Chapter
1: Databases and Tables
From paper to power. Alpha Five is the database for non-programmers.
Its ease of operation will allow even those previously inexperienced
to convert their paper to power.
Chapter 2: Field Rules and Data
Entry
Field Rules speed data entry, increase accuracy and assure consistency.
Alpha Five Field Rules are made at the table level where they
are available to all layouts, speeding design. Data entry is
quick, easy and accurate for the end user.
Chapter 3: Sets
Alpha Five is a Relational Database. Much as a collage combines
separate pictures into a single graphic, sets combine separate
tables so that, in most cases, they can be viewed as a single
table.
Chapter 4: Forms and Browses
Forms and Browses are the heart of data entry. Alpha Five allows
the creation of the tabbed interfaces that are familiar to
Windows users. Forms organize the input of data. Browses also
assist the user in entering and viewing data. Version
8's beautiful new graphics are most impressive.
Chapter
5: Reports, Letters and Labels
Alpha Five has awesome reporting capabilities. The power of
a database is the multitude of ways the data can be viewed.
The same information that confirms a sale can show a complete
report of purchases by all customers.
Chapter
6: Operations
Operations are the backbone of a successful application. Hard
at work manipulating data, the effect of an operation is almost
magical. Update thousands of records in the blink of an eye.
Import from an outside source; mark a group of records; add
records from one table to another - to mention a few. All the
Alpha Five operations are easy to set up with help from the
genies. Chain them together on a button and the results can
make even a non-programmer look like a pro.
Chapter
7: Buttons
Buttons are one of the best features of Windows. Everyone loves
buttons. They are easy for the user to understand and Alpha
Five makes them a cinch for the developer to create. Buttons
can open forms and browses. They can print reports and letters.
They can run complex operations. Alpha Five lets you dress them
up with built-in graphics or keep them plain and simple. The
choice is yours.
Chapter
8:
Finding, Sorting and Filtering
Filter out the unwanted and sort through that information -
FAST! You can sort on screen information with the click of a
button. You can set up complicated queries and save them for
future use. Alpha Five has an assortment of options for filtering
and sorting.
Chapter
9:Checkboxes,
Radio Buttons, Listboxes and Tree Controls.
Alpha Five makes it possible to add a variety of edit controls to guide the user
in data entry. Checkboxes and Radio Buttons make choices just a click away. Choosing
from a list is much swifter and more accurate than typing and the tables may
be consolidated by abbreviated entries.
Chapter
10: XBasic
Tools
Oh the possibilities . . . . XBasic expands the power of Alpha
Five. For those of you with a penchant for programming, XBasic
has the features to perform lots of prestidigitation. There's
also a place for those who run in the opposite direction when
they hear the word "code." Action Scripting lets you
choose from an extensive menu of actions, creating the XBasic
in the background. A few easy-to-learn steps will have you taking
your application to a higher plane.
Chapter
11: Emailing
and faxing with Alpha Five
You can send and receive email with Alpha Five’s built-in
E-mail client. Click a Smart Field, add a template and in no
time an e-mail receipt is on its way to your customer. You’ll
find lots of ways to use the many e-mail features. Sometimes
it’s better to Fax a report, now you can do it the easy
Alpha Five way.
Chapter
12: The
Web Application Server
Learn all about how to put your database on the web with the
new Web Application server and the Web Component builder.
This chapter will get you started with the four basic steps.
No longer do you need to be a super expert programmer to link
your data to the web. Now you can ask for input from your
customers and have it posted directly to your tables. Wow!
Chapter 13: Handy Things to Know
Almost time for a vacation . . . . Now that you've mastered
many of Alpha Five's features, you are entitled to a rest -
but don't stop here. We've only hit the high spots of this many-featured
program. Explore as you go along. This chapter has some important
tips. Take a quick look now and keep them in mind as you develop
your applications.
Appendix: Alpha Four to Alpha Five: The Transition
Frances M. Peake shows Alpha Four users how to make a smooth
transition to Alpha Five. Alpha Four is the original DOS database
program developed by Alpha Software, Inc. In this section, Frances
draws on her many years of experience in converting Alpha Four
databases to Alpha Five applications. Alpha Four users will
find the information invaluable. Alpha Five users will also
find some useful tips. Look for the magnifying glass!
Chapter
12: Handy Things to Know
Appendix: Alpha Four to Alpha Five: The Transition.
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ALPHA FIVE - VERSION 8
