Open Hidden

[EddyB]

Hi,

I'm running FMPro6 on W2K and cannot find Open Hidden, is this only available on Macs?

Thanks

Ed.

[Ugo DI LUCA]

Hi,

I believe both Mac and Win are using the same "Open" with a checkbox for Hidden as an option.

[EddyB]

I only have the option of open minimized, is this it? Can I not have a file open in the background that the user cannot see, I'm sure I did this a few years agi but was working on Macs then.

Thanks

Ed.

[Ugo DI LUCA]

Well,

I was guessing. I'm running Mac version FM 5.5 and I've got Open (hidden) but nope Open(minimize) !!

[EddyB]

OK Thanks Ugo, must just be minimized on a PC then!

Is anyone else running FM 6 on W2K? Have you got an open hidden button? - just want to make sure I'm not being deprived of my hidden option!

Also, what happenis if on a Mac I set the Open hidden button then open the DB on a PC - does it open minimized?

Thanks

Ed.

[spragueg]

As far as I know you can't hide a database in Windows. You can oly minimize it. If you want the databases to be seem hidden just keep the front most database window maximized.

[digitalchaos]

If you use open hidden on the mac it will open minimized on the windows platform i have had that problem also (spraqueg) suggestion about keeping the front most window maximized seem to be the only real solution for now.

[EddyB]

OK thanks all

[EddyB]

Sorry but this is bugging me!

Does anyone know why it is not possible for FileMaker to allow windows users to hide open databases as you can do on a mac?

I assume it is something to do with Mr Gates's operating system's restrictions but does anyone know what exactly?

Thanks

Frustrated Ed!

[Vaughan]

The challenge with Windows is that minimising a window causes all the other windows to un-maximise (become restored). I hate that! This means keeping the front window maximised it a real problem.

The solution is to either use a window-management plugin like Window Utility, or keep all windows maximised at all times. I keep them all maximised.

[EddyB]

Vaughan,

How do you get round this problem?

I do not normally maximise my windows as I keep my layouts quite small - the reason for this is some of my users like their windows screen size to be 800x600 so most of the time if the layouts are big the whole of the layout does not fit in their screen area - any tips?

[Vaughan]

You raise another issue here -- screen resolution. Basically the developer needs to design a set of layouts for each resolution supported. This is a lot of work.

First work out how much useable area you have on your layout -- go to each user's computers and see how they set their computers up with regard to start menu etc. I make a little file with a rectangle on a layout, and check it's all visible with no scroll bars on all machines, Mac and PC. This rectangle is your boundary.

About now is when I determine how many different resolutions people are using. These days it's easier because LCD screens are really only single-resolution devices.

If you have to support multiple resolutions, use the Status(CurrentScreenWidth) function to work out which layout to display.