For authoritative information on choosing an end-user database program,
look at the article "Kinder, Gentler Databases" in PC Magazine, May 29,
1996, pages 117 to 155.

In its summary, the article says "Microsoft Access for Windows 95 is the
most powerful end-user database product available today."  It also
states: "If there's an effective database product that surpasses all
other in ease of use, it's Lotus Approach 96."

However, all of the twelve products mentioned in this article are highly
developed RELATIONAL DATABASES. That is, they are designed to handle
groups of tables containing related information, and potentially huge
amounts of data. There's no getting away from it: all of them are
complex programs, with complex interfaces.  "Ease of use" is a relative
term in this context, since there's no way for the developers to hide
all the complex functions from a newbie.

If all you need is to build a list of things in a single table -- such
as a list of acquisitions -- for simple recordkeeping, then all you need
is a so-called "flat-file" database. If it's not too big, (say, less
than 1000 items), you can build such a list using a spreadsheet program.

Beyond that, you can use a simple flat-file database program: for
example, Microsoft Works (installed in most Windows-base computers),
ClarisWorks (my own favourite), or even an old-fashioned DOS-based
program such as PC-File.  Did someone gasp? I know it's "obsolete", but
it still works just as well as ever it did.  All of these are easier to
learn and use than any of the big-time relational databases. Also, the
data you collect in them can readily be transferred to a big-time
product if that's ever necessary.

Blair

--  Blair R. Martin / Kingston Learning Systems
--  82 Lower Union St., Kingston Ont. K7L 2N1, Canada
--  613-547-5287 / fax 613-547-1672
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