FileMaker Pro 5 Companion [Paperback]

Maria Langer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 9, 2000 | ISBN-10: 012436151X | ISBN-13: 978-0124361515 | Edition: 1

FileMaker Pro 5 Companion is a complete guide to the latest version of FileMaker Pro, the popular cross-platform database application. Written for users at all levels, this book begins with the basics of database design and creation, then moves on to teach the finer points of layout techniques, field entry options, calculations, scripting, networking, publishing data to the Web, and much more. Each chapter is geared towards helping readers accomplish practical tasks and solve common problems, and all conclude with exercises designed to reinforce the techniques learned. This is the only book covering the latest release that meets the needs of beginning, intermediate, and advanced users.

Key Features
* Clear, step-by-step instruction from an expert who knows what problems confront new users and the topics that more experienced users most want to master
* Covers both the Windows and Mac OS versions of FileMaker Pro, carefully noting all distinctions
* Filled with real-world examples that help readers understand not only how, but why
* Provides special coverage of features new to version 5, helping upgraders get up to speed on the new interface, enhanced reporting, and other improvements
* Via the companion Web site, provides tutorial files, additional tips and tricks, and links to other sites of interest to FileMaker Pro users

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

FileMaker Pro is a top-selling database application for both Mac OS and Windows users. With its intuitive interface, flexible layout feature, and ability to create cross-platform, networkable files, it's the obvious choice for meeting data management needs. But FileMaker Pro goes beyond the basic needs of users by providing automation, the ability to create custom applications, and built-in Web publishing capabilities.

FileMaker Pro 5 Companion covers all aspects of using FileMaker Pro to create and maintain database files. Written for every level of FileMaker Pro user, the book begins with the basics of database design and creation, then moves on to teach the intricacies of layouts, field entry options, calculations, scripting, database Web publishing, and more. Each chapter ends with exercises that reinforce the techniques learned. The book's companion Web site provides additional tips, links, and other information of interest to FileMaker Pro users.

About the Author

Maria Langer is the author of over two dozen computer books, most of which are about popular applications by FileMaker, Microsoft, Adobe, and Intuit. She is a Contributing Editor for FileMaker Pro Advisor and Mac Today magazines and has written reviews and articles for MacAddict, Net Professional, Computer User, and others. Maria has created custom FileMaker Pro solutions for a number of Fortune 500 companies and speaks at Macintosh conferences, seminars, and user group meetings, including Macworld Expo.

Product Details

• Paperback: 747 pages
• Publisher: Morgan Kaufmann; 1 edition (June 9, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 012436151X
• ISBN-13: 978-0124361515
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,901,975 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Maria Langer has been a freelance writer since 1990. She has written more than 75 books and hundreds of articles about using computers, software, and online services. She provides support for her work, as well as new content, on the Maria's Guides website. These days, she also writes about aviation and travel for a variety of print and online publications.

Maria is also a commercial helicopter pilot and owner of Flying M Air, a helicopter tour and charter company based in Arizona. Her company offers tours, day trips, multi-day excursions, and aerial photography services throughout the southwest.

And if that's not enough to keep her busy and out of trouble, she's also a serious amateur photographer. She shows off her best work on her photo gallery, Flying M Photos.

Maria blogs at Eclectic Mind, her personal journal of thoughts and experiences.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Just another basic book!, July 16, 2000

By 

Alan Burbeck (Boston, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: FileMaker Pro 5 Companion (Paperback)

This is just another in a long string of basic books. Not much different than the FileMaker Bible.

No inight into proper database design, nothing on multiuser considerations, nothing on using FileMaker Server, or how to use FileMaker with MS Office.

The book even say's that ODBC is beyond the scope of the book! Some companion! You can find the same information in the FileMaker manual or the on-line help.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good For the Beginner... but better options are out there, August 6, 2000

By 

R. Whitelaw "Rebel Broker" (Morgan Hill, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: FileMaker Pro 5 Companion (Paperback)

If your an experienced Filemaker user, this book is not going to hold much attraction for you. However, for those who are new to the filemaker world, or perhaps those who have used filemaker but not made use of its more powerful features, this could be the book for you. So while the promotional text for this book might claim its good for all levels of users, I would say that is an overstatement. Some of the areas where the book excels would include its information on web publishing and security. If your hoping to unlock the power of Filemaker pros scripting ability, then this volume will fall short of the mark. I would suggest "Scriptology" for that need.

Also to the books credit is its appropriate use of screen shots (from both platforms) to make things clear.

In short, a well written volume with general information that is appropriate for the novice or beginning intermediate user.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not very useful - stick with the included user manual, October 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: FileMaker Pro 5 Companion (Paperback)

Was this book written just to make a buck? It doesn't go beyond the user manual that much at all. Where's a good section on using FileMaker plugins? Using ODBC? Bringing databases to the Web? Embracing standards such as XML and JDBC? No where is where! This book should be avoided by people who already use FileMaker Pro and anyone who wants to use it in a networked environment.

I wish I could recommend a "Complete" reference, but I don't think one exists yet.