I was using ms word to keep track of my documents by making a table and filling in the fields. BUT as I added more photos, the file got larger and larger and kept bogging down. So I downloaded a trial version of FileMaker Pro and made a new fancy database.
(for those of you who work with database all the time, you won't be impressed. But I've never used one despite all my computer time! Just never needed it)
So here's the old way below.
And here's the one I made today.
Oh I like this ! very nice :))
For the 'Plant Type' I made pull down menus to choose from
Standard
Mini
Semi
Micro
or Trailer
And same for Received As, I can choose from 'Leaf, Plantlet -small, Plantlet good size, Mature Plant etc'
I like this new system, since I can sort by name, date received, received by who, etc.
only thing I haven't taught myself yet is how to view records in a list format. Anyone know if I can export to an exel file so I can view just the names of AV's I have?
sorry to be delayed, I'm having a heck of a time getting online today, server issue I think.
darn it
Excellent method . Now can it be used off line ? Like when you were looking up a plant at my home ?
Also can you down load this on a CD just incase it is lost ?
yes and yes!
I love it!!!!
Wow, that looks really awesome.
Jesse
thanks! now if only I could use FC. =(
Cool!
A suggestion... you might want to add columns to track your propagation, even if it's just to keep track of your current efforts... "Leaf down? Y/N" "plantlets? sm/med/lg"... that sort of thing.
I was thinking of tracking mine in Excel, but haven't gotten around to setting it up yet... I always forget how to use all the nifty new features, and I need to figure out if there's a good way to include photos. There may even be a way to export FC lists to excel (without using the clipboard to paste one piece of info at a time).... Hmmm... Could be a while before I have some spare time to figure this out!
I love it. Thanks for sending me a copy. I have been using it and love it. It's been awhile since I have added to it. Your post gives me encouragement to add my new varieties. Thanks for the post.
what a great idea jesse! you are a real talent with computers!
Begonia, are you going to be able to use this sample long term or are you buying software? I would love to do this. : ) I was thinking of starting a journal, but hadn't thought of using the computer. Duh.....
Oh Begonia you are so smart! I think I will try to see if I can get the same results w/ Access- I have worked w/ it some and will let you know, but if it doesn't work I will try filemaker!
no, not smart, just frustrated with Word! I will have to buy the software to continue using it. But then i can use it for my business inventory too which is pretty cool. (and a write off)
I've never used Access, only Excel but it isn't the same I think.
Critter, that's a great idea, and so easy to add it, it will update all records at once, but I have to go and fill in the info individually.
Okie dokie, let us know how it goes!!
Ok, here's the assignment. One of you computer whizzes figure it out and then share how to do it.
Killed original mom. Ouch. HA HA I needed a laugh. : )
shoot, I was hoping no one was paying that close of attention to my 'notes' LOL
No I got that part too, but felt like it was best to let the dead rest in peace...along w/ those that I have killed...in Texas I am considered the most prolific serial killer of tropical fish as well as certain types of plants.
Access and Excel are different- I fooled around w/ Access some today and cannot get it to function anywhere close to what would be good for us. Will have to see what else I can do. Possible to create something like that w/ Excel and that would be ok if folks were willing to share photos and/or descriptions. What I am saying is that it wouldn't be bad for me to create my own little data base in Excel and add to it w/ each addition, but I don't have tons of AVs- if I created mine and someone else wanted to use it my information could be left in or deleted, but the other person would have to completely populate w/ their information/ their AVs and depending on number of plants, that would be time consuming.
So how much is that cute little DB?
Hi Laurie,
I looked at the price of that software and just about left this old world!!! LOL!
There is one being offered on eBay right now at 24.95 US and I am using it but haven't really sunk my teeth into it yet.
Here is the link and you can download a demo version which will only let you add 25 items but I am sure it can do most everything that 300.00 program will do.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Plant-Orchid-Seed-Flower-Tracking-Database-Software_W0QQitemZ7752438334QQcategoryZ25463QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Joanne
Hi Laurie,
I guess that link won't work unless you are logged in.
Here is their website:
http://www.datavillage.com/PlantTracker.htm
To view on eBay just type in plant software.
Joanne
Well those would be great options, but the reason I turned to filemaker is that I'm on a Mac and can't use FC or I would just use that.
LOL!
I haven't decided on the purchase yet. and that file I made only took me about an hour or two to learn the program and creat it.
I love my mac to death, BUT am bummed that some software is for you PC only folks.
I may be able to find a used version of an earlier release on Craigslist or eBay. I don't have to have the newest, just one that works.
Hi Laurie,
Gee I don't know why I never thought of it before and I am not sure if you can add your own collection to the CD but the AVSA has software called First Class....are you familiar with it?
I have it on order but won't get it for a while though. I guess they send it in the mail and the mail these days is like taking a slow boat to China!
Worth checking into though.
Joanne
Hi Laurie,
Okay I found out about the First Class program and yes you can add your own collection in it.
Here is the link:
http://firstclass2.com/
Joanne
LOL... I just realized I'd looked at your "old way" pic and not the new version when I made that comments about keeping track of propagation efforts... I'm sure that was confusing! Thanks for being polite and not smacking me in the back of the head (anyone else watch the TV show NCIS?).
Your new DB looks like it'll work out well!
You can add entries from your own collection to the FC database software, and you can also add notes to each entry, but the notes are pretty limited in length (I think something like 63 characters), so it wouldn't really serve the same purpose as Begonia's new program
Hi Laurie,
You can look at your database in list format by clicking the layout box on the top left panel and choosing Table view. And you can export to Excel (under File/Export) but are you saying you are putting both AVs you have and ones you don't have and want to keep track of what you do have? If so, you can add a Yes/No field something like Own and then seach on that field. Or just sort by Received and all the empty Received field records will pop to the top.
Here's a shot of my Filemaker plant database in table view. I chose only records that had Plant in the Purchased From.
Jooolz
Joolz, I just did the snoopy dance around my office. I looked and looked for that feature but it was grayed out because I was in 'Layout' mode.
When I clicked to 'Browse' mode, then did as you said, I get this kind of feature.
YOU ARE A ROCK STAR! And I'm so glad you came cruising through the AV's. (folks, Joolz is a begonia Goddess!!! And a true delight to be with! We met in FL at the begonia show. And she's a bona fide Begoniac too! with an incredible collection)
Now I know this is the program for me. Since I can't use First Class (FC) it's a PC based program that wont run on a Mac unless you install another program that stinks called 'Virtual PC'. (wayyyyy slooooowwww)
All I want to do is keep track of AV's and Gessies that I have. OR want. Not the whole 22,000 hybrids out there. LOL.
I just beg the info from Ali, Critter, or Lorry or who ever has FC and then can enter it. Sometimes I can get the info from an eBay vendor too.
p.s. when ya gonna post your new thread in Begonias of the show photos?
Are you sharing your program with anyone? If so I would love to have a copy. I have been wanting to keep some type of journal with all the details that you have included in your program and this looks perfect. If you are sharing could you please let me know. Thanks.
Jesse
Jesse check your dmail. I can't really share a program, just the template I made.
That is just the coolest setup Miss Laurie :) I LOVE it :)
Laurie you can check Prides Pink Trail as a Vintage :))
Pride's Pink Trail (5714) 04/11/1984 (C. Sotkiewicz) Double pink star. Black-green, pointed, quilted. Semiminiature trailer
A Hybridizer of some good trailers. One I love ;
Angel Tears Trail (6126) 01/22/1986 (C. Sotkiewicz) Double white frilled/pink fantasy. Medium green, pointed, quilted. Standard trailer
>
And Drum Role Please ; Sunray Trail (6475) 02/03/1987 (C. Sotkiewicz) Single chimera fuchsia star/white stripe. Light green, spooned, pointed, quilted. Standard trailer
I don't know the others but sunray is the most beautiful chimera I have seen.
I love it too Anna. I bought Mom for $53.00 she gave half dead stone dry out of pot covered in dirt hardly any leaves left. Somehow I saved her. Then she blessed me with 5 bloom stalk babies. 4 grew plants, one went to Lorry, Laurie, Me, and one is not doing well :(( and one died. Mom I had bad problems with and she has gone to AV heaven too. my one baby is blooming non-stop she's still small in a 2.50 inch pot. I hold my breath and pray she does well and gives me more bloom stalk babies. Then I can grow you one. Worst thing about Chimeras you can't put down a leaf for insuanrce or to grow babies of to share. No sucker, no bloom stalks plant dies that's it Bye Bye :((
Awww Allison, I am keeping my fingers crossed for your baby.
Thanks Anna Plants like everything else living can't live forever.
All of your software talk is above my head, but my son is a techie, so thanks for the info. I'll have him get mine set up :-)
Sharon
It really is a " Fine Set up " :))
