New Custom Apps Page on Web Site

I've added a new section to our customer support web site called Custom Apps. I'll use this page to illustrate some of the custom applications that customers have requested from us. I've started with the most recent Privilege License application. There are numerous screen shots included so that you can see how the application works without having to download anything. More will follow. As a side note, our main web address is now www.zoneprosoftware.com.

Two Document Editor Tutorials

While I was adding CHM Help file tutorial I couldn't help but notice that the existing Document Editor tutorial on our web site was last updated in 1999! Mercy. I have since completely revised that document with all new screen shots, etc. It is a great overview of the menus, tools, and dialog screens that are part of the Document Editor. While I was at it I created a new smaller tutorial that takes you step by step through the process of adding a graphic to a document. Both of these fine documents are available in the Tutorials section of our web page.

Formula Tutorial Updated on Web Page

I made some updates to the Formula page on our web site. The Formula page is found under the Tutorials section. In addition to updating some existing text I added another topic which discusses several ways to handle optional fee items. The most clever of these solutions shows you how to use a script to prompt you about the inclusion of select fees at the time the permit is issued.

Help File Tutorial Added to Web Page

With the new ZonePro release there are now two Help file options for ZonePro. I've added a detailed tutorial to the Tutorials section of the ZonePro web page that explains how to switch to the new CHM style of Help file. Users of Windows Vista will have to switch. I'm planning to create a number of new tutorials if they are well received, so let me know if you find it helpful.

UMPC Helps Test ZP Sans Keyboard

I purchased an Asus R2H UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC) to try out in the office. As you can see from the photo it is very small, but it is a full featured Windows PC. This model runs Windows XP. I am using it to test ZonePro in a tablet PC environment. New features such as the Notekeeper option and Pick Screen option are intended to make ZonePro work better without keyboard input, but this little guy lets me really experience a keyboard-free approach. These small units are great for use in the field. I have one customer that I know of who is using UMPC's for field inspections now. I'll have this unit available for future demonstrations at conferences, etc. New and better UMPC's are coming out all the time.

New ZonePro Release

Today the newsletter went out announcing the newest ZonePro release. Many of the changes deal with Windows Vista as discussed elsewhere in this journal. This release also includes the new Notekeeper feature, the Pick Screen option and the Super Inspection Calendar.