I like this idea, and would like to do the following:
-Place a separate "Manual" and "Support" link in the left_nav at
bottom above the Logout button (will separate with a line). The Support link will only show up if uncommented in globals.php and the link will be configurable there (will uncomment and direct to our sourceforge forums as the default).
Added these links to the development tip. Will be able to check it out on the 3.2.x cvs demo tomorrow am. Let me know what you think. Note the ‘Online Support’ link is configurable from the $GLOBALS variable that I added to the interface/globals.php; you can even remove the link by simply commenting out this variable in globals.php.
Thanks for the plug. I had also asked for an "F1" like link on each frame to its respective instruction sheet in the manual. I had not specifically indicated, but would prefer it go to an HTML or PDF which is included with the distribution, so it is seamless.
Tony, any chance of that in the next release? How can I help make it happen?
And on that note, nice job Brady - the CVS works fine for the two links. But I strongly suggest we have some ability, perhaps in the same globals.php, to select a stand-alone vs a web enabled install. The former would substitute an included instruction manual, which might have a suggestion inside to check for updates, but would not need real-time internet connectivity, while the "Online Help" link would display "requires Internet Connection" if one is unavailable. Thanks.
Just to clarify the ‘User Manual’ link is local, so no internet needed. The ‘Online Support’ will, of course, require the internet. The ‘Online Support’ can be configured and turned off in the globals.php file. Also, as an aside, If only want certain users to see the link, could also hide the link behind an acl (for example, some clinic may not want the front office really to see this link, but want the admin to.).
Support of stand-alone vs web seems like would be beneficial, but doesn’t seem like many differences; and seems like would be better to try for the online connections in case it does exist (ie laptop at a hotspot).
I’m thinking of fragmenting the original feature request into three more feature requests:
1) Frame specific help links to the pertinent user manual section.
2) Keep better track of our userbase (via the Online Support link or create a one time only register now (free) link).
3) Improve interface for stand-alone OpenEMR instance
(By separating these into more simple tasks will make it easier to find a sorry sap (likely me or you) to take them on when we get some available free time)