PCSC - Desktop Applications

FileMaker Pro

Learn to use FileMaker
Tutorials and other handouts
Networking, securing, developing a Web interface
Find existing solutions/templates
Help resources
Getting professional help

News

Running Windows Vista and FileMaker 8.5? If you are not planning to upgrade to version 9, you will need to download the updater from FileMaker.com. Please note that older versions of FileMaker, and both Server 8 products, are not supported with Vista. For more details, see FileMaker's related page.
You must first connect to the VPN in order to access shared FileMaker databases (port 5003) from off-campus. For a more detailed explanation, please see the related campus firewall document.

Learn to use FileMaker

Get personalized help. See a description of our free FileMaker Database Consultation service for the BU community.
In September and January, register for an instructor-led tutorial
Please review course descriptions and then log in with your BU login name and Kerberos password in order to register for a tutorial . If you would like to skip course descriptions, you can go directly to registration at www.bu.edu/pcsc/tutorials/register/ but should be sure to meet prerequisite requirements. PCSC tutorials are free of charge but are open only to the BU community. Handouts for these tutorials are listed below.
Take a self-paced tutorial at any time
- BU's self-paced tutorials are described at www.bu.edu/pcsc/tutorials/selfpaced/
- FileMaker's video tutorials are at www.filemaker.com/products/fmp/video_tutorials.html
- FileMaker's "Webinars" are available at www.filemaker.com/support/webinars/
- FileMaker's "Learning Center" is at www.filemaker.com/nine/learning/
See video clips on how to...
- Perform a Find
- Export from FileMaker to Excel
- review many other topics at www.filemaker.com/products/fmp/video_tutorials.html
The FileMaker User's Guide and other product documentation is at www.filemaker.com/support/product/documentation.html
Download a handout from the following...

Tutorials and Other Instructions

Converting older databases or migrating multiple related files into one
- see our handout
- refer to the FileMaker Pro User's Guide
Using a FileMaker Database
FileMaker basics tutorial for those who just need to learn how to use an existing database. 1 to 2 hours
Developing a FileMaker Database
Intermediate/advanced FileMaker tutorial for those who need to develop or improve a database. 3 to 4 hours
Sending E-mail from FileMaker
Networking and Securing a Database
This is an umbrella topic that, depending on your specific needs, will require some or all of the information below:
- Using FileMaker Server 9
  This handout describes the process of setting up FileMaker Server 9 from start to finish in a real-world BU setting. It outlines how to configure the server to authenticate databases via BU's Active Directory, connect a served database to an external MySQL database, and develop PHP pages to share a database via the Web. See also slides from our presentation on this topic (PDF) and a set of PHP example files. Note that departments can request access to MySQL hosted on a central BU server using the form at www.bu.edu/webcentral/help/index.html.
- About FileMaker Server at BU
  Please note that the Office of Information Technology does not provide access to a centralized FileMaker Server. However, several departments on campus are willing to share server space. Although it is a common practice, you should not share your databases using a network drive, as this can lead to data loss and corruption. We've seen it happen! Please let us consult on how best to network your database for simultaneous use by multiple people, with a secure username/password scheme.

Securing a Database
- General information
  Our security handout is a useful overview for everyone, but will be particularly helpful if you need to secure a database without FileMaker Server and/or the Active Directory.
- Using the Active Directory
  If you are running a FileMaker Pro Server, you can secure database(s) through BU's Active Directory. See our overview of how this works and then review FileMaker's Server External Authentication document for detailed instructions. Our Using FileMaker Server 9 handout will also be helpful and, if you have Macs in your environment, you will want to review our handout on Integrating Macs into BU's Active Directory.
Instant Web Publishing
www.filemaker.com/downloads/pdf/fm9_instant_web_publish_en.pdf
Custom Web Publishing with the PHP Site Assistant
See www.filemaker.com/products/fms/php.html and our Using FileMaker Server 9 handout will also be helpful.
Working with data stored in MySQL
Review www.filemaker.com/downloads/pdf/fm9_odbc_jdbc_guide_en.pdf and/or
See FileMaker's Webinar called "Connect to the World of Data..."
and our Using FileMaker Server 9 handout will also be helpful.

General Help Resources

FileMaker Webinar demos
http://www.filemaker.com/support/webinars/index.html
Other related FileMaker documentation
www.filemaker.com/support/product/documentation.html
FileMaker's list of lists
FileMaker Inc. Support
FileMaker's Higher Education site
FMForums.com
FMPro.org
FileMaker Search -- "The FileMaker Search Engine"
The PCSC

Find Existing Database Solutions

It's likely that someone has already developed a database which, with some modification, would work for your situation. You should check with FileMaker's list of "Solutions,". You should also do a general Internet search to see if someone has developed something you can use, or check sites like www.fmpro.org or others (see above). Finally, you should consult with the PCSC, as we might be aware of similar databases that exist elsewhere on campus. If nothing else, you can use the built-in templates that come with FileMaker to get you started.

Getting Professional Help

Should we be able to develop a database ourselves?
Maybe -- but probably not entirely. A basic FileMaker database is relatively easy to set up. However, over the years the FileMaker product has become more and more advanced. The “easy” reputation that FileMaker has is still accurate to a point, but after that point, you will need help from a consultant. If you have complex database needs (and most people do as things evolve) you should plan to meet with us so we can review your options.

Sometimes departments do have to hire a professional (paid) consultant (see listings below), or buy an existing database package that can be adapted (see FileMaker's list of "Solutions," ). You shouldn’t expect yourself or your staff to be a FileMaker database developer beyond the basic level, unless you/they happen to have a knack for it. It’s really better to respect the complexity of your project, get yourself off to a good start, network the database properly, and make sure it is being backed-up and secured correctly.

Need to hire a professional?