HourGlass.Net - A freeware lesson planner

gri · 08-29-05, 06:12 AM

HourGlass.net is a small tool to manage timetables. Our primary reason for developing HourGlass.net was that we wanted to manage our scholar schedules on the Axim, but we didn’t find a good freeware program. So we started developing…

The developed program features two program sections: the schedule viewer – to view the schedules – and the editor – to make schedule files.
The schedules are saved in *.hgc files – which stands for “HourGlass Class”. These files are XMLs, so you can edit them with every text editor. We managed to make the syntax in the files very easy, so everyone should be able to understand them.
This program will be working on “normal” PCs and PocketPCs with one application file if .NET runtimes are installed. So you can write your schedule on the PC with a “normal” keyboard, transfer the file to the PocketPC and view it there whenever you need to.

Installation instructions:
Because we tried to make the program as simple as possible, we even made the installation so simple:
Download the HourGlass.Net.Exe and copy it in any directory you like on your PPC and/or your PC. The program runs without installation, the only requirement is the .Net (Compact) Framework.

Here I want to say thanks to Benjamin Bitterwolf (here on Aximsite: Liquidator) for the graphical design and for the correction of my worst code errors as well as Thomas Kipf, who doesn’t even own a PPC, for the logo.

I would be glad if you´d post your experiences (problems, statements) with HourGlass right in this thread!

Gigi · 08-29-05, 08:51 AM

Do you have any screenshots?

gri · 08-29-05, 09:13 AM

So, here are the screenshots. 4 of a "normal" PC, 4 of the PPC.

Also, I uploaded a newer version, which is a little bit smaller cause I removed some unneeded code pieces.

Liquidator · 08-30-05, 10:15 AM

Hi everyone,

I am currently working on different localizations of HourGlass which will most likely be using language files. I will translate the program into Spanish, German and (maybe) French.

The translations will be available within two weeks.

P.S.: 200 views on this thread but almost no replies - don´t you want to tell us what you think of the program? Just asking...

niolonra · 08-31-05, 07:20 PM

Hi
You were asking for replies, so here goes. I downloaded and tried it... I don't get it. it looks like the same information I could write into a notes file... does it do something I didn't figure out?

Rich

08-31-05, 07:26 PM

looks nice i will be back at school on tuesday so i will try it then

Liquidator · 08-31-05, 08:55 PM

Originally Posted by niolonra

[...] does it do something I didn't figure out?

Rich

Well... actually, no. But I still think a notes file is less usable because in the worst case you will have to scroll. We´ll be adding support for notices attached to the respective subject which will allow you to store information about the teacher, homework and so on if you want to. However, this will probably take a while as we are still working on that (and the translations) ;)
Hope it did run well, tho.

goodguy20k · 08-31-05, 11:12 PM

Hey, it's another software development! So what if it's like Notes! The more people we get programming, the more software we get, the better. And hopefully it's people like these two who have decided to make it FREEWARE. Software like this might help me in college. We'll see.

nix50v · 08-31-05, 11:24 PM

Sounds like a good idea, freeware programs always good, and could be useful soon for me when my uni starts again! BTW can times be allocated to the timetable as well? Or some small notes in the same box as the subject? (maybe in a future version i guess, but noting down the room number where the class is together with the subject is kind of essential i believe!)

silverlake95 · 09-01-05, 12:29 AM

Originally Posted by nix50v

Sounds like a good idea, freeware programs always good, and could be useful soon for me when my uni starts again! BTW can times be allocated to the timetable as well? Or some small notes in the same box as the subject? (maybe in a future version i guess, but noting down the room number where the class is together with the subject is kind of essential i believe!)

How about pop up note as we click on the box, so more info could be associated with each class (like building, class room, teacher, etc..)

gri · 09-01-05, 10:38 AM

Like Liquidator said, we will add support for notes soon.
On September 13, we will go back to school, then we will sure have some things we notice that we need and we will try to realise them. So, the program will get some more features in the near future.

joedoe101 · 09-25-05, 09:19 PM

Hows this program coming along? Can you make it where it has the homework due that day in the program?

gri · 09-26-05, 01:08 AM

Originally Posted by joedoe101

Hows this program coming along? Can you make it where it has the homework due that day in the program?

At the moment we're are working on a function to save notes for each lesson.

joedoe101 · 09-26-05, 01:10 AM

Cool! :D If you need any graphics designed, thats 1 area I can probably help in.

gri · 09-26-05, 01:12 AM

Thanks, but I think we don't need any more graphics people.