Need advice on setting up tithing for my db

[chellebell1689]

Hello,
I'm working on a database for my church (they're currently using Alpha 6 and want a more modern db.) I'm trying to figure out the best way to set up the tithing portion. It's suppose to track what was given to each area, who gave what & where, the collective amount of checks/each bill/and coins, and show if there's a difference any where (i.e. we short a little cash, etc). I thought about using a template and adding it to the current db I'm working on, but wasn't sure which to use. Attached are some pictures of the current tithing db in Alpha (well, with mock data to show basics of the screen shot), it's in word because that's how my pastor sent them to me.

Any and all help/ideas are greatly appreciated!

 

[chellebell1689]

lol They want a more user friendly. Also, windows is starting to push away from supporting it.

 

[jdraw]

You might want to do a little more research on Alpha

 

[HiTechCoach]

Hello,
I'm working on a database for my church (they're currently using Alpha 6 ...

You you mean Alpha Five version 6?

See review: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1752810,00.asp

If yes then you really should consider upgrading to the the latest now called Alpha Anywhere.

See: http://www.alphasoftware.com/

I asked my brotherinlaw if I should upgrade to Alpha5, he said he thought Microsoft might be a better choice.

I would of greed with him in back in 2003 using Access 2003. That did not most long. In many ways Alpha Software has now leaped way ahead of Microsoft since 2005. It is really sad that Microsoft has not really made any significant improvement to Access in over a decade.

If you want web based/mobile apps then Alpha Anywhere really is superior to Microsoft's attempt at Access Web databases.

 

[chellebell1689]

Hello, sorry for the late reply; I'm getting ready for a family member to move in with my husband and I.

I looked at the version of Alpha we have, it's Alpha 4 V6. I'm sure Alpha is great in it's own way, but my pastor wants a more program looking database. Not one that you have to use the keyboard to navigate and you have to go through a series of menus to get where you want. Also, he wants to give my practice in making databases (he use to create databases and believe all tech people should have this skill. :-D ).

I appreciate all the comments and support for Alpha, and one day I'll get to looking at what all it can do, it seems interesting to me. But for now, can we please focus on the question?

 

[chellebell1689]

I'm marking this as solved because I figured out a way to do it. Thanks for the inputs.

 

[HiTechCoach]

I looked at the version of Alpha we have, it's Alpha 4 V6. I'm sure Alpha is great in it's own way, but my pastor wants a more program looking database.

Alpha 5 Version 6 looks much more like a program than even an Access databases.

Also, he wants to give my practice in making databases (he use to create databases and believe all tech people should have this skill.

Reality Check: It takes years of doing it on a daily basis to get competent.

Unfortunately Access is very forgiving. It lets you develop lots of bad habits that are really not Best Practice for data design. When Access 2007 got more strict about doing things correct stuff that would work in 20o0/2002/2003 not longer work.

Not one that you have to use the keyboard to navigate and you have to go through a series of menus to get where you want.

The old DOS apps just do not look very modern.

FWIW: I do data entry apps and my users want/need/require keyboard navigation. The mouse is just to slow.

 

[chellebell1689]

Yea I know it takes TONS of practice, but it at least gets my foot in the door. My preacher has a Bachelors in db. I use the most recent version of Access, I have MSO 365 and it keeps my programs up to date. I personally prefer the mouse, as does my church (most of the computer users here are peck-typers).

Thanks for your reply.