Stamp Collecting Software

I have been using StampCAT for many years which is based on MS Access. I have been very happy with this program and did start looking for an alternative but could not find any software that was as good. I run Parallels on my two Macs in order to use StampCAT. Unfortunately it is no longer sold but is still supported.

mootermutt987,
I have also used Excel to build a crude, basic catalog of my US stamps. I haven't created hyperlinks to each stamp yet and am wondering how do you mange/organize the links. Do you have just one big file of all of your images, do you divide them into files based on year or ID number? Do you have an image of each individual stamp or do you have images with multiple stamp images on them?

Two ways..

Images for each stamp should be a single image. Ideally you should put them in a folder beneath the folder that holds you spreadsheet. This allows you to make short links (path to image) in one of the columns, clicking on the link for that stamp will then open the image file.

Second way is to embed the images in the spreadsheet itself and use an Excel 'comment' to add the image for each stamp. The Excel comment box will be shown in the cell with a small icon, clicking it will 'popup' the image. NOTE: this gives you a single Excel file with the need for other image files BUT having hundreds of images embedded in the spreadsheet will make if huge. Having a 900MB Excel file can take a few minutes to open it.
Don

Does the software have to be resident on your local machine, or would you be ok with something entirely on-line?

I used the SCDB for years and my computer crashed. Want to get it reinstalled on my computer as his retirement corresponded with my retirement of my collection.

For Windows users, the Stamps2Go Assistant is a totally free database that I have used extensively in the past, and might be worth looking at. You don't have to have an account at the Stamps2Go web site to use it offline on your PC.

https://www.stamps2go.com/S2GAssist...default.aspx

John

I would recommend that folks read and fully understand their Terms and Conditions before signing up, giving them any your personal and financial information, and using their system.
Don

Good advice, Don . In this case, you do not need to sign up for anything to use the software...

John

Windows 11 did not like the app and blocked it.

Don, considering that hundreds of users on Stamps2Go probably use this software every day, I doubt it is dangerous. It has been in use for at least 10 years that I know of.

I'm no software guru, but the blocked screen is a very common one, in my experience. I would want to see the data as to why it is blocked... Perhaps something as simple as an expired security certificate?

Why is this software supposedly dangerous?

John

This does not really matter. The issue is that this is a public community and recommending things that MAY be potential an issue reflects on the forum. If people have issues, it will reflect on the forum too. Even having a screen like the one I show will cause some people to get upset.

It is fine that you recommended an app, but reminding others to careful when making changes to their computer is warranted. (Same goes for offering legal advice, medical advice, or financial advice.) Please keep in mind it also can create more work for the forum Staff, since people will not be contacting you if they have any issues but rather contact us with questions or even support requests.
Don

Don,

I understand.

My postings were based on my personal experiences and observations. Not trying to rock the boat or cause problems for anyone, especially for the SCF staff! Just thought some folks might be interested in a freeware software solution that doesn't involve re-inventing the wheel or spending a lot of money...

Of course, everyone needs to do their own research, due diligence, etc.

John

No worries.
Have you had an opportunity to use their support? If so, how was it?

I am leery of 'free' and it makes me wonder how they can spend a lot of time supporting a 'free' app.

Can you export out your data that you enter in this app? If so, what formats does it support?

Over the years I have collected software as well as stamps. I was a long-term member of the Microsoft Developer Tech Network program where MS sent me hundreds of CD and DVDs of their beta software. I have spent countless hours in the 'seedy underbelly' of the internet gathering hacked copies of application software. I am a pro at setting up virtual machines to play with apps that often have ugly things embedded in them. I have a custom indexed database of my closet full of software.

But one of the things that concerned me was the outdated mention of .NET 3.51 (the .NET version that came with Windows XP and was released in 2008) and the older design of their website. I think I had previously tried it out their app years ago but thought I would revisit when I saw your post.

If I can find the time I will load a new virtual machine, test out this app, and post my findings.

In the meantime, I agree with John that it is probably safe.
Don

I do not use online databases and would not unless I have a local version as well. Even the best sites can get hacked (knowingly or unknow ling) so there is always risk. The risk varies!

Tik Tok is in the Microsoft Store.

I haven't had to use their support as it isn't very complicated. There is an excellent help file with the app.

In this case, the app is designed as an uploader for sellers, or buyers who want to look for what they need on Stamps2Go (wantlists). Another way of using it is totally offline, i.e., you don't have to sync with Stamps2Go, nor do you do you have to have an account there in order to use it offline.

If memory serves, it backups/downloads to comma delimited/MS Access.

John