Home Forums Discussions Feedback and Recommendations Window Positions

I know it seems like a minor issue; however, the one glaring issue that just drives me nuts about AC is it's inability to retain user preferences like window positions based upon login. In a multi monitor environment with multiple apps running it would be so much more efficient to set and forget a Window's position for future sessions. I waste more time moving windows where I want them rather than where they always open.

I know there are more pressing concerns afoot but 99% of Windows software remembers this automagically.

Eric

Welcome Eric!

Have you tried shifting the monitor instead? At least they stay where you put them.

I have to agree with Eric. Amazing Charts is the only Windows program that I use that can't remember window position and size from one opening click to the next.

Ok, Jon, I'm ready. Hit me with "it's not a bug it's a feature".

It's not a bug. It's an unimplemented feature.

JamesNT

Typed on my Microsoft Surface.

Eric,
Not sure if you are a new user of AC, or a longtime user who just registered for the board. Either way, welcome.
I certainly agree with both your specific issue about window placement and your larger point. Many of us have complained about the way windows behave in AC for years. Yes, this is a seemingly minor issue. On the other hand, it wastes time for every single one of us, every hour of every day. There are many small issues like this with AC that add up to significant inefficiencies. Unfortunately, the focus of company development is not on repairing older, annoying and inefficient features. Their focus remains on adding new features, both those mandated by regulatory changes, and those which they believe will win them new customers.
You have also gotten a quick introduction to the AC user board; especially that subset (of which I am a proud member) that deals with these frustrations by creating work-arounds when we can, and falling back on sarcasm when we cannot.

Jon,

Sarcasm???? You?????????

Gene

I have to admit, I loved JBS's response. That was nothing short of awesomeness.

JamesNT

I initially tried using 8 monitors to keep the windows in their various positions; however the circuit that I have the monitors on is only rated for 15A. I kept tripping the breaker. Running extension cords through the lab is not an option at this point.

Eric

P.S. Thanks for the welcome and sarcasm is ALWAYS appreciated.

There you go Eric,

Proof that almost anything (not male-female related) can be fixed with the application of more power.

Basically I think we are blessed with the fact that our software was developed by a practicing physician, which is why we are not trying to remember how to get to a screen we saw once in eClinicalWorks. A software developer would have been worried about being the laughingstock of Silicon Valley if they let this get through.

You just need to switch that 15A breaker out for a 20A. Problem solved.

The key word is "was." Take away v7 and PM and have Jon the lead programmer WHILE practicing, and AC would be the best little EMR program once again.

Totally agree Bert

I didn't get to meet the little deuce coupe AC of yesteryear, I came in with 6.3.3

Out here in San Jose, we have an attraction called the Winchester House. One of the rifle descendants believed that continually adding onto the house with constant construction would keep her alive indefinitely. Stairways to nowhere and all kinds of crazy construction. Adding floors onto foundations designed for one. It's a monstrosity.

It seems to me, this is what certified EMRs are going through. As new requirements are added, the add-ons are getting unwieldy, and eventually we will tolerate Rube Goldberg construction. I think only the EMRs that have great bones, adequate resources to do it right the first time or start over, and try to make it simple for the user will survive.

I fear the ugly duckling stage of EMRs will outlast me.

It's funny because two things ran in parallel. You had the 17% of physicians who bought EMRs and the 20% of EMRs that were lean and efficient. Guess what came along?

But, there was no excuse for the PM.

I have 6 workstations with Vista or greater and the only window problem that comes up is having to maximize the main window of AC after sending a script electronically. Annoying but not serious, I can live with this. I however got a Windows 8 pro Sony Vaio as my tablet and initially there were no problems, but all of a sudden windows couldn't remember their position. That is so annoying that I stopped using it in the rooms. I had to revert back to my C5 Motion Computing tablet with Vista.

I have used AC for over 11 years on at least 30 work stations from Win98 to Win7 and not once on any day on any OS has AC remembered a windows position.

But, I suppose I would take that rather than having to maximize the main window after a prescription.

AC would work much better if it opened windows within windows and not opening new windows. Outlook comes to mind.

Dan -- Out in San Jose you also have the Rosicrucian headquarters. Another alternative world view that makes EMR not seem so weird by comparison. My favorite in the gift shop was chocolate mummies with rice crispies mixed in the chocolate -- you could pretend you were eating mummy bones.

I find that the window position thing isn't too bad if you don't have too many open windows. I usually keep Updox, a link to the hospital and Google open on the same tablet that I take into the room -- and AC goes nuts trying to keep track of all of them. If I minimize everything but AC, then it usually keeps them straight.

http://www.codeproject.com/Articles/15013/Windows-Forms-User-Settings-in-C

JamesNT

Yes, it has been a frustration for years, along with many other annoyances we don't talk about anymore because we are all sick to death of asking for a fix and not getting it. We have been told through 5 different version or more, that something would be fixed in the next version. Frankly, I could increase AC sales more if it wasn't such an embarrassment on the software development side. I was on a committee in which our hospital was going to choose new EMR software. AC wasn't even seriously considered. Being the only Windows program on my desktop that cannot resize and replace windows and other issues make it look very unprofessional against some of the competitors. Regardless, it is much easier to use and I really like AC, these issues could be fixed and the program move into the big leagues.

Okay, got it. If someone at Amazing Charts would just send me the code for version 6.5, I'll have it fixed by tomorrow.

ryanjo,

LOL!

JamesNT

Actually, now that I can see the real pain that some members are having with this, I just have to share the dark side of AC.

If you send me $1000, I'll email you the name of the programmer at AC that has a side business of fixing all the bugs and partially developed features and updating your version. She has an expensive menu of fixes, because of having to spread the money around to keep the other programmers motivated to code in a way that maximizes profits without losing their jobs.

Anyway, it'll cost you, but you can relieve your suffering.

That is disturbing to me on so many levels. It indicates these features can be fixed by in-house employees, but the company is not interested in implementing their ideas. Also, these employees could be fired by altering the program in this way. Or, it could mean that AC does not feel their low price justifies the upgrades, and is using a side venue to make money on improvements they should have implemented anyway. Then again, we have a doctor who wants the 1000 dollars personally to send you an email address. Is this a joke?

Chris, I was born and raised in Westerly, Rhode Island. Which, as everywhere else in Rhode Island, is not far from AC headquarters. Everyone in that area knows how cheap it is to hire the services of one of the fine Italian families in the area.

Plus, when you consider airfare, lodging, meals, incidentals, etc., I considered $1000 to be almost giving the information away after I hire protection for my family and office, and very likely having to move, and the decreased income of only serving other witness protection clients, with their lousy insurance. I was just trying to be helpful.

But, due to the inadequate response of only 857 emails in 24 hours,and my wife crying about how I am putting the family in danger and she had not realized how stupid I am, I'm officially notifying the board that everything I wrote yesterday was a joke!

I'm sorry to have raised your expectations for a perfect AC. Once again, nothing I said yesterday was true. Please believe me! My life and wife's sanity depends on it.

I can't help but wonder if Dan was joking about joking....

JamesNT

James,

You're talking about my life here!!! How low do I have to grovel to get back into the good graces of AC.

I want whistleblower protection!

Dan, I thought it was funny.

After reading this thread, I am finding it increasingly difficult to distinguish reality from the voices in my head....maybe my meds need to be adjusted....

Gene

What I want to know is how do you handle situations when the voices in your head disagree on important topics.

JamesNT

Blanton's, bottle 152, dumped on 5-9-13, from barrel #319 on Rick #38. This particular medicine of about 2 ounces over crushed ice works quite well for me. On occasion, it may be necessary to repeat X 1, to help reduce the discordant voices.

I am wondering if window position is when you close an item in the med list or imported items, the screen snaps back to the top and I have to scan back to the point where I was working. Adds some extra time to completing tasks.

You don't need protection. The embassy will never give you a visa to return to the US from the Moscow Airport. Something about not in the federal interests of the Meaningless Use program.

Even if I return all the money?

I do have improving porcelain cleaning skills from my time here, so maybe a skilled labor visa. Isn't that all the rage now?

@Vicki,

An example of window positioning would be if you opened Word on your computer and it opened to a certain spot on your monitor. You then drag it five inches to the right so next time it won't cover another window or for whatever reason. After closing it, Windows remembers where it last was and when you open it again, it opens to that last position.

Has anyone with multiple monitors tried DisplayFusion?

It has the ability to move certain windows in certain positions. They have a free trial on their site if you want to give it a try. I use it with my quad monitors and it's pretty useful.

Sandeep,
Has this proven useful for AC windows (or Updox)?

I wonder if the windows could actually be moved and stay where you put them...

It is SAD AC doesn't have basic windows functionality, ummm, like what we've had since Windows 3.1

It is sad that AC doesn't listen to us and make some of these changes.

I haven't tested it with those programs specifically, but it works for the other programs I use. I'll give it a test.

Thanks Bert,
How do I describe the issue that I have with the cursor always jumping back to the top of the document?

At this point I'd be tickled to death with just an update on what features AC is currently working on. Not some crap thing from a sales guy, but a real update from a Developer or tech guy.

JamesNT

I agree. That would be very reassuring that some of our most troubling problems are receiving some attention.