MS Works database replacement ?

I do have Works 9 installed on Windows 10 & it works for the most part, but there are some issues. And it may not work with Windows 11. Since it’s not supported anymore I’d like to move to another database.

I do have LibreOffice installed but its Base database is more complex than I need. The Guide is 479 pages, & that’s just for the Base app. I’ve been working with Base & find there’s just too many steps needed to do what I want.

I’m under the impression that Base is a relational database that links several tables together. Obviously it can do a lot, but I don’t need it to do a lot. I just want to create a few simple databases such as an address book & don’t need multiple tables, etc.

Is there a tutorial for Base that shows how to set up what I would call would be a simple one table database similar to Works?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Thanks for the information.

I don't understand the concept of registering an address book . The link says "you must tell LibreOffice which address book you use". That seems obvious, but why not just open the address book in LO?

It also mentions using a Wizard. From what I understand is that the Wizards in LO needs Java, but Windows 10 does not come with it. Depending what I read, some comments say using Java is a security risk. I don't know if that's true, but Windows 10 doesn't come with Java so maybe that's true. I can run LO without Java but won't have access to all its features, and I'm presuming Wizards is one of those.

It would be nice to have a current easy to use program for the next time I want to create another simple database.

I'll see what I can do without the Wizard.

Thanks again.

Hi,

If your database contains only tables. Check what format you can use to export them in works. and reply with the list of availlable format you have.

Mike100 said:

I don't understand the concept of registering an address book . The link says "you must tell LibreOffice which address book you use". That seems obvious, but why not just open the address book in LO?

It depends on the format of your address book, hence the question by @MaloK. A self-contained Base database is a .ODB file (Open Document Database). If your address book is in CSV or TSV format then it'll open in Calc, not Base.

Base is often used as the front-end to back-end data, hence the wording 'registering'... i.e. whether a local, self-contained database file or server-based source (whether local or remote).[/QUOTE]

Mike100 said:

It also mentions using a Wizard. From what I understand is that the Wizards in LO needs Java, but Windows 10 does not come with it. Depending what I read, some comments say using Java is a security risk. I don't know if that's true, but Windows 10 doesn't come with Java so maybe that's true. I can run LO without Java but won't have access to all its features, and I'm presuming Wizards is one of those....

I'll see what I can do without the Wizard.

If Windows doesn't have a JRE (Java Runtime Environment) installed then you're correct - LO's Wizards won't work. Instead you'll get a dialog similar to this:



You'll need to install a JRE, close and re-open LO then - in Base - use Tools > Options > Advanced. Hopefully LO will pick up the JRE's install location automatically. If not, just click on Add and browse for it:



Yes, I suppose there may be a tiny security risk... but only if you're in the habit of downloading random DLL and JAR files willy-nilly.

Drive-by downloads of malicious Java apps used to be a problem (remember the accursed ASK toolbar?) but nowadays all browsers automatically prevent the use of Java plug-ins by default and will warn you of unwanted drive-by downloads. In addition, anti-malware products know to look out for downloads containing malicious DLL or JAR files.

Mike100 said:

It would be nice to have a current easy to use program for the next time I want to create another simple database.

Your needs appears to be very simple - IMO, the easiest and best documented is an old copy of MS Access. It's basic functionality for stuff like address books (and the number of examples out there) is legendary.

Hope this helps...

Most of the time simple Works Databases can be exported in CSV format ant then imported in Calc real quick and be used right away with just little ajustement.

Bringing your data in Calc instead will remove all the "not needed fuctionality" Availlable in base.

And... Java is common knowledge... But Yeah I forgot to mention that you have to Download and install the Java 32 bit runtimes to fully use LO...

If all your DBs are simple tables... This method will work for all of them.

I’m not sure Works uses a table. It has two choices to display the data, Form View & List View. There is no table to view. I’m presuming the List View is essentially the one & only table. I can enter or edit data in either the Form or List view.

I can open the Works database in LibreOffice and it opens as a spreadsheet in Calc & looks almost like it does in Works when viewed in the “List View”. However in Calc it does not display the Field names in the columns.

Works9 on the Windows 10 PC can export the database in .wdb, .csv, .txt formats. Works7 can also do .dbf.

My database needs are simple & I can just use a spreadsheet as long as it can sort data. It just won't look as nice & easy to use as when viewing a form.

You could say that works is basically a spreadsheet with an optional Form GUI.

Yes You can say that. It was made for consumers needs,

If the "upgrade" meets your need just add a Line at the top and enter your fields names there. And there is an option to freeze this line in view so when you scroll down in the list it always appear. And will also appear on all printed pages if more than one. I dont recall it's name at the moment.

If you can export from Works 9 as CSV then you have a usable data source.

You can then use Data > Form for ease of use.

Alternatively, create a real Form from within Calc... and filter, sort, add and amend data:



Hope this helps...