Summing Absolute Values in a Range in Excel

This is SURPRISINGLY not so straightforward. You can't just do:

SUM(ABS(A1:A1000))

(you will get hash-VALUE in the cell) unless you do Cntrl-Shift-Enter to convert the expression into an array formula (as opposed to a scalar formula).

This trick doesn't work though if you're using SUMIF e.g. SUMIF( rangeA, "=gazillion", abs(rangeToSum)). That won't work. You'll get an unhelpful message saying the formula you typed contains an error.

Numerical Spreadsheets: Respect for Maths

Many punks build numerical spreadsheets quickly but don't think about the quality of the numbers. Building a wrong spreadsheet fast is no achievement. Sometimes it can be done with general purpose software just to get a prototype working. However, when dealing with systems that generate numbers, respect must be given in the form of time taken to generate accurate numbers.

The Art of Focus and Fighting the Timeline War

Sometimes, especially if implementing mathematics in Excel, such as some statistical modelling spreadsheet, it is natural to have wished to have studied the underlying mathematics in a more systematic fashion. Do not be disheartened, progress regardless and review the work once complete. Progress should be the first priority. "Tag" task like doing things systematically for later.

Eliminating the Office 2007 Configuration Wizard

Details here. Involves messing with Event Viewer.

Hardcore Office: PIP files

What is the PIP file?

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12>dir *.pip

shows up ACCESS.PIP, EXCEL.PIP, INFOPATH.PIP, WORD.PIP, OIS.PIP etc. PIPs are Office Personalised Settings files.

Normal.Dot Demystified

Normal.dot is Word's master template.
There are two basic files in Word. One is a .doc the other is a .dot.

HIDDEN FEATURE: Creating Icons using Paint

MS Paint -> Copy to -> Select File Type BMP -> file name .ICO. This will convert any graphic in Paint into an icon. This was a great revelation. With it one can grab company logos and convert them into icons.

Childhood Games that are Super-Useful for Computer Programmers

Spot-the-difference - useful training for detecting syntax errors and problems with cut-and-pasted code