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So there are numerous changes (including file type extensions) but on trying to open one of my much used databases it was only a case of renaming the file with an old extension and the new version had the required extension and opened with no problems in FileMaker Pro 11, while this database has only three fields one is a multi field entry and there are a total of close to 7000 files in the database, all were intact and opened without problem.

I am told the redesigned interface first appeared in version 10. Other things that came in then were searches that can be saved as well as scripts that start automatically when certain criteria happen, a very powerful feature.

New to version 11 is the ability to edit the structure of your database in several ways. The most impressive is the inspector panel that lets you adjust and tweak almost everything from a single place, most impressive and very powerful.

So let’s step back. I did a clean install on a Windows 7 system. According to the box it will run in Windows XP with only 256MB of RAM. Vista or Windows 7 require 1GB of RAM. It now comes on a DVD and all versions require 1024x768 video display.

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On my system it took five minutes to install and used 590MB of hard disc space. It is stated to run on MAC OS 10.5.7 or greater.

One of its big selling points is that it works cross platform on both PC and MAC. It also allows anyone to drag and drop Excel files directly into it. Web publishing is also only a few clicks away. Anyone wanting peer-to-peer sharing over a network it is built in.

Other new features in version 11 include FileMaker Charts where you can create bar, line, area and pie charts. Quick Reports allows spreadsheet like formatting that allows you summarize and group data as you work. Quick Find has always been good (I have used it for years) however now its even better, the main change is that it searches all fields automatically whereas before it searched the field you specified. Finally Layout Folders allow you to organize layouts into folders using drag and drop. Of course there are lots of other things new to me but then as its been five versions since I have reviewed things I would certainly expect that.

The ability to link fields (without the use of SQL) or any code of your own is very simple and straightforward.

I liked the recurring import feature, great if you have items with only a small change and it can save a lot of time.

Finally for those hooked on social media FileMaker Pro 11 now even caters for your needs with a Web Viewer field.

If you are new to this very powerful product a 30day trial is available from FileMaker their link is the final one given.

Doing my Internet search found FileMaker Pro 11 available from the first link below for the best price of £257.33 which includes free delivery from the first link.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003BEEQ2A?ie=UTF8&tag=gadge0a-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634

Should you own a qualifying product you can upgrade for £112.99 from the following link.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003BEEQ48?ie=UTF8&tag=gadge0a-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634

FileMaker Pro 11 is available for $256.99 including free delivery from Amazon on the following link:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0039OL576?ie=UTF8&tag=gadge0a5-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789

If you own a qualifying product then you can upgrade for $155.80, again including free delivery, from Amazon on the following link:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0039OL576?ie=UTF8&tag=gadge0a5-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789

FileMaker Pro 11 is available for €280,03 including delivery from Amazon on the following link:

http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B003DVC2YU?ie=UTF8&tag=gadge04-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1642

www.filemaker.co.uk