Here is just a thought. Suppose we tried a two way approach ... For
example, maybe we could set up the static information on the website as
HTML. Then perhaps there are people on the list who might have some
programming skills for developing a way to search the web pages and any
other more dynamic information.
Alternatively, we could put the help information into a database file that
could be searchable. Most modern databases can store images as well as
text. Even if the database wouldn't store the image, we could have the
database store the filename for the image. That filename could be passed to
whatever image application we would use (probably the internet browser). The
challenge with databases is finding a way for everyone to be able to access
it.
This is by no means the only solution. I am merely talking about what I
know. The solution I have worked on for another project has been to use the
Perl programming language and then access the database through Perl. Perl's
search capabilities are excellent with text searches. Doing SW searches
would work if we can figure out how to use the SWML initiative with this.
The disadvantage is that we would need to set up a way for Perl to be
installed on each user's system and then go from there. Perl itself is free
.... there is no charge for it or Perl's database access modules. So ...
that has some advantages there. So ... this is one way to approach it.
I just know for myself you send so many valuable lessons, but keeping them
all in my email client or printing them all off does add some challenges in
making them accessible. Perhaps this can be a way to make it more
accessible. I will continue to let my mind percolate on this. However, if
any of you computer gurus who are more knowledgeable than I have any better
ideas, I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts on this. I am only able to talk
about what I know.
One final thought. In one organization I worked with, they were able to
update the CD's multiple times. You were not limited to one burn. So,
possibly there might be a way for people to send in their CD's to have them
updated, or create a CD update program where updated versions are made
available at periodic intervals. While the web would always be there, this
kind of service may be helpful for those who may not have regular access to
the web or the web is too expensive to spend time browsing. It may also be
helpful for those whose connections are slow. CD transfer rates will be
significantly faster. And it is all accessible from one CD.
Thanks,
Stuart
--------------------------------------------
Stuart Thiessen
Des Moines, IA
--------------------------------------------
----- Original Message -----
From: Valerie Sutton
To:
Sent: Saturday, 19 May 2001 8:19
Subject: Re: SW "knowledge base" on CD
> But first, we need to determine what will be on the CD...and how it
> will function for the user....
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