Reviewing Crystal Reports

Source: WikipediaCrystal Reports is a program that has been around since about 1990, when it came on a 3.5" floppy disk, and was bundled with DB IV. The package was released to the public by Seagate, and from its humble beginnings it has grown to be the most popular package in the world for creating reports from almost any known source, from text files (text delimited, tab delimited) to modern sources like ODBC, Oracle, in fact any database format, including Excel and Access.
Today, Business Objects own and distribute the package, but it remains almost identical to the original release, dressed up to look like most modern Window type packages, but with Lotus 123 formulas and Crystal Basic, running in the background.
One feature that was taken out from about version 7.5 - 8 was the ability to distribute your reports to those who did not have Crystal Reports installed on their pc. The Compile Report feature allowed you to set your own levels of permission before sending to a receipient, similar to the security on PDF files.
For those of you, who found this an invaluable tool, then go and have a look at the following link:
http://www.hammerman.com
and click on to the link HAMMERLAUNCH 3
This site has been around since 1989 and is the best site for Crystal users, with a full range of services, including Tech Tips, training, support etc.

Creating reports in Crystal Reports Blank Report or Standard Report Wizard

Crystal Reports Blank Report or Standard Report Wizard
There are two methods that a new report can be created in Crystal Reports, from Blank Report or Standard Report Wizard.
If you choose Blank, you are required to pick a database file/s, then you must choose which table/s, a selection of field/s that are to be included in your report, and you need to know where you file is stored, when all this is complete you arrive at the Design View, which is blank. Unless you really know what you are doing, it can be quite complex to get to the next stage, displaying your report.
If you choose Standard Report Wizard, you work your way through a series of questions, each of these assists you in finding the database table, checking any Relationships, selecting field/s, grouping, record selection, graphing etc. by the end of the questions, you arrive at the Preview screen, with your report displayed on the screen. An instant report, ready to print, email, export to another package, pdf it, save or edit.
So, if you are new to Crystal Reports and unsure of your options, then you will find that Standard Report Wizard might be the way to go, as you gain experience, the Blank Report option is worth a try, eventually, you can choose either one.

Computer Software Training

Image from WikipediaAs a trainer of most of the popular software packages, and having been involved in the standard style of training for many years, I would be interested in finding out how you, the poeple out there feel about two aspects of training.

1. Do you think training in software packages is necessary or a waste of time?
2. If you do require training do you prefer to attend a standard class with a group of people, or train on a one-on-one basis, or maybe take an on-line training course or what about teaching yourself.

Would love to hear your opinion, as I am keen to find out which way the pc software training industry could be going in the future!