[net.micro.mac] Review of Microsoft File

egv@aicchi.UUCP (Vann) (02/27/85)

I am an owner of both FILE and HELIX.  In many ways the two products are
alike.  In other ways quite different.  I will cover HELIX in more detail in
another news item.

FILE is moderate in its functionality.  It will create an index of one or more
keys if desired.  In addition you can create reports using the built-in report
generator.  MacPaint images can be stored in a FILE record.  According to the
specifications sheet at the rear of the package a FILE form can be 455 x 455
inches in size.  This is a rather LARGE form.

I have successfully created lists of names that served to act as a database
when using WORD's mailmerge function.  WORD too is from MICROSOFT.  Because it
is disk-based it allows files to grow in size to reach the capacity of the
storage device.

For the price FILE is not a bad buy.  It is NOT a relational database as are
1st BASE and HELIX.  Nevertheless it's easy to use to make reports and print
mailing labels.

Should you own any of the other MICROSOFT products this might easily be added
to your list of software packages, just for the sake of continuity.
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-- 
Eric Geoffrey Vann
Analysts International (Chicago Branch)
(312) 882-4673
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