Bells and whistles Alpha Four has sophisticated, if sometimes confusing, features to help ensure data consistency and to make databases easier for others to use. Standard deviation, though not available as a summary field, can be computed using summary and calculated fields. The lookup feature looks up values stored in a separate database or table and enters them automatically into the current database. You could, for example, create a lookup table that displayed department names in a pop-up window in the current database. If you selected a department from the list, its name and address would be entered into the current database.
Lookups can provide lists of optional, mandatory, or invalid values for a field.
You can also create fields whose values are automatically filled in from a lookup table. For example, if you entered a department name into the current database, the phone number would automatically be entered in the phone field. Finally, Alpha Four has a two-step deletion procedure. Macros Alpha Four's rudimentary macro feature allows you to automate multistep repetitive tasks, such as sorting labels in zip code order and printing them. The Macro Recorder, the suggested method for new users of Alpha Four, saves the keystrokes required to perform a task.