Combine data from multiple cells into one (Excel)

Excel makes it easy to combine information stored in separate cells into a single cell. There are two ways to concatenate information--using the CONCATENATE function or using ampersand (&) concatenation operator. To demonstrate, let's say that a worksheet stores name information in two columns. First names are stored in column A and last names are stored in column B. A project you're working on requires that the data is combine into a "Last Name, First Name" format.

To examine both concatenation techniques, enter a first name in column A and a last name in column B, as we described. Then, in cell C1, enter the following formula:

=CONCATENATE(B1,", ",A1)

Notice that we combined cell references with a literal text string, the comma and space that separate the last and first names. Although we didn't include any, you can also concatenate numeric data. The CONCATENATE function can accept up to 30 arguments.

To produce the same result using the concatenation operator, enter the following formula in cell D1:

=B1&", "&A1

Note that this approach can also concatenate numeric data, but it isn't limited to 30 items. You can use these data-combining techniques in Excel 2007 the same way you use them in earlier versions.

Automatically delete items from the Deleted Items folder (Outlook)

When you want to delete a message, you can either click on it and press the [Delete] key, click on it and drag it into the Deleted Items folder in the Folder List, right-click on it and select Delete from the shortcut menu, etc. Normally, you delete items because you don't need them and you don't want them taking up valuable space in Outlook. When you delete a message, it's sent to the Deleted Items folder, which by default isn't emptied automatically.

You can easily change this, though, so items in the Deleted Items folder are deleted for good when you exit Outlook. To do so, simply select Tools Options. Click on the Other tab, and then select the Empty The Deleted Items Folder Upon Exiting check box. Then, click OK. Now, every time you exit Outlook, the items in the Deleted Items folder are ancient history!

Jump to it! Use the Document Map to get there fast (Microsoft Word)

Using Word's built-in styles does more than allow you to format your document attractively -- it also lets you use the Document Map to jump to any location in your document.

To reveal this useful navigation tool, select View Document Map from the main menu in any open document. On the left, you'll see a list of your main and sub headings; just click on one to jump to that location in your document instantly.

Know your limits (Outlook 2000/2002/2003)

Have you run into a situation where your Outlook mailbox is full and won't let you receive or create any new items? If this is the case, you may be over your storage limit.

In Outlook 2003, your PST file can hold tens of millions of items. If you're using Outlook 2000 or 2002, however, you're limited to 65,000 total items.

If you're running Outlook on Microsoft Exchange Server, no matter what version you're using, you're limited to the size allowed for your mailbox, which is determined by the system administrator

Find all the cells in a worksheet to which you've applied data validation

If you need to add worksheets to an Excel file, chances are that you use the Insert | Worksheet menu command. There's a much faster way to go about this task: Simply press [Shift][F11] and Excel adds a new blank worksheet before the active worksheet.

If you need to add several worksheets to a workbook, you can use either technique to create all of the sheets at once. While holding down the [Shift] key, click on the same number of worksheet tabs as new sheets you want to create. Then, use either the menu command or shortcut key as you normally would.

Office 2010 coming to a computer near you early next year!

Instantly find all the fields in any document (MS Word)

Using fields in your documents is a convenient way to retrieve and update all kinds of information automatically. However, as handy as fields may be, they can be difficult to pinpoint when you need to edit them.

One way you can make fields stand out is to apply permanent onscreen shading. To do so, choose Tools Options from the menu bar (Edit Preferences in Word 2004), and then click on the View tab. In the Show panel, select Always from the field shading dropdown list, and then click OK.

In addition, you can easily locate fields by jumping to them. To jump forward from field to field, press [F11]. To jump backward from field to field, press [Shift][F11].

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