First Steps Using CMD > Getting Started

Once you've installed the CMD and you've finished the Create New CMD File step, you might be wondering, "OK, so now what do I do?"

At this point, you may just want to enter a few names to get the feel of the way CMD allows you to enter names and information. If that's what you want to do, feel free to do it! There are very few rules you have to follow when using a database such as CMD. You may add, update, delete, print, view, and work with your data whenever you wish!

We do have some basic hints, however, which we think will enhance your use of CMD. Here's a few tips which may prove useful to you:

•Have the printed manual beside you when you begin. Especially important are chapters 4 and 5, with chapter 5 being a tutorial as well as reference for the Enter/Modify/Delete Names dialog, the dialog where virtually all of the data about names in your church is entered. Following along as you enter information for the first time will be very helpful.

•Select the Enter/Modify/Delete Names option on the Names Menu. Enter two or three entire family units immediately. Have as much information about them available as possible, but don't worry about the items you don't have at this point. Chances are that you may still be unfamiliar with what CMD will allow you to store, and adding some names is a good way to find out what it can store and the types of information you should gather.

•When you begin entering names, you will do it in family units. You'll start with basic family information that will be common to all members, and then you'll enter each individual in the family. After you've entered family information, you can enter the specific data about each individual family member.

For specific information on adding family and individual information consult the Enter/Modify/Delete Names help topic.

•While you are learning by entering some individual names, you may wish to experiment a bit with the Visitation, Attendance, and Comments tools available for each person. The buttons in the lower right corner of the Family Members Data area on the Enter/Modify/Delete Names dialog gives you access to these tools.

After entering a few families and individuals, close the Enter/Modify/Delete Names dialog and explore some of the rest of the CMD system.

•Once you have a basic flavor of what you can do, take some time to look over each option of the Preferences Menu. These preferences allow you to tailor CMD to your specific church setting. While we provide default Preferences when you first create a data file, you will likely want to modify some of them. You'll probably want to check out the various Menu Choices to make sure they will work for your ministry setting.

•Learn how to backup your data early on. Try making your first backup using the Backup Data option on the File Menu before entering any more names. Determine to get in the habit of backing up your data several times a day when involved in numerous entry or updating sessions. Make additional backups weekly, and keep some of them off-site.

•Take the time to explore each and every choice on each and every menu.

•Click here if you need information about using CMD on a network.