Thanks for the feedback. I personally would input Horizontally only because conversion in future to database would be much simpler. Only because of having experience, I would use a database and keep notes on each contact to client in separate table relating back to client table thus giving a history of contacts. Using Base also has benefits when searching for information although certain capabilities are in Calc.
Where could I get an example of this, because it is all quite hard to visualize in words? I will read up on Calc, but it is a lot of info to decipher just to learn this one function. Is it possible to Select/Choose how many Colums/Rows there are on a clients Information Page? It also seems that One Calc document is…or appears to be multiple docs…or links to others…which one can see at the bottom?
The documentation is confusing because they go right into all the terms before they present any Pics relating to what they are actually trying to explain?
Is it true that Base is just linking to the Database contained in Calc, is this it’s Main function in a sense? I’ve been playing around with creating Tables in the Base Wizard but not really understanding why I’m doing this yet?
Any Templates or anything else for the type of database I’m trying to create? This seems a bit complicated for my needs. I don’t need to know it all, just need to have a basic outline for it. There’s got to be a tutorial about this somewhere but I can’t find a good one.
@Covert22, Spreadsheet basics: Cells organized in a 2 dimensional array. Each cell can hold data (text or number, etc), or a formula, like add cell a1 to b23 and put the results here (=a1 + b23). There are tons of standard tools, functions, and methods of moving and sorting cells. It’s very versatile. Historical note.
For documentation you should start with “Getting Started with Calc” guide - contains terms & diagrams. Base does not need Calc, but Calc data can be used as a “Database” for information. There are samples and explanations on creation/design of databases on the mentioned documentation link. Calc also - just have to weed through the documents.
Now I am to Set Primary Key, but don’t know exactly what Primary Key does? It’s not explained in layman’s terms therefore does no good for me. On page 9 of Base under “Set primary key.” they say “Select option Use an existing field as a primary key.” Then say to: “In the Fieldname drop down list, select CollectionID.” But there is no CollectionID in the dropdown? Then there is a “Automatically Select a Primary Key” also, that is not even mentioned so far, even though I’m in that section now
Just to be on the same page, I just tried the sample thru page 9. You must have skipped something because “CollectionID” is in the dropdown. Primary Keys are further explained throughout the text including at the top of page 10.
“here are tons of standard tools, functions, and methods of moving and sorting cells. It’s very versatile.”
Yeah very versatile, that’s a problem for someone like me.
No “CollectionID” for me, tried many times to go back and make sure everything was done right. Would this have anything to do with 32bit LO installed? I just realized a fatal mistake of installing 32bit, should have asked first I guess. I did notice things were not all that fast, or perhaps this is just me. I run LO on Linux all the time and it is faster on lesser equipment. I created my Base but don’t know what to do with it now LOL. I just selected “Automatically Select a Primary Key”
Do I get to add more text the more posts I have?
32-bit has nothing to do with it. If you did Step 1, item 3 on page 8 and step 3 on page 9 (toward top) correctly it must be there.
This forum is set up to ask a question and get an answer. It is not meant for discussion. This series of comments is now off topic from the original question. Further questions should be created as new.
I see it Ratslinger, I did not follow that exact format. I thought “CollectionID” was same for all. I chose Business for starters. This is going to take a lot of work to learn I can see. I’m just struggling with how it all works together. I’ll repeat it a few times and see what I can do with it all.
Still nothing? no links or anything to create simple databases with Writer, Calc or Base. They would need to be easily read on a SmartPhone, Note etc. I have made some progress in Base but still don’t know if this is what I even want. The Data starts to get to long/wide, I think it needs to be more compact. I may need to be in a Column format instead of a Row Format, does that make sense? Base and Calc are in Row Formats and the Information runs on too long to the Right.
Also did this in Writer with Tables to keep the information more compact, but don’t know if this will be easy to search for customers.
@Convert22 Depends on alot. If you have like 10 heads max, then even Writer suffices, although Calc would be easier if it’s not as compact. In every other case you need a database. If you can handle HSQLDB 1.8 with LO Base’s integral database system, then use Base so you can match any filters you need, but it’ll get extremely tedious working similar SQL for different results. Otherwise get a free MySQL db from Net, there are multiple of them with the bundled phpMyAdmin to manage the data.
CONTINUED: … or get yourself a programmer to make a MySQL-using software. AFAIK the literature you can find is extremely scarse.
After re-reading ALL these repetitive comments, it may be your best approach is to use something like GMAIL Contacts. It is available on your phone, tablet, computer and has provision for all information and notes along with the ability to send/receive email. If you want simple then maybe this would be a better way for you to go.
I’ll look into these things guys…thanks a lot! The docs are now in .doc with the Windows version of Tables in LO Writer. I’ve created a Template for the same with Writer but using .docx to try and get away from .doc. I just started another Thread because these .doc files…or Office XP with it’s Compatibility Pack is got LO all messed up, and I’m not happy. LO was working so well, now all buggered up with terrible performance. Thanks, Convert22