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SCMP Reporter

I USE the Omnis 3.0 database manager on a Macintosh IIfx running system 6.0.5.

   I need to upgrade this software since it does not run properly on higher Mac operating systems, but letters to Blyth Software Inc, the makers of the program, have been returned. Can you help?   I also want to transfer my rather substantial database from the Mac to a PC.

   What database software would you recommend for the PC? Ideally, I would prefer to use the already familiar Omnis software on the PC, if it is available on that platform.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED A call to Apple got us the name of what the company claimed was the only Omnis user in Hong Kong, a Dickie Chung of Industrial Development Holdings. (I guess that makes you the second).

  Mr Chung, who is currently using Omnis 7.0 on his Mac, said he, too, never got any responses from the firm's US office, but had far better luck with the London office (telephone 44-1-344-482258 or fax 44-1-344-482259). According to Mr Chung, Omnis 3.0 and 7.0 are completely different.

  The product is also available for both Windows and UNIX, so you should have no trouble moving your data from your existing version to either a new version or to another platform.

   You may, however, have somewhat of a learning curve because of the difference in the latest technology from what you are used to.

  By the way, if you are an Internet user, you might want to check out Blyth's home page at http://www .blyth.com/ for more information about its products, services and offices.

BULLETIN board service operator Colin Bennett has written to me in response to a question by reader Jennifer Chu published in this column on January 16. Ms Chu wanted to know how to get rid of her old computer, and I suggested giving it to someone in need.

  Fifteen-year-old Colin feels he is one such person since he is on the lookout for one or two 386 or 486 PCs, preferably with two or four megabytes of memory either 'free or a very low price'.

  'I would use it for my BBS so that I can get more than one line,' Colin wrote.

   'In return I guess I could show them how to get on to the Internet and use stuff like the Web and show them how to do simple HTML programming so they can make their own Web page. Also maybe I can show them what they can do on a BBS.'   Ms Chu, if you are reading this, still have your old PC and feel like you need the information Colin has to offer, perhaps you can E-mail him at colin-bennett% kaplink or fax him care of this column.



Upgrading Omnis proves challenging