Getting Started

This chapter will walk you through the basic steps to set up PastPerfect for your organization. Before you begin this task, PastPerfect must be installed on your computer. See Chapter 1 - Installation and Upgrade for details on installation.

These are the steps recommended when using PastPerfect for the first time.

1. Read this manual.
2. Experiment with the evaluation software.
3. Set up the Main Menu.
4. Enter name and address information for your organization.
5. Enter system parameters.
6. Enter workstation settings.
7. Set up security.
8. Set up custom fields.
9. Set up mapping software.
10. Customize Query fields.
11. Customize Report Maker.
12. Set up spell checking.
13. Create authority files and drop-down menus.
14. Set up your function keys.
15. Customize the Browse screens.
16. Define a backup routine.

If you purchased any of the optional features, they must be installed.

1. Install MultiMedia Upgrade.
2. Install Network Upgrade.
3. Install Barcode Printing and Inventory Manager Upgrades.

After completing the above steps, you are ready to start entering data. This is the recommended order to enter data.

1. Convert existing data.
2. Enter your donors as contacts.
3. Enter your accession records.
4. Catalog your objects, photos, archives, and library items.
5. Create records for your incoming and outgoing loans.
6. Create records for your current exhibits.
7. Set up your contacts, members, and campaigns.

Information about setting up and using multimedia, barcode printing, contacts, members, and campaigns will be covered in later chapters.