I was at chat Friday. Both of them, actually. (Gary's and VFUG) Where were you?

That second paragraph, I think, is written in Greek. :) I'm _really_ a beginner with c/s. ODBC is Open DataBase Connectivity, isn't it? I don't know much about it other than a vague impression that it's good because different languages can use the data. I wouldn't know how to configure one. I don't even know if I have one. What's a DSN?

I think what's probably better than you answering all these questions is me getting the book in the third paragraph. :)

What's the best and cheapest place to by VFP books? I checked Amazon and they said the Hacker one wouldn't come before Christmas. If it's possible, I'd like to get one before I go on vacation in 2 weeks.

Thanks,

-Michelle

PS Got the email. Thanks.

>Hiya Michelle ---
>
>Where were you Friday?
>
>Anyway, if you want to experiment with client/server, configure an ODBC driver to talk to a VFP database as a DSN and then from a VFP application, set up a connection to that DSN and create remote views. Except for speed issues, it will mirror exactly how you would be working through any other back end.
>
>As to a good book: JVP's VFP5 (or VFP6) Enterprise Development comes to mind as a good source of c/s examples.
>
>>
>>With problems I've been having at work, I'm seriously considering making the jump to contracting soon rather than after I have years of experience like I planned. I'm wondering if I have the skills to cut it. Where I work now, the programming isn't too demanding.
>>
>>I've been looking at the ads, and one thing I see over and over is needing to be able to do client/server. I know nothing about it. Is there some way to learn this without having to by a backend(?) ? Any good books about it? I need something that's good for beginners, preferrably that starts out explaining what it is. :)
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>-Michelle
>>
>>
>>>On it's way!
>>>
>>>>Could you send me that, too?
>>>>
>>>>Thanks,
>>>>
>>>>-Michelle
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>Hi Kevin ---
>>>>>
>>>>>I am emailing you a demo of a skills testing program I tested for a recruiter. It has a very good VFP/FP test. It will help you assess your level as a developer. That being said:
>>>>>
>>>>>I would recommend that you initially work with a contracting service and let them handle contract negotiation, marketing, et al. before trying to handle those things yourself. After a while (12-18 mos) you will get a better feel for the non-technical ends of the business and will also be exposed more through your work.
>>>>>
>>>>>Finally, bear in mind that really good VFP developers are not too common. Price yourself accordingly: If you believe that you are moderately skilled, you could contract out at $30-50 per hour with a contracting service. Later, on your own, you should be able to command $60-100/hour and maybe even more if specialized work.
>>>>>
>>>>>Also, other technical skills you have and some non-technical skills can be a plus. Are you bilingual? A good database person? Do you have certification in non-technical areas (CPA, et al)?
>>>>>
>>>>>> I have been programming for approximately two years now with Visual Foxpro, and I am starting to feel confident enough in my skills to make a go of it on my own as a consultant or as a member of a consulting team (the latter being preferrable). The only problem is that I don't have a lot of knowledge in how to proceed with something like this.
>>>>>> I have questions that need answering such as what is a fair hourly rate for a consultant and how should I measure my skills to accurately rate myself as a programmer? And what are standard types of contracts that are signed between consultants and the companies that they work for? More specifically, within a contract, what sort of risk should the consultant shoulder in the agreement and what risk should the employer shoulder?
>>>>>> If anyone would like to offer a small treatise on the this topic, I would be most grateful.