David Overton's Blog

UK 2024/25 Excel formulas to work out take home, NI and income tax.

2024-08-29T09:55:37Z

I know most people don't need this sort of information, but since I just entered it into a spreadsheet and found the information wrong in Co-Pilot, I thought I'd share the correct information. In the UK, NI rates can be found here and income tax rates can be found here. The formula to calculate NI is as follows. I've used the LET function to make it easier to read. This presumes the annual salary is in cell A1. If you want a monthly figure, you will need to divide PT and UEL by...(read more)

Webinar: Overcoming the challenges of a Dispersed Workforce Apps, Data and Security

2020-08-05T08:24:00Z

British Computer Society on delivering solutions for remote working during the Covid Pandemic.

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Citrix Essentials seems to be edging out the partners whilst Awingu is welcoming them

2017-02-09T11:00:00Z

Azure RemoteApp was the official Microsoft way to run your Windows Desktop Applications on Azure and access them from any device. The service was only available for a short time before Microsoft closed the solution stating that you would need a partner’s software to complete a solution. Awingu is one such partner, offering the ability to access your Windows applications via any html browser on any device without the need for plug-ins or downloads, while ensuring a highly secure solution. Awingu...(read more)

How to Use Office Conditional Formatting to put in icon sets comparing a range of cells, or relative references as Office calls it

2017-02-04T00:56:00Z

So it has been a while since I last dropped out a blog, but this one was useful to me at work, so I thought I would share. Office 2016 (or 2013 and 365) has some lovely functions, one of them being conditional formatting. I use this quite a lot, but one thing stumped me. Below is what I wanted to get to: When I wanted to compare to tables of data and put in place icons to show if the data had moved up or down, I could not do it. Excel would politely tell me that “This type of reference cannot...(read more)

Fixing my Office 365 Lync Voice (P1) and PGi world wide phone integration problems–error ID 3110 (source ID 243)

2013-09-22T14:39:06Z

I use Office 365. Probably no surprise for many, but I like the world wide access and simplicity. However, since leaving Microsoft I found having to Skype people a little frustrating if I wanted to host a multi-party conference call, especially if some people need to dial in using a phone, rather than Lync from a PC. To this end I ended up purchasing a certified solution from PGi. PGi charge me per minute per person and I have dial in and out capability, so I can dial people to...(read more)

Version 7 of Sync for SkyDrive

2013-03-25T23:20:00Z

Thank-you for your interest in Sync for SkyDrive. Following all the feedback from version 1, 2 and 6 I’ve finished release 7 (version number 7.0.0.2 in the store) and submitted to the Windows Store where it will be available here: The tool is not free, but it is at the lowest price point I can make for the Windows Store (from the UK). The purpose of the tool is very simple, to enable you to synchronise chosen folders from Microsoft SkyDrive to a Windows RT (or Windows 8) device. While I would...(read more)

Version 6 of Sync for SkyDrive

2013-03-08T23:44:00Z

Thank-you for your interest in Sync for SkyDrive. Following all the feedback from version 1 and 2, I’ve finished release 6 (version number 2.0.0.26 in the store) and submitted to the Windows Store and can be found at the Windows Store: [27th March 2013] A new version of the application is now in the Windows Store. You can find details of it here . The tool is not free, but it is at the lowest price point I can make for the Windows Store (from the UK). The purpose of the tool is very simple...(read more)

Sync for SkyDrive–version 2 for Windows RT and Windows 8

2013-02-16T09:31:00Z

Version 2 of Sync for SkyDrive [9th March 2013] A new version of the application is now in the Windows Store. You can find details of it here . Thank-you for your interest in Sync for SkyDrive. Following all the feedback from version 1, I’ve finished version 2 and submitted to the Windows Store. When it is released I will update this with store location. The tool is not free, but it is at the lowest price point I can make for the Windows Store (from the UK). The purpose of the tool is very...(read more)

Sync for Windows SkyDrive

2013-02-12T08:33:00Z

[updated 25/02/2013] - The next version has now been submitted to Microsoft. Information on the updated version can be found here . This is an update on my Sync tool. Thank-you to all those who have provided input, submitted bugs and made other suggestions. The updated version is not yet ready to go into the Windows Store yet, but feedback and suggestions are still welcome. I’ve been asked by Microsoft to change the logo and name, so this is what we now have: [Changelog] Adding selective folder...(read more)

Simple SkyDrive Sync for Windows 8 and Windows RT

2013-02-01T03:23:00Z

It has taken a while to get there, however this project is now complete. I’ve managed to write a tool that keeps my SkyDrive and my Windows RT slate in sync. I’m now going through the process to publish this in the Windows Store for all to use and enjoy. [updated 8th Feb 2013] I've received a lot of feedback about the colours, gradient fills, rounded corners etc. I am working on a minor update that will change the colours and then a major update that completely change the layout,...(read more)

Good WPF 4.5 cookbook from Pavel Yosifovich

2012-12-27T13:49:49Z

I was looking for a book to bring me up to date with WPF and XAML and talking to my publishers, Packt Publishing, then offered me the Windows Presentation Foundation 4.5 Cookbook by Pavel Yosifovich. I was hoping to review this book sooner, however Christmas and illness got in the way, so here is my slightly late review. In simple terms, this was an excellent book for me. I write in both C# and VB.Net (more VB than C#). I’ve never used WPF or XAML except in the designers from Microsoft...(read more)

Do you want to see what is new and search the Windows 8 Store from the web–now you can

2012-12-14T09:55:42Z

Hi, just a little note as I’ve been using this for a little while now. You can access the Windows 8 store, search it and filter from this web site - http://metrostore.preweb.sk/ . It is unofficial, however Vlko and Peter both seem open to suggestions too. Enjoy David...(read more)

Upgrade Windows XP/Vista/7 to Windows 8 Pro for $40 or £25 AND Media Center Pack for free – until 31st January

2012-12-14T08:36:00Z

This is a simple offer. Download the upgrade assistant from Microsoft, run the tool, purchase the license for a shockingly low price and get the benefits of Windows 8. Even if you think you might not use it for a year, you can burn the ISO so it is ready. All indications are that the price will increase once this offer expires. So, what is the processes? Go to the web site - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/buy (UK) or http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/buy (US) Press the Download...(read more)

I’m taking a break from Microsoft

2012-12-13T10:47:29Z

Hi, I’ve always been open and honest on my blog and it is time to share broadly the news that I’ve left Microsoft. I’ve been considering my career and a few things became apparent. I wanted a break . When I joined Microsoft over 12 years ago, a sabbatical was part of the deal. While this changed during my employment, I’ve decided to take one anyway, so I’ve been putting my feet up over the last few weeks and will continue to do so into the new year. Obviously, I’m not sitting...(read more)

Windows 2012 jump start videos

2012-07-03T21:48:22Z

Hi, Just a quick note to say that these were shared with me today and they came from the blog at http://blogs.msdn.com/b/microsoft_press/archive/2012/06/27/free-videos-on-windows-server-2012-from-the-jump-start-series.aspx • Designed for Microsoft Partners, early adopters, and experienced IT Pros/ITDMs familiar with Microsoft server technologies • All twelve (12) modules are under an hour and packed with engaging discussion and real-world demos -- watch them all! Links to Every Module from this Jump...(read more)

Getting my Nokia Lumia 800 to work with Virgin Mobile UK MMS settings (and trimming the SIM too)

2012-06-02T10:35:28Z

I recently fell of the back of a boat which resulted in my faithful Samsung Omnia being written off. Since this was a personal phone, I decided to upgrade to a Nokia Lumia 800 as it looked like a fab phone. I have so far not been disappointed, however I hit two problems. The first was that my SIM was not a micro-sim. I contacted Virgin who told me they were very soon to launch a micro-sim, but not yet. I bought a 30-day sim from Vodafone in the short term, but then discovered that...(read more)

UK / EMEA Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Practice Accelerator, 16th April, Live Meeting 4 day course

2012-04-07T11:12:22Z

I saw this and thought I should share it ASAP. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Practice Accelerator, 16th April, Live Meeting Description: 4 day organisational training for partners interested in developing a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure practice. Can be paid for using advisory hours. Microsoft Virtual Desktop Infrastructure empowers enterprises with unified management of centralized desktops and corporate data through Microsoft System Center technology. Microsoft VDI offers tremendous value...(read more)

IE6–> IE8/9/10 and Windows 7 compatibility events with Citrix, Camwood and Quest (3 events)

2012-03-18T09:04:55Z

Microsoft have teamed up with Camwood , Citrix Systems and Quest Software , all application compatibility experts, to help show you the range of solutions available to help you overcome App Compat road blocks. Join them to learn how browser compatibility issues occur, how to overcome them with Group Policy , virtualisation and simple application fixes and how to develop a successful migration plan. Not only that, they will also cover some of the latest App Compat tools and techniques that apply to...(read more)

Turn off Ctrl-Alt-Del in Windows 8

2012-03-03T17:56:50Z

This is a very quick one. I saw the videos and saw that Ctrl-Alt-Del was turned off in Windows 8. While this can be done by setting the local security policy, it can also be done via command prompt. This is no different to other versions of Windows. If you search for cmd and then right click it to select Run as Administrator Then once cmd is running, use this command (it is all one line) to turn off C-A-D as a requirement: REG ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies...(read more)

Windows Server 8–Remote Desktop and VDI enhancements

2012-03-01T14:06:41Z

VDI and RDS have been something I’ve been writing about, so I wanted to share the documents I’ve discovered from Microsoft that discuss the new features for VDI and RDS. The 3 documents are: Understand and Troubleshoot Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server "8" Beta This Understand and Troubleshoot Guide (UTG) enables you to learn technical concepts, functionality, and troubleshooting methods for Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server “8” Beta. Date Published: 2/29/2012 ...(read more)

My Top Tips for Windows 8 so far–closing windows, dual booting, using the keyboard and mouse

2012-03-01T12:06:27Z

Hi, I loaded Windows 8 Consumer Preview with some concerns about how the new interface would impact me. As a keyboard user, the Developer Preview just didn’t do enough for me, however Windows 8 is now my primary home OS and I’m loving it. What is more, my daughter is once again asking to have it (as she wants “Snap”) for her applications. So my top tips are: How to close a Metro Application There are two ways to do this – dragging the open application from the top of the screen to the...(read more)

Does Windows Intune require an underlying operating system to load Windows 7 Enterprise Edition?

2012-02-28T07:20:45Z

I just saw this question being asked, so thought I would should with everyone: Question: “If I have a paid subscription to Windows Intune, do I need an existing Operating System to install the Windows 7 Enterprise license included with the subscription?” Answer: Yes – from the FAQ: What are the Windows 7 Enterprise upgrade rights included with Windows Intune? All of your managed PCs covered by Windows Intune may be upgraded to Windows 7 Enterprise as long as the qualifying OS is one of the following...(read more)

Upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7 and manage the PC’s–Windows Intune did this for eLitigation Solutions and reduced IT spend by 30%

2012-02-28T06:37:12Z

Hi, I’ve just seen the case study on eLitigation solutions and how they did this and reduced costs by 30% in the process. The case study can be found here . Electronic Discovery Firm Reduces IT Costs by 30 Percent with Cloud-Based PC Management To meet its various business requirements, eLitigation Solutions needed a stable, well-monitored, and regularly updated PC environment, but the company also wanted to simplify and reduce the cost of managing its PCs. In 2011, eLitigation began...(read more)

Windows Intune feedback and support tools and useful blogs

2012-01-30T10:02:00Z

I’ve been reading and responding to the posts on the Windows Intune forums site and realised that I should share with everyone the support and feedback tools available for us. These enable conversations with the support teams and input into the people making decisions about updates and major releases for Windows Intune. The following sites are available: Support Forum Support for Windows Intune Microsoft Online Services support The forum has responses from the community as well as great...(read more)

Microsoft Windows Intune V2: Quickstart Administration book released

2012-01-25T08:00:00Z

Well, nearly 12 months after I started the project my book is now available to buy. This book is relevant to the latest shipping version of Windows Intune 2.0. Chapters Overview of Cloud Computing Introduction to PC management concepts Overview of Windows Intune features Signing up for Windows Intune and installing the client software Configuring Windows Intune Configuring Management Policy Software Deployment Tracking and reporting Monitoring and responding to Windows Intune alerts Resolve...(read more)