Introduction

We have hundreds of CD’s, books, DVD’s, Blu-Ray discs, tapes, so much media and no way to keep track of it. How many times have loaned out a book or a movie only to forget who has it and then when you need it you don’t have it. How frustrating is that?

I think we have the solution. Data Crow is an open source java application pioneered by Robert Jan van der Waals. The program is simply an array of modules that each allows you to store information about a myriad of media types, the best thing is you’ll do minimal typing. The software fetches online databases like Amazon and IMDB to download the information pertaining to your search, so if you want to add the movie Transformers to your database, all you would do is select the correct media, country, and search. Once the item appears you simply add it to your collection. If your brother asks you loan him the movie, that’s simple too. Simply look up the movie and check it out, Voila! Among those features are many others so don’ forget to download the program and try it or yourself. 

The Product

You can obtain a copy of data crow for free from the developer’s website or from Source Forge. The developer has provided some reference materials on the website, but most of what you’ll need can be found in the Help menu. Below you will find some screenshots of the software’s interface.

Installation

Before proceeding with installation ensure that you have Java Runtime Environment installed. This application is based on Java.

1. Double-click installer.jar to install the application.

2. Click Next to proceed.

3. You will be prompted to accept the license agreement, if you do, click on Next to proceed.

4. Click Next to proceed.

5. Select the directory for installation.

Installation (Continued)

6. Click OK so that the directory can be created.

7. Choose which packs to install and click Next to proceed.

8. Click Next to proceed.

9. Select where you would like shortcuts to be placed. Click Next to proceed.

10. Click Done to finish installation.

 Configuration

1. Start the program by double-clicking the Data Crow icon.

2. Select your language and click OK to proceed.

3. Software loads.

4. Choose level of expertise. I chose Beginner.

Specifications and Use

Specifications and System Requirements

•  Name and Version: Data Crow 3.4.8 (AO 3/4/2009)
• Price: Freeware
• File Size: 17.8MB download
• Operating System(s): Windows 9x/Me/XP/2003/Vista
• Hardware Requirements: Pentium 233 MHz, 512 MB RAM, 26 MB hard drive space
• Programmer: Robert Jan van der Waals

1. Click on the Movie Icon located on the left vertical bar. Click New Wizard to start the New Wizard.

2. Enter a search term in the Search for box, set the parameters, (DVD, Server, and Country), click Find.
When the item you were looking for appears, select it and click on Next to proceed.

3. Software is retrieving movie details from the internet.

4. The movie data is displayed in this screen, you can modify the data based on your preferences, when done, click Finish.

Aside from cataloguing movies, books, magazines, and other items, the software has a loan administration module that allows you to keep track of your movies when they are loaned out. The software also has an online module which allows you to create your own web server to administer your catalogue remotely. You can also print reports and write your own modules.

Conclusion

Data Crow offers many features that I have yet to find in a free package like this. It comes with modules that cover almost the entire spectrum of things you would collect; it even has a module for boxes. I really like the concept of a web server that I can access remotely and look forward to trying that feature out.The interface is pretty clean and requires some getting used to, I ran the software on a virtual machine running Vista SP1 and the program ran like a charm. The only concern I have is that the Data Crow project has only one contributor, the original developer, so if tomorrow he decides to quit the project, the users are left holding the bag, aside from that I am very much pleased with what the software has to offer and the features I am able to use. I’ve always been toying with the idea of creating a massive Access database that housed my entire movie, music, book, and other information; it appears that I have found my solution.

This review was written by Gilberto J. Perera from LaptopLogic.com.

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