Customer Reviews

FileMaker Pro 6 Bible

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book was advertised as having a reader level from beginner to advanced; although it was thoughtful and well laid out, it is for beginners only. The author manages no more with 900+ pages then what FileMaker does in roughly 200 pages with their boxed manual.
If your thinking about making this purchase, reread the manuals that came with FileMaker and spend your money on something useful. I was hoping for a lot more.

Puzzled with the decision to purchase an expensive, taylor-made database software for my starting business or to try and work it all out in Excel, I went for the unexpected: Downloaded a 30-day trial version from the Internet and purchased a comprehensive book on how to create a powerful business solution.
Bare in mind that, not only I am not a systems engineer, but I usually have trouble with computer wizards because I don't speak their same language.
The book just explains things in layman terms and is extremely easy to follow. I know I missed some of the features and tips which are great for advanced programmers, but what I got out of it was extremely useful.
To make a long story short, with Dr. Schwartz's book, I was able to create my own custom-made database in 6 days (3 hours/day). AND IT WORKS !!
I'm sure I saved a lot of money by buying The Filemaker Bible....now I have to buy the software.

I am pleased with this book it will take you from beginner to intermediate in just a short while. I was however disappointed that it didn't go into a more advanced section for writing complex calculations and scripts. If you are staring out or need a reference book this will do. If you need to write complex scripts and calculations your better off looking else ware.

I looked into several books on FileMaker before purchasing this one. The combination of accessible writing, and clear instruction, make this book a winner. Particularly helpful was an early "quick-start" session, which takes the reader through the building of a contacts database that utilizes all of the most commonly used features of the software to create a working database in a little over an hour. This section alone is worth the price of the book, and provides such clear instruction that other, more advanced concepts are much clearer for having read it. I'm surprised at the relatively weak reviews for this book -- I've turned to it time and again over the course of my FileMaker education. For my money, it's the best thing out there, especially for someone brand new to database design and creation.

It says there's a whole chapter on plugins but I only find one plugin covered in depth and that one BRIEFLY. Hmph. I'll look elsewhere.

Don't buy this; the tool stinks and book doesn't provide very good example. FMPro is a badly written piece of software.