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1. Do I need
a Microsoft Access license to run Census?
No.
Census was developed to use the Microsoft Access runtime executable which is included with Census. If you already have Microsoft Access you can also run Census with it.
2. Which
version of Microsoft Windows is needed to run Census?
Both the Census server and the Census client run on Windows NT, Windows 98 and Windows 95. You can also run Census in a heterogeneous environment (example: the server on Windows NT and the clients on Windows 95).
3. Is Census Y2K -
Compliant?
MetaQuest Software Inc. has conducted Y2K tests for Census and found that it performs as originally designed.
See our Census - Y2K - Compliance Statement
4. What is
the key benefit of Census when compared to other Defect Tracking
Systems?
We built Census to be intuitive and easy to use. For Census to be competitive, we included features found in other Defect Tracking Systems plus some new ones. However we believe Census' greatest strengths are its open architecture and its Power Customization functionality.
To put it simply, if Census does not provide a feature you need, you can add it yourself - today! No other Defect Tracking System offers this capability.
Coupled with moderate pricing, Census provides great value!
5. What are
Power Customizations?
Power Customization functionality allows users to customize, modify, and enhance Census beyond the customization capabilities of any other Defect Tracking System. Users have access to Census' open architecture and can use the complete set of development tools provided by Microsoft Access to extend Census.
A comprehensive guide, Beyond The Basics, provides detailed task and reference information regarding Power Customizations. Beyond The Basics is regularly updated to include additional information based on questions and feedback from Census users. Beyond The Basics is available in PDF format. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to preview and print this manual.
6. Which
version of Microsoft Access is required for Power Customizations?
Power Customization functionality requires Microsoft Access 97 or Microsoft Access 2000. Census 3.x requires Microsoft Access 97. Census 4.x requires Microsoft Access 2000.
Please refer to the Census User's Guide and Beyond the Basics guide before purchasing a Microsoft Access license. Census provides specialized tools and editors for performing out-of-the-box customizations. (Out-of-the-box customization functionality may be sufficient for your needs.)
Census cannot use Microsoft Access 95 or Microsoft Access 2.0.
7. What is
the recommended configuration to run Census?
We recommend users (client workstations) have at least 32 Mb of memory. You will see significant performance improvements by increasing the amount of memory.
Users need 25 Mb of free disk space to install the client portion. The server disk space requirements depend on the number of projects (databases) and the size of each project. We recommend that you have at least 50 Mb of free disk space.
8. What kind
of performance can I expect?
You may find that Census is a little slow the first time you open a project (database). It needs to initialize the database. It will be much faster the next time you logon and open the same project.
You'll also see significant improvements if your computer system has more than 32 Mb of memory.
Census really shines where it counts! Performance of common operations, such as running queries is really good. And as your database grows, Census continues to perform.
9. How is
Census sold?
Census is licensed on a concurrent use basis. You do not need to purchase a license for every workstation you install Census on. The number of licenses required depends on the maximum number of users that will simultaneously use Census.
This is just another way Census saves you money!
10. What's
the next step after installing Census?
Before using Census, you will need to perform out-of-the-box customizations. Using the Template Editor, you will need to tailor Census to your company's terminology and methodology. This includes setting choice values like Product, Version, defining groups, and more. These tasks can be easily and quickly accomplished. The Census User's Guide provides detailed information on each of these tasks.
The quickest way to learn Census is to work through the Up and Running Tutorial. Not only does the Up and Running Tutorial demonstrate how to use key Census features, it also shows Census administrators how to perform out-of-the-box customizations and more.
11. How do I
get technical support?
Known problems including installation and startup problems our posted on our Online Knowledge Base. The Online Knowledge Base includes known workarounds.
You can also purchase our Premium Support and Upgrade plan.
Technical support is also available to customers evaluating Census.
12. Can
I access my defect data via the Web?
Yes. Census Web is an add-on to Census or Census Enterprise that provides access to the defects via a standard browser such as Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer. You can test drive Census Web by clicking on the Test drive Census Web link. Test drive Census Web
13. Will
Census support Microsoft Access 2000?
Yes. Census 4.x and Census Enterprise 4.x support Microsoft Access 2000.
14. What
about training?
Few people consider the cost of training when purchasing software. To help reduce this cost, Census includes an interactive tutorial.
The Up and Running Tutorial is a cost-effective way to learn how to use Census. Users learn at their own pace and can revisit a topic any number of times.
Not only does the Up and Running Tutorial
demonstrate how to use key Census features, it also shows Census
administrators how to perform out-of-the-box customizations and
more. All major topics are covered.
If you would like additional training please contact us.
