Orchid Collection Database

[Jkelee]

ok Tess, I was able to DL the old version, 3.0
But, It states that I can only track 10 plants, for free.
I guess you must pay for it?? If so, is it TRULY worth $50 to you??

[OrchidTess]

Originally Posted by Jkelee

ok Tess, I was able to DL the old version, 3.0
But, It states that I can only track 10 plants, for free.
I guess you must pay for it?? If so, is it TRULY worth $50 to you??

I thought the same. So I entered 10 plants and kept them up to date, etc. Then one day I went to see what info I had on a plant and found it wasn't in the database .That's when I knew it was useful to me and I went and paid the $50.00.
So I suggest you try it on 10 plants and see if you too find it useful.

[Jkelee]

Ok, I will do. I guess you love it then?

Originally Posted by OrchidTess

I thought the same. So I entered 10 plants and kept them up to date, etc. Then one day I went to see what info I had on a plant and found it wasn't in the database .That's when I knew it was useful to me and I went and paid the $50.00.
So I suggest you try it on 10 plants and see if you too find it useful.

[OrchidTess]

Originally Posted by Jkelee

Ok, I will do. I guess you love it then?

I wouldn't call it love but I do really like it.
It takes a bit to get use to...I am hoping the newer version is a bit more modern, so to speak.

[Grandma M]

I use Excel and love it. It is possible to make as many columns as you want,or make your rows deeper, or wider, and place any amount of photos there. I try for a catalog pic, arrival pic, and my bloom, for each plant. I have switched every thing over into it. I keep separate files, example: a separate one for bulbos, phaphs, phrag, vanda, zygo........

The Misc plants I just list together in one file but put a heading on the line above above them such as, catt, zygo, or any plants which I only have one, or a few, of.

I also like the fact that I can select what I want to print, so I can have a list of the name and cross of each plant when I go to a show. If I see a plant of different parentage, I know if I have that cross already.

We each have our own desires of how we like to record them, and how detailed the info you want to store to be. For what I wanted this works well for me.

Marilyn

[lambelkip]

the 4.0.3b version is an update only, you need the previous version installed first.

i don't use a database yet, but i'm planning on making my own using microsoft access.

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by lambelkip

the 4.0.3b version is an update only, you need the previous version installed first.

i don't use a database yet, but i'm planning on making my own using microsoft access.

Access is proof that Bill Gates is the antiChrist.

Unless you're a real database pro, you're better off just using Excel.

[lambelkip]

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

Unless you're a real database pro, you're better off just using Excel.

excel is also made by microsoft, and i'm more familiar with access.

[cloudswinger]

I have an access db that I'm using. There is an asset tracking template at the microsoft site that I used as the foundation, so some of the table names are not quite plant appropriate. It's actually a pretty useful template, just that everything is in terms for asset tracking based on employees.

If you're using excel, why aren't you just using separate tabs for the different genus, rather than separate files?

[Rhonda_in_FL]

The database gig is always a great idea in the beginning. The trouble is that--despite the best intentions--keeping a database current is a great deal of work. I've tried it more than once, after a while they become a chore.

What I need is a computer that is able to go out in the greenhouse, get wet and dirty, and take my notes from dictation. Such a think may exist, but I imagine it would cost so much money that I would have to give up orchid purchasing to own it.

I live on the seat of my pants and just keep too many orchids to keep track of. That way I don't feel guilty about adding information to a database.