Create a Database

In order to use Heurist on a particular server, you need to first register on that server (you need to do this once for each server that Heurist is installed on).

You register, as database owner and administrator, when you create your first database (via the Heurist Project page.)  Registration will be approved by the owner of the Heurist installation (the 'System Owner') on that particular server.

Once you have registered you can then create your first database. From this database you can then create additional databases. You can create new databases when logged into any existing database.

You become the owner of any new database, which inherits your login credentials (which can be changed if required through the Profile menu on the Main Screen).

To create your first database

1. If this is the first database you are creating (on this server), navigate to the Heurist Project Page, the starting point for your Heurist activities:

The address of the Heurist Project Page is installation-dependant, but it is normally installed at the root web address of the server or as heurist or h4 at this address. For example, on the dedicated Heurist server at the University of Sydney it is accessible at the following URL:

http://heurist.sydney.edu.au/

2. Select Create Your Own Database.
3. Select Define Database Administrator:

4. Complete your registration details:

Since this is the first database you are creating on this server, you need to register your details  as database owner and therefore administrator.

Important. If the URL of this page starts with http:// (rather than https//) your details are not sent over an encrypted connection so do not enter any private information here (such as using your bank password etc.). If you require greater security, please consult with your system administrator to discuss security and https.

5. Select the Terms and Conditions of Use checkbox to read the terms and conditions (this enables the Register button) and click Register.

Once your registration is approved you will receive a confirmation email from the System Owner, showing your login details.

Note. You should receive a registration confirmation email within anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on time zone differences and the efficiency of the System Owner − if the delay is longer you may consider emailing the System Owner directly.

6. You can continue to create your first database (all subsequent databases on this server are created from within an exiting database). See 'To create a new database if already registered' below (from step 3).

To create a new database if already registered

1. Log into an existing database.
2. From the Main Menu, select Database | New Database.

If requested, enter your login details (those you supplied when you registered and which are also contained in your registration confirmation email) and press Login:

3. Choose which type of database to use as a template:

The options are:

• Standard database template. If you are creating a standard database, leave the setting as the default. This copies only essential record types and field types and is recommended for general use.
• Example database. Select this if you wish to view and use an example database (the set of Shakespeare plays), in order to get to know Heurist. You can experiment to your heart's content. Once you no longer require your version of this database you can delete it.
• Use a registered database as template. Select this option if you wish to copy the database structure from a set of existing templates (registered and curated schemas, including HuNI and FAIMS core schemas). From the displayed list, select the appropriate template:

Note. Template schemas can also be imported later if required (see Acquire Record Types).

4. In the Enter a name for the new database field, enter a prefix and a name for your database:

These settings are:

• hdb_: (Mandatory − Cannot be modified) All Heurist databases have a fixed prefix, normally hdb_, set by the system administrator for a particular server.
• Prefix: (Optional − Recommended). (This defaults to the first letters of your username.) While this can be blank we recommend using a consistent personal prefix across databases or groups of like-databases, in order to easily locate and identify your databases.
• Name: (Mandatory). Enter a name to identify your database.

Important. Do not use spaces, apostrophes or other special characters in the database name, as these will be 'stripped' out on creation of the database. For spaces between words, we recommend using underscores. Also note that database names are case sensitive: 'AddressBook' is not the same database as 'Addressbook'. Once the database has been created, its name cannot be changed, so choose carefully (if you wish to later have a different name for your database, you would need to use the Clone Database option to create a copy of the database with the new name).

5. Click Create Database. Database creation may take between 10-30 seconds:

Once the database (hdb_yourprefix_databasename) has been created (on the current server), its details are displayed on a Confirmation dialog:

Note. You can bookmark the displayed database link for easy access. The database will also be available on the Open Database page (sorted by yourprefix_databasename).

6. To open the new database click the displayed link (the current database will remain open). See Open a Database.

Once logged into the new database, there are a number of immediate tasks you can consider:

• Import additional record types. You can import record types from any of the curated databases or indeed from any registered database. (See Acquire Record Types.)
• Set database properties. You can set a range of properties for your database, including display name, status, viewability outside of workgroups, mailing lists etc. (See Set Database Properties.)
• Register your database. Registration is optional, but certain advanced Heurist features require the database to be registered with the central Heurist Index; if you have not registered and select such a feature, you will be notified to register first. (See Register a Database).

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