Been There, Done That! 2006 - The most significant changes in this version is the addition of integrated charts and graphs and a built-in backup and restore feature. I have made changes to the user interface, and some may actually prefer an older version for this reason. As with all of my programs, version upgrades are free to registered users, but are optional. If you have used an older version, and prefer that one, or if you like the changes in this release, I would be glad to hear from you. Email me directly at dbandsons@aol.com or visit the web site at http://www.dbandsons.com and you can contact me there. I have recently set up new forum pages on that site and will announce new versions as they become available on the web site.
There are now two rows of buttons across the top of the main screen. The first row of buttons provide quick access to the main files. The second row let's you quickly access reports for these files. An example chart is also shown below.
This program is an affordable (Ok, Cheap) help desk program for use in supporting computer users. I developed the program about 5 years ago because the more powerful, well known help desk programs were not "in the budget". Peers had seen me using the program and suggested that others might actually want to buy the program for themselves. I originally offered the program for sale at $75 per location, not per user - yes, BTDT is multi user capable - and was pleased with the response. Over the years I have created a number of upgrades which I hoped would enhance the program. Along the way, I developed quite a few other help desk programs to meet the needs of customers who wanted something similar to Been There, Done That!, but with a different back end, or with a web interface, and so on. However, I still believe this program is just right for quite a large number of organizations. No longer $75 per location, the latest version is still a bargain. Check the web site for current pricing and ordering information. - there may be another increase when BTDT 2006 is officially released, but it should still be under $200 and affordable for even the smallest organizations.
In developing version 8.2 of Been There, Done That! the modifications were initially only going to be minor, however, there have been many changes in this release (file format is still compatible with version 8.0) so the .2 designation really doesn't indicate the amount of change since 8.0. I hope you will find this the best version so far.
The Task Panel from version 8.0 has been replaced with a new Explorer Bar. When selected from the Utility Menu this bar will initially be docked to the left side of the screen, but you can click the empty space above the vertical menu and drag it around the screen to wherever you choose. . Version 8.2 includes new versions of the Query and Report Wizards as well as anew Import utility. The browse problems screen has also been changed to include a runtime Style Manager to let you format rows and columns in different colors and fonts to be applied to records matching a condition you specify. Altogether there have been many more changes than the minor version level indicates.
Suggestions for starting to use the program...
I have provided only a small amount of sample data. You may want to start by browsing and updating the Lookup Tables. Unlike the Main Files, these lookup tables are used primarily to populate drop down list boxes used on the main data entry forms. Next, you will want to begin entering (or importing) your user information. Once you have added your lookup tables and users, you might then begin entering computer information. The reason I suggest users then computers is you will already have created users you can "assign" a computer to and this can be looked up as you add computer records. Next you might want to begin adding peripheral inventory. As you have created computer records, when you start adding peripherals to the computer, you can lookup the computer record to have that information filled in for each peripheral. Then you might begin adding software records, again it would be nice to have already created the computer record before you begin adding the software installed on the computer. Now, because this program is so affordable, many organizations will use it for non IT help desk purposes. If this is the case, then you will just want to start with the lookup tables, then the user (or customer records) and you will then be ready to start entering problems.
After you have added your data you will then be able to start trying out the included reports, or create your own simple list style reports using the report wizard. If you have Microsoft Excel, you may also want to begin trying the spreadsheet wizard.
However, you go about evaluating the program, I want to you to be sure the program meets your needs. That's why the program is available as a fully functional 30 day trial