Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What kind of computer do I need to run Offering Helper?

2. Is Offering Helper available for the Macintosh computer?

3. Is there a trial version of Offering Helper?

4. I tried downloading the trial version, but the download didn't complete successfully. What do I do?

5. Can I get the trial version on CD.

6. The trial period just expired!  Did I lose all my data?

7. Are some program features disabled in the trial version?

8. How much does Offering Helper cost?

9. What computer language is Offering Helper written in?

10. Do I need Microsoft Office on my computer to run Offering Helper?

11. Is there an advantage to having a retail version of Microsoft Access on my computer, in terms of running Offering Helper?

12. I already have all my donor names in a computer file. Do I have to re-type them all over again into Offering Helper?

13. I added our church logo to the receipt, but I can't specify what position to display it at. What can I do?

14. I tried to backup data files, but they wouldn't fit on one disk. What do I do?

15. Can I customize the way the receipt looks?

16. I still don't like the way the receipt looks. Can I design my own?

17. Can I define my own categories for donations?

1. What kind of computer do I need to run Offering Helper?
   Offering Helper will run on any computer that has Windows 95 or better, at least 32Mb of RAM, and 5Mb or more of free hard disk space. If you do not have Microsoft Access installed on your computer, you will need an additional 20Mb of free hard disk space.
   
   
2. Is Offering Helper available for the Macintosh computer?
   Sorry, not at this time.
   
   
3. Is there a trial version of Offering Helper?
   Yes. You can download it from this web site, or have it sent to you on CD.
   
   
4. I tried downloading the trial version, but the download didn't complete successfully. What do I do?
   Try downloading late at night, or early in the morning, or on weekends. The less congested the internet is, the more likely that you will be able to download Offering Helper successfully.
   
   
5. Can I get the trial version on CD?
   Yes. Please include $10.00 to cover shipping & handling.
   
   
6. The trial period just expired!  Have I lost all my data?
   No, it's still there. If you decide to buy the program, you will be able to re-activate the program and pick up exactly where you left off before the trial period expired.
   
   
7. Are some program features disabled in the trial version?
   The trial version of Offering Helper is fully functional in all respects, except it will not generate receipts. There is sample receipt preloaded into the program, though, which you can view and print. This allows you to see what it looks like.  Also, the program will disable itself after 45 days. 
   
   
8. How much does Offering Helper cost?
   Click here for more detailed pricing information.
   
   
9. What computer language is Offering Helper written in?
   Offering Helper is written in Microsoft Access 97 Visual Basic.
   
   
10. Do I need Microsoft Access on my computer to run Offering Helper?
    No. A version of Offering Helper is available that has Microsoft Access built in.
    
    
11. Is there an advantage to having a retail version of Microsoft Access on my computer, in terms of running Offering Helper?
    The only thing you could do with a retail version of Microsoft Access is use it to access the raw data, and design custom reports.  However, Microsoft Access has a fairly steep learning curve - its not as easy to use as programs like Word or Excel. It is intended more for "power users" and software developers.
    
    
12. I already have all my donor names in a computer file. Do I have to re-type them all over again into Offering Helper?
    Depending on what type of computer file they are stored in, you may be able to import them directly into Offering Helper. See the Offering Helper Help file for detailed information on how to do this. Use the index feature to search for "Importing Names".
    
    
13. I added our church logo to the receipt, but I can't specify what position to display it at. What can I do?
    Modify the bitmap. Lets say you wanted the logo to appear 1" lower. Edit the bitmap using any graphics program (such as Microsoft Paint that comes with Windows). Enlarge the bitmap vertically by 1 inch, then move the logo to the bottom of the available space in the bitmap, leaving white space at the top.
    
    
14. I tried to backup data files, but they wouldn't fit on one disk. What do I do?
    First, make sure the disk you are backing up to is empty. If it still won't fit, you can back up to a Zip drive, if you have one. If not, you will have to use third party software to compress and/or split the files across 2 or more floppy disks. For instance, you could use the Backup program that comes with Windows, or you could use the popular compression program WinZip. If you use this method, note that the only files that need backing up are Names.mdb and Offerings.mdb. You will find these files in the folder in which you installed Offering Helper.
    
    
15. Can I customize the way the receipt looks?
    Yes. The following aspects of the receipt can be customized:
    
    • Your church name and address will display on the receipt.
    • Your church's business / tax number can be set, as well as the name of your church treasurer.
    • You can add a graphical bitmap to the top portion of the receipt, which can display anything you want.
    • You can customize the "Thank-you for your contribution" messages.
    • The position of the donor name and address can be changed, in order to fit windowed envelopes.
    
    
16. I still don't like the way the receipt looks. Can I design my own?
    Yes. Offering Helper has the option to save the receipt data to an Excel spreadsheet. You could design your own receipt format in a program such as Microsoft Word, and then do a mail merge with the data that you saved in the spreadsheet.
    
    
17. Can I define my own categories for donations?
    Yes. Click on Data Entry / Edit Categories. This brings you to a screen in which you can enter your own categories.