You have notes, code snippets, tips and how-to steps scattered across Word files, text files and email folders, and finding the one you need takes longer than redoing the work. True-Knowledge from Altaris Systems keeps that material in one searchable database, organized in folders you define.
Quick facts
- Vendor: Altaris Systems
- Current version on the vendor's site: 3.6
- Platform: Windows
- List price: $79.95 per copy
- Storage: Microsoft Access (JET) databases
Key features
Store formatted notes, tips and source code in one place
True-Knowledge is an information database manager for formatted notes, tips, tricks, source code and other text-based information. You can use it on your own desktop or in a client-server setup.
Browse articles in custom folders with the Knowledge Explorer
The Knowledge Explorer lets you create and store articles in folders you set up, in a layout similar to the Microsoft TechNet database. You get a full preview of each article and a rich-text article editor.
Find articles with full-text and boolean search
The Advanced Find dialog supports full-text and boolean searching. You can also build your own custom queries.
Bring in Word documents and send articles back out
You can import MS Word documents. Articles can be exported in formats such as Microsoft Word and Rich Text Format.
Publish your knowledge base as HTML Help
The Publisher for HTML Help turns a knowledge base into Microsoft HTML Help files, so others can read it without editing access.
Share and synchronize across copies of a database
The Database Replication Wizard creates a copy of an existing Access database whose changes can be synchronized later. A Compact & Repair utility maintains the Access databases, and a Data Transport Wizard moves projects between systems.
Manage connections and the database with the Launch Pad and Management Console
The Launch Pad manages connection profiles so you can connect to multiple databases and projects. The Management Console gives administrators control over the database and its customization.
Who it's for
It suits individuals and small work groups who collect technical know-how such as support answers, code snippets and procedures. It also suits administrators who want a shared knowledge base they can publish as help files. Altaris Systems is a consultancy focused on SAP and Microsoft technology, and it calls True-Knowledge its flagship product.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Familiar Office-style interface.
- Works on a single desktop or in client-server mode.
- Full-text and boolean search, plus custom queries.
- Word import, multiple export formats and HTML Help publishing.
Cons
- It is a Windows desktop tool, not a web-based wiki.
- It relies on Microsoft Access (JET) databases.
- The interface follows an older Office style.
FAQs
Can I export my data?
Yes. Articles can be exported in formats such as Microsoft Word and Rich Text Format. Projects can be moved with the Data Transport Wizard.
Can others read my knowledge base without editing it?
Yes. You can publish your projects to HTML Help format for read-only access.
Can I use it alone or with a team?
Both. It runs on a desktop or in a client-server setup.
Can I import Word documents?
Yes. The article editor supports importing MS Word documents.
System requirements
True-Knowledge is a Windows application. Its databases use Microsoft Access (MS JET) format.