Quick Training Tips for April 2002 Plus: The April Fools 2002 edition of Terrible Training Tips! HOW IS A RELATIONAL DATABASE LIKE YOUR GRADMOTHER'S BIG OLD DRESSER? In order to explain the difference between a flat file and relational database, I invoke the image of a huge piece of antique furniture.  It is nearly impossible to get it up the stairs and through the bedroom door if you have it all in one piece. Luckily, many antiques come apart and can be carried up in pieces and reassembled.  Similarly, when many small tables are linked together in a relational database they act as one entity. This approach is far more manageable than putting all the data into one huge file. Lawrence Larson Automation Resource Corporation Okemos, MI A "PUZZLING" ANALOGY FOR PIVOT TABLES.  I often tell students that pivot tables are like a “Rubik’s Cube of information.” Once they enter the data, they can twist it around until they get it to look the way they want.  I point out that without pivot tables, if they entered the data and then changed their minds about the layout, they’d have to retype everything. But with a pivot table they can change the layout in seconds.  I also mention that pivot tables are especially good for summarizing data for reports. Charles Brodsky CompUSA Training   THIS DATA COMPRESS ANALOGY WILL KNOCK THE AIR OUT OF YOU! When teaching about file compression tools like WinZip, I liken data to a sleeping bag. It might be fluffy and ready to sleep in (view/process) but difficult to carry.  Or it might be rolled up tight with no air in it for carrying around but of course you can’t sleep in it rolled up. Compression tools can roll up data and squeeze out the air, and then inflate it again. Jay Hammond Queen Mary & Westfield College London, England The above Tips are reprinted from the book "Quick Training Tips! How to teach computing skills to practically anyone" edited by Loretta Weiss-Morris, copyright 2001-2002 Systems Literacy Inc. "Terrible Training Tips" is here! Time to read the annual April Fools Day edition! For the 5th year in a row, I've just pulbished a special April Fools Day edition of my regular newsletter, Quick Training Tips. This very special issue is called "Terrible Training Tips!" and each year trainers, teachers and librarians from around the world gleefully contribute diabolical, awful instructional "advice." The 2002 issue is the worst one yet -- and I've even given prizes to the three people sending in the most horrible of the horrible! You won't want to miss it, from our exclusive news item, "Bill Gates' Secret Shame," to diabolically awful training, support, and web design advice. You can read the entire inspired issue http://quicktrainingtips.com/AprilFool-2002.htm  Go laugh, shudder, enjoy! Happy April Fools Day!  Best regards, Loretta Weiss-Morris http://QuickTrainingTips.com