In articulating this answer I think I realised what you meant.
I would consider that the desktop IS a charitable effort in that we are lucky he provides it for free and it’s only because of the paid versions that allows this.
But on that, without the free desktop version we’d have nothing to give the accountant at end of year when we have a file to give them.
For me, when I was considering packages, the ability to send my accountant a data-file was top of the list. Although now I’ve been almost exclusively using the server version since my mac died earlier this year, I plan to use the desktop version to trial version updates (I’m shamefully running an old cough7cough45cough version of server now, and I think there have been a few “updates” to workflow in that time.)
Just my little two cents. I have my manager files saved on my e: drive in a folder. All users need to do is change data location in Manager.
What I liked about the previous release some months back was the ability to rename the business files to that of Business A, Business B etc, instead of alphanumeric numbers- this made it easier to delete old business files etc.
My understanding is that most people want to achieve the following:
Rename the business files with human names
Move the data files so that its accessible for dropbox etc.
Would it not be possible to just use the change data location to “move” the application data folder (which only really moves the businesses) so that people can use dropbox etc.
Use the Recently opened files suggestion as made above in several posts so that one could backup the business to a human name, then open it and see the business in Recently Used and then user can delete alphanumeric business. Or perhaps code the program to allow desktop users to rename the business files instead of backing up, opening new file and deleting old file.
So the end result is one business, in dropbox or e: drive and with human name. That would address the issues that most desktop users are looking for would it not.
I would not have an approach where people have one copy of the business in application data and another copy in dropbox etc - As several people have said that would be a recipe for disaster.
The latest version (17.10.7) doesn’t show to the top menu at all if opening the file directly. I think it is the best approach to make it most obvious you are opening the file directly rather than launching the application and working within Application Data folder.
Kinda confuse, I have a lot of backed up data, So… The question is… is application data folder will not be use again? will it be consistent with server edition?
or @lubos added logic, where if the file open by double click on .manager file anywhere either pen drive or not in application data folder, will not created database save data in application data folder? but that also means when we open via application manager, the listing does not consist of recent file open?..
Global preferences cannot be set when working on a remotely stored file. A business that switches to using a remote file for its accounting data must close the application, reopen it in the normal fashion, make changes to preferences, then reopen the remote file. That is very cumbersome.
Related to the first problem, there is no way to change between businesses stored remotely without going through the close-reopen cycle unless you navigate with the operating system’s file browser to the remote files independently. Again, very clumsy.
Simply checking your version number will require closing the program and your accounting file, reopening the application in the normal way, browsing back to the remote file, and reopening it.
To avoid potential confusion, you have recommended that business converted to remote storage be removed from the Businesses page listing those businesses in the application data folder. So that page could be completely blank. This will probably lead to much confusion.
In general, this change makes the program less self-contained and undermines the user experience.
@acecombat2 application data folder is still being used by Manager. And it will continue to be so. What this feature does is that when you double-click on Manager file, it can open the business directly. Previously you’d have to import it into application data folder.
There are no changes in relation to application data folder and server/cloud editions. This feature is applicable to desktop edition only.
And what was wrong with that !!!
Now, as illustrated, you can have the same business data file being opened from two different folder location with the potential to contain different updated data.
This completely unnecessary complication has thrown the previously simple desktop data integrity out the window. Just because a few users had a discomfort with the Application Data folder concept - why put ALL users at risk. Just moving the Application Data folder to the Documents folder could ease that discomfort.
Surely Manager’s development has better priorities.
I honestly can’t see why people have such an issue with this.
If you never open the file from a file manager and always open businesses within Manager, then you will never have to worry about different versions of a business. Ignore the change and move on, backup as you used to. Those who want to use it, go for it! This change requires no extra thinking for anyone who doesn’t want it.
However if you would like to just open a backup to see what some values were, then you can now do that instead of having to import. In fact, you can have 2 “files” open at the same time, in separate windows, maybe a backup and your current one, then use them half screen side by side. That to me is a huge WIN.
This allows user to treat their manager files like word documents. It’s up to them if they want to make multiple copies all over the place. Otherwise, just work on one file… Just work in the applications folder. This doesn’t need to change your current workflow. Just never use the feature and your golden. I rate, good job Lubos.
The global preferences thing that @Tut mentions are probably something to work on though. I don’t know whether the manager that runs when you open from file reads the same settings as the manager you launch. But if it does, then adding some link to preferences might be nice.
great feature for small bussiness still can’t expense more money can easier used dropbox or etc. To sync database and reload using other pc but database still can’t multiuser access and inputing in near same time because it will dobel number
As you campaign desktop app “Desktop edition is single-user software. Businesses requiring multi-user capabilitities or remote access will typically use cloud edition or server edition which are paid products.” i enjoy this feature to make easier accounting ONLY everywhere when my sibling can’t i can read my database(still confused) >.< Haha…
um @trendku if you’re using windows you can access multiuser feature by run (double click) the managerserver.exe within installed directory. Although, is a ‘trial’ label product but useable.
Read from “Launching Manager Server”. you don’t need to download the manager server.zip because the desktop version included the trial manager server.
no i means i enjoy server edition not in desktop version…
but desktop version now also good because backup at dropbox and double click that backup and easier to load database… Not must click restore first. More easier than previous edition for desktop version…
Blockquote: Lubos
In the latest version, you can open Manager files directly by double-clicking on the file regardless where it is. It could be on USB key, Dropbox folder, your desktop or really anywhere.
So i am sorry my previous post not full explain my opinion
No, you are not the only one. This is intentional behavior to let you know you are working with one file only. Multiple windows are it possible in the desktop edition.
because it will dobel number