Outlook online

Another rant about Outlook.  Windows in general doesn't seem to handle networking very well- many applications block because Explorer is doing something with the network.

Outlook should be cleverer.  It may start up in "on-line" mode, but it should not block with "Not Responding" for up to a minute before it realises yes, this is a laptop and no, it's not connected.  To anything.

del.icio.us Tags: office, outlook, windows, bad, network

Outlook lies

Outlook has many good points.

But it simply doesn't tell the truth when it comes to synchronising its folders.

If there is a network problem, it will happily sit there saying "Sending... complete." while it hasn't even managed to make a connection yet.

When I first open Outlook, it kindly informs me "all folders are up to date".  Then, as soon as I open e.g. the inbox, only then does it decide to actually synchronise.

del.icio.us Tags: microsoft, outlook, bad, sync, email

Internet Explorer desperate to OLE

Many years ago, OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) was the new thing.  It is a very good paradigm and is still used in many places today.  However, it should NOT be used by MS Internet Explorer for opening Powerpoint presentations (or Excel docs) in a pale, useless version of Powerpoint/Excel.  Why can't it just open Powerpoint if I want it too!?

del.icio.us Tags: rant, excel, powerpoint, ms, explorer, ole

Propping up a laptop

Interesting post at Lifehacker about propping up a laptop to get a better angle and to allow the heat to escape.

At work I use a document holder to keep the laptop almost vertical- this means the screen is at a proper height.  Heat isn't a problem, and I can then use a proper keyboard.

The next thing is to use a KVM switch to make use of the 19" monitor on the desk as well- two screens definitely increases my productivity.

del.icio.us Tags: kvm, lifehacker, cork, wine, laptop, heat, productivity