Scout Software possible Y2K problems
allogagaw (allogagaw@MEGSINET.NET)
Tue, 19 Jan 1999 22:45:21 -0600
I am on "Digest Mode" I hope that this is not duplicate information.
Bob & Jo Zsembery wrote:
>We are seeking reviews or opinions on Scout Software. Out troop has a very
>limited budget, is very small, and can only make this purchase once so it
has
>to be a good one. Our commputer access is not limited. Which program has
the
>best features, and is most all-round effective, not to mention user
friendly?
>Thank you,
>Jo
>Trp 94
>FingerLakes Council
>Lyons, NY
WARNING: Scouting advancement software may be EXTREMELY
vulnerable to the Y2K (year 2000) bug. Advancement records
may go totally wack-o if the software has not been tested!!!
We started with Troopmaster Software and have lived with it through many
revisions. Mostly as a creature of habit. I do not know if version 4 is Y2K
friendly but version 2000 is "supposed" to have been tested.
My biggest disapointment with Troopmaster Software is the format of the
reports. A large Troop must publish a roster on several pages to cover
the necessary information.
I wrote software routines to directly access information from his
database. But several years ago Sam had a competitor steal his
information and use it against him to convert his data to "their"
format. Since then Sam refuses to publish his database
structure. From his old information I was able to figure out the
4.0 data structure but I have not seen his new version 2000.
I understand his logic although I still disagree.
(There are Non-disclosure statements available)
Assuming I figure out his version 2000 I will continue to use my
custom software.
His solution is to export all the data to a text file. You can then
import it into excel or other program to massage it to your needs.
Sam does have a web page although I do not have it handy. I am sure
that any web brouser will find the string "Troopmaster Software"
I am VERY pleased with the information released about his new
version and I have already placed my order. His backlog is already
3-4 weeks, but it seems to be worth the wait.
Mark Wilbur - Allogagaw (He who serves)
"Used to be an OWL NC-513 (312-35-1984), Always be an Eagle (1973)"
Scoutmaster (since 1986) Troop 374 St. Louis, Mo.
