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Difficulty of Alpha Four?

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    #1

    Difficulty of Alpha Four?

    I have not tried to set up a database since the mid-1980's. I never developed any level of proficiency at it - due to lack to time to learn DB3 programming. Now I am in a position wherein I must develop a database for my work.
    I have three questions:

    (1) - just how 'intuitive' is Alpha Four? [I do not find access particularly intuitive.]

    (2)How long is it going to take to set up a sophisticated contact database - which includes names, addresses, company or association, on average 7 or 8 other pieces of key personal data, a field recording who referred me to the person or organization in a particular record, several paragraphs of notes on the contact, etc.?

    (3) If I fail to initially program in a particular field which later proves to be critical, how difficult will it be to enter such a field into every record later?

    I will be very appreciative of any and all answers. I know you people are used to much more sophisticated levels of inquiry - so I appreciate your help for a beginner.

    Desmond Birch
    Tags: None
    #2
    RE: Difficulty of Alpha Four?

    Desmond,

    Regarding your questions about ALPHA FOUR I can assure you that it is a very simple process to set up and modify data for your custom needs.


    I would however recommend that you take a serious look at the ALPHA FIVE database product over the ALPHA FOUR product.
    The ALPHA FIVE product is a WINDOWS based product while the ALPHA FOUR product is DOS based. They work fundmentally the same except that the A5 product offers so much more.

    The new A5 product is really something special.

    Good luck, rt

    Comment

      #3
      RE: Difficulty of Alpha Four?

      Alpha includes several templates with their products - in the case of Alpha Five v4.5 - there is a Contacts application. There's also a separate add-on for A5 v5 that looks really comprehensive - take a look at the online slide show starting at:
      http://www.alphasoftware.com/products/a5v5/addons/
      And of course, you can customize either of these to meet your own needs. Adding fields is no problem.
      Alpha products have always been known for their ease of use - and v5 sets an new, extremely high, standard.
      And there's always this board - if you have any questions - don't hesitate to ask - there are so many knowledgeable and helpful Alpha users that regularly monitor the board.
      You've come to the right place.

      Comment

        #4
        RE: Difficulty of Alpha Four?

        Dear Robert,

        Thank you very much for the advice. I have received a number of responses directing me to try Alpha 5. Today, I ordered it.
        I will take a look at the addon file.

        Thank you again,

        Desmond Birch

        Comment

          #5
          RE: Difficulty of Alpha Four?

          There is a sample file of Alpah 5 you can download and try for Free before you buy. I personally think Alpha 4 V7 is the best you can get.

          Ken

          Comment

            #6
            RE: Difficulty of Alpha Four?

            Desmond,

            I have been using Alpha Four Version 6 fo dos for about 5 years now. I have set up most of my business function using it and we use it almost extensively. I do have Alpha Five Version 4.5 and use it for limited tasks. I continued to use A4 because I felt it was very easy to setup, use, and maintain. I much prefered it over A5 V4.5.

            I did have the opportunity to Beta test Alpha Five Version 5 and received my copy of it today. (I hope you ordered version 5 and not 4.5) A5V5 is simply killer. IMHO, it blows A4 out of the water. There is an extraordinary difference between V4.5 & V5.

            V5 is my ticket away from Alpha Four. Not that I find any problems with A4 in any way. It's just that V5 is SO MUCH more powerful and capable than A4.

            Mike
            Thank you,
            Mike Konoff

            Comment

              #7
              RE: Difficulty of Alpha Four?

              Dear Mike,

              Thank you for your response.

              Yes, I did order 5.5. I also ordered the Contact Manager App. I just installed it - and cannot figure out how to get to it. The menu is not offering me the option to get to the Contact Manager application.

              Any suggestions?

              Desmond Birch

              Comment

                #8
                RE: Difficulty of Alpha Four?

                Desmond,

                The contact database installs in a different directory, most likely a subdirectory of your current Alpha Five directory. After Alpha Five gets running, click on file & open in the drop down menu. Then go look through the directories until you find the named contact manager.

                Once you get the contact manager open, Alpha will remember the last five databases opened in an easy to use list.

                Dave

                Comment

                  #9
                  RE: Difficulty of Alpha Four?

                  Dear Robert,

                  A few days ago you offered to help. Either there is something wrong with my installation of either Alpha 5, V5, or 'Contact Manager' or both.

                  I could desperately use some help. I have made three tries to get through to technical support to no avail. I was trying not to take advantage of your offer.

                  I could really use your help - assuming that generous offer is still in place.

                  My biggest problem is that there is nothing in their tutorial which is of the remotest assistance to a beginner.

                  Thank you, and I hope to hear from you.

                  Desmond Birch

                  Comment

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