Hoot With a Ribbon, MDI, and Inheritance

March 4th, 2017
I just released a new beta version of Hoot. While it is fully functioning, it does involve significant changes in the way Hoot works. With version 1.9.0, Hoot employs an MDI (Multiple document interface). Previously, Hoot opened new windows for… more »

Programmatically - Let Designer show you

February 27th, 2017
The web is full of queries about how to accomplish something programmatically. This can't help with all of them, but if it has to do with C# in Visual Studio, this might guide you in the right direction. Visual Studio is robust enough to do a lot of… more »

Switched Keys Site Conversion

February 17th, 2017
Tyler Hosting, the account that hosts Switched Keys has changed providers. We are now on InMotion Hosting. Along with the change, the blog has been updated to the latest version of b2evolution. While the conversion seemed seamless, if you see any issues… more »

Cool Searches in Hoot

February 2nd, 2017
The latest version of Hoot has some cool search options. Hoot is one of many study tools you can use to study words for Scrabble™ and other word games. It's a free PC tool with a lot of standard search options that can help you increase your word… more »

Education Credits: Beyond the Basics

January 18th, 2017
Tax incentives for education may be the most overlooked and most abused items on an individual tax return. They are frequently criticized for their complexity, with each form of education credit or deduction having different rules. With some credits as easy targets for fraud some practitioners are leery of education credit claims. Other problems with these incentives are not so obvious. Software support is limited and taxpayers are not always aware of the benefits or may have false notions about the requirements. more »

Managing Localization in Combo Boxes

January 18th, 2017
Introduction This example combines the use of combo boxes, a separate DataSource, and localized s for alternate cultures. Background Using a combo box, programmers can use a selected item as a variable or parameter within a single method. In other… more »

Best Hoot Features

November 28th, 2016
It's been about five months since I started developing Hoot and I'm reviewing what I've accomplished and what I need to work on next. With the release of version 1.6.7 I am weighing the most useful features in Hoot. By the way, Hoot is a freely… more »