More Free Gardening Software
 

Okay, here's the latest programs to be offered for free. These are all Windows-Based programs and were developed in Windows XP using Visual Basic Ver 5.0, Microsoft Access Ver 2.0, and Crystal Reports Ver 4.6. MJC says he has the original version running in Linux. Still have not heard from a MAC user that has it running.


[SIZE=4][COLOR=blue]First is SEEDTRADING.[/COLOR][/SIZE] This is very much like the first version, but has improved printing and the ability to display only the IN-PROCESS trades, COMPLETED trades, or ALL RECORDS. All printing goes to your default printer, whatever you have available or access to. Below is a picture of the MAIN SCREEN. If you print a copy of a record to send with a trade, put any comments you wish to send in the bottom area of the "WHAT RECEIVED" memo box. It will be printed at the bottom of the page. Both memo boxes have "wordwrap", so just keep typing. Set up lists and paragraphs by hitting the Enter Key at the end of a line.
NOTE: If you are using the first Seedtrade program, you can download this one and install it as well. They install into two different sub-directories.

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[COLOR=purple][B]Sorry, but adding the new improvements (and future upgrades) meant a significant change to the structure of the database. So, moving your records from the old program to the new one will have to be done MANUALLY.[/B][/COLOR]

Running both programs at the same time, and moving back and forth between the two, you can copy and paste to the new program. Simply display a record on the old program, select ADD NEW on the new program, copy and paste, and then SAVE the record. Repeat until you are done. When finished, you can UNINSTALL the old program.


[SIZE=4][COLOR=blue]Second is SEEDBOX.[/COLOR][/SIZE] Seed Inventory Screen - The database that comes with this program has 10 records in it to allow you to get a feel for how it works. As you add your records, simply overwrite these test records.

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1. When you first arrive at this screen, the first record in the database is displayed in the white text boxes. There are labels on each Text Box that let you know what data that Text Box will be displaying. Records are pulled from the database sorted into Alphabetic order according to the Variety Name.

2. In the top right area are eight colored command boxes that will allow movement through the records (PREV RECD, +50 RECDS, -10 RECDS, etc). Also in this area of the screen are the two boxes that display the total number of records in the database and the current record number being displayed.

3. At the bottom of the screen are several selections, The first one is "ADD VARIETY". Clicking on this one will cause the program to clear out all the Text Boxes and let you enter new data to create a new record. When you are done, select "SAVE" to store the record in the database. The screen will now display record number 1.

4. "DELETE" allows you to delete the current record being displayed on the screen. It will prompt you to confirm the action and then, the record is gone and is not retrievable. You can RE-ENTER the deleted data by selecting "ADD VARIETY" and manually entering a NEW record.

5. "ADD/EDIT PIX" is a function that lets you add your own pictures to the screen (one pix per record). When you click on this label, a hidden Text Box pops up in the center of the picture frame. A Delete selection also pops up. To add a new picture, or change to a different picture in the box, click on the white Text Box and then you can Browse for the file in any directory on your computer. When you find the picture, simply double click the filename and the path and filename are transferred to the Text Box in the picture frame. Selecting "Delete" will erase this path and filename from the Text Box. When you are done adding and deleting, select Save Pix and the screen returns to the record and your picture is displayed.

6. FIND - Clicking this will cause a white text box to pop up and moves the cursor to this box. As you start typing a variety name to look for, the program searches thru the records and displays the first record matching the character(s) you typed in. Clicking on any of the other white Text Boxes closes out the FIND function.

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7. MAKE/PRINT FILES OR LISTS - This takes you to another screen where you can create a text file which contains either your Trade List, your Planting List, or your entire list ("List All Records"). These files can be attached to an email, or "Pasted" into Posts on forums, Private
messages, etc. You can also make hard copies on your default printer by selecting the printing option. When the file are created, they will placed into the same directory this software was installed into. The format for the Trade list and the Planting List files is standard text. Windows "Notepad" will open, edit, and save your changes to this file. You can also use any wordprocessor application so that you can change fonts, text colors, etc. Printing the Entire List ("List All Records") is printed using a Special Report Format.

8. EXIT - Closes the database and returns the program to the the opening screen.


[SIZE=4][COLOR=blue]Third is PEPPERBOX.[/COLOR][/SIZE] Pepper Inventory Screen - The database that comes with this program has a few records in it to allow you to get a feel for how it works. As you add your records, simply overwrite these test records. Data Fields include Scoville Units and Capsicum Type. Looks and operates like SeedBox.



[SIZE=4][COLOR=blue]Fourth is SEEDSNTRADES[/COLOR][/SIZE] - This is simply a single program that is a combination of the first two.

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Please let me know if you have any problems. Again, these are Windows Based programs. My hope is that you find them useful.

Ted

Oh dear, my new computer will have Windows 7, and I really wanted to give your program a try. Will that mess things up? I think it is so nice of you to take your time and offer us these programs.

Mind you, I'm not offering to give up my new computer, I only ordered it this weekend!

Ted, downloaded and opened all three with no problem. Especially like SEEDBOX as this is the type of program I've been looking for to Catalog my collection. Been using SEEDTRADING for my trades and give aways and it works great. Cool Beans! Ami

Ami, the "Find" function in both the Address and the Seeds sides are there because of your suggestion.

Now, as I am not in possession of Windows 7, I must let one of you out there tell me if they will work on the new platform.

Enjoy, Y'all.

Ted

Does this work with Vista, or only XP. I tried installing today and the install got hung up.

I fired up Win7 (running in a virtual machine)...and installed. I got two errors during install in Win7...an access violation for VBAJet32.dll and a registration error for daoxxx.dll, both of which I ignored. (probably related to the fact that the included versions with the installer are older ones)

After ignoring them, I ran the program (SeedsnTrades)...works perfectly.

So, yes it should work...but it may need compatibility mode and you may need to ignore the errors. Also, don't forget to initially allow the install, as this is an unsigned program by an unknown publisher (sorry Ted, M$ doesn't recognize you...).

Yay! I don't get the new computer for another two weeks, but I'll certainly load the software once I get set up.

[quote=recruiterg;146539]Does this work with Vista, or only XP. I tried installing today and the install got hung up.[/quote]

The only problem I have found with Vista is if you are running "Windows Defender", it will not allow the install. Of course, Windows Defender will not allow most things. It is a known bug and I don't think Microsoft wants to fix it.

I have Vista on a laptop and it installs and runs perfectly there. Of course, I turned off Windows Defender and use McAfee on that machine. I also have a firewall set up on my router.

Mike, I AM disappointed that M$ doesn't recognize me. After all, I have been an absolutely painful thorn in the "behinder" of someone out there. It's been a question a day and two complaints every three hours for the last 5 weeks.:twisted:

Ted

Ted-I am running Vista, no defender. It tries to open up in ms word and is unintelligible. What can I do to fix this?

[quote=mdvpc;146731]Ted-I am running Vista, no defender. It tries to open up in ms word and is unintelligible. What can I do to fix this?[/quote]

Your computer should have recognized the ZIP file and stopped on a screen that asks you about extracting all the files. You actually can install the program from this first point by arrowing or moving down the file list to the Setup program and double clicking on it.

However, you (or anyone) can Email me at >>>>TubMaters@aol.com<<<< and I'll reply with a copy of the file you want attached to the reply. Make sure you tell me which of the three Programs you want.

Ted

[QUOTE=mdvpc;146731]Ted-I am running Vista, no defender. It tries to open up in ms word and is unintelligible. What can I do to fix this?[/QUOTE]

Can you open any other zip files?

Ted-I will email you now. Mjc-I open up zip files all the time. Ted's file keeps trying to open up in word for some reason.

The two common causes for that behavior...the file association in Windows is messed up and Word is the program that is assigned to open zip files or a corrupt download. If you can open other zip files, then it's probably a corrupt download.

I got it with winzip-it took a little tinkering, but it downloaded and works fine. Thanks for the help!

I can add seed records just fine to Seedbox, but have had no luck adding a picture. I get "runtime error '3426' action was cancelled by an associated object" when I ok that, the program gets closed down. The pictures are just test jpg's on my desktop, the location box seems to work fine but the error appears when I click on the add pix button. I never do get the picture itself appearing. When I reload the program (after it has shut itself down) the picture info is blank again. Ami and Michael, have you added pictures successfully?

I have not had time to mess with anything much like trying a new download or replacing it with the combined download. (Too busy working on ripping out old glued down carpet in the basement ... new flooring to be coming next week ...arggghhh ... :x)

Error 3426 is another known bug that Microsoft doesn't seem to want to fix. It is another that is caused by the difference between 16 and 32 bit operation.

A single possibility is that your picture is located in such a layered subdirectory that the path and filename exceed 50 characters. This can be overcome by putting a copy of your picture in the directory with the rest of this program. Your pictures will be safe there as they will not be deleted even if you UNINSTALL the software.

DD, check your Yahoo email.

Thanks, Ted. The last version of Seedbox that you sent me works fine, the pictures are there as they should be!

:):):):):):):):):):)

My computer complained with a C:\Windows\System32\ComDig32.ocx error, but I ignored it and continued the install and everything works like I would expect.What a nice seed inventory program! :yes:

Thanks Ted! Great tool which loaded just fine and I am now busy entering all my information.

TimothyT

The Pepper Database program is now available for download from Post #1. A program with all sections consolidated will be available shortly.

Ted

If you have downloaded Pepperbox before now, you will need to download it again. Sorry, but I found (and repaired) a very critical bug (Thanks DD).

Ted

Thanks Ted,
I was having problems with run errors in Pepperbox, but just tried reloading latest version and it seems to work hunky-dory! Now, back to the entering all my info-whew!

TimothyT.

Glad to hear that TimothyT. When I produced the first file, the compression software (Winzip) slipped a couple of bytes and caused the problem. I had to do a series of tests called "CRC Checks" to find the error. CRC stands for Cyclic Redundancy Check and is also known as "Check Sums" and "CRC Check Sums" . Basically, it uses a formula of sorts to add up the characters and spaces (all the Bytes) in a program or file and give a base 16 (hexadecimal) total. It's a great tool that allows you to make sure that no one modifies a file.

Hey, that's enough technical FYI.

Enjoy

Ted

[quote=ContainerTed;147723]Glad to hear that TimothyT. When I produced the first file, the compression software (Winzip) slipped a couple of bytes and caused the problem. I had to do a series of tests called "CRC Checks" to find the error. CRC stands for Cyclic Redundancy Check and is also known as "Check Sums" and "CRC Check Sums" . Basically, it uses a formula of sorts to add up the characters and spaces (all the Bytes) in a program or file and give a base 16 (hexadecimal) total. It's a great tool that allows you to make sure that no one modifies a file.

Hey, that's enough technical FYI.

Enjoy

Ted[/quote]

yepum, you lost me quickly with your technical post, but hey I got every pepper listed and accounted for! And again, thank you for a great program! And I am indeed enjoying!

TimothyT

Ted-I get runtime error 3426 also when I try and search by say "cherry" or "dwarf"

any ideas?

My searches work fine in all databases. As you start to type in the first letters of the term, the database view flips to show the first possible record starting with that combination of letters, and moves to another record as you add letters. Unless the tomato started with the word Cherry, I don't believe it will search for the term elsewhere in the record. Is it possible you are using a version before the latest ones Ted posted?

The "Find" function searches only to a variety name - such as Sungold or Bradley. It is totally specific to the Variety Name and does not parse the variety name to find "Dwarf" (as an example) somewhere in the middle of the variety name.

The term "Find" may be a bit misleading. "Goto" might be a better segway on the true function. In a future update, I might go ahead and have the program search for groups of varieties based on "Dwarf" or "Cherry" or "Rugose" or others.

If you continue to have a problem with the error code, email me a copy of your file "Myseeds.MDB" and I'll check it out and send you a new set of files. I did that with Dee and it solved the annoyance for her.

Send the file to [EMAIL="Tubmaters@aol.com"]Tubmaters@aol.com[/EMAIL]. I set this account up to handle any traffic regarding the software and check it often - several times daily.

Ted

Ted-Good, then the software you sent me is ok-I just started with it today, and its great! My hats off to you.

I thought I'd bump this up to the top so more of the new folks could be aware of the free software

Ted

I've got mine downloaded and running. Now I have to find the time to enter all my varieties!

Blue-that is my problem also.