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This course introduces you to FileMaker
Pro,
a powerful relational database tool for
personal computers which runs on both Windows and
Macintosh computers.
The ability to efficiently use databases has almost become a mandatory skill for
anyone working in a modern business environment. This
course will provide you with the capability and
confidence to use FileMaker professionally.
We will work with you and use FileMaker to
build a simple database application containing several
tables and then build more complex databases which
illustrate how to create relationships between one table
and another. The aim is to efficiently store and retrieve the required
information without unnecessary redundancy.
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Click
here to
play a sample movie from the course. |
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Click
here to
play another movie which illustrates sorting
techniques. |
Databases are used to store information
that an individual (or company) might require. They commonly
contain very large amounts of information indeed and their major advantage over other
methods of storing information is the speed with which relevant
information can be recalled and displayed in useful form.
This course runs as an in-house course on
a group or one-on-one basis on demand. If you wish to take the
course,
please send an email
to
info@designcad.com.au and we will reply with some
possible dates.
Training in this software is offered in both Adelaide and
Canberra, but in
Canberra, we need a minimum of three students in a group
to cover costs as we hire a training room in the Hotel
Kurrajong, National Circuit Barton. If you are able to
let us deliver the course in your premise, we will
deliver a group or one-on-one course in Canberra.
The cost
of the course for in-house training is $A750.00 per person and includes GST.
We encourage payment prior to taking the course by
direct deposit to our bankers.
We
also encourage payment via
PayPal, an organization which takes all credit cards
using a secure Internet facility. PayPal is a partner
within the eBay system. We have chosen PayPal because it
is independent of us, allows us to hold money in trust
until we have delivered the course and is now
operational in Australia.
We will provide a tax invoice on
receipt of payment. If you cannot attend after booking a
course, there is no penalty, we will simply re-schedule.
If this is not possible, we will refund payment.
This course can be taken by distance learning at a
considerable discount - $A250.00.
If you enrol in our distance program, we ship a printed workbook and CD-ROM
which contains the electronic copy of the course and a large collection of instructional
movies. Together they enable you to learn to use the
software. We provide email support while you
work though the course.
Here is a link to
background material on the way our distance courses
work.
If your company or
organization is paying for the course, all we need is a
purchase order and an address to send the course
materials. We encourage payment via
PayPal, an
organization which takes all credit cards using a secure
Internet facility. PayPal is a partner within the eBay
system. We have chosen PayPal because it is independent
of us, allows us to hold money in trust until we have
delivered the course and is now operational in
Australia.
If you take the course as a private distance
student, payment for courses can also be
accepted through the the
PayPal system.
When taken in-house, An Introduction
to FileMaker normally runs over a full day session 9.15 am to 4.30
pm.
When taken
externally, experience has shown us that students take
significantly longer to complete the course, primarily
because they are able to break up their learning into
small 'chunks' as time permits. InDesign is a large
program - please allow plenty of time to work through
our materials. We would estimate that you have 25-30
hours of work in front of you!
An
understanding of basic
computer operation including being able to create, save and locate files. It is assumed that you have a need to store substantial quantities of
information and wish to retrieve 'sub sets'
of this data quickly and efficiently.
The course is
suitable for those who have used FileMaker Pro applications
where others have 'programmed' FileMaker databases for you and
you now want
to learn to 'drive' FileMaker on your own.
The table below provides an overview of the course
content.
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Using FileMaker
Pro |
Starting FileMaker,
creating your first FileMaker database - a catalogue for a
retail plant nursery.
Refining the catalogue. Creating a second catalogue - one for a wine
merchant. Using a FileMaker Pro
database developed by a professional programmer - a list manager
application; one which totals up the value of a sub set
of items selected from a list. |
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New in FileMaker
Pro 7 |
A discussion of the
features new to FileMaker Pro version 7 which was released in
2004. |
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New in FileMaker
Pro 8 |
A discussion of the
features new to FileMaker Pro version 8 which was released in
2005. |
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Some Preliminaries
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Installing FileMaker
Pro, starting
the program. Versions of FileMaker. Exploring the world of
FileMaker templates. Sharing data among users of different
software. FileMaker and
the Windows operating system. Using Windows Explorer to create a
suitable folder structure for storing databases.
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The FileMaker Interface |
Viewing records in a
database. The Browse mode. The Find mode. Finding a single
record meeting particular criteria. Narrowing the search
criteria. Coping with large amounts of data in a field. Sorting
data. Layout mode - making changes to forms. The Preview mode.
Using drop down menus.
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Building a blank
database with a single
table database
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The main components
of a database - Tables, Forms, Queries. Creating a brand new
single table database application from scratch. Creating fields,
records, data types, field sizes and descriptions. Inserting,
deleting and modifying fields in a table. Testing the database
with real data.
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Building
a multi table relationship database |
Creating a new
multiple table database application from scratch. Understanding
and planning relationships between tables - the GUI approach.
Developing a safety incident reporting database which links the
incident with the persons affected. Planning another application
- a database for a Contract Clinical Research Organization.
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Case Study 1: |
Building a database for an
Insurance Broking firm. Planning the application, creating the
tables, deciding on
fields to be linked, setting up portals, including graphics
company logo), deciding on navigational tools, testing the
application. |
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Web databases |
Using the web
publishing facility in FileMaker Pro. |
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