Magicard-ID only works with it's internal database, and cannot be 'linked to' or use any external datasource for it's storage. The ODBC functionality allows you import and export data to/from the internal Magicard-ID database to/from another datasource.
However, Magicard ID uses Paradox tables (via the Borland Database Engine) which can be linked via, and accessed from, third party applications using the Microsoft Paradox ODBC Driver or linked into Microsoft Office Applications using the native Microsoft driver. The Paradox database is stored in the [application folder]\data folder. It is important to note that this is not considered a feature of Magicard-ID and as such no technical support is available. Any data loss or corruption caused by an external ODBC connection is solely the users responsibility.

Magicard ID uses the Borland Database Engine (BDE) for the card database. This is installed at the same time as the Magicard ID application. Many other applications (eg Goldmine) use the BDE and if the installer detects this, it makes some minor changes to the configuration, which are highly unlikely to affect your other applications.
If your BDE is installed over a network, you need to be logged-on as Administrator to have the necessary permissions. Install Magicard ID with 'Administrator' as the User Name. Seek professional advice from your Network Administrator, and it is prudent to back up your important data files before installation, to be on the safe side.

Windows NT4 does not support the USB interface, which is required for the Magicard printer interface, and most camera interfaces. Because of this limitation, NT4 is not recommended or supported.

Many cameras that have TWAIN and Video-for-Windows drivers will work satisfactorily with Magicard ID. However, because of the vast range of operating characteristics of different cameras, and the proprietary software that is provided with them, we really do recommend that you use a simple USB Webcam, which is more that adequate for this application.

You have forgotten to set the camera to its highest resolution. In the Image Capture window, press the Setup button. Under the Video for Windows tab, select Format. In the Image Size drop-down box, select the highest resolution, usually 640 x 480 pixels, and then click OK twice. The images will then be very much smoother.

For exactly the same reasons as when taking ordinary photographs. Try and arrange for the subject to be front lit, preferably with a light background. You must avoid having even a bright window in the background. USB cameras have automatic gain control which will turn down the exposure when the background light level increases, such as an area of daylight. We have found that the best way to illuminate the subject is to use a halogen desk lamp (from a hardware store) on either side of the camera, and pointing directly at the subjects face, to remove shadows.

The software is provided as freeware. It is designed to be used only with Magicard printers such as the Alto, Opera, Rio or Tango.

The programme can be removed by using the Windows Control Panel (Start / Settings / Control Panel / Add|Remove programs).
Note that not all files are deleted, to avoid deleting your card database accidentally or when upgrading. To remove manually, use Windows Explorer to locate the Magicard ID folder, highlight and delete. The folder is usually in c:\Program Files.

Yes, its quite easy to set up, just follow the following instructions:

1. Create a colour JPEG image file for the whole card, to incorporate your logo. In Landscape mode, this image should be 1026 x 642 pixels, and vice-versa for Portrait mode.
2. Save this image in the C:\Program Files\Magicard ID\backgrounds folder on your computer, in JPG mode.
3. Start Magicard ID and use backspace to delete the logo text.
4. Click the Card Design button.
5. Click Select Pattern, locate the background image you created, click Open and then OK.

This is due to an error in the software which will be fixed in the next release.
In the meantime there is a simple work around. Just type the ampersand symbol twice '&&' and it will print a single symbol correctly.