PassageExpress.com

wagb278 · Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 3:16 pm Post subject: Reader for AQ

I imported my supporting data into a PE project. This included a number of folders, sub-folders, and files of various types. This all went fine.

I created a crude Front Page with no problem. I cut a CD of this project (AQ database, and supporting data files) to try on another computer - to see how intuitive the result. I LIKE IT!

However, the other computer does not have Ancestral Quest software so there was no way for the database to be viewed. DOES THE GENERIC VIEWER NOT READ AQ DATA FILES? What process do you expect users to perform in order to permit AQ data files to be viewed, and where would that process be documented? My preference would be recipients of my CD's can simply view the database - without any special software install necessary.

The computer used to read the CD had no problem opening any of the supporting data files (TIFF, JPG, MS Word, PDF) becasue that computer includes the common apps. I did place the Adobe Reader ver 6 on the CD, but the test computer already had Adobe Reader version 5 which opened and worked. If possible, it might be a nice feature to allow any readers on the CD (from PE) to be installed/used on the receiving computer if the recipient wants.

My supporting files (pictures, scanned documents, etc.) usually include meaningful information in the file properties that appear to be lost when brought into PE. Can the file properties be used to populate the description of files when imported into PE? When viewing the CD the list of files in a subdirectory are using my original filenames (good!), but to a recipient of a CD there is no clue to the contents. I understand that I can rename the file in the project and add lengthy descriptions, but I don't want to have to maintain, or re-establish that information when I refresh the data in a project. Not a critical issue, just an observation. I, naturally intend to work on Genealogy in AQ, and maintain supporting data/files as I have in the past. This data is my single-source for my Genealogy. Using PE to (for its dissemination capabilities) should be a simple "Refresh" of project files - somehow. Lets say I build a project and pass out CDs, then in a year I want to send out updated CDs. What process (manual or semi-automatic) do I perform to know what data needs to be updated? Can your application help with this process?

My observation on the Help files is that they need to be more assistance to someone have problems and less of a tutorial. I assume you will be updating the Manual for the new software. That manual should include a section on importing and using AQ (Reader).

Keep at it! This tool has great promise. Make using AQ seemless with this tool and you will get my praise.

Jim

Bill Strickland · Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2005 3:39 pm Post subject: AQ "Reader"

" ... you can always use the unregistered version of AQ 11 to view larger databases created by other users."

http://www.ancestralquestonline.com/updates/getlatest.asp?demo=1
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wagb278 · Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 5:54 pm Post subject: AQ Demo Version

Thanks Bill,

I will add the AQ Demo version to my projects. I guess I was asking if the included viewer was able to read AQ files. I went off to that software's Web site and determined it does not know how to read AQ files.

I couldn't remember if the AQ Demo was time limited - but I guess it is not - so that is a very viable method for users of my CD to read the AQ database.

Jim