INFOMaker is an easy to use utility application which will format data to be used in the Macintosh™.  The data to be formatted can be from other computer systems (PCs, mainframes, etc.) or from other Macintosh™ applications.  The program has been used extensively to convert database information from VAX, UNIVAC, IBM, and CRAY mainframe computers and a multitude of different micro computers.  The ability of INFOMaker to handle a wide variety of input file formats including multi-line records makes it a versatile tool to users who manage information on the Macintosh™.

INFOMaker will place all fields of a record in order on one line, separate them with tabs, strip control characters, strip leading and/or trailing spaces, insert information for missing data, remove any unwanted data, and set the file CREATOR so that the data can be loaded directly into an application.

INFOMaker Also Includes
Other Special Utilities:

• Splitting files by character count or on defined record boundaries.

• Combining files into one file by individual selection or by folder.

• An extensive utility for changing the TYPE and CREATOR bytes of files either individually or by folder.

INFOMaker will run on all Macintosh™ computers with 512k memory or more.  Requires System software version 4.2 or greater.

Shareware!!

INFOMaker is a shareware product.  The program that you have is the whole enchilada, not just a demo.  If you'll send me the shareware fee I will promptly send you a disk containing the latest version, many examples, and a complete users manual explaining exactly how to use it.  The manual includes step-by-step descriptions of creating script files and executing them. An order form is provided in Chapter 2 of this document.

This version (v2.6) is free to all currently registered users of previously released versions.  The major advancements in the program is an improved routine for handling scripts and the addition and enhancement of some utility routines.  The manual has also changed.  If you are a registered user and would like to get an upgrade to the disk and the new manual send your original disk (with ID number) and $4.00 to Green Mountain Software and I'll ship it off to you right away.  If you are a registered user and would like to just get the new manual, send a card with your name, address, and original INFOMaker ID number and $2.00 to Green Mountain Software and I'll ship it off to you right away.

To try out the INFOMaker application before you buy it (which is what shareware is all about), I'll give a brief description of how to use it.  If you find this program useful, please register it using the order form, then any suggestions you may have on improving INFOMaker will be taken into account in the next version.  Upgrades of the program will be free to registered users (only minor charges for the cost of a disk, postage, and reproduction of the manual will be charged).

When To Use INFOMaker

If you have a TEXT file on a Macintosh™ disk containing information that you want to get into a Macintosh™ database, spreadsheet, or other application which accepts tabular data, then INFOMaker should do the job.  Each record can contain up to 50 lines of data and up to 50 fields per line.
The majority of downloaded database information falls into three basic categories and it is these three categories that INFOMaker restricts the input file format to be:

          1.   Unformatted with field separators (commas or tabs)
          2.   Formatted with constant field widths
          3.   Formatted with non-constant field widths

Creating, Saving,
And Modifying Scripts:

A script is a set of defining terms that tells INFOMaker what the input file looks like.  You can create a script for formatting a datafile and save the script to be used over and over again.

To create a new script choose New Script from the File menu and enter the appropriate information defining the format of the input file.  (The manual explains each input in detail)  You must be familiar with your input file to correctly fill out the script window.  Choose Save Script from the File menu to save the current script.  The name and type of the current script is displayed in the status window just below the menu bar.

To open an existing script choose Open Script from the File menu.  Once a script is defined (opened) you can edit the script by choosing Edit Script from the Edit menu and you can execute a script on an input file by choosing Execute Script from the File menu.

Utilities:

Additional utilities are provided under the Utilities menu.

• File Information will display the size in bytes, the creation date, the last modification date, the number of lines, and the number of control characters in a TEXT file.

• Rename A File will allow the user to rename TEXT files.

• Delete A File will allow the user to delete TEXT files.

• Change the TYPE & CREATOR of files.  The files to be changed may be selected individually or by folder.  This utility is very helpful for fixing recovered files from disk/file recovery utilities.

• Split A File will allow the user to split up large TEXT files into manageable sizes.  This gives the user the option to split the files on record boundaries or on characters.

• Recombine Files will allow the user to recombine a set of TEXT files into one.  The files to be recombined my be added individually or by folder.

• Control Character Set is used in defining a script which will strip control characters from the input file.

                                         Warranty Disclosure
                                                            (the usual stuff)

INFOMaker may be placed on any bulletin board as long as this documentation file is posted along with it.

Individuals may make as many copies of INFOMaker as they want for personal use, and as many copies as they want for other people as long as the shareware documentation file is always included with them.  Individuals may use INFOMaker on a trial basis for 30 days to determine if it is a product that they can use.  (It is a very helpful program for people who need it and the manual is a good reference for creating scripts, so if you like INFOMaker please register it).

No responsibility is assumed by Green Mountain Software for errors made, or damage caused by the use of INFOMaker.  It comes with no warranty, express or implied.  (Make backups, as always)