In reference to tuning programs,  As a Registered Piano Technician
having tuned thousands of pianos at this point, I think I can answer
this question pretty well.  Presently there are three professionally
accepted programs; Tune Lab, Cyber Tuner, and Veri-Tuner.  Most
technicians using software today are going with Cyber Tuner:
http://www.reyburn.com/cybertuner.html

The Veri-Tuner is also available as a stand-alone tuning device
with basically the same program.  The other stand-alone alternative
is the Sanderson Accu-Tuner.  The model II and III are widely used.
The above mentioned programs are designed to operate on a pocket PC
for portability.

All these programs/devices work via calculated tunings for each piano.
A series of three or four specified notes are played while the machine
records the entire partial series of each them.  The computer then
compares and calculates this data in order to create a complete tuning
scale for the recorded piano.  That information can then be stored in
memory so that the next time that same piano is tuned the file can be
brought up and it's ready to go.  Thus an entire data base of pianos
can be accumulated.

Many current production pianos are similar enough that a stored tuning
on one can be used on another identical model without a noticeable
difference.  Older pianos, particularly if they have been rebuilt,
should be measured and saved individually.  These programs are also
available in PC-compatible versions so they can be loaded onto notebook
computers.  Some technicians like this because they can also easily
access their customers information together.  With a small portable
printer they can print a receipt on sight for the customer.

Make no mistake, these _are_ expensive.  They do, however, save
a tremendous amount of time, even for the experienced technician.
I scored well above average on the PTG tuning exam yet I still use
an ETD (electronic tuning device) because I can perform a very good
tuning in a relatively short amount of time.  This creates a lot less
stress by the end of the day.  They are also good learning tools for
the beginner because you can compare your own tunings with the
computer's tunings to improve your accuracy and skill.

Rob Goodale, RPT
Las Vegas, Nevada