Knowledge is Power
General purpose information managers make it easier
to organize important data on your PC Companion.
by David Shier
This article is the third and final in
our introductory series on databases. In the last issue we discussed
large-scale business databases. This time, we will cover commercial
database products designed for personal use, sometimes called
"Information Managers."
These products store and organize information using an internal
database program, but hide the details of the database from the user.
For dedicated applications, such as electronic wallets, this greatly
simplifies things for the user. After all, you don't need to know about
tables and indices and other internal details in order to store your
credit card numbers and recall them quickly. The vendor has optimized
the database design for you.
On the other hand, if you are using a general-purpose database
program, such as VisualCE, it does become important to understand the
capabilities and limitations of the database engine.
Because there are so many programs for Windows CE that use the
database engine, I have elected to discuss a representative sampling to
show the many ways a database can be used.
Electronic Wallets
A logical use of a Handheld or Palm-size PC is to keep handy the
information on all your credit, bank and other cards. In the past, I had
a constant battle with my wallet I hated the idea of a thick
billfold, but I was always finding more and more cards and other papers
accumulating in it. In the absence of "Smart Cards" I doubt
that anyone expects to fully replace their wallet, but an electronic
wallet program can certainly reduce the bulk.
In this category I especially like eWallet (Screen 1) from Ilium
Software (www.iliumsoft.com). It
allows me to store and sort many of the cards that I rarely use. eWallet
includes fields for PIN numbers and passwords that are initially shown
blank so that you don't have to worry about someone looking over your
shoulder (or having the PIN on your ATM card displayed when you are
demonstrating this program to a friend.) In the new version, eWallet
includes a number of new card forms, including such things as passports
and frequent-flier accounts.
Screen 1: eWallet is an electronic wallet
program that lets you store information about credit and calling cards,
passwords, PIN numbers, account and serial numbers and much more, in an
easy-to-read format. The data is encrypted and password-protected for
security.
General Database
As noted in the last issue of Handheld PC Magazine, VisualCE
is the best solution for creating a multitude of general-purpose
databases on the Windows CE device. Its developer, Syware (www.syware.com)
recently announced a new version of VisualCE that incorporates more
controls and uses color better. With VisualCE, not only can you design a
database directly on the PC Companion, you can synchronize your custom
database with a desktop database (the desktop copy of VisualCE,
Microsoft Access, or another standard database engine). One note of
warning: If you intend to connect a desktop database other than the
Desktop VisualCE, you will need to duplicate the database design in the
desktop application. Therefore, it is an excellent idea to think about
your design and document it before you start your table layouts.
However, if, for example, you want to create a simple database to track
your expenses (see Screen 2) or organize your music CD collection,
VisualCE is an excellent way to do it, and one that eliminates the need
to define the tables twice.
Screen 2: Syware's VisualCE lets you
create simple or complex database applications for your H/PC, H/PC Pro
or Palm-size PC. Shown here on both an H/PC and P/PC display is a simple
expense tracker create with VisualCE.
The professional version of VisualCE allows you to design databases
that you can distribute to Windows CE users who don't have their own
copy of VisualCE. While the end user won't be able to modify the
database design, this is a very cost-effective solution for certain
enterprise applications. It makes the distribution of simple
"freeware" databases practical. For example, you can download
a free Expense Tracker developed using VisualCE from Syware's Web site (www.syware.com/wce/vce.htm).
In future issues of Handheld PC Magazine, together with support
from Syware, I will be making available other database templates for you
to download. The first one I'm working on is a Mileage Account database.
When I fly frequently, I don't often pay close attention to when my
mileage is credited to my frequent-flyer accounts. This is especially
true when flying on "partner" airlines, or staying at hotels
that provide mileage credit. I want to design my Mileage Account
database to let me log the trip and provide a check-box to indicate that
the mileage has been credited to my account.
Another general-purpose database application is ListPro, which, like
eWallet is from Ilium Software (www.iliumsoft.com).
ListPro allows you to create lists of all sorts of things. Their samples
include shopping lists, to-do lists, music CDs, and many more -- all
contained in a single "outline style" database (see Screen
3).
Each list item can have a number of attributes including priorities,
notes and custom fields. While I personally prefer the more complex form
style of VisualCE, ListPro is much easier to work with when adding new
categories of data to store and sort. If you like to create "ad
hoc" lists of things to organize your work and life in general, I'd
recommend having a look at ListPro.
Screen 3: ListPro allows you to create
lists of all sorts of things. Their sample lists include shopping lists,
to-do lists, music CDs, and many more.
Specialized Databases
There are a number of databases available for Windows CE that address
specific applications. While prices vary from free (or a few dollars as
shareware) to over $1000, in general what you are paying for is the
application-specific knowledge that went into the design.
StarCar from Thumbs Up Software (www.thumbsupsoft.com)
is a nice example of this type of database. It provides a place for
entering automobile expenses and other related data that is needed for
anyone who uses their car for business (see Screen 4).
Screen 4: StarCar is an example of a
specialized database program that can be used to track and organize
expenses and other automobile-related data.
While their general-purpose ListPro can be used for the same thing,
Ilium Software also sells an application called TapeMinder that is
specifically designed for keeping track of your video tape library.
TapeMinder has more targeted tools that provide such features as keeping
track of blank space on your tapes and VCR counter settings to help you
quickly find a specific program on a tape that has multiple recordings.
PhasTrak from IMS Health Strategic Technologies, which I discussed in
detail in my last article, is a sophisticated application for
pharmaceutical sales-force automation.
Finally in this category, I should not ignore the fact that life is
not all about work. IntelliGOLF Par CE Edition (www.intelligolf.com)
is one example of programs that track your golf scores, calculate
approximate handicaps and allow you to review your trends (see Screen
5). There are similar programs for baseball and basketball.
Screen 5: IntelliGOLF is one example of
programs that can track your golf scores, calculate approximate
handicaps and allow you to review your trends. There are similar
programs for baseball and basketball.
Database Utilities
While not specifically databases, these programs are important to
note here since they are valuable tools for anyone who works with
databases on their Windows CE device. Most of the database utilities
solve a few of the common problems and frustrations with the Windows CE
Database engine. dbExplorer is a good example. I mention it here because
of its utility and its price: it's free as a download from www.vcce.com
(a resource Web site for Windows CE Visual C++ programmers). dbExplorer
allows you to view, delete or rename the databases on your Windows CE
device. You may find you need such a tool because there is no way to do
these tasks using any of the functions built into the device. This is
because, unlike Windows on the desktop, Windows CE databases do not
exist as "files" on a disk. They share the memory space with
your file storage system, but are stored differently. Of course, a
"well behaved" database application should give you a means of
cleaning up after yourself. However, "stuff" happens! You
might have tried a shareware program that you decided wasn't what you
wanted. If you removed the program from your Windows CE device before
you remembered to delete its associated database(s), you might be left
with some "junk" on the device. In this case, you can use
dbExplorer to delete the database(s).
A word of caution is needed here: never use a database utility
program if you are not absolutely sure you know which databases can be
removed or renamed. It's also an excellent idea to do a complete backup
of your machine before you use such a program. You can do this using
ActiveSync, or on some machines, such as the Jornada series from
Hewlett-Packard, there is a utility built in the device to quickly
backup the system to a PC or CF card.
Another tip is to remember that there is a "Remove
Programs" uninstaller on the Windows CE Control Panel. You should
always try this before trying to simply delete the program file from the
device manually. When a program is removed via the control panel, it
should clean up after itself, by deleting any proprietary databases and
libraries that are no longer needed (and getting rid of
application-specific system registry entries).
While this is the final article in this series, it is obvious that
database applications are a major topic for handheld computing.
Therefore, I will be writing a regular column dedicated to databases
including new products and application success stories.
Database Information Managers
This sidebar lists and briefly describes
the various personal database programs available to Windows CE
users. It does not list database utilities.
Abner: Pocket Scorecard for Windows CE Baseball
enthusiasts and statisticians can keep score and analyze
baseball statistics. Freeware (beta); Use with: H/PC; Demo or
download available; Golem Software; www.golemsoft.com;
E-mail: webmaster@golemsoft.com.
Bills and Reminders Keep track of bill payments,
due dates and other important things. After you enter the date,
frequency, description and amount due for each bill, the program
keeps a running total of what you owe and when payment is due.
$19.95; Use with: H/PC & P/PC; Boma Software; www.bomasoft.com.
ClassPro Student organizer that lets you track
classes and display class information, schedule tasks and take
notes. Can be used as an organizer for non-student activities
and notes. $24.95; Use with: H/PC; Developer One Inc; www.developerone.com.
CLC Journal for Windows CE Quickly look up your
legal, medical or engineering notes. Track technical problems
and how you have resolved them or simply keep a personal
password protected electronic diary. CLC Journal for Windows CE
fills the voids and allows you to keep it completely
synchronized with Microsoft Outlook97/98/2000 Journal. $34.95;
Use with: H/PC, P/PC; Crown Logic Corporation; www.crownlogic.com.
CodeWallet Manage your important personal,
financial, and business information. CodeWallet lets you
securely and conveniently store information for instant access.
$24.95; Use with: P/PC; Developer One Inc; www.developerone.com.
CSI Outliner Organize notes, lists, to-do items,
and meetings. Expand and collapse subtopics for a better view.
Use the simple drag-and-drop interface and auto-renumbering
feature to arrange (and rearrange) entire outlines quickly and
effortlessly. Embellish and illustrate your notes with sketches
and images. Export to desktop applications. $39.95; Use with:
H/PC, H/PC Pro, P/PC; Casio Soft; www.casiosoft.com.
CSI Project Project management software that lets
you work with Microsoft Project-compatible project schedules.
Includes fully functional GANTT charts, resource and budget
allocations, milestones, priorities, and task linkages. $79.95;
Use with: H/PC, H/PC Pro, P/PC; Casio Soft; www.casiosoft.com.
eWallet Keep your credit and calling cards,
passwords, PIN numbers, account and serial numbers and much
more, convenient, easy-to-read, and encrypted and
password-protected for security. $10.00; Use with: H/PC, H/PC
Pro, P/PC; Demo or download available; Ilium Software; www.iliumsoft.com.
Friend Indeed Store and monitor personal
information such as blood pressure, blood sugar, pulse rate,
vehicle mileage, etc., and further analyze them over a period of
time. Shareware: $10.00; Use with: H/PC, H/PC Pro, P/PC; Demo or
download available; ITIL; www.itil.com.
Golfwits Record your play (and that of up to three
other golfers) on a detailed map of each hole while Golfwits
automatically posts your score and tracks your statistics.
$49.95; Use With: P/PC; Download or demo available; Siscosoft
Corp; www.golfwits.com.
HPC Customer Manager Keep track of customer contact
information, including name, company name, address, phone and
fax number, Web site address, reseller number and more. Track
multiple contacts for each customer. $24.95; Use with: H/PC;
Boma Software; www.bomasoft.com.
HPC Notes 3.0 Lite and Standard Editions Create
notes and provide them with type, subject, creation and
modification date, which helps to find required information
quickly and easily. With HPC Notes you can search for specific
text in a specific field and sort notes by type, date or
subject. You can protect notes from unauthorized access with a
password and send e-mail messages directly from the Note Editor.
Interface to the Contacts Database enables you to pick an e-mail
address instead of typing it in. HPC Notes uses a compressed
database, saving limited storage space. HPC Notes 3.0 Standard
Edition includes a synchronization module for Microsoft Outlook
9X/2000. (FREE upgrade for all registered users of any version
of HPC Notes.) $19.95 (Lite); $39.95 (Standard); Use with: H/PC,
P/PC, H/PC Pro; Demo or download available; PhatWare Corp; www.phatware.com.
IntelliGOLF Automates golf scoring on all Palm-size
PCs, capturing game improving statistics, and tracking wagers
using any of the 17 included side games (e.g. Skins). $29.95;
Use with: P/PC; IntelliGolf; www.intelligolf.com.
ListPro Organize information in handy lists on any
of your Windows CE or desktop PCs. Keep trip packing lists,
supplies needed, steps in a project, videos to rent, and much
more. Newest version adds sub-items, dates, and complete column
customization. $19.95; Use with: H/PC, H/PC Pro, P/PC; Demo or
download available; Ilium Software; www.iliumsoft.com.
MediaWallet Protects and organizes all your
personal information. Find important information fast: notes,
images, cards, applications, audio, text and HTML. $39.95; Use
With: P/PC; Download or demo available; Applian Technologies; www.applian.com.
NBAInPocket Record and maintain statistics of
Basketball games, teams and players. $10.00; Use With: P/PC;
Download or demo available; ITIL; www.itil.com.
Note Writer Use the H/PC to write, organize and
read notes. Each note has a title, category and date field,
letting you find information quickly and easily. Shareware
$34.00; Use with: H/PC; Demo or download available; PDA Central;
www.pda.tucows.com.
PassKey Store all of your password and registration
information in one easy to use database. PassKey stores this
sensitive information in an encrypted database. Shareware: $15;
Use with: H/PC, H/PC Pro, P/PC; Demo or download available;
AppStudio; www.appstudio.com/.
PocketCaddie Do simple scorekeeping and individual
shot recording. Course layout, notes, ratings, yardage, etc. may
be recorded and saved. $25.00; Use with: H/PC, P/PC; Demo or
download available; Softscribe Development; www.softscribe.com.
Pocket Database Store information in a database.
View databases in List or Card format. Advanced features include
in-place editing, saved column widths and multi-line editing in
List or Card mode. Includes a number of sample databases. $32;
Use with: H/PC, P/PC; Surerange Analysis Ltd; www.surerange.com.
Pocket Notes 2000 A multipurpose note taker that
can remind you of upcoming events and due dates, take notes,
manage your contacts, and create predefined template files.
Includes 11 quick access buttons, password protection feature,
and more. Freeware; Use With: H/PC, P/PC; Imperious Software; www.crosswinds.net/
~impsoft/ About.htm
PowerGizmos A collection of simple information
managers. Includes: CDGizmo ($14) catalog your audio CDs;
DiaryGizmo ($11) record your diaries; GifListGizmo ($14)
record and manage your gift lists; GroceryGizmo ($19) record
and manage your grocery lists; HouseHuntGizmo ($19) record
and compare features of houses for sale; MeetingGizmo ($19)
plan and manage your meetings; MessageGizmo ($14) store and
organize your messages; MortgageGizmo ($14) Track and compare
mortgage rates; VideoGizmo ($14) Catalog your video tapes.
Not available for HP Jornada 820. Use with: H/PC, H/PC Pro,
P/PC; Demo or download available; PowerGizmo Technologies; www.powergiz
mo.com.
QuickWallet Store and encrypt vital personal
information on electronic cards. QuickWallet is a database with
up to 400 standard cards (i.e., categories of data) and a single
text screen associated with each card. Contains an auto-dialer,
image viewer, audio organizer, and other handy tools. A
commercial version that includes password protection is also
available. $149.95; Use with: H/PC, P/PC; Applian Technologies; www.applian.com.
Recordian Track your project, car, health, home,
perks and other records. Easily record your info, and have it
with you right when you need it (formerly Automate). $24.95; Use
with: H/PC, P/PC, H/PC Pro; Demo or download available; Ilium
Software; www.iliumsoft.com.
ScorePro Track your golf score, recalculate all
totals automatically and keep the grand total of bets if playing
multiple games. $39.95; Use with: H/PC; Sandtrap Software; www.scorepro.com
ScoreWise Easy-to-use golf score card and
statistical analysis package that keeps track of all your
courses, players, and rounds; keeps notes about each hole; and
provides statistical reports showing your strengths and
weaknesses. $34.95; Use With: P/PC; Download or demo available;
Prevalent Technologies Inc; www.prev
tech.com.
Serial Numbers A simple information manager for
maintaining the serial numbers of software, devices and other
things. Shareware: $9; Use with: H/PC, P/PC; Softwarebüro Müller;
www.sbm.nu.
ShopList Track shopping lists and check things off
as you put them in your shopping cart. Freeware; Use with: P/PC;
Demo or download available; palm-size. com; www.palm-size.com.
StarCar Collects and displays information on the
user's automobile. From gas and oil to payments and taxes, it
can all be entered, graphed, categorized, and listed. Import and
Export to spreadsheets, too. $15.00; Use With: H/PC, P/PC, H/PC
Pro; Download or demo available; Thumbs Up! Software; www.thumbsupsoft.com.
StatsNOW Collect and analyze basketball stats. $49;
Use with: H/PC, P/PC; G. Mason; www.pbfonline.org/StatsNow
TapeMinder Organize videotapes, movies and programs
by tape, program title, category, status, and more. $10.00; Use
with: H/PC, H/PC Pro; P/PC; Demo or download available; Ilium
Software; www.iliumsoft.com.
Travel Manager Manage your travels and capture
travel-related information. Capture costs and location
descriptions; archive pictures for each journey or event and
assign sound comments to each record and to each picture.
$29.95; Use With: H/PC; Download or demo available; VCA Systems;
www.aaa-software.com.
The Safe Organize serial numbers, online passwords,
credit card PINs and other things. All the data can be protected
by real encryption -- not only password protection. $19; Use
with: H/PC, H/PC Pro, P/PC; Demo or download available;
Softwarebüro Müller; www.sbm.nu/.
Visual CE Personal Edition a visual development
environment that lets users create databases and forms-based
applications. The applications can be used to collect, display
and modify data on an H/PC. Other versions of VisualCE are
available with prices varying from $79 to $599.$129; Use with:
H/PC, H/PC Pro, P/PC; Syware Inc; www.syware.com. |
 David
Shier is the President of Shier Systems & Software, Inc. A former
software engineer and Director of Marketing & Sales had specialized
for over twenty years on electronic test equipment for the aerospace
industry. He is currently authoring a book on automated wire harness
testing for aerospace. David started Shier Systems in 1994 to focus on
providing ultra-mobile computing and communications solutions including
Windows CE based hardware and software. Shier can be contacted via the
company Web site at www.shier.com or
by e-mail at shier@shier.com.ID
SHIER
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