Changes in ver. 4.4.17

It always seems to be around this time of year that I release a new version of the Wessex Pricing Program. This year is no different - so here's version 4.4.17.

Lets see what's new.

1. When you look at the worktickets list - at the top of the form is a figure which is all the jobs on that list added up. The idea being that you could look at that figure and see how much money would be owed to you once all those jobs were completed. However, most framers take deposits, so that grand total figure does not really represent what we want to see. Now the figure displayed is the amount owed to you after the deposits. Much more useful.                                                       

                                         

    2. There are always little tweaks and bugs to sort out, and this year was no exception. They are the "if I press this and click that, and then try to go back - this happens" variety. They were mainly in the "WorkTickets > Views > List by Item" area. So you should now find things a bit less frustrating if you use those tools.                                                                                                                                                                                     

 

3. The last update probably doesn't affect most users. It's to do with where some of the data files are stored. By default the XML data files are stored in "C/ProgramData/WessexPictures/wpp4". This suits most framers, the program takes care of things like importing and exporting those files. But, if  you are operating on a larger computer network it's better if these files are stored in your personal space. 

      So, introducing "yourname/AppData/Roaming".

To use this go to "Setup >  Options" and choose the Netwk/BkUp tab. At the bottom you can select the location for those XML files. 

Though I'd suggest to leave things in their default location unless you have a reason to change.

You can download the new version by going to Free Trial Form on the Wessex website (remember to sign in). Don't worry that it says "Free 30 day trial" the program knows you have paid for it!

If you have problems with the download have a look at Picture Frame Pricing Programs: Download woes 

Enjoy!

Life after Windows 10

 Later this year (2025) Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10. So this leaves us users with a dilemma  - upgrade (though many older computers will not run Windows 11), buy a new computer(s) with Windows 11 on it, move over to Linux, or soldier on with our fingers crossed?

Buying a new computer will be around £500 +, not a trivial sum. Using the Linux operating system is free, but involves dealing with a completely new system. Also, some specialized programs are only available for Windows (and funnily enough that includes Wessex Professional). Soldiering on means that you will quickly come to grief, but ONLY if you are connected to the internet. If you aren't connected to the internet at all then the baddies out there have no way of getting to you. 

It is obviously impractical for your main computer not to be connected, but if you end up with an old Windows computer it could be used in the shop as your pricing computer. Wessex Professional doesn't need to be connected to the internet in order to give prices, view job tickets and invoices etc. So that computer you were going to junk (recycle) could find a new lease of life.

But, if we're not connected to the internet how do we keep upto date with moulding prices and program updates? The answer is "Simples", by downloading the appropriate file(s) from a connected computer, and copying it\them onto a USB stick which is then inserted into the old computer that still has the pricing program on it. Thus, if we wanted to update Wessex Mouldings, on the connected computer we'd download the update file (by going to www.wessexpictures.com/Wessex-Pricing). Then copy the file to a USB stick, transfer the file to the old computer and from within the program go to "File" > "Update Mouldings" and when prompted tell the program that the file it needs is on the USB stick.

So, Microsoft switching off support for Windows 10 could be a positive after all!