1. When new medications come out do you just add them one at a time via Access?
Yes, when new medications come out, you simply open your database and insert the new medication names at the bottom. When you close the database, it will automatically sort the names alphabetically. Of course, you have to delete those two tables in the earlier version and different tables in the newer version of AmazingMeds. But, as long as you are using the same database from before, you should be OK deleting the last two tables so AC will rebuild them upon restart. I can point you to my two posts if you wish.
2. When you download an Amazing Charts update, do you just make a copy of your AmazingMeds folder before updating, or is there no effect on AmazingMeds from updating?
I think this will be easier to understand if you grasp the difference between code and .mdbs and the two ways to use client/server with programs even though AC is not a true client/server program.
First, you can simply install the entire program on your server or pseudoserver if you are peer-to-peer and then browse to the executable file from each client and run the program off the server. Some people like to do it this way, because then you only have to update one program rather than seven to ten or so or even 50 to 100 or so in bigger organizations. In that case, you need to copy ALL of your databases to another folder, then install, and then copy and paste them back in and say yes when windows asks if you want to overwrite. If you simply left them there, then the new databases would overwrite your older ones (usually -- there are exceptions. But, no matter what, I would NEVER install a fresh copy on your real folder with all your data and files without backing it up first.
The second way is the way AC recommends, which is to install a client application on each client and then browse to the AmazingCharts.mdb file on the server. Note that this file MUST be in the AC folder; it cannot be a standalone file. I generally just have the folder of Amazing Charts on my server and not the entire installation. You can keep your databases in the folder and only install the updated applications to your clients. It is during the install process that all the changes are being made secondary to the new code. Sometimes for the databases to work with the new edition, you have to run the database tuner, but this will not change any data, but of course you should back up first.
Also, I would recommend keeping a copy of things like AmazingMeds or Codes in a safe place either on your PC or preferably burned onto a CD in case anything did happen to your database.
I am considering, once I have all of my projects done, doing an entire adult medication database to add to my pediatric database. It seems like there is a huge desire out there for it.
