Azz Cardfile version 4.0 Beta - Windows Vista compatible, new options
October 14th, 2007 . by Rytis ZumbakisAzz Cardfile version 4.0 Beta for testing can be downloaded here :
http://www.azzcardfile.com/dl/azzCardfile-setup-40b1-c.zip
Final release of public version 4.0 is estimated around end of year 2007.
This Beta version is for testing only and not for regular use. If you intend to use it to open your existing .azz data files, please backup them first.
We thank you in advance for any feedback.
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Windows Vista/XP/2003/Me/NT4/98/95 compatible upgrade version 3.3 has been recently released. It is exactly the same as version 3.2, only fixes “access violation” bug on Windows Vista operating system.
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What’s New in version 4.0Version 4 is made as a new application – almost no code from the previous versions. That’s why it took so long. Although the program’s appearance is similar to the previous version (we tried to make it as simple as possible), the functionality is highly improved.
File Format
Instead of RTF heap (AZZ Cardfile versions 3.x), modern XML standard was applied. If the data file .azz gets corrupted (in case of computer emergency shutdown while ediding .azz file, or similar), it’s easier to restore data, as cards content resides in plain text format in a XML file. For the record, MS Office 2007 applications too use compressed XML files to store documents. No temporary files are created while opening, working with, and closing the .azz files. All these processes occur in computer RAM and no longer involve creation of temporary files.
File Locations
A new folder “\My Documents\My azzCardfile Files” is created during AZZ Cardfile software installation. Sample.azz file is put there. It is recommended to keep all .azz data files (documents) in this folder. Program and help files are located in “\Program Files\azzCardfile”. It is not recommend to change anything in this folder (especially on Windows Vista).
In version 4, program settings (options) have been relocated from Windows Registry to “.ini” files. They are located in “…\Application Data\azzCardfile” folder. It is possible to import or export AZZ Cardfile settings from “Tools | Options” dialog.
Grouping of Cards
This most-wanted feature has finally been implemented. Grouping is realized by vertical tabs located on the left side of the cards list. Manage groups by selecting the menu item “Card | Groups” or just right-clicking on the group tabs. After creating a new Cardfile, two tabs are visible – “all” and “new”. These tabs don’t represent groups - they are controls for viewing all cards or creating a new group. Assign selected cards to the group by dragging them to the group’s tab or by selecting “Assign to group” in the list’s pop-up menu. The program doesn’t keep cards in groups physically, like files are stored in folders. A group consists of a list of links, not real cards. So, if you remove a card from the group, the card will still remain on file and is accessible by selecting the “all” tab.
If you don’t use grouping, it is possible to hide the group tabs by deselecting “Groups” in the “View” menu.
Cards Editor
Many new editing features have been implemented in version 4.0 : enhanced Font and Paragraph formatting, borders and backgrounds, lists, and more. Create and format tables, using default or custom styles. Use the ruler to change indents and tabs.
Header
Change the style of the Card Header (selected card title above the card) by selecting formatted text in the card and then selecting “apply style to header” in the card’s popup menu. This allows applying all text and paragraph formatting possibilities not only to the application screen header, but also to the printed page headers. See few header samples in “Sample.azz” (card “Header styles”).
Task Panel
This docked window helps perform some common tasks like searching, working with styles, etc.
Dialing
Modem selection and configuration is now possible in AZZ Cardfile. You can create dialing hyperlinks (see below).
Hyperlinks
Together with standard hyperlinks (”http://”, “mailto:”, “file:”, etc.), two unique types of hyperlinks have been implemented: “dial:” and “card:”. Dial a phone number or go to another card on file, by clicking these hyperlinks. To use hyperlinks, hold Ctrl key or activate “Cards Lock” button.
Search
We have received many requests to make a more advanced search. The Advanced Search procedure (task panel) has been implemented. Add prefixes “+”, “-”, quotes and brackets to the search query. Enter a search query, and a special results group will be created, listing matching cards.
Support for USB flash drive
A wizard is designed to assist copying AZZ Cardfile software and selected data files to USB flash drive, iPod, or a portable hard drive and use it on any computer, without leaving any personal information behind. Run this wizard by selecting menu item “Tools | Flash Drive”.
BACKUP YOUR .AZZ FILES BEFORE OPENING THEM IN VERSION 4
Installation
No need to uninstall existing AZZ Cardfile program before installing version 4. A new version will not change older settings, both versions can coexist on the same system. You can even choose which program version to use to open .azz files, by right-clicking the file and selecting “Open With”.
Note that once the older version .azz file is first edited and saved in version 4 software, the file will longer open in earlier versions of the program, as new version 4 format will be applied (backup file “.version3.azz.bak” will be created alogn the way).
If you decide to return to version 3 after making changes to data files (which converts them to v.4), export back to version 3 format by loading the file into AZZ Cardfile 4.0 program and selecting menu File | Export | Save as type | AZZ Cardfile version 3… . Uninstall version 4 and continue to use version 3.
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Windows Vista/XP/2003/Me/NT4/98/95 compatible upgrade version 3.3 has been recently released. It is exactly the same as version 3.2, only fixes “access violation” bug on Windows Vista operating system.
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AZZ Cardfile team
