Thanks again Andrew,

You beat me to it with the Transactions. I was thinking this morning, "er, what is a Transaction?" so thanks for that explanation before I asked.

I am starting out with embedded Firebird mode so I can skip Transactions for the time being.

> As far as the SQL goes, Helen's book is quite useful

I have read a bit about Helen's book but budget is VERY tight here. :) Mostly as as result of an incompetent Accountant some years back. But that's another long and boring issue. I'll see if the local College Library has a copy.

I feel much better prepared now to get my hands dirty and start on the friend's app and see how Firebird handles all the IBMemo fields.

Thanks so much for taking the time to explain stuff. Much appreciated.

Dave