I'm lucky it didn't just burst into flames.
Re: computer issues: part infinity
Anyone have recommendations for budgeting software? Would like to be able to access it online (not necessarily from a mobile device, but several desktops). Something I can do almost every day - once a month doesn't work for me. My bank has a product with their mobile banking, but it's a little unstable. I'd like something that automatically tracks all different kinds of accounts.
Anyone have recommendations for budgeting software? Would like to be able to access it online (not necessarily from a mobile device, but several desktops). Something I can do almost every day - once a month doesn't work for me. My bank has a product with their mobile banking, but it's a little unstable. I'd like something that automatically tracks all different kinds of accounts.
Last edited:
Re: computer issues: part infinity
I've been messing around with it, but there doesn't appear to be a way to add bills. Maybe I'm missing it. I don't want to PAY my bills in the app, but I'd like to see the amounts due.
edit: I'd also like to be able to delete categories or not show them.
I've been messing around with it, but there doesn't appear to be a way to add bills. Maybe I'm missing it. I don't want to PAY my bills in the app, but I'd like to see the amounts due.
edit: I'd also like to be able to delete categories or not show them.
Last edited:
Re: computer issues: part infinity
It looks like Mint Bills handles the bills, but it's a separate app. Not very convenient.
I'd also like to exclude transactions based on account or category (not just in the budget) - I don't want to see all my investment purchases in with my credit card transactions.
Also, with Mint, when you set a goal, you have to use the entire account balance for that goal, and you can't use the account for any other goals. I'm not going to open an account for each vacation.
It looks like Mint Bills handles the bills, but it's a separate app. Not very convenient.
I'd also like to exclude transactions based on account or category (not just in the budget) - I don't want to see all my investment purchases in with my credit card transactions.
Also, with Mint, when you set a goal, you have to use the entire account balance for that goal, and you can't use the account for any other goals. I'm not going to open an account for each vacation.
Last edited:
Re: computer issues: part infinity
Has anybody used Chromecast to stream content through their computer for play on their TV? I was thinking about doing that for NCHC.tv, but I don't have a device and if it creates some big lag I don't really want to waste the cash.
Thanks.
Has anybody used Chromecast to stream content through their computer for play on their TV? I was thinking about doing that for NCHC.tv, but I don't have a device and if it creates some big lag I don't really want to waste the cash.
Thanks.
Spartanforlife4
Generic Catchy Message
Re: computer issues: part infinity
Haven't used Chromecast, but some friends have had it and it seems similar to the HDMI I use occasionally to hook up to the tv from the laptop. Pre-recorded videos and even live things like studio shows will play fine, you won't even notice. But for whatever reason during live sports things will play differently. I wouldn't even call it a lag more than it just doesn't play smooth. Could be an annoyance but it's more of just a few minutes for your eyes to adjust.
So, while my experience isn't Chromecast, I'd say you should be fine.
Haven't used Chromecast, but some friends have had it and it seems similar to the HDMI I use occasionally to hook up to the tv from the laptop. Pre-recorded videos and even live things like studio shows will play fine, you won't even notice. But for whatever reason during live sports things will play differently. I wouldn't even call it a lag more than it just doesn't play smooth. Could be an annoyance but it's more of just a few minutes for your eyes to adjust.
So, while my experience isn't Chromecast, I'd say you should be fine.
Nick Papagiorgio
Holding court
Kepler
Cornell Big Red
Re: computer issues: part infinity
When laptop batteries go bad, do they dive right into the sh-tter all at once? 2 year old laptop, OEM battery, used to have about 2 hours of life when maxed out. In a matter of days it went to where it has 20 minutes at full charge. Assumed maybe the calibration was off and charged it overnight, but nope, that's the best it's going to do. You can actually watch the percentage charge clock down now -- it's now no longer than 8 minutes. I ordered a replacement battery and am hoping that is the issue, but could this indicate something else?
When laptop batteries go bad, do they dive right into the sh-tter all at once? 2 year old laptop, OEM battery, used to have about 2 hours of life when maxed out. In a matter of days it went to where it has 20 minutes at full charge. Assumed maybe the calibration was off and charged it overnight, but nope, that's the best it's going to do. You can actually watch the percentage charge clock down now -- it's now no longer than 8 minutes. I ordered a replacement battery and am hoping that is the issue, but could this indicate something else?
Spartanforlife4
Generic Catchy Message
Re: computer issues: part infinity
Ok, in the never ending saga of the MacBook Pro, turns out it was a loose memory slot which requires a logic board replacement. Given the old age of the laptop, I decided to say screw it and just got a new one. So I got a refurb 2012 edition after reading many Apple refurb products may actually be better than new because they go through extensive testing as well as replace essentially all parts. So it's basically new, without being named new, and therefore cheaper. Decided to go with the 2012 rather than the newer retina ones because this is the last edition that has a built in optical drive, and because I still do some stuff with CD (languages, game film for officiating), I don't want to lug around an external optical drive, so this was my best bet.
Now onto my question. This thing only has 4gb. I can get 16gb for $60 on Amazon. Apple only sells up to 8gb, but Corsair goes to 16gb and everyone on the interwebs says it recognizes and uses it. Do I need 16gb? Will I need 16gb? While I'm not programming or doing graphic design or music or anything on this, my general habits including having $Texas tabs open in a browser simultaneously, iTunes open, lately some giant Excel project files open as well. Part of me says it's overkill, another part of me says just spend the extra 30 bucks now and get the max possible for whatever updates in software may arise in the coming years.
Ok, in the never ending saga of the MacBook Pro, turns out it was a loose memory slot which requires a logic board replacement. Given the old age of the laptop, I decided to say screw it and just got a new one. So I got a refurb 2012 edition after reading many Apple refurb products may actually be better than new because they go through extensive testing as well as replace essentially all parts. So it's basically new, without being named new, and therefore cheaper. Decided to go with the 2012 rather than the newer retina ones because this is the last edition that has a built in optical drive, and because I still do some stuff with CD (languages, game film for officiating), I don't want to lug around an external optical drive, so this was my best bet.
Now onto my question. This thing only has 4gb. I can get 16gb for $60 on Amazon. Apple only sells up to 8gb, but Corsair goes to 16gb and everyone on the interwebs says it recognizes and uses it. Do I need 16gb? Will I need 16gb? While I'm not programming or doing graphic design or music or anything on this, my general habits including having $Texas tabs open in a browser simultaneously, iTunes open, lately some giant Excel project files open as well. Part of me says it's overkill, another part of me says just spend the extra 30 bucks now and get the max possible for whatever updates in software may arise in the coming years.
MadTownSioux
Fighting Sioux Hockey Fan
Re: computer issues: part infinity
I get multiple offers to update to Windows 10 every day. Is this something I should do?
I get multiple offers to update to Windows 10 every day. Is this something I should do?