The Local History Press wrote:
> I've been using database programs for 14 years. Initially I used
> Superbase on a Commodore Pet (yes, we're talking about prehistory here)
> and latterly I have been using Dataease 4.5 for DOS, both for
> maintaining our own magazine's subscription system and for maintaining
> the membership list for a county local history association. I also use a
> program called Idealist, developed by Blackwell's, to store our reviews.
>
> Recently I underwent two days' training on Access and found myself
> pleasantly suprised at how easy it was to use - of course it may be the
> comparison with Dataease that produced the favourable effect, but I felt
> that it was possible to use Access on a series of levels and the wizards
> did make the initial setting up of a database fairly stress free. As
> with all database programs, it's advisable to work your way through a
> series of introductory tutorials in a fairly methodical manner. I also
> found mail-merge with Word fairly straightforward.
>
> When starting on the construction of a new database I always sit down
> with some paper and a pencil and think about what the end product of a
> database needs to be - invoices, reminders, publications, websites etc.
> Then I work my way backwards towards the structure of the database. None
> of this is as exciting as actually getting your hands on the keyboard
> and playing with the program, but I find it an invaluable way of
> working.
>
> I'm not a great Microsoft fan - I find Word much too much of a smart-
> alec compared to WordPerfect and I prefer Netscape Navigator to Internet
> Explorer - but I would suggest that people do give Access a second
> glance. Of course, it's not cheap to buy, but if anyone has it already
> as part of Office, then I would explore its possibilities.
> --
> Susan Griffiths
> The Local History Press
> 3 Devonshire Promenade
> Lenton
> Nottingham
> NG7 2DS
> Tel: 0115 9706473
> Fax: 0115 9424857
> web site: www.local-history.co.uk
===================
What happy memories your mention of Superbase evokes!!
My wife and I learned that on our steam-powered Commodore and I have been a
database fan ever since. Another great Commodore program was the word
processor "Paperclip" by Batteries Included - it had better sort
capabilities than anything Gates has flung out.
I now use the relational database that is part of SmartWare. Its color
rules that let any field be colored by formula comparing data in other
fields is perfect for a one-name study. I have used and rejected Access
because I find no pluses to offset its complexity, and it will not color
fields by formula.
Such some ruminations,
_Bill
--
L W (Bill) Bunning; Irvine, California, USA
BUNNING one-name study: Guild member 1325
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