Alpha 5v5
Software Review by Fred LoboschefskiI have been using Microsoft Access © for about 3 years on and off in any of my little projects, whenever I needed a relational type of data base application.
I was asked if I would like to review a copy of Alpha 5v5, which is a relational type of data base program, and because I was familiar with Alpha products, having started with Alpha 3 Dos many years ago, I agreed.
After a very smooth and easy installation of the program and documentation, I was ready to give it a try.
I created a books directory which includes PDF files about a Getting Started User’s Guide (Printing Recommended), What’s new and a Xbasic Reference Manual. This was structured a little different from what I was used to, but with the documentation and genies walking you through each step, I was able to create the sample lessons in creation of a database application called Alpha movies. By using each lesson as you come to them, you design a data base, create tables, define field rules, and lastly link your tables in a set. It also comes with many sample data bases and tables to experiment with.
With the many genies to help you with importing and exporting data, controlling the appearance of your data couldn’t be easier. Using the Alpha 5v5 ODBC Import lets you import data from any data source, including MS Access, Excel, Outlook, and Exchange, Visual Fox Pro (versions later than 2.6), Paradox and SOL server into an Alpha 5 table. The Label Genie and the Envelope Genie with the many alpha templates help create labels and envelopes by choosing the size, the fields and order of printing. The form Genie gives you 3 different form types, Blank, Default Form, and Custom Form. Form creation was never easier. For more advanced users and developers, there is action scripting and a Script Genie to help write codes to handle more complicated routines. With action scripting non-programmers can build custom applications as if they were programmers.
With Xdialog you can build prompt driven user interfaces and have precise control over layouts, images and text. Build tab controls and set up navigational controls. Refer to the Xbasic Manual in your books directory for these and other great and time saving Xbasic and Xdialog routines. Alpha 5v5 is a very easy program to use and has many features and higher programming capabilities than will normally be used, but if you want something better than what is normally packaged with your software bundle give it a try.
Requirements are Windows 98 or higher (.e.g. 98, Me, NT, 2000, XP, or XP Professional) 64 MB Ram ( 96 MB or higher recommended) 200 MHz processor (300 MHz or higher recommended) 800 x 600 screen resolution.
Alpha Five v5 suggested retail price is $349.00 plus S&H but is now available in a new Alpha Five Home Edition Retail Priced at only $99.00 plus S&H from Alpha both versions are downloadable for a 45 day trial from www.alphasoftware.com . The Home Edition has all the features of the Full Version , except it is not multi-user, has no Network optimization feature, and no Xdialog Genie (in Action Scripting), can not create applications that can be distributed. Home Edition can not open applications created by the full version.
It is one of the most user friendly Windows programs that I have ever used !!Alpha Software
83 Cambridge Street, Suite 3B
Burlington ,MA 01803
Phone 781-229-4500
www.alphasoftware.com