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Attention: Computer Illiterates/Amature New Users

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    Attention: Computer Illiterates/Amature New Users

    I'm going to attempt to convince a savvy ALPHA developer to prepare a very elementary, step by step guide to working with ALPHA - A handbook for the amature user, with basic needs.

    I, for one, am having difficulty sorting through all the choices (most of which are embellishments for the use of professionals), and somehow, I can't believe I am alone.
    I find the "help" section useless, and even Wayne's "Learning Alpha Five: The Database for Everyone" is somewhat confusing to me, and now outdated.

    If you have a need for such a handbook, please leave your name and e-mail address here, and if there is enough response, I bet I can convince the developer I have in mind to help us out.

    Amy Adkins

    #2
    RE: Attention: Computer Illiterates/Amature New Us

    Amy,

    Pleasse clarify:

    all the choices (most of which are embellishments for the use of professionals),

    What choice are you referring to?

    I find the "help" section useless,

    Is this the v5 online Help section? Why do you think it's 'useless' and what should be done to make it useful?


    and even Wayne's "Learning Alpha Five: The Database for Everyone" is somewhat confusing to me, and now outdated.

    That's true, it is outdated and that is because, well, it's been around awhile and v5 is now out and he's written a new book entitled, "Application Programming in Alpha Five Version 5". It's not geared for the beginner but rather takes the user through creating a checkbook registe using the various features of Xbasic.

    Have you read the online books and if so, what do you think of them?

    Since you posted this on the v5 message board, I'll presume you have v5. That being the case, what is it that you're finding difficult?

    kenn
    TYVM :) kenn

    Knowing what you can achieve will not become reality until you imagine and explore.

    Comment


      #3
      RE: Attention: Computer Illiterates/Amature New Us

      Ken,

      You are a "professional" - I've seen your name on this forum often, and your responses have assisted me in the past. But often, it's hard for experts to reduce themselves to recognizing the needs of an complete amature.

      Rather than answering your questions right now, I'm going to delay replying until I see what kind of response I get from other amatures - perhaps I am the only one...we'll see.

      After finding out, I'll give you a detailed reply to exactly what I think of the books/user guides currently available!

      Have a great weekend.

      Amy

      Comment


        #4
        RE: Attention: Computer Illiterates/Amature New Us

        Amy, you are certainly not the only person, amateur or not, who is having problems getting started with Alpha Version 5.

        There is soooo much, so many new features -- where do you start?

        A good place to begin is with the "What's New" writeups, then click on "Help/Books/Intro. to Action Scripting". After that, try out the "learning XBasic" Manual. At that point, if you have Dr. Wayne's "Application Programming in Alpha Five, Version 5", jump in with that. That's what I'm doing because when I jump into Version 5, I'm an amateur also!

        -Barry

        Comment


          #5
          RE: Attention: Computer Illiterates/Amature New Us

          Amy,

          Just because my name is on the message board alot doesn't mean I'm a 'professional' (whatever that means) nor does it mean I'm well versed in all or even many of the aspects of A5. There are many who are much more proficient than I; I am not in their league, not even close.

          It's hard to know what you mean by 'amature user'. for example, I wouldn't classify myself as an 'amature user' when it comes to form design and setting up a database even though there's still a lot for me to learn in that regard. I would classify myself as an 'amature user' when it comes to Xbasic.

          If you're referring to the new online books that come w/v5 as "embellishments for the use of professionals", hmmmmmm. For example, the online book, "Introduction to Action Scripting" is well written for the "amature user" who is just learning to use action scripting. It has lots of screen shots to show what the author is describing and is very easy to follow. I know great pain was taken to make sure that the v5 online books made up for what the v4 books lacked.

          I see from your post that you were having trouble with a start up form. However, you were not specific about the nature of the problem.

          If you would like to be specific about what you're having a problem with, I or others will be delighted to assist you.

          kenn
          TYVM :) kenn

          Knowing what you can achieve will not become reality until you imagine and explore.

          Comment


            #6
            RE: Attention: Computer Illiterates/Amature New Us

            Amy,

            Although not specific to Version 5 the book by susan bush would appear to fit your description.

            "Alpha Five Made Easy" on the Alpha Software website.

            If you have examined it and need something different please explain what it is. What is the scale of your need: 20 pages; 200 pages.

            Bill
            Bill Hanigsberg

            Comment


              #7
              RE: Attention: Computer Illiterates/Amature New Us

              I agree with you Amy. For a first time user, it can be hard to know how to get started because there is so much in v5.

              We are working on two new books which we hope to release at no charge in the next couple of weeks.

              1. a quick introduction to a5 (i.e. a getting started guide)

              2. a book called "behind AlphaSports" that shows how we built AlphaSports.

              Comment


                #8
                RE: Attention: Computer Illiterates/Amature New Us

                Amy

                Are your concerns over the ability of the manuals to help in getting started created a database management system OR are they over the need to look at Database fundamentals and how to construct a database.

                I ask because I believe the 2 often get mixed up and confused.

                If you define an amateur as someone who does not sell applications/designs then that includes me. I use the systems I build and create for my own business. I started, by "burning the midnight oil" on many many .. many occasions! As a result of this eventually created some complex systems which I thought were great UNTIL I started having problems creating different and more complex reports.

                I then took advice from someone on this board and went back to basics and picked up a very good book on database fundamentals, I have not looked back since then and am now in the process of redesigning my applications using good design principles.

                Alpha 5 is a superb piece of software that helps tremendously in creating a wonderful database management system, but it will create the system using YOUR design. The power of the program is only really limited by your own imagination.

                Regards

                Glen Schild
                Glen Schild



                My Blog

                Comment


                  #9
                  RE: Attention: Computer Illiterates/Amature New Us

                  Although I've been using Alpha 4 since the early 90's and have had moderate success with Alpha 5v4.5, I still find Alpha 5 intimidating.

                  What a fantastic plan.

                  I congratulate you and your team on your commitment and dedication to the customer.

                  Thank You very much.

                  Ron
                  Alpha 5 Version 11
                  AA Build 2999, Build 4269, Current Build
                  DBF's and MySql
                  Desktop, Web on the Desktop and WEB

                  Ron Anusiewicz

                  Comment


                    #10
                    RE: Attention: Computer Illiterates/Amature New Us

                    Dear Glen,

                    I think I would qualify as someone in the same boat as Amy.

                    I was told that the documentation for Anpha Five, V. 5 is completely self-explanatory.

                    That may be so for someone who is seasoned in the use of Data Bases. I'm not! I also purchased the Contact Manager Application yesterday - and I cannot even - from the online documentation - figure out how to begin.

                    BTW, I am not 'computer challenged'. I am considered to be a very sophisticated end user of a number of computer programs. But I have no experience in Data Bases - and now find myself in the situation where I must become proficient.

                    Could you please give me the name of a Book on Database 'fundamental' - which will be of immediate help to me in understanding the terminology they use/throw around in the Alpha Five Version Five.

                    I have to get up and running with 'Contact Manager'in a very short period of time - and I have to make a few small additions to the fields in the form. Can't find anything which shows me how to do that either.

                    I will be greatly appreciative for any and all help you can give me.

                    Desmond Birch

                    Comment


                      #11
                      RE: Attention: Computer Illiterates/Amature New Us

                      Dear Selwyn,

                      Will these books be useful to someone with no experience in Databases?

                      IF so - I would like to pre-order the first copy available.

                      Desmond Birch

                      Comment


                        #12
                        RE: Attention: Computer Illiterates/Amature New Us

                        Desmond

                        The book I referred to is

                        Database Design for Mere Mortals by Michael J Hernandez
                        ISBN 0-201-69471-9

                        It goes right back to basics, tables/Records/Fields/Keys etc etc. It is not an A5 book but focuses on the principles of design. In fact working through the book you don't even need to switch on a pc!

                        Regards

                        Glen
                        Glen Schild



                        My Blog

                        Comment


                          #13
                          RE: Attention: Computer Illiterates/Amature New Us

                          I have lots of database experience (mostly Access), and bought the new Dr. Wayne book. I also agree that for a new user, an "introduction" book/tutorial would be nice. Something that leads you through the learning curve in a logical order.

                          Dr Wayne's will be good for learning Xbasic, but it assumes you know the rest of A5.

                          At this point, I consider a V4 book to be outdated, since V5 is so radically different.

                          I eagerly await the new book.

                          Comment


                            #14
                            RE: Attention: Computer Illiterates/Amature New Us

                            Desmond,

                            I believe the two books Selwyn is referring to will be FREE with the purchase of A5v5.

                            kenn
                            TYVM :) kenn

                            Knowing what you can achieve will not become reality until you imagine and explore.

                            Comment


                              #15
                              RE: Attention: Computer Illiterates/Amature New Us

                              Hi Amy-

                              When you have the chance, please do let us know your complaints/suggestions about the books/user guides.

                              Especially those "basic needs" you mentioned. Please be as specific as you can.

                              That kind of feedback is great, and almost certainly will result in the kind of improvements you desire.

                              Thanks,
                              Brenden

                              Comment

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