This is more flexible, cross-platform (works on Windows, Linux, Mac), fits on a USB drive, and it's FREE:

http://www.tiddlywiki.com/

Chaostheory - thanks for your comment. I went to that site and read up on the Tiddlywink (sp?) program. Do you use this program? From everything I could see on the site, the only thing I could see that it had in common with mine was that it was Free (mine will allow 50 free records which you can remove and add more as long as the total is below 50 - some people would never exceed 30 Information Records.) I guess I just did not see on their website how it relates to Information/Idea/Invention Management? Theirs is also browser based. Mine is Windows based, independent of a browser. With probably 80% of the worlds computers running on Windows, I felt that a safe platform. Did you download a copy of Einstein to try? Based on what I saw on their website, Einstein seems to be 10 times easier to use. Anyhow, I do appreciate the information. As I am just now trying to expose the program commercially, any comments are greatly appreciated. (I tried to send a private message with this info but being a newby I was not sure how if we can.) SS

Steele,

A wiki is software that allows you to organize your ideas / information in relational manner (much like the web) based on key words that link (which can be any the user defines). Check out http://www.backpackit.com/ as an example of a powerful online personal wiki. Typically they are used for collaboration such as www.wikipedia.com or http://wiki.43folders.com, while Tiddly wiki is more for offline personal use like your software. Tiddly wiki and its variants (such as Getting Things Done wiki): -allow unlimited records-flexibility in organizing thoughts through links-has a powerful search feature-works on all operating systems that have a decent web browser-the list goes on

Your software is limited in that:-it's not free-it's not flexible

Thanks for your comment Chaos but let me clarify a couple of things for those who visit this page: Einstein is FREE also. You can enter in 50 primary records that can have unlimited comments. Once you get to the 50 you cannot add anymore primary records but you continue to add unlimited comments on them. You can remove some older records and add more as well. I went to the first website you suggested, Backpackit.com, and went to sign up for an account with them. They are not free completely either. Here was the option I was given: What's the difference between the Backpackit free and pay plans?“The paying plans allow you to create more pages and reminders and also allow you to upload images and files.” So you have limited number of pages, reminders and no photos or images or files. Einstein is FLEXIBLE also. You can add unlimited master categories, sub-categories and comment categories, which allows you to define and list your information in unlimited ways. Once you use the program just a little you can see how these different categories allow you to quickly file and find information. I appreciated your comment except the last sentence may have given viewers of this information a tainted impression of my software program. I’ve worked on it here and there since 1996 and have put a lot into it and believe others will see the benefit of it after just a short time.

I never said Backpackit was free - I merely used it as an example of a wiki.Moreover, the full version of your program is not free and you cannot form links between different ideas with arbitrary key words.

Chaos - ok on BP, I missed that. I do appreciate the feedback. Part of the reason I wanted to mention Einstein was to see what other like-minded (idea/inventor) people could suggest for Einstein. As they are more likely to have used other programs my feeling was that their feedback would be more valuable. So Einstein should provide better cross referencing between master idea/information records? That and any other constructive suggestions are greatly appreciated. Einstein was a balance between quick, easy entry and management with as little overhead complication as possible. Plus I wanted everyone from a 12 year old young woman keeping a diary to a Fortune 500 Company with 256 concurrent users interacting with Einstein, all of whom could learn Einstein in under a half hour. I am always looking to improve it. Thanks again.

Note: this is a Windows program for Windows operating system only. Those of you who use Mac or Linux or who need cross-platform capability, don't even bother viewing the Einstein page. For those of you who use and are comfortable with Windows, and need a program you can learn completely in less than 20 minutes, Einstein very likely is just what you need. Also on cost, the FREE copy is always available, but if you want a purchased copy with unlimited information versus 50 only, and no limitations, the price is $19.95. Mention WhyNot.net and it is $12.95.

Chaos and others, I released a version 4 of Einstein last night that has my interpretation of the cross-referencing we discussed. You may now cross reference from any Main Information Record an unlimited number of other Main Information Records. Plus I completed the MS Office Integration and you can now create a Outlook Note, Appointment, Contact or E-mail message, from within Einstein without opening the Outlook program. All suggestions are welcome. These and numerous other updates appear in this version. I'll be producing a small training video of 10-12 minutes to increase the already fast speed with which people become proficient with Einstein.

Einstein Version 4.1 is available at the Einstein web page and now has the 5 Minute Einstein online Training Guide available. See the link at the top of the Einstein page at http://www.sshep.com/einstein.htm

Anyone using Einstein who is not at version 4.1 will benefit from the free upgrade. Thanks, SS