Learn FileMaker Pro 2002 (for PC and Mac) is designed to teach the fundamentals of this relational database program from the ground up to a reader who has little or no experience with the program. FileMaker 2002 is the newest release of this very popular database which has rapidly become the most successful stand-alone database software for the Windows platform. This unique title includes essential information often missing from other books. The new title is of value to more sophisticated users because of the inclusion of advanced material, especially web related features, SQL enhancements, and record level security. Readers obtain the fundamental elements of the subject in a friendly, straightforward manner. Stars addresses the subject with step-by-step instructions, including hands-on examples to reinforce the concept.
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.
