This is a pretty common question for students beginning with SQL Server writing queries regardless of the version. Why some words turn blue when you type it in the query window using any T-SQL statement?
These are reserved keywords. Microsoft SQL Server uses these for defining, manipulating and accessing databases and all objects in it. It is part of the grammar of the T-SQL that allows SQL Server to parse and understand T-SQL statements. It maybe sometimes allowed using these reserved keywords for object names in a script but not recommended.
It is best to always use unique names for every object in your database. Make it a habit so you don’t encounter errors in the future. It will be difficult to analyze eventually what’s causing the error when you have overlooked the use of reserved keywords.
For the list of SQL Server 2008 reserved keywords, you can find it in this link: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms189822(v=SQL.100).aspx
Not too many Project Managers are aware of the work contour field in Microsoft Project. This is why we have to explain this a little bit. Especially for those planning to take and pass the exam on Project.
Work contour field is a column you can add in the Usage View of Microsoft Project. Whenever a contour is applied or have been changed from the default value of flat, a shape or symbol will appear on the indicators column.
The flat contour will not show any shape or symbol being the default in every project plan file. The moment the work contour field is added to the view, it will automatically show the value “flat” for each resource.
This shape tells you how a scheduled work for a resource is distributed across time. You can use this to control how Microsoft Project schedules the work for a resource. To change it to a different contour, you just have to click on that cell in that work contour field for a resource and an arrow will automatically appear that lists all of the work contours. There are eight (8) choices available. Each following the shape will distribute work accordingly.
For example, a bell curve contour that appears like this shape will contour the work hours to continually increase to a peak but gradually drops off until work completes. That is why the shape seems to show highest peak in the middle following the bell shape.
To learn more about these Contour Indicators, Microsoft website has some documentation on it. Just look for the following types: Flat, Bell, Turtle, Front Loaded, Back Loaded, Double Peak, Early Peak, and Late Peak.