The very best features of Document X! 2010 are embedded in its ability to read code written in the Microsoft .NET development environment and produce a meaningful and insightful document about such code. First, Document X! creates a great .NET assembly summary. According to Wikipedia, a .NET assembly is “a partially compiled code library for use in deployment, versioning and security. There are two types: process assemblies (EXE) and library assemblies (DLL). A process assembly represents a process which will use classes defined in library assemblies. .NET assemblies contain code in CIL, which is usually generated from a CLI language, and then compiled into machine language at runtime by the CLR just-in-time compiler. An assembly can consist of one or more files. Code files are called modules. An assembly can contain more than one code module and since it is possible to use different languages to create code modules it is technically possible to use several different languages to create an assembly. Visual Studio however does not support using different languages in one assembly.”

Secondly, Document X! creates a great database summary. When I say database, I am not talking about just the overall structure of tables, but also any stored and other procedures used to access and retrieve information.

Third, Document X! creates a great COM component documentation summary. According to Wikipedia “The Component Object Model (COM) is a binary-interface standard for software componentry introduced by Microsoft in 1993. It is used to enable interprocess communication and dynamic object creation in a large range of programming languages. The term COM is often used in the Microsoft software development industry as an umbrella term that encompasses the OLE, OLE Automation, ActiveX, COM+ and DCOM technologies.”

I am currently learning to use Document X! 2010 for each of these instances and will keep you posted about insights on each of these ways you can use the program (.NET assemblies, databases, COM components).

All The Best,

Keith

Dear Readers:

Over the next few weeks, I will be reviewing a program called Document X (here at Great Documents), developed by a software company called Innovasys from the UK. As a Technical Writer, I am always in search of better ways to document source code as well as create more insightful user guides. Currently, I work in an environment that features Microsoft .NET. So, I will see how this software optimizes my documentation experience and what I can offer as a Technical Writer to programmers and developers. Hopefully you are all enjoying the World Cup. Best wishes for a productive and positive week ahead.

Keith

This post is dedicated to Chapter 4 of Joan Lambert’s book Windows 7 Step by Step, published by Microsoft Press. What I would like to discuss in this post is Chapter 4 which tells you about (1) working with Windows, (2) understanding files, folders, and libraries, (3) finding your way around the computer, (4) connecting to a network resource, and (5) finding specific information. These are all very important topics.

First, working with the Windows Operating System (OS) is important because it is designed to be a user-friendly interface to help you find things easily. You can easily size, move, and arrange windows as per your needs. You simply need to learn to use the icons and learn how to point, drag, and click your mouse on the right part of the window you want to manipulate. Essentially, there are two icons located in the top right hand corner of the window that allow for resizing, minimizing and maximizing.

Second, to work with files on your computer, you need to use the Windows Explorer. Go to the Start Menu of your machine and then select the Documents icon (a folder icon). This will display a window that will list, in the left side, all the major ways you can access information on your machine: desktop, downloads, libraries, etc. In the right pane, you will see all the files and sub-directories of the selected access point (for example, your desktop) that fall within that category. You can organize files as per your needs. I like to have my files listed by file type, and not by name.

Third, this chapter will help you to find your way around your computer as you use W7. Instead of selecting Documents from your Start menu, rather, select Computer. This icon will display a window that will show all drives and drive related information. For example, my computer has merely a C drive and a DVD drive. So, this window shows those two components. If you click on either of these components, then you will see further details, like directories and files that are currently accessible via such information access points.

Fourth, this chapter will help you to connect to a network resource. Essentially, you need to learn how to map a network drive. Important steps include selecting “Map a network drive” after selecting Computer from your Start menu. When this window appears, you need to select the correct drive letter and designation and then complete further steps using this wizard. As long as your network resources are correctly set-up then this mapping should turn out successful.

Finally, this chapter will help you to learn how to find specific information on your computer as you become a Windows 7 user. One great utility in this respect is Windows Search. All you need to do is click on your Start Menu and enter the name of a file or directory you wish to find in the text box that appears. You don’t need to enter the complete name. Rather, just enter the elements that you know and Windows 7 will produce a list in a pop-up window that will let you choose the right file or directory you were seeking.

In summary, we are still in the early stages of this book. Nonetheless, important information has been presented and this chapter will definitely help you to feel more at home with Windows 7, especially if you are new to the Microsoft Windows OS

Click here to check out Windows 7 Step by Step
Click here to check out Windows 7, The Pocket Guide

1. In general, a Web Service is any online service delivered from a Web site. Since there are countless applications and services that emanate from the Web, such usage of the term is commonplace in articles from non-IT publications. Although the term may also appear in technical journals to refer to any offering on the Web, the astute journalist avoids such usage because “Web services” has a very specific definition (see #2). This is another example of generic names coined for specific technologies.

2. When mentioned in the plural (“Web services”), the term often refers to an interface for a service oriented architecture (SOA), in which Web-based applications dynamically interact with other Web applications using open standards that include XML running over HTTP, UDDI and SOAP. Such applications typically run behind the scenes, one program “talking to” another (server to server). Microsoft’s .NET and Sun’s Java System (J2EE) are the major development platforms that natively support these standards. See SOA.

Private Implementations
Web services have been initially successful in private environments where large enterprises need to exchange data with their divisions and subsidiaries or with partners and clients. In such controlled situations, agreement on the data being passed between Web service components is more easily obtained. In addition, since Web services use open standards, vendors can supply customers with client side software to add to their applications no matter what the platform.

Public Use
Web services over the public Internet are expected to materialize slowly. Using discovery systems such as UDDI, the goal is to register a service on the Internet, allow an application to search for and find the service and then to seamlessly exchange data with it. If the service is fee based, payment processing could be included. Before global Web services can be put into operation, there must be industry agreement on the functions each service component must provide.

CORBA and DCOM
Web services enable software components to interact with each other around the world. In the past, this has only occasionally been realized within private networks using the industry standard CORBA and Microsoft’s DCOM distributed component platforms. However, because Web services use protocols that are open and easier to implement, they have a better chance of being widely implemented.

The Buzzword
Although the term became the hot buzzword at the turn of the century, Web services still require cooperation and agreement among people to define business transactions and processes. Web services define only the format, transport and interface standards, not the meaning of the data to be exchanged.

Source: The Computer Encyclopedia

Everyone who uses the Internet is like the hummingbird drinking a flower’s nectar. There is something we want to “take” from the web and add this to our lives in some way. Over the years, I have observed, along with other bloggers, that there are essentially three categories of Internet consultation. The first category is that of “information”. People use the web to get news and information from sites like Wikipedia. Secondly, people love to be entertained. This is what the creators of Pixar said in MSNBC’s special “The Pixar Story”. This is what motivated them to move beyond current cartoon production standards many years ago and pioneer video graphics and now we have a multi-billion dollar industry of Internet entertainment. Finally, people need to be inspired. I have dedicated a majority of posts at Great Documents to technical and software related matters. However, I have also dedicated some posts to this category of Inspiration. We are all people and need to help one another. Hence, the true need for collaboration. So, as you create your blog or website, remember that these three categories form the base and foundation upon which all other categories find themselves: information, entertainment, and inspiration. Have a great week ahead

This weekend I will be turning forty-five (45), and so appears yet another chance to reflect upon my life accomplishments. As a Technical Writer, I have endeavored to make sure my readers enjoy the very best in documentation. As a Father, I make sure I listen to my son and offer him plausible and encouraging advice. As a Son, I make sure I am respectful to my parents. As a Husband, I make sure I honor my wife. As a Friend, I make sure I empathize with the struggles of my friends as they work to better their lives and the lives of those around them. What makes all of this possible? One word: communication. Fortunately, I discovered this during my college days and when the world was still an exciting place full of dreams and possibilities. Even though I have aged and grown in wisdom, I still look favorably upon those with the entrepreneurial spirit and who have something great to offer to the world through their creative and technical skills. Again, what makes the world go around is communication. This is the virtual hallmark of progress. Documentation is part of this communication empire and enterprise, if you will. Without progressive communications, the world will almost stop in its tracks. We need to know where we are, where we are going, what is at hand, what is at stake, and how we should approach the challenges of life. So, at 45, I tell you, remember, good communication skills are the foundation upon which all endeavors of life may find true fulfillment, completion, and a sense of achievement

This post is a special “thank you” to Ms. Emma Alvarez, a great social media entrepreneur who took time amidst her very busy schedule to read and review my book “The Power of OM”. Emma is a most talented graphic artist from Spain and her professional work is often displayed at art shows around the world. For those of you who question the idea of a meditation book being presented in a Technical Writing blog, never forget that the body and mind can suffer from stress. And what better way to re-energize, relax, and renew oneself than through meditation. This has been my experience and it is my wish for all my readers and visitors to benefit just the same.

Click here to read Emma’s review.

This post is a special “thank you” to Ms. CarolAnn BaileyLloyd, a great social media entrepreneur who took time amidst her very busy schedule to read and review my book “The Power of OM”. CarolAnn also is a dedicated Web Consultant/Marketer, Ghost Writer, Professional Blogger, and Online Content Developer & SEO/SEM Specialist. For those of you who scoff at the idea of a meditation book being presented in a Technical Writing blog, never forget that the body and mind do get tired out. And what better way to re-energize, relax, and renew oneself than through meditation. That has been my experience and it is my wish for all my readers and visitors to benefit just the same.

You can click here to read CarolAnn’s review.

I recently got off the phone (Skype) with my good friend Mr. Yuri Belous from Kiev, Ukraine and he informed me that he has finally uploaded to download dot com new updates to his tremendous Rapid Typing Program. The number of this release is 3.2.5. It is available for download and here are the new features you will enjoy with this release:

1. Added the control “Sound” in the main window.
2. Added new background music.
3. Added more than 30 sound effects.
4. Added the mode allowing for the random choosing of the sound effect.
5. Added additional support of the sound schemes.
6. Added Farsi interface language (special thanks to Ardeshir Abasi).
7. Added support for the program’s left-to-right interface.
8. Fixed a bug regarding the wait cursor on several of the dialog boxes.

Click here to download Rapid Typing Release 3.2.5

Have a great weekend, everyone

On page 24 of W7 Step by Step, in Chapter 1: Explore Windows 7, the authors give the reader a most valuable table that they can print out and keep with them as they use Windows 7. Essentially this table summarizes the most vital keyboard shortcuts which allow for diverse operations to take place within W7. This table can be found on page 24 of this book. It can also be found on the companion CD to this book within the e-book that is presented there. I recommend you take note of these keyboard shortcuts so that you can perform these W7 feats all the better.

Keyboard Shortcut – Function

Windows logo key – open or close the Start menu.
Windows logo key + B – Select the first icon in the notification are of the taskbar.
Windows logo key + D – Minimize all open windows.
Windows logo key + E – Open the Computer window.
Windows logo key + F – Open the Search window.
Windows logo key + G – Select or move between desktop gadgets.
Windows logo key + L – Lock the computer.
Windows logo key + M – Minimize all open windows.
Windows logo key + Shift + M – Redisplay the windows.
Windows logo key + P – Display the Projection controls.
Windows logo key + R – Open the Run dialog box.
Windows logo key + T – Select or move between the taskbar buttons.
Windows logo key + U – Open the Ease Of Access Center window.
Windows logo key + X – Open the Windows Mobility Center (portable computers only).
Windows logo key + Spacebar – Make all open windows temporarily transparent (Aero-capable computers only for this command option).

Enjoy your weekend everybody

Special thanks to Rich Robinson for Windows 7 Pocket Guide
Special thanks to Joan Lambert for Windows 7 Step by Step