Copyright: ReadMe for WineBase Copyright ® 1994 K Tripp


ReadMe for WineBase [image] for Windows

Part of the Ultimate Cellar Management System

WineBase for Windows

Copyright (c) 1992 - 1994  Almost Vertical Software Pty. Ltd.

GoldBook for WineBase

Copyright (c) 1993 - 1994  Almost Vertical Software Pty. Ltd.

Data in the GoldBook for WineBase  Copyright (c) 1994  Robin Bradley.

This file replaces README.TXT, because WineBase for Windows is, after all, a Windows application and text files are something that belong in that wonderful world of DOS.

Files on the Disk

System Requirements

Legal Nonsense

Background

How to contact the Author

Feedback, Bugs and Support

Distributing WineBase

Registering

Installation

Thanks to

Development History

Reviewers Comments


Files on the Disk

The WineBase for Windows disk contains a number of files, most of which are compressed. An installation program called DECANT will expand these for you. The program files need 3.5 mb of free space on your hard disk. The User Guide files a further 6.0 mb, but you can delete these after printing.

Files on the disk ...

WBFW.EXE	SFX Archive contains ...

WINEBASE.EXE	The executable program

WBGB.EXE	SFX Archive contains ...

TYPEGOLD.REF	GoldBook data files

WINERY.REF	GoldBook data files

LABELS.GBW	GoldBook data files

VARIETY.GBW	GoldBook data files

WINERY.GBW	GoldBook data files

GOLDHELP.HLP	GoldBook Help File

WINELINK.DLL	DLL used by program.

WBHELP.EXE	SFX Archive contains ...

WINEBASE.HLP	Windows help file.

DLL.EXE	SFX Archive contains ...

WBSHRINK.DLL	DLL used by program.

WINEDATA.DLL	DLL used by program.

AUSADDR1.DLL	DLL used by program.

NZADDR1.DLL	DLL used by program.

USAADDR1.DLL	DLL used by program.

NEWFORM.DLL	DLL used by program.

WINEMAKE.DLL	DLL used by program.

BWCC.DLL	Borland Custom Controls.

MAP&FILE.EXE	SFX Archive contains ...

SAMPLE1.SDB	Sample Database file.

SAMPLE1.SNF	Sample Note file.

SAMPLE1.INF	Sample Info file.

WINE????.SDB	Winery Database files.

WINE????.SNF	Winery Note files.

WINE????.INF	Winery Info files.

????????.BMP	Map files.

????????.WBM	Regional Map files.

WBMANUAL.EXE	SFX Archive contains ...

MANUAL1.DOC	DOC file

MANUAL2.DOC	DOC file

MANUAL3.DOC	DOC file

Which together make up a 40 page (A4) manual in Word for Windows 2.0 format.

README.HLP	This file.

EXPAND1.BAT	DOS Batch file used by DECANT.

EXPAND1.PIF	PIF file to run EXPAND1.BAT

EXPAND2.BAT	DOS Batch file used by DECANT.

EXPAND2.PIF	PIF file to run EXPAND2.BAT

DECANT.EXE	Installs WineBase (Run from Windows only).

Creates a directory for WineBase

Copies the Files

Expands the Archives

Deletes the Archives

Creates a Program Group in Program Manager

Installs Program and Document Icons

THISFILE.WBS	Needed to upgrade from v1.8 and prior.


System Requirements

Software

DOS 5.0 or later

Windows 3.1 or later.

Windows for Workgroups 3.11 or later

Windows NT

OS/2 for Windows 2.1 or later

Hardware

Any computer that runs Windows well (ie 386SX / 2 mb up).

Windows and WineBase for Windows are much happier running on a 486 with 4 mb of memory, and 486's are happier running with 8mb (or 16mb).

1000 kb of memory (free that is).

VGA 640 X 480 is minimum display requirement.

It will not run at EGA resolution (640 X 350).

Looks much better at 1024 X 768 resolution.

Hard Disk with 9.5mb of free disk space.

The manual needs 6.1mb but can be deleted after printing.

Not a PC

I have not at this stage any plans to write a version of WineBase for Windows to run on that other type of personal computer.

In recent times I have looked at this further, but a major problem has turned up, in that Apples still use a mouse with only one button. I looked at a Mac several years ago, and wondered why it had only one button and was surprised to find the latest PowerPC still uses this format!

As WineBase makes extensive use of both Left and Right mouse buttons (and I now know how to access the Middle button as well, and may be adding it soon), this does pose a problem.

Known Problems

OS/2

WineBase runs fine on OS/2 WIN, but you may have problems in running DECANT.

DECANT needs to drop out of Windows to a DOS Window to expand the files. If you are running OS/2 make sure you have this option turned on in OS/2.

286AT's

This program will not run on a 286 AT with only 1 mb of memory. If the program starts 'missing things' then lack of memory is the probable cause. In order to use all features of the program you will need about 1 mb of free memory.

WineBase for Windows has been written for speed, the drawback of this is that is rather memory hungry.

Video Cards

A few people have experienced problems with GPF's in module GDI.EXE. The program does not call any GDI functions in a way that is unusual, and upon investigating the matter it seems that certain video cards (their Software Drivers) are the cause of the problem, and not WineBase for Windows.

ATM Fonts

Until you select a font using the Options/Fonts menu choice, WineBase for Windows will choose the first font it finds that match the default font styles. This should be a True Type font, but on systems with ATM fonts installed, some strange ones indeed can be displayed. If the Status Line at the bottom of the Window is displaying strange symbols, then select a font and quit WineBase for Windows. The next time you start the program it will display in the selected font.

Disk Caching

If you are running a disk cache such as SmartDrv and the program is apparently performing a lot of disk access at startup and taking 15 seconds to do so, the probable cause is that Write caching is turned off. This shouldn't make any difference but if you turn it on the program will then fire up in a couple of seconds and will not access the hard disk as much (?).


Legal Noncense
Legal Nonsense

Product

WineBase for Windows

Copyright

WineBase for Windows

Copyright (c) 1992 - 1994  Almost Vertical Software Pty. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

For what its worth, WineBase for Windows, the Reference Files and Maps it contains are copyright, and may not be used, extracted or reverse engineered without the written permission of the author. I would also like to lay claim to a number of techniques used in the program, but with the ability to pull apart executable files these days, well, nothing is sacred.

Purpose

WineBase for Windows is intended as a tool for managing home wine cellars. It is supplied as is, for you to use how you like.

Reference Material

WineBase for Windows now includes a lot of public domain and acknowledged reference material. Whilst we all do our best to ensure that the data is correct, occasionally there will be mistakes. Sometimes the data is incorrect, out of date, or I made a mistake when typing it in.

Warranty

ALMOST VERTICAL SOFTWARE MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT ABILITY AND/OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

Disclaimer

THE AUTHOR ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES, DIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL, WHICH MAY RESULT FROM THE USE OF WINEBASE FOR WINDOWS.

Trademarks

WineBase is a registered tradename of Almost Vertical Software Pty. Ltd.

Windows, Windows for Workgroups, NT, Word for Windows,VB are registered tradenames/trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

Borland Pascal is a registered tradename/trademark of Borland International.

OS/2 for Windows is a registered tradename/trademark of IBM.

CompuServe is a registered trademark of CompuServe Inc.

ATM is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems, Inc.

Any other tradenames/trademarks belong to whomever they belong to.


Background

Description

WineBase for Windows is a Windows based Wine Cellar DataBase. It stores information on up to 1170 different wines (per file). Provides graphical display of wine maturity, cellar value and total stock. Graphs the structure of your cellar. Search on most fields. Choice of sort options. Prints sorted reports. Easy to add wines or edit existing stock. Keeps Transaction Files, tracking comings and goings, and you get to use both Mouse buttons!

WineBase for Windows and the GoldBook for WineBase are shipped on Australian made disks.

Release

This is an evaluation copy of WineBase for Windows.

(Registered user's please ignore, this file common to both releases.)

It is fully functional for you to try for a limited time. This program is SHAREWARE, if you continue to use it you are expected to send the rather modest sum of $40 + $5 (or $10) postage to the author.

You will receive the latest REGISTERED version, which may well include new features (see Development History) and my thanks.

Last Update

6 September 1994

Version

Currently 2.8

Language

Written using Borland Pascal with Objects v7.0, from Borland International Pty Ltd, an excellent programming language.

Who needs C++, VB is a toy and real men program in Pascal etc.


How to contact the Author

Author

Almost Vertical Software Pty. Ltd. ACN 059 967 494

Programmer : Ken Tripp

Postal

P.O.Box 221

Black Rock VIC 3193

AUSTRALIA

Phone

+61 (03) 589 3414 (9am - 10pm, 7 days)

eMail

InterNet	ken.tripp@blaze.bbs.net.au

CompuServe	100035,2460

Both these networks can be accessed from each other or from other systems.


Feedback and Bugs
Feedback, Bugs and Support

Feedback

If you have any suggestions about how to improve this program, or features that you think should be added, phone, eMail or write to me and let me know. The development of WineBase for Windows is not limited to what I think the program should have. Everyone using it is involved in the process, and in a small way it can be considered as customised software, because even though you are not actually making the changes, your ideas are incorporated, and you end up with software that does what you want.

Bugs

The term Fast Track is applied to a lot of things, and is generally used to describe the accelerated development of a project. This term can certainly be applied to WineBase for Windows.

In order to continue developing the program at the fastest possible rate and therefore provide you with the best possible software, I have adopted the following policy ...

When a new feature (or several) is included, I test it for a while and when I am sure that it works OK (I don't always get this right), I then ship that version.

This occasionally leads to a version of the program that, to put it in the kindest possible terms, 'has a few problems'.

If you find a problem with WineBase for Windows please let me know about it. Chances are, that it has already been brought to my attention, but it may not have been.

If you are evaluating WineBase for Windows, and are put off registering it, because it appears to be doing something wrong, let me know. The problem may well have been fixed.

If you are using a registered version, and find a problem, let me know. Not only will the problem be fixed (if it hasn't been already), but you will be sent the latest 'Bug Free' version FREE.

Support

Some people think that because WineBase for Windows is so reasonably priced, that they shouldn't bother me for support, when they're having some difficulty with some aspect of the program.

I don't mind getting letters, eMail or phone calls about topics that you might think are too trivial to raise. If you are having a problem then the phone is the most effective method, as sometimes, questions and response's have to flow back and forward to get to the bottom of things.

Support for this program is FREE. I will not be asking for your credit card number, or keeping track of how many times you contact me.

I check my mail box daily, both Postal and eMail, and the phone is never of the hook or diverted to an answering machine. If I'm here then its answered.

Like most people involved in software development (small scale) I tend to work best at night, which can often extend into the not so early hours of the morning. Keeping this in mind, I am usually more responsive to phone calls in the afternoon. By responsive, I mean that my brain will be ticking over enough to understand and respond to your questions.


Distributing WineBase
Distributing WineBase for Windows

Distribution

You are free to copy the evaluation disk, and to give copies to your friends, upload it to BBS's, FTP sites etc, as long as all files are included and not altered in any way.

ShareWare libraries are free to copy and distribute this program as long as the price charged is on a recover costs basis.

Putting it in a box, printing a manual and selling it as cheap software for $20 to Joe public, with no mention anywhere that it is a shareware product, is not on.

Cost

You should not have paid much more than $5.00 - $10.00 for an evaluation copy of WineBase for Windows.


Registering WineBase
Registering WineBase for Windows

Why Register

By registering this program you are not only providing me with the incentive to continue developing it, but it ensures that you using the latest version, and that you will receive notice of future upgrades.

Pricing Details

These prices are in Australian Dollars and apply if you order directly from me.

WineBase for Windows

(including GoldBook for WineBase)	$40.00

Printed User Guide	$10.00

Postage (in Australia)	$ 5.00	Disks Only

$10.00	With User Guide

Postage (Overseas Orders)	$10.00	Disks Only

$15.00	With User Guide

Methods of payment

Please make payable to Almost Vertical Software Pty. Ltd.

Credit Cards

I accept Visa, MasterCard and BankCard.

Orders can be taken via Order Form, Mail, eMail or Phone.

Cheque and Money order

I accept Personal, Bank, and Business Cheques as well as Money Orders.

For orders from outside Australia I need an International Money Order or Foreign Bank Draft.

(If ordering from outside Australia it is quicker and cheaper to use CompuServe or Credit Card)

CompuServe GO SWREG

You can also register WineBase for Windows via CompuServe's Shareware Registration forum.

The fee of US$40 includes the latest versions of WineBase for Windows, GoldBook for WineBase, User Guide on Disk, and includes Postage and Handling.

Author:	Ken Tripp

CompuServe ID:	100035,2460

Program Title:	WineBase for Windows v2.8

Registration ID:	2745

Fee (US $)	40.00

Registration

The Help menu has an option 'Print Registration Form', which has a dialog where you can enter your address details etc and then print a letter to send to me.

No printer ?

If you do not have a printer, then send your full name, address, payment details (please print), and if you like, some information on your computer system.

A registered copy of this program has your name and address on it, which you cannot change. So if you would prefer John Smith rather than J. Smith, I need to know that your first name is John.


Installation

How to Install WineBase for Windows

A Setup Program called DECANT is included or you can install the program manually.

This program does not alter your WIN.INI file.

You do not need to alter your CONFIG.SYS file, but you should check that the line FILES = 50 is included.

1: USING DECANT (highly recommended)

From Windows Program Manager.

Select RUN from the FILE menu.

Type A:DECANT (OR B:DECANT if your 3.5" disk is drive B: in the Command Line Edit Field).

Click on OK to execute the Program.

Decant is a Windows Application that ...

Creates a Directory for WineBase for Windows (C:\WINEBASE is default).

Copies the Files from the Floppy Disk.

Expands the Archives and then deletes them.

This program creates a WineBase Program Group in Program Manager.

Adds Icons for WineBase for Windows and other files.

Runs WineBase for Windows.

2: TO INSTALL MANUALLY

This program is best installed in its own directory.

IT MUST BE INSTALLED ON A HARD DISK!

Suggest: C:\WINEBASE or D:,E:,F: etc

1. Create a directory.

2. Copy all files there.

3. Expand the Archives.

Eiither at the DOS prompt by typing the name and pressing ENTER.

OR

From File Manager by Double clicking on the file name.

DO NOT DO THIS ON THE FLOPPY DISK AS THE TOTAL FILE SIZE IS NEARLY 11 mb.

Program Files = 3.4mb

User Guide    = 6.1mb

GoldBook      = 1.3mb

4. Install WineBase for Windows via Program Manager.

5. Select File / New

Program Item [OK]

Description    WineBase

Command Line   C:\WineBase\WineBase.exe [OK]

FILES CREATED

When first run WineBase for Windows will create 9 data files.

WINEBASE.DTA,

WINENOTE.DTA,

WINEINFO.DTA,

NETWORTH.DTA,

SCHEDULE.DTA,

RACKFILE.DTA,

MYCELLAR.DTA,

MAPFILE.DTA

and INTNAT.WBS.


Thanks to

Many people have helped with the development of this program (and still are), too many to list in fact. If you have found a bug or made a suggestion of a new feature to be added, or a way of improving the program, then I (and the other users) thank you.

Some of the more notable are listed alphabetically below, with some details of how they have helped.

If your name isn't on this list and you think it should be. Get in touch and remind me why.

Gordon Barrington, for numerous suggestions, many of which you are now using.

David Buckwalter, for his ideas and feedback on the Tasting Schedule facilities.

Robin Bradley, for his help with the GoldBook for WineBase, and for general comments that have improved the program.

Evan Brown, for bringing the software to the attention of the good people of Adelaide.

Russell Collins, for feedback, suggestions and the information on French wines.

Sandy Dunn, who suggested the Variety vs BestAt table, which also resulted in the new Variety vs BestAt graphs.

Mark Emery, for reminding me that some people do in fact use a LapTop with a Mono screen.

Duncan Goldsmith, for testing, feedback and help on South African wineries.

Jack Haley, for constant feedback on the problems the program had in printing to a HP LaserJet.

Grace Hooper, for finding that fried moth and giving a programmers favourite pastime a name.

Larry Jones, for a number of suggestions, one resulting in the addition of the BestAt graph.

Dick Lovegrove, for feedback, his ideas on fuzzy logic and for being one of many to try and get the Wine Society to see the benefit of WineBase for Windows.

Ron Lyth, Dr Blaze BBS.

+61 (03) 890 9323 (2400) 7 lines

+61 (03) 899 0011 (9600) 3 lines

for putting WineBase for Windows in the Product Menu, thus allowing anybody to download it, and for his advice along the way. Ron also runs ARTEL Computers and is a Pascal Development Consultant.

Chris and Robina Mills, for some feedback on problems early versions of the program were having.

Greg McTiernan, with an eye for detail that only a retired accountant could have, the best bug finder in the business, with documentation to match.

Jim and Louise Montgomery, for a couple of suggestions, one of which resulted in the DataBase engine being rewritten for speed, and another resulted in 'Locked' titles being added to Tables.

Rachel Morrison, for her patience and understanding, a lot of data entry, and for not taking to my computer with an axe (so far at least).

Patrick O'Sullivan, for his suggestions on how to get WineBase for Windows better known, and for being enthusiastic enough about the program to upload it to CompuServe, and giving it a plug on the Bacchus Wine Forum.

Gerry Prewett, for feedback and encouragement, chasing down sources of information, sending WineBase for Windows to all corners of the world via InterNet, and telling everyone he knows about the program.

David Priebbenow, for suggestions and feedback and for his work in getting the program onto a number of bulletin boards around the country.

Kevin Rasmus, for suggestions, one of which became the 'Quick Drink' function, we all like to use.

David Ripper, for helping me sort out version 1.3, and getting the whole thing started (1st registration).

Rod Studholme, for introducing WineBase into the Armed Services.

Stephen Vey-Cox, for reference material, testing, feedback, introducing the program to the Wine makers of SA (McLaren Vale and Clare), and for promotion of the program within Australian wine circles and overseas.

John Wood, it was John's suggestion to link GoldBook Winery info to the Regional info (via the AUST map).

Paul Yeo, for supplying a complete set of New Zealand maps. These are hand drawn and having prepared maps myself, I can appreciate the amount of time and work involved.


History Part 1
Development History (Part 1)

More like an epic saga than a development history (film rights available)

Jun 1992 v1.1

Written for my own use as available programs were found to be inadequate or too general. This is perhaps a bit harsh, lets just say that I looked at a few, and didn't like using them.

Aug 1992 v1.2

Why not share it? Beta testing and feedback.

As you can see from this gap, not much happened for a few months. About the only person testing the program, was me, and as for feedback.

And then, early in January, I received a letter, that started this whole thing.

I used to liken the development of WineBase in terms of "ripples on a pond" or other equally peaceful things. These days terms like "speeding freight train" best describe it.

Jan 1993 v1.3

Major rewrite.

Problems with printing fixed.

A facelift for all displays.

Added a notes field.

Added 2 Graphs and 3 Tables.

User defined Wine Types.

Easy Search and Easy Edit added.

Upgraded file structures.

Feb 1993 v1.4

A Non Vintage option added for fortified wines.

Help file rewritten.

Sorting options for screen and printer.

All graphs now sorted alphabetically.

New menu structure including Dynamic Wines menu.

Multiple field search added.

Added a one page Health Report.

Produced a manual.

Apr 1993 v1.5

Added support for 800 X 600, 1024 X 768, 1280 X 960, and 1280 X 1024 VGA modes.

Fixed up problems with Dialogs in these modes.

The Main Window is now user sizable!

Changed Double Click to Single Click in Index Window.

Added sample data files and Winery files.

Changed some List Boxes to Drop Down Lists.

Added an eight line notes field.

May 1993 v1.6

Added a status line at the bottom of screen.

Fixed a bug in the "notes" file.

May 1993 v1.7

Main data files now use minimum size needed, this saves 1.5mb of disk space.

Improved performance with large data files.

Added a separate Window to display Winery information, and to enter this information.

Added the ability to create multiple data files.

You can edit Winery files if you created them.


History Part 2
Development History (Part 2)

June 1993 v1.8

International version, date and currency.

Control over Dialog Box colours.

You can now change the "Comment" fields title, this is now also a Search field.

Non Vintage listed as "Non Vintage' not "9999"

Cellar Location now listed in INDEX and PRINT.

You can sort by Location to Screen and Printer.

You can now Search on Location as well.

New Graph showing showing Wines and Bottles that will be at their best in coming years.

New Check Age options. Wines at their best now and wines at their best in some future year.

Improved the quality of print output.

Improved the Status Line.

You can now duplicate wines. (since removed)

New Index Menu structure.

Fixed a Bug with printing multiple pages.

All index functions in one Dialog Box.

New Menu structure and Print options.

'Colour' options for LCD Mono screens.

June 1993 v1.9

Added a 'WineBar' of buttons for most functions.

Improved the speed of the program.

The Edit Dialog in particular (about 1000%).

Fixed bugs with Graphs (Over writing).

Fixed bugs with Tables (Missing chunks).

Added a new Ageing Graph and a TimeLine Table.

Added SpreadSheet Import and Export.

I seem to have fixed the problem when printing to laser printers.

July 1993 v2.0

New Menu structure for Winery Files.

You now have 110 protected file numbers.

Split WineBar into Edit and Graph bars.

Added a Map Display function.

Locked the Titles on the Tables.

Wine and Bottle display options for graphs.

Detailed and Brief Printed output.

New All Years Best At Index listing.

You can now DELETE wines.

Global Search and Replace.

Printing of Health Report, Page Display Page.

Main Edit Window stays open to allow for multiple entries.

Printing of all the Graphs (except Stock and Value)

Fixed bug with Backup function (it now works)

Total Bottles listed in Index Listings.

Aug 1993 v2.05.

Fixed bug with print header (date ?).

Replaced NVin with Prior wines in Best At Graph.

Removed Duplicate function (messy, and possible cause of problems??? May come back).

Added a 'Quick Drink' function.

Added Cross Reference files. Winery to Region.

Label is on the way ???.

Fixed bug with Small and Normal in INDEX screen.

Replaced with ZOOM (100%, 75% and 50%).


History Part 3
Development History (Part 3)

Sept 1993 v2.1

Added ability to use True Type fonts.

WineBase runs only on Windows 3.1 from now on.

Tasting Schedule and the ability to 'flag' wines that need to be checked in future.

Hot Spot for 'Quick Drink'  "Stock"

Hot Spot for 'Tasting Schedule' "Health"

Added installation program SETUP.EXE

Oct 1993 v2.2

Australian Winery Reference section started.

Added ability to view regional maps from map of Australia (Tas and Barossa at moment)

Fixed a rather elusive bug that has been the cause of "holes" appearing in the data file.

New file format with two extra fields 'User 2' User definable, Search and Sort on, 'Value' of a wine as opposed to cost. Stock / Value graph now works of this.

Cleaned up the Schedule and General Notes windows.

New Help file, shorter and more useful help.

Added "Spread" for "BestAt" date when searching for wines to drink now (Options menu).

Displayed as glasses on Page Display.

New Maturity graph in Page Display.

New menu structure (follows CUA guidelines).

SETUP is now called DECANT (why not).

New default values for Grape Varieties (have erred on the low side, which will match 90% of wines, please adjust for quality long lived wines).

Nov 1993 v2.25

Total Value and Stock now match Health Report.

Value figures are now correct (which helps !!!)

Added some more maps (Coona,Geelong,Margaret,Mornpen), and NorthTas has been redrawn. More maps are coming, and if you have a map of a region (preferably a .BMP), put your name on it and send it to me.

Drop down lists in Main Edit dialog now update as you save a wine (used to update only when Dialog opened).

Wines in Danger now include wines in second half of decline (Danger + Decline on Options menu).

Nov 1993 v2.3

Upgraded my compiler to Borland Pascal 7.0

Program now uses Borland Dialogs rather than Microsofts.

You have a choice of 8 dialog background colours, use the Options / Preferences menu to select.

Finally (and I know I have said this before) fixed the Value and Price figures.

Jan 1994 v2.4

New Table Variety vs BestAt vs Bottles

New Graph Variety vs BestAt (for each Variety)

Two new buttons to go with the above

Access to the GoldBook for Winebase is now included.

INDEX listings are updated after editing

Transaction files added (Purchase and Usage)

Spreadsheet Import / Export revamped.

Fixed a problem when printing to colour printers.

Added a whole heap of maps, more on the way.

Installation of Manual now optional in DECANT.

Cleaned up some of the Dialog boxes.

Index listing dump to a Text File added.


History Part 4
Development History (Part 4)

Mar 1994 v2.5

Wines best to drink now can be can be narrowed down to a single variety.

Search for 'Lost Souls' button replaced by search by Stock Level (including 'Lost Souls').

Improved the GoldBook to Main Edit interface, Search on Vintage and Winery, exports Label,

Variety and even finds the Region (optional).

Wines to be tasted now, now cover 3 months not 2

Search for wines not tasted (prior date, no comment).

Cellar Mapping introduced.

Drop Down Lists in GoldBook Search Window.

Added 'Hint Text' to the Status Line for buttons.

Extended the Tasting Schedule dates (search for) to cover 3 month blocks for the next year.

Apr 1994 v2.6

Multilple field Dialog now does something useful.

You can now add a TEXT file for each wine (8000 Char), you can Paste from ClipBoard into this file.

Added a Floating menu to the INDEX listing (Vint).

Linked GoldBook Winery info to Regional info (AUST map).

List all wines for tasting for next 2 years (by month).

New SysInfo Window (GDI and User Heap shown).

Low Resources Warning (<25%) added to Status Line.

Fixed Bug with Spreadsheet Import (Bin Locations).

Fixed Bug with Cellar Mapping (Main Edit Dialog).

Increased total Bins to 512 (6144 Bottles total)

Updated the French regional information (466 wineries) with Region and Appellation info.

Regional Info Dialog now available from View menu.

Fixed a couple of 'Leaks' (GDI).

Added Resource Monitor to WineBars (800X600 SVGA + only).

Cleaned up the Help File.

Fixed Bug with the Popup Menu in Index screen.

(May 1994 2.7B ?)

Revamped Winery to Region Dialog, Country now stays on the last one selected. Gets a button on WineBar.

Added 169 South African, 131 New Zealand Wineries.

Removed Search/Sort to Printer option (redundant).

Fixed what I hope is the last Bug with Cellar Mapping.

Modified Main Edit Dialog (grayed buttons) giving better 'flow' when adding a new wine.

Fixed bug with DELETE wine function.

Wrote a NEW Help File for WineBase.

Added PIF files to run batch files in Window.

Replaced README.TXT with README.HLP

Hint Text for Buttons no longer requires you to click the Button, responds to mouse position.

Added an Australian Flag (animated) to the About Dialog.

Fixed the last inconsistancies in the GoldBook data.

Fixed problem with program "eating" all available file handles ("no wines in cellar").

Initial About Dialog (with the flag) now clears itself after a second or two.

Spreadsheet import now imports 0,1,2, and 3 decimal placed Prices and Values correctly.

Notes and Tasting Schedule windows now update correctly after editing (long lines).

Increased the width of both the Notes and Tasting Schedule Windows.

June 1994 v2.7

A couple of problems with DECANT have been fixed (Error 207 at FFFF:FFFF etc).

Status Line now uses your selected font.

The executable file is now compressed as well (running out of disk space).

Added a text search function (See Help file and User Guide).

You can now import VINO:FILE data files into WIneBase (See Help file).

Added Password protection (REG version only, see Help file).

More work on Help Files, now use WIN.INI sizing.

Added Viticultural Terms Glossary to Help File.

New Rego Form (Credit Cards, GO SWREG etc).

Better Password Dialog (and some idea of if you got it right).

Create BLANK winery files and fill with any information you like (Wish List?).

Fixed bug in Main Edit Dialog (Variety not always highlighted in List Box).

Added a counter for the Global Search and Replace option.


History Part 5
Development History (Part 5)

July 1994 v2.8(beta)

Flag speed now linked to CPU type (should wave faster).

Added a bit of fun when a wine becomes a "Lost Soul"

USAADDR1.DLL now contains info on 498 USA Wineries

Renamed regional maps to stop them appearing in "World Map" list.

Updated Australia Map (Western Australia).

Dialog background colours now number 16 (Preferences Dialog)

WineBase is now an Incorporated Company.

(Almost Vertical Software Pty. Ltd  ACN 059 967 494)

New name in the letterhead, new logo (still working on the logo), but nothing else has changed.

Locked titles added to Index Window.

GoldBook for WineBase v2.12 (12th edition arrives).

Fixed Bugs in Cellar Mapping and new Locked Index.

Added 5 Winery files from Vintage Estates of Australia.

A Clean up function added for Cellar Mapping (View/Cellar Rack Map/Clean up Racks).

You can now list the contents of a Rack to an Index.

Index Listings are now quicker.

New DECANT program, Program Group now "Almost Vertical Software"

Erradicated Lost Souls from some search dialogs.

Removed the last typo's from the GoldBook (?).

Improved the Index to Text File Dump (more options).

August 1994 v2.8

New Zealand now has a complete set of Maps and data on Wineries.

Added a User Defined Sort Order (4 Keys).

Removed the last of the "Lost Souls" from drop down lists.

BestAt vs Variety Graph now matches exact Variety only,

ie. Cabernet will not show Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon etc.

With the last of the bugs fixed, 2.8 hits the streets.


Reviewers Comments

If you are one of those people that like to read other peoples thoughts on a program, then here are a few, with my comments if any, in red ...

Walter Wombats Column (PC WEEK (Australia), 25th May 1994)

"While Walter was shamefacedly forced to admit that he'd demolished half his wine cellar in a characteristic binge over Easter, the organisational possibilities the program offered to the remaining half were stunning."

Mark Silver (The West Australian, 24th May 1994)

"Connoisseurs and enthusiasts should look no further than WineBase for an application to catalogue their cellars."

Sue Lowe (The Sydney Morning Herald, 9th May 1994)

"We reviewed it a year ago when it was a shareware program and a little bit on the rough side. Now it is commercial and a bit more expensive, but somewhat smoother."

(A commercial version with nice packaging and a very nice manual is available for $99).

Nameless ? (Software Express Catalogue, 1994)

"Slightly eccentric in its operation, neverthless it provides a wide range of features and an incredibly wide range of views of your cellar`s contents."

"The icons are lovely, but, you have to click a master icon then click a sample one to find out what they all mean."

(Some programmers might take exception to the first 5 words of this, but I don't mind at all. The buttons now feature a full description by just passing the cursor over them).

Ali Kayn (The AGE, Melbourne, 14th Dec 1993)

"This program has a lot of user-oriented features. Admittedly, it is a Windows program and the iconography can be a little obscure, but it has been designed from the very first day in conjunction with the actual users. As a result, it is what the user wants, not what some nameless programmer thinks would be useful."

(The advantage of Shareware).

Glenn Rees (Australian PC User, Aug 1993)

"WineBase certainly wins points for its nice range of bar charts and colour coding to help you become the ultimate cellar master."

(I agree, but whether we'll all become ultimate cellar masters is another question).

Sue Lowe (The Sydney Morning Herald, 24th May 1993)

"WineBase is a very professional-looking program which runs on Microsoft Windows. Mr Tripp provides a manual on the same disk as the program and this prints up to a smart-looking, easily understandable 21 pages. But if you have any Windows experience at all you won't need it. WineBase is very easy to use."

(You see, anybody can use it).


WineBase for Windows on the big screen

A man, a woman, a trusty computer, lots of wine, sun, surf and sand, maybe a golf course. Exotic and faraway locations with hero's and villains, wild animals, car chases, song and dance routines.

This film could have it all !