Sandra, The RIN is a number assigned automatically by Legacy to each individual so that the database can uniquely identify each person. As this number is assigned by the program, it can be changed unexpectedly, primarily following a data import or if the file becomes corrupted in some way and needs to be recovered. The advantage of RIN's is that the computer looks after them and you don't have to think! They are also used throughout Legacy and provide useful shortcuts to go direct to frequently-used individuals. The disadvantages are that there is no guarantee that they will never change, and they are just an unstructured sequential number, assigned generally in the order you entered the individuals.
The User ID Number is intended to be a unique identifier for each individual manually assigned by the user to allow them to keep track of each individual. Some people use special numbering systems that are structured so you can identify a person's line and generation, for example. The advantage of User ID Numbers is that they only change when you change them, and they can be structured anyway you like. The disadvantage is that YOU have to ensure that they are assigned correctly, and you have to keep them up -to-date. They also have limited visibility within Legacy (e.g. you goto a RIN, not a User ID.) Legacy allows you to manually copy the RIN's to the User ID field, optionally with a prefix you define. This protects against accidental changes, but allows some measure of automated assignment to offload our addled brains! Sorry this is a bit long! Hope it makes sense. Rob On Apr 7, 2005 10:21 AM, Sandra Duncan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Why is the user ID number and the RIN different? > > Love, Light, Rainbows & Blessings > Sandra Tyler Duncan > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Legacy User Group Etiquette guidelines can be found at: > http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/Etiquette.asp > > To find past messages, please go to our searchable archives at: > http://www.mail-archive.com/legacyusergroup%40mail.millenniacorp.com/ > > To unsubscribe please visit: > http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/LegacyLists.asp > Legacy User Group Etiquette guidelines can be found at: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/Etiquette.asp To find past messages, please go to our searchable archives at: http://www.mail-archive.com/legacyusergroup%40mail.millenniacorp.com/ To unsubscribe please visit: http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/LegacyLists.asp
