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
NOTE!
- You must first connect to the VPN in order to access networked FileMaker databases (port 5003) from off-campus. For a more detailed explanation, please see the related campus firewall document.
- Version 10 is the current version of FileMaker. Please let us know if you have any problems or questions related to version 10. For now, all documentation on this page is applicable to versions 7 through 9.
Learn to use FileMaker
- Register
for an instructor-led tutorial or review the handouts
See course descriptions and then log in with your BU login name and Kerberos password in order to register for a tutorial . IT Help Center 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
- 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
Tutorials and Other Instructions
- Converting older databases and migrating multiple related files into one
- see our handout and also refer to the FileMaker Pro User's Guide
- Using a FileMaker Database (instructor-led tutorial)
FileMaker basics tutorial for those who just need to learn how to use an existing database. 1 to 2 hours
- Developing a FileMaker Database (instructor-led tutorial)
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 which, 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/. - About FileMaker Server at BU
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.
- Using FileMaker Server 9
- 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.
- General information
- Instant Web Publishing
www.filemaker.com/downloads/pdf/fm9_instant_web_publish_en.pdf - Custom Web Publishing with the PHP Site Assistant
Seewww.filemaker.com/products/fms/php_web_publishing.html#site_assistant - 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 IT Help Center
FileMaker Forum
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 FileMaker's list of "Solutions." You should also do a general Internet www.fmpro.org or others (see above).
Getting Professional Help
- Ask us for a referral
- Search FileMaker's directory of FileMaker Certified developers or
- Search www.findfilemakerdevelopers.com/