I've had much the same experience. I wanted to like OSX Server, but they make it so hard. I discovered one day that leaving the admin interface open sometimes de-configures Samba in such a way as to kick all my Windows PCs off the domain. Gah! Plus, Win7 clients are not supported to bind to the domain even if I wanted because Apple uses an ancient version of Samba.

I was already working on moving away from OSX Server, this move just seals the deal.

Howdy,

I posted above, but I think things were lost in the noise. I've been using anyInventory ( http://anyinventory.sourceforge.net/ ) for my electronics catalog. The bonus is that it is a web interface, so you can use any web browser to view/search/edit your inventory, which is a big plus over zparts, I think.

I have it setup to track these fields:

    My 'part number' (which I put on schematics so I know what I used)
    Vendor, price, Vendor part (for re-order and quick costing of a project)
    Manufacturer, part, link to datasheet, part photo
    Value, tolerance, power rating, package, etc
    Location (more below)
    Quantity on hand/order
    geda footprint (for geda's PCB http://www.gpleda.org/index.html [gpleda.org])

My internal part numbering system is a 3x4 part number, ie, 100-0001, where the first 3 digits are a category of part (resistor, 74 series, whatever) and the 4 digit is just a number I assign to make it unique. This allows me to specify my part number on a schematic or BOM along with the refdes and value so I know exactly the part and footprint I need.

Secondly, I have a series of drawer cabinets, bins, etc as needed to store the parts, each labeled with drawer, cabinet, shelf (usually with a barcode for some future fun with a barcode reader).

Anyway, I hope that helps.

Here's the solution I use to inventory my electronic components.

First, I have a database setup using anyInventory ( http://anyinventory.sourceforge.net/ ) that catalogs the important bits, ie:

  My 'part number' (which I put on schematics so I know what I used)
  Vendor, price, Vendor part (for re-order and quick costing of a project)
  Manufacturer, part, link to datasheet, part photo
  Value, tolerance, power rating, package, etc
  Location (more below)
  Quantity on hand/order
  geda footprint (for geda's PCB http://www.gpleda.org/index.html)

My internal part numbering system is a 3x4 part number, ie, 100-0001, where the first 3 digits are a category of part (resistor, 74 series, whatever) and the 4 digit is just a number I assign to make it unique. This allows me to specify my part number on a schematic or BOM along with the refdes and value so I know exactly the part and footprint I need.

Secondly, I have a series of drawer cabinets, bins, etc as needed to store the parts, each labeled with drawer, cabinet, shelf (usually with a barcode for some future fun with a barcode reader).

Why go to all the bother? Seriously, I have hundreds and hundreds of parts. I work on circuits for a living, and trust me, not having the organized blows.

I started on another project at one point in time that would automate assigning parts to a 'product' or 'project' so you could wasily generate invoices or costing, but I have not completed it yet. I'll probably get back into that this year, though.

Good lord man, learn some physics.

The POINT of ABS simple: a tire that can turn is a tire that can steer. That's it! You lock up your tires, it doesn't matter what you do with that wheel, you are no longer in control of the vehicle. You will continue along your force vector until you have lost your momentum.

There is a second thing at work here. The coefficient of friction is different depending on if the tire is skidding over the pavement or if it has not broken free. Thus, you have more stopping power at your disposal if you do not break traction, and as such, you can stop quicker.

ABS is a good thing. It's a computer handling the details of these two items while your mind is busy panicing. So, let's see... more stopping power, the ability to steer at maximum braking, vs... sliding along in the direction of your force vector getting a front row seat to the excitement?