Learn File Maker Pro 5.0 [Paperback]

Jonathan Stars (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 25, 2000

Learn FileMaker Pro 5.0 is designed to teach the fundamentals of this cross-platform relational database program to both Macintosh and PC users, while also providing more advanced topics for intermediate users. Beginners learn the basic elements of FileMaker in a straightforward, logical manner, complete with hands-on exercises and chapter quizzes. For those who have experience with FileMaker, the book includes information on troubleshooting and debugging scripts, creating a report based on a date range, and how to turn a field into a button. By the time readers complete this book, they will have a set of files they can use to keep track of customers and invoices.

The appendixes address issues such as network error messages and technical support. In addition, an extensive index with more than 2,500 entries guides the reader to specific FileMaker topics.

The companion CD-ROM contains the example files in both Windows and Macintosh formats, along with other FileMaker developer solutions and plug-ins.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jonathan Stars is a software consultant in Michigan, where he specializes in creating FileMaker databases. Among his many projects, he has developed databases for government agencies in Michigan, music publishers, and universities. He is a member of the FileMaker Solution Alliance and writes for FileMaker Pro Advisor magazine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 375 pages
• Publisher: Wordware Publishing, Inc. (August 25, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556228007
• ISBN-13: 978-1556228001
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,902,591 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

In my previous life, I was an award-winning singer, songwriter, and comedian. I got the FileMaker (database) bug in 1986 when I started using it to keep track of my entertainment business. My book, Learn FileMaker Pro 10, (Wordware Publishing ISBN 1-59822-071-3) is now in its seventh edition.

When I was in school I dreaded writing. It was the days before computers. I wasn't a very good typist and always hated it when I had to revise something I'd written since it required starting over. Writing on the computer was a Godsend! I could type as fast as the ideas flowed out of my brain and then organize and spellcheck them later. After I'd written a number of articles about computer software and other more personal pieces, my plan was to write about ten articles on FileMaker and then pull them together and do a book on the software. That was my plan. It turns out writing a book is not the same thing as writing ten articles. In fact...

Writing my first FileMaker book was the hardest thing I'd ever done in my life - and I've been divorced twice! As I finished up the last chapter, a writer friend of mine said, "Uh, oh. Now you have to write the foreword." I said, "Are you kidding? I've been saving that for dessert. It doesn't have to be in a step-by-step format. I can just write anything I want - what I think and feel." And it really was a treat. I still like to write that way and hope I can write a memoir or a novel sometime in the near future. (Hmmm... But then there are things like outlines and arcs and emotional high points.)

Among my many non-writing projects, I've developed databases for The State of Michigan governmental agencies, CRG Regional Telephone Directories, ICT Cable, various international associations, Marco Music Publishing in Nashville, TN, and Yale University's NARCOMS database. My company, Data Design Pros, LLC, is a member of the FileMaker Business Alliance and I have my own column in FileMaker Pro Advisor magazine online. I've also written for EQ Magazine, Apple COREspondent and numerous association newsletters. Musical projects include a CD for the MSU Jazz Octet, Ray Kamalay's Jazz Improvisation instructional CD and audio engineering on the Boogie Stomp documentary featuring boogie woogie piano wizards Bob Baldori and Bob Seeley due out in the fall of 2010.

I have a number of websites I'm in charge of including: www.DataDesignPros.com (my database business website), MoviTraX.com (a site devoted to software I've developed for movie editors) and TheTechnoGrouch.com (a site where I act out my love-hate relationship with technology). I'll be starting a writing website soon at www.JonathanStars.com, but right now that address points to my business site.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Seniors can understand this book, October 23, 2000

By 

L. L. Stutes (Lansing, MI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Learn File Maker Pro 5.0 (Paperback)

FileMaker Pro 5.0 is a very powerful program. As a 75 year old retiree, I will never use FileMaker to its maximum power. I am finding this book helpful to organize my personal financial life, and to inventory my household goods, books I own, have read, and want to read. Using this book has helped me make sense of the program. The INDEX is the MOST helpful thing to me. I need to look things up frequently since I don't use the program all day everyday in a business setting. Many books have lots of information, but you can't find the particular information you need because you don't know how to find it in the index. This index lists things in different ways to accommodate the search. Thank you, Jonathan Stars!

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's just too simple, October 6, 2000

By 

G HIGGINS (GLASGOW, SCOTLAND United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Learn File Maker Pro 5.0 (Paperback)

Ok, I am not the smartest person in the world and getting information into my head would be better achieved with a book & a pile driver. For any who interested in Filemaker 5, I cannot recommend this book enough. It is almost like Johnathan is sitting with you as you read it.The examples are not too complicated and in a very easy & relaxed way you begin to understand what Filemaker is all about and Johnathan's passion for the programme.I just hope there is a more advanced edition in the pipe lines

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Building Relationships, August 22, 2001

By 

Janice M. Child (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Learn File Maker Pro 5.0 (Paperback)

Most software books seem to be written by people who not only love the software, but also assume that everyone else is equally fascinated by it. They write for the informed audience; they write for themselves. This book is different.

It was written both for people who are new to FileMaker Pro and those who are more familiar with it. Jonathan Stars writes in a clear and interesting way, and he explains his terms and his instructions so that even someone who has no prior experience with FileMaker Pro can understand.

Stars promises that FileMaker Pro is "user friendly." It is, but it's even friendlier because of this text. I followed his instructions in the early chapters to build my first database, and now I refer to the book when I need answers to more advanced questions. The text helped me get up-to-speed quickly and painlessly. His index is the greatest help of all.

I love FileMaker Pro now, and the better I get at using FileMaker Pro, the more I value this book. It is a wonderful resource.