Filemaker Pro 5 Bible [Paperback]

Steven A. Schwartz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 2000 | ISBN-10: 0764534068 | ISBN-13: 978-0764534065 | Edition: 1

Completely revised for the latest FileMaker version, FileMaker Pro 5 Bible keeps you up to speed with this sophisticated database program.

Whether you're a database newbie looking for step-by-step instructions or a FileMaker veteran searching for inside tips and shortcuts, this comprehensive cross-platform guide is the only one you need. Explore everything from fundamental database concepts and procedures to the latest tools added for Version 5 in this guide; individual sections address:

• Database design basics, including tools and layout possibilities
• Data entry and edit features
• Search and sort options
• Advanced database functions like calculations, computations, automation, data exchange, and template construction
• Web publishing, creating workgroups, and linking to other databases
• Developing databases for clients

The enclosed CD-ROM holds a massive collection of ready-to-run FileMaker Pro templates, example databases, demos, and utilities. Refer to it as you get up and running or later on if you need help with the more advanced topics covered in the book.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

If FileMaker Pro 5 can do it, you can do it too… Revised to cover the latest FileMaker features, this comprehensive cross-platform guide will help you get the most out of this powerful software, whether you're a database newbie looking for step-by-step instructions or a FileMaker veteran searching for inside tips and shortcuts. Packed with information on everything from design basics to the enhanced Web publishing functions — plus a massive archive of ready-to-use templates and examples on the CD-ROM — FileMaker Pro 5 Bible is just what you need to become a database whiz. "The most comprehensive resource of its kind!" — Ari M. Weinstein, FileMaker Pro developer Inside, you'll find complete coverage of FileMaker Pro 5

• Master all the essential FileMaker Pro tools — and get up to speed quickly on new features such as integration with Microsoft Office, support for QuickTime, and enhanced Web functionality
• Discover smart blueprints for defining fields, creating layouts, and setting preferences
• Learn the best ways to enter and edit data, search and sort records, and design reports
• Save time with scripting techniques and tips for creating templates
• Publish on the Web using the new Instant Web Publishing tool
• Link your databases with relationships and lookups
• Import or export data from non-FileMaker databases

Bonus CD-ROM Jam-Packed with FileMaker 5 Resources

• More than 100 templates
• All example databases from the book
• Plus demos, shareware, freeware, and more

Shareware programs are fully functional, free trial versions of copyrighted programs. If you like particular programs, register with their authors for a nominal fee and receive licenses, enhanced versions, and technical support. Freeware programs are free, copyrighted games, applications, and utilities. You can copy them to as many PCs as you like—free—but they have no technical support. www.hungryminds.com System Requirements: Mac: PowerPC, 16MB RAM, OS 7.6.1 or later, FileMaker Pro 5 PC: Intel 486 at 33 MHz or greater, 16MB RAM, Windows 95/98/NT 4 (SP 3 or higher), FileMaker Pro 5

About the Author

About the Author In 1978, Dr. Steven Schwartz bought his first microcomputer, a new Apple II+. Determined to find a way to make money with it, he began writing software reviews, BASIC programs, and user tips for Nibble magazine. Shortly thereafter, he was made a contributing editor. During the past 20 years, Steven has written hundreds of articles for more than a dozen computer magazines. He currently writes for Macworld magazine. He was also a founding editor of Software Digest, as well as business editor for MACazine. From 1985 to 1990, he was the director of technical services for Funk Software. Steven is the author of nearly 40 books, including Macworld Guide to Claris Works 2, Macworld Claris Works 2.0/2.1 Companion, Macworld Claris Works 3.0 Bible, Macworld Claris Works 4.0 Bible, Macworld Claris Works Office Bible, Macworld FileMaker Pro 2.0/2.1 Bible, Macworld FileMaker Pro 3.0 Bible, FileMaker Pro 4 Bible, and dozens of popular game strategy guides. Steven has a Ph.D. in psychology and presently lives in the fictional town of Lizard Spit, Arizona, where he writes books and reviews, consults on game development issues, and complains about the heat. He can be contacted via e-mail at [e-mail].

Product Details

• Paperback: 749 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (January 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764534068
• ISBN-13: 978-0764534065
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,097,013 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

A professional computer-industry writer and author for over 30 years, Dr. Steven Schwartz has written 60+ books on computer and game topics. In recent years, he has specialized in Microsoft Office and other Microsoft products (12 books) and FileMaker Pro (11 books). He pioneered the game book industry, writing the first trade paperbacks for Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and Super Nintendo games, as well as many official, authorized guides for video and computer games. His writing credits include 15 years for Macworld, as well as many other popular publications, such as PC World and Computerworld.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FileMaker Pro 5 Bible is good for novice user like me., January 15, 2000

By 

Stefanus Widya (Indonesia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Filemaker Pro 5 Bible (Paperback)

I'm a new user of FileMaker Pro 5, FileMaker Pro 5 Bible is easy to understand and good for text reference. I think FileMaker Pro 5 Bible is the only book you can depend to use the software effectively. It covers all of the program's steps that anyone can understand. FileMaker Pro 5 Bible is good for novice user.

39 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Just a rehash of the 4 book?, March 22, 2000

By 

Kelly Smith (Alpena MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Filemaker Pro 5 Bible (Paperback)

I was VERY disappointed in this book. I have the 4.0 book and this isn't much different. I was looking for how to use the new value-lists and found nothing. I wanted to get into validation of my data using calculations and there is nothing, and ODBC a big FM 5 feature is called beyond the scope of the book!

We need a real Bible not a novice book. This book is great if you're just getting started but it's by no means the "Bible".

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars bibles are for believers, August 4, 2000

By 

Kevin - See all my reviews

This review is from: Filemaker Pro 5 Bible (Paperback)

To be fair, I did not read this page-to-page, but spent a few hours poring over it along with a few other books on Filemaker Pro in the bookstore.

Unfortunately I have yet to find a book on Filemaker that goes significantly beyond the manual to explain and exemplify some of the more powerful features of Filemaker, say, the calculation fields and scripting. I'm a regular observer of the Filemaker forums online and can understand why they are so popular.

I agree with the first reviewer that the book should not simply target beginners, as Filemaker is simple enough already to waste time on intuitive tasks.

This for the true bibliophile.