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Self-Help Builder News October 2012 Volume 5, Issue #3 >
Latest SHARES access issues
By Nancy Jacobsen, RCAC rural development specialist-housing
Many of you either have, or will get, a new computer with updated software. That software may cause a problem with SHARES access. To operate SHARES with Windows 7, try downloading Java Version 6 Update 32 or better.
A grantee recently called me and couldn’t access SHARES from a laptop the company doesn’t use much. She knew she had accessed SHARES from the laptop before and therefore called for my assistance. She answered her own question when she noted what looked like a small piece of paper that was torn in half next to the web address bar. She clicked the icon and was instantly connected to the SHARES log-in page. This handy compatibility key can be used both to conform an older computer or a new computer to a software program not originally designed to run on your current operating program.
As technology progresses so does the need to keep software programs compatible. We have mentioned before that Rural Development is in the process of updating the SHARES program to newer software. The four TA providers participated in reviewing the existing SHARES program and discussed the issues mentioned to us and gave the contractor a comprehensive list of items that need to be updated and/or changed. They are quite sympathetic to our concerns and assure us the new operating software will correct many of SHARES characteristics based on its DOS programming. The new proposed SHARES program will be based on the 1944I Mutual Self-Help regulations but promises to be a modern software system that will be user friendly! We still have not heard when the testing date is to begin but grantees from across the country have volunteered to participate and rate the new program.
As always, RCAC welcomes your comments and suggestions for items to include in SHARES Tidbits and if you need SHARES help you can always contact Nancy Jacobsen by phone or e-mail. If you are having problems please contact your TA or Nancy, 406/579-5202 or e-mail at njacobsen@rcac.org.
Do you have any special tips or uses for SHARES? Send them to Nancy at njacobsen@rcac.org and we may print them in our Self-Help Builder News upcoming editions.