Digital Rockhound's Companion 3.0 Update

I finally have some DRC 3.0 news to share. I have finally solved the problems I found running DRC 3.0 on 64 bit version of Windows 7.

From a Software Developer's perspective whats new:

• The entire application rewritten in C# .net 3.5 framework.  - No more VB6
• Replaced GIS control with open source SharpMap control.
• Using all standard Windows controls from Microsoft Visual Studio - No third party controls.
• Using Iconic.ZIP library for file compression tasks. dotnetzip.codeplex.com
• Switched reports to crystal reports.  (Boo! I know I know but I could not find a better alternative and it came with  Microsoft Visual Studio.

For a User perspective:

• Same data
• Similar User Interface (UI).
• Better stability.
• Better Windows OS support for Vista and Windows 7.
• You can actually add new mines!  
• Added Google Books to Book Search
• Enhanced Show mine on map feature with thematic mapping for minerals and commodities.

DRC 3.0 Specs:

• Pentium 4 or faster CPU
• Supports single and multiple core CPUs
• 1 GB of RAM
• 2 GB of free hard drive space 
• DVD drive
• Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7
•  Supports: 32/64bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Supports storing photos to Google+ (former PicasaWeb)

Supports posting blog entries to Google's Blogger  

Why upgrade from DRC 2.0 to DRC 3.0?  Its free!

• It will be a free upgrade from DRC 2.0
• It can be applied automatcially using DRC 2.0 check for Updates feature.
• DRC 2.0 will be retired after DRC 3.0 has been released.
• All new enhancements and bug fixes will go to DRC 3.0.
• Its just better!