Accessing Access

When I bought Microsoft Office 2000, one of the applications bundled with it was a database program, Access, with which I compiled a quite substantial contacts database. Recently I upgraded to Office 2007, and only after installing it (and deleting Office 2000) did I realise that Access is no longer included in the package, meaning I couldn't access Access. What to do? I tried several options, none of them perfect.
1) Fortunately I still had the old Office 2000 disks, so I reinstalled the suite. I tried to install just Access, but it insisted on installing the whole shebang. At least I can open the database again, but I don't want or need all the other old applications. Neither can I find a way of uninstalling everything except Access.
2) However, once in the database, I can export the contents to a comma-separated file which most other databases and spreadsheets will read, or to an Excel file.
3) I also tried simply opening the database in Excel. It opens okay, but Excel did a rather nasty job of re-ordering all the columns, so they bore almost no resemblance to the way I had constructed the database. I can re-order the columns in Excel, but it's going to be a bit of a cumbersome business (sigh!).
4) There is a big range of 3rd party software which can convert Access files to other formats. I tried several freeware ones, but none gave me any better results than the above. I hope the paid-for versions are better behaved.

Google operating system announced

The internet is abuzz with the announcement by Google that it will be releasing its own operating system (OS) next year, firstly for Netbooks and later for other PCs. Some say that this pitches Google head-on with Microsoft, which massively dominates the OS market (with Apple and Linux distant second and third respectively). The new OS will be called Google Chrome OS, in line with the release a few months ago of their Chrome browser, and the company claims it will be focused on speed and security.
The announcement raises more questions than answers. It is unlikely that those who write software will want to rewrite their programs for yet another system, and anyway, Google is pushing hard for a world in which all applications are internet-based, and nothing resides on your home computer except the operating system. But while the number and variety of internet-based applications is exploding, are we ready for a world where all your confidential data is accessible to someone else (no matter what they say about online security)? And while that might work for people who have cheap and high-quality broadband, what about the vast majority whose broadband is at best patchy and expensive, or who can't even get adequate dial-up?
Some articles to help you sift through the issues: FAQ re Google Chrome; Five reasons Google Chrome will succeed; Five reasons Google Chrome will fail.

Support your local camera

One of the tricks to taking good photographs is supporting your camera well. Professionals use tripods, but they can be clumsy. Here are two simple ideas that slip in your pocket.
1. Make up a string as long as the distance from your eye to your foot. Put a loop in one end large enough to slip your foot into, and at the other end attach a screw that can fit into the bottom of your camera. Pull the string taut and you have a simple "monopod"-like brace which helps to reduce camera shake.
2. Make (or buy) a camera bean bag. This allows you to rest the camera on just about any surface, sloping or uneven. Here are some simple instructions, and here is a pic of a commercial version in action.

New critical vulnerability in Internet Explorer

You'd think that the world's largest and richest software company could write software that doesn't currently need to patch "critical flaws"? Wrong. There is even an event called "Microsoft Tuesday" when they release the month's new batches of patches. But they've excelled themselves this time: Microsoft has taken the rare step of warning about a serious security flaw it hasn't fixed yet. The vulnerability affects Internet Explorer users whose computers run Windows XP or Windows Server 2003. It can allow hackers to remotely take control of victims' machines. The victims don't need to do anything to get infected, just visit a website that's been hacked. Security experts say criminals have been attacking the vulnerability for nearly a week. Thousands of sites have been hacked to serve up malicious software that exploits the vulnerability. People are drawn to these sites by clicking a link in spam e-mail. The so-called "zero day" vulnerability affects a part of software used to play video. The problem arises from the way the software interacts with Internet Explorer, which opens a hole for hackers to tunnel into. Microsoft urges vulnerable users to disable the problematic part of its software, which can be done from Microsoft's website, while the company works on a "patch" - or software fix - for the problem.
On the subject of browsers, I should note that Firefox has just released version 3.5, which has some important new features, and is supposed to load faster.

Google squared

Google is constantly pushing out in new directions. It takes some dedicated watchers to even vaguely keep up with its constant developers - but they're out there, like here, and here... (be warned, though, these are serious geeks, who speak a rarified language I can barely fathom). Onward, however...
One of the next frontiers of search is taking all the unstructured data spread helter-skelter across the Web and treating it like it's sitting in a nice, structured database. It is easier to get answers out of a database where everything is neatly labeled, stamped, and categorised. As the sheer volume of stuff on the Web keeps growing, keyword search keeps getting closer to its breaking point. Adding structure to the Web is one way to make sense of all that data, and Google is starting the tackle the problem with a Google Labs project called Google Squared. Google Squared extracts data from Web pages and presents them in search results as squares in an online spreadsheet. It's hard to explain, but clicking on a few of the front page suggestions will quickly give you the idea.

Recycling old electronic equipment

Old computers, TVs and cellphones comprise one of the fastest growing waste streams around the world. Rapid technological advances mean that the average computer has a lifespan of less than 5 years. Trouble is, computers contain an array of substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium or brominated flame retardants, which are all harmful to humans and damaging to the environment. In New Zealand, most redundant electronic equipment is being landfilled. Some small moves are being made to combat this. At a local level, some individuals and firms are making big efforts to extend the usable life of equipment. Organisations such as The Ark Recycling, and RCN in Auckland as well as Remarkit Solutions in Wellington will take old computers for refurbishment and reuse in schools and charitable organisations. There will probably be a small charge for dropping stuff off to them. Dell has initiated a recycling program in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Re-usable computers and Tvs can be dropped at any of the Christchurch rubbish transfer stations or the Big Shed. Computer Recycling, operating principally in Auckland says it will dispose free of charge all computers, printers, monitors & telephone equipment. If there is any life left in the equipment, many volunteer organisations would be delighted to take it over, and of course you can also try to sell the old gear on TradeMe - it's amazing what prices some stuff that you thought you couldn't give away will fetch.