There are several software programs which do a wonderful job at databasing.
I use Lotus Approach for all my databases.  Approach is extremely easy to
use and is flexible.  I can add or delete fields at any time, print reports,
sort by any field, get a list of only one species in the database if I wish,
and more.  I have eight different databases created from Approach.

I'm going to experiment with MS Access for comparison.

The few programs I've seen for collectors of shells or marine life seem
rather expensive.  One I looked at recently was $250.  You can buy Approach
or Access for around $100.

John & Cheryl Jacobs
Seffner, FL
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----- Original Message -----
From: Jordan Star <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, November 21, 1999 10:56 AM
Subject: time to catalog


I have lots of time (no job) and I always wanted to catalog my shell
collection. It will be a MONUMENTAL task as I've been collecting for 30 or
so
years (since I was 12 or 14, I'm 43 now, its too early in the morning too do
math) and now with a computer I can have one catalog, not two. Are there any
commercial or free programs out there? In a program, I would like to; list
all of one family (Murex, Chitinous, etc.), look up a shell by a number (all
my shells are numbered), and the only other feature (I can think of for my
needs is to make a list of all Murex names, for instance, when I go to COA's
(names only, so I know what I have). If you do not want to post a message on
Conch-L for all to see, emal me at; [log in to unmask] My mouse pointer is
prepared to read all and any help I can get. Point and click on a web site,
create email privately, or whatever a mousey pointer can do! Thanks.
Jordan *