Beta Page
About Beta Versions
The next version of
CompuDance
will be
Version 8.1. It is scheduled for release Monday, June
15, 2009. We
post the most current Beta version on this web site. If you are a
registered user of the current version 8.00.04, we may select you to download
and test the Beta for
Version 8.1. It requires an Installation Password.
What is a Beta Version? A Beta version
of CompuDance is a "work in
progress." It has not been published; is not for sale to the general
public. It is based upon the current published version (see above).
It may contain some or all of the following:
1. new (added) features
2. slight changes (modifications) to current
features
3. some cosmetic enhancements (how windows look,
i.e., the appearance of labels,
text boxes; buttons, list
boxes, color schemes, etc.)
4. a new way (or ways) to accomplish a current
function
5. additional help windows, or changes to current
help windows
6. a removal (deletion) of a previous feature or
function
Where Do These
Changes Come From? In most cases, these changes to the current
version are suggested by users in E-Mail or "snail mail"
communications.
When we receive a suggestion, we evaluate it ourselves
based upon our limited knowledge of dance studio operations, and our extensive
knowledge of what is and is not possible within the confines of a Windows
program and the long-established CompuDance environment. We almost always
contact a number of studios whose opinions we respect to ask their reaction
regarding the usefulness of the proposed change. If their reaction is even
mildly positive, we go ahead and design and write the change.
Is A Beta Version Safe? We believe
that ours is. We extensively test a version before issuing
it. We are certain that it will not damage your data files nor your
computer. In the eighteen years that we have asked users to test our
product, there has never been an incident resulting in damage to data files or a
computer's environment.
That does not mean that the version is
perfect. One or more of the changes may not work as intended; the program
may "crash" when using a new feature; a change may be awkward,
unreliable, and need re-doing; a change may have an adverse effect on some other
operation or function. That's why it needs testing.
What Is The Purpose of Beta Versions?
The purpose of Beta Versions is to have many users in real-life situations
extensively use a program to make certain that it functions as intended so that when
it is published, it works.
We can test features and functions here, but
that is not the same as having actual studios use operations in the variety of
ways that users have of using this program. No matter how often we run an
operation here, there will always be a user somewhere who does the same
operation, but in a slightly different way which results in a problem. One
person can not find all the bugs in a program. It takes many people in
real-life situations, using the program for a long time, to find a bug and to
find the most convenient, efficient way to use an operation.
That's why we
ask studio users to test CompuDance.
Without your help, there is no way we can design the best possible product.
How Do I Get a Beta Version? Contact
Theatre Administration Consultants and tell us that you are interested in
testing the current BETA Version. If we approve, we will give you the
installation password over the phone. Please call.
Student Beta Version
8.10
Updated: May 17,
2009 -
8.10.04
Here are just a few major changes from the current published Version
8.00.04.
1.
Maximum number of classes per student increased from 15 to 25.
2. Receipt operation for Canadian studios.
3. There is a new Query operation: Have Grade, Find Students. This will
list
all students who are in a specified grade.
4. Two New E-mail operations.
5. Students and Families can now have two E-Mail Addresses.
6. There are Several additional reports.
7. Security for EFT Operations enhanced.
8. All Query Reports can be sent to Windows Clipboard.
9. Security for Credit Card Operations enhanced.
10. All students can now have TWO E-Mail addresses and all families
can also have TWO E-Mail addresses.
11. Support for E-Mail SSL added (See FAQ #30).
(Details on how to use
these features are in the Beta Information document that
you print prior to downloading.)
Expense/Payroll Beta Version 7.30.00
These are changes from Expense/Payroll Version 7.20.00.
(Details on how to use these features are in the Beta Information document which you print prior to the download.)
Thank you for your assistance.
Beta Download Registration Page