2 comments about FileMaker Pro 6 Upgrade (Mac).

1. The strength of "FileMaker Pro 6 Upgrade" is marginally above that of its immediate predecessor, (the 5.5 version). That said, anybody who still feels at home with the 5.5 version should not see this new one as a must-have upgrade. The improvements do not worth the asking price.
   Yes, there is an improved interface, as well as loading speed; but what else? Technical support is minimal; and it is very likely that you will need it. This is because, you may discover one or two hitches as soon as you start running the software.



2. I had to upgrade to get OS X functionality. Filemaker is the best database program around-- for all-around functionality, ease of use, and rapid deployment. I use Filemaker to run my business from accounting, to tracking, to letterhead and faxes. Now that Filemaker is XML, it's a real contender to any commercial database program. You can also access just about any database with Filemaker, and has great import/export functionality. From the amount of time Filemaker can save the average business, I think it's a must in any efficient or multi-tasking office.

No comments about Crash Course in Microsoft SQL Server 2000 on 3 CD-ROMs.

No comments about Seagate Crystal Reports 8 Professional Spanish.

4 comments about Practical Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Administration on 21 CD-ROMs.

1. On these 21 CD's you can learn all you would ever possibly need to know to adminster this latest version of SQL Server. The instuctor explains difficult concepts in a way that's easy to understand. Best SQL Server guide available!



2. If you are looking for SQL 2005 training these CD's are not worth it. I give you the following problems:
   -Many of the concepts are covered by him reading from books-on-line word by word with no additional explanation.
   -In the permissions tape he actually had an error, tried to figure it out, then moved on without an explanation or fixing the problem.
   -The instructor speaks very, very slow and there is no way to accelerate the recording. Sometimes there is at least a minute of nothing happening. Drives me crazy.
   -He shows you things, but gives no explanation of what they are or how to use it. He simply points it out, for instance, a scrollable list, he scrolls through the list so that you can read what's on the list and then moves on to the next topic.
   
   I could go on and on and on, but I think you get the idea. The author may be very knowledgeable in SQL, but he is not a trainer. Don't waste your money.



3. Till today (01/07) one of the best traning CDS for learning for SQL Server 2005 Administration



4. It has been for my tech staff. After two promotions and salary raises, you'd say this too. They performed our system upgrades flawlessly and give credit where its due: To this Practical SQL Server 2005 Administration multimedia training course on CDs.
   
   We switched over our three SQL server systems to v.2005 last year. We installed a copy of the Practical SQL Server 2005 Administration online, 3 months before the actual upgrade. While the staff used it first as a training tool, now they use it as an instant reference and troubleshooting guide.
   
   I must say, this investment paid for itself at least 10 times over.
   
   I'm no die-hard techie, but did (had to) learn and use a few functions on my own:
   
   - How to resolve performance bottlenecks
   - How to maintain databases in a 24/7 web environment for our intranet
   - How to configure ODBC datasource access
   - How to configure and manage linked servers.
   
   These and other "How to" items and excercises are on CD #21 (there is a total of 23 CDs).
   
   The course comes, out of the box, with 2 books:
   
   1. Pro SQL Server 2005 by Thomas Rizzo at al., of the SQL Server Group at Microsoft.
   2. Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Administrator's Pocket Consultant from Microsoft Press. This one also gets a lot of use by the staff.
   
   You also get, on CD #23, SQL Server 2005 Express, a free, easy-to-use, lightweight version of SQL Server 2005. Using the development tool of your choice, you can start building applications with it right away. We haven't had the time so far - that's news to most of you, isn't it?
   
   Overall, my and my staff's verdict is: Highly recommended!

No comments about CAESAR 3-D Anthropometric Database.

No comments about Oracle 8 Server.

No comments about Paradox 7.0 32-Bit.

No comments about IBM DataBase 2.1.2 Single User.

No comments about Data Warehouse Architecture with OLAP Cubes on 5 CD-ROMs.

No comments about Visual dBase 5.5 Professional.