The Primary Database is defined as your current active database. There can only be one Primary database on any one system and this is also the only database that can be modified.
The primary database is always the initial database that is opened when you start SchoolLeader. However, if you wish to view information in a previously created Archive Database, you can always open that Archive by going to the FILE | OPEN option off the Main System Menu once FrontDesk Manager starts. A dialog box will be displayed presenting you with a list of the available Archive databases. Choose one from the list and click the Start Selected Archive button.
An Archive Database is a Read-only copy of a prior Primary Database and is typically created for two reasons:
to cleanup the Primary database and thus improve performance
You can create and maintain more than one Archive database and they can be created at any time interval necessary. However, typically you will want to create Archives that coincide with the businesses Fiscal Calendar so you will have one Archive Database for each complete Fiscal Year. Although Archive Databases can be created at more frequent intervals than yearly, this will make it difficult to compile Fiscal reports for accounting purposes if the year is divided across separate databases.
Some typical benefits of archiving your data rather than simply deleting it:
Ability to go back and check on the payment activity for a Primary Guardian from a previous year
Be able to print a Year-To-Date Payment Statement from a previous year for a Guardian's Tax records