I started with your software in 1984, when my department at the NFB acquired the first Macintosh 128K, and it was love at first sight for both, the Mac and Panorama (Overview at the time I think!)
And I still have a working version of Panorama ll from 1991 on my first personal Mac the SE/30 from 1989
Currently I am using Panorama Version 6.0.0 on my iMac 27 and macOS Sierra version 10.12.6
I stayed with Sierra on purpose to be able to use Panorama V.6, it is my most important software, I have several dozen databases (1984 to 2024) And everything works great.
But I just bought a new Mac a few days ago. The Mac mini M4 with Sequoia
I didn’t really have a choice but to update myself.
Now I ask myself the following question or questions.
Either I continue to use Panorama 6 on my iMac with Sierra.
Or I upgrade to the new version of Panorama X 10.2 (I think)
A) Is version X optimized for the new Apple processor?
Or does it work with an Intel processor and Rosetta as a transition?
Today, 40 years later, I have less taste, capacity and energy to understand new software improvements.
I even have difficulty understanding the scripts I created for my database on the history of cameras through time.
I dream of a transition that is as painless as possible. Do you think this is possible with Panorama X?
Pan X will open Pan 6 files (extension .pan) save them as the new format, .pandb. Anything from older than Pan 6 versions will need to be opened and saved by Pan 6 first. Pan X is optimized for all the current Mac hardware and software. Many converted files will run right away, some will require extra work, but even that is often straightforward although some will require more significant work. Most, but not quite all, of Pan 6 works in Pan X or can be converted to analogous features.
There is a long help page on “Importing a Panorama 6 Database” I’d start by reading. When I converted I started by collecting all my old Pan files, updating any to 6 that needed it, then opening and saving all of them as Pan X files. Then applied a new specific Finder tag to all of the newly Pan X versions. As I got the new working I’d either remove those tags or add new ones tagging what needed doing. When you have the new open in Pan X its View menu will show which procedures won’t compile and which might just work. Although you’re never certain until you try them.
Most of my problems came from a fairly short list but occurred in multiple files. A finder smart folder searching for tags I’d set would collect every file with that problem, while I proceeded to fix each occurrence. Fairly soon you’ll have a useful amount working with which you can gain more Pan X experience. Until converted and working keep using Pan 6 for old important stuff. Once the Pan X version works import the current data from the most recent Pan 6 version. Once you’ve run out of problems you know how to fix this forums good for finding help. There are also many videos (some free, some not) which can help. But like the old Panorama lots can be figured out by playing with it and searching Help.
Thank you very much for your suggestions, I will continue to look at the help pages.
I still have some questions running through my mind. Have a happy holiday season.
It’s kinda like the way an boa constrictor eats a baby elephant (apologies to vegans and vegitarians … and baby elephants). Slowly, a little at a time.
Converting is fast, but if you can completely rebuild from scratch, you’ll go through more “new” and learn more. It won’t be like starting on adventure without a map - you’ll have where you want to go in front of you - (the old version) what you want to achieve.
Then think of as many “key words” that apply to your current “meal” - be it a form or procedure - and look up those words in the Help. You’ll be amazed at the variety and flexibility the new functions and statements offer.
You may get a little discouraged when trying to find things. “… where did Jim put that feature?” A lot of the difficulty is that you have to unlearn what you “know”. But what you need is in PanX and I’ve found questions posted in this forum are quickly answered.
In addition to the excellent answers above, I also want to point out that there is over an hour of free video training available to help with the transition. You can find these in the Help menu, on the www.provue.com web page, or using these links:
