FileMaker's origins are as a flat file database and it still works in that mode if you don't do relations (as does any other relational database). I have yet to see ANY windows program that is truely as stable as many DOS programs were. I cannot name a single one (out of several hundred) that I have not crashed or hung. Even DOS programs are not that stable if you power off at inopportune times as the file system has no notion of a consistent state. DOS programs also tend to have severe memory constraints and get buggy if you get too close to their limits. There are many high end databases, mostly SQL based, that are stable. FileMaker server seems to be very stable. We have never had a crash that left us in an unknown state but I am sure it is possible. Most of its stablity comes from running it as about the only thing on a dedicated machine. If the server is stable, one can live with somewhat unstable clients. The whole Windows protection model is broken, in that things like buggy device drivers can write anywhere in memory and corrupt user data. Essential no Unix based programs have of these problems although until very recently the filesystems had problems similar to DOS and having to repair the filesystem after crashes.
I am quite sure that RapidFile was a single user program as were most DOS programs. Getting multiuser access right is truely hard and complicated. Most likely it is the cause of more problems than the complications due to adding relational features. > -----Original Message----- > From: Bill Bussey [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] > Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2002 10:31 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
