What is FileMaker II?

Sometimes more is less and less is better, in the case of databases this is definitely true for the majority of Mac users who just need to maintain a mailing list or perform some other simple form of data management. Running off mailing labels with a relational database is like sweeping your floor with a steam shovel or playing tiktacktoe on a Cray. FileMaker Plus (the previous version of this program) has been the flat file manager of choice on the Mac, FileMaker II consolidates this position. (FileMaker II was briefly known as FileMaker 4 when it was marketed by Nashoba. Claris acquired the product and changed the name but not the software.)

Working with FileMaker II is a pleasure. Most users familiar with the Mac interface will forego the excellent manual and be comfortable with the program in only a few minutes. Like PageMaker or PixelPaint — though not as spectacular or sexy — FileMaker II doesn't just use the Mac interface but seems to live and breathe it, making previously tedious tasks seem almost fun.

Setting up a file is extremely easy and intuitive. After clicking New and naming the file, you define your fields in a remarkably simple fashion. You can then either enter data using the default layout or design your own layout(s), Designing sophisticated layouts is a breeze with the drawing tools and type options. In older versions of the program, it was difficult to align objects in a layout. The programmers apparently listen to users, because FileMaker II includes an invisible-grid feature that eliminates this problem. You can also import pictures as a standard part of your layout via the Mac's Clipboard.

Flexibility is not sacrificed for simplicity. Since a file can have any number of different layouts, it is possible to view data from many different perspectives. A membership file for a user group, for instance, could serve us the basis for producing mailing labels, a user directory, dues notices, and so on. Exporting data for a mail merge is a straightforward task.

Besides the invisible grid, a number of new features have been added to FileMaker II. Business users should be especially pleased with the program's new networking capabilities. It is passible for multiple users to work independently on a file. Although using a file server such as TOPS in conjunction with FileMaker II allows for greater capabilities, limited file sharing is possible with only a hardware AppleTalk network. A number of features — such as passwords, confidential layouts, exclusive rights, and multiple access levels — ensure the integrity and security of your files.

The program has beer overhauled and fine-tuned in other areas, too. Among the most important refinements are a more powerful Undo feature, the addition of an oval and a rounded rectangle tool for layout, color (on a Mac II) full-screen displays in some modes, and hierarchical menus for formatting text.

FileMaker II allows for several different ways to accomplish a given task. Command-key equivalents are abundant. Most importantly, the program's powerful macro capability — called Scripts in FileMaker II — allows you to automate repetitive tasks. Scripts are easy to set up and use. You can add your most frequently used scripts to the Custom menu.

FileMaker II ships with an Examples disk that will be very helpful to most users. Although creating a file from, scratch is easy, few users will have to do even that, since they can simply take one of the templates and modify it for their own purposes.

Because FileMaker II is so handy, I keep looking for new uses for it. Currently, the only way to access FileMaker II dat a outside of the program is through the Export commander via the Clipboard

I'd like to see Claris, the new publishers of the program, add a DA version of the program similar to Greene Inc.'s QuickDEX, which allows Rolodex-type files to be read and updated. The DA could also be used to dial the phone automatically.

Claris is renowned, of course, for old standbys like MacPaint and MacDraw. These programs have seen better days. Now that Claris is publishing FileMaker II, it has the best flat file manager in the business. Perhaps Claris will be encouraged to upgrade its other programs accordingly.

Husten, Larry. (December 1988). FileMaker II. MacUser. (pg. 63).

Download FileMaker II for Mac

Architecture

Motorola 68K

Compatibility notes

Emulating this? It could probably run under: Mini vMac