Frequenty Asked Questions

What is Database Oasis?

Database Oasis is just about anything you want it to be. In the simplest terms, it's software that allows non-technical people to create their own applications to store and work with data.

What would you use it for?

Everybody has information that they need to store. Home users may need to track address and phone number lists, recipes, children's medical records, household inventory for your homeowner's insurance, catalogs of collectables, etc. Business uses may need to track inventory, client lists, customer payment history, contact history, analysis of marketing or promotional programs, sales or service history, industry specific information, etc. The Professional Edition report designer can also be laid out to match forms so you can print to a form instead of using a typewriter.

How does it work?

You start with a blank screen. There is a simple toolbox of objects that you can add to the display, such as fields, check boxes, text, and picture holders. You just point and click to place these objects anywhere on the screen that you want. You can customize the look of your display by changing the colors and fonts. Once you're done, you're ready to start entering your data in the fields you added. Watch a quick demonstration of setting up a data display and working with your data.

Why do you call the databases "Displays"?

All of the displays in Database Oasis are stored in a single database, so to call them databases is not technically accurate. They display the data in your database, so we settled on calling them Displays.

What documentation comes with Database Oasis?

When working in Database Oasis, you can press F1 from any screen to access context-sensitive help. This type of help will tell you about the current area of the software with which you're working. There is also a more detailed help file that can be accessed from the Help menu in the software. This gives step-by-step instructions to help you use the software. This same information is also available on our website as a .pdf manual that can be downloaded or printed.

What is the difference between Basic Edition and Professional Edition?

In software, there is a tradeoff between simplicity and functionality - the more it does, the more complicated it is. Database Oasis is designed to be simple, but there is some functionality that many users may need that requires a certain level of complexity. In order to provide this functionality, without complicating the interface for people who just need the basics, we offer two products: Basic Edition and Professional Edition. In practical terms, the main difference between the two is that Professional Edition allows more than one user on a local area network to share data (click here for details). Professional Edition also offers a multiple level displays (relational databases), a custom report designer, advanced filtering, users and security. View the Professional Edition details page for more information on these features.

Is Database Oasis Relational?

Database Oasis Professional Edition is relational. It allows you to set up a child level on any display and share common information across records. This allows users to add a single parent record that contains the data that needs to be shared, then add multiple child records that automatically pull data from the parent.

I bought a CD along with my license, but when I install from the CD, the software is unregistered.

The CD contains the same installation files that may be downloaded from our website at no charge. We provide the option of purchasing a CD because many people like to have a physical copy in a case for convenience and as a backup. The installation file always installs an unregistered copy. When you purchase a license, you will receive an e-mail with your license key. After installation, launch Database Oasis and select "I have a registration number" at the opening screen to register your software.

If I only have one computer, can I still purchase Professional Edition for the other features, without having to use the client functionality?

Yes. Multi-user support is just one of the features available in Professional Edition that you don't get with Basic Edition. If you will only be using one computer, you don't need to download and install the client, although you can always take advantage of that option later if your needs change.

There's a feature I need that I don't see in the trial. Should I buy the software to see if it becomes available?

All of the features and functionality of Database Oasis are available in the trial. If there is functionality that you need that's not available in the trial, please contact us at Sales@DatabaseOasis.com. We'll let you know if there is some way to accomplish what you're trying to do, or if not, whether the feature is planned for an upcoming release.

If I enter data during the trial, will it be available after I purchase?

Yes. When you download a trial of Database Oasis, you are able to use it for free for 15 days. After that time period, you will no longer be able to access the software without purchasing a license key. Entering the license key removes the time limit. Any displays you've created or data you've entered are immediately available.

Is there a number I can call for Support?

In order to continue to offer free technical support to our customers, it is limited to e-mail. We do answer e-mails promptly and will work with you until your issue is resolved.

How often to you provide upgrades and how much do they cost?

We generally have a new release at least once a year. We may also offer smaller interim releases throughout the year. Many of the upgrades are offered at no charge. The charge for major upgrades varies depending on the extent of the changes. They are always less than the cost of a new license. If you have recently purchased the software just prior to a release, contact Sales@DatabaseOasis.com to find out if you are eligible for a free upgrade.

What file formats to you support for import and export?

You can import data in any delimited format, including .txt and .csv, as well as Excel spreadsheets. You can export data to any delimited format. We also offer direct printing of reports to .pdf, HTML, Excel, Rich Text and a variety of Graphic formats.

Is it possible to extend the free trial beyond 15 days?

Absolutely. Just send us an e-mail at Sales@DatabaseOasis.com with a request for a trial extension and we'll be happy to give you another 15 days.

What are templates?

When you work with Database Oasis, you create what's called a Data Display. This consists of the fields to contain the information you want to work with displayed on a form. Once you've created a Data Display, you can make it available as a template. If you need a Data Display that's similar to one that already exists, you don't have to start from scratch. We've also worked with people in different industries, as well as home users, to determine what data they need to see. We've pre-designed templates that fit those needs and have made them available with the product.

Does this product replace my spreadsheet software?

It depends on what you're using a spreadsheet for. Spreadsheets are designed to deal with lists of data. They're very useful, for example, if you need to sum a column of numbers. Spreadsheets are still the best tool for the functionality they were designed to perform. Many people, however, end up using their spreadsheet as a database because it's currently the only tool they have to store their data. Spreadsheets can be cumbersome when you're dealing with individual records and may not provide all of the functionality you need. In this case, Database Oasis is a much better option. It can save you time, frustration, and ultimately give you a much better view of your data.

What's the difference between Database Oasis and other database creation products on the market?

Many database creation products assume a certain technical comfort level. They often require a familiarity with things like SQL statements, functions, expression builders, and the like. There are a lot of people who need a data storage product, but don't have the time or inclination to face the learning curve required to use these applications. Database Oasis was designed for people who want to be able to simply and quickly create their own data interface, regardless of their technical level. And even technical people will appreciate the time and money they can save with a tool that was designed to be the quickest, easiest solution available.