The import / Export window, makes it possible for you to either import data into Amateur Invest from other sources or to export data from Amateur Invest.
By far the most common use of this window is when you want to get updated with the latest prices. Here you just use the the standard that has been set from the start and psuh the import button.
Extra:
Besides the above mentioned Import and Export buttons, there are two more buttons. With those two buttons, you can get some extra information via the internet. Either some more securities or historical prices.
Some functions, like the import of currency exchange rates and historcal prices become available in the registered version of the program.
How to?
First you select the kind of import or export you wish to do. If the origin is to/from a file or to/from the internet?
Then you select the type of import or export you wish to complete; e.g. bank transactions, prices and information, and/or security data.
Finally you push the import or export button and follow the instructions below.
The functions are described in more detail here beneath in the sections about import and export.
This description can be a bit technical at times, but do not despair.
When you choose this function, a connection to your internet provider (your default connection) will be made, and the latest prices will be downloaded. Please be sure that you do this on a regular basis - e.g. once a week. This will keep your prices and portfolio value up to date.
You can choose, if the import of prices should come from the Amateur Invest internet site or from another internet site.
You set up, which address the import should come from, under the administrative functions. Setup A right now is the Amateur Invest internet site, and setup B right now is via Yahoo.
Via setup B - Yahoo, prices can be imported for many securities from around the world, that have been registered with a special code in the security data definition (look under "ID Import" in securities ).
If you have a need to have prices updated often, you can thus choose to import via Yahoo - prices are updated continuously during the exchange opening hours. This should however be supplied by importing prices from the Amateur Invest' internet site appx. once a week. This will ensure that all your other prices are updated also.
The function to reload data, is used especially, when you have just started Amateur Invest for the first time. Since the program, does not contain the latest updated security data, prices and hints/ideas, it might be a good idea to use this function to reload the data. This should be done before you enter securities on your own, since this function will delete all data, prior to reloading.
The function can also be used, if you only rarely updates prices, and only use the securities that Amateur Invest comes with from the beginning.
The function does not delete your portfolio or bank transactions, but only security data, prices, currency data and hits/ideas, that you might have entered yourself. The latest security data, prices, currency data and hits/ideas, from the Amateur Invest internet site will then be available.
In all import formats for prices, the mentioned check field has to be correct - otherwise Amateur Invest will not accept the data. This is for security reasons, so you know for sure that the prices you import are valid.
You can select to import data that are in different formats. Either "paradox"/"dbase" database format or "text" format. The following details vary with the format:
Text format:
Prices: index NAME, DATE, PRICE [, VOLUME]
The index name, is either the name a security that can be seen in the Amateur Invest security database (consist of the first 10 letters of a security) or the import ID that has been entered for a security. The date can be in the format YYYYMMDD or the native format for the operating system. The third is the price, with a . as decimal separator. And finally an optional volume.
Paradox and dBase format:
Prices: index NAME, DATE, PRICE, TYPE, TEXT.
The import via paradox or dBase formats must follow strict rules about field naming, and size. If you are interested in supplying or getting prices via this format, please contact Simply Data.
You can select to import data that are in different formats. Either "paradox"/"dbase" database format or "text" format. The following details vary with the format:
Text format:
Transactions: Account number, Transaction text, Bank label, Value date, Amount.
In text format for transactions, transaction text (any text describing the transaction) and bank label (a unique number per transaction, assigned by your bank) can be empty strings. Value date has to be in the format of YYYYMMDD. Everything except the amount has to be in quotes ("), and
separated by a comma (,).
Paradox and dBase format:
Transactions: fields are imported, according to an import definition.
Export.
To File:
You can select to export data in different formats. Either "paradox"/"dbase" database format or "text" format.
In the two database formats, all fields are exported as native fields.
In text format, strings and dates are delimited with apostrophe (") and separated with comma (,). Dates are exported in the format YYYYMMDD. Type and text fields are not exported for prices in text format.
Export to internet is not directly applicable. You can export data to a file, and send it to internet if you wish.
In general.
The import / export function is still being enhanced. It works, so that you can import and export basic information today. And so that you can get updated prices via the internet. Some more types of automatic downloads could however be convenient. These areas are planned to be addressed in new releases of Amateur Invest.
