Product: Wine from WineHQ
Version:
BETA
|
URL:
http://www.winehq.com/
|
Operating
System:
Windows on Linux
|
Cost:
Free
|
Trial/Demo
Available:
|
Language:
English
|
Date
Reviewed:
Not
Reviewed
|
Ease of
Installation:
|
Ease of use:
|
Help
Functions:
|
Major
Features:
|
Printing:
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Export/Import:
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Backup:
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Limitations:
|
Recommendation:
|
Score
| Easy Use |
Features |
Help |
Overall
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Cost
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Vendor
Description:
Wine is a translation layer
(a
program loader) capable of running Windows applications on Linux and
other
POSIX compatible operating systems. Windows programs running in Wine
act
as native programs would, running without the performance or memory
usage penalties of an emulator, with a similar look and feel to other
applications
on your desktop.
The Wine project started in
1993
as a way to support running Windows 3.1 programs on Linux. Bob Amstadt
was
the original coordinator, but turned it over fairly early on to
Alexandre
Julliard, who has run it ever since. Over the years, ports for other
Unixes
have been added, along with support for Win32 as Win32 applications
became popular.
Wine is still under
development,
and it is not yet suitable for general use. Nevertheless, many people
find
it useful in running a growing number of Windows programs. Please see
the
Application Database for success and failure reports for hundreds of
Windows
programs, as well as the Bug Tracking Database for a list of known
issues,
and the Status page for a global view on Wine's implementation progress.
Reviewer Comment:
|
Product:
Wine Cellar
Version: N/A
|
URL:
http://www.geocities.com/NapaValley/5996/
|
Operating
System: Windows
95/98 or higher
|
Cost:
Free
|
Trial/Demo
Available:
|
Language:
English
|
Date
Reviewed:
Legacy
|
Ease
of
Installation: Straight
forward
|
Ease
of
use:
Very easy
|
Help
Function:
No
|
Major
Features:
Tasting
and general notes; assign rating by color, flavor, aroma and other
characteristics
|
Printing:
Screen Prints
|
Export/Import:
N/A
|
Backup:
N/A
|
Limitations:
|
Recommendation:
Recommended because it
is
free
|
Score
| Easy Use |
Features |
Help |
Overall
|
Cost
|
 |
|
N/A |
|
 |
|
Vendor
Description:
Free 32-bit software (Win95 or NT operating
system
is required). Fast, powerful, and easy to use with an intuitive
graphical
interface and detailed help utility. Searchable wine and tasting
comments
allows tracking of maturity dates, cellar locations, purchase dates,
and
more. Use the built-in standard (Davis System) or create any
10-category
rating system. Trend analysis -- graph category scores and/or total
ratings
across time Create detailed inventory and tasting reports for easy
accounting
and ranking of wines.
Reviewer Comment:
Well,
this
software is free. No problems downloading and installing, although I
was
unable to place the files in a directory of my own choosing, no big
deal.
This is an easy to use, very simple in design and looks, program, but
it
works. I don't particular like the idea of assigning a numerical rating
to
color, flavor, aroma, and so on, but it allows for a statistical
scoring
display.
There is section for tasting notes and general notes about each wine.
It's
an OK product and you need to decide whether to get this one for free
or
spend $40-50 bucks for something more flexible and with more features.
|
|
Product: Vintage Manager Basic
Version:
6.0
|
URL: www.vintagemanager.com
|
Operating System: Windows 2000 or higher
|
Cost:
$49.99
|
Trial/Demo Available: Yes
|
Language:
English
|
Date Reviewed:
Legacy
|
Ease of Installation: Large download - Straight forward
|
Ease of use:
Very easy &
intuitive
|
Help Function:
Yes
|
Major Features:
Tasting and general notes; cellar
location &
layout, add pictures, customize windows
|
Printing:
Various Reporting
|
Export/Import:
Yes
|
Backup:
Yes
|
Limitations:
|
Recommendation:
Highly
Recommended
|
| Easy Use |
Features |
Help |
Overall
|
Cost
|
| |
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|
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Vendor Description:
Vintage Manager (Cellar Management Software)
allows
the user to manage the wine inventory for wine collectors and wine
cellars.
It keeps track of wine inventory, wine type, appellation, grape
varieties,
price, location, quantity, capturing barcode, Custom Fields, wine tag
and
purchase place. Advance tasting notes maintenance feature enable
the
user to enter multiple notes for wine. Advance features like uploading
the
data from the shared database using web service. Vintage Manager alerts
the
user about the wine whether its ready to drink or too late to drink
wine.
The data also can be viewed from the web.
It allows to search the wine in Wine-searcher.com, WineSpectator.com
and
winecommune.com, matching wine glasses with wine and it keeps track of
previously
held wines (wines once hold) with transaction history and many more
functions.
Reviewer Comment:
Vintage Manager, for a long
time,
was available free as a single version. The company now offers two
versions,
one is the Basic and the second the Professional version. The Basic
version
has several features removed and integrated into the Professional
version.
The Basic version is still very impressive and in my opinion
beats
any other product that is offered for free or at similar cost. I
strongly recommend that you shell
out
a few bucks to have the CD shipped to you.
The windows layout is
intuitive,
clean and easy to follow after a few trials and errors. Many of
the
windows and functions are highly customizable, which allows you to
design
each function and features the way you like it.
The help manual is nicely
designed
and appears in a separate browser window. A physical layout of your
wine
cellar can be designed using easy point and click moves. Your own
bottle
label picture can be inserted for each wine entered by making a few
mouse
clicks. Very professional designed. There are interfaces to your
favorite
Website and plenty of reports can be generated. This software is easy
to
learn and use.
|
|
Product: Vintage
Manager Professional
Version: 6.0
|
URL:
www.vintagemanager.com
|
Operating
System: Windows
2000 or higher
|
Cost:
$99.99
|
Trial/Demo
Available: Yes
|
Language:
English
|
Date
Reviewed:
Legacy
|
Ease
of
Installation: Large
download
- Straight forward
|
Ease
of
use:
Very easy & intuitive
|
Help
Function:
Yes
|
Major
Features:
Tasting
and general notes; cellar location & layout, add pictures,
customize
windows, sales management, track cash/credit purchases, and many others.
|
Printing:
Various Reporting
|
Export/Import:
Yes
|
Backup:
Yes
|
Limitations:
|
Recommendation:
Recommended
|
Score
| Easy Use |
Features |
Help |
Overall
|
Cost
|
| |
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Vendor Description:
Vintage Manager Professional has all the
features
that come in the Basic version. Additionally Vintage Manager
Professional
has convenient purchase tracking features in order to manage your
purchase
transactions from your suppliers.
Vintage Manager Professional's purchase features takes care of most
purchase
functions including creating and purchase order, maintaining a
transaction
ledger and producing various purchase reports. It keeps detailed
information
of all the cash / credit purchase Invoices and supplier
information.
When performing transactions involving quantity such as purchases,
sales
and returns, the quantity on hand is automatically updated. Easy
reports
allow you to see the beginning balance, transactions such as purchases
and
sales and an ending inventory balance. Once product received you
purchase
order automatically add the inventory to the wine.
The module also includes the following convenient features. A
transaction
memo field that allows you to enter free from and structured text so
that
you can record all the relevant purchase transaction information.
Vintage
Manager Professional also has a foreign currency field so that you can
record
the purchase currency. This is especially useful if you conduct
transactions
in different currencies. For example exchanges rates usually change
from
the time of purchase to the time when the actual payment is remitted.
Vintage Manager Professional gives you the ability to view the purchase
price at
different exchange rates.
Vintage Manager Professional also allow you to set up multiple payment
accounts
so that you can pay for your purchases from more than one source..
Reviewer Comment:
The Professional version of
Vintage
Manager has many new functions and features that only recently were
added.
In addition to all the functions in the Basic version there is a
sophisticated
method to track your financial expenditures. A multitude of Internet
interfaces
get you to winesearcher.com and other sites.
The windows are very user friendly and easy to follow. There are just
so
many functions and features that it is almost impossible to get and
accurate
picture in the short time I am allowing for this review.
Before purchasing the Professional version I would recommend you take a
close
look at the description on their website or download each trial version
and
decide whether the Basic version will do just fine for you for $50 less.
I am recommending the
software,
but like others in this price range you need to decide if you are
willing
to spent this much money for the software. |
|
Product:
Vintage Manager
Pocket
PC
Version:
6.0
|
URL:
www.vintagemanager.com
|
Operating
System: Windows
2000 or higher
|
Cost:
$19.99
|
Trial/Demo
Available: Yes
|
Language:
English
|
Date
Reviewed:
Not
Reviewed
|
Ease
of
Installation: Download
|
Ease
of
use:
|
Help
Function:
|
Major
Features:
|
Printing:
|
Export/Import:
Interfaces with the Basic and Professional versions of
Vintage
Manager
|
Backup:
Yes
|
Limitations:
|
Recommendation:
|
Score
| Easy Use |
Features |
Help |
Overall
|
Cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vendor
Description:
If your are on the road to attend the wine tasting event and if you
would
like to take tasting notes or you like to have your wine
collection
data to be carried on your Pocket pc to show it to some one at the wine
meetings.
The Shopping list feature to keep track of
your next purchase you are intended to make, then the Vintage manager
pocket
pc version allows you enter new wine information as well as synchronize
the
information between the desktop Vintage Manager version and pocket pc.
Maintains the wine type, appellation, drink and
hold
profile, bottle size, Variety and winery.
- Wine maintenance screen captures wine name,
vintage
year, wine type, variety, winery, country and its tasting
notes.
- Flexible scoring system allows the user to
choose
their own scoring system like 8/10, 90/100 or ***/***** etc.
- Multiple tasting notes can be created for a
wine
- Manages the vendor information with address and
contact
information.
- Shopping list screen manages the wines you are
planning
to purchase by vendor.
- Backup and restore option available for the
recovery.
Backups the data in the XML format.
- Data synchronized between Desktop Vintage
manager.
Reviewer Comment:
|
|
Product:
WineDemocracy.com Version:
online
|
URL:
WineDemocracy.com
|
Operating
System: Internet
Online
|
Cost:
Free
|
Trial/Demo
Available: N/A
|
Language:
English
|
Date
Reviewed:
Legacy
|
Ease
of
Installation: Large
download
- Straight forward
|
Ease
of
use:
Easy & intuitive
|
Help
Function:
|
Major
Features:
Tasting
and general notes; view other user's notes, searching, access from
anywhere
in the world
|
Printing:
Screen printing only
|
Export/Import:
No
|
Backup:
No
|
Limitations:
|
Recommendation:
Recommended
|
Score:
Easy
Use
|
Features
|
Help
|
Overall
|
Cost
|
| |
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vendor
Description:
WineDemocracy.com provides you with unlimited
storage
to manage your wine cellar online and build a database of your own
tasting
notes.
WineDemocracy.com allows you to easily arrange
your
wine inventory and tasting notes by vintage, producer, varietal, region
and
more!
Using WineDemocracy.com, you have access to your tasting notes and can
manage
your wine cellar inventory from anywhere in the world.
Reviewer Comment:
WineDemocracy.com is the new
kid
on the block. It features online tasting notes storing, which can be
accessed
from any computer in the world if you have Internet access. It has
approximately
230 tasting notes for 190 wines as of this writing. I suppose with time
the
number of authors and tasting notes will increase and become more
valuable
for research. It should be noted that the software is Beta version,
meaning
that improvements and error corrections can be expected before the
final
operational release is published.
Here is what I found: All in all the software is simple to use
with
no gimmicks. There are basically two functions; one is entering tasting
notes
and the second is displaying of tasting notes. Notes are easy to enter
and
many characteristics are selected from a menu by placing checkmarks in
the
appropriate boxes.
Searching for specific or general tasting notes is also simple and is
done
by providing certain search criteria. Unfortunately one problem is that
the
resulting list cannot be sorted into a desired sequence and the
software
seems to just arbitrarily retrieve the notes from the database and
display
them as they are retrieved. Once several thousand notes are in the
database
it is probably not a good idea to force all records to be retrieved. A
user
can retrieve his/her own notes and/or tasting notes that were entered
by
other users.
There is no print function other than selecting “print” from the file
menu
of the browser. While this works OK, it would be nice to have several
options
to expand on what will be printed, the sort order, or limit the
information.
It would also be great if an option would allow downloading notes to
ones
own computer or better yet a palm device.
I like the cleanliness of the software and its function. I also like
the
fact that I can access or enter new notes from anywhere in the world. I
am
not a fan of online databases, which are not under my control, but I do
recommend
the software because it is free and very easy to use. As with all
online
databases I caution users not to rely that your notes are still
available
in a month or year from now, or that access to the software continues
to
be free. If the owner of the Website decides to fold your notes will go
to.
So, keep a backup copy. |
|
Product:
WinWein Version:
N/A
|
URL:
http://www.winwein.de/
|
Operating
System: Internet
Browser
|
Cost:
50.00 EURO
|
Trial/Demo
Available: Yes
|
Language:
Deutsch/German
|
Date
Reviewed:
Not
Reviewed
|
Ease
of
Installation:
|
Ease
of
use:
|
Help
Function:
Yes
|
Major
Features:
|
Printing:
|
Export/Import:
Export to Palm, Internet,
Excel
|
Backup:
|
Limitations:
|
Recommendation:
|
Score:
Easy
Use
|
Features
|
Help
|
Overall
|
Cost
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
Vendor
Description:
Die intuitive Benutzerführung macht WinWein
zu
einer Weinsoftware, die auch für noch “Software unerfahrene
Weinfreunde”
geeignet ist und den Einstieg in die interessante Welt des Weines
erleichtert.
Die grafische Bedienoberfläche ermöglicht einfaches
"Sortieren"
und die "Bearbeitung" Ihrer Weindaten über detaillierte
Registerkarten
(Stammdaten, Lager- sowie Bewertungsdaten, Notizen, Kellerbuch und
Speisen).
Komfortable "Mausbedienung" sowie das Auslösen aller
Programmfunktionen
zusätzlich über "Hotkeys" und Sie importieren z.B. das
Etikett
Ihres Lieblings-Weines mit nur einem Mausklick. Ebenso können Sie
die
Unterschreitung Ihres festgelegten Mindestbestandes pro Wein anzeigen
lassen.
Reviewer Comment:
|
|
Product:
Fermsoft Version:
online
|
URL:
http://www.fermsoft.com/log/index.php
|
Operating
System: Internet
Browser
|
Cost:
Free
|
Trial/Demo
Available: N/A
|
Language:
English
|
Date
Reviewed:
Not
Reviewed
|
Ease
of
Installation:
|
Ease
of
use:
|
Help
Function:
|
Major
Features:
|
Printing:
|
Export/Import:
|
Backup:
|
Limitations:
|
Recommendation:
|
Score:
Easy
Use
|
Features
|
Help
|
Overall
|
Cost
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
Vendor
Description:
Online Wine Log is a web-based application that
is
used for recording winemaking events. Information such as measurements,
additions,
rackings, notes, and inventory can be recorded. In addition, a report
generator
is included so that reports can be easily created and printed in a
variety
of formats. You can then access your winemaking records from any
computer
in the world that has an internet connection and a web browser.
- Add/Edit/Delete wine batches.
- Add/Edit/Delete winemaking events such as
measurements,
additions, fermentation, rackings, bottling, tastings and notes.
- Track wine inventory.
- Generate custom reports based on log data.
- Reports may be automatically generated in
HTML
format for viewing within the web browser. Reports may also be
generated
in a variety of other document formats (PDF, Microsoft Word, or
OpenOffice
Writer).
Reviewer Comment:
|
|
Product:
PHP Wine Inventory Management
System Version:
Linux
|
URL:
http://phpwims.sourceforge.net/
|
Operating
System: Linux
|
Cost:
Free
|
Trial/Demo
Available: N/A
|
Language:
English
|
Date
Reviewed:
Not
Reviewed
|
Ease
of
Installation:
|
Ease
of
use:
|
Help
Function:
|
Major
Features:
|
Printing:
|
Export/Import:
|
Backup:
|
Limitations:
|
Recommendation:
|
Score:
Easy Use
|
Features
|
Help
|
Overall
|
Cost
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
|
Vendor
Description:
The PHP Wine Inventory Management System is an
open
source wine cellar database released under the terms of the GNU GPL and
provides
an easy-to-use web interface for complete inventory management .
- Multi-user capability with user-specific
security
permissions (version 0.2.9)
Usage tracker with ability to log all
submissions,
updates and checkouts (version 0.2.8)
Separate function for recording results from
wine
tasting events
Intelligent installation and upgrade
procedures
(version 0.2.9)
Reviewer Comment:
PHP has been suggested by
one
of our readers in Virginia. PHP runs only on the Linux operating
system..
His comments are: "I've been using it for nearly a year to track my
~400
bottle cellar, and I love it. Suits my needs very well, and since it
runs
on my Linux server, I can get to it from any web browser in my house."
|
|
Product: The
Uncorked Cellar
Version:
N/A
|
URL:
http://www.uncork.com.au/
|
| Operating
System: Windows |
Cost:
Starting $59.00
|
Trial/Demo
Available: Yes
|
Language:
English
|
Date
Reviewed:
Legacy
|
Ease
of
Installation: Download
-
straight forward
|
Ease
of
use:
Easy
|
Help
Function:
Yes
|
Major
Features:
Track
bottles and tasting notes, Internet access, search, easy data entry,
good
graphics, virtual cellar , drink by date, barcoding, good sorting, add
your
own pictures
|
Printing:
Various Reports
|
Export/Import:
|
Backup:
|
Limitations:
|
Recommendation:
Highly
Recommended
|
Score:
Easy Use
|
Features
|
Help
|
Overall
|
Cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vendor
Description:
The Uncorked Cellar (TM) is the most
comprehensive
wine software and wine information source of its type available.
Instantly
access information on a wide range of wines, including wine aging
information
and wine notes provided by the wine maker. Manage the contents of your
home
wine collection. Easily add or select wines from your home wine cellar
with
just a few keystrokes, and view the location of your wines in the
virtual
rack display. Compare your tasting experiences with winemakers notes
and
record wine reviews.
Reviewer Comment:
What at first seems to be an
overwhelming
array of input boxes, display fields and comments section make sense
after
a few test runs.
This package is full of
functions
and features and the graphics are impressive. I would not recommend
this
product to the occasional user who has 20 bottles to track, but give it
a
thumbs up for all others.
I tested the June 2002
version,
which came with over 9000 sample wines and producer information. I
liked
the idea of a one-click means to go to the producers Website, if a URL
address
has been configured.
Adding new wines is easy,
either
by entering all pertaining data or by using an existing wine from that
producer
and changing things like vintage. A map of wine producing countries can
be
displayed, but I found that to be useless because it's simply a country
or
regional map with very limited information. Great product, highly recommend.
|
|
Product: Vinoté+Plus Version: N/A
|
URL:
http://www.uncork.com.au/
|
| Operating
System: Windows |
Cost:
Free
|
Trial/Demo
Available: N/A
|
Language:
English
|
Date
Reviewed:
Legacy
|
Ease
of
Installation: Download
-
straight forward
|
Ease
of
use:
Easy
|
Help
Function:
Yes
|
Major
Features:
Track
bottles and tasting notes, search & sort, easy data entry, good
graphics,
virtual cellar , drink by date, barcoding, label image
|
Printing:
Various Reports
|
Export/Import:
|
Backup:
|
Limitations:
|
Recommendation:
Recommended
|
Score:
Easy Use
|
Features
|
Help
|
Overall
|
Cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vendor
Description:
Free cellar management software for
Windows.
Vinoté+Plus uses uniquely numbered neck tags for ease of
recording
and locating bottles. Each Vinoté Neck-tag
carries
a unique number displayed in both human readable and barcode
form.
Every bottle has a tag attached to it; the tag number is recorded
in
the database along with wine data. Powerful sort, search
and
filter options make selection easy. Selected bottles are then
located
using the tag number. Empty bottles can be disposed while the
tags
are retained to ensure the removal of the bottles is accurately
recorded.
.
Reviewer Comment:
Vinote+Plus is more of an
inventory
type program, tracking bottles in your cellar. It assumes that you make
use
of their bottle hang tags, but really you could also use your own
hang
tags, or you just ignore the internal numbering scheme. User
interfaces
are simple and navigating through the various windows gets easier with
frequent
use. There is plenty of room for tasting notes. Reports produced are
limited,
but sufficient in most cases. If you can live without sophistication,
drink
dates and so on this package is just right, since it’s free.
Recommended.
Update 12/27/02: It was pointed out to us that the use of the tags and
a
barcode scanner could dramatically improve all organizational aspects
of
a wine cellar. I was given an example where tags would be very useful
"Wine
is not conducive to accuracy and too often my wife throws out empties
which
without my retaining the tags their opening would have gone un-recorded
in
the program - but with the tags they are later accurately removed."
Since we did not test the software using the tags it may not have been
a
complete test
|
|
Product:
Weinkellerverwaltung Version: N/A
|
URL:
http://www.wein-plus.de/freeware/wkv.shtml
|
| Operating
System: Windows |
Cost:
Free
|
Trial/Demo
Available: N/A
|
Language:
Deutsch/German
|
Date
Reviewed:
Not
Reviewed
|
Ease
of
Installation: Download
|
Ease
of
use:
|
Help
Function:
|
Major
Features:
|
Printing:
|
Export/Import:
|
Backup:
|
Limitations:
|
Recommendation:
|
Score:
Easy Use
|
Features
|
Help
|
Overall
|
Cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vendor
Description:
For our German speaking friends. Die
Weindatenbank
von Günther Fischer beinhaltet Informationen und Beschreibungen zu
3000
Weinen, die von Weinfreunden dort eingetragen wurden. Als Händler
oder
Erzeuger haben Sie auch die Möglichkeit, Ihre eigenen Weine dort
einzugeben
und damit Besucher der Seiten auf Ihr Lieferangebot hinzuweisen.
Die Weindatenbank ist eine kostenlose Software,
die
Sie frei downloaden und nutzen können. Damit können Sie Ihren
Weinkeller
komfortabel verwalten und auch Daten mit der Weindatenbank abgleichen.
Die kostenlose Wein-Plus Toolbar beschleunigt
Ihren
Zugriff auf Wein-Plus und insbesondere auf das Wein-Plus Glossar
erheblich.
Wenn die Wein-Plus Toolbar installiert ist, erscheint sie automatische
mit
der Internet Explorer Symbolleiste. Dies bedeutet, dass Sie schnell und
einfach
von jeder Website aus das Weinglossar nutzen können, ohne dazu zur
Wein-Plus-Homepage
zurückkehren zu müssen.
Reviewer Comment:
|
|
Product:
Bob Ross Simple Cellar
Spreadsheet
Version: N/A
|
URL: http://www.wineloverspage.com/rosswine.shtml
|
| Operating
System: Windows |
Cost:
Free
|
Trial/Demo
Available: N/A
|
Language:
English
|
Date
Reviewed:
Not
Reviewed
|
Ease
of
Installation: Download
|
Ease
of
use:
|
Help
Function:
|
Major
Features:
|
Printing:
|
Export/Import:
|
Backup:
|
Limitations:
|
Recommendation:
|
Score:
Easy Use
|
Features
|
Help
|
Overall
|
Cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vendor
Description:
While there's plenty of sophisticated
wine-cellar
and wine-inventory software around, many wine fanciers find that a
simple
spreadsheet or database setup is ample for the basic purpose of keeping
track
of a modest to mid-size wine collection.
Now we have a fine example for your free
non-commercial
use, and many thanks to Robert C. Ross -- who devised this
spreadsheet
for his own collection -- for making it available to the wine-loving
public.
Read Bob's summary; then click either of the links at the bottom of the
page
to download your choice of the Excel version or a plain-text,
tab-delimited
version that should be importable into any spreadsheet or database
program.
Reviewer Comment:
|
|
Product:
Warpa
Version: online
|
URL:
http://www.warpa.com/
|
| Operating
System: Internet
Online |
Cost:
Free
|
Trial/Demo
Available: N/A
|
Language:
English
|
Date
Reviewed:
Legacy
|
Ease
of
Installation: N/A
|
Ease
of
use:
Easy
|
Help
Function:
No
|
| Major
Features:
| | | |
