QRAMA E-News September 2001

		This Edition's Features:
		*QRAMA Web Site*
		*Electronic Library*
	Prepared jointly by QRAMA	PDF v Word
	& Quality Matters Pty Ltd		September, 2001

This Newsletter is intended to be a monthly update - but as you are aware, we have been busily working on several issues which have taken up much time and energy, with the result that it has been 3 months since our last distribution. One project which has taken significant time and effort has been the development of QRAMA's electronic library - stocking it with all documents that may be of interest and help to you. So, this E-NEWS is dedicated to the Web site, the documents contained in the Library and how you can take advantage of them.

NEWSFLASH

The on-line Microsoft Word version of PAMD Form 20 was modified on 20th September. If you previously saved this Word file to your PC, please take the new version from the Web Site and SAVE IT AGAIN. The PDF version has not changed.

QRAMA Web Site: www.qrama.com.au

The Web site is *focused on assisting you, our Members, by providing on-line access to current and historical information; pro-forma documents; forms; links to related information and contact details; and much more. We basically want you to use the site as a resource* - to look at it whenever you need some help.

Another of our objectives with the site, is to provide prospective Members with some insight into the Association and the benefits we can offer. The more Members we have, the stronger our voice becomes.

We know that it is a key function of the Internet to offer relevant, easily accessible information but we also realise that it is only financial Members like you who make it possible to provide this type of facility. To *protect your financial interests*, we have made access to the electronic library password protected, and to ensure this protection is continued, your current Username and Password will be changed every year. So please keep these details in a safe, easy to find location when we forward them to you - and please, do not provide them to other non-member managers.

To achieve the objective of establishing the site as one of your most valuable resources, we need your assistance. We need to know the types of information you consider useful and we need your feedback on a variety of functionality issues. We will discuss this in a bit more details later but if you wish to send a comment, please do so to Di O'Shea at qm@infm.com.

Electronic Library:

The electronic library or "Information Library" (as it is called on the Web site), has grown rapidly in content since it was first established. It contains copies of pertinent information which has been distributed to you in the past together with on-line forms and pro-forma documents that can be completed on-line, printed and (in some cases) saved to your PC.

The most difficult aspect of providing on-line forms and pro-forma documents is that Members will be using various types of software to view, complete and print them. Members also have varying levels of computer skills which can make life a little more difficult for some. However, we have considered these problems and made every effort to address them. The following suggestions may go some way in helping you to take advantage of the Library. Create a separate "Folder" (or folders) in your PC for Legislative or, if you like, QRAMA related files; Load the current version of Acrobat Reader (currently Ver 5.0) (click here to go to the Adobe Download page) - it's FREE; Load the latest version of your Browser by going to the Supplier's Home page and follow the links to Downloads. If you have problems obtaining documents from the Library, email Di O'Shea with details at qm@infm.com; If you prefer to have documents fully customised to your specific business needs, contact Di O'Shea with your requirements and ask for a Quote. You can also get them on CD.
We are currently looking at redesigning the Library's layout but would like to get your feedback before we make a start. So please, send us your comments.

*PDF versus MICROSOFT WORD FORMAT*

In most cases, we will give you a choice between *PDF Format and Word Format* for on-line forms and pro-formas, which you can use for preparation of forms, contracts, letters etc. There is no easy explanation to help you choose the best format to use - but here is a summary of the pros and cons for both.

*PDF - Pros*
The layout is very user-friendly and input is simple and clearly identified (because we can design and format input fields); We can replicate fields, so that you input a common field once and it displays in all relevant locations automatically; The format will print exactly as it appears on the screen ie just like filling in a paper form; You can save the pro-forma (on-line) document; You can complete the pro-forma either from the Web site or when in Acrobat Reader; You can print completed documents (while still on-screen).
*PDF - Cons*
You need Acrobat Reader Ver 5.0 installed on your PC - but it's FREE; It is recommended that you have 64KB of memory (although 32MB works - but is a bit slow); You cannot save an electronic copy of a completed document; and therefore Can only print the document when you enter the information.
Microsoft Word - Pros
You can save the pro-forma (on-line) document; You can complete the pro-forma either from the Web site or when in Word; You can save a completed document; You can print the completed document at any time from the saved file.
Microsoft Word - *Cons*
The layout is not very user-friendly; Some fields must be completed "off-line" ie crossing-out of multiple choice text; All fields must be entered - no replication. (However, depending on your skill level, you can Find and Replace); The format may vary as you enter information into the document; Formatting may need adjustment before printing;
In summary - If you prefer to save your documents eg completed forms, contractual agreements etc in hard copy, in a filing cabinet and you are prepared to type the variables each time, then PDF is the best option. However, if you prefer to save your files electronically, then Word is the way to go.
If you do not have Word installed on your computer and you want to save electronic document files, then the library files may not be of assistance to you.

Again, if you have any comments or queries about the Web site while John Anderson is unavailable, please contact Di O'Shea at qm@infm.com.

*QRAMA - Sunshine Coast ~ Gold Coast ~ Port Douglas*
*Ph: 07 5448 8739 Fax: 07 5448 8525*
*Email: secretary@qrama.com.au*
*PO Box 311, Maroochydore. Q. 4558*