[ale] Database conversion -- AKA Slipping the Microsoft mortal coil.

[Brian Whigham]

So, if I get what you're saying, you have it all properly imported (the
comma-separated keywords are in a single column).  Just create a query,
select the desired table, displayed columns, and use the criterion "like
'*keyword*' in the keywords column.  Bye Bye Microsoft.

HTH,
Brian


On Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 10:53 AM, H P Ladds <householdwords at gmail.com>wrote:

> Hey All,
>
> I'd like to convert a database that was created with a Windows
> application into a database that is usable by OpenOffice Base. Paper
> Tiger is the application that created the database. I use it to help
> organize, store and retrieve my paper files. In short, it allows me to
> do a keyword search and locate just the heck where a particular file
> folder is in my file cabinets.
>
> I can import the Paper Tiger tables into OObase; however, I am having
> difficulty performing queries as the last column is a comma separated
> list of keywords.
>
> I tried to depict the tables below: the first column details file
> numbers, the second column details the group to which a file belongs
> and the third is a list of keywords.
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> || file #   || section label      || keywords
>                                                      ||
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> || 1        || house projects   || windows,paint exterior,paint
> interior,copper pipe,reroof,landscape ||
> || 2        || house projects   || dining room table,refinish,
> minwax,stain,sand paper                    ||
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> || 1        || finance              || tax,2004,irs,GA,
>                                                      ||
> || 2        || finance              || tax, 2005,irs,GA,
>                                                      ||
> || 3        || finance              || tax,2006,irs,GA,
>                                                      ||
> || 4        || finance              || tax,2007,irs,GA
>                                                      ||
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Must I "normalize" the comma separated list of keywords by giving each
> keyword its own column, or is it possible to construct a query that
> parses through the comma separated list of keywords? Note: OObase
> allows for the structuring of queries as MySQL queries.
>
> I acknowledge that a spreadsheet would be easier. Thought I'd start
> out with a relatively easy database task and build upon that knowledge
> for future projects.
>
> Paper Tiger is my last tie to the world of Windows computing. If I'm
> freed of it, I will be able to kick the Windows habit -- in my home
> office at least.
>
> Thanks,
> H. Preston
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