Often, I must run FileMaker Pro scripts that take a long time to run. During the time the script is running, I cannot use FileMaker, so I have to find something else to work on.
It turns out that you can actually run at least two instances of Filemaker on one host, thanks to fast user switching. Start your long FileMaker script running on an alternate user desktop, and then switch back to the desktop you normally use. You will be able to open a distinct instance of FileMaker, and go about continuing to be productive.
[robg adds: FileMaker Pro (standard version) supports up to five simultaneous users, so I expect there wouldn't be any issues with this trick, but I haven't tested it myself.]
Mac OS X Hints
http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=20060103143430866