CD Manager is a FileMaker Pro 2.1 template designed to track and summarize a CD collection. In its earliest incantations, it existed as a Hypercard 2.1 stack (which, if anyone is interested, I would gladly let them take a look at). However, as my CD collection grew, the limitations of HyperCard quickly became apparent. It was taking hours (well, OK, not quite; but many many many seconds!) to do any meaningful summarizing of my collection. And HyperCard's reporting capabilities could be best described as "nearly non-existent." So I went in search of alternate solutions to my problem...
Last year, I began to convert my HyperCard stack into a FileMaker Pro database. What started as a simple little project evolved (of course) into something much more robust. After many hours of development time, CD Manager has become a very thorough data collection and reporting tool, which just happens to be applied to a compact disc collection. With minimal work, it could just as easily be used to track other "inventoriable" items.
How do I use CD Manager?
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A Main Menu guides navigation through the database, and other buttons are described with icons and/or text.
The database allows you to enter a large amount of data on each CD in your collection. Things like date of purchase, purchase cost, your personal rating (5-star scale), category of music, comments, and even sound bites can be entered. CD Manager will then use this data to prepare any number of summary reports and statistics. Average cost per disc within a category or overall, number of discs in a given category, sub-groupings of your collection by artist, etc. are all automatically generated.
Just go ahead and start using the program. If you ever get lost, picking "Main Menu" on the Scripts menu item will always take you back to the intro screen. You can't hurt anything (well, not much) by just trying CD Manager!
There are currently 15 records in the database, just so you can see how things work. Delete them as you go, and enter your data! Yea, I know the 15 records categories are all messed up (Toad the Wet Sprocket as "Jazz?"), but that's the limitation of the unregistered version - there are only three categories to choose from. Read on to learn how to gain access to customize the list.
What's required to run CD Manager?
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Since Claris has not (yet?) seen to release a compiler for FileMaker templates, you'll need a full working copy of FIleMaker Pro, version 2.1 (or newer). You'll also need a color monitor, as the screen layouts make full use of color, and may not even be legible in black and white. A 13" or larger monitor is recommended, but not absolutely required.
Is CD Manager free?
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No, CD Manager is not free. It is shareware. Please feel free to try it out for up to 30 days. If, at that time, you wish to continue to use CD Manager, you must register. Registration benefits and instructions are included within CD Manager, but some key points bear repeating here. The cost of registration is $15.00, which includes free updates for the forseeable future.
Why should you register? Well, the unregistered version of CD Manager is password protected. Without registering, you will be eternally stuck with just three classifications for your music (Hard Rock, Alternative, and Jazz). You will also be unable to remove some annoying footers that print "Griff Software" at the bottom of each page.
Once you register, however, you will receive (a) detailed instructions on how to modify CD Manager to offer more categories; (b) detailed instructions on how to change the page footers; and (c) the master password that will allow you to change or modify the database to suit your needs. HOWEVER, changed versions of CD Manager may NOT be distributed without my written permission!
The last "bennie" to registering is a one-time opportunity for customization of CD Manager by yours truly. That's right, if you like the program, and want to use it, but just wish it did that ONE thing better/different/faster/at all ... well, if you register, I'll take a shot at customizing the program to suit your needs. This can't (obviously) be a full-time deal, but I'll spend a few hours on your behalf if you don't want to muck with FileMaker Pro. Where else can you get a a few hours of a (semi) programmer's time for only $15.00??? :-)
Registration funds (US funds only, check or money order preferred) should be made payable to Rob Griffiths, and mailed to:
Rob Griffiths
13185 SW Carr St.
Beaverton, OR 97008
Please include your e-mail address (if applicable) so that I can get future updates to you quicly and easily. Upon receipt of your registration fee, you will be sent a full version, with many more stock categories, the master password, and the aforementioned instructions on personalization. NOTE - Requests for disks to be mailed via US Mail must include $3.50 per order for material, shipping and handling!! NO EXCEPTIONS.
What's planned for future releases?
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First and foremost, a full manual is in the works. This will include screen shots and sample report outputs, along with full descriptions of all buttons and menu commands.
In the near future, I'll be adding robust import/export support, as well as improved report printing options (one-click printing!).
On the far horizon are plans to try to get FileMaker Pro to talk with/at some of the third party CD-ROM "CD Audio" programs to automatically read some CD information right from the disc. No promises in this area, as it looks very complicated.
Other suggestions from the general public are always welcomed, and will certainly be considered for inclusion in future releases.
Who or what the heck is Griff Software?
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It's just the first four letters of my last name ... oh, you probably already realized that already! It's really not much of anything. I'm not a professional programmer; heck, I'm not even an amateur! I goof around with FileMaker Pro, FoxPro, HyperCard, and AppleScript, but that's about it. Although I've written a number of stacks and FM Pro templates, CD Manager is the first I've released for public consumption. As such, all comments (positive and negative) are welcomed!
How do I contact the author?
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You can reach me at the address listed in the "Is CD Manager free?" section, or via e-mail using the address "robg@netcom.com".
Legal sounding mumbo-jumbo
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Although CD Manager is being released as shareware, it is NOT being released into the public domain. The copyright is being held by the author. CD Manager may be freely uploaded to BBS's and other electronic media service providers. However, the Read Me file must accompany the program, with no modifications. Companies or individuals that wish to include CD Manager on any for-profit CD-ROMs, disks, or other tangible media must contact the author for permission before doing so. Should the use of CD Manager directly or indirectly cause the end of the world, the author will not be held responsible.
