When I first designed the Museum Archive software, I thought I might provide a method to play audio or video files from within the program. After playing with the idea, I realized that there were too many variables (codecs and so on) for me to spend time on, so I shelved the idea. Recently, some users have asked for the ability to link to PDF files, and that prompted me to take another approach to my original idea.
Version 1.4 (premium edition) gives you the ability to link to other file types from within an Object, and to open the referenced file from within the Museum Archive software. I simply pass the file name to Windows and let the operating system open the file (the same way it does when you double-click on the file name). If Windows can open the file, you can now open it from within the software.
The image section already opens the associated image file and displays it. Version 1.4 adds that capability to Audio Tracks, Oral History Tracks, and Video files. Each of these Object Detail forms now has a Play button. Don’t forget, Windows is doing the work, so you have to set up the operating system to use the appropriate software to open that type of file (that is, you have to associate the software with the file type).
I’ve extended this capability to any type of file - DOC, PDF, XLS, whatever. I’ve also added the ability to associate an external file to every Object Note. You simply place the associated file name in square brackets at the beginning of your note text, and the software will pass that name on to Windows to open it up. The Note form also has a file look-up button which will place the file name in square brackets for you. As one user commented, this is like having an email attachment for every Note - easy to keep track of and view.
Thanks to Charles Browne and Jeremy Robson for the very helpful feedback. The upgrade is available at the site (www.musarch.com).