OBIEE 11g: Direct Query from Database, bypassed Cache

To make sure the Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition (OBIEE) report / analysis' query pulls data directly from the database and not from Presentation or Server cache, follow these steps:

1. After selecting appropriate columns in Criteria tab

2. Click on Advanced tab

3. On Prefix section, enter: SET VARIABLE DISABLE_CACHE_HIT=1;

4. Click on Results tab.

5. Keep in mind that it might take little longer than usual, since the report will have to pull fresh data.

Hope this helped & feedback is always welcomed!

Re: Interview Tips

I understand that this has been said so many times by so many people, yet, it is still a common mistake among so many individuals while preparing for an interview. For that reason, here are few quick tips:

1. Prior to agreeing for an initial interview (whether telephonic or in-person), if recruiter proposes a time, ask if there is another time slot available, because you already have another interview scheduled. However, DO NOT persist and always leave a back-door.
1. This is a simple self-marketing strategy, to let the recruiter(s) know that you're in-demand.

2. READ the job description WELL
1. I am sure you will always find good questions from the job description itself. And by doing so, you will send a message that you did your homework and remain interested.

3. PREPARE your story
1. What was the first spark that ignited you to pursue this career / industry?
1. i.e. Conducting an internship / fellowship at ABC company OR independent project / research helped me to find my passion in XZY areas and enabled me to further strengthen my skills.

4. AVOID lips talking
1. Instead of "humming" (i.e. um-hmmm) as an indication of "acknowledgement," say those words. You may underestimate these small details, but they do count towards evaluation and building the first impression of you.

5. ASK at least a question
1. Simple question like:
1. How would you describe a fit candidate for this position?
2. What would you expect a hired candidate to achieve in first 30-60 days?

6. Not "WE" use "I"
1. Never use "we" accomplished 123, always use "I".
1. i.e. I contributed to the team…
2. I was able to do…

7. Control the interview as much as you can
1. This may sound impossible, but if you master the art of speaking, you can certainly control at least certain percentage of it.

Hope this is useful and feedback is always welcomed!

Creating a Batch File in MS Windows

1. Open Notepad
2. Type-in command prompts that are executable

      Echo on/off
      Echo XYZ Services Start
      Net start "avast! Antivirus"  (Open MS Local Services and type in service name EXACTLY as shown)

     
      Net start "-----------------" (Open MS Local Services and type in service name EXACTLY as shown. You can add as many service(s) as you wish)
      Echo XYZ services started

3. Save the notepad.
4. Change the file extension from .txt  to  .bat
Hope this helped!

Anonymous Quote

"Excellence is never an accident; it is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities"

Windows 7 Taskbar Icon Manager

If you are looking for ways to organize your frequently used shortcuts pinned to the taskbar, I found 7stacks very useful and is simple to use.
Here how it works:

1. Download the FREE 7stacks from: http://alastria.com/software/7stacks/  & unzip it.

2. Run and Finish the installation.

3. Create a new Folder (anywhere) where you can save all your shortcuts. i.e. First create the shortcut of all frequently used programs and cut and paste them into one folder.

4. Open the 7stacks

5. For – Folder to use for stack:  > navigate to new folder that was created on Step 3.

6. You can select Stack Type as Vertical Stack, Grid and etc. You can test those out after pilot testing the initial setup.

7. Click on Create Shortcut on Desktop – this will create a shortcut on your desktop and right click on 7stack icon > Pin to Taskbar

8. Here how it looks:

Hope it helped & Enjoy!

Enabling Quick Launch on Windows 7

Quick Launch is a set of icons that are used frequently. This feature view is mainly available on Windows Vista & XP, it is also available in Windows 7, but cannot be setup as easily as one would in Windows XP and Vista.

Here is how it can be setup:
1. Right click on the taskbar and then select New Toolbar.

2. You need to put the following location %userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch in the new window that appears.

3. Next, click on 'Select Folder'.

4. Quick Launch will appear on the taskbar but will contain text of the respective icon. To hide it, click on the dotted lines and uncheck 'Show Title' and 'Show Text'

Hope it helped!