ParaDB -- Frequently Asked Questions
General
- What is ParaDB?
- Why was ParaDB created?
- Who wrote ParaDB?
- Where can I download ParaDB?
- Where can I find support for this software?
- How can I report bugs?
- How can I help?
Usage
- What is a "case"? How do I create a case?
- What is an "Investigation", "Walkthrough" and "Expedition"?
- What do those metrics at the top of the page next to my name (eg. 2/2/3) mean?
Technical
- What are the minimum requirements for ParaDB?
- In what language is ParaDB written?
- Has ParaDB been translated into any other languages (French, Spanish, etc)?
- Does ParaDB integrate with any content management systems?
- How do I customize the Equipment fields in the report form?
Licensing
Miscellaneous
General
#G1?
Q: What is ParaDB?
A: ParaDB is a web-based application designed for use by ghost hunters and paranormal researchers. The software consists of a web-based interface for case management and investigative reporting, and a back-end database used to archive investigation data.
#G2?
Q: Why was ParaDB created?
A: ParaDB was originally designed specifically for A.G.H.O.S.T., to help solve some very important problems we had with maintaining and correlating investigation reporting information. The goals of this project were to assist case managers with creating teams, assist investigators with creating reports, and overall help improve the investigation workflow.
#G3?
Q: Who wrote ParaDB?
A: This wacky guy named Steve Zarkos.
#G4?
Q: Where can I download ParaDB?
A: Here.
#G5?
Q: Where can I find support for this software?
A: SourceForge.net Forums: http://sourceforge.net/forum/?group_id=194607
SourceForge.net Mailing Lists: https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/paradb-users
#G6?
Q: How can I report bugs?
A: Please use the Mailing List to discuss bugs and possible solutions. If you do not wish to join the mailing list, then you may email me directly.
#G7?
Q: How can I help?
A: There are many ways to help out. If you're a programmer or web developer, then you may wish to contribute code and fixes. The best way to do this is via the mailing list. Reporting and discussing bug reports, feature requests and other ideas is also very helpful. And, of course, you may also donate to the project.
Usage
#U1?
Q: What is a "case"? How do I create a case?
A: I've written a short tutorial about this.
#U2?
Q: What is an Investigation, Walkthrough and Expedition?
A: When creating a case, a team lead will need to define what kind of investigation or case is being creating. The choices are either an Investigation, Walkthrough or an Expedition. An Investigation is, well, a paranormal investigation at a possibly (hopefully) haunted location. A Walkthrough is typically a sort of pre-investigation visit to a location where a smaller group may check things out, conduct interviews, and assess whether the client is sane or not ;). And Expeditions are often less official events in an uncontrolled environment like a cemetery or something. When opening a new case, the default type is Investigation.
#U3?
Q: What do those metrics at the top of the page next to my name (eg. 2/2/3) mean?
A: A/B/C
A = Number of reports filed, published *and* unpublished.
B = Cases where investigators turned in their data.
C = Total number of cases.
I added the metric "B" because I wanted to make sure that all our investigators turn in their data. We have a very large archive of data, and it's sometimes difficult to keep track of who turned in what. The thing about this, however, is that obviously there is no easy way for ParaDB to know who turned in their data - so the owner of the case needs to edit the case and manually check the box that says "Data Submitted" next to each investigator. They might do this even if the investigator had no data, just so that their stats stay up to date.
There is an easy way to view which case(s) were not properly updated. Just click on the "Statistics" link, and then on your username in the right column. This will pop up another window with your user information. Under "Total Cases", click on "View All". This will bring up a list of cases which your user was linked to, and will include information about whether or not you turned in data and filed a report for each case.
These stats are assembled in get_user_stats() in stats.php, if you're curious.
Technical
#T1?
Q: What are the minimum requirements for ParaDB?
A: ParaDB has primarily been tested with Apache 2.0.x, PHP 5.x and MySQL 4.x. I've also tested it with PHP 4.3, but earlier versions should also work.
#T2?
Q: In what programming language is ParaDB written?
A: Mostly PHP.
#T3?
Q: Has ParaDB been translated into any other languages (French, Spanish, etc)?
A: Not yet. Please see the file template/lang.php if your interested in working on a translation.
#T4?
Q: Does ParaDB integrate with any content management systems?
A: There has been some interest in integrating ParaDB with certain content management systems such as Joomla!. Feel free to work on it or post some ideas on the forums or mailing list. For Joomla! users out there, I have written a short tutorial discussing how to make ParaDB use the Joomla! user database instead of its own.
#T5?
Q: How do I customize the Equipment fields in the report form?
A: I've written a short tutorial about this.
Licensing
#L1?
Q: Under what license is ParaDB distributed?
A: ParaDB is licensed under the GNU GPL.
#L2?
Q: Is ParaDB free?
A: Yep.
#L3?
Q: Can I rename or change ParaDB?
A: You may use and distributed the software in compliance with the GNU GPL. You may not, of course, re-license the software and distributed it under the new license. If you make changes to this software and wish to distribute it, then you must also distribute your version under the same license (the GNU GPL).
Miscellaneous
#M1?
Q: Who is A.G.H.O.S.T.?
A: A.G.H.O.S.T. is an acronym for Advanced Ghost Hunters of Seattle-Tacoma. We are a non-profit paranormal research group based in the Pacific Northwest (USA).
#M2?
Q: Who are you?
A: My name is Steve Zarkos. I am currently the Technical Director for the A.G.H.O.S.T. group.
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