furuta@uw-june (Richard Furuta) (12/29/84)
Well, I'm still trying to find out something about Mac databases (this is a pretty immediate kind of need so any feedback is appreciated). Have any of you used any of the Mac Database programs? Today's list of programs I'm wondering about are 1st Base, Main Street Filer, and DB Master. I've read the January MacWorld review and have seen a InfoWorld review of DB Master. I've played a little with 1st Base (but not enough to get a good idea of what its limitations are). That's about all I know. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who can tell me more. --Rick ihnp4!uw-beaver!furuta
klc@lzmi.UUCP (klc) (01/07/85)
A few people have been asking about MAC databases. I have Omnis 2 and am very pleased with it. The Jan 1985 issue of Macworld has a database review of 1stBase, pfs, DB Master, Main St Filer, and OverVUE. On page 89 is a table that compares them. Below is a column that you can add for Omnis 2: Max field length 60 Max fields/record 120 Max record length 9600 Max records/file disk Max fields/record 60 Form design rating(1-3) 2 Changeable design yes Copy records to new file yes Max sorting levels 9 Computed fields yes Field totals yes Field averages can compute Record Count yes Report destinations S,P,D Headers yes Footers no Print quality ? I think draft only Save report designs yes In addition, the following is not in the Macworld table, but are relevant: index items/data base 10 # selection criteria/search 50 If you compare these values, I think that you will see that Omnis 2 compares quite favorably. Omnis 3 (expected out in March '85) is file compatable with Omnis 2 and is a relational data base. The literature says that Omnis 3 can produce turnkey systems so I assume that it allows forms input for unknowledgable users. Omnis 2 also has a few levels of protection so that fields can be change protected by a password. Macworld says that Omnis 2 was not available when they wrote their review - I'd like to see the same reviewer update his article - I think Omnis 2 would be on top of his list. Good luck. Karen L. Cohen -- Karen L. Cohen AT&T-IS Lincroft (201) 576-2450 The views expressed above are mine alone & do not reflect those of my employer.