Where do I download the MacOS Desktop?

[MidCoast Jim]

Hi - After years on DOS and Windows I'm in the process of transiting to a MacBook Air M1.

I've visited the DDH website etc and managed to find "Mac Users --
Mac users will find the documentation either in the folder that was extracted from the file that was download from our website or for the HanDBase Desktop by clicking the Help menu, with the application open, and clicking the HanDBase Desktop 4 Help menu item." I have also looked at the " for iPhone -- Desktop and Conduit for Mac -- Quick Start Guide".

Downloading and installing software in the MacOS world seems to be a lot more convoluted than in Windows. Why can't there just be a good old .exe installer file??

Anyway, can anyone help me along? I've had my HDB Windows Desktop syncing with numerous iPhones and iPads over a decade or more. I am surprised that the Mac desktop is so mysterious and/or complex.

Thank you in advance for any assistance!
Jim Child - Midcoast Maine
jimtheshepherd@yahoo.com

[glenwf]

You might want to search the forum for that. The directions are given in detail.
Since nobody is pointing you to it, I'll give you a quickie note (not time to find the thread).
Log in to http://www.ddhsoftware.com

I switched to the Mac desktop also in 2005. I believe you have to buy the Mac version from this web site for your desktop. It isn't expensive. Once you do, you will be able to download the Mac version and the "Wine" version.
The Mac version is not as full featured as the old windows version you are used to, but adequate.
The "Wine" version is one that is the windows made to run on a Mac desktop. It works great, but I prefer to do my work in the Mac version even though it doesn't allow you to develope forms, etc., or create a new file. I do all that on my iPhone. I use the Wine version from time to time, but rarely now.

Anyway, keep suppporting HanDBase - Best database going...

[MidCoast Jim]

Okay! I was able to locate the HB Mac Desktop download site, happily paid $9.99 and have downloaded and opened the "Open HanDBase Database File" window (see attached image).

There are no "users" p;opulating the "Select a User" dropdown. So, I am preparing to investigate the "OR" alternative and "Browse for A Database".

1) I have moved 80 pdb's from my Windows laptop. Is there any facility to do a multiple database import?
2) Will I be able to synch back and forth from iPhone to Mac Desktop as I have been doing between the phone and PC HDB Desktop?

Jim

[glenwf]

Wish one of the experts would chime it.
On Desktop version,
Top Menu - Devices / Sync/Config iphone, etc.
The window is probably black.
See the "+" at the right? Connect your iPhone with a cable (possibly no cable on your machine? - have to figure how to do the wireless sync - I know that is an option, but I prefer not to use it).
When you connect your iPhone the computer has to trust it.
When you select the "+" then it should see the iPhone and you can add it to the big blank window.

That should get you started. Then I would ask it to backup your iPhone and you will be creating an account on your Desktop.

That is the general idea - been a while since I've done it. Search the forum for specific directions for this that people like Dave have posted.
Should work like a charm.

[MidCoast Jim]

Hi Glen!

Thanks for moving me along. I had not noticed the "Devices" way up at the top of the window - I'm still adapting to some of the Apple peculiarities.

Unfortunately, when I click on the Mac "devices" dropdown choice I am being told I need to upgrade to HDB Plus. I can see in my DDH online account that I have HDB IPad Professional - no mention of Plus or where I might upgrade to it.

I guess I am stymied until Dave or a wandering expert comes along.

Thanks again for jumping in! Jim

[DorothyD]

HanDBase Plus is a Mac desktop product. It can be purchased here:

http://ddhsoftware.com/handbaseplusmacios.html

Not sure whether there's an upgrade path from your recent purchase. I got my copy too long ago.

[MidCoast Jim]

Whew! Dorothy, thank you. That was the final brick in the solution.

All my 80 pdb's are syncing from iPhone to MacBook Air - to and fro. I'm seeing what people were talking about re the Mac Desktop not being quite as nice as the Windows version. The "views" function seems locked. I'm thinking maybe I need to modify and create views on the phone.

I downloaded the "Wine" version of the Windows desktop ...something about it running on the Mac ...maybe it solves some of the Mac Desktop's shortcomings? I'll give the downloaded pdf documentation a read and see.

I caught your comment about an "upgrade path" from the HDB Mac Desktop I'd first purchased to the Plus. I'm betting that the Plus was all that I'd need.

Thanks again! I will be able to sleep tonight. Jim

[DorothyD]

Yay! Glad it’s all working. Much of my life in in my HanDBase files, which I’ve been using ever since the Palm days.

[MidCoast Jim]

I am a longtime HDB user as well. I needed a way to carry my dBase III "Orders" database out to the wood shop in our barn -- I knew my 8 lb laptop would not survive long being buried in sawdust. Once I found HanDBase I went ahead and bought my first Palm 3.

Back to the present, the HDB Mac Desktop is able to access and synch the PDBs from my iPhone. I am having a problem with individual record editing. I am attaching a screenshot showing how most of the edit screen is hidden behind the left edge of the window. I have not figured out how to either slide the screen or how to shrink the edit screen to fit inside the window. I am sure the solution will be something completely obvious.

Jim

[curtterp]

What Mac do you have?
Which operating system are you running?
If it is not a laptop, what monitor do you have and what settings do you have for video?