Only manual lets database down

Beta-Base is a database program specifically for use with a disc system. Apart from the manual the package is well-designed and could prove very useful.

Many such programs rely on having entire datafiles in main memory when the program is running, restricting the maximum size of files.

This program, from Clares, makes use of the fast access capabilities of disc storage so that files can be held on disc with only a few records at a time in the computer's memory.

This enormously increases the quantity of data that can be handled and the only overall restriction is disc capacity. With about 10 fields per record and about 20 characters per field you could hold about 500 records on a 40 track disc.

The drawback of course, comes in the time taken up by accessing discs.

While it is possible to operate Beta-Base using only one drive, it does involve quite a few swops between the program and data discs. A dual drive system would be much more convenient.

The system offers searches on up to five fields and sorts on up to three. The searches can be performed if wanted by looking for a search string within a field.

This facility is useful where you are uncertain how a piece of data may have been recorded or what it consists of.

The user can enter, view, amend and delete data. Calculations may also be performed on the fields to update them or to report their total.

The data - either all records or those specified by the result of a search - can be printed out in a specified order. The user can choose which fields are to be printed and there is flexibility of layout of the fields on the page.

The redefine option allows the user to add a new field or extend the length of an existing one. Unfortunately the program is accompanied by an inadequate manual.

Referring, for example, to the transfer-option the manual says it is very powerful, giving the opportunity to transfer the whole or part of a file and to merge it with another file so that new databases can be constructed.

Exciting stuff, but this function was so badly explained that, despite several attempts. I couldn't get it to work.

Ken Garrett