Articles

Microsoft Excel XLOOKUP vs VLOOKUP

Looking at the XLOOKUP function in Excel and comparing its long-standing predecessor VLOOKUP to see what advantages XLOOKUP has and why you would use it instead. You will also find a link to our YouTube video tutorial comparing the two and the accompanying free download file.

Software-Matters at 30

Software-Matters reached the grand age of 30 in March 2024. We have been reflecting on the past 6 ½ years since our 25-year anniversary when we last looked back, and we have discovered some interesting statistics.

Hosting Microsoft Access without a Server

Access provides a platform for creating complete multi-user systems cheaply and flexibly. It will run happily over a local network or via remote desktops on your own local server. But what if you don't have a local network or local server? Read our article about using hosted Windows desktops instead.

Your Office Anywhere (YOA) Access Hosting Alternatives

Following a recent spate of cyber attacks using ransomware - as seen in the news with Marks & Spencer and Co-op, amongst others - one company specialising in hosting Microsoft Access applications was so badly affected that they ceased trading. What lessons can we learn from what happened, and what alternative providers are there?

Is Microsoft Access obsolete?

Rumours constantly circulate - and have done for at least 15 years - that Access is obsolete and will be discontinued. We discuss the topic in this article and conclude that it is far from obsolete.

25 Years on and Still Strong

In 2019, we celebrated 25 years of Software-Matters. This article discusses what we believe are the secrets to our longevity despite being in an ever-changing industry.

Microsoft Access Benefits

Here we explain why businesses use Microsoft Access to create systems for their everyday processes and information.

Our Recent Projects

Here you'll find examples of systems we have created using Microsoft Access to give you a feel for how it could help you and your business.

Creating an Microsoft Access Contact Management Database

This article is a walk-through of how to create a CRM system using Microsoft Access. You will also find there a link to our YouTube video tutorial and the accompanying free download file.

Creating an Microsoft Access Stock Control Database

This article is a walk-through of how to create a stock or inventory control system using Microsoft Access. You will also find a link to our YouTube video tutorial and the free download file to accompany it.

Creating Many-to-Many Relationships in Microsoft Access

Here we explain what many to many relationships are, and how to create them in Microsoft Access. We do this by extending the database created in the Stock Control article. Again you will find a link to a YouTube video tutorial on the subject, and a free download file too.

Tips for Working from Home with Microsoft Access

If your organisation runs a multi-user system using Microsoft Access, you will find that the common set-up of VPN access to shared drives in the office results in a very, very slow system. In this article, we explain why and suggest alternative set-ups.

Viewing data out of the office

This discusses various methods of running systems and using files in Excel and Access and Word remotely when you're not in the office.

Microsoft 365 or one-off Purchase of Office 2019

Here we look at the aspects to consider when deciding whether to subscribe to Microsoft 365 or to make a one-off purchase of the latest version of Microsoft Office.

Bespoke vs off-the-shelf

A discussion about the pros and cons of having software developed for you compared to buying something off the shelf. With most off-the-shelf software now rented at a cost per user per month, the balance often tips in favour of bespoke software that you pay for once and independently of the number of users unless you have very few users and only want something for a short period of time. Read about this and other aspects of the decision in the full article and download our free tool for weighing up the costs of the 2 options.

Management Software Tools

A brief outlining of the benefits of bespoke management software tools.

How to Import an Esri ASCII Grid into an Microsoft Access Database

Microsoft Access help & tips

Microsoft Excel help & tips

Microsoft Access 365 Benefits

Microsoft Access 2024 Benefits

Microsoft Access 2021 Benefits

Microsoft Access 2019 Benefits

Microsoft Access 2016 Benefits

Microsoft Access 2013 Benefits

Microsoft Access 2010 Benefits

Microsoft Access 2007 Benefits

Microsoft Excel 365 Benefits

Microsoft Excel 2024 Benefits

Microsoft Excel 2021 Benefits

Microsoft Excel 2019 Benefits

Microsoft Excel 2016 Benefits

Microsoft Excel 2013 Benefits

Microsoft Excel 2010 Benefits

Microsoft Excel 2007 Benefits