Most significant in this release is totally revised importing options. No longer limited to .csv (comma separated values) files, you can now import, I hope easily, from a wide variety of data sources.
While earlier versions (as does 2.59) allowed for printing a quick report for a record selected on one of the main browse screens, I have added a Print button on the main update forms to allow a quick print of the displayed record. Not exactly a screen capture, but an easy way to get a report to print with the details of the record on the screen - or save as a PDF for quick emailing.
I have included the color schemes as in earlier versions, but with this release I have replaced the "tropical" scheme, which was a little on the wild side, with a "plain" scheme. This is the default in version 2.59 as many may prefer a simpler look. Other color schemes can be selected from the utility menu.
This version also includes a variety of "graphical" reports. They be useful to many for presenting data on computer inventory and support requests. A couple of screen shots should show you how these charts may give you added insight to your help desk operation.
Right click when viewing a graph for a pop up menu that will let you print the graph, copy it to the clipboard, save it as a file in some cases change the type of graph, say from a Bar Chart to a line Chart. I would be glad to get feedback on these new charts. Just email me at dbandsons@aol.com
I have also put some effort to enhancing the appearance of the program as well.
This version now features transparent network refreshing. This means that if you have several staff people using the windows application on your LAN, when one person updates or adds a record, such as support request, and another staff member has the browse request screen open, they will see the change reflected on their browse screen automatically - without the need to click a Refresh button. This is not the case with web requests, as the .exe uses a special ID to kind of "hook up" with other users of the application on the network. If you are using the web interface, you may be using the email sending feature which would alert you to any new requests submitted by browser and you would know to refresh your browse requests screen.
I have also included an option that also takes advantage of the new application id feature to allow for Staff to Chat With Each Other. This new feature is not like Instant Messaging, and does not allow for "chatting" to Internet users. It is only "accessable" to other staff members who are running AAHDCS 2.59 and have the Chat Window open. It is my thought that this could be useful in cases where one staff member is on the phone with an end user and can "brainstorm" with other staff about a particular problem without emailing back and forth. The screen shot below may give you an idea of the intended use of this new feature.
The web pages provided with AccessAble Help Desk Client Server Edition 2.59 are also much improved over earlier versions. While prior version web pages were provided in several styles, this required installation to multiple folders on your web server. Then, you had to provide a different URL in order to change to a different set of themes. However, if you have modified any of the .html web page templates in one folder, you had to copy them to the other folder to use a different style of web pages. Now, the main web pages are all in one folder with other style folders underneath that folder. In addition, you can change themes "dynamically" just by adding a parameter to the URL, e.g. ?style=oak or ?style=pine and so on. Sample screenshot from the web interface below.
When you decide on a style you like best, you can modify the common.asp file to make that the new default. The web pages have also been modified to more easily allow for using CDO.sys to send email. CDONTS, used in earlier web page versions, has fallen out of popularity and so we hope this change will be appreciated as well.