Revealed: the other side of Sheffield based gamesters Alligata Software. Flexibase is a compretent database system for cassette or disc system users with some nice features. The header accesses a set of printer options - Parallel, Serial and so on - and once selection has been made, loads in the main system.

The first thing that strikes one is the presentation. The database is menu-based and the main menu makes use of some violent colouration. This continues throughout the various option displays and is very useful in highlighting different choices. The colours are violent but carefully contrasted and therefore do the job.

A single keypress moves the program on to the chosen option, and ESCAPE returns to the main menu except when saving, loading and sorting. Setting up the database for your software collection, rack of A&Bs or whatever is easy as pie. The current Record is updated automatically when you terminate each Record input with f0. The Record is split into constituent Fields which are terminated with a press of RETURN. The choice of keys is sensible and appropriate. There is however no facility to design the record display. It merely accepts a series of fields.

Amendments and deletions to records are made by referring to record and field numbers. A full record can be deleted by responding positively to a Y/N prompt. All potentially disastrous moves are checked first with a Y/N option just to make sure you are still awake. Any combination of records can be listed to the screen or to a printer, for the serious users among us.

The Search option has its own menu of powerful alternatives. You can 'set', 'reset' and 'invert' all records. These options select, deselect and toggle between the two, allowing considerable control over the records you wish to work on at any one time. The actual search can be done on the basis of several preselected criteria. Secondary searches can be executed with respect to previous selections. The two selections can be ANDed or ORed - logical and powerful when you get used to the concept.

Sorting is carried out on fields, either the key field (the first) or selected fields in the prescribed order of importance. Saving and loading are simply prompts for filenames and a call to the cassette or disc filing system. Quitting the program reminds you that files need to be saved or they will be lost. The program is not protected from the user and listing for study or amendment is available without having to break down some stubborn defence. A very solid system from Alligata which will not let down the purchaser. All the necessary checks are implemented for the sake of sleepy late night keyboard addicts. Record display is a bit boring but the search and sort options impressive.