Table Of Contents

Welcome to CompuSlave For Windows!

Welcome

Requirements

Disclaimer

Registration

Technical Support

Installation

What Is CompuSlave

Why Use CompuSlave

Limitations

Importing CompuServe Messages

Capturing CompuServe Messages

File Menu

Reorganize Database

Batch Import

Messages Menu

Importing Messages

Browsing For Messages

Finding Text

Searching For Text

Sorting Messages

Original Message

Response Message

GoTo Message

First Message

Next Message

Previous Message

Last Message

Printing

Edit Menu

Message Views

Tagged Messages

Preferences

Current Database

The Window Menu

Database Compression

Using STSI Com

Questions & Answers

Cautions

Products By STSI


Welcome

CompuSlave imports CompuServe forum messages from WinCIM, CSNav, OzCIS/OzWin, TapCIS, and CompuServe Capture Files into a database, converting them to individual messages. Add, edit, delete, and search the entire database for key words or phrases.  Create your own stand-alone, customized technical support resource using the combined knowledge of the CompuServe forum members.  Ideal tool for tech support personnel, programmers, forum sysops, network administrators, or any user who routinely searches the CompuServe forum messages for information.  Includes a communications program for accessing and capturing messages from CompuServe.  Also includes network support.

Please feel free to give us your feedback on CompuSlave.  We encourage your comments, suggestions, and enhancement requests.  We can be reached at the following locations:

Internet:	support@stevetech.com

CompuServe:	76300,3066

Phone/FAX:	218-924-2050

BBS:	218-924-2060

See Also:

Registration


Requirements

To run CompuSlave For Windows reliably, you will need the following:

•	DOS 3.3 or Higher

•	Microsoft Windows 3.1 or Higher and a Mouse


Disclaimer
Disclaimer / License Agreement

What is shareware?

Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it.  If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to register.  Individual programs differ on details - some request registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period.  With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using the software to an updated program with printed manual.

Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as stated below.  Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality.  (In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!)  The main difference is in the method of distribution.  The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to all or to a specific group. For example, some authors require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware.

Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software.  You should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial or Shareware.  The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy.  And because the overhead is low, prices are low also.  Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee - if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it.

Disclaimer - Agreement

By using CompuSlave For Windows, users indicate their acceptance of the following terms:

"CompuSlave For Windows is supplied as is.  The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose.  Neither STSI, The STSI BBS, or any STSI employees will be held responsible for any damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of CompuSlave For Windows."

"Information in this documentation is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of STSI.  STSI may make improvements and/or changes in this documentation or in the products and/or programs described in this documentation at any time."

CompuSlave is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user for evaluation.  Feel free to share it with your friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of another system.  The essence of "user-supported" software is to provide personal computer users with quality software without high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to continue to develop new products.  If you find this program useful and find that you are using CompuSlave and continue to use CompuSlave after a reasonable trial period, you must make a registration payment of $49.95 (+S&H) to Stevenson Technical Services, Inc. (STSI). This registration fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time.  You must treat this software just like a book.  An example is that this software may be used by any number of people and may be freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as there is no possibility of it being used at one location while it's being used at another.  Just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at the same time, CompuSlave should not be used on two different computers at the same time.

Commercial users of CompuSlave must register and pay for their copies of CompuSlave within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn. Site-License arrangements may be made by contacting STSI at (218) 924- 2050.

Anyone distributing CompuSlave for any kind of remuneration must first contact STSI for authorization.  This authorization will be automatically granted to distributors recognized by the (ASP) as adhering to its guidelines for shareware distributors, and such distributors may begin offering CompuSlave immediately.  (However STSI must still be advised so that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest version of CompuSlave.)

You are encouraged to pass a copy of CompuSlave along to your friends for evaluation.  Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that they can use it.  All registered users will receive a copy of the latest version of the CompuSlave, along with a printed manual and bonus disks.


Registration

CompuSlave For Windows is distributed under the shareware concept.  You may try CompuSlave for a period of two weeks.  After this period, you must either discontinue using it, or register it.  A single-user license is only $49.95 (+$5.00 S&H in the U.S., or $10.00 S&H on Foreign Orders).  This price includes a printed manual, the latest version on diskette, removal of nag screens and database record limits, along with a Registration Name and Number allowing you to register your copy of CompuSlave.  Network and site-license pricing is also available.  Please see REGISTER.DOC for details.

For users who do not require a registration packet, an e-mail registration option is available.  The fee is $39.95 when you provide us with your credit card number via private CompuServe mail.  (Shipping and handling charges do not apply, since a registration packet will not be sent out.)  A copy of your receipt will be sent out only if you specifically request it.

For those of you who would like to register using SWREG on CompuServe, CompuSlave is Registration ID #12174.  Since CompuServe charges us a fee for this service, the registration price when using SWREG is $59.95 (+S&H).

To register over the telephone, call STSI at 218-924-2050, and charge it to your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover credit card.  Once registered, you will no longer see the nag screens, reminding you to register CompuSlave, and you will be able to bypass the 500-message database limit imposed on non-registered versions.  You will also be able to bypass the 5-database limit imposed on non-registered versions.  For further registration information and pricing, please read the REGISTER.DOC file included with CompuSlave.

How To Order

To register, do ONE of the following (whichever you prefer):

1.  Call The STSI BBS at 218-924-2060 and order online.  We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards.  This method of ordering can be performed 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.  (Ordering this way is fast and easy, allowing us to process your request quickly.)

2.  To order using our voice line, call 218-924-2050.  Please have your credit card handy.

3.  You can FAX your order to 218-924-2050.  Simply fill out the registration form provided with the program (REGISTER.DOC), include your credit card information on the bottom of the form, and sign it.  (Most FAX transmissions will be automatically routed to the FAX machine.  If you have problems reaching our FAX machine, wait until after the first ring, press 11, and then begin transmitting.)

4.  Send PRIVATE CompuServe mail to 76300,3066, stating that you would like to register this program.  Please include your name, address, telephone number, credit card number, and credit card expiration date.  Also include the name you want the program registered to, such as your company's name, etc.  If you want to receive a temporary registration code that can be used until you receive your order in the mail, simply request this, as well.  (Comments and questions are also welcome when you place your order.)

5.  Mail the registration form along with your payment to:

Stevenson Technical Services, Inc. (STSI)

108 2nd Avenue West, PO Box 297

Bertha, MN 56437-0297 USA.


Technical Support

Technical support is available through the following means:

Internet:

Access STSI's internet home page at http://www.stevetech.com.  Check the bulletins for information on the latest versions of our software.  Software updates can be downloaded through our web site or via anonymous ftp to stevetech.com (files are located in the \pub directory).

Internet Mail:

STSI will respond to messages sent via the Internet.  Send any tech support related questions, comments, or suggestions to support@stevetech.com.

The STSI BBS:

New versions of this program will be posted here as soon as they are available.  The STSI BBS uses a U.S. Robotics V.Everything modem, which is capable of V.FAST, V.32bis, V.32, and 2400 baud connect speeds.  The access number for The STSI BBS is 218-924-2060.  Technical support questions posted on the bulletin board system should be addressed to Craig Stevenson.

STSI FAX:

STSI has a FAX machine on-line 24 hours-a-day to accept FAX transmissions.  Technical support questions / problems may be faxed to 218-924-2050.  Most FAX transmissions will be automatically routed to the FAX machine.  If you have problems reaching our FAX machine, wait until after the first ring, press 11, and then begin transmitting.

Telephone:

Technical support calls may be placed at (218) 924-2050. Office hours are from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday thru Friday, Central Standard Time (CST).

Please read the following before placing a technical support call to STSI:

1.  Read the documentation files (and the help screens, if available).  Most questions can be answered by simply reading the docs.

2.  If you have a modem, call The STSI BBS and download the latest version.  (Read Bulletin #1 on our BBS to find out the latest version and release date of this program.  When downloading a file, keep in mind that STSIs programs are always posted in area 27.)  After you download the latest version, try it and see if you are still experiencing the same problem.  We attempt to fix problems as soon as we become aware of them, and post the updated versions on the bulletin board system.  (Check the .REV revision file for information on feature enhancements and bug-fixes.)

3.  If you still cannot find an answer, contact us through one of the means outlined above.  We will do our best to assist you and answer any questions you may have.

4.  When calling or leaving a message, please be prepared to answer the following questions:  What version of this program are you using?  What problem(s) are you having, if any?  What type of computer CPU do you have (486DX2-66, etc.)?  What version of DOS are you using?  Please be as specific as possible.  The more specific you are, the faster we will be able to assist you.

5.  When placing a technical support call via telephone, please be seated behind your computer.  We may ask you to perform a couple of simple tasks in order to help us narrow down any potential problems.

6.  When speaking with any of our employees, please be considerate.  Speak clearly, explaining your problem as carefully as possible.  Please do not use any harsh or inappropriate (profane) language.

7.  If one of our employees is able to help you, and you continue to use this program, register it!  We cannot continue to produce quality programs without the continuing support of our users.


Installation

To install CompuSlave For Windows, follow these instructions:

The package includes a program, "SETUP.EXE", which automates the installation process.  You will need about 3 megabytes of available disk space on the hard drive on which you plan to install CompuSlave For Windows.  Additional space will be required for each database you create.  The amount of space required for databases depends completely on the number of messages that will be stored in the database.

The exact steps you need to take to install CompuSlave will depend on how you received the program.

Installing From Diskettes

To install from diskette, you need to perform the following steps.

1. Place the CompuSlave distribution diskette "Disk 1" in the appropriate diskette drive.

2. From Program Manager, select File Run. Execute the "setup.exe" program on the distribution diskette. For example, if the distribution diskette is on drive A:, type the command, "a:setup".

3. Follow the instructions presented by the setup program. You will have a chance to approve installation before any changes are actually made to the contents of your hard drive.  The program will ask you for a destination directory, and will copy the program files to that directory.  When the setup program has finished installing files, you will be informed if the installation was successful.

Installing From A Hard Drive

If you downloaded CompuSlave For Windows from a BBS (or received it in the form of an archive file from some other source), you will need to perform the following steps.

1. Extract the contents of the archive file into a temporary directory on your hard drive.

2. From Program Manager, select File, Run.  Execute the "setup.exe" program, which you have extracted.  For example, if the temporary directory into which you have extracted the files is C:\TEMPDIR, you would type the command, "c:\tempdir\setup".

3. Follow the instructions presented by the installation program. You will have a chance to approve installation before any changes are actually made to the contents of your hard drive.  The installation program will ask you for a destination directory, and will copy the program files to that directory.

When you're satisfied that the installation was successful, you should delete the temporary directory FROM which you installed the program, (C:\TEMPDIR, in the above discussion), including all its contents.


What Is CompuSlave?

CompuSlave is the ultimate technical support resource tool! CompuSlave imports CompuServe forum messages into an indexed, searchable database. Create a separate database for each CompuServe forum that you visit. Use CompuSlave to create your own customized technical support resource based on the combined knowledge of the CompuServe forum members.

Whether you scan the Delphi forum for programming snippets, skim the Novell forums for network help, search the Windows 95 forum for technical tips, browse the Investment forum for stock leads, or peruse the Cats forum for help with Fluffy, CompuSlave can help you locate key messages from your favorite forum. This is an ideal tool for programmers, tech support personnel, help desk staff, network administrators, forum sysops, or any user who routinely searches the CompuServe forum messages for information. Pack rats LOVE CompuSlave!

Sort messages by number, from, to, date/time, subject, or section! Quick cross-referencing buttons allow you to find an original message or a response to the current message. View a list of all the replies in the current database. Tag multiple messages for printing, deleting, or extracting into a new database!

The true power of CompuSlave can be seen in its search engine. Search through an entire database of forum messages at breakneck speed (approximately 10,000 messages per minute on a Pentium 120!), finding text located in any field, including the message body. You create the criteria for the search, by entering up to 12 unique strings of text. Don't waste precious time wading through tons of messages. Let CompuSlave do the work for you!

CompuSlave can import CompuServe forum messages from the CompuServe v3.0 File Cabinet, WinCIM, CSNav, TapCIS, OzCIS, OzWin, and ASCII capture files. It supports Novell NetWare and SHARE-based operating systems, allowing multiple users to access the same database. CompuSlave incorporates a proprietary database format, for the smallest, fastest databases possible. Built-in PKZip-compatible database compression can be used to compress seldom-used databases even further, saving valuable hard drive space.


Why Use CompuSlave

I have found the CompuServe message bases to be an invaluable technical support resource for my company.  Many of my questions are answered in the various forums.  Whenever I have a technical problem, I call CompuServe and capture the messages in an entire forum.  I then scan the messages for key words or phrases that relate to the particular problem that I or one of my customers is having.  Most of the time, someone else has had the same problem, and has already received an answer from someone that frequents the forum.  The biggest drawback to this method is that old messages are not kept in the forum for very long.  They are "scrolled" out of some of the busier forums in as little as 3-4 days.  The Novell NetWare 3.x forum (NETW3X) is a good example.  If I don't call every 3-4 days, messages start to scroll out of the forum.

In the past, I would create a capture file and compress it onto my network hard drive.  That way, I could access it from any workstation on the network.  The only problem was that when I needed to find information on a specific topic, I had to search through numerous capture files using a text editor/viewer.  This process was extremely long and cumbersome.

That's when the idea for CompuSlave was borne.  CompuSlave will import CompuServe v3.0 File Cabinet messages (FCABINET.DAT), WinCIM and CSNav messages (*.MSG or *.THD format), OzCIS and OzWin messages (*.MSG format), and Capture Files (ASCII text format).  CompuSlave allows multiple databases to be created, so it is convenient to have several different databases, each dedicated to a specific topic.  At the same time, CompuSlave will import endless messages (up to 2 billion, theoretically) into the same database.  CompuSlave allows easy browsing through the records in sequential order.  A cross reference is created when a message is imported, so CompuSlave can quickly find any responses to the current message, or even the original message that the current message was a response to.  Messages can be edited to eliminate unneeded text or comments, or they can be deleted altogether.  The real power of CompuSlave is shown in its searching capabilities.  Seven of the message fields are indexed for extremely fast searching.  Perform a comprehensive search, and locate all occurrences of a string within the entire database, even in the message body.  Perform multiple searches, narrowing down the search criteria, to find the exact information needed.

For my company, CompuSlave has meant a whole new way of managing message databases.  Now, an entire database containing thousands of messages can be searched at one time.  When a new set of messages arrive (usually via a capture file), they are imported into the existing database.  No more lost messages.  No more cumbersome searches of individual capture files.  And since CompuSlave is a network application, I can access it on any network workstation without worrying about multiple accesses by other users.

CompuSlave has been ideal for our business as a technical reference tool for network-related support issues.  Our business performs computer consulting and network management services to local businesses and organizations.  When one of our customers needs assistance, they expect us to have the answer.  Our CompuSlave Novell database gives us an extra reference tool necessary for solving any problems that arise.  We also use CompuSlave to store our messages from the various programming related forums on CompuServe, especially the Borland Delphi forum.  This particular forum scrolls every 3 days, with an average of 800 - 1000 new messages every day!  CompuSlave allows us to search our Delphi message database to find answers to the programming problems we face.  Programmers who want to maintain a database of questions and answers on programming problems will find that CompuSlave is an excellent support tool.


Limitations

Non-Registered Version:

The non-registered version of CompuSlave imposes a limit of 500 messages per database.  This message limit is sufficient to allow our users to see if CompuSlave will meet their needs.  There is also a limit of 5 total databases in the non-registered version.  This prevents dishonest users from attempting to use CompuSlave extensively without registering it.

Registered  Version:

The most common question we receive about CompuSlave is "How many messages can be stored in a database when I order the registered version?".

Each message in a CompuSlave database consumes at least one SECTION in the database, with most messages consuming at least 2 or 3 sections.  The maximum number of sections that can be stored in one database is 2,147,483,647.  The largest STSI database contains 303,253 messages, which consume 860,048 sections.  This equates to an approximate database capacity of 757 million messages.  However, due to the 2 gigabyte file size limitation of 16-bit applications, the practical limit is about 2.7 milliion messages.  This limit may vary due to the length of each message in the database.


Importing CompuServe Messages

CompuSlave can import messages from either the CompuServe v3.0 File Cabinet, WinCIM/CSNav files (*.MSG, *.THD, and *.PLX formats), OzCIS/OzWin files (*.MSG format), TapCIS (*.MSG format) or Capture Files (ASCII text format, created with a communications program such as QmodemPro, Procomm Plus, etc).  Simply use the Import Wizard to guide you through the importing process.  When importing WinCIM, CSNav, OzCIS/OzWin, TapCIS, and Ascii Capture Files, you can select multiple files to import.  Once you have selected the file(s) from the Import Wizard and clicked on Start, CompuSlave will automatically read all of the selected files and import the messages into the current database.  If you would like to create a capture file from an Ascii terminal program to import CompuServe messages, follow the instructions in the section "Capturing CompuServe Messages".

See Also:

Capturing CompuServe Messages


Capturing CompuServe Messages

In order to import messages into CompuSlave, you must have a CompuServe capture file to import.  In order to capture a message base, there is a certain sequence of events you will want to follow.  As an example, I perform the following steps when capturing messages from the Novell 3.x forum on CompuServe

1.  Type "GO NETW3X" to enter the Novell Netware 3.x Forum.  (CompuServe will display information welcoming you to the conference.)

2.  When the Forum Menu is displayed, I type "2" to move to the Messages Menu.

3.  When the Messages Menu is displayed, I type "2" again to "READ or search messages".  (CompuServe will display the Novell NetWare 3.X ForumRead Menu.)

4.  At this point, I instruct my communications program to begin the capturing process, so that all messages displayed on the screen will be added to the capture file.  (If you are using the Windows Terminal, supplied with Microsoft Windows, select the Receive Text File option from the Transfers menu.)

5.  After selecting "1" to read NEW messages, CompuServe displays the first new message in the conference, and prompts me whether or not to continue.  Here, I must type "SCROLL" to indicate that I want the messages displayed non-stop.  All messages that are displayed are added to the capture file by the communications program.

6.  Once the capturing process is complete, and CompuServe stops scrolling the messages off the screen, I close the capture file (using the communications package), and type "OFF" to end my CompuServe session.  (To close the capture file using Windows Terminal, press the Stop button that appeared on the bottom of the terminal screen when you started the capture.)

7.  The newly created capture file is ready for importing into CompuSlave "as is".  There are no modifications that need to be made.  Simply select the Import option after a database has been created or opened, and you can import the new capture file.


The File Menu

New Database:

Select this option to create a new database with CompuSlave.  CompuSlave will prompt you for the name and description of the database to create.  Once  you have created a new database, you can begin to import messages from CompuServe capture files.

See Also:

Database Compression

Open Database:

Select this option to open a database previously created with CompuSlave For Windows.  CompuSlave will display a file dialog box to prompt you for the name of the database to open.  Once you select a file, CompuSlave will check whether the database is already using the version 3 database format, or if it is still formatted as a version 2 database.  If CompuSlave detects that the database is in version 2 format, it will ask you whether or not you want to upgrade the database to the current version.  If you answer Yes, CompuSlave will attempt to reorganize (restructure) the database.  Once the reorganization is complete, CompuSlave will open the database.

Close Database:

This command will close a database that is open on the desktop.  If more than 1 database is open, the focus will move to the next open database.  Otherwise, CompuSlave will simply clear the desktop area.

Utilities:

Delete Database:

This command will give you the option of deleting a database from your hard drive.

Reorganize Database

Batch Import

Modem / Communications:

When this option is selected, CompuSlave will execute STSI Com, a communications program that you can use for capturing messages from CompuServe.

Exit CompuSlave:

Use this command to exit out of CompuSlave and end your current message viewing session.  Any open databases are automatically closed down when you exit.


Reorganize Database
Reorganize Database:

The reorganize option provides three extremely useful functions.  The first function deals with compression of the message data when adding messages to the database.  Databases created with compression enabled will typically be 10-20% smaller than databases that do not use CompuSlaves internal compression.  If a database was created with the "Compress Message Body" option disabled (on the Preferences screen), simply check the Compress Message Body check box, and reorganize the database.

The second function deals with a database that has become corrupt.  If one or more messages become corrupt within the database, you will probably see "garbage" characters, or random ASCII characters filling the data fields.  Although this is rare, we did have one customer report this problem after running out of hard drive space during an import operation.  The customer was unable to delete the corrupt message from the database using the "Delete" option, but was able to successfully reorganize the database.  The reorganization process removed the corrupt message(s), and left the rest of the (non-corrupt) messages intact.

The third function is simply for packing the database.  Once messages have been deleted from a database, the area previously used by these messages remains empty until new messages are added.  If a substantial number of messages have been deleted, you may want to reorganize the database to physically remove this unused space.

The Reorganize Database screen allows you to select the database to reorganize, and whether or not you want to examine records during the reorganization process.  If you choose to examine records, you will be prompted with a dialog box that will show you all of the fields in the message, and give you an option to view the message body text.  You can then select "Save" to save the record into the newly reorganized database, or "Discard" to instruct CompuSlave that it should not place the examined record in the new database.  Currently, CompuSlave gives you the following options:  Do Not Examine Records, Examine All Records, or Examine Record Numbers In Range....  If you choose to examine record numbers in a range of values, you can specify the starting and ending record numbers to examine.  Note: A record number is not the same as a message number!  A record number merely indicates the physical position of a record in the database.

Before reorganizing a database, CompuSlave asks you whether you want to make a backup copy of the data (.DAT), index (.IX), and ini (.INI) files, as a safeguard against any potential problems (such as system hangs during the reorganization, which could be fatal to the database).  If you instruct it to make a backup, CompuSlave will create a temporary directory underneath the main program directory, and copy the database files into this directory.  Once this is complete, the reorganization process will start.  To reorganize the database, CompuSlave deletes the index (.IX) file, renames the data file (.DAT) to a save file (.SAV), and copies non-deleted messages from the save file into a newly created data file.  Once this is complete, the save file is deleted, and a new index file is generated.  This process may only take a minute or two for a database that has a couple thousand messages, but will take much longer for larger databases.  (Our largest database, which contains over 336,000 messages took 6-8 hours to reorganize!)  After the process has finished successfully, CompuSlave will ask you whether or not you want to delete the backup copy created earlier.  If you are satisfied that no errors occurred, go ahead and answer yes to delete this backup copy.

During the reorganization process, CompuSlave performs data validation to verify the integrity of the data within each message.  For information on how this works, or to change CompuSlave's behavior when it encounters a message that fails the data validation check, see the Preferences section of the documentation.


Batch Import
Batch Import:

Users maintaining a large number of separate databases may want to use the batch import feature supplied by CompuSlave.  When this option is selected, CompuSlave will display the batch import screen, showing a list of all databases contained in the CompuSlave directory.

At STSI, we maintain over 50 different databases containing the messages from various CompuServe forums.  Each week (or more often in the fast-scrolling conferences), we capture the newest messages from CompuServe and import them into their corresponding database.  Rather than open each database and import the capture files on a one-at-a-time basis, the batch import feature allows us to select all of the databases we want to update, and start the import process with as little user intervention as possible.  The most likely cause for user intervention in the batch import process will occur if duplicate message numbers are found in a database, and CompuSlave needs to prompt you whether or not to add the new message to the database.  The status bar on the bottom of the screen will inform you what CompuSlave is doing, and gives an indication of the number of messages being imported.  Status bars are displayed to give a visual indication of the completion percentage, first for the current database, and also for the total batch import process.

Start - The Start button starts the batch import process.  Only databases that are tagged for importing will be included in the batch import process.  Other databases are ignored.  Once the batch import process has been started, the Start button is hidden, and the Pause button appears.

Pause - The Pause button will temporarily pause the batch import process in the middle of importing a capture file, or between databases, depending on when this button is pressed.  When Pause is selected, the text on this button changes to "Resume".  Select resume when you are ready to continue the batch importing process.

Scan - Use the Scan button to scan the hard drive for existing databases and import files.  If a database exists on the hard drive, and the corresponding import file also exists in the specified location, the database will be tagged for inclusion in the import process.  That way, any new capture files that are created by you can be automatically detected and imported into the correct CompuSlave database.

Add - Use the Add button to add a database (and import file) to the list of databases to include in the import process.  When the batch import screen is initially displayed, it contains a list of all databases in the CompuSlave directory.  If you maintain a CompuSlave database in a different directory, it can be added using the Add button.

Edit - Use the Edit button to edit a database and/or import file listed in the table.  If possible, CompuSlave will display the name of the last file that was imported into the corresponding database.  If you consistently give your import files the same name each time you capture messages, CompuSlave will "know" what file to import, and it will be displayed in the Import File column of the table.  If you need to change the name of the file to import, simply Edit the correct row, and enter the name of the file to import.

Delete - The Delete button can be used to remove databases from the batch import list.  You can simply leave the database line untagged, which excludes the database from the batch process, but the Delete button allows you to physically remove a database from consideration.

Tag / Untag - Use the Tag/Untag button to select or deselect databases in the table.  Only databases that are tagged will be included in the batch import process.  When a database is tagged for inclusion, a small marker (>>>) will appear in the first column.  You can also double-click on a database to tag or untag it, or you can use the space bar or ENTER key to perform the same function.

Tag All - The Tag All button can be used to select all databases in the table at one time.

Untag All - The Untag All button can be used to deselect all databases in the table at one time.

Help - Use the Help button to obtain help about the various commands available from the batch import screen.

Minimize - The Minimize button can be used to minimize the entire CompuSlave program during a batch import.  Since the batch import screen is a modal dialog box, you cannot minimize the application by using the minimize icon on CompuSlave's title bar.  Instead, you can use this Minimize button, and let CompuSlave perform the batch imports in the background.

Close - Use the Close button to close the batch import screen without starting the batch import process.

Halt Current - The Halt Current button will ask you to confirm your choice, and will immediately stop importing messages into the current database.  Once this option has been confirmed, the current database is closed, and CompuSlave proceeds with the next database in the list.

Halt Batch - The Halt Batch button will ask you to confirm your choice, and will immediately stop importing messages into the current database.  Once the current database has been closed, CompuSlave will skip all remaining databases and terminate the batch import process completely.


Importing Messages

Importing messages into CompuSlave is extremely easy using the Import Wizard.  When you select Import, the Import Wizard guides you through importing messages.  The first step is selecting the proper message format.  CompuServe v3.0 users can import messages from the CompuServe v3.0 File Cabinet (FCABINET.DAT), WinCIM and CSNav users can import *.MSG, *.THD, and *.PLX message and thread files.  OzCIS and OzWin users can import the OzCIS *.MSG files, TapCIS users can import the TapCIS *.MSG files, and users who wish to import a capture file created by a communications program (such as STSI Com, QmodemPro, or Procomm Plus) can select these ASCII-formatted text files.  The next step is locating the file(s) you want to import into CompuSlave.  If you are importing messages from the CompuServe v3.0 File Cabinet, the Import Wizard will scan the file cabinet to determine which forums it contains.  You can then decide to import messages from the forum(s) of your choice.  When you click on the Start button, CompuSlave quickly imports the messages in the import file, and displays a status screen to indicate the completion percentage.  If a duplicate message number already exists in the database, CompuSlave will display a message box showing you the date, time, from, and to fields of the existing message, and the new message located in the import file.  You can choose to import the new message anyway, import all duplicates, skip this message, or skip all duplicates.  When CompuSlave adds a message to the database, it performs data validation to verify the integrity of the data within each message.  For information on how this works, or to change CompuSlave's behavior when it encounters a message that fails the data validation check, see the Preferences section of the documentation.  Once the import process has been completed, CompuSlave will display a message box indicating the total number of messages actually imported into the current database.


Browsing For Messages

Browsing for messages can be a quick way to view the message number, subject, section, response number, date, from and to fields of a message, giving you a general idea of what is contained in the message body.  When this option is selected, CompuSlave displays a browsing screen that contains all of the records in the database.  To scroll through the browser, use the Up Arrow, Down Arrow, PgUp, and PgDn keys, or the mouse to scroll through all of the messages.  Pressing ENTER or double-clicking on the highlighted message will erase the browser and cause CompuSlave to display the selected message on the editing screen for viewing, editing, or deleting.  To tag or untag the highlighted message, press the F10 key.

Incremental searching can be performed in the browser by typing the text you want to locate.  This text must be located at the beginning of the current sort field.  As you type more characters, the records that are displayed are narrowed down.  For example, if your database is sorted by the subject field and you type the letter "T", the browser will display only the messages whose subject text starts with the letter "T".  Then, if you press the letter "H", the browser will display only the messages whose text starts with the letters "TH".

A popup menu is displayed when you click the right mouse button inside the browser window.  The browser popup menu allows you to change the column order, which field the database is sorted by, and whether or not the highlighted message is tagged or untagged, and whether filtering is being used.  If the message filter is on, the browser will display only the messages that have been tagged.


Finding Text

The Find command allows you to search for a specific word or phrase on a one-at-a-time basis.  CompuSlave will prompt you for the word or phrase, allow you to select whether or not the search is case-sensitive, and will search for the next or previous occurrence of the text, starting at the current message.  When the text is found in the message body, the process is paused to allow you to view the current message.  By selecting Find Next from the Find dialog box, you can instruct CompuSlave to find the next occurrence of the text.  Likewise, selecting Find Previous will instruct CompuSlave to find the previous occurrence of the text.  CompuSlave will search for additional occurrences in the current message, and then advance to the next (or previous) message in the database that contains the specified text.  To cancel the Find operation, select Cancel from the Find dialog box.


Searching For Text

When Search is selected, CompuSlave displays a dialog box giving you the option of the type of search to perform.  There are three types of searches to perform on a CompuSlave message database.  The first two types are extremely fast and efficient, while the third is much slower, although it is much more thorough.

When "Search One Field Only" is selected, CompuSlave allows you to search for a text string in any one of the following seven fields:  Message Number, Response Number, Subject, Section, From, To, and Keyword.  The search string must be located at the beginning of the field you decide to search.  If CompuSlave cannot find a message with the specified text, it issues an error message.  Otherwise it displays the browser screen containing all of the entries that matched the search criteria.  Since the seven fields mentioned above are all indexed fields, the search can be completed very rapidly.

When "Range Search" is selected, CompuSlave allows you to perform a search where the only records that are found must be within the a specified range of values.  For example, if you wanted to locate all messages numbered between 20000 and 20100, you could enter these two values as the starting and ending search values, and select the message number field as the field to search.  If no messages could be found within that range, an error message would be issued.  Otherwise, all messages within that range would be displayed.  As with the first search method, the range search allows you to find a text string at the beginning of any one of the seven indexed fields (see previous paragraph for the names of these fields).

When "Search Entire Message" is selected, CompuSlave will search the entire database for up to 9 text strings and 3 excluded text strings.  You can use the Search Entire Message dialog box to create a combination of And/Or/Not requirements.  These requirements will allow you filter out which messages should appear in your search results.  The text strings you enter can be located at ANY location within the message.  They do not have to be at the start of an indexed field.

There are 4 groups of text fields, and each group contains a check box allowing you to make the search either case-sensitive or case-insensitive, with case-insensitive being the default.  If CompuSlave locates the text anywhere within the message (including all individual fields and the message body), it is included in the search results.  The only exception to this rule occurs when text entered in the last group is found in the message, since these strings are excluded from the search results.

When CompuSlave starts the search process, it creates a temporary database (with a random filename) and places it in a temporary sub-directory (TEMP0001, TEMP0002, etc.).  When a message is found that meets the search criteria, it is added to the temporary database. After the search has been completed, you can browse through the filtered records.  If you wish to narrow down the search criteria even further, you can perform a secondary search on the database.  At this point, when you select "Search Entire Message", you will only be searching for text strings located in messages that have been placed in the filtered database.  For example, if you search a Novell database for the keywords "SCSI" AND Seagate, and then perform a secondary search for CD-ROM, your resulting search would only find records that contained all three of the specified keywords.  You can continue to perform a filtered search as long as necessary, thus narrowing the search criteria every time.  (Each consecutive search should also be less time consuming, since it does not need to search as many messages for the specified text.)

Once this type of search is complete, you can browse through the filtered messages by using the browser, or by selecting Next, Prev, First, and Last.  When you select Quit at this point, the search will be cancelled, and you will have the option of saving the search results database under a new name, or erasing it.  If youve performed an in-depth search on a large database, you may want to save all of the filtered records under a new database name, making it easier to find the filtered records at a later date.  Once the search is complete, you can switch back and forth between the original database and the temporary search results database, without affecting the search results.


Sorting Messages

Selecting Sort will allow you to choose which indexed field should be used to sort the database.  Available sort fields include the message number, response number, section, subject, from, to, and keyword fields.  The default sort field is the message number field.  When the Browser is displayed, the messages are sorted according to the current sort field.  The First, Last, Previous, and Next buttons are also executed in relation to the current sort field, making it easy to follow messages in virtually any order.  Once you change the current sort field, CompuSlave will remember it the next time you open the same database.


Original Message

As a cross-referencing tool, CompuSlave allows you to locate the message that the current message was a response to.  (To determine if the current message was a response, check the "Response To" field.  If this message was not a response, the field will contain the word "NONE".  Otherwise, it will contain the number of the message that the current message responded to.)  When you select Original, CompuSlave will either go to the original message, or display an error message if it could not find the original message.  (If CompuSlave cannot find an original message, this is usually an indication that the original message was not located in the CompuServe forum at the time you captured the messages.)


Response Message

In addition to using the "Original" command described above, you can select the "Response" command to search for any and/or all messages that were responses to the current message.  If there aren't any responses in the current database, CompuSlave will disable the Response button and the Response option on the Messages menu.  If only 1 response is found in the database, CompuSlave will immediately display the located response.  Otherwise, it will display a browser screen containing a complete list of all responses, giving you the option of which message to view.


GoTo Message

When GoTo is selected, CompuSlave prompts you to enter the text and field name of the message you want to move to.  For example, if you want to locate message number 354383, you would enter 354383 in the GoTo field (without the quotes), and select the Message Number field as the field to search.  If CompuSlave cannot locate an EXACT match, it will display an error message.  If it finds the message number or text you entered, CompuSlave will automatically display the resulting message on the screen.


First Message

Selecting the "First" option causes CompuSlave to display the first message in the database, regardless of the currently displayed message.


Next Message

Selecting the "Next" option causes CompuSlave to display the message after the currently displayed message.  If the current message is the last one in the database, CompuSlave "wraps" to the first message in the database.


Previous Message

Selecting the "Previous" option causes CompuSlave to display the message previous to the currently displayed message.  If the current message is the first one in the database, CompuSlave "wraps" to the last message in the database.


Last Message

Selecting the "Last" button causes CompuSlave to display the last message in the database, regardless of the currently displayed message.


The Messages Menu

Importing Messages

Browsing For Messages

Finding Text

Searching For Text

Sorting Messages

Original Message

Response Message

GoTo Message

First Message

Next Message

Previous Message

Last Message


Printing

One or more messages can be printed using the Print option on the Print Menu.  The following settings may be changed to customize the print range and various options.

Print - The print selection can be changed to the Current Message, Tagged Messages, Range of Messages, or All Messages in the database.  You must have at least 1 message tagged in order to print Tagged Messages.

Message Range - The message range can be changed when the Print selection is changed to Range of Messages.  Use the Starting Message # and Ending Message # field to enter the first and last messages that should be included in the print range, and CompuSlave will print all messages included in the range.

Print To File - When this check box is marked, you can print the resulting output to a file instead of a printer port.  Make sure the filename field is entered correctly when using this option.

Filename - Use this field to enter the name of a file to be used for receiving the printed data when the Print To File option is enabled.  If the file you enter already exists, CompuSlave will prompt you to overwrite it before continuing.

Use CompuSlave Import File Format - When this option is selected, CompuSlave will print messages in the format used by CompuSlave import files.  This format should match the exact format used by CompuServe when messages are captured using an ASCII terminal program.  Note: Since the Keyword field is added by CompuSlave, and was not imported from an import file, it will not be printed when this file format is used.

Page Break Between Messages - When this option is enabled, CompuSlave issues a form-feed between each message that is printed.  This option applies when the print range is set to Tagged Messages or All Messages.

Prompt To Continue If Error Occurs - When the print range is set to Tagged Messages, CompuSlave will issue an error message and ask you whether or not to continue printing messages in the event that one of the tagged messages could not be retrieved.  This problem could result, for example, if a message that is tagged has already been deleted by another workstation on a network.  If this option is not selected, CompuSlave simply skips the offending message and continues with the next tagged message.

Untag Messages After Printing - When the print range is set to Tagged Messages, CompuSlave can optionally untag a message after it is printed.  However, you may want to leave these messages tagged in order to perform another function, such as deleting or exporting tagged messages.

Setup - This button will provide access to the Windows Print Setup dialog box, which allows you to change the currently selected printer, port, page orientation, and related settings.

Font - Selecting the Font button allows you to select the name, size, color, and style of font that are used to print the selected message(s).  This allows you to customize the output depending on your current printer.  (CompuSlave automatically remembers the font you used the last time you printed a message.)

Print Setup:

The print setup dialog box allows you to select the printer you want to use when printing database messages, the print orientation (portrait vs. landscape), and the paper size.


Edit
The Edit Menu

New Message:

When New Message is selected, CompuSlave goes into "edit mode", and allows you to manually enter a new message into the database.  Once you have finished adding the new message, click on "Save Message" to save it into the database, or select "Cancel Editing" to exit from edit mode without saving the new message.  Note: While it is possible to add new messages to the database in this manner, this feature will not be necessary for most users (since messages can be easily added through the Import function).

Edit Message:

If the need arises to edit an existing database message, you can easily do so by using the Edit Message option.  When this option is selected, CompuSlave goes into "edit mode", and allows you to modify the current message.  Once you have finished modifying the current message, click on "Save Message" to save the modified message into the database, or select "Cancel Editing" to exit from edit mode.

Delete Message:

Unwanted messages can be easily deleted through the Delete option.  When the Delete button is selected, CompuSlave issues a prompt to confirm that you want to delete the current message from the database.  When you choose "Yes" at the prompt, the message is deleted, and CompuSlave resets the message display to the next message in the database.

Save Message:

This option can be selected when you are adding or editing a message, and will save your message addition / change to the database.

Cancel Editing:

This button can be selected when you are adding or editing a message, and will cause your changes to the current message to be discarded.


Views
Message Views

Mini-Browser:

The Mini-Browser view displays a mini-browser on the top of the editing window, in place of the message number, response, section, subject, from, to, date, time, and keyword fields.  The browser can be used to page through messages more quickly.  When a record is selected in the mini-browser, the corresponding message text is displayed in the memo window at the bottom of the screen.  Likewise, as the First, Previous, Next, and Last button are selected, the mini-browser is updated to point to the currently selected message.

Normal:

The Normal view displays individual edit controls for the message number, response, section, subject, from, to, date, time, and keyword fields.  All data is easily visible on one screen.

Message Only:

The Message Only view displays only the message text contained in the message body.  Unlike the other two views, you cannot see the message number, response, section, subject, from, to, date, time, and keyword fields from this view.  There is, however, a larger portion of screen available for viewing the message text.  This is especially useful for very lengthy messages.

Show / Hide Tools:

The Show / Hide Tools command will display or hide the Tool Palette, depending on its current state.  If the Tool Palette is currently hidden, it will be displayed, or if it is currently displayed on the screen, it will be hidden from view.  The Tool Palette provides a quick way of accessing many of the common database functions available on the various pages of the toolbar.  When the mouse is positioned over one of the buttons on the Tool Palette, pop-up help will be displayed as a reference for what function the corresponding button will perform.


Tagged Messages

Delete Tagged:

The Delete Tagged feature allows you remove all tagged messages from the current database.  As with any operation that is performed on tagged messages, a status screen will be displayed as CompuSlave performs the operation.

Print Tagged:

The Print Tagged option displays the same print dialog box that is available from the print menu.  However, the default range is automatically set to Tagged Messages instead of Curent Message.  For more details on this dialog, see "The Print Menu".

Extract Tagged:

The Extract Tagged option allows you to place all tagged messages into another database.  The target database can be one that already exists, or you can choose to have CompuSlave create a new database for you.  Once a message is successfully extracted, CompuSlave will untag it if the "Untag Messages After Successful Extraction" check box is marked.  Likewise, the message will be automatically untagged and deleted if the "Delete Messages After Successful Extraction" check box is marked.

Tag All:

The Tag All feature can be used in an attempt to tag all messages in the database.  However, it is important to mention that CompuSlave currently allows a maximum of 16,384 messages to be tagged at one time.  If there are more than 16,384 messages in the current database, CompuSlave will warn you, and then attempt to tag as many as possible.  Once it reaches the limit, it stops the tagging process.  If you need to tag more messages than this, you will have to tag the first set, perform an operation, tag the second set, perform the operation again, etc.  However, this need should be extremely rare.

Tag Range:

The Tag Range feature can be used to tag a range of messages in the database.  Messages can be tagged within a range of message numbers and dates.  An entire section can be tagged using this feature.  Also, messages can be tagged using a starting and ending range for the Subject, From, and To fields.  When messages are tagged based on the Subject, From, or To fields, CompuSlave allows you to specify whether or not a "Fuzzy Match" is performed.  When the Fuzzy Match check box is not selected, the ending range must match the contents of the selected field exactly.  If the Fuzzy Match check box is selected, the string in the ending range field can contain any string of characters, as long as the beginning of the string matches.

A good application of this feature would be to tag all messages within a range of dates in order to delete them from the database.  Another option is to tag an entire section and extract it into another database.  This allows smaller (and more specific) databases to be created, making the time required to search a database minimal.

Untag All:

When the Untag All option is selected, CompuSlave will remove the tag mark from all tagged messages in the current database.  If you perform one of the three main operations mentioned above (Delete Tagged, Print Tagged, or Extract Tagged), you can optionally remove the message tag once the operation is completed.  However, you can use the Untag All feature to quickly remove all tags without performing one of these operations.


Preferences

Activity Log:

This field contains the name of the file that will be used to log CompuSlave activity.  This can be useful to determine what capture files have been imported into a particular database, when it occurred, and how many messages were actually imported into the database.  Right now, the only activity being logged to this file is import information and reorganization statistics.  (Activity logging may be expanded in a future release.)  The default filename is CSLAVEW.LOG, located in the default CompuSlave directory.

When Activity Log is selected, you can also view or delete the current activity log file by pushing the corresponding button.

Beep After Import Completed:

Select whether CompuSlave should beep once the import process has been completed for an individual database.  In cases where the import file contains an extensive number of messages (perhaps a few thousand), users may leave their computer unattended for a short time.  The extra beep gives an audible signal that the import is finished, and the user can continue with other tasks.

Browser Refresh Delay:

This number specifies the number of seconds that CompuSlave will use as an update interval when displaying the browser screen.  If this value is set to 5, CompuSlave will update the browser screen every 5 seconds with any changes that have made from other workstations working on the same database file.

Compress Databases:

CompuSlave can optionally compress the entire database, including .DAT, .IX, and .DIA files into a single PKZip-Compatible .ZIP file.  This option provides the greatest possible overall compression.  Before a database is opened, CompuSlave decompresses the database files.  Compression effectiveness varies from database to database, but is approximately 4:1.  This option is disabled by default.  This type of compression causes a delay prior to opening and after closing a database.  This setting may be overriden for each database by selecting Current Database from the Settings menu when a database is open.

Compress Databases (Batch Mode):

This option is similar to the Compress Databases option, but this setting allows a different behavior to be specified during the batch import process.  When Remember Previous State is selected, CompuSlave will only compress a database if it was decompressed prior to importing new messages during the batch import process.  When the Compress All Databases option is selected, all databases will automatically be compressed, even if they were in non-compressed format prior to the batch import.  When the Don't Compress Databases option is selected, none of the selected databases will be compressed after the batch import has been completed, even if they were in compressed format prior to the batch import.  The setting of this option automatically overrides the Database Compression option specified within each individual database, when you are executing a batch import operation.

Compress Message Body:

Enabling the Compress Message Body option causes the data contained in the body of each message to be compressed, reducing the .DAT file size by about 15%.  This option is enabled by default.  If "Database Compression" (using PKZip-Compatible Compression) is enabled, tighter overall compression can be obtained by disabling this option.  This type of compression occurs "on-the-fly" and is transparent to the user.  This setting may be overridden for any database by selecting Current Database from the Settings menu when a database is open.

CompuServe User ID:

This field should contain your CompuServe User ID, such as "99999,9999".  The CompuServe User Name and CompuServe User ID fields are used when importing messages from a CompuServe v3.0 File Cabinet.  CompuSlave needs this information to add the correct information to your CompuSlave database.

CompuServe User Name:

This field should contain the name on your CompuServe account, such as "John A. Doe".  The CompuServe User Name and CompuServe User ID fields are used when importing messages from a CompuServe v3.0 File Cabinet.  CompuSlave needs this information to add the correct information to your CompuSlave database.

Confirm Before Deleting Message:

Although this feature can be extremely dangerous, it was requested by one of our users.  By default, CompuSlave prompts you to confirm the deletion of a message before it actually removes the message from the database.  If you prefer not to be prompted for a confirmation before deleting a message, disable this option.  Be very careful with this!  Deleted messages cannot be undeleted!

Confirm Before Exiting CompuSlave:

When this option is enabled, CompuSlave will prompt users for confirmation before they exit the

application.  When it is disabled, CompuSlave will exit without displaying a confirmation dialog box.

Data Validation:

CompuSlave version 2.13 added a new feature called Data Validation.  When records are added to a database, either during an import operation or during a database reorganization, the fields of a message are validated to make sure that they are in the proper format.  If, during the import or reorganization process, CompuSlave determines that a message fails the data validation check, it will display a "Data Validation Error" message box and show you the offending message.  At this point, you can choose to "Save" the message to the database anyway, thus ignoring CompuSlave's warning and putting your database at risk, or you can "Discard" the message (which is recommended).  Reasons that a message may fail a data validation check include: improper date format, improper time format, message number field does not contain a number, message number field contains a zero (0), response number field does not contain either "NONE" or a number, or the size of the message body text exceeds 24,576 bytes (24K).

If you select "Prompt Before Adding", CompuSlave will display a dialog box giving you the option of whether or not to add the message to the database.  If you select "Never Add", CompuSlave will discard any message that fails the validation check.  If you select "Always Add", CompuSlave will ignore the validation check completely and attempt to add the message to the database, even though it may fail the validation check.  The default setting is "Prompt Before Adding".

Data Validation Error On Msg Zero:

As the caption of this option explains, CompuSlave can be configured whether or not to trigger a data validation error when it encounters a message with a message number of zero.

Delete Capture File After Import:

If this option is enabled, a message box will appear after the importing process has been completed, and will prompt you whether or not you want to delete the file that was just imported.  When this option is turned on, the import file is NOT automatically deleted.  CompuSlave gives you the opportunity to confirm that you want to delete the file before it is removed from your hard drive.  This option is not supported for the CompuServe v3.0 File Cabinet, since this file should never be deleted.

Duplicate Message Number Action:

When CompuSlave imports messages into a database, it checks for a duplicate message number prior to adding the new message.  If a duplicate message number is detected, CompuSlave can be configured to either prompt you for what action to take, automatically skip the new message, or automatically add the new message to the database, in spite of the fact that the message number is duplicated.

Fast Search:

When the Fast Search option is enabled, the search speed for the "Search Entire Message" option is increased substantially.  To do this, CompuSlave places a "Read Lock" on the entire database to prevent other users from writing to it.  This can produce search speeds up to 3 times as fast as when Fast Search is disabled.  However, if Fast Search is enabled, other users CANNOT make changes to the database when another user is performing this type of search.  Network supervisors should consider this situation carefully before enabling the Fast Search option.

Import File Format:

This field specifies the default file format that should be used when importing new messages into a database.  This value can be overridden for each individual database.  CompuSlave automatically remembers the last file format used for each database, but this value can be set to specify the initial value used for new databases.

Import Path:

This field should contain the default location where your CompuServe import files are located.  CompuSlave will log to this directory as the default when you select the Import option.

Network Type:

Even if you don't use a network, users running under Windows 3.1 or Windows 95 should change the default Network Type from None to the MS-Net Compatible option.  Make sure to read the following section!

None:

When "None" is selected as the network type,  file sharing and record locking routines are not used.  Do NOT run CompuSlave in a multiuser setting with the network type set to "None".  If you do, the data and index files are likely to become corrupt if two or more workstations try to access the program!

Novell:

If you are running on a Novell NetWare 2.x, 3.x, or 4.x network, be sure to set the network type setting to "Novell Network".

MS-Net:

The "MS-Net Compatible" setting should be used for the following networks and environments: LANtastic, LAN Manager, IBM PC-LAN, Personal NetWare, NetWare Lite, DESQview, and Windows.  When using this option, you must load SHARE.EXE.  (When running under Windows, either SHARE must be loaded prior to running Windows, or the VSHARE driver must be loaded in Windows.)

Network Users:

This field contains the numbers of network users for CompuSlave.  To receive a registration number that provides support for network users, see the file REGISTER.DOC.  Once you register CompuSlave and pay the requested fee to STSI for registering, you will receive a registration name and number.  After filling in the Registration Name, Registration Number, and Network Users fields correctly, your copy of CompuSlave will be registered.  You will no longer see "nag screens" or "reminders" pressuring you to register, and you will be able to bypass the database record limits imposes on the unregistered version of CompuSlave.  If you are registering a single-user version of CompuSlave, enter 0 in this field.

Optimization:

This option is used to specify whether CompuSlave should optimize database management for Data Integrity or Speed. If Optimize For Data Integrity is chosen, access to certain routines may be impacted by a reduction in speed. If Optimize For Speed is chosen, CompuSlave will attempt to optimize access to routines without a reduction in speed.

When Optimize For Data Integrity is enabled, CompuSlave will write portions of the database to be modified to the dialog (.DIA) file before any changes are made.  Then, in the event that an error occurs, the database can be restored to its known state prior to the operation.  If the computer system crashes before an operation is complete, CompuSlave automatically repairs the database by using the information in the dialog file the next time the database is opened.

Based on our internal testing, Optimize For Speed is MUCH faster, especially when importing messages.  If you decide to use Optimize For Speed, however, we recommend that you maintain a regular backup.  If you are more concerned about data integrity, even to the point of sacrificing some performance, select Optimize For Data Integrity.

OzCis/OzWin, Ignore Message 0:

When this option is enabled, CompuSlave will automatically ignore messages that have a message number of zero.  Typically, these are section header messages, that simply display a forum welcome message, along with information about the last read message number, total messages, etc.  If you want CompuSlave to ignore these messages, turn this option on.

Pre-Import Filtering:

When attempt to import messages from a CompuServe ASCII Capture File, we have noticed that on occasion, a message will not import correctly, causing a data validation error to occur.  A first glance at the message in the file doesn't show anything extremely unusual.  However, after looking at the message using a hex editor, we have found numerous cases where a #0 (null character) will be inserted in between a carriage return-line feed combination.  This character throws our reading routine off, causing the validation error to occur.  When this option is enabled, CompuSlave performs a quick pass through the import file to remove these troublesome characters.  This filtering process will only occur for OzCIS/OzWin, TapCIS, and CompuServe ASCII capture files, but not for WinCIM/CSNav files or the CompuServe v3.0 File Cabinet.

Preserve Original Import File After Filter:

When the Pre-Import Filtering option is enabled, (see previous item for an explanation), you have the option of preserving the original import file (which may still contain null characters), or keeping the filtered file.  (At STSI, we maintain a complete archive of all capture files that have ever been created, to make sure that we never experience data loss.)  Enable this option if you want to keep the original file, before filtering occurred.

Registration Name:

The Registration Name text field allows users to enter their personal name or the name of their company or organization.  Once you register CompuSlave and pay the requested fee to STSI for registering, you will receive a registration name and number.  After filling in the Registration Name, Registration Number, and Network Users fields correctly, your copy of CompuSlave will be registered.  You will no longer see "nag screens" or "reminders" pressuring you to register, and you will be able to bypass the database record limits imposes on the unregistered version of CompuSlave.  If your name and number are entered accurately, CompuSlave will display a thank-you message.  Otherwise, CompuSlave will warn you that the registration number you entered was not valid.

Registration Number:

The Registration Number text field allows users to enter the registration number they received from STSI upon registering CompuSlave.  Once you register CompuSlave and pay the requested fee to STSI for registering, you will receive a registration name and number.  After filling in the Registration Name, Registration Number, and Network Users fields correctly, your copy of CompuSlave will be registered.  You will no longer see "nag screens" or "reminders" pressuring you to register, and you will be able to bypass the database record limits imposes on the unregistered version of CompuSlave.  If your name and number are entered accurately, CompuSlave will display a thank-you message.  Otherwise, CompuSlave will warn you that the registration number you entered was not valid.

Search Message Counter:

When performing a "Search Entire Message" search on a database, CompuSlave displays a status screen that normally updates the current message counter after every message is searched.  Power users who want to optimize CompuSlave for speed during searches will want to disable this option.  Although the search counter is helpful to know what message number is being searched, it slows down the search process by as much as 15-20%.  When this option is disabled, CompuSlave will display the word "DISABLED" in the message counter field.  (The percent complete status bar will still be updated, however, to give users a general idea of how far along CompuSlave is in the search process.)

Search Results Window:

Once CompuSlave completes a search using the Search Entire Message option, a secondary database is created and displayed in a new window.  If Cascade is selected for this option, CompuSlave will cascade all open databases.  Likewise, if Tile is selected, CompuSlave will tile all open databases, and if Maximize is selected, CompuSlave will simply maximize the search results window to display the search results.

Show Messages Added After Import:

When this option is enabled, CompuSlave will pop up a message box after an import is complete to inform you exactly how many messages were added to the database during the importing process.

Show Tool Palette On Open Database:

If this option is enabled, CompuSlave will automatically display the Tool Palette each time a database is opened.  If this option is not enabled, the Tool Palette will remain hidden until the user manually displays it using the Show/Hide Tool Palette option.

Speed Button Display:

Power users who prefer to have as much screen space as possible available for reading messages may want to change the size and layout of the speed buttons on the tool bars located at the top of the screen.  Available options are No Speed Buttons, Text Only, Picture Only, or Text And Picture.  The No Speed Buttons option completely disables the use of speed buttons and tool bars, increasing the amount of space available for viewing message data.  The Text Only option removes the pictures from the speed buttons, only displaying the button text.  The Picture Only option removes the button text, but leaves the pictures intact, and the Text And Picture option (which is the default) displays both the button text and the associated picture.

Startup Database:

The Startup Database Name field should contain the name of the database file that should be loaded each time CompuSlave is executed.  When a database file is specified in this field, CompuSlave will attempt to load it immediately after it is executed.

Startup Tips:

By default, the Startup Tips screen is displayed each time CompuSlave is executed.  Users can browse through the available tips using the Next and Previous buttons.  Some users may prefer not to see these tips when CompuSlave is executed.  To turn off the Tips, disable this option.

TapCIS, Ignore Message 0:

When this option is enabled, CompuSlave will automatically ignore messages that have a message number of zero.  Typically, these are section header messages, that simply display a forum welcome message, along with information about the last read message number, total messages, etc.  If you want CompuSlave to ignore these messages, turn this option on.

Test Archive After Compression:

When PKZip-Compatible Database Compression is used to compress a database, you may want to enable this option to test the integrity of the ZIP file before deleting the original database files.  This ensures that all database files were accurately added to the compressed file and can be decompressed without any errors.


Current Database

The Current Database option on the Settings menu is enabled and accessible when a database is open within CompuSlave.  When this option is selected, you can modify the individual settings for the currently selected database.

Compress Message Data:

Enabling the Compress Message Data option compresses the data contained in the body of each message, reducing the .DAT file size by about 15%.  This option is enabled by default.  If Database Compression" (using PKZip-Compatible Compression) is enabled, tighter overall compression can be obtained by disabling this option.  This type of compression occurs "on-the-fly" and is transparent to the user.  This setting overrides the global Compress Message Body setting on the Preferences screen.

Database Compression:

CompuSlave can optionally compress the entire database, including .DAT, .IX, and .DIA files into a single PKZip-Compatible .ZIP file.  This option provides the greatest possible overall compression.  Before a database is opened, CompuSlave decompresses the database files.  Compression effectiveness varies from database to database, but is approximately 4:1.  This option is disabled by default.  This type of compression causes a delay prior to opening and after closing a database.  This setting overrides the global Database Compression setting on the Preferences screen.

See Also:

Database Compression

Database Description:

Use the Database Description field to store a short description for the current database.  This description will display on the title bar of the current database.


The Window Menu

Tile:

The tile command allows you to display all open database windows using a tiled appearance.  This way, each window is visible within the desktop.

Cascade:

The cascade command allows you to display all open database windows using a cascaded appearance.  This allows you to see the header of all open database windows, and click on the one you want to view.

Arrange Icons:

When more than one database is open in CompuSlave, you can minimize each window, and display it as an icon within the desktop area.  When more than one window is minimized, the arrange icons command will arrange the minimized icons within the desktop area.

Close All:

If database windows are open within the desktop area, selecting Close All will close all of the open databases at once.


Database Compression

CompuSlave currently offers two different types of data compression to reduce the size of the databases created by CompuSlave.  As more and more messages are added to a database, the size of the database grows substantially.  As an example, our companys largest CompuSlave database currently contains over 293,000 messages.  The database (.DAT) file is approximately 233 megabytes in size, while the index (.IX) file is 111 megabytes in size.  Our CompuSlave directory contains over 75 separate databases, totaling more than 1.3 gigabytes in size.  With that type of disk space consumption, data compression becomes absolutely necessary.

The first type of data compression offered by CompuSlave is called Compress Message Data.  When this option is enabled, CompuSlave performs data compression on the message body field of a message when it is added into the database.  Likewise, when the message is retrieved from the database, CompuSlave automatically detects that it was compressed, and decompresses it.  These processes are performed on-the-fly, since there are no noticeable delays while the compression or decompression is taking place.

The second type of data compression available in CompuSlave is labeled Database Compression on the Preferences and Current Database screens.  This type of data compression stores the .DAT, .IX, and .DIA files in a compressed archive file, compatible with PKZip 2.0. Before a database is opened, CompuSlave decompresses the database files, and once the database is closed, CompuSlave recompresses the database files, causing a time delay both prior to opening and after closing a database.  The Database Compression option can be set to Never Compress, Prompt To Compress, or Always Compress.  When Never Compress is selected, CompuSlave does not compress a database when it is closed.  When Prompt To Compress is selected, CompuSlave prompts you whether or not you want to compress a database when it is closed.  When Always Compress is selected, CompuSlave automatically compresses a database upon closing it.

Compression Effectiveness

Databases that use the Compress Message Data setting have a database (.DAT) file that is typically 15% smaller than databases that do not use this setting.  This setting, however, does not affect the size of the index (.IX) file.  Databases that use PKZip-Compatible Database Compression can achieve the greatest possible overall compression, being typically 75% smaller than databases that have no compression enabled.

Note: If you intend to use the PKZip-Compatible Database Compression, we strongly recommend that you disable the Compress Message Data option.  That is because PKZip-compatible compression can achieve a better compression ratio on database (.DAT) files that do not have the internal compression enabled.  The following table shows the difference in file sizes depending on the type of compression being used:

	Size of CARS.DAT	Size of CARS.IX
No Compression	6,731,200	2,309,824
Compress Message Data	5,738,600	2,309,824
Compress Message Data AND Database Compression	3,044,681	371,283
Database Compression ONLY	1,923,626	374,928
Also keep in mind that the compression settings can be changed in two different places.  First, a global setting is available on the Preferences screen, and secondly, an individual setting is available for each database on the Current Database screen.  When a new database is created, CompuSlave uses the global value to determine the default setting.  This setting can then be overwritten for an individual database if you wish to change its behavior.

See Also:

Preferences

Current Database


Using STSI Com

If you do not already own a communications package capable of ANSI terminal emulation (such as Procomm Plus, Qmodem, etc.), you may want to use STSI Com, the communications package distributed with CompuSlave.  STSI Com was written with the intention of aiding users who want to capture the messages in the CompuServe forums, but do not currently have an existing communications package.

To call CompuServe using STSI Com, you should perform the following steps:

1.  Execute STSI Com by clicking on the modem button in CompuSlave, or double-click on the program item located in the CompuSlave group in Program Manager.

2.  Select Parameters from the Preferences menu, and select the Com Port, Baud Rate, Parity, Data Bits, and Stop Bits you want to use as the default.

3.  Select Quick Modem Configure from the Preferences menu, and select the modem from the list that most closely fits the modem you are using.

4.  Set up your CompuServe information on the CompuServe Settings screen, which is available from the Preferences menu.

5.  Click on the Phonebook button on the toolbar, or select Phonebook from the Modem menu.  If you are using the default phonebook supplied with STSI Com, you can edit the entry with the name "CompuServe", or you can add a new entry.  When adding an entry for CompuServe, keep the following points in mind:

Be sure to enter the complete phone number that you want to dial, including a "1" if the number is long distance, and the proper area code.

The parity should be set to "Even", the data bits to "7" and the stop bits to "1".

The connection type should be set to "CompuServe".  This tells STSI Com to perform special operations for you, such as typing "off" before you hang up the telephone.

The initial carriage returns field should be set to 1.  When you call CompuServe, you must press ENTER once before you will be prompted for your host name, user ID, and password.  By entering 1 in this field, STSI Com will perform this step for you.

You may want STSI Com to log you into CompuServe automatically.  If you completed step #4 by filling in your CompuServe settings, STSI Com can optionally generate a default login script for you.  Clicking on the "CIS Login" button will instruct STSI Com to assign the correct parity, data bits, stop bits, connection type, and initial carriage returns values, and a default login script will be created for you.

Once you have finished adding or editing your CompuServe phonebook entry, select Ok to save it into the phonebook.  When you are ready, select the Dial button.  STSI Com will dial the entry that is highlighted in the table.  Once you are successfully connected to CompuServe, it is up to you to join the proper CompuServe forum and capture the messages.  For information on how to do this, see the section "Capturing CompuServe Messages" in the documentation.


Questions & Answers

Question:

How many messages can be stored in a CompuSlave database?

Answer:

The theoretical limit is 2 billion, but quite honestly, we have been unable to test that limit.  Our largest CompuSlave database, which is used on a daily basis, currently contains over 200,000 messages.

Question:

When attempting to use CompuSlave on a Novell network under Microsoft Windows 95, I am receiving the error message "Could not initialize the selected network type...".  It works fine when using the "None" or "MS-Net" network type, but not when the network type is set to "Novell".  What is wrong?

Answer:

This error message can occur after installing Microsoft's NDS support within Windows 95.  CompuSlave needs to access the file NWCALLS.DLL, but cannot find it in the Windows System directory.  If you are receiving this error, or any other network-related error message when using Windows 95 on a Novell network, make sure you have a copy of the file NWCALLS.DLL in your C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM directory.

Question:

Can I create a capture file for CompuSlave using WinCIM?

Answer:

Yes!  Follow these instructions:

1. Select "Terminal Emulation" from the "Special" menu.

2.  When presented with the Terminal Emulation dialog box, click on "Connect".

3.  The Terminal Emulation window will be displayed within WinCIM, and the bottom of the screen should display a prompt that says Enter choice or <CR> for more !

4.  Lets assume that you want to capture the messages in the Quarterdeck forum.  Type "GO QUARTERDECK" and press ENTER to move to the Quarterdeck Forum.  CompuServe will display information welcoming you to the conference, and prompt you to Press <CR> !

5.  After pressing ENTER, CompuServe will display the Forum Menu.

6.  Type 2 and press ENTER to move to the Messages Menu.

7.  From the Messages Menu, type 2 and press ENTER to Read or search messages.  The Read Menu options should be displayed.

8.  Now is when you must turn on the message capturing capability of WinCIM.  From WinCIMs Special Menu, select Record In File.  This will allow WinCIM to capture all future text into an import file that can be used by CompuSlave.

9.  The Open file dialog box will be displayed, prompting you to enter a filename that will be used to store the message text.  Remember that it is wise to use a filename that will be easy to remember.  In this case, type in the filename qdeck.txt and select Ok to turn on the capturing process.

 10.  Notice that on the bottom of the WinCIM screen, the status bar now says File Capture On.  This is how you know that you successfully started the capturing process.  Type 1 and press ENTER to read [NEW] messages in the Quarterdeck forum.

11.  CompuServe will display the first new message in the Quarterdeck forum, and display a prompt Press <CR> for next or type CHOICES !.  At this point, you should type SCROLL and press ENTER.  This instructs CompuServe to display the rest of the new messages without pausing or making you press ENTER.  All the text that scrolls by on your screen will probably be displayed much too fast for you to read, but thats okay since it is all being saved into the capture file that we created earlier.

12.  Once all of the new messages have been displayed and captured to the import file, CompuServe will return you to the Read Messages menu.

13.  Since all of  the new forum messages have been captured to the text file, you should now turn off the file capture.  To do this, select Record In File from the Special menu.  (Notice that there is a check mark beside this option, indicating that file capture is still on.  Once you select this menu option again, the check mark will disappear, and file capture will be turned off.)

14.  To verify that you turned off file capture, look again at WinCIMs status bar and make sure that the indicator says File Capture Off.

15.  You have now completed the capturing process.  To log off of CompuServe and hang up the telephone, you can do one of two things.  Either type off and press ENTER, or click on the Disconnect button at the top of the terminal screen.

16.  The newly created capture file is ready for importing into CompuSlave "as is".  There are no modifications that need to be made.  Simply select the Import option within CompuSlave after a database has been created or opened, and you can import the new capture file, named qdeck.txt.

Question:

How do I capture messages in a section of a particular forum when one CompuServe forum is used for multiple vendors?

Answer:

A good example of this problem is found with the PCVenA forum on CompuServe.  There are more than a dozen vendors that share this forum.  Using WinCIM as an example, perform the following actions:

1.  Type GO PCVENA to access the PC Vendor A forum and move to the Messages Menu.

2.  Type 1 and press ENTER to move to the SELECT (Read by section and subject) menu.  CompuServe will display a list of the vendors/sections contained in this forum.

3.  Select the vendor whose messages you want to capture.  In this case, you might type 14 and press ENTER for PC-Kwik Corporation.  Now, the Subjects Menu will be displayed, showing you the subjects within the PC-Kwik section.

4.  At this point, you should turn on the Record In File option from the WinCIM Special menu.  This will start the file capturing process.

5.  After turning on the file capturing feature within WinCIM, type ALL and press ENTER to instruct CompuServe that you want to read all messages within the forum.  After the first message is displayed, type SCROLL and press ENTER to automatically scroll through all new messages.  Once the messages have been displayed, CompuServe will display the prompt Press <CR> !.  At this point, turn off the Record In File option and sign off of CompuServe.


Cautions

As with any program that maintains large amounts of data, there is the possibility for data loss.  Regular data backups are strongly recommended.  Hard drives can fail, files can become corrupt, and data loss can occur.  Your best protection is a regular (verified) backup!

If your computer system should hang while you are performing a search with CompuSlave, you may find some temporary files left over in a temporary CompuSlave directory. These files will be located in a directory with a name such as TEMP0001, TEMP0002, etc., and will have a random file name such as 123BDX4Z.???.  (You will likely find one file with a .DAT extension, one with a .IX extension, and one with a .DIA extension.)  If you are sure that no other network users are performing a search, that this database is not one of your message databases, and that your computer system hung in the middle of a search, go ahead and delete it using CompuSlave.  For an explanation of why this temporary database is created, see the information on Searching the database.


Products By STSI

Stevenson Technical Services, Inc.

108 Second Avenue West

Bertha MN 56437-0297

Phone / FAX: (218) 924-2050

The STSI BBS: (218) 924-2060

Internet: http://www.stevetech.com

Internet Mail: support@stevetech.com

(Visa, MasterCard, American Express, & Discover Accepted)

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