The Readerware Newsletter

Readerware 2.0 Beta Update

Thank you all for your comments and feedback on the Readerware 2.0 beta 1 release. Beta 2 is now available on the web site. This release fixes the following problems:

• Disable invalid ISBNs option missing
• Unsaved changes loop in detail panel
• User defined values not displayed in detail window
• Export not exporting new columns, repeats title
• Auto-catalog list with 1 isbn, no CR/LF, ignored
• Value cannot be edited in table
• HTML Export column being ignored
• Category sort hangs on large database
• Switching focus caused auto-catalog dialog to close
• Cut/Copy/Paste keyboard equivalents not working correctly

• New database checkpoint menu item (client and server)
• New database backup menu item (client and server)
• Database backed up on close (client and server)
• Column sorts are faster

All the feedback has been very positive and I expect this to be the final beta release. Watch for Readerware 2.0 coming soon!

You can download Readerware Release 2.0 beta 2 from:

• Readerware 2.0 Beta Download Page

If you missed the last edition of the newsletter, you can find more information on just what is in Readerware 2.0 at:

• Readerware 2.0 Beta 1 Newsletter

Please report any problems with the beta as soon as possible to support@readerware.com. I have also opened a new topic on the Readerware message forums

The Qode® Key Chain Bar Code Reader

The Qode Qoder is a very small portable bar code reader, you can hang it on a key chain with the ring provided. It can hold up to 100 bar code scans which can then be uploaded to your PC and input to Readerware.

A big advantage to this type of bar code reader is that you can take the bar code reader to your bookshelves rather than drag your books to your computer. This can make a big difference when cataloging your library with Readerware.

This kind of bar code reader is very useful with Readerware auto-catalog but has some limitations in other use. For example I keep track of books that I read. So after I have read a book, I do an ISBN search in Readerware by scanning the bar code, update the book and I'm done. Because the Qode is not connected to your PC and you must upload a file of ISBNs, you cannot use the Qode for the occasional scan.

Installation

The Qode comes with PS/2 connectors only, if your PC uses the older 5 pin connectors you may need to purchase additional adapters. You can find them at Radio Shack stores.

Once you have installed the hardware, you will need to install the Qode software that comes with it. I recommend that you change the default configuration and uncheck the automatic upload to web site option. You do not need to upload Qode scans to their web site when using it with Readerware.

Unfortunately you cannot easily use the Qode with another bar code reader. Wedge type bar code readers all connect to the keyboard port like Qode. They don't work with keyboard switch boxes. So switching between bar code readers is a real pain.

Scanning

You can scan books anywhere because the unit is not connected to your PC while scanning. Keep it on your key chain and it is always available. If a friend recommends a book to you, just scan the bar code and you can catalog it in Readerware when you get home. You can also scan books in a store. The manual even tells you what to say if you are challenged in a store when scanning a book. I can understand that some bookstore owners are not going to welcome this device in their store. Qode fully intends that you buy the book using one of their partners. See a book you like while browsing your local book store, scan it, upload it to their web site and buy it on the web. Not exactly bookstore friendly.

Uploading to your PC

After the upload Qode attempts to connect to their web site. When using the Qode with Readerware it is best to turn off this option You can always upload the scans to the Qode web site later if you want.

Once you have the file on your PC, start Readerware, select auto-catalog and open the file as a Readerware auto-catalog list file. Readerware then converts the bar code scans to ISBNs and displays them. Continue with Readerware auto-catalog as normal.

So where is the file that Qode uploads? As it is done automatically you don't get a chance to select the file location. On my Windows NT box, it stored the file in my home directory. On my Windows 98 system it stored it in the Qode installation directory. In both cases the file name started with qb and had a file type of TMP so it is easy to find.

Readerware automatically remembers the last accessed directory so once you have loaded the file in Readerware, it will go back to the same directory. Because Readerware expects the file to have an extension of RWB, it will not automatically appear in the open dialog, you must first pick the all files option in the open dialog and then pick the file.

Here is a tip to make it much easier. Qode keeps track of the file name in the Windows registry. It is easy to change the location and name. Start the Windows regedit program. Use the find function to search for qoder. In the 2.0 folder you will find a key called DestFileName. Double click on it and enter the new name and path for the file. Try creating the file in your Readerware directory with a file name of QODE.RWB then it will always be created in your Readerware directory and will show up right away in the Readerware open dialog. The full key name you want to change is:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Qode\Qoder\2.0\DestFileName

C:\Readerware\QODE.RWB (Readerware 1.x)
C:\Program Files\Readerware\QODE.RWB (Readerware 2.x)

Conclusion

Qode is for Windows users only, although I could find no mention of that on their web site. There isn't anything by way of support available on the web.

I wish it were possible to connect the Qode and my CCD reader to the same PC. The Qode is very useful but it should get along better with other bar code readers. It wouldn't be my only bar code reader.

If you have used Qode, post your comments in the Readerware Message Forums, there is a section devoted to bar code readers.

• Readerware Message Forums

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Readerware is in no way affiliated with Qode.

Support Readerware

You can support Readerware and ensure that the new features keep on coming. Use Readerware when making your online purchases. If you order using the Readerware browser or shopping cart, Readerware normally receives a commission from the vendor. The Readerware browser uses the same encryption technology as the major browsers so you can order online, safely and securely using Readerware. Plus it ensures continued development of Readerware.

Thank you.

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