Bill First, you may wish to take a look at ebase version 2 when it is available at the end of this month. For the tasks you mention, it is more than adequate. I think the relational functionality of FilemakerPro is a desirable feature and I wouldn't limit myself to a flat file database.
You didn't mention whether cost is a factor or how many licences you require. But, for a single user, UA$200 approx. will get you a neat application (a "gem"!) called "Fast Forward" that is available from www.timelesstech.com For the basic stuff it works exceptionally well and provides customization options, although not as extensive as ebase. You can always go with contact management software such as Act or Maximizer but don't expect it to adequately record receipts from member fees or contributions, etc. Hope this helps, Gerry Gerry A Hodgson 8871 Gay Road Richmond BC V6Y 2H8 604 271 9877 [EMAIL PROTECTED] -----Original Message----- From: Bill Bussey [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: February 10, 2002 7:31 PM To: TechRocks Support Subject: [support] Flat File Databases As a subscriber to this listserve for about a year, I'm amazed at how complex, and sometimes unstable, Ebase and Filemaker Pro are. It has been said more than once on this listserve that Ebase is too much and too complicated for many users. The relational aspect and the numerous data files and structure can be overwhelming to many users. Some organizations only need a list of names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and perhaps some notes on each contact. Does anyone out there have any experience with simple, flat file databases that can be easily and quickly searched, print sorted mailing labels, and can easily add fields for customization. I'm still using a DOS flat file database called RapidFile. Made by Ashton-Tate back in the late 1980's as a small, flat file lead-in to DBase, RapidFile is very stable and meets all the criteria above. However, since it isn't Windows based, it has a hard time printing nicely formatted lists or labels in any typestyle other than Courier or other DOS fonts. Is there anyone out familiar with any simple Windows based flat file databases that might work well for not-so-demanding applications? Outlook may immediately come to mind. However, it is so tied to Internet Explorer that it might only have limited applications to those using other browsers. Plus, I've found it not to be as stable as I'd like. Any other gems out there? Bill Bussey President Triangle Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Pittsboro, NC [EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------------ Reminder to each recipient: To change your list account preferences, go to http://email.sparklist.com/scripts/lyris.pl?enter=support and enter the email address you used to subscribe to the ebase support list:: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ebase - Relationship Management for Nonprofits, http://www.ebase.org --------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ Reminder to each recipient: To change your list account preferences, go to http://email.sparklist.com/scripts/lyris.pl?enter=support and enter the email address you used to subscribe to the ebase support list:: [email protected] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ebase - Relationship Management for Nonprofits, http://www.ebase.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------
