Summary of Online database discussion

Why use an Online database?
• Instant updating of a common research
resource
• Distributed team has instant access to latest
materials
• Seamless integration of Internet as a
research tool and a storage/retrieval tool
• Possibility of a wider network of contributors/
researchers

Types of Database assets you can store and retreive
• Media
– Pictures (jpg, gif…)
– Audio ( mp3, mp4)
– Video (mpg, wmv)
• Text
– Free text in fields
– Scanned text documents
– Emails
– Word documents, PDF files
• URLs
• Live links to source materials
• Location docs - maps/googlemaps/whereis

Protocols for Online Databases

• All participants must
– have the tools
• Broadband
• Scanner
• Digital camera/mobile phone?
– Be trained in the database the tools and the protocols
– Have an online ethos (?)
– Respect the security issues

Setting up an Online Database

Using Filemaker Pro 7.0+ or Microsoft Access, you have the
following options, depending on hardware and cash.
– Personal web sharing - uses your computer as the host
( cheap, must always be on..)
– Hosted solution (always on, backups, faster, more
expensive)
– Semi-online - set up a Blog with the latest version to be
downloaded and updated
– Use one of the collaboration tools like Backpack

How to use the AFTRS trial database
• Use database for filing assets for the
pitch or other work
• If in groups for pitch use one name for
login
• Would be good if we could show the
class how you have used the tools

• NOTE : There are some interesting
alternatives to this database - online
collaboration tools, blogs

Accessing the database

Launch a browser and type in the
URL http://59.167.194.16:1050/aftrs/
default.htm (NOTE: there is no www in this URL)
When prompted for a name, enter
your name.
Go Crazy!