If you go with a relational database like Access there can be a lot to learn as you need to set up multiple tables to make full use of it. With your requirements I don't know if you need togothatfar. Excel, or Works as cited by someone else, would probably do.
If you decide to go with Access, if you have it, then I would be able to give you a hand or set it up for you. I used to teach people how to set it up (for about 12 years) but if you don't have it, the cost to get it is high.
Word is a word processor but there is a built in function for addresses etc for mail merge but this is not so easy to use as it is kind of burried within Word. If you have Word already I wouldn't bother buying it.
Open Office will read Word and Excel files just fine and does have a built in relational database.
However, I think with the sort and filter abilities of Excel (or similar) would work fine for a simple database like you have. Works is another option. Simple to use as well.
First look at what software you have and see if that can do the job. You have Word and Excel? If you don't then download Open Office (free) and use it. Spreadsheet is basically same as Excel and the word processor is similar to Word. Quite a few businesses in the UK are now switching to it because of cost of ms-office
If you have ms-office prof version you will have Access. Easy to use if you need a relational database. From what you describe a flat-file db may do the job. Could use Excel or any other spreadsheet. They all have sorting and filtering abilities which are v easy to use.
If you don't have ms-office try Open Office (free) or one of the other free and open source products. Google for free open source database or office.
Cheers.
Definition of insurance: You are betting that you are going to lose.
I've got one of those too. Got it when I was about 12. Took lots of photos with it but can't get 127 film anymore
She looks rather pensive. I am a fan of b and w too.
Determined little bugger, eh?
Nice. Love the b & w, especially the first one. Maybe colour for the second? - or maybe not.
I see it has been suggested, but try a fat rubber band. Let's you get a good grip.
Are you taking the Tranzalpine train? Will take you through so pretty country to the West Coast where you can drive south through Haas down to Queenstown area. Haas and Fox glaciers on the Coast also.
Have a fantastic trip!
They taste quite nice in a stew with plenty of flavourings. The big trouble is spitting out the shot when you bite down on it!
Anyway, joke aside, a great little sequence of shots of them. I like No 3 also, can see him (her) making up his mind about bolting off into the distance. Well done.
Welcome to the Hog, Doug
Like Adicus I live in New Zealand so don't know your prices over there. Hoggers will be able to give you tons of advice. When you have narrowed it down to about two or three go into a shop and try them in your hand to see what is most comfortable. I use canon but that is only a preference because I had Canon lenses from a previous film camera.
Don't rush in and buy expensive lenses right off. Leave some $$ for that later. Get used to your camera and try photographing as much as you can and you will start to work out what you want to do. You may find that you like landscapes or maybe macro or portraits. Each takes a specific skill set which you can grow into as well as learning what gear you need. Give yourself time to become thoroughly familiar with whatever you get before buying extra gear you may seldom use.
Have lots of fun when you get your new camera
I agree that 4 days will be a tight schedule. If you are flying into Christchurch do the South Island. Milford Sound is a MUST. If you don't drive much off the freeways I would advise taking a bus in as the road is narrow and twisty in patches, even the trip in is worth it, especially if it has been raining. Take the half day boat trip wile you are there. Queenstown is pretty, take a trip up in the gondola to see the view from the tops. Pop round to Arrowtown about 15 minutes away and very pretty. If driving from Christchurch go through the MacKenzie Country, stop at Twizel for the Church of the Good Shepherd and the MacKenzie statue (he was a, (in)famous sheep rustler) and, of course, lake Tekapo there.
If you fly into Auckland and are doing the North Island. Waitomo gloworm caves, Rotorua, Taupo would fill in most of the four days.
I used to live in the deep South of the South Island and Milford, Queenstown etc were always on our itinerary when we had overseas visitors. I am now in the North Island in Wellington
If you arrive in Auckland but want to do the South Island flying from Auckland to Christchurch is under 90 minutes. For driving most maps have driving times on them which can be generous but allow for photo stops meals etc. Open road speed limit is 100 kph (60 mph). In the holiday time there is a leeway of only 4 kph or you get a ticket!
Anyway, enjoy, take plenty of photos, leave only footprints and come back again.
Cheers
While you are here, if you are driving, take care. Most of our roads are not up to freeway standards and remember WE DRIVE ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD!! Driving is quicker than bus trips and no timetables but your own. We want you to enjoy your stay and come back for more. NZ is a long way from most places so be prepared for long flights. We go through to the UK from time to time and spending 28 hours in an airplane is a bit trying!
Public enemy number one in this country. Millions of the little buggers eating the grass on farms. So reaching for a camera is not the first thought! But nice pics anyway, you were lucky to be that close.
Sorry to hear about little Angelica. Looks such an intelligent little dog.
You will get lots of love from your latest
Many times the last part of the numerous the same but the front part changes depending on what country it is routed through. My provider has been blocking some automatically now. I think mine seem to originate from the UK but have been routed through s series of countries by auto dialers an routers. Just a bloody nuisance. I hope it costs them a fortune!!