The Dbase III Video Training Course

This is a one-hour introduction to dBase III for the non-programmer. After a brief intro on some basic concepts of data processing, a dozen of the most often used dBase commands are explained in detail. The instructor pro vides competent and well-paced explanations for the various commands in a homey atmosphere (which may be this tape's undoing). Although a few cute videotape tricks are used, this is essentially a taped lecture, complete with overhead projector and close-up shots of the CRT screen. There are annoying jerks and blank spaces on the tape during topic transitions, interspersed with the occasional sounds of yelling children, automobile horns, and sirens. The tape also suffers from creeping obsolescence as the newer dBase III+ makes using dBase even easier. At a reasonable price, this might still be worthwhile, but at $295, it is vastly overpriced. Not recommended. (Michael Schuyler ).