database program?

I'm about to receive the new Windows 7 Professional computer I ordered;
my old computers are WinXP. I suspect a few of my ancient programs won't
work on this 64-bit machine. Among them is FileMaker Pro, version 3 (I
think the program is up to version 13 now). All I use it for is
maintaining a database of my book collection.

Any recommendations for a free or low-cost database program that I could
import my files into and configure for my purpose? I have the
home/student versions of WordPerfect Office and Microsoft Office, and as
far as I know they don't come with database programs.

Thank you,

Jo-Anne

In article , says...

I'm about to receive the new Windows 7 Professional computer I ordered;
my old computers are WinXP. I suspect a few of my ancient programs won't
work on this 64-bit machine. Among them is FileMaker Pro, version 3 (I
think the program is up to version 13 now). All I use it for is
maintaining a database of my book collection.

Any recommendations for a free or low-cost database program that I could
import my files into and configure for my purpose? I have the
home/student versions of WordPerfect Office and Microsoft Office, and as
far as I know they don't come with database programs.

Thank you,

Jo-Anne

You might find it works fine given it's shouldn't have any need of doing
anything "past" the Windows API and that's remained fairly constant in
backwards compatibility.

Jo-Anne wrote on 3/3/2015 1:50 PM:
I'm about to receive the new Windows 7 Professional computer I ordered;
my old computers are WinXP. I suspect a few of my ancient programs won't
work on this 64-bit machine. Among them is FileMaker Pro, version 3 (I
think the program is up to version 13 now). All I use it for is
maintaining a database of my book collection.

Any recommendations for a free or low-cost database program that I could
import my files into and configure for my purpose? I have the
home/student versions of WordPerfect Office and Microsoft Office, and as
far as I know they don't come with database programs.

Thank you,

Jo-Anne

Calibre is a book catalog program. I think it's primary use is to catalog and transfer ebooks to Nook or Kindle etc.
Course this implies the books are electronic files, not physical books.

However as much as you are going from XP to Win7, some old programs will still work in win7 even 64bit. 64 bit will
run 32 bit programs. And there are compatibility modes too. So don't give up too early.

"Jo-Anne" schreef in bericht
...
I'm about to receive the new Windows 7 Professional computer I ordered; my
old computers are WinXP. I suspect a few of my ancient programs won't work
on this 64-bit machine. Among them is FileMaker Pro, version 3 (I think
the program is up to version 13 now). All I use it for is maintaining a
database of my book collection.

Any recommendations for a free or low-cost database program that I could
import my files into and configure for my purpose? I have the home/student
versions of WordPerfect Office and Microsoft Office, and as far as I know
they don't come with database programs.



Doesn't Microsoft Office contain MS Access nowadays?



--


|\ /|
| \/ |@rk
\../
\/os

On 03/03/2015 20:00, Linea Recta wrote:
"Jo-Anne" schreef in bericht
...
I'm about to receive the new Windows 7 Professional computer I
ordered; my old computers are WinXP. I suspect a few of my ancient
programs won't work on this 64-bit machine. Among them is FileMaker
Pro, version 3 (I think the program is up to version 13 now). All I
use it for is maintaining a database of my book collection.

Any recommendations for a free or low-cost database program that I
could import my files into and configure for my purpose? I have the
home/student versions of WordPerfect Office and Microsoft Office, and
as far as I know they don't come with database programs.



Doesn't Microsoft Office contain MS Access nowadays?




Not the version she has.

On 3/3/2015 12:50 PM, Jo-Anne wrote:
I'm about to receive the new Windows 7 Professional computer I ordered;
my old computers are WinXP. I suspect a few of my ancient programs won't
work on this 64-bit machine. Among them is FileMaker Pro, version 3 (I
think the program is up to version 13 now). All I use it for is
maintaining a database of my book collection.

Any recommendations for a free or low-cost database program that I could
import my files into and configure for my purpose? I have the
home/student versions of WordPerfect Office and Microsoft Office, and as
far as I know they don't come with database programs.

Thank you,

Jo-Anne

Thank you, everyone! I'll try installing Filemaker Pro on the new
machine before I do anything else. If that works, it'll save me a lot of
bother.

Jo-Anne

On 03/03/2015 12:50 PM, Jo-Anne wrote:
I'm about to receive the new Windows 7 Professional computer I ordered;
my old computers are WinXP. I suspect a few of my ancient programs won't
work on this 64-bit machine. Among them is FileMaker Pro, version 3 (I
think the program is up to version 13 now). All I use it for is
maintaining a database of my book collection.

Any recommendations for a free or low-cost database program that I could
import my files into and configure for my purpose? I have the
home/student versions of WordPerfect Office and Microsoft Office, and as
far as I know they don't come with database programs.

Thank you,

Jo-Anne



First I'd try your software on the new machine. If it does not work,
simply get the current version.

The new version is more likely to to compatible with your existing data
base and I'd think a better alternative than trying to re-catalog
everything with new software.

Jo-Anne wrote:
I'm about to receive the new Windows 7 Professional computer I ordered;
my old computers are WinXP. I suspect a few of my ancient programs won't
work on this 64-bit machine. Among them is FileMaker Pro, version 3 (I
think the program is up to version 13 now). All I use it for is
maintaining a database of my book collection.

Any recommendations for a free or low-cost database program that I could
import my files into and configure for my purpose? I have the
home/student versions of WordPerfect Office and Microsoft Office, and as
far as I know they don't come with database programs.

Thank you,

Jo-Anne

You have several options.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Virtual_PC

"Windows XP Mode is available free of charge to users
of Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate."

There is a 500MB download of the OS image, plus a ~20MB
download for the Windows Virtual PC to run it. The WinXP
in there would be 32 bit, and accept 16 bit installers
etc. Your FileMaker might run in there. Virtualization
is especially useful, when programs don't have a strong
I/O component - if the output is just files or a
window on the screen, chances are good that virtualization
is good enough. Speed-wise, x86 on x86 runs at about 90%
of the CPU speed, so the speed is equal.

*******

Otherwise,

Win7 x64 = Runs 64 bit and 32 bit code
Win7 x32 = Runs 32 bit and 16 bit code

Some programs are modern enough to be 32 bit, but
the installer package (Wise, InnoSetup etc) is only
16 bits. The incompatibility is in the installer,
not necessary the actual program. You just can't
get the program installed.

You could dual boot Windows 7. It's possible to use
a Retail installer DVD of the same "level" (Professional)
and use the COA off the bottom of the laptop. My laptop
came with Acer Win7 HP x64, and I downloaded Win7 x64
retail HP off the Internet (digitalriver official source,
now closed). Microsoft has also been offering downloads
recently, so you may be able to get a copy of
Windows 7 that way.

In my case, I did a clean install, using the COA.
I had to use the automated phone method (touch tone),
to exchange ~56 digit numbers with Microsoft, to activate
the OS. But it worked, and now I have a "clean" install.
I specifically wanted to get rid of the Acer program
content (NTI, Zynga).

So finding the program has a 16 bit installer, is
a bit of a barrier, which can be solved by using the
32 bit version. I don't think anything would
prevent you from dual booting - it's just a nuisance.

When the program is eventually installed, there
can still be problems. If you navigate to the
appropriate Program Files folder, right click
the .EXE, there is a tab for "Compatibility" there.
When that is set, the program gets to use a wrapper
that changes the appearance of some subsystems. For
example, when I was experimenting with Audacity and
DScaler on a new system, I could see what was offered
in the audio side of things, by changing the OS
compatibility setting on the EXE from Win7 to WinXP
or Win98 and so on. In fact, for the two programs,
none of the settings helped - I couldn't select the
audio input I wanted. But, the Compatibility tab
will solve problems for it. It isn't a dead loss.

Moving a database isn't always that easy. You would
need some sort of Export capability on the source end
(to some sort of standard format or an interchange
format), as you cannot expect a new database to be all
that interested in supporting a 100 different variations
of competing products. Lots of software can't even
do a good job of importing the older versions of
stuff made by the same company, so I wouldn't enter
such a project with a positive attitude. I would
be expecting trouble.

Paul

On Tue, 03 Mar 2015 13:42:12 -0600, Jo-Anne
wrote:

On 3/3/2015 12:50 PM, Jo-Anne wrote:
I'm about to receive the new Windows 7 Professional computer I ordered;
my old computers are WinXP. I suspect a few of my ancient programs won't
work on this 64-bit machine. Among them is FileMaker Pro, version 3 (I
think the program is up to version 13 now). All I use it for is
maintaining a database of my book collection.

Any recommendations for a free or low-cost database program that I could
import my files into and configure for my purpose? I have the
home/student versions of WordPerfect Office and Microsoft Office, and as
far as I know they don't come with database programs.

Thank you,

Jo-Anne

Thank you, everyone! I'll try installing Filemaker Pro on the new
machine before I do anything else. If that works, it'll save me a lot of
bother.


I was just about to suggest that, but you saved me the trouble. I
don't know for sure, but my guess is that it will work.

Per Jo-Anne:
FileMaker Pro, version 3 (I
think the program is up to version 13 now). All I use it for is
maintaining a database of my book collection.

Any recommendations for a free or low-cost database program that I could
import my files into and configure for my purpose?

I would say that, for the uses you describe, FileMaker Pro is a hard act
to follow.

I used to do Microsoft Access development and that would be my first
thought for a purely-database replacement. Learning curve not too bad
if you just go with the wizards, lots of room for expansion.

But I would also consider Microsoft Excel if you think the data will fit
conveniently within the limitations of a spreadsheet. The reasons for
that would be simplicity and portability between your PC and cell phone
and/or tablet. Libre Office will run on those devices and open Excel
spreadsheets.
--
Pete Cresswell

Per (PeteCresswell):
But I would also consider Microsoft Excel if you think the data will fit
conveniently within the limitations of a spreadsheet. The reasons for
that would be simplicity and portability between your PC and cell phone
and/or tablet. Libre Office will run on those devices and open Excel
spreadsheets.

Also, I should admit that I use Google Tasks as a sort of hierarchical
list manager. It replaces CarbonFin Outliner, which only ran on my
retired IOS devices and on Windows via a web browser interface.

Google Tasks, you would access via a browser link on the PC and via one
of the Google Tasks app on your phone/tablet.

CarbonFin, if your phone/tablet is IOS really cannot be beat - it's
slickness is on a par with FileMaker Pro's, although it is strictly a
list manager..... no relationships or lookups.
--
Pete Cresswell

On 3/3/2015 2:11 PM, Ken Blake wrote:
On Tue, 03 Mar 2015 13:42:12 -0600, Jo-Anne
wrote:

On 3/3/2015 12:50 PM, Jo-Anne wrote:
I'm about to receive the new Windows 7 Professional computer I ordered;
my old computers are WinXP. I suspect a few of my ancient programs won't
work on this 64-bit machine. Among them is FileMaker Pro, version 3 (I
think the program is up to version 13 now). All I use it for is
maintaining a database of my book collection.

Any recommendations for a free or low-cost database program that I could
import my files into and configure for my purpose? I have the
home/student versions of WordPerfect Office and Microsoft Office, and as
far as I know they don't come with database programs.

Thank you,

Jo-Anne

Thank you, everyone! I'll try installing Filemaker Pro on the new
machine before I do anything else. If that works, it'll save me a lot of
bother.


I was just about to suggest that, but you saved me the trouble. I
don't know for sure, but my guess is that it will work.

Thank you, Ken. I suppose, if worse came to worse, I could run it in XP
mode--once I install whatever it takes for XP to run under Win 7.

Jo-Anne

On 3/3/2015 1:53 PM, philo wrote:
On 03/03/2015 12:50 PM, Jo-Anne wrote:
I'm about to receive the new Windows 7 Professional computer I ordered;
my old computers are WinXP. I suspect a few of my ancient programs won't
work on this 64-bit machine. Among them is FileMaker Pro, version 3 (I
think the program is up to version 13 now). All I use it for is
maintaining a database of my book collection.

Any recommendations for a free or low-cost database program that I could
import my files into and configure for my purpose? I have the
home/student versions of WordPerfect Office and Microsoft Office, and as
far as I know they don't come with database programs.

Thank you,

Jo-Anne



First I'd try your software on the new machine. If it does not work,
simply get the current version.

The new version is more likely to to compatible with your existing data
base and I'd think a better alternative than trying to re-catalog
everything with new software.


Thank you, Philo. The new versions are way too expensive for me. Version
13 is $330 at Amazon, and version 12 is $228. My version is too old to
be eligible for an upgrade.

Jo-Anne

On 3/3/2015 2:05 PM, Paul wrote:
Jo-Anne wrote:
I'm about to receive the new Windows 7 Professional computer I
ordered; my old computers are WinXP. I suspect a few of my ancient
programs won't work on this 64-bit machine. Among them is FileMaker
Pro, version 3 (I think the program is up to version 13 now). All I
use it for is maintaining a database of my book collection.

Any recommendations for a free or low-cost database program that I
could import my files into and configure for my purpose? I have the
home/student versions of WordPerfect Office and Microsoft Office, and
as far as I know they don't come with database programs.

Thank you,

Jo-Anne

You have several options.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Virtual_PC

"Windows XP Mode is available free of charge to users
of Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate."

There is a 500MB download of the OS image, plus a ~20MB
download for the Windows Virtual PC to run it. The WinXP
in there would be 32 bit, and accept 16 bit installers
etc. Your FileMaker might run in there. Virtualization
is especially useful, when programs don't have a strong
I/O component - if the output is just files or a
window on the screen, chances are good that virtualization
is good enough. Speed-wise, x86 on x86 runs at about 90%
of the CPU speed, so the speed is equal.

*******

Otherwise,

Win7 x64 = Runs 64 bit and 32 bit code
Win7 x32 = Runs 32 bit and 16 bit code

Some programs are modern enough to be 32 bit, but
the installer package (Wise, InnoSetup etc) is only
16 bits. The incompatibility is in the installer,
not necessary the actual program. You just can't
get the program installed.

You could dual boot Windows 7. It's possible to use
a Retail installer DVD of the same "level" (Professional)
and use the COA off the bottom of the laptop. My laptop
came with Acer Win7 HP x64, and I downloaded Win7 x64
retail HP off the Internet (digitalriver official source,
now closed). Microsoft has also been offering downloads
recently, so you may be able to get a copy of
Windows 7 that way.

In my case, I did a clean install, using the COA.
I had to use the automated phone method (touch tone),
to exchange ~56 digit numbers with Microsoft, to activate
the OS. But it worked, and now I have a "clean" install.
I specifically wanted to get rid of the Acer program
content (NTI, Zynga).

So finding the program has a 16 bit installer, is
a bit of a barrier, which can be solved by using the
32 bit version. I don't think anything would
prevent you from dual booting - it's just a nuisance.

When the program is eventually installed, there
can still be problems. If you navigate to the
appropriate Program Files folder, right click
the .EXE, there is a tab for "Compatibility" there.
When that is set, the program gets to use a wrapper
that changes the appearance of some subsystems. For
example, when I was experimenting with Audacity and
DScaler on a new system, I could see what was offered
in the audio side of things, by changing the OS
compatibility setting on the EXE from Win7 to WinXP
or Win98 and so on. In fact, for the two programs,
none of the settings helped - I couldn't select the
audio input I wanted. But, the Compatibility tab
will solve problems for it. It isn't a dead loss.

Moving a database isn't always that easy. You would
need some sort of Export capability on the source end
(to some sort of standard format or an interchange
format), as you cannot expect a new database to be all
that interested in supporting a 100 different variations
of competing products. Lots of software can't even
do a good job of importing the older versions of
stuff made by the same company, so I wouldn't enter
such a project with a positive attitude. I would
be expecting trouble.

Paul

Thank you, Paul. Lots to think about. I will install XP Mode as soon as
I can and see what happens. There may be another program or two that
will need to run under it.

Jo-Anne

On 3/3/2015 2:12 PM, (PeteCresswell) wrote:
Per Jo-Anne:
FileMaker Pro, version 3 (I
think the program is up to version 13 now). All I use it for is
maintaining a database of my book collection.

Any recommendations for a free or low-cost database program that I could
import my files into and configure for my purpose?

I would say that, for the uses you describe, FileMaker Pro is a hard act
to follow.

I used to do Microsoft Access development and that would be my first
thought for a purely-database replacement. Learning curve not too bad
if you just go with the wizards, lots of room for expansion.

But I would also consider Microsoft Excel if you think the data will fit
conveniently within the limitations of a spreadsheet. The reasons for
that would be simplicity and portability between your PC and cell phone
and/or tablet. Libre Office will run on those devices and open Excel
spreadsheets.


Thank you, Pete. I hadn't thought about compatibility with the tablet,
which would be useful for shopping in bookstores--although I do most of
my book buying online these days. The last bookstore in my small city
closed at the end of December...

Jo-Anne