Hot Topic (More than 10 Replies) general help/advice (Read 2862 times)
jenglish
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general help/advice
Dec 14th, 2005 at 3:55pm
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Hello everyone-
I'm new here.  I have recently started a new job with a small business.  I am not generally very good w/computers, but unfortunately am the best of our group.  In any event I am now the "computer guy." 

The business has been using Q&A databases during its entire existence.  We have bought Sesame 1.0 and intend to convert to Sesame.  First question- should we convert?  Q&A works fine for us, but we are worried that symantec no longer supports the product.

Assuming we will convert- how well do I need to understand Q&A in order to set up Sesame?  Should I learn how to design applications in Q&A and get very familiar with the program or should I be able to start from scratch with Sesame?

Any advice about these issues, translation isssues, or anything else related would be most appreciated.

Also am considering a training seminar with hammer data- has anyone had any experiences with them?

Thanks for the help!!

-Jeff
  
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Re: general help/advice
Reply #1 - Dec 14th, 2005 at 5:44pm
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The business has been using Q&A databases during its entire existence.  We have bought Sesame 1.0 and intend to convert to Sesame.
Make sure you have version 1.1.3.

First question- should we convert?
Yes! As new hardware may not want to play with Q&A.

  Q&A works fine for us, but we are worried that symantec no longer supports the product.
As long as Q&A is working you can take your time to do everything right.

Assuming we will convert- how well do I need to understand Q&A in order to set up Sesame?
Two different animals that understand each other. Sesame directions are I think easy to follow.

Should I learn how to design applications in Q&A and get very familiar with the program or should I be able to start from scratch with Sesame?
Don't worry about Q&A!  Translate, following directions.  If something does not work then start learning Sesame to make programs work your way.


Any advice about these issues, translation isssues, or anything else related would be most appreciated.
Sesame manuals and directions are usually clear and if you have a question, well this is the place. Cheesy

Also am considering a training seminar with hammer data- has anyone had any experiences with them?

I wish I had support to go to training seminars!  I undserstand they are excellent, but others who have gone can better answer this.
  
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Bob_Hansen
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Re: general help/advice
Reply #2 - Dec 14th, 2005 at 6:18pm
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Hello jenglish

There is no correct answer for how to go about the conversions for all companies.  Each of them may need to be done differently.

I am one person who still provides support for Q&A in addition to Sesame.  So if you need help with Q&A while going through the translations to Sesame then contact me off line. 

I would suggest that you only do one translation at a time.  If it is working now, don't do anything to disable that.  Sesame does provide the ability to read existing Q&A databases so the conversion can go in steps.

But another thing to keep in mind is that Q&A is probably designed in "flatfile" structure.  It may have some "relational" structures using XLookups also, it depends on your original developers.  But Sesame will provide some better tools, and more of them with its hierarchical structure.  So it may be worth it to take this opportunity to start with a new Sesame structure vs. a straight translation and the need to make changes to that later on.

You may want to translate some Q&A databases as is,. but replace some of your Q&A databases with new Sesame databases starting from scratch.

I did attend a pilot program for the Sesame training sessions, and can say first hand that you will receive excellent training from Erika.
  



Bob Hansen
Sesame Database Manager Professional
Sensible Solutions Inc.
Salem, NH
603-898-8223
Skype ID = sensiblesolutions
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Re: general help/advice
Reply #3 - Dec 14th, 2005 at 6:52pm
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Quote:
Hello everyone-
I'm new here.  Also am considering a training seminar with hammer data- has anyone had any experiences with them?

Thanks for the help!!

-Jeff


Jeff,
Welcome to the forum.

  You have probably just found the best Forum on the web. Not only will you get help from friendly and knowledgeable users but you will be able to interact with the developers and creators of Sesame. The Sesame tech support is second to None.

As far as the classes offered by Hammer data systems, They are wonderful. You will leave the classes with lots of knowledge and the confidence you need to achieve your goals. I have taken a few already and was so impressed with them I am planning to attend more.

  

Team – Together Everyone Achieves More
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Hammer
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Re: general help/advice
Reply #4 - Dec 14th, 2005 at 8:11pm
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JEnglish,

If you are interested in the classes, I am currently trying to get a few more registrations for a session in Tampa for Jan 24-26.

(Yes, Spencer, you read that right. I found a good place in Tampa.)

To schedule the classes, I need just a few more registrations, and I need them by tomorrow. If anyone wants to go to Florida in January, go vote/register!
https://www.hammerdata.com/votesesame.php
  

- Hammer
The plural of anecdote is not data.
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Re: general help/advice
Reply #5 - Dec 14th, 2005 at 10:30pm
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Erika,
I am sure Spencer will be thrilled to have a seminar in Tampa. Now, how about one closer to the New York City area. With a population of over 9 million there has to be quite a bunch of Sesame users.

Peter
  
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Re: general help/advice
Reply #6 - Dec 14th, 2005 at 10:50pm
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Erika,
I am sure Spencer will be thrilled to have a seminar in Tampa. Now, how about one closer to the New York City area. With a population of over 9 million there has to be quite a bunch of Sesame users.

Peter


Didn't I just see you in Toronto? Why are you looking for New York?

At any rate, New York City itself is out of the question. The hotels are unionized to the hilt. I'd have to charge an absurd amount for the classes to cover the costs.  They won't even let me use my own projector.

Both New Jersey and Boston have been available for vote for quite some time, but not many bites. The vertical middle of the country has been most popular for some reason. Both the East and West Coasts have screamed that they want classes, but when it comes time to actually register, they don't do so.  Bottom line, I'll go wherever enough people register.
  

- Hammer
The plural of anecdote is not data.
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SpencerWulwick
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Re: general help/advice
Reply #7 - Dec 15th, 2005 at 2:48am
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Erika -

Quote:
If you are interested in the classes, I am currently trying to get a few more registrations for a session in Tampa for Jan 24-26.  

(Yes, Spencer, you read that right. I found a good place in Tampa.)


YIPPEE!!!!!
 
 
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« Last Edit: Dec 15th, 2005 at 8:07pm by SpencerWulwick »  

- Spencer

    ** Practice random kindness & senseless acts of beauty!
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SpencerWulwick
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Re: general help/advice
Reply #8 - Dec 15th, 2005 at 3:18am
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FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE DELIGHTFUL, WARM, SUNNY, FRIENDLY TAMPA, FLORIDA, VISIT: http://www.tampa.com/
JUST A HOP, SKIP AND A JUMP FROM ATLANTA, GEORGIA

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR HELP, CALL SPENCER (813) 286-8498

I'LL EVEN HEAT MY POOL FOR YOU!!!!


« Last Edit: Dec 15th, 2005 at 8:11pm by SpencerWulwick »  

- Spencer

    ** Practice random kindness & senseless acts of beauty!
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Ray the Reaper
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Re: general help/advice
Reply #9 - Dec 15th, 2005 at 2:12pm
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Quote:
Didn't I just see you in Toronto? Why are you looking for New York?


Erika, I'm almost certain you are thinking of a different Peter.

-Ray
  

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Re: general help/advice
Reply #10 - Dec 15th, 2005 at 2:47pm
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Ray,
You are correct!!!!!
It is a different Peter. Closest I've ever been to Toronto is Buffalo or a Ranger game vs. the Maple Leafs at THE GARDEN.

Peter, from NYC
  
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Bob_Hansen
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Re: general help/advice
Reply #11 - Dec 15th, 2005 at 4:21pm
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Peter, should I put you on our SANE* Users Group mailing list? 

Next meeting is in February.  Others from New York have attended in the past.



---------------------------------------
*Sesame Associates of New England
  



Bob Hansen
Sesame Database Manager Professional
Sensible Solutions Inc.
Salem, NH
603-898-8223
Skype ID = sensiblesolutions
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Re: general help/advice
Reply #12 - Dec 15th, 2005 at 4:27pm
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Wildwood: Sorry, wrong Peter!

Spencer: Don't get too excited yet. As I said, I need a few more registrations and I need them today. Otherwise, I won't be able to do the Tampa classes.
  

- Hammer
The plural of anecdote is not data.
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SpencerWulwick
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Re: general help/advice
Reply #13 - Dec 15th, 2005 at 5:39pm
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Erika (and anyone even "thinking" about the training) -

Well, in all seriousness, I just want to do everything I can to help.

Tampa is a very easy town to be in and easy to get to.  It is about a 6 hour driving distance from Atlanta, Georgia.  

Anyone not in the south can fly here in a couple of hours and get away from the snow. They can attend your heralded training and enjoy a vacation-like repreive from work.

I am 5 minutes from the airport ... and would be happy to pick up anyone who wants to fly in the day before.   And, likewise, I'll be happy to pick anyone up where they are staying and take them to the motel.

I have a spare cell phone, if anyone would like to use it while they're here.  I'll give them the number in advance, so they can leave the number with friends.

Have you contacted Dave Flaks?  Does he know of anyone who might be interested?

Is there ANYTHING else I can do to help make it happen?  And, likewise, I'll be happy to pick anyone up where they are staying and take them to the motel.
  

- Spencer

    ** Practice random kindness & senseless acts of beauty!
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Re: general help/advice
Reply #14 - Dec 15th, 2005 at 6:56pm
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Quote:
Have you contacted Dave Flaks?  Does he know of anyone who might be interested?


I don't think so. If you want to drop him a note, go ahead. Tell him to make sure people know that the deadline is upon us...
  

- Hammer
The plural of anecdote is not data.
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SpencerWulwick
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Re: general help/advice
Reply #15 - Dec 15th, 2005 at 7:06pm
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Erika -

I went ahead and called David.  He didn't know of anyone "off-hand" but was in a rush and said he would call me back this afternoon.  I'll keep you posted.

  

- Spencer

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Re: general help/advice
Reply #16 - Dec 15th, 2005 at 7:07pm
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Spencer.......

We have 18" of snow, and more on the way.  Tampa sounds great!

Want to buy me a round trip ticket and pick up expenses for classes and accomdations?  Will be glad to be forced to attend under those conditions.  If someone must suffer, I will volunteer to do that.
  



Bob Hansen
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Sensible Solutions Inc.
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603-898-8223
Skype ID = sensiblesolutions
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SpencerWulwick
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Re: general help/advice
Reply #17 - Dec 15th, 2005 at 8:14pm
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But Bob -

I could just pay for an "empty seat."  Erika will make her tuition and have one less participant to require her attention.

I'll save the cost of travel and accommodations.

You'll have to make me a better offer than that, and I'll consider it. Cheesy
  

- Spencer

    ** Practice random kindness & senseless acts of beauty!
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Re: general help/advice
Reply #18 - Dec 16th, 2005 at 3:00am
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Erika -

PLEASE BE THERE!

I would like to ask you a fairly quick question about the Tampa training in January.  I tried the office but, of course, got no answer.

If you could PLEASE call me tonight, I would be most appreciative ... and it might just help with the training.

You can reach me at (813) 286-8498 and it is perfectly OK to call up until about 1:00 a.m. this morning (EST).

Thanks!
  

- Spencer

    ** Practice random kindness & senseless acts of beauty!
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Re: general help/advice
Reply #19 - Dec 16th, 2005 at 1:01pm
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Spencer,

I made some calls/emails yesterday and got together enough registrations to schedule the classes. You'll be getting the confirmation message with hotel information today or Monday.

There is still plenty of room in the classes for anyone who wants to register, but I've got enough now to sign the contracts. I'll see you in Tampa in January.
  

- Hammer
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Re: general help/advice
Reply #20 - Dec 16th, 2005 at 3:14pm
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jenglish you are in the right place!

I knew nothing about programming (ok, I STILL don't know that much  Grin) but these guys can get you thru almost anything. And I was also the one in the company "nominated" as computer expert because I understood a bit better than anyone else.

The beginning programming class I attended was wonderful. I highly recomend it if there is one remotely close to you.

They explain the basics of programming without acting superior or leaving you MORE confused than you were before, (I have had classes like that Roll Eyes)

Sesame is great and can do about anything you can figure out how to tell it to do. Most of what I accomplished was from cut & past on this site. After I made use of it I would start to understand so just dive right in.

Foster had very good point I think is worth repeating, download the most recent version of the program. Lots of small annoyances fixed and many new goodies. (Be sure to download the new programming guide too. I forgot that for a while and got SO lost...)

Good luck!
~Natalie
  

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Re: general help/advice
Reply #21 - Dec 16th, 2005 at 3:18pm
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OK Y'ALL

Guess where Spencer will be on January 25th and 26th?

JEnglish - C'MON DOWN!!!
  

- Spencer

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Re: general help/advice
Reply #22 - Dec 16th, 2005 at 3:41pm
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Guess where Spencer will be on January 25th and 26th?


I am really happy to see that Tampa worked out.

I never would have thought I would care if there was a class in Tampa or not. But I found myself hoping that people would respond just for Spencer’s sake.

Seeing how Happy Spencer is and knowing how much knowledge and help all the attendees will get, makes me happy also.  Cheesy

Who would have thought software could bring so much happiness.

Sesame is contagious, Long Live Sesame. Smiley
  

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Re: general help/advice
Reply #23 - Dec 16th, 2005 at 6:31pm
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Hi all-
Jeff again.  I just wanted to thank you all for the posts/info/advice.  I can see that this is a great resource.

I've just begun to tinker with the sesame designer tutorials.  I think I will play around with the sample databases for awhile until i gain some confidence. 

tampa in late january sounds great actually- i'll have to see if I can convince the boss to hand over the corporate card....I will most likely try to attend a class with hammer data in tampa or elsewhere.

I'd like to get everyone's opinion in terms of which version of Sesame I need.  The company bought version 1.0 back in January '05 and I think it cost somewhere around $1,000 (and we havent even used it....)  Will 1.0 get the job done for me or do I really need to get the recent version- are the differences that dramatic?  is it cheaper to upgrade vs buying the software from scratch? 

Thanks again everyone for all your help 

-Jeff
  
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Re: general help/advice
Reply #24 - Dec 16th, 2005 at 7:01pm
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Quote:
I'd like to get everyone's opinion in terms of which version of Sesame I need.  The company bought version 1.0 back in January '05 and I think it cost somewhere around $1,000 (and we havent even used it....)  Will 1.0 get the job done for me or do I really need to get the recent version- are the differences that dramatic?  is it cheaper to upgrade vs buying the software from scratch? 

Thanks again everyone for all your help 

-Jeff


Jeff,

1. If it cost $1000,  then you must have purchased multiple licenses. A single copy of Sesame costs nowhere near that much.

2. UPGRADE NOW!!!! The current version is 1.1.3. If you own 1.0, you need to upgrade ASAP. 1.1 fixed a number of issues reported with 1.0. In addition, we nearly doubled the capabilities of the program between 1.0 and 1.1.

Want to hear the best part?  The upgrade is FREE.  All you need to do is download it. You will need your Customer Number.  If you don't have it, contact Customer Service and they'll look it up for you. The download page is here:
http://www.lantica.com/Support/downloads.html

If needed, contact info is here:
http://www.lantica.com/Company/contact.html

As to the classes, it would be great to have you in Tampa. If you want to register, go here:
http://www.hammerdata.com/sesame_classes.html
  

- Hammer
The plural of anecdote is not data.
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