- General Questions
- Why is Panorama RAM based instead of disk based?
- How much data can fit in RAM?
- What if my database doesn't fit in RAM?
- Why doesn't Panorama use indexes?
- Is Panorama easy to learn and use?
- Is Panorama relational?
- What are the operating system requirements for running Panorama?
- How does Panorama compare with FileMaker?
- Does Panorama keep each database stored in a separate file?
- Can the database structure and data be stored separately?
- Can multiple users access a database across a network?
- What are the capabilities and limitations of the Panorama demo?
- Do you sell Recordplate inserts?
- Questions about ordering Panorama
- How can I place an order?
- What information do I need to place an order?
- How do I find my serial number so I can order an upgrade?
- What is the difference between Panorama and Panorama Direct?
- How much does Panorama cost?
- I have a slow Internet connection. Is Panorama available on a CD?
- Is printed documentation available?
- What is the Enhanced Image Pack?
- What is the Zip/Spell pack?
- Can I use Panorama on multiple computers? What is a personal use license?
- Can I distribute Panorama databases royalty free?
- Questions about upgrading from an earlier version of Panorama
- Will my existing Panorama 2, 3, or 4 databases work with Panorama V and 5.5?
- What is the price to upgrade to the latest version of Panorama?
- What is the quickest way to learn to use the new features in my new upgrade?
- How do I find my serial number so I can order an upgrade?
- Can I continue to use a previous version of Panorama as well as the new version?
- Why does a previous version of Panorama open when I double click on a database?
- Why doesn't my form print after I've upgraded to Panorama V on OS X?
- Questions about installing and activating Panorama
- I just downloaded and expanded the Panorama V installer. Why doesn't it open when I double click on it it?
- How do I activate a new copy of Panorama?
- How do I transfer Panorama to a different computer?
- Something happened to my computer and I forgot to/could not deactivate Panorama. How do I activate it again?
- Why do I have to click on the blue letters when I have already purchased the software?
- Why didn't Panorama ask me to enter the product code?
- Mac OS 9 Issues
- Will Panorama 5.5 run on Mac OS 9?
- Panorama V tells me I need CarbonLib 1.6. Where do I get that?
- I'm using OS 9. Why does a type 2 error appear when I double click on the Panorama installer?
- Questions about cross platform (Macintosh/Windows) databases
- Can I use the same database on Macintosh and PC (Windows) systems?
- Why doesn't Panorama open when I double click on a database copied from the Mac to the PC?
- Why doesn't Panorama recognize a database copied from the PC to the Mac?
- Why does Panorama refuse to open (or crash) when I open a database e-mailed from the Mac to the PC or the PC to the Mac?
- Questions about documentation, examples. training and support
- What documentation and training material is available for Panorama?
- How do I open the PDF documentation?
- Why does the documentation have so many pages?
- Why doesn't the Help menu item work (Windows version)?
- What is the Programming Reference wizard?
- Are example databases available?
- How do I contact technical support?
- How do I subscribe/unsubscribe to the Panorama QNA list?
- I belong to the QNA list, so why can't I post a question?
- Questions about Forms, Graphics & Reports
- Can I lay out forms and reports the way I want?
- Can Panorama print labels?
- Can I use multiple fonts/sizes/styles within a cell?
- Can I include pictures and movies in a database?
- Questions about working with other software (import/export/web/email)
- Can Panorama import data from my existing databases and spreadsheets (FileMaker, Excel, etc.)?
- Can Panorama export data to other database or spreadsheet software?
- Can Panorama import/export VCards with other applications (Address Book, Entourage, MYOB, etc.)?
- Can Panorama dial the phone?
- Can Panorama send e-mails?
- Can web content be integrated with my database?
- Can Panorama export to HTML?
- Can Panorama be used to generate dynamic web content?
- Is Panorama ODBC or JDBC compliant?
- Can I use Panorama with my Palm/PocketPC?
- Questions about programmability
- Is Panorama programmable?
- Do I have to learn programming to use Panorama?
- How does Panorama's programming language compare with other languages like C, Basic, etc.?
- What text parsing tools does Panorama have?
- Is Panorama AppleScript compatible?
- Can Panorama access the OS X UNIX shell?
- Can I program Panorama using Perl? Ruby? Python? PHP?
- How can I meet other Panorama programmers?
- General troubleshooting questions
- Why does Panorama crash frequently on my computer?
- Why does the message "Corrupted permanent variable" sometimes appear when opening a database?
- How do I contact technical support?
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General Questions
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Why is Panorama RAM based instead of disk based?The fundamental, overriding difference between Panorama and all other database programs is that Panorama is RAM instead of disk based. When you open a Panorama database the entire database, including all of the data, is loaded from the disk into the computer's RAM. From then on Panorama doesn't use the disk at all (until you use the Save command). All searching, sorting, editing, and everything else occurs directly in your computer's high speed RAM.
Other database programs are disk based. Every time you edit a field, sort, search, or perform any other operation it must access the disk. Unlike RAM, the disk is a mechanical device with parts that actually move each time you access the disk. This makes disk access thousands of times slower than RAM access. Back to top. -
How much data can fit in RAM?Panorama uses your computer's RAM very efficiently. Because Panorama doesn't use indexes (see below) Panorama databases are very small compared to FileMaker (typically six to ten times smaller). For example the Panorama test drive includes a typical contacts database with 10,000 records and about two dozen fields — this database is only 2.2 megabytes! Some Panorama users have created databases with over one million records. Typically a Panorama database is about the same size as an ASCII text file containing the same data. Back to top.
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What if my database doesn't fit in RAM?Panorama requires that the entire database fit in RAM. With today's large RAM capacities and low prices this is rarely an issue. Back to top.
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Why doesn't Panorama use indexes?You might be surprised to know that when you ask a disk based database to search or sort it does not actually search or sort the data itself. Instead it searches or sorts a complex structure it has built called an "index." An index is a special directory that contains hints for finding items quickly. A database index performs much the same function as an index at the end of a textbook. Instead of searching the entire book page-by-page you find the entry in the index and then jump directly to the correct page. Disk based database programs use a similar index system to allow them to search or sort a large database in a second or two instead of in minutes or hours.
Unlike other database software, Panorama doesn't use indexes. Because RAM is so fast, Panorama can actually perform searches or sorts using the brute force approach, the equivalent of searching a book by reading all of the pages (but very, very quickly). Essentially Panorama is the ultimate speed reader. Although indexes can help a database search and sort faster, they also come with some very significant drawbacks.
- Indexes are very large. Unlike a textbook index which is only a few pages, databases indexes are often much larger than the actual data itself. Since Panorama doesn't use indexes, the database size is much smaller.
- Indexes have a very complicated structure that must be updated any time the database is modified. As your database gets larger this structure gets more complex, so updating the structure takes longer and longer each time you edit the database. In addition this complex structure is prone to corruption (which explains why FileMaker, for example, needs a command to rebuild corrupted databases). It's actually not the database itself which is corrupted, but the index. Since Panorama doesn't use indexes, editing the database doesn't get slower as you add more records, and the index can't get corrupted because there wasn't any index in the first place.
- Even though the indexes are large they actually don't contain all of the information in the database (most of the index space is taken up with hints to make searching faster). Since a disk based database is searching the index, not the database, this means that many useful search queries are impossible. Since Panorama doesn't use indexes it can perform any search you can think of, including phonetic searches (sounds like "alan"), partial matches, comparisons between fields (Price is more than twice the P/E ratio), searching for fields that contain only letters, only numbers, or some other combination, searching all fields at once, even live keystroke-by-keystroke searches (like iTunes and Spotlight).
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Is Panorama easy to learn and use?Yes, but don't take our word for it. MacWorld says “FileMaker Pro may be lauded for its easy database-form creation, but that program's results have nothing on Panorama's user-friendly databases.” TidBITs.com says “Panorama is the best general database program I've ever used. ... Have I communicated just what I find so wonderful about this program? It's the fact that my data feels safe and is easy to check on. It's the ingenious anticipation of all my needs. It's how the workings of my databases are easy to track down. It's the generosity of the supplied examples. It's the fact that easy things are easy and hard things are not that hard.” Danny Grizzle of Media Mogul Productions says “It is extremely approachable, useful to newbies in minutes, but also tremendously capable with depth few are ever likely to outgrow.” Read more testimonials here. Back to top.
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Is Panorama relational?Yes. Panorama supports one-to-one and one-to-many relationships, and also supports “equal or lessor” relationships for looking up data in rate tables (for example tax or shipping rates). Back to top.
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What are the operating system requirements for running Panorama?The current version of version for OS X is Panorama 5.5. For Windows the current version is 4.0.
Panorama 5.5 Mac OS X 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 or higher (runs "native" in OS X *)
(Windows version will be available in 2008)Panorama V Mac OS 9, 10.2, 10.3 or higher (runs "native" in OS X *) Panorama 4.0 Mac OS 7.6 or higher (including OS X in "Classic" mode)
Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, Vista or higherPanorama 3.0 Mac OS 6.0 to 8.6 (including 68K based computers)
* Panorama is currently not a Universal App on OS X. A universal version will be released in 2008.
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How does Panorama compare with FileMaker?
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Does Panorama keep each database stored in a separate file?Yes, each database is self-contained in it's own file. You can also set up a “file set” icon that will automatically open a group of databases, however the databases themselves are still in separate files. Back to top.
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Can the database structure and data be stored separately?No, each database is contained in a single file that contains data, data attributes, calculations, forms and any programs related to the data. Back to top.
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Can multiple users access a database across a network?The standard version of Panorama only allows single user access. If you want multiple users to be able to access a database simultaneously you'll need to use the Panorama Enterprise Server. Back to top.
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What are the capabilities and limitations of the Panorama demo?If Panorama has not been activated with a serial number it acts as a demo version. The demo version can open any database and has no time limit. However, whenever you save or print a database with more than 250 records the Panorama demo will pause to display a dialog suggesting that you consider purchasing the product before allowing you to save or print. Other than this dialog the demo version is fully functional and includes all data manipulation, graphics and programming tools included in the full version of the product. Back to top.
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Do you sell Recordplate inserts?No, and we have no idea where such inserts may be available. Panorama does include templates for printing on Recordplate inserts, so our site is one of the few that shows up when doing a Google search for “recordplate.” As far as we can determine Recordplate went out of business quite a few years ago and these inserts are no longer available anywhere. Back to top.
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Questions about ordering Panorama
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How can I place an order?The best way to place most orders is through our on-line order form. You can also order by telephone, see the Contacts page for the latest information. Back to top.
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What information do I need to place an order?The on-line order form automatically prompts you for all the information needed to place an order. If you are ordering by e-mail or phone please have the following information available.
- The platform you want to use (Macintosh or Windows).
- Whether you are ordering a full copy of Panorama or Panorama Direct (see below).
- Your name, organization, address and phone number.
- Your e-mail address (we will send a copy of the invoice and activation information to this address).
- Credit card number and expiration date. (Terms are available to Fortune 500 companies, government organizations, and educational institutions. A written purchase order on an official form is required, and the minimum order amount is $250. Please contact the sales department by e-mail or phone to place a net order.)
If you are ordering an upgrade or sidegrade from a previous version of Panorama we'll also need your serial number (see below). Back to top. -
How do I find my serial number so I can order an upgrade?If you don't know your serial number we can locate it for you (if you have registered the program or purchased it directly from ProVUE). Please visit the Registration Search page to locate this information. Back to top.
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What is the difference between Panorama and Panorama Direct?Panorama is a fully functional copy of Panorama that includes all of the capabilities for creating and maintaining databases. Panorama Direct is a limited “run-time” version that is primarily intended for data entry and simple data query applications. See Panorama Direct for more information. Back to top.
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How much does Panorama cost?
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I have a slow Internet connection. Is Panorama available on a CD?Panorama is normally supplied as a web download from this web server (see Downloads). It is also available on CD for an additional charge of $19.95 plus shipping (see the on-line order form). Back to top.
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Is printed documentation available?The Panorama documentation is in PDF (Adobe Acrobat) format and is available on-line (see Downloads) and on the Panorama CD for an extra charge (see question above). The documentation was optimized for use on your computer screen — we used very readable 14 point text, full size screen shots, and there are literally thousands of active cross-reference links that allow you to quickly navigate to a related topic. You can also print out sections of the documentation as needed. Although we recommend using the documentation on the screen, some Panorama books are available in printed form via on-demand publishin. You can purchase these books thru lulu.com. Back to top.
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What is the Enhanced Image Pack?The Enhanced Image Pack extends the ability of Panorama to display images. Without this pack Panorama can only display Apple PICT format (and BMP format on Panorama for Windows). The Enhanced Image Pack adds the ability to display JPEG, TIFF, GIF, PhotoShop and other formats. For more information see Panorama Enhanced Image Pack. To order the Enhanced Image Pack use the on-line order form. Back to top.
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What is the Zip/Spell pack?The Zip/Spell Dictionary Pack contains two dictionary files - US Zip Codes and US English. With these dictionaries you can spell check forms and data, and look up the city, state, and county for any US Zip Code. For more information see Zip/Spell Dictionary Pack. To purchase this optional package please use the on-line order form. Back to top.
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Can I use Panorama on multiple computers? What is a personal use license?Panorama is normally licensed for use on a single computer per serial number. (If a computer is replaced with a new computer you can transfer the license to the new computer, see Product Deactivation.) A personal use license allows a single Panorama serial number to be used by a single person on multiple computers. The terms of the personal use license require that all of the computers be owned by the person purchasing the license, and that he or she will be the only person using Panorama on these computers. A typical example would be a person that owns both a desktop and a laptop computer. There is no limit to the number of computers covered under this license, as long as all of the computers are owned by the licensor and the licensor is the only person using the software. The personal use license is available only to individuals, and may not be purchased by an organization. To learn more and possibly purchase this license see Personal Use License. Back to top.
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Can I distribute Panorama databases royalty free?Yes. If your database application doesn't involve saving or printing, or is less than 250 records, you can freely distribute your databases. Your users/customers can download the free Panorama demo and use your database on their computer at no charge to you or them.
If your database doesn't meet the above requirements you can still pay a one-time fee and distribute your databases royalty free. Once the fee is paid we'll insert a special tag in your database that identifies it as royalty free. A database that contains this tag can be used with the free Panorama demo at no additional charge, including saving and printing with no limitations. The exact charge depends on the complexity of your databases, and in the case of freely distributed shareware and freeware is almost zero. See Royalty Free Panorama Engine for more information. Back to top. -
Questions about upgrading from an earlier version of Panorama
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Will my existing Panorama 2, 3, or 4 databases work with Panorama V and 5.5?Yes. Panorama will open any Panorama databases created with any version of Panorama (including 1.0) with all data, forms and programming intact. However, databases created with Panorama 3 or earlier will not automatically open Panorama 5.5 when you double click on them (you can always open them with the Open File dialog or by dragging the database on the Panorama 5.5 icon). To convert Panorama 3 or earlier databases so that double clicking opens Panorama 5.5, follow these steps:
- Open Panorama 5.5 by double clicking on the application icon.
- Open the Platform Converter Wizard (in the Utilities submenu of the Wizard menu).
- Drag the database (or databases) onto the “Panorama 3 to V” section of the wizard.
Once you've done this once the databases will automatically open Panorama 5.5 when you double click on them. Back to top. -
What is the price to upgrade to the latest version of Panorama?See the on-line order form for the latest pricing information. Select the upgrade you need using the pop-up menus about half way down the form. Back to top.
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What is the quickest way to learn to use the new features in my new upgrade?If you just upgraded to Panorama 5.5, open the Help command in the Panorama menu) and double click on Release Notes.pdf. These notes give detailed information on all of the new features in each release, along with links to even more detailed information in the main Panorama Handbook. If you haven't upgraded yet you can view these notes online, see the Documentation page. Back to top.
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How do I find my serial number so I can order an upgrade?If you don't know your serial number we can locate it for you (if you have registered the program or purchased it directly from ProVUE). Please visit the Registration Search page to locate this information. Back to top.
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Can I continue to use a previous version of Panorama as well as the new version?If you are using a Windows system only one copy of Panorama can be installed at a time, but if you are using a MacOS system you may have multiple copies of Panorama installed (and even running) simultaneously, though we don't recommend this except in exceptional circumstances (for example if you are a Panorama consultant that is supporting customers with different versions of Panorama, or if you are trying a beta or preview version of Panorama and want to be able to continue to use the previous release version as well as the beta version).
On OS 9 it is difficult to control which copy of Panorama will be launched. The only reliable option is to double click on the application and using the Open File dialog to select the databases you want to open.
On OS X you can select a database in the Finder and open the Get Info window. This window contains an Open With property that you can change (with a pop-up menu) to select which copy of Panorama will be launched when you double click on the database. Another option is to drag each copy of Panorama into the dock. You can then open a database with any version of Panorama by dragging the database onto the corresponding icon on the dock. Back to top. -
Why does a previous version of Panorama open when I double click on a database?Usually the simplest solution to this problem is to remove the older version of Panorama from your system. If you are using OS X you can select a database in the Finder and open the Get Info window. This window contains an Open With property that you can change (with a pop-up menu) to select which copy of Panorama will be launched when you double click on the database. Another option is to drag each copy of Panorama into the dock. You can then open a database with any version of Panorama by dragging the database onto the corresponding icon on the dock. Back to top.
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Why doesn't my form print after I've upgraded to Panorama V on OS X?The most common printing problem involves the Page Setup dialog. Due to a bug in Apple's OS X code, sometimes the page setup scaling information does not convert properly from OS 9 to OS X. When you open the Page Setup dialog you'll see the page setup scale set to a very large number like 576% or 1440%. To correct the problem, set the Page Setup to 100% and try printing again. Fortunately this only has to be done once (however it must be done for each form that has a problem).
A less frequent problem is caused by an out-of-date or corrupted print driver. This seems to happen most frequently with HP printers, but it can happen with any brand of printer. A good way to isolate the problem is to print to another printer (if available) or to a PDF file. If either of these works then the problem is not in Panorama. Usually the solution is to locate and install the most up-to-date driver for your printer (unfortunately locating this is sometimes easier said than done), but in some situations re-installing OS X has been necessary.
If you are printing a form with variable height objects (using the expand or expand/shrink option) you may see large gaps in your report. If this happens open the Form Preferences dialog (in the Graphics Mode Setup menu) and check the 72 dpi printing option. Back to top. -
Questions about installing and activating Panorama
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I just downloaded and expanded the Panorama V installer. Why doesn't it open when I double click on it it?You probably have Stuffit Deluxe installed on your system. If you have Stuffit Deluxe installed on your system, don't use it to expand the Panorama installer. This installer contains invisible files that Stuffit Deluxe doesn't expand properly. To expand the installer, either let your browser expand it automatically or drop it on Stuffit Expander.
This problem does not occur with Panorama 5.5, since we no longer distribute Panorama using the Stuffit (.sit) format (Panorama 5.5 and later is distributed using the .dmg format).
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How do I activate a new copy of Panorama?When you purchase Panorama our server will automatically send you an e-mail with your serial number and product code(s). When the Panorama V installer is complete it will automatically open the activation window and prompt you to enter the serial number. If your computer is connected to the Internet just enter the serial number and press Submit — Panorama will take care of the rest of the process in a few seconds. If the computer is not connected to the Internet simply follow the on-screen instructions (you'll either need internet access on another computer or a telephone during ProVUE's business hours. Back to top.
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How do I transfer Panorama to a different computer?To transfer your Panorama license to a different computer, first deactivate Panorama from the computer it is currently installed on.
- Open the Registration window (from the File or Setup menu).
- Scroll down to the bottom of the window and press the De-Activate Software button.
- Panorama will ask you to confirm that you really want to de-activate Panorama on this machine. Press the Deactivate Now button ton continue.
- If your computer is connected to the Internet the process will be completed after a final confirmation. If the computer is not connected to the Internet you must submit the deactivation code that is displayed to the Deactivation page on this web site.
Once the deactivation process is complete you can install and activate Panorama normally on your new computer (see above). Back to top. -
Something happened to my computer and I forgot to/could not deactivate Panorama. How do I activate it again?Follow the instructions above for activating a new copy of Panorama. When you submit the serial number, Panorama will ask you to explain the circumstances that caused Panorama to need re-activation. Once this explanation is submitted the system will normally allow you to complete the activation process immediately. The explanation provided will be reviewed later by a member of ProVUE's staff, who will contact you to discuss the situation further if necessary. Back to top.
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Why do I have to click on the blue letters when I have already purchased the software?If you are using a personal use license it could mean that your personal use license has expired. To check, open the Registration window (in the File or Setup menu). The window will indicate if your license has expired. If so you can renew your personal use license for only $9.95 for several years.
If the problem is not an expired personal use license then either the software was not ever activated correctly or the activation has been damaged. (For example, some versions of Tech Tool Pro and Carbon Copy Cloner have been known to damage Panorama's activation.) In either case the solution is the same, you must reactivate the software from scratch following the instructions above. If you've lost your serial number please see How do I find my serial number. Back to top. -
Why didn't Panorama ask me to enter the product code?When you order Panorama we send you an e-mail with both a serial number and a product code. However, if your computer has an internet connection Panorama will look up the product code automatically from our server after you enter the serial number, saving you some typing. You'll only need the product code if you need to install without an Internet connection. Back to top.
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Mac OS 9 Issues
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Will Panorama 5.5 run on Mac OS 9?No. Panorama V is the last version of Panorama that supports Mac OS 9. Back to top.
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Panorama V tells me I need CarbonLib 1.6. Where do I get that?To run on OS 9 Panorama V relies on an Apple package called CarbonLib. This package allows properly written OS X programs to run on OS 9. Panorama requires Carbonlib 1.6, which can be downloaded from Apple's web site. For additional information about CarbonLib see versiontracker.com. (Note: Panorama 5.5 is not supported on OS 9, whether you have CarbonLib or not.) Back to top.
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I'm using OS 9. Why does a type 2 error appear when I double click on the Panorama installer?This usually indicates either an extension conflict, a corrupted CarbonLib (see above) or a more general corruption with your OS 9 installation. Panorama V will run correctly on a properly configured OS 9 system. Back to top.
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Questions about cross platform (Macintosh/Windows) databases
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Can I use the same database on Macintosh and PC (Windows) systems?Yes. When using Panorama 4.0 or later databases can be copied back and forth between Macintosh and PC systems. It is even possible to keep the databases on a server that is used by both Mac and Windows clients (however at this time the database may only be accessed by a single client at a time, see Can multiple users access a database across a network? for more information). Back to top.
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Why doesn't Panorama open when I double click on a database copied from the Mac to the PC?On the PC all database file names must end with the extension .pan, for example Checkbook.pan, Contacts.pan, etc. If the database doesn't end with .pan it won't open Panorama when you double click on it. You can add .pan manually or with the Platform Converter wizard. See Chapter 26 of the Panorama Handbook for more information about this wizard and setting up cross platform databases. Back to top.
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Why doesn't Panorama recognize a database copied from the PC to the Mac?The Macintosh uses special hidden tags (called type/creator codes) to identify the usage of each type of file. Panorama cannot recognize a database unless these tags are present. Since the PC (Windows) does not use these tags, the tags are not present when a file is copied from the PC to the Mac. You can use the Platform Converter wizard to add these tags to files copied from a Windows PC system. See Chapter 26 of the Panorama Handbook for more information about this wizard and setting up cross platform databases. Back to top.
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Why does Panorama refuse to open (or crash) when I open a database e-mailed from the Mac to the PC or the PC to the Mac?Unfortunately, many e-mail programs don't transfer attachments exactly, and Panorama is very picky about the exact content and length database files. If you are having difficulty opening a database originally saved on a different platform then the file was probably modified slightly by the e-mail program at one end or the other. We've found that the best solution is to compress the database with Stuffit, Winzip or a similar program and then uncompress at the other end. Another solution is to use a different method for transferring the file, for example a CD-ROM, USB drive, or network transfer. Back to top.
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Questions about documentation, examples. training and support
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What documentation and training material is available for Panorama?There is a wide variety of documentation and training material available for Panorama, including over 3000 pages of PDF documentation (see Why so many pages?), an on-line programming reference wizard, and over 3 hours of training videos (Quicktime). For Panorama V and 5.5 the PDF documentation and Programming Reference wizard are included in the main Panorama download. For Panorama 4 these items must be downloaded separately. Back to top.
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How do I open the PDF documentation?If you are using Panorama 5.5 you can access the documentation from the Help item in the Panorama menu, or the Help & Documentation wizard (in the Documentation submenu).

With this wizard open you can use the Reader menu to choose which PDF reader you want to use (Acrobat or Preview on OS X), then double click to open the specific documentation item you want to access (Handbook, Tutorial, Release Notes, etc.).
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Why does the documentation have so many pages?You may have been surprised and a bit intimidated to learn that Panorama's PDF documentation contains so many pages. Don't worry, there’s really both more and less than meets the eye. The primary reason why there are so many pages is because Panorama's PDF documentation was designed primarily for on-screen use, not for printing. When writing a printed book the author always has the final page count in mind. Each page costs money! So as he or she writes the author is constantly thinking — do I really need a more detailed explanation here? Can I eliminate some or all of these screen shots? Check out the Adobe Photoshop manual — this is a very visual program and yet there is only one small screen shot every few pages. Keeping the number of pages affordable (both for printing and shipping) often becomes more important than clarity or comprehension.
When we decided to switch to PDF documentation in 1999 we made a conscious decision not to think that way. Extra pages in a PDF file are essentially free, so we took full advantage of this new opportunity. There are literally thousands of screen shots, all full size for maximum clarity. This probably doubles the page count compared to a typical printed manual. We also used an extra large (14 point) font size for maximum readability, which also increases the page count. Every topic is covered in depth, often with more than one approach discussed. We’ve included a 900 page reference and a 200 page tutorial. We think the end result is a better experience for you, the end user. Back to top. -
Why doesn't the Help menu item work (Windows version)?Since Panorama already includes over 3,000 pages of on-line documentation we decided that a separate Help window was a bit redundant. Please use the PDF documentation instead. Back to top.
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What is the Programming Reference wizard?Panorama 5.5 includes over 1,500 statements and functions that can be used in procedures and formulas. Even for the programmer's here at ProVUE that is a lot to remember and keep track of, so we created the Programmer's Reference wizard to help keep track of it for you. This wizard provides almost instantaneous access to documentation for every statement and function available.
Panorama V and 5.5 users can always access this window instantaneously by pressing Control-R (this combination can be changed with the Hotkey wizard).
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Are example databases available?Yes, over 100 example databases are included in the deluxe download version of Panorama. These examples can be quickly accessed with the Example Launcher wizard in the Demo submenu of the Wizard menu.
Another good source for example databases is the Panorama QNA e-mail discussion list. Users frequently post databases they have created as examples. You can find out more information about the QNA list on the Support page.
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How do I contact technical support?
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How do I subscribe/unsubscribe to the Panorama QNA list?The Panorama QNA (questions and answers) list is an e-mail based community discussion forum. It's a great place to share ideas and find solutions to problems. Or just lurk in the background and pick up valuable tips and tricks. This list is monitored by everyone at ProVUE, including the programmers and even the company president! See the QNA Email Forum page to subscribe or unsubscribe from this list. Back to top.
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I belong to the QNA list, so why can't I post a question?You can only post a question from the exact e-mail account that you used to sign up to the list. If you have more than one e-mail account make sure that you are using the one that you gave when you signed up. Back to top.
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Questions about Forms, Graphics & Reports
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Can I lay out forms and reports the way I want?Yes. Panorama's graphic editor uses standard object drawing techniques and includes tools for about two dozen types of objects, including shapes, text, images, movies, buttons, lists, pop-up menus, matrixes, even a complete word processor. There are also extensive tools to help you design your form and get everything lined up perfectly. Back to top.
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Can Panorama print labels?Yes. You can set up the label format yourself or choose from about two dozen ready-to-use Avery label templates. Panorama can automatically print labels in 1-up, 2-up, 3-up, 4-up or more columns, and can print labels across each row or down each column. Back to top.
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Can I use multiple fonts/sizes/styles within a cell?Panorama normally allows only a single font/size/style within a database cell. However, if you use Panorama's built-in word processor you can include not only multiple fonts, sizes and styles, but also tab stops, colors, indentation, left/right center justification and adjustable leading (vertical spacing). You can include the word processor in any database you create or you can use our ready-to-use Mini Correspondence wizard, with built-in VCard support. Back to top.
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Can I include pictures and movies in a database?Pictures and movies are not included in the database itself, but can be linked by reference (location and name) and displayed on any form. Back to top.
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Questions about working with other software (import/export/web/email)
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Can Panorama import data from my existing databases and spreadsheets (FileMaker, Excel, etc.)?Yes, but usually not directly. Panorama can easily import tab and comma delimited (CSV) text files. Consult the documentation for your database or spreadsheet to learn how to export your data in these universal formats. Panorama 5.5 can also directly import and export from Excel spreadsheets using the Excel wizard in the Import-Export submenu of the Wizard menu.
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