Best Practices

Best Practices to ensure your data is always available

DO use FileMaker Server software to host your databases- view online FileMaker Server will act as a host and serve your databases as a service verses an application that can crash or freeze up. The FM Server software can back up your databases on a regular schedule and is advised here that you do so as often as you need but a minimum of once a day. If you cannot afford the FileMaker Server software or otherwise do not have it you will need to remember to back up your databases manually through the FILE / SAVE A COPY AS command. Again, backup as often as you need but at least once a day. Refer to FileMaker Help file for instructions on backing up your data. The General Business Starter databases do not back themselves up. It is up to you to use one of the methods above. If you need assistance setting up FileMaker Server and or the backup schedules within you may request those services on this site.
DO use an offsite backup service such as Carbonite®- view online We like the offsite services such as Carbonite because even if you have a computer theft or fire your data is secure. You should set the service to backup the "BACKUPS" you have made of your databases. Back up your databases with the steps mentioned above then backup the backups always.
Make copies of your layouts with the duplicate layout function before customizing a layout. This can be a real time saver if you undo or damage some of the programming on an existing layout. Just navigate to the copy of the layout and COPY-PASTE back the original layout components.
Make copies of your scripts with the DUPLICATE script button from Scriptmaker before altering an important script. Again, another great time and life saver when you damage or lose a script step or entire script.
Familiarize yourself with the workings of FileMaker Pro before using any database. Read the extensive help and tutorials available with FileMaker pro the application and online at FileMaker.com FileMaker is fun and powerful so use it with confidence and pride!

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