Powerbase is a database management system for use with RISC OS computers. The information in this manual applies to Powerbase v.9.19, of which there are two variants: 9.19DA and 9.19SH. They differ only in their method of memory-mangement; 9.19DA uses dynamic areas and 9.19SH uses the sliding-heap module which has featured in Powerbase ever since it migrated to RISC OS from the BBC micro.
If you use RISC OS 3.1 you need v.9.19SH. Please note that v.9.19DA is not compatible with RISC OS 3.1. For RISC OS 3.5 or above, however, v.9.19DA is recommended. You may use v.912SH if you prefer (objections have been voiced concerning programs which make extensive use of dynamic areas) and both versions have been tested on RISC OS v.3.5 to 4.33 and can exploit the Users feature of the latter when saving choices files. The sliding-heap module used in 9.19SH is now 32-bit compatible so there should be no problem using it on an Iyonix.
You may receive Powerbase and its accompanying documentation and sample databases in compressed form as a set of zip files. These need to be unzipped (de-archived) before you can use them. The following procedure is suggested:
(a) On your hard disc create a new directory called Powerbase and open it.
(b) Run the copy of !SparkPlug supplied on the distribution disc.
(c) Double click on one of the files you wish to unzip. A window will open showing the contents of the file.
(d) Select all the objects in the window and drag them to your newly-created Powerbase directory.
(e) Repeat steps (c) and (d) until you have de-archived all the material you require.
Two tutorials are provided in a separate booklet. If databases are completely new to you we recommend you to work thought the Quick Tutorial which is based on the simple address-book database !Friends. If you are somewhat more experienced but are using Powerbase for the first time you will probably find Tutorial, using the !Elements database, more appropriate.
No warranty, express or implied, is made about the suitability of Powerbase for any purpose. We cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage due to the use of this software. All enquiries, requests for upgrades etc, should be directed to:
Powerbase SupportWhen requesting an upgrade by post please enclose four first-class stamps to cover cost of disc and postage.
Double-click on the Powerbase icon in a directory window and the program will load and place its icon on the iconbar. The words "No data" will appear under the icon indicating that no database is open yet.
A database may be opened for use by either of the following methods:
A password-protected database will display the Access window in the middle of the screen requesting you to enter a password and perhaps even a personal user I.D. as well. The window has an Open button which should be clicked with SELECT when you have entered the required information. There is also a Cancel button which removes the window from the screen without further action. Passwords and I.D.s are case-sensitive and, if incorrectly entered, result in either a "Password not known" or "Access denied" message. After three successive incorrect entries Powerbase will close down and remove itself from the iconbar.
There are three ways of closing a database:
When you are first becoming acquainted with Powerbase you may find it useful to load Acorn's Help application. Powerbase's iconbar Information window and main menu Information window each have a blue button (like the familiar tourist information sign) which will launch the Help application for you. Resize the Help window, if you wish, and move it to some convenient place on the screen. Moving the mouse pointer over the various windows, icons and many of the menus displayed by Powerbase will then give a brief description of the purpose of each.
Further help is available from the Help option (Note 2) which appears on both the main menu and the iconbar menu. Choosing this option displays a text file which you can "navigate" by means of small orange buttons included in the text. Clicking with SELECT on such a button takes you directly to the part of the text referred to. Double-clicking with ADJUST takes you back to where you were when you last clicked on a button. Clicking MENU over the text window displays a menu giving an alternative means of access to specific parts of the text. The text has deliberately been kept fairly short and is in no way a substitute for this manual; it is intended to provide basic information only.
The iconbar Information window has buttons called Web and Email. Provided that the filer has "seen" your browser, clicking on the Web button will load it (if it's not already loaded) and insert the correct URL for our website from which you can download the latest version of Powerbase , its documentation, and a set of sample databases and script files. Similarly, if the filer has seen your mail program, clicking on the Email button will bring up a blank email with the correct email address for Powerbase Support.
1. There is one circumstance where this is not possible and that is when you are running a database from the RAM disc. Switching off the computer or quitting the RAM disc will, of course, result in loss of data. When you close a database on the RAM disc therefore, Powerbase will warn you to back it up to a more permanent medium. (back)
2. Thanks are due to Ben Summers who wrote the Helpreader application used to create and display this text file and who kindly gave permission for it to be distributed with Powerbase.(back)