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<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=4>Doug, this subject has been covered in the =
past, but I
will offer my own experiences with you.</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=4></FONT></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=4>I started out on Excel..it was an easy way =
to get
started..as my business grew, I knew I had to expand to a 'real'
database.</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=4></FONT></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=4>I bought Ken Hale's Piano DB97..it is set up =
really
nicely so you can get up to speed rather quickly with it..I, for one, am =
always
fooling with the layout and the general design of it, but for something =
'out of
the box' set up for technicians, it's been a real Godsend for me...a =
'search' on
the 'net for Piano DB97 will bring you right to the site. I have written =
to Ken
on a couple of occasions asking questions..he's very responsive and =
gives clear
and articulate explainations..it would be a good idea if you had a basic =
knowledge of MS Access..it's based in that software...if it's any help =
or
re-assurance to you, I am a "proud" owner of "Access For
Dummies"!</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=4></FONT></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=4>I use Quicken to keep track of my =
finances..I believe
DB97 has this capability(not really sure)...QuickBooks seems to be more
'popular'..I've personally never used it..Quicken is pretty simple to =
use and
suits my needs just fine.</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=4></FONT></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=4>I suggest you get familiar with MS Word, =
also..there's
a few basic 'wizards' in this program that will help you look very
professional...like..Business Envelopes..Business Letterhead, etc. .. I =
make my
Business Cards using MS Publisher..very simple to =
use.</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=4></FONT></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=4>Roo(k)</FONT></STRONG></DIV></BODY></HTML>