FP02+ and database building [newbie at the helm!]

R

Rachael Rocamora

Hi. This is the first time I've tried to post to a newsgroup, so your
forebearance is most appreciated!


I am building a fairly extensive website using FP 2002 and have been
learning as I go. I have Windows Professional XP with FP02, Access02,
Excel, Power Point, and the usual MS Office fare. My server is Web Site
Source [www.websitesource.com], which has the latest FP extensions, a MySQL
option for databases, and Site Builder, in terms of what might be pertinent
to my questions. To my dismay, I recently discovered that my server, in
spite of the fact that it carries all the FP-related tools and toys, has not
one SUPPORT person on-board who knows thing one about Front Page, not to
mention interfacing databases with or within a FP-built website.



Having put many months into this project [and by myself], I've only recently
[gulp] begun to undertake the challenge of building a database component to
the site. In fact the Websitesource techs I've talked with have been
discouraging me from using FrontPage altogether! I find this very
disconcerting, to say the least! I am very reluctant just to abandon
FrontPage because my server support staff say, (1) they know nothing about
interfacing databases in or with FP web sites, and (2) I should build my
website what sounds to me like 'from scratch' [which is exactly what I was
desperate to avoid from the get-go!] and abandon FrontPage altogether. Of
course, I can change my server [suggestions welcome, thanks!], but this
whole challenge brings up questions I feel a need to pursue precisely
because of how little I know!



In the meantime I'm beginning a class in database applications toward this
purpose, which is simply based on Access 2002 / relational databases, but my
teacher says she is not able to answer my questions about FrontPage. ALSO:
My understanding is that FP is coming out with a whole new development in
regards to databases within the 2003 XML environment, which, if I'm mumbling
the right words here, means the database would be other than the common
relational type.



So I'm not sure if I'm spinning my wheels a bit more than I really need to
by learning about relational bases for DBs.

Here are my bottom-line quandaries:

Do I continue with FP02 and wait for the FP03 to come out and go with that,
and will the 03 version make the database building a truly manageable
learning and implementation process for someone who does consider herself a
'webmaster' [yet]?

Do I bite the bullet and just go get Macromedia's Studio and get over all
this?

And given whichever [or other?] choice, is that basic but very intense class
really going to help me, given its Access 02 platform and relational
context?



Whew! Thanks for 'listening' and for any help you may be able to offer.



Rachael Rocamora
 
J

Jim Barrett

Hi Rachael,

Funny how people try to discourage you from things they know nothing about.
course, I can change my server [suggestions welcome, thanks!],
My suggestion: http://www.frontpagehowto.com/hosting.asp

To learn about using databases with FrontPage, see
http://www.frontpagehowto.com or some of the other resouces I list below.
It's not that hard once you get a few of the concepts down.
My understanding is that FP is coming out with a whole new development in
regards to databases within the 2003 XML environment, which, if I'm mumbling
the right words here, means the database would be other than the common
relational type.

The XML features will be based on SharePoint Team Services which is
different than the FrontPage Server Extensions (meaning you will have to
have a SharePoint site to use those features which is not likely). There are
some compelling reasons to upgrade to FP2003 though beyond just these.
Making the move from FP2002 to FP2003 is a no brainer as well.
Do I bite the bullet and just go get Macromedia's Studio and get over all
this?
I don't think so. Dreamweaver has a pretty steep learning curve.
And given whichever [or other?] choice, is that basic but very intense class
really going to help me, given its Access 02 platform and relational
context?
It will help you understand databases and building quries which will be
useful to you when building data driven web applications but it will not
help you learn FrontPage. You 'will' understand some of the concepts better
though so it cannot hurt.

--
Jim

FrontPage Resources:
www.frontpagehowto.com
www.frontpageworld.com
www.outfront.net
www.frontlook.com
www.jimcoaddins.com

Rachael Rocamora said:
Hi. This is the first time I've tried to post to a newsgroup, so your
forebearance is most appreciated!


I am building a fairly extensive website using FP 2002 and have been
learning as I go. I have Windows Professional XP with FP02, Access02,
Excel, Power Point, and the usual MS Office fare. My server is Web Site
Source [www.websitesource.com], which has the latest FP extensions, a MySQL
option for databases, and Site Builder, in terms of what might be pertinent
to my questions. To my dismay, I recently discovered that my server, in
spite of the fact that it carries all the FP-related tools and toys, has not
one SUPPORT person on-board who knows thing one about Front Page, not to
mention interfacing databases with or within a FP-built website.



Having put many months into this project [and by myself], I've only recently
[gulp] begun to undertake the challenge of building a database component to
the site. In fact the Websitesource techs I've talked with have been
discouraging me from using FrontPage altogether! I find this very
disconcerting, to say the least! I am very reluctant just to abandon
FrontPage because my server support staff say, (1) they know nothing about
interfacing databases in or with FP web sites, and (2) I should build my
website what sounds to me like 'from scratch' [which is exactly what I was
desperate to avoid from the get-go!] and abandon FrontPage altogether. Of
course, I can change my server [suggestions welcome, thanks!], but this
whole challenge brings up questions I feel a need to pursue precisely
because of how little I know!



In the meantime I'm beginning a class in database applications toward this
purpose, which is simply based on Access 2002 / relational databases, but my
teacher says she is not able to answer my questions about FrontPage. ALSO:
My understanding is that FP is coming out with a whole new development in
regards to databases within the 2003 XML environment, which, if I'm mumbling
the right words here, means the database would be other than the common
relational type.



So I'm not sure if I'm spinning my wheels a bit more than I really need to
by learning about relational bases for DBs.

Here are my bottom-line quandaries:

Do I continue with FP02 and wait for the FP03 to come out and go with that,
and will the 03 version make the database building a truly manageable
learning and implementation process for someone who does consider herself a
'webmaster' [yet]?

Do I bite the bullet and just go get Macromedia's Studio and get over all
this?

And given whichever [or other?] choice, is that basic but very intense class
really going to help me, given its Access 02 platform and relational
context?



Whew! Thanks for 'listening' and for any help you may be able to offer.



Rachael Rocamora
 

Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments. After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.

Ask a Question

Top