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Database files |
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MainBoss stores information in a set of database files. Loosely speaking, there is a separate file for each type of information that MainBoss keeps track of. For example, there is a file describing your organization's buildings, another file with information about your personnel, another with your inventory items, and so on.
| Note: A complete set of database files is called a MainBoss database. You can have several separate MainBoss databases stored on the same computer, provided you keep them in separate folders. For example, you can install one or more of MainBoss's sample databases to "play around with" separately from your actual database. |
If you have MainBoss installed on more than one computer at your site, all those computers should use the same database files. This means that all the database files are stored on one computer in your network, and all the other computers access those files through the network. The computer that actually contains the database files is sometimes called the server; all other computers work with the server's data files.
| Important: When you install MainBoss for the first time, install it on the server computer first; then install it on any other computers where you want to run the MainBoss program. All those other computers must have network access to the data files on the server. |
When you are actually using MainBoss, you don't have to be aware that MainBoss has this collection of separate database files. However, much of what you'll see in MainBoss is influenced by this underlying structure.
For example, when you're entering information about a new piece of equipment, MainBoss asks you to specify the building where the equipment is located. It does this by showing you the current table of buildings listed in the buildings file; you are asked to choose the building that contains the equipment.
This example shows the interdependency of the database files: the file describing equipment contains cross-references to the file describing buildings, so that you know which building contains a particular piece of equipment.
Your MainBoss database files can be examined directly with tools like Microsoft Access. Their information can also be exported in a format suitable for use with Microsoft Excel, thereby making it possible for you to perform customized calculations with MainBoss information. For more on exporting MainBoss data, see Exporting Data.
| Important: While you can examine MainBoss data with other programs, you should never modify the MainBoss database files with any program other than MainBoss itself. |
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