Coin Collecting Software(Australia)

[Episoda]

:read:G'day all, I was just wondering if anyone knows where to get any Coin Collecting Software apart from ebay. Seems the only one i can find is around $30 and wondered if anyone else knows how to get one please? I have windows 8 if that helps and have currently got my collection on spreadsheet, but would much prefer a database where i can put pictures of my collection. This obviously would be for my personal use only. $30 on ebay isn't a problem for me, I just wondered what else was available in Australia. :read:
I do apologise if i have not done this post properly, I just saw the rules on buy/sell/trade etc and if you have to take this post down, I understand. I am reasonably new to the site and didnt realise this post may not be done.

[Fulvio]

I was just wondering if anyone knows where to get any Coin Collecting Software

First up, welcome aboard. Hope you're enjoying your stay, and that you both learn and share along with the rest of us.

I don't think I've ever seen any software that was worth the description. Probably because its a very limited market and there are easier ways for developers to make a buck.

That said, one or several of a spreadsheet, database or website can provide most if not all of what you'd need. I use all three, and each has advantages and disadvantages.

I'd see about grabbing a decent database (I use Filemaker Pro, which I bought maybe 20 years ago and love dearly) and learning to use it effectively.

Also learn a little basic HTML if you haven't already. Even if you're only accessing local pages on your own machine or server, its hard to beat the flexibility of a well-thought-out webpage for information density on a specific item.

And of course spreadsheets do their particular thing very very well. Its hard to beat a quickie sheet for recording finds, values or whatever details you want to keep on your collection.

I certainly wouldn't bother with commercial software, even if it was locally produced. There are just too many variables and noone is going to create a solution that addresses them all.

[Episoda]

Thank you very much for your info. :good:

[Fulvio]

Thank you very much for your info. :good:

NP. Oh, and I see from this article there's a new version of FMP as of last week:

http://blogs.computerworld.com/databases/23198/filemaker-pro-13-going-30
Oh, and reading through system requirements, such as

http://help.filemaker.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/7638/

I'm now of the opinion that FMP v7 is still the most compatible solution, as later versions break more and more options. Clearly not supported (this is Apple after all, who don't care about last week's investments by its clients), but readily obtainable from your favourite 'alternative' source.

[Bigfellani5]

I sell a program called compass collectables at $20.

[Fulvio]

I sell a program called compass collectables at $20.

Appears to be Windows-only.
The coin module is documented here:

http://compasscollectables.com/coins.mhtml

and I see they have a limited trial version available. Might be worth a shot.

[runway]

I sell a program called compass collectables at $20.

Sounds reasonable for a full version

[notcb]

Hi Episoda,

FWIW if you are using a spreadsheet like Excel, you can add Hyperlinks to a separate folder of images of the various coins you have.

I keep all my collection on a spreadsheet and the last cell after the notes/comments cell on each line has a hyperlink to a folder containing jpeg images of the coin concerned.

It is a simple matter of just highlighting the cell, clicking on the insert tab and then the hyperlink tab and naming the file/location.

I believe there are visual advantages using a spreadsheet over a database in the ease of being able to sort the collection according to certain criteria and be able to see the results visually - personal preference, of course!

Cheers

Peter  (notcb)

[markn]

Hi Episoda,

FWIW if you are using a spreadsheet like Excel, you can add Hyperlinks to a separate folder of images of the various coins you have.

I keep all my collection on a spreadsheet and the last cell after the notes/comments cell on each line has a hyperlink to a folder containing jpeg images of the coin concerned.

That's exactly what I do.

[robbiegal]

thanks for that
I just did a sample in an excel document
even worked for me

[notcb]

I'm glad we agree on something Mark!

The beauty of using a spreadsheet is the ease at which you can sort, add or change the size or format of cells or columns or rows  and you are not limited to either the size or number of images that can be hyperlinked - just one link per cell across a row.

The only thing you have to learn (and remember) are the rules associated with the various types of sorting functions that can be done - whole sheet, single columns, expanded choices etc.

Cheers

Peter  (notcb)

[purplepennyhunter]

Just don't move the images (spring clean, tidy up or reorganise) or the links will break.

[Fulvio]

The beauty of using a spreadsheet is the ease at which you can sort, add or change the size or format of cells or columns or rows  and you are not limited to either the size or number of images that can be hyperlinked - just one link per cell across a row.

Of course all of this also applies to databases.

Horses for courses... I use both, as well as an assortment of other tools, and its just a matter of picking the right tool for the job at hand. Kind of like not using a screwdriver as a chisel or a G-clamp as a hammer.

[trout]

I started to build databases for my coins but quite frankly it boored me silly.
I much rather simply open my albums and look at the coins than open a database to check on them :ok:

[Fulvio]

I much rather simply open my albums

That's not what record keeping is about, and you know it, you stirrer! :diablo: