I have been tasked to set up a new database that will include a forum, an input screen for certain bits of data, and a form view to view the data. I have looked at the template for Team Room and thought that might be a good starting place. I’ve never used Designer before, have no idea how, especially after looking at the interface. I read some of the help files which do a good job of describing everything, but don’t tell me how to actually build a useable form.
Where do I start? Any suggested books for the beginner to get me off to a quick start and get this thing built and running?
From my experience the worst place to start is the standard templates that ship with notes, these are complicated and based upon support for previous templates (therefore are not always the best way to do something with the new featues)
The templates are good for a few things however, definately use their look and feel - immitate their UI and how they work, most (if not all) notes users will be familuar their basic concepts - stay away from odd things like navigators/outlines in odd places (along the bottom or top of the screen) Showing information not applicable to the current user (use hide-whens) and build security in from the start - retro-fitting security models is difficult to do correctly!!
And remeber obsecurity is not security.
PS: Remember the ADA guidelines/requirements checklist for notes can be found here ()
PPS: The standard notes/domino courses are pretty good you can find a list of LAECs here or you can book courses with IBM Learning Services here (US & Others) or here (UK)