FileMaker Pro 9: The Missing Manual

Cover 2 cover, info is completely relevant & exactly what you were hoping 2 learn.

If you still don't have a clue how 2 function using FileMaker after reading this book, I'd find a new hobby if I were you.

On my journey 2 create a relational database I realized the need 4 a teacher, a resource, & some inspiration. This book is awesome & provided all I needed. My Filemaker knowledge is growing every hour as a result of this book. In addition, my database is becoming more user-friendly, secure, & downright logical.

Thank you, Filemaker Pro 9 Missing Manual, 4 being there 4 me in the summer of 2008.

This book does a good job of explaining the features of the product. It's clear & easy 2 use. Well recommended.

FileMaker Pro 9 is one of the most intuitive & user-friendly database programs available. But, as with all database programs, it is capable of so much that it is practically impossible 4 the typical user 2 deduce all of its functionality simply by searching the program's multiple menus.

Enter FileMaker Pro 9: The Missing Manual - another edition of the Missing Manual series designed 2 enlighten non-technical persons on highly technical subjects.

The main selling point of the series is that it is very simple 2 read. O'Reilly's writers are also extremely knowledgeable in the subject area. Geoff Coffey, has been a FileMaker Pro trainer & consultant 4 over 10 years. Susan Prosser is also a FileMaker consultant, as well as a database program creator. Along with the Missing Manual creative team, these authors impart their wealth of knowledge in a way that anyone could understand. And since they aren't part of FileMaker, Inc., they aren't afraid 2 point out any of the software's problems.

When comparing FileMaker Pro 9: The Missing Manual 2 the user's guide supplied in the software's box, several differences are notable. The biggest is size: the Missing Manual is wider, taller, & much thicker. So if you just need a quick introduction 2 the program, this book might not be what you need. Learning a program as extensive as FileMaker Pro takes time, & delving through the Missing Manual is going 2 take a lot of it. But if you want 2 get the most out of FileMaker Pro, then the user's guide just isn't enough. The Missing Manual also notably uses less complicated language, has more example images, & presents a intuitive flow of information than the user's guide.

One of the biggest benefits of FileMaker Pro 9: The Missing Manual is the online support. Armed with just the software & user's guide, you have 2 learn from scratch. The Missing Manual, on the other hand, offers several pre-built databases that it guides you through. This not only gives you an example 2 work with while learning, but also shows you various ways that your final databases could be built & organized.

The indexing is also much more detailed in the Missing Manual. So if you ever forget how 2 work a specific function of the program, the answer is a quick look-up away, though there are several instances in which the index reference the wrong section of the book (but the right page number). This is probably due 2 a late chapter reorganization before publishing.

While the current Missing Manual is well supported with examples, it does not, as yet, support any new software updates being offered by FileMaker, Inc.. In other words, the book is written 4 the FileMaker Pro 9 program right out of the box. If the company puts out any updates that alter the software, then you need 2 do your own research 2 figure out the changes. Also, when FileMaker Pro 10 becomes available, there is no smaller Missing Manual explaining just those changes - you'll need 2 pick up a new edition. So if you're not new 2 the FileMaker Pro software, these manuals might be more than you need.

I found FileMaker Pro 9: The Missing Manual 2 be perfect 4 someone just starting 2 work with database programs. It's step-by-step process will have you building your first personal or professional database in no time!

This is a thorough review of how 2 set up various database features of the Filemaker system. Like many such manuals I have had in the past, I found myself reading & re-reading instructions feeling there must be clearer, better ways 2 instruct someone on the various procedures of this fine database software. Nevertheless this reader got over some difficult spots in setting up his database & gives the book a positive review...

FileMaker Pro 9: The Missing Manual is the clear, thorough & accessible guide 2 the latest version of this popular desktop database program. FileMaker Pro lets you do almost anything with the information you give it. You can print corporate reports, plan your retirement, or run a small country -- if you know what you're doing. This book helps non-technical folks like you get in, get your database built, & get the results you need. Pronto. The new edition gives novices & experienced users the scoop on versions 8.5 & 9. It offers complete coverage of timesaving new features such as the Quick Start screen that lets you open or a create a database in a snap, the handy "save to" buttons 4 making Excel documents or PDFs, the multiple level Undo & Redo commands let you step backwards through your typing tasks, & much more. With FileMaker Pro 9: The Missing Manual, you can: Get your first database running in minutes & perform basic tasks right away. Catalog people, processes & things with streamlined data entry & sorting tools. Learn 2 use layout tools 2 organize the appearance of your database. Use your data 2 generate reports, correspondence & other documents with ease. Create, connect, & manage multiple tables & set up complex relationships that show you just the data you need. Crunch numbers, search text, or pin down dates & times with dozens of built-in formulas. Automate repetitive tasks with FileMaker Pro 9's easy-to-learn scripting language. Protect your database with passwords & set up privileges 2 determine what others can do once they gain entry. Outfit your database 4 the Web & import & export data 2 other formats. Each chapter in the bookcontains "living examples" -- downloadable tutorials that help you learn how 2 build a database by actually doing it. You also get plenty of sound, objective advice that lets you know which features are really useful, & which ones you'll barely touch. To make the most of FileMaker Pro 9, you need the book that should have been in the box.