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Hester, Nolan    
Filemaker Pro 8: Learn Filemaker Pro the Quick and Easy Way!
Peachpit Press
ISBN: 0-321-39674-X
Price: 24.99
Level (Appropriate for all levels)
Copyright  2006                                                          
Reviewer: Linda McNeil
Rating:  5/5
Description:
       This book is a detailed step-by-step guide to Filemaker Pro 8, a content management tool. It shows the reader how to create databases, edit content quickly, create tables, utilize templates, and implement many more features introduced in Filemaker Pro 8.
       The content is organized into the following sections: Getting Started, Working with Existing Filemaker Databases, Creating Databases, Designing Layouts, Sharing and the Web, and a detailed Index.
       Here are some new features which users will appreciate:
              1. “A greatly improved way to create related databases. What had been a confusing chicken-or-egg conundrum in previous versions of the program is now very straightforward.”
              2. Email almost anything instantly  
              3. Quickly create tabbed layouts to make it easy to group related items into a single screen—
              4. Spot misspelled words instantly by setting Filemaker to underline questionable spellings as you type.”
              5. Version 8’s enhanced ability to export to Excel now makes back-and-forth data sharing truly painless. Import Excel files directly into FileMaker without having to predefine your fields. When you’re finished working with that data in FileMaker, export it right back to Excel.
       It is this last feature that I was pleasantly surprised to find available. In managing a comprehensive database, I found it a challenge to compile data from PCs and Macs as well as from Filemaker versions 5, 6, and 7. This one function now makes the compilation process much less of a headache.

Strengths
       The author points out that Filemaker’s simple and consistent interface, cross platform potential, powerful yet simple productivity, and the ability to play well with other programs make it a winner for all users. The book also advises : “Do not confuse what a database contains (the content) with how it looks (the form). As important as data may be, it’s not what gives a database its power. Instead, the power is in the program’s ability to organize – and instantly reorganize—the display of that data..”
         This book has something for every level of Filemaker Pro users. It will provide enough information and supporting materials for beginners to start creating and editing databases with little difficulties. Experienced users can skip right to the advanced topics such as sharing and the web, etc.
         The book is formated in a compact size (7”x 9”) that is easy to hold and spread open to read. The pages themselves are organized so that each page or two page spread covers the complete process for the reader. The text is supported by screen shots of the computer screen to illustrate the step-by-step process being presented.

Weaknesses
Although the book does a tremendous job of providing an in-depth understanding of the Filemaker Pro 8 application, it can’t cover the constantly evolving changes in the world of databases. This is where Nolan Hester turns a weakness into a strength by providing a companion website (http://www.waywest.net/filemaker/) to provide information, list errors, and to provide unrestricted versions of the databases presented in the book.

Summary or Comments
This book will show the reader how the application, Filemaker Pro 8, is a win-win application for all concerned. It is simple enough for the novice to create or manage a database. On the opposite end, database consultants will appreciate the application’s versatility and power.
Over the years, Filemaker has grown from a rather small program into a formidable multiplatform relational database. As it developed in importance, more and more users have become interested in the potential of this application. The author has certainly done a commendable job of explaining the world of Filemaker Pro to the uninitiated and providing tips and tricks for the experienced users.
         In summary, I would say that this book is a great reference tool for Filemaker users that manage and create their own databases. The informative style of the author is easy to read. In addition, the visual format of the text with supporting graphics make this a must have reference tool for Filemaker users. In browsing several of the books I have on Filemaker, I find that I prefer the open visual format of the visual Quick-Start guides by Peachpit Press. I can truthfully state that this book will remain by my computer and become a cherished companion along with other VQS books.

Overall rating:  5/5

Reviewer: Linda McNeil is a Pa. media specialist. Linda teaches several online and classroom courses to adults/teachers for the PA Dept. of Education. Linda is also a professional artist and she maintains her own website (www.brushcolor.com) and several blogs. She is a member of MACS@PACS, MACBUS, MLMUG, National League of American Pen Women, TriState YA Review Committee, and other organizations.