Microsoft Language Integrated Query (LINQ) offers developers a latest way to query data using strongly-typed queries and strongly-typed results, frequent across a number of dissimilar data types including relational databases, .NET objects, and XML. With the help of strongly-typed queries and results, LINQ improves the productivity of a developer with the benefits of IntelliSense and compile-time error checking.

LINQ to SQL

LINQ to SQL is an object-relational mapping (ORM) framework which ensures the direct 1-1 mapping of a Microsoft SQL Server database to .NET classes, and query of the resultant objects using LINQ. More specifically, LINQ to SQL has been developed with a goal to rapidly develop the scenario against Microsoft SQL Server where the database is very similar to the application object model and the primary concern is amplified developer productivity.

LINQ to Entities

LINQ to Entities is, exclusively, a part of the ADO.NET Entity Framework which permits LINQ query capabilities. The Entity Framework is the fruition of ADO.NET that enables developers to program in terms of the standard ADO.NET abstraction or in terms of persistent objects (ORM) and is built upon the standard ADO.NET Provider model that ensures an access to third party databases. The Entity Framework harbingers a new set of services around the Entity Data Model (EDM).

LINQ to DataSet

LINQ is one of the best ways to make queries and set based operations first class citizens in the .NET world. It enables queries to be printed in the development language, and provides compile time type checking. In addition, LINQ ensures full power of the framework to be used when writing queries. LINQ to DataSets bestows this power to your DataSet based application.

Technical Articles

The major scenarios for which each of these technologies have been designed:

Webcasts: It is the Entity Framework for Database Administrators (Level 200) which is a new data technology from Microsoft that may chiefly rouse the interest of database administrators (DBAs).

Framework Masterclass: LINQ to SQL (Level 200) is a Microsoft .NET Language Integrated Query (LINQ) that provides a familiar way to work with data in your applications.

Introducing LINQ to DataSet (Level 200):

Exploration of new technologies within Microsoft Visual Studio code name “Orcas” make working with data a better practice. One such technology is Microsoft .NET Language Integrated Query (LINQ), code name for a set of extensions to the Microsoft .NET Framework that include language-integrated data query, set, and change operations.

Microsoft Language Integrated Query (LINQ) makes way for the dot net development a latest way to query data using strongly-typed queries and strongly-typed results.



For both small and large businesses, video conferencing is becoming one of the leading tools for communication. Video conferencing is a form of telecommunication that utilizes both audio and video for a virtual meeting. This basically involves either two people having a simple conversation referred to as P2P or point to point or it could be multi-point involving several different locations with many people linked together for the virtual meeting.

As technological advances continue to improve in the field of video conferencing, more and more businesses are trying to integrate this communication tool into their communication systems. But some may be hesitant to upgrade their system especially if they are not too familiar with how this type of system works and on whether or not it brings numerous benefits to their specific type of business. Your business’ particular situation though may benefit from the advantages that video conferencing has to offer.

Businesses that have multiple offices at various locations both locally or worldwide can benefit from video conferencing. In such a scenario, it is not uncommon to have regular regional meetings where office or department managers may have to travel to a particular location to take part in such. Apart from the travel expenses, pre-meeting preparations such as the paperwork to be distributed, emailed or post mailed can cost money as well and have to be considered too. Both time and money are saved if meetings are held via video conferencing with all the pertinent information needed to be taken up being displayed on the screen and all parties involved being able to interact even without being physically present in one room.

Video Conferencing can assist as well in your dealings with business partners, investors and those who you potentially think will be interested in doing business with you, most especially if they are located abroad. Important business matters can be easily discussed without having to schedule a meeting that requires some partners or associates to travel. You not only get full access to all of your business materials, you save money on travel and lodging expenses.

Many businesses are beginning to incorporate this technology and so you should consider installing a video conferencing system as well. Video conferencing equipment prices are starting to decrease and as more businesses are using such a technology to conduct regular virtual meetings, sooner or later you may have to upgrade your communication system as well.



All people have goals they need to achieve in either their career or their personal life. A quality found in any productive or successful person is setting personal goals, as well as having a plan to follow in order to achieve them. One of the most powerful success secrets is the ability to set goals and the drive to follow through with them.

Having definite goals is essential to getting the most productivity from your life and work. Steady production requires a sense of purpose. You can increase your productivity by having a clear idea of tasks, a process of bringing those tasks to fruition, and the organization and analysis to get it done.

A key factor in productivity is being able to maintain focus. Another term for this is staying on task, and this means doing work that directly leads to the goal and not being distracted by trivia or unrelated matters. An example would be in avoiding speculation about remote possibilities and instead staying on track with the most likely outcome.

Productivity begins with an understanding of the desired goal and what steps are involved in achieving the intended results. The most productive workers find the most efficient means to achieving those goals with little wasted time or effort, but with the greatest possible outcome.

You get more done when you are motivated. Those who do the most are the ones who are concerned with their aims and truly want to achieve them. Honest eagerness for a positive result keeps you going when things are hard or frustrating. That is also so with regard to life goals, and the importance of your own health, happiness, and success should motivate you to set your aims high.

One of the most important factors when it comes to productivity is how you use time. A worker who is efficient with their time will be much more productive than a worker who does not use their time wisely. You might have to reevaluate your plan from time to time, tweak it here and there as you find what works better, but ultimately these reevaluations will produce far more efficient time management.

The characteristics that work in the business world also translate into personal life. For example, a goal might be to buy a house. Achieving this would mean formulating a plan to have the down payment and closing costs and an income sufficient to paying a mortgage. The buyer would need to remain on task in their savings and earning plan and also maintain enthusiasm while working efficiently to reach the goal as soon as possible. The same steps and methods would hold true for any personal goal.