Our November meeting took place in our NEW meeting location - The Birmingham Temple. Our main meeting topic was "Creating Databases with FileMaker Pro 8." Terry took us through 3 scenarios using FileMaker Pro 8. The first was how to get started with little or no knowledge of FileMaker and creating a database with one of FileMaker's built-in templates. He then showed how the template could be easily modified to fit your specific needs. He added a custom layout to print name badges. Next Terry showed how he uses FileMaker Pro 8 to manage the MacGroup member database. He uses it for all correspondence with members including generating the renewal invoices, mailing and shipping labels and the sign-in roster. Lastly Terry showed one of the more powerful features of FileMaker 8 by creating a relational database that tied in both a contact management database and an sales database.
Apparently there is a lot of interest in FileMaker as there were several questions after the main presentation.

Q&A from the Meeting

Q. Where can I see a review of the new features in version 8?
A. FileMakerAdvisor.com has posted this review.

Q. How Much does FileMaker Pro cost and can I upgrade from a previous version?
A. FileMaker Pro 8 goes for $299/upgrades $179, FileMaker Pro 8 Advanced goes for $499/upgrades $299

Q. Someone asked Phyllis, why do all her apps show icons in the menu bar?
A. It's because she uses FruitMenu.

Q. Are there any good books on FileMaker?
A. Yes!

The Afterglow

The Afterglow took place at Ruby Tuesday. Ruby Tuesday seemed a little more accommodating to a group like ours than the restaurant we used last month. We'll continue to search out restaurants in the area so that we can have a couple to rotate between. Bill Carver seemed to really like the deserts there :-)
If you have any suggestions feel free to email them to Terry.

Special Thanks

I would like to thank the meeting volunteers that helped out at our last meeting. Especially Shirley Kussner (who stands during the entire meeting operating the camera), the Grey's and the Stones for working the registration table as well as Elaine and Loretta. Also the Genius Table folks: Bill, Phyllis, Yvonne and Jack. Lastly Joseph Grey for taking photos.

Watch the last meeting via QuickTime Streaming

If you missed the last meeting you can watch it via QuickTime streaming here.

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Next Meeting December 18, 2005 - Main Meeting Topic - Maintaining websites with Adobe GoLive CS2.