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Part I
Crystal Reports Introduced
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1: Common Ground: Creating a Simple Report

  • Using the Report Experts
  • Using the Custom Option
    • Report Sections
    • Previewing the Report
    • Moving and Sizing Objects
    • Formatting Objects
    • Customizing Crystal Reports Behavior
2: Enhancing Appearance with Text Objects

  • Combining Database Fields
  • Combining Special Fields
    • The Can Grow Formatting Option
  • Formatting Individual Parts of Text Objects
  • Performance Considerations
3: Sorting and Grouping

  • Sorting Your Report
  • Grouping Your Records
    • Manipulating Existing Groups
    • Adding Subtotals and Summaries
    • Multiple Groups
    • Specified Order Grouping
    • Drilling Down on Data
    • Grouping on Date Fields
    • Grouping on Formula Fields
    • Top N Reporting
4: Creating Geographic Maps

  • Different Map Types
  • Adding A Map
    • The Data Tab
    • The Type Tab
    • The Text Tab
  • Drilling Down on Maps
  • The Analyzer Tab
    • Map Layers
5: Using Formulas

  • The Formula Editor
    • Data Types
    • Creating a New Formula
    • Editing, Renaming, or Deleting an Existing Formula
  • Number Formulas
    • Order of Precedence
  • String Formulas
    • The ToText Function
  • Date/Time Formulas
    • Number of Days Between Dates
    • Number of Hours and Minutes Between Times
    • Month, Day, Year, Hour, Minutes, Seconds, Functions
    • Date Function
  • If-Then-Else Formulas
    • Data Types in If-Then-Else Formulas
    • Helpful Built-In Functions for If-Then-Else Formulas
  • Boolean Formulas
  • Variables in Formulas and Evaluation Times
    • Declaring a Variable
    • Assigning a Value to a Variable
    • Displaying a Variable's Contents
    • Evaluation Times and Report Passes
    • When Not to Use Variables
  • User Function Libraries
  • Running Total Fields
6: Analyzing With Advanced Selection Criteria

  • The Select Expert
    • Refreshing the Report Versus Using Saved Data
    • Record Selection with Date Fields
  • Manipulating the Record-Selection Formula Directly
  • Limiting Data with a Group-Selection Formula
  • Performance Considerations with Record Selection
7: Making Your Reports Visually Appealing

  • The Highlighting Expert
  • Conditional Formatting Formulas
    • Absolute Versus Conditional Formatting
    • Creative Use of the Suppress Property
  • Special Fonts, Graphics, and Line Drawing
    • Using Special Fonts
    • Using Bitmap Graphics
    • Line and Box Drawing
8: Using Sections and Areas

  • Formatting Sections with the Section Expert
    • The Section Expert
  • Creating Summary and Drill-Down Reports
    • Drill-Down Reports
  • Multiple Column Reports for Labels and Listings
  • Using Multiple Sections
  • Conditionally Suppressing Sections
  • Underlaying Sections
9: Analyzing with Cross Tabs

  • Creating a Cross-Tab Object
    • Editing an Existing Cross-Tab
    • Creative Use of Grouping and Formulas
  • Multiple Rows, Columns, and Summarized
    • Reordering Fields in the Rows, Columns, or Summarized Fields Boxes
    • Suppressing Subtotals and Labels with Cross-Tab Groups
  • Improving the Appearance of Cross-Tabs
    • Adding Legends to Cross-Tabs
    • Conditionally Formatting Cross-Tabs
    • What Is CurrentField Value?
10: Creating Charts

  • Types and Layouts of Charts
    • Chart Type
    • Chart Layout
  • Creating Charts with the Chart Expert
    • The Type Tab
    • The Data Tab
    • The Axes Tab
    • The Options Tab
    • The Text Tab
    • Placing and Sizing Charts
    • Modifying Existing Charts
  • Customizing Charts with the Chart Editor
    • Changing Colors and Shades of Chart Elements
    • Customizing and Moving Chart Titles and the Legend
    • Using Additional Chart Types
    • Using Chart Editor Templates
  • Drilling Down on Charts
  • Using the Analyzer with Charts
11: Using Subreports

  • Unlinked Subreports
    • Drilling Down on Subreports
  • Linked Subreports
    • Linking in Formula Fields
  • On-Demand Versus In-Place Subreports
    • Making an On-Demand Subreport Look Like a Button or Graphic
  • Passing Data Between Main Reports and Subreports
    • Showing an Informational Message Instead of the Empty Subreport
  • Performance Considerations
12: Viewer Interaction with Parameter Fields

  • Creating a Parameter Field
    • Setting Up a Pick List
    • Responding to Parameter Field Prompts
    • Value Type Considerations
  • Using Parameter Fields in Record Selection
  • Displaying Parameter Field Features
    • Multiple Values
    • Range Values
    • Controlling Parameter Field Data Entry
  • Conditional Formatting with Parameter Fields
    • Highlighting Data Based on Parameter Fields
  • Using Parameter Fields with Formulas
    • Using a Parameter Field for Partial Text Matches
    • Using a Parameter Field to Change Sorting or Grouping
13: Distributing and Compiling Reports

  • Exporting Reports to Office Applications
    • Exporting to Different File Formats
    • Exporting and Launching an Application
    • Exporting to an ODBC Data Source
  • Exporting Reports to HTML Web Pages
  • Sending Reports Electronically
  • Compiling and Distributing Real-Time Reports
    • Compiling the Report
    • Using the Report Distribution Expert
    • Using a Compiled Report
14: Reporting from SQL Databases

  • Logging On to SQL Databases
    • Direct Database Drivers
    • ODBC
    • Choosing the Database
    • Changing the SQL Options
    • Converting a PC-Style Database Report to a Client/Server Database
    • Changing from One SQL Database to Another
  • Linking Tables
    • Visual Linking Expert
    • Using Multiple Database Types in the Same Report
    • Join Types
    • Linking One PC-Style Table to Multiple Tables
  • Working with the SQL Statement
    • Viewing the SQL Query
    • Modifying the SQL Query
  • Using the SQL Stored Procedures
    • Choosing Stored Procedures
    • Working with Stored Procedure Parameter
  • Using SQL Expression Fields
    • Creating SQL Expressions
  • Grouping on the Database Server
    • Enabling Server-Based Grouping
    • What's Required to Use Server-Based Grouping
    • Effects of Drill-Down
  • Performance Considerations
    • Let the Server Do the Work
    • Make Use of Indexed Fields
15: Accommodating Database Changes and Field Mapping

  • Verifying or Changing the Database Location
    • Verifying a Database
    • Changing the Database Driver
    • Using Set Location
    • Using Set Alias
  • Mapping Old Fields to New Names
16: Importing Legacy Reports with the Document Import Tool

  • Legacy File Requirements
  • Layout of the Document Import Tool
  • Choosing Sections
    • Defining Report and Page Headers and Footers
    • Defining Group Headers and Footers
    • Defining the Details Section
  • Choosing Fields
    • Choosing Text Fields
    • Choosing Report Fields
    • Choosing Formulas
    • Choosing Special Fields
  • Creating the New Report
    • Saving the .CIF File
    • Setting the Confidence Threshold
    • Converting the Legacy Report
  • Opening an Existing Report and .CIF File
  • Troubleshooting the Document Import Tool
17: Reporting from OLAP Cubes

  • What is OLAP?
  • Crystal Reports OLAP Capabilities
    • Supported OLAP Systems
    • Types of OLAP Reports
  • Creating OLAP Reports
    • Using the OLAP Report Expert
    • Using the Custom Option
  • Changing the OLAP Database Location
  • Controlling OLAP Grid Appearance
  • Interacting with OLAP Grids
18: Using Seagate Analysis

  • What Is Seagate Analysis?
    • Seagate Analysis Components
  • Starting Seagate Analysis
    • Running Analysis in Stand-Alone Mode
    • Running Analysis in Client/Server Mode
    • Starting the Web Browser Client
  • Opening an Existing Query, Report or Cube
    • Parts of the Query Tab
    • Design Section Panels
    • Viewing the Result Set
    • Searching for Specific Data
  • Creating New Queries
    • Choosing a Data Source with the Analysis Explorer
    • Choosing and Linking Tables
    • Adding Fields to Panels
    • Creating Groups and Drilling Down
    • Creating Formulas and SQL Expressions
    • Using Parameter Fields
    • Saving the Query
  • Creating Simple Reports
    • The Report Tab
    • Report Styles
    • Using the Group Tree and Drilling Down
    • Changing the Appearance of Individual Objects
    • Formatting Sections
    • Creating Charts
    • Output Choices
  • Creating and Analyzing Cubes
    • What Is OLAP?
    • Creating the Cube
    • Analyzing the Cube
    • Viewing Microsoft OLAP Services Cubes
    • Exporting the Cube to Excel
19: Querying SQL Databases with the Crystal SQL Designer

  • Crystal SQL Designer Versus Seagate Analysis or Crystal Query
  • Crystal SQL Designer Versus Crystal Reports
  • Creating SQL Queries
    • Entering SQL Directly
    • Using the Expert
    • Using Parameter Fields in Queries
    • Saving the Query
  • Using Existing SQL Queries
    • Opening Existing Queries
  • Using Queries with Crystal Reports
20: Simplifying Databases with Crystal Dictionaries

  • What Exactly Is a Crystal Dictionary?
  • Creating a Crystal Dictionary
    • The Tables Tab
    • The Links Tab
    • The View Tab
    • The Graphic Tab
    • The Sample Data Tab
    • Saving the Dictionary
    • Setting Crystal Dictionaries Options
  • Opening an Existing Dictionary
    • Updating the Database Location
  • Basing a Report or Query on a Dictionary
21: Reporting from Proprietary Data Types

  • Reporting from Microsoft Outlook
  • Reporting from the Local File System
  • Reporting from the Windows NT Event Log
  • Reporting from Web-Server Logs


Part II
Developing Custom Window Applications With Crystal Reports 7
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22: Creating Your First Visual Basic/Crystal Reports Application

  • Development-Language Options
    • Which Development Language Should I Use?
  • Different VB Reporting Options
    • Crystal Reports Versus the Microsoft Data Report Designer
    • Bundled Crystal Reports Versus the Stand-Alone Version
  • Visual Basic Developer Interfaces
  • Sample Application Overview
    • The Xtreme Mountain Bikes Orders Report
23: The ActiveX Control

  • Adding the ActiveX Control
  • Customizing the Preview Window
  • Passing Parameter Field Values
  • Controlling Record Selection
    • Record-Selection Formula Tips
  • Setting Formulas
  • Manipulating Report Groups
  • Changing Section Formatting
  • Choosing Output Destinations
    • Displaying Print Options
  • Error Handling
  • Other ActiveX Properties and Methods
    • The Reset Method
    • SQL Database Control
    • Subreport Control
24: The Report Designer Component

  • The RDC Explained
    • The ActiveX Designer
    • The Crystal Reports Smart Viewer
  • Adding the RDC to Your Project
    • Importing an Existing Report
    • Creating a New Report
  • The RDC Object Module
  • Controlling Record Selection
  • Passing Parameter Field Values
  • Manipulating Report Groups
  • Conditional Formatting and Formatting Sections
    • The Format Event
  • Choosing Output Destinations
  • Changing the Data Source at Run Time
  • Customizing the Smart Viewer
    • Trapping Smart Viewer Events
  • Error Handling
  • Other RDC Properties and Methods
    • The DiscardSavedData Method
    • SQL Database Control
    • RDC Subreports
25: The Report Engine Automation Server

  • Overview of the Automation Server
  • Adding the Automation Server to Your Project
    • Declaring the Application and Report Objects
  • Controlling the Preview Window
  • Controlling Record Selection
    • Record-Selection Formula Tips
  • Setting Formulas
  • Passing Parameter Field Values
  • Manipulating Report Groups
  • Conditional Formatting and Formatting Sections
  • Choosing Output Destinations
  • Changing the Data Source at Run Time
  • Handling Preview Window and Report Events
    • Report Object Event Handling
    • Preview Window Event Handling
    • Enabling or Disabling Events with EventInfo
  • Error Handling
  • Other Automation Server Properties and Methods
    • The DiscardSavedData Method
    • SQL Database Control
    • Automation Server Subreports
26: The Report Engine Automation API

  • Adding the Report Engine API to Your Project
  • Creating a Simple Application with the REAPI
  • Controlling the Preview Window
  • Controlling Record Selection
  • Setting Formulas
  • Passing Parameter Field Values
  • Manipulating Report Groups
  • Conditional Formatting and Formatting Sections
  • Choosing Output Destinations
  • Error Handling
  • Other REAPI Calls
    • Discarding Saved Data
    • SQL Database Control
    • Report Engine API Subreports
27: Distributing Visual Basic/Crystal Reports Applications

  • Distribution Overview
    • ActiveX Control
    • Report Designer Component
    • Automation Server
    • Report Engine API
  • Database Considerations
    • Direct Access Databases
    • ODBC Data Sources
  • File Export Considerations
  • User Function Libraries
28: Creating User Function Libraries with Visual Basic

  • User Function Library Overview
    • UFLs in C
    • UFLs in Visual Basic
  • Creating the ActiveX DLL
    • Adding Functions to the Class Module
    • Naming and Saving the DLL
    • Error Handling
  • Function-Name Prefixing
  • Distributing the UFL


Part III
Crystal Reports 7 on the Web
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29: Crystal Reports and the Web

  • Crystal Web Reports Server
  • Using the Crystal Web Reports Server
    • Linking to .RPT Files
    • Crystal Web Reports Server Commands
  • Crystal Smart Viewers
    • Smart Viewers Compared
    • Choosing and Customizing Smart Viewers
  • Exporting Files with the Web Reports Server
  • Crystal Reports and Microsoft Active Server Pages
    • What Are Active Server Pages and What Is VBScript?
    • Seagate-Supplied Sample ASPs
    • The Automation Server Object Model in ASPs
    • Using the Smart Viewers


Part IV
Appendixes
 
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A: Installing and Configuring Crystal Reports Components

  • Installing the Crystal Reports Designer
  • Installing Web Components on Your Web Server
    • Web Reports Server Configuration Utility
  • Installing Seagate Analysis
    • Running Seagate Analysis Setup
    • Configuring the Query/Analysis Server
  • Configuring NT Service Startup Options
B: What's on the Accompanying CD

  • Free Software
    • Seagate Analysis
    • Seagate Info 7
    • Report Designer Component 7
  • Sample Files
    • Sample Reports
    • Sample Visual Basic
    • Sample Web Site
Index