Monday, May 9, 2016

How to of the Day

How to of the Day


How to Install Laravel Using Laragon

Posted: 09 May 2016 05:00 PM PDT

Laragon Menu Click.png
Laravel is described as "The PHP Framework For Web Artisans". It's meant to make creating, maintaining and editing a project with PHP a better, more efficient and fluid experience. The biggest problem is that installing Laravel can be a time and resource consuming process which can be extremely confusing and can be a massive turn-off for budding PHP developers. That's where Laragon comes in. A super-simple user interface for managing Laravel as well as almost anything else you can think of, Laragon is like WAMP/XAMPP built from the ground up for ease of use and perfect compatibility with Laravel.

EditSteps

EditInstalling Laragon

  1. Navigate to the Laragon site. This is where you will find and download the installer for Laragon.
    Laragon.org.png
  2. Press . There will be some numbers afterward the word "Laragon"; don't worry if they are different to what is shown here, just hit that button!
    Laragon.org Download Click.png
    • You will be taken to a site called Sourceforge and a timer will start before the download starts. If the download does not start after 15 seconds press "direct link" and the download should start.
  3. Navigate to wherever you downloaded the file to (most probably "Downloads").
    Install Click.png
    • Double click the installer you just downloaded to start the installation process.
  4. If a dialogue box opens to confirm whether or not you would like to run the application, press .
    Install Click1.png
  5. Wait for another dialogue box will open, wanting you to grant administrative rights to the program. This is important and is needed for both the installation process and to run Laragon.
    Install Click2.png
  6. Press . Then either leave the installation directory at default or choose a custom one (only recommended for advanced users) and hit again. Read the information on this screen, leave the box checked and press once more. Read over the settings to confirm and then hit .
    Install Click6.png
    Install Click5.png
    Install Click4.png
    Install Click3.png
  7. Once the installation is complete hit ! Well done, you have successfully installed Laragon!
    Install Click7.png

EditUsing Laragon to Install Laravel

  1. Run Laragon.
    Laragon Open Click.png
  2. Press .
    Laragon Run All Click.png
  3. Press the Settings cog and navigate to and check . Leave all other setting default and exit the settings window.
    Laragon Preferences Exit Click 1.png
    Laragon Preferences Click1.png
    Laragon Preferences Click.png
  4. Go to > > > and give your project a name.
    Laragon Laravel Create Click.png
    Laragon Menu Click.png
    Laragon Menu Open Click.png
  5. Wait for a terminal window to open up. An automated installation of Laravel 5 and all of its dependencies should start.
    Laragon CMD 1.png
  6. Once you are greeted by this screen, exit the command prompt.
    Laragon CMD 2.png
  7. Open a browser window and navigate to yourprojectname.dev.
    Laragon Laravel Finished.png
    • Well done! If you followed all the above steps correctly, you have just installed Laravel

EditSources and Citations


How to Get Along With Literal Thinkers

Posted: 09 May 2016 09:00 AM PDT

Some people just can't take a hint—not for lack of trying, but because they actually don't know how. It can be frustrating for both them and you to communicate when it feels like you're speaking two different languages. Here is how to speak so they can understand, and communicate in a positive manner.

EditSteps

  1. Understand the person and their personality. Literal, straightforward thinkers are most likely left-brained and see most tasks as a list of steps. They can miss the intricate complications of other people's conversations, sometimes because they're too focused on other things.
    Mathematical Woman.png
    • This doesn't necessarily mean that they are "broken" or "slow," just that they specialize in other areas. They might find it easier to integrate a polynomial, or fold an origami flower, than to interpret a nuanced conversation.
  2. Recognize that they aren't wanting anyone to be frustrated. Some people think differently, including autistic people and people with intellectual disabilities. They aren't trying to think literally; it's simply the way their brain is structured. (They may be getting frustrated too!) Don't blame them, and instead think of how to accommodate them.
    Confused Autistic Man.png
  3. Avoid sarcasm. State things as they are, and don't imply things and expect them to "get" everything you're saying. Sometimes people need to know stuff straight, without implications and gestures and euphemisms with every third word of your sentence.
    Grumpy Woman Says Mean Things.png
    • If you're going to be sarcastic, clearly change your tone of voice and roll your eyes as you speak. Then look back to them. It might be helpful to criticize things that they already know you don't like. If they're confused, you can explain "That was sarcasm. I don't actually believe that."
    • Avoid sarcastically or jokingly criticizing them. This can hurt and confuse them, and won't be effective, because they'll be stressing about figuring out what you mean and if they did something bad.
  4. Say what you mean. Hints may sail over the head of a literal thinker. Don't say "I'm fine" when you're not fine, or cough and look at your watch when you want to say that you need to get going. Being clear will allow them to catch the full message, so that they know how to respond.
    Man and Worried Woman.png
    • Use "I" statements to handle difficult feelings. For example, instead of "you're annoying," say "I have a hard time focusing when you tap your pencil on your desk loudly."
  5. Be open to explaining. If they don't get it the first time, try rephrasing your words more clearly. Watch their expression to see if they're still struggling, or if they get it now. Let the pace of the conversation be fluid, based on each person's needs.
    Woman with Down Syndrome and Friend Walking.png
  6. Run interference if you notice miscommunication between this person and others. If someone else is trying to be subtle, and your friend is missing the cues, step in to clear things up. You can make a gentle suggestion to the literal thinker, so that they have the information to know how to act.
    Blushing Man and Woman in Wheelchair.png
    • Say something like "Joshua seems like he's in a hurry. Why don't we talk about this later?" or "Marisol's sarcasm can be pretty subtle. She's not criticizing you, she's criticizing your professor for being so judgmental."
    • It may be worthwhile to take the other person aside and let them know that it helps to be clearer with this person. For example, "It can be hard for Maya to decipher subtle hints, and I think she was struggling to guess what was on your mind. Next time, it might help for you to tell her outright how you feel."
  7. Work on being patient and understanding. Different thinking and learning styles are one part of human diversity, and struggles with nuanced language don't make someone less worthwhile or important. Make it clear that you don't think any less of them or their mind.
    Woman Speaks Nicely to Man.png

EditTips

  • Avoid condescending or talking down to the person. Whether they are disabled or not, there is no need to treat them like a child. They are an adult; they just have slightly different needs.

EditWarnings

  • Avoid asking if they are disabled. If they do have a disability, and they feel comfortable saying so, they will. Because some people view disability as insulting or "less than," a non-disabled person might get offended if you suggest they are disabled.

EditRelated wikiHows

How to Become QuickBooks Certified

Posted: 09 May 2016 01:00 AM PDT

QuickBooks is one of the many types of bookkeeping software commonly used by individuals and small businesses. Intuit, the maker of QuickBooks, offers a program (called ProAdvisor) through which the company will certify that you are competent with their software.[1] Other Intuit-authorized QuickBooks certifications are also available, such as through the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB).[2] While you can use these certifications to concisely show clients that you are familiar with and competent using QuickBooks, you should note that the process does not equate to a formal accounting education, and it does not stand in as accredited certification as a bookkeeper or accountant. By knowing what the process truly connotes and what to expect of it, you can become QuickBooks certified.

EditSteps

EditPreparing for the Certification Exam

  1. Ask yourself if you need the certification. While some individuals may benefit from a QuickBooks certification, others may find it unnecessary. While you cannot claim to be "certified" with QuickBooks without the certification process, that doesn't stop you from otherwise becoming proficient in—or even mastering—the software. The certification also applies only to QuickBooks. Since the user interface for other accounting software can be completely different, a QuickBooks certification doesn't help you with clients or employers who expect you to use other accounting software.
    • Note that since the certification process primarily allows you to market your experience with QuickBooks to others, it's largely unnecessary if you only use the software for your personal finances or those of your small business. While you should always learn how to use your chosen accounting software correctly, you don't require a personal certification to do so.
    • Since QuickBooks is only one form of accounting software, and it largely handles the necessary math for you, don't confuse a QuickBooks certification with an accredited education in accounting. The certification does not make you a certified bookkeeper or accountant.
  2. Gain experience working with QuickBooks. Intuit recommends that you have at least two years of experience using QuickBooks for tasks related to payroll and invoicing, as well as budgeting and cost reports.[3] However, there are no formal eligibility requirements related to the certification process, so you can take the certification exam as soon as you feel you have the necessary skills.
    • Keep in mind getting QuickBooks certified is not required for bookkeepers, business owners, or anyone else who is proficient with the software. Becoming QuickBooks certified means you can use an official QuickBooks certification and logo on your resume and business documents, which is primarily a marketing tool for attracting clients or employers who specifically want you to have QuickBooks experience.[4]
  3. Learn what to expect from the exam. You can expect to be tested on a variety of skills related to QuickBooks usage. These include:[5]
    • Setting up the software
    • Working with lists
    • Working with various bank accounts
    • Using other QuickBooks accounts
    • Entering data for sales and invoices
    • Receiving payments and making deposits with the software
    • Entering and paying bills
    • Analyzing financial data in QuickBooks
  4. Research which type of certification fits your needs. Intuit offers a variety of different versions of QuickBooks based on the individual or company needs. Equally, they offer different levels of certification, testing different levels of the software's functionality. Again, since the certification is primarily a marketing tool to target your client demographic, you should only consider certification at the level that makes sense for your usage. You can apply for certifications such as:[6]
    • ProAdvisor without Certification: This level provides QuickBooks training materials without an actual certification. You will learn basic QuickBooks skills similar to those in non-Intuit training methods for the software.
    • ProAdvisor with Certification in QuickBooks Pro/Premier: You will need to take a simplistic certification test that focuses on various aspects of using QuickBooks Pro and Premier.
    • ProAdvisor with Certification in Intuit QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions: This is a slightly more complex certification test. You will be focusing on the Intuit QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions product.
    • ProAdvisor with Certification in QuickBooks Point of Sale: This is a fairly complex certification test. You will be focusing on the QuickBooks Point of Sale products.
    • Advanced Certified ProAdvisor: You will take an extremely complex certification exam. You will also be tested on the advanced functionality of the products, troubleshooting errors, integrating third party applications, detailed job costing, and several other advanced areas.
  5. Decide if a training course is right for you. If you aren't yet confident in your level of QuickBooks expertise to pass your chosen certification exam, you can always take QuickBooks training classes. You can find a wide array of these classes both in person and online to fit your schedule. Some options include:
    • Official online or in-person training through the Intuit Academy.[7] Although you should note that taking the classes through Intuit does not necessarily make you more qualified for the certification exam.
    • Through an authorized accounting organization. The NACPB offers a training course that culminates in the certification exam for $499.[8]
    • Through an accredited bookkeeping class. You can also take classes on QuickBooks basics through a variety of accredited colleges or other educational institutions. Especially if you've decided you want to learn QuickBooks without being concerned with the certification process, you can still learn the necessary skills with the software for your needs with this method.
  6. Buy an exam study guide. A study guide is another option when it comes to preparing for your certification. Since the certification exam is an open-book test, you can also use a study guide as a reference later during your actual certification exam.[9]

EditTaking the Certification Exam

  1. Complete several practice exams. There are several free practice exams available online through Intuit and other training programs.[11] While they aren't required to take the actual certification, you can test your preparedness by taking at least two practice exams. Time them for two hours (the time given for the official exam). The official exam is open book, so feel free to use your study guide during your practice exams.[12]
  2. Sign up to take the exam. The QuickBooks exam is overseen by the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB). You can take the exam online through the Accountant Training and Testing Center (ATTC).[13]
    • When you are ready to take the exam, go to the ATTC's Schedule a Test web page[14] and schedule a date and time you want to take the test. The ATTC will then email you information about your schedule date and time for the exam.
    • Note that while being offered through an official bookkeeping association, the test still only demonstrates your proficiency with QuickBooks, and it in no way certifies you as a bookkeeper or an accountant.
    • Also notes that the fee for the exam is $150 if you are not a member of the NACPB. NACPB members pay $100 to take the exam.[15]
    • If you fail the exam, you can pay a re examination fee ($75 for non NACPB members, $50 for NACPB members) and retake the exam.
  3. Take the exam. The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions and simulations. To pass the exam, you must score at least 75%, or 37 out 50 questions correct. However, the exam is open book and you are given two hours to complete the exam.[16] Upon passing the exam, you will receive an official certificate and certification logo that you can use to market yourself to clients and potential employers who use QuickBooks.[17]
    • If you fail the exam, you will receive a discounted re-examination fee if you choose to take it again through the NACPB. The discounted rate is $50 for members and $75 for nonmembers.[18]
    • Maintain up to date certification by going through the certification process several times through your career. Software changes over time, and your certification will only certify you for one version of QuickBooks. Consider re-certifying every year or several years to keep your QuickBooks certification current.

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EditSources and Citations


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