Command Performance: dBASE
PSS ID Number: Q11929
Article last modified on 10-13-1986
PSS database name: PRESS






COMMAND PERFORMANCE: dBASE III
by Douglas Hergert
Price: $22.95  Pages: 504
ISBN: 0-914845-63-2
Pub. Date: December 18, 1985

Microsoft Press Introduces the COMMAND PERFORMANCE SERIES
of Desktop Dictionaries and Cross-Reference Guides

First Book in the Series to Cover Top-Selling dBASE III

   Today's microcomputer software is more powerful than ever, and added power
often means that a program has command structures that are difficult to learn,
use and remember.  This December, Microsoft Press will introduce the COMMAND
PERFORMANCE series, a line of unique desktop dictionaries and cross-reference
guides designed to be the only reference guide users of such popular software
as Microsoft Multiplan for the Apple Macintosh, LOTUS 1-2-3, and dBASE III
will ever need.  The first book in the series is devoted to Ashton-Tate's
dBASE III, the top-selling database-management program (with over one million
users to date).  COMMAND PERFORMANCE: dBASE III has been chosen as an
Alternate Selection of Macmillan's Small Computer Book Club.  In addition,
Microsoft Press will support the COMMAND PERFORMANCE series with a major
advertising and promotional campaign.
   Written by Douglas Hergert, COMMAND PERFORMANCE: dBASE III contains
conveniently organized information on the entire dBASE command set for both
the dBASE programming language and the application program.  The unique format
of the COMMAND PERFORMANCE series provides quick access to needed information.
Arranged alphabetically, each entry gives a thorough description - including a
representation of actual syntax - of all commands and functions.  Doug Hergert
offers detailed information about each command, gives examples, and warns of
situations to avoid.  He also provides dBASE II equivalents and notes
important differences between the two programs.
   To help illustrate important commands and concepts, one specific
application - a menu-driven real-estate management database - runs throughout
much of the book.  A complete ready-to-use listing of this program can be
found in the Appendix.  Conceptual topics, such as linking databases,
customizing data entry, and transferring data to other applications, are also
covered in the book, and are alphabetically indexed.  Multiple cross
references invite quick access to additional information on all entries.  In
all, COMMAND PERFORMANCE: dBASE III is the only reference book dBASE
newcomers, as well as experienced dBASE users, will ever need.
   A native Californian, Doug Hergert received a Bachelor of Arts degree in
English and French from Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, in 1974.
After graduation, he spent five years in the Peace Corps, teaching English in
Afghanistan and Senegal.  Doug is the author of several books, including
Mastering Framework, BASIC For Business, and Doing Business with Pascal.
   Microsoft Corporation, based in Bellevue, Washington, develops and sells a
wide range of operating systems, languages, applications programs, and
hardware products, as well as books, for the microcomputer marketplace.

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1986.