Christian Computing
October 2007
   Volume 19, No 10
In This Issue
Cover Story...Church Management Software Review
Benchmarking: Facts and Fiction Part 2
What is the Best Value in Bible Software Today?
Roll Out the Red Carpet: Premiering an Online Ministry
Ministry Tech Institute Opens Enrollment
CCMag NewsBrief
How to Evaluate Church Management Software Part 2
PocketBible for Windows Revisited
Managing Security vs Controlling Users
Windows Weirdness
The Virtual World Dawning
Corrections, Clarifications, Commendations, and Challenges
Better Than an iPhone?!
Blog Sites and More
 

GameStrip 

 

Cover Story

 

Church Management Software Review

     The number of church management software providers is growing!  When the personal computer was introduced these programs grew in number to 262!  Then some merged and consolidated, and some went out of business, reducing the number to only 34.  But with the advent of hosted solutions available via the Internet, the number has dramatically increased again to about 70!

To Read The Entire Article, Click Here!

 
Benchmarking: Facts and Fiction Part 2
Inside the Box - Donald Stratton

The number of church management software providers is growing!  When the personal computer was introduced these programs grew in number to 262!  Then some merged and consolidated, and some went out of business, reducing the number to only 34.  But with the advent of hosted solutions available via the Internet, the number has dramatically increased again to about 70!  This results in a very concrete figure.

To read the entire article, Click Here!

What is the Best Value in Bible Software Today?
WordSEARCH Word - Bob Dasal

Bible Explorer 4 Complete Bible Study Library (BE4), regularly price for $64.95, is now available for the unbelievable low price of $9.95 when purchased in quantities of five or more. Single copies are only $15.95. This Limited Edition, priced so you can give it away, will help others enjoy a richer experience in God's Word. Churches can now afford to include BE4 in their "New Member Pak" and/or Visitors Packet.

 
 
To Read The Entire Article, Click Here!
 
Roll Out the Red Carpet: Premiering an Online Ministry  
ACS Ideas To Impact

As manager of implementation services at ACS Technologies, I work hands-on with thousands of churches across America to help determine their ministry goals and then plan for success. I worked as an administrator in a church office for 14 years, so I've seen first-hand what these churches are going through.

 
 
To read the entire article, Click Here!
Quick Links
 
 
 
 
 
 
Welcome to another exciting issue of Christian Computing Magazine (CCMag).  
 
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Ministry Tech Institute Opens Enrollment 
Editorial - Steve Hewitt

Last week Ministry Technology Institute (MTI) opened their enrollment! I am very excited to see this new ministry start, and am honored to be a part of what God is doing with MTI.(www.ministry-tech.com)  If you haven't visited the site lately, I encourage you to do so in order to check out the faculty, advisory board, and the courses that are being offered.

 
To read the entire article, Click Here!
CCMag NewsBrief
Each month the CCMag NewsBrief provides reports on the news that Steve Hewitt uses for his weekly radio segment on PrimeTime America (Moody Broadcasting)
 
To read the entir article Click Here!
How to Evaluate Church Management Software Part 2 
Special Feature

Last month, in part 1 of this article, I covered a little history about how Church Management Software (CMS) products came about. As well, I covered the process to begin your evaluation and identifying your needs. If you missed last month's article, please visit http://www.ccmag2.com/2007_09/2007_09coverstory.pdf   Now, let's continue with information to finish the process of finding the right CMS for your church.

To read the entire article, Click Here!
PocketBible for Windows Revisited                              
Special Feature - Rev. Dale Dumell

I've been using Bible software since 1989. For the last decade or so, and always only a click away, was my copy of QuickVerse 4.0g which was quick to load, search, and use. It was an old friend. And, even though I have migrated through umpteen desktops (and other Bible software packages), QV4 always came with me. Although other companies offer more powerful programs with larger libraries, when I needed to perform a quick, simple, search of the Bible - I relied on QV4 to get the job done.

 
To read the entire article Click Here!
Managing Security vs Controlling Users 
Nick at Church - Nick Nicholaou

Computers and data networks are vulnerable, and wise IT Directors establish policies to protect them.  They are guided by their research and experience in protecting these systems that contain valuable and sensitive data.  But many go further than necessary, and without ever intending to, frustrate their staff.  So let's talk about some 'best practices' ministry security strategies.

 
To read the entire article, Click Here!
Windows Weirdness 
Tech Talk - Dr. J.D. "Doc" Watson

I could have titled this month's column several things: Windows Wackiness, Stupid Windows Tricks, or maybe even What Was Bill Smoking When He Thought of That? Have you noticed some of the weird "features" in Windows these days? Here are three of the odder ones and one more that is a little odder still.

 
To read the entire article, Click Here!
The Virtual World Dawning 
Internet Ministry - Walt Wilson

Major companies realized years ago that business doesn't end at the waters edge. Nor does it end at the virtual waters edge as the new world continues to develop.  Cisco Systems, the Silicon Valley based provider of network solutions owns four islands in the virtual world of Second Life, each populated with pavilions for product demonstrations, training and meetings. How cool is that? Start thinking church.

To read the entire article, Click Here!

Corrections, Clarifications, Commendations, and Challenges 
Higher Power with Kevin - Kevin Purcell

Last month I provided an overview of PocketBible for Windows, the first effort at a desktop Bible Study package from Laridian.  I have to apologize for some errors. First, I stated that Laridian had a "glaring omission"; I said that they did not include a way to input text references directly as nearly all other programs do.  I was wrong.  It is true that there is no box to directly enter a reference.  There is better method to directly enter references.  You simply open the program and type John 3:16 or any other reference.  If you have the Bible windows highlighted it will jump there directly.  This is actually a very new and interesting concept.  I missed it and I am very sorry.  I think the other Bible Study Software publishers could learn something from the new kid on the block!

 

To read the entire artlce, Click Here!

Better Than an iPhone?! 
Handheld Devices - Jim VanDuzer

It's been a while since I've written an article. Frankly, there hasn't been much worth writing about.  But a number of months ago I picked up a new cell phone and headset that I'm extremely happy with. So happy in fact that when I had the opportunity to get an iPhone.  I turned it down (I asked for an iPod Touch instead).  The phone is the HTC S710 (VOX). I had heard about it before it was released but then lost track of it. I got an email from www.onthegosolutions.com letting me know that it was available. The phone is sold unlocked so it works on any network worldwide that uses SIM cards.

 
To read the entire article, Click Here!

Blog Sites and More

Scott Howard's Hotpics - Scott Howard

It is hard to believe that fall is already here and that it is the middle of October. The leaves are starting to fall, the Indianapolis Colts are back at it again, and people are already starting to talk about the winter holidays. Speaking of October, I am excited for the final release of the latest Ubuntu operating system that is going to be released on October 18th which is called Ubuntu 7.10 Gutsy Gibbon. Whether you choose to use Windows, Linux, or Mac as your operating system of choice is up to you, but if you are thinking about buying a new computer anytime soon I would hold off until shortly after the holidays to see if you can find an after Christmas special and possibly even service pack one will be available in the first quarter of 2008 for Vista. If you don't do Windows or you're just interested in trying something new and you have a question about Ubuntu or Vista, send me an email and I will help you out in any way that I can.

To read the entire article, Click Here!

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