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Modem Base "Ultimate Offline BBS File Maintainer" By Jonathan C. Canter (C)Copyright 1991, All Rights Reserved Modem Base (MBase) is a database management program specifically designed to allow offline manipulation of BBS program file listings. With MBase, the user can convert BBS text program file lists directly into a database format for further processing and storage. Once these file listings are incorporated into a useable database form, MBase allows the user complete control over the information. Because MBase allows offline manipulation of file listings, online service charges can be dramatically reduced. Additional savings are possible when MBase is used to prepare desired download files before you go online with the BBS containing the files desired. Reducing the costs is but one reason for using MBase. MBase is not just a 'view on screen' offline reader. With MBase you can manage all your program file inventory needs and much more. MBase has the following capabilities: * Browse - View and/or edit selected files while in column format * Create - Create new Mbase DBFs * LoadTxt - Load in any BBS formatted .ZIPped file listings * Copy - Make copies of your listings * Append - Add files from one list to another * Zap - Empty a database (clear out unwanted records) * Delete - Erase unwanted dbfs * Index - Create indices to view files the order/format you want * Global Update - Change or update all similar fields within a file * ViewEdit - Edit each record in full screen mode -- search, add, delete, list, find, etc * Dump Dups - Automatically find and delete duplicate records * Build Querys- Set filters/conditions affecting the other functions * Sum Times - Find out how much time the download will take for ? files * Want Lists - Tag files into a text file of desired files. This file is then useable with most TSR taggers for online use * Mark-Del - Globally mark for later deletion, any file/set of files * Set Baud - Establish your baud rate for Mbase to calculate download time * Catalog List - Maintain database of catalog names for 'typing' each file * BBS Lists - Maintain database of BBSs you regularly use * Load Ext List - Limit text file load to only selected extensions * Extension Includer - user can select only the extensions to load ------------------------ Disclaimer------------------------------------- With respect to the physical diskette sent to registered owners, the author warrants the same to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 60 days from the date of registration. In the event of notification within the warranty period of defects in material or workmanship the author will replace the defective diskette. The remedy for breach of this warranty shall be limited to replacement and shall not encompass any other damages, including but not limited to loss of profit, and special, incidental, consequential, or other similar claims. The author specifically disclaims all other warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose and the program license granted herein in particular, and without limiting operation of the program license with respect to any particular application, use, or purpose. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OF PROFIT, LOST SAVINGS, COMMERCIAL DAMAGE, OR OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE Modem Base EVEN IF THE AUTHOR (Jonathan Canter) OR AN AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR OF Modem Base HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY OTHER PARTY. This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state of Pennsylvania. By using any part of this program you acknowledge your agreement with all of the above conditions. Modem Base Version License Page ii For unregistered users, you are granted a license to use this software on A SINGLE COMPUTER for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days. If, on or before this time expires, you wish to continue using this software, you must register by sending the registration fee to the author Jonathan Canter for EACH COPY to be used. REGISTERED USERS ARE RESTRICTED TO THE SAME SINGLE MACHINE USE UNLESS THE REGISTRATION FEE FOR MULT-COPY USE WAS MADE. If you desire to use the software on more than one computer you must purchase a site license. The shareware version of this software may be freely distributed as long as the following conditions are met: 1) All files are distributed as is and in unmodified form. 2) No more than a $5.00 handling fee can be charged without the PRIOR written consent of the author "Jonathan Canter". 3) Modem Base may not be distributed with or as a part of any other product or software package without the prior written consent of the author "Jonathan Canter". REGISTERED COPIES OF THIS SOFTWARE WHICH HAVE BEEN PERSONALIZED WITH THE USER'S REGISTRATION NUMBER WITHIN THE MAIN PROGRAM, MAY BE FREE DISTRIBUTED IF ALL THE FILES FROM THE ORIGINAL SHIPMENT ARE KEPT INTACT. JCC OFFERS AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE A FINDER'S FEE TO ANY REGISTERED USER WHO, THROUGH HIS/HER DISTRIBUTION, GAINS JCC NEW REGISTRATIONS OF THIS SOFTWARE. Details are found following the documentation and is listed separately in a file titled "Finders.doc". Business and government users of Modem Base must register in order to legally use Modem Base. The 30 day evaluation privilege is only extended to non-business users. By using Modem Base you acknowledge having read this agreement, understand it, and agree to be bound by its terms and conditions. ____________ Modem Base Manual ______________ INSTALLING Modem Base ___For 720k or 1.44 meg floppy Drive Users: To gain more space on your floppy drive, make a backup of your original disk, then delete the following files from the disk. These are not required for Modem Base 2 to operate: * Mbase.doc * Register.doc * Finders.doc * Revisions.doc ___Hard Drive Users: Installation To install on a hard drive, use the DOS copy command to copy all required files to the Drive:\directory of your choice. Example: With Modem Base disk in drive A, type 'Copy A:\*.* D:\mbase\*.* where D is the desired drive and \mbase is the directory you've created using the DOS mkdir command. To run Modem Base, type Mbase while within this new directory. FILES PROVIDED ON SOFTWARE DISK * Mbase.exe -the main program * Mtitle.mem and Colors.mem -Modem Base logo screen and colors file. * manual.doc -Mbase3 documentation file * register.doc -registration and ordering form * revisions.doc -bug fixes, improvements, etc in latest version Additional files are created automatically by Mbase, intially, and anytime they are found missing from the default directory. These are necessary for operation like those above: * BCODE.MBF and BCODE.MBF * FILETYPE.MBF and FILETYPE.NDF * indices, created automatically and named the same as your database * TEMP.DBF (created and erased during and after load text transfer) BACKING UP YOUR ORIGINAL SOFTWARE DISK Backup your software before you install or run this program. If system errors occur, they may corrupt the files. A backup is your safeguard against losing the original files! PROGRAM LIMITATIONS ___Floppy Disk Users: Only 1.44M disk and drives are recommended. Modem Base is designed for hard drive use because of disk space and speed. ___Printed Reports: Epson compatible printers are required to ensure proper report printouts. ___Hard Drive Users: Disk space limited only by remaining hard disk space. ___RAM Memory: Conflicts may occur on machines with less than 512k memory or when dual run programs consume the RAM memory. Modem Base is MEMORY INTENSIVE, if you encounter "OUT OF MEMORY" conditions, modify your autoexec.bat and config.sys files to decrease memory consumption caused by other programs while running Modem Base. You can increase memory by adding the command "set clipper=v5" to your autoexec.bat file. (Insure you do not add spaces between the word clipper and the =v5) ___EXTENDED Memory: If you have enough memory, it would benefit you to run Mbase totally within this memory pool. Processing times for several of the database intensive tasks would greatly be reduced. GENERAL OPERATION MENU OPERATION All menus operate the same way: press enter on the highlighted word to activate the sub-option menus. Move the cursor to the function you wish to perform and press enter again to proceed to the selected function. Pressing the highlighted letter of the function will also process your keystroke. Example: Press enter while the word "Files" is highlighted. A sub-option list is displayed. You may move the cursor keys so the word 'Zap Database" is highlighted and press enter key again to proceed to the edit screen. A faster method is to press the letter "Z". Modem Base knows you want to "Z"AP a database and will take you to the required file screen. You may EXIT any level of menu or message screen by pressing the ESC key. Continue to press this key until you are at the prior menu level you desire. To exit or quit the Modem Base program, highlight the QUIT choice and press enter. Press enter again or the highlighted letter 'x'; you will return to DOS. IMPORTANT! Always exit Modem Base from the main menu. All menus are designed to return eventually to the main menu. File damage may occur if you reset the computer while Modem Base is still active (open database). Files: ------------ This is the primary menu for opening established databases, creating new databases, copy or appending them, clearing or completely erasing them, and for importing the program file lists (text format only) that you have downloaded before beginning modem base use. Indices: -------- This selection allows for reindexing an open database. You may wish to do so if an index appears corrupted or proper files are not listed when you operate other functions. Although this function is available, Modem Base usually should not require this action to be accomplished since it updates indexes automatically for you. Reindexing simply reconstructs the index file which is set to display records in the PROGRAM NAME field order or in the order you requested using CREATE INDEX. Edit: ----- This sub-menu is primarily where you will edit your databases. You can browse a previously loaded database. Within browse, you can edit each record while in column format. Also, you can search, mark for deletion, pack (del) and make notes for each file if necessary. You may also edit each record as a full screen, each record seen one at a time. Within this vertical edit mode, you may del, search, filter, list (print), and add new records. The global option allows you to update 1 or more records en'masse. Lastly, from the dump duplicates option, you can automatically search the database, with auto delete of any duplicates found. Reports selection: ------------------ Select this option for reports. Here is where you print to screen, file, or printer 1 or more of the records in a database. You can produce labels for your diskettes or for mailings. You can build query sets to filter selected records for printouts. You can activate the automatic downtime summing routine that will on screen show you the amount of time it would take to download 1 or more of the files within the active database based on the baud rating you had previously set and made active during the text upload of a BBS program file list. Lastly, you can tag files and store them into an ascii file that allows you to call them while online using one of many shareware tagging TSR programs. This allows you to quickly download the files instead of typing them at the DOWNLOAD?> prompts found online. Utilities selection: -------------------- View any file within the directory that is active. This allows you to see what a file may contain. The GLOBAL MARK-DEL function allows you to mark records from a database for subsequent deletion. Using the browse function, you then can pack your database, deleting any records marked. The SET BBS function allows you to maintain a list of BBSs frequently used. Modem Base allows you to choose from this list during BBS text file uploads. Your choice then becomes part of the database so you know where each file came from. You can also do the same with a catalog list database, allowing you categorize each program by type: word processing, game, spreadsheet, etc. Lastly, the Extension Includer allows you to tell Mbase what type of files you wish to INCLUDE each time you import text files. Mbase uses your 3 character inputted extensions (ZIP, EXE, TXT, ect..) to determine which files it will convert to database format. This function is helpful if you wish NOT to include certain files within your database listings; for example, you could avoid files with an ".ARC" extention by NOT including "ARC" as one of your inputs. Once inputted, Mbase remembers your choices until you modify them again. REMEMBER, YOU MUST INCLUDE AT LEAST ONE EXTENSION USING THIS FUNCTION OR MBASE WILL THINK YOU DO NOT WISH TO INCLUDE ANY AND THEREFORE YOU WILL GET THE 'NO TEXT FILE LINES FOUND' MESSAGE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO LOAD OTHERWISE GOOD PROGRAM FILES. Quit selection: --------------- Press QUIT and then 'x' or simply press return again. You'll exit to the operating system. The authors address information is displayed upon exit; report bugs, give comments, register, or get information on updates, etc. Modem Base Operation (These descriptions follow the menu selections from right to left and from top to bottom within each sub-menu for ease of instruction) ******* OPTION Files ******** Open Database: -------------- A 'No Database Found or Empty Database' message will display if you have never created your first database, no database exists, or the database desired or selected was found to contain no records. Most operations require a database to be open to before any operation effecting it can take place. Once you have created several databases to store your program file listings, you will come here to select one for using. Pressing enter will call up a popup box displaying a list of databases available for selecting. Highlight your choice and press enter and the status screen will display that the database is now active and the associated index is also active. In modem base, only one file is active at a time except during special functions like Copy, Append, etc. Upon selection, you are returned to the main top menu where you now can move to other sections to work with this now open database. Pressing ESC key within the popup box during database selecting, will return you to the main menu without opening any database. Note that some functions will close the active database upon completion of the tasks; simply reopen it or select another to work. If a database selected has not been previously indexed, Mbase will do it for you automatically, indexing on FNAME, the first field of the standard modem base DBF format. Make Database: _____________ Pressing this option causes a popup box, requesting a unique (new) filename you want the newly created file to be called. Once you've given a name to the new file, Mbase creates it for you. If you enter a name that already exists within the directory, you are warned and allowed to again try to enter a unique name. If you change your mind, press ESC to exit back to the main menu. The database created here is always in the format: Fname C 12 - Mbase.zip Size C 6 - 213434 Date D 8 - 11/01/91 Comments C 54 - Offline Program File Maintainer.. BBS C 2 - 1 to 99, used to show BBS source DT C 5 - download calculation in MIN:SEC format Notes M 10 - Memo field created as a .DBT file It is important to note that while you can import any text (ASCII or DELIMITED) into Mbase's database structure, this file sequence is not changeable within the Make Database function. Add Records: ____________ Here you can copy files from one database file to another. This is handy when you want to combine programs of one type: i.e... Quick Basic 4.5 files, that came from different BBSs into one database listing. Then you can view types of files without the distraction of 50,000 other files in your way!! When you activate this choice, a popup window allows you to select the TARGET file (file to copy record TO). After doing so, you will another popup asks you for the source file (file to copy FROM). Error control ensures that you don't try to copy a file into itself by beeping you with a warning window. Simply follow the instructions on screen by trying again to enter a unique name or press ESC to stop the append attempt. The target file selected will be the active database if you ESC from the append after having attempted to append. Simply reopen another database if the target is not the file you next want to use. Copy Records: _____________ This option allows you to make copies of existing databases. In essence, you are making backups of the original file under a unique name. An error popup message will beep you if you attempt to make a copy of a already established file, then you are offered the chance to re-enter a name that is unique. This function also allows you to tag (mark) selected records from the active database by producing a browse window of current records select only certain records, to make a copy of selected records via a previously established query set ( one you made before entering this copy database function), or by copying all records into the new database. Load Text File: --------------- This is really a invaluable function, making Mbase so important to the modem user. This function can recognize the various file text formats that BBS services use to display their files on screen and allow you to download. Here is where you first begin to incorporate BBS file lists into Mbase. The object is to take a BBS file listing, read it and dump the garbage, and the convert the good stuff (file.zip size date comments) into a database for you to then manipulate to your hearts content. Once you have downloaded a text file from a BBS system and ensure this text file is within the Mbase directory (or the one containing Mbase), activate this function. A popup window appears which allows you to select a text file to load. If no text file exists in the default directory, you are so notified and Mbase returns you to the main directory. You must then exit Mbase and ensure all text files you wish loaded are in the same location Mbase resides. Upon selecting the text file you wish loaded, Mbase flashes a message at the bottom of the screen in the status area. The text file will be searched for valid program listings. A window appears allowing you to enter a unique name for the database you wish Mbase to create and load the converted text to. When Mbase has a good filename, it begins the input with conversion of text records into database form. Remember, depending on your system, it may take some time for very large files to be converted. A message will flash in the status area indicating work in progress, be patient, good things come to those who wait. Mbase then AUTOMATICALLY will process your text file, converting the file into a Mbase useable database. Upon conversion, Mbase returns you to the main menu. Now, operate the various functions as you wish on this newly created database. IMPORTANT NOTE: Mbase uses imputs from you when converting the text file to ensure only the types of files you desire are incorporated into database format. By using the Extension Includer functions found under the UTILITIES menu, you enter, one at a time, the types of files you always want to INCLUDE during the conversion. This is done by entering the file extension (last three characters of a file name: ZIP,ARC,TXT,BMP,BAT,COM,EXE, etc.) Mbase stores your desired lists in the Colors.mem file, a file required by Mbase. Each time you load text into Mbase, Mbase will NOT ASK you at load time which files to include during the conversion. You must remember to create your list PRIOR to conversion. Once done, you need not worry again about the function unless you wish to CHANGE the types of files loaded. A 286, 8 meg hz system takes 9 minutes to convert a file to a database. This equates to 10,000 records! A faster machine (20 hz) of course would take far less time. If you the RAM and have Mbase within this extended memory, you could cut your time dramatically. While some might think this process is time consuming, it is far cheaper than being on line! I've only seen one other program that attempts to compete with Mbase; it took 5 hours! Mbase is fast! When Mbase has completed the conversion, you are returned to the main menu automatically with the newly created or updated database open ready for use. Zap Database: ------------- The function allows you to clear (empty) a database completely without erasing the file itself. The Zap function will close the current database and then remove all records, leaving the structure in tack. Some would argue that since Mbase databases are standard, why not just use the DEL DATABASE function to erase the file and start over. It's true, however, a few less steps are required, leaving you with a already created database with the name you want ready for other importing. Delete Database(s): ------------------- Here you can mark one or many files for deletion. You will probably be creating and deleting many in the course of weeks. This function pops up a window listing of current databases in the directory. You follow the instructions at the bottom of this window. Mark files to delete by pressing return key while the file you wish deleted is highlighted. Repeat this step for each file you wish to delete. If you decide that a file you marked is not one you want deleted, highlight the particular filename again, and press Enter once more, since the Enter key in this function acts a ON/OFF toggle. When your choices are made, pressing F10 will present you with the big question: "Verify Delete?". If you wish to avoid the deletion, press NO or move the cursor to highlight the word "NO" and press enter, the popup is removed and you're moved back to the main menu without deletions occurring. To continue with the deletions, press Enter on the "YES" and Mbase will display the filename it is deleting for you and indicates it is also removing the associated files (index by the same name and the .DBT memo file also). When all files marked have been deleted, you are returned to the main menu. ***** OPTION INDEX ***** (Reindex): ---------- Once in awhile you may find an index gets corrupted. A good indicator is when files you know exists do not show during display modes OR no files show at all. Although Mbase does everything to avoid this, it occasionally happens. Highlight this feature while the database is active and press Enter. Mbase will update the index file to match the database. Set Index Order: ---------------- This function is not needed unless you have created indexes other than the one Mbase creates (using FNAME as the key). If you have, selecting this feature allows you to change the order in which several indices have priority in sorting or displaying your records. NOTE: At present, any indices you create (even if they use FNAME field as the key field) will not be deleted if you decide to erase or Zap the database associated with the index. This is because Mbase will only recognize an index or .DBT file named the same as the database. Future releases will control all indices. Occasionally, if you do a lot of unique index creating, will have to delete manually any unwanted indices outside of Mbase. Although not the most sophisticated process, it is easy to identify indices not related to a valid database. When you view the directory, each database (.DBF) should have a index (.NTX) and a memo record file (.DBT) associated with it. Any index that does not have database file named exactly the same (except for the .DBF extension) is a loner and can be deleted. New Index: ---------- Press enter and a list of valid fields for the active database is displayed. Follow screen instructions to pick the key field for your index. Press F10. You are then allowed to name the index. This index will then become the controlling index until you use SET ORDER or you close and reopen the database in question. Global Update: -------------- This function is allows you to update a field with a new value of your choice for EVERY record within the selected database. Example: You created and loaded a database of 10,000 Quick Basic records. But you realize all the files are actually Pascal program files. Simply use Global Update. Select the category field and enter "PASCAL" as your desired category. ALL records will be updated by changing the category field to contain PASCAL. Browse Edit: ------------ This is an extremely useful function. Within browse, you can view the active database records a full screen at a time. You may edit records by pressing the enter key while the record and the desired field in question is highlited. You can elect to view a particular record vertically by pressing F3. You may also MARK a record you wish to later delete by pressing the spacebar. while highlighted. A box pops up allow confirmation of you decision. NOT UNTIL you PACK the database using the F4-Pack key. After marking the records to delete, press F4, and after confirmation, Mbase will purge the database of all marked records. F5- Find allows you to find a specific record; useful if your database contains 10,000 records! Even though Mbase keeps your records indexed, the find function is quicker than using the pagedown key to sequence through the records. Once a record is located, pressing F5 again, will continue the search for more like records. Lastly, a great feature is the Note taking feature, activated with F6. Here record comments that you want regarding a particular file. Vertical Edit: -------------- Allows you to edit one record of a database at a time. Within this function, you may do many of the the available functions available in Mbase. Remove Duplicates: ------------------ A painless way of removing any duplicate files within the active database. Duplication is based on program name field. ***** OPTIONS: Reports ***** Query Builder: ------------- This function displays a screen with several processing steps that the user can use to establish a query. A query set is simply a filter you create that allows you to select, view, edit, print, or delete a subset of an active database. For example, if you want to delete all the records within a given database that has the words "Demo" in the COMMENTS field, you would first build a query (filter) statement. Once created, you then can use the delete function to delete all records that match the condition you established using this query set. After you complete the query setup using the Build Query screen, you exit using the Quit option. Upon return to the main menu or the previous screen, the query is ready for use. In other words, it does not take effect on your database until you state that it should. For example: First establish a query and then return to the main menu. Then go to the COPY TO DATABASE option. During the copy process, Mbase will ask if you wish to copy using the query you set. If you answer yes or press enter on the query response, your copy will be based on this query. To build a query, activate the function from within the Reports menu option. (Also available from the Vertical Edit screen under the "Other" option.) With the Build Query screen active, you can highlight the Build selection item to start the process. A popup appears allowing you to first select the field that will be used for comparison or action. Next, a window asks you to define the relation that must be true (or false) before the record is effected. In other words, "= Equal to, <> Not Equal to, <= Smaller or Equal to.....etc.. Select the relationship that most fits your desired outcome. For example: If you want to set a filter to effect all files with the word DEMO in the COMMENTS field, highlight the $ symbol (means "is found in") and press return. As you process through the construction process, the effect of your work is shown below in the status window. After your selection, another window appears asking you to describe what the query builder is supposed to compare or look for to see if the record matches. As mentioned before, you want the word Demo to be found. So type Demo and press Enter. The status window shows the query set as it will be applied against the active database. NOTE: You may press F2 or F3 function keys to popup actual field contents or field names to make your matches instead of typing your data if this is a benefit to your goal. Now a final popup appears and asks you if you are done or if you want to further "condition" the database. If you need to, repeat the process by using the operators listed in the popup. When you are done, highlight DONE and press return, and you will be back at the Build Query screen. You may now save the query to disk for later use as well as for current use, zap it or start over, edit it manually (to fine tune the query), or Quit. Upon quitting, the query is ready for use. You must re-establish a query each time you begin a Mbase session unless you previously saved one. A query will also close if you close the database that the query was established for. If you need to use a query often, save it, recalling the Build Query screen and loading a previously saved query is efficient. Print Lists: ------------ Activating this function displays a work screen for selecting the fields that you wish to print. Keep in mind that you can output to screen, text file, or to printer. You may also filter the database that is active by first building a query BEFORE entering the print list function (like all other functions that you may wish filters to apply to). Pick the fields you wish included in the report (listing) by following the instructions in the popup field box. You can select all or just 1, then F10 saves your choices. The status box bottom screen records your actions. Once selected you can select to list via screen, text file, or printer. You then can indicate page size, columns, and number of records. If you wish to save your report definition, this option is available also. If you want to modify the list, you may. Upon completing the printing setup, Mbase begins the report output as you designed. Format/Print Labels: ------------------- Creating labels is easy. Select this option an a label function menu appears. If you have previously saved a label format, you can load it into Mbase. Once loaded, you may modify it or print it. To create a new label file, activate the create option and give the default label a name. Once created, you may complete the process by going to the modification option of the main label menu. With this option, you can enter just about any text you desire. Pressing the listed function keys allows fields to be selected from the active database. You can use RTIM and other string formatting functions to fine tune the output. Activate the HELP function key to get help on how to do this. You can also establish the type of labels you wish to produce (size / type) and the number you wish to print. You also can tag certain records to be printed also by poping up a window of records found in the current database, simply pressing enter to check mark them, and ESC to activate continue the label producing process. Just follow the popup instructions. Before beginning a long label printing task, you can test for label alignment by sending sample test patterns to the printer. A useful function. Mbase tests for printer readiness prior to printing and will ask you several other questions applicable and easy to follow. Tally Downtime: --------------- Every modem user needs to know how long it will take to download selected files when online. This function is great. While an active database is loaded, activate this function. You are asked to select either tagged records to report or all records. Tagging certain records is probably what you most often will use, since you would be finding the download time for a select few that you will download from the BBS session. Once you have either tagged several or request all records, Mbase will sum the previously recorded downtimes for each file. Each record has a downtime field which was automatically calculated during text-to-dbf conversion BASED ON THE BAUD RATE SETTING you had established before the conversion transpired. So if you had selected 2400 baud rate, Mbase produces an APPROXIMATE time in minutes:seconds (xx:xx) and puts this calculation into the DT (downtime) field. When you request a summing, Mbase uses these times found in each DT records field to give you a total. The popup screen will display "XX hrs XX min XX secs" for the given database and the records you chose to sum. This window is only a status window; press return to remove and return to the main menu. Want Lists Builder: ------------------- This is an ideal function for selecting the records you wish to download in preparation to go back online with the BBS that has these files. The want lists function allows you to tag the records you wish to download. Upon tagging, you are asked name a file that Mbase will make to contain the records you selected. I suggest you find within the programs you have available a program that is able to load a text file listing of desired downloads. FILETAG.ZIP is one such Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) program you can get from most any BBS. Its function is to stay loaded in memory while you go on line. It allows you to mark records while on screen. During the BBS question: "What File Do you want downloaded (name)=>", you would activate the TSRs hot key to activate, and force your previously saved download list into the BBS line. This save you much precious time and $$$$$ !! With the want lists function, you can use such a program to read the file you've created (as previously described) so by the time you go on line, you already have your list ready to go!!! Mbase allows you to name the download wish list any name and extension you desire, thus allowing you to match the naming convention required by a particular file tagging program. ******** OPTIONS: Utilities ******** View Files: ----------- This is a nice option to quickly view a text or ASCII file without having to exist to Dos. Also, it is handy when you want to see what a text file looks like before converting to a database format. Activate this option and a popup filename box appears. Enter the name of the file you wish to view OR simply press enter to get a list of all files within the directory. View File function is not particular, it will attempt to look at any type of file, even .Com, .Exe., and .Dbf files. The value of looking into these files is left to you experts! Global Mark-Delete: ------------------ This function operates exactly like the Build Query function with a major difference! This function allows you to mark records for later deletion. Remember, these are only marked as deleted. Only the PACK function can actually delete these marked files (unless ERASE the entire database). Once you have marked the desired records, use browse function to look at the database files. You will see as you page through the database, those that were marked due to the Mark-Del function. Now, while within the browse function, press the function key which calls the PACK function. You will be given opportunity to ESC or to follow through. The purpose of this function is to quickly get rid of types of files you do not want. Example: Mark all with "Assembly Language" in the Comments field or all files with a date earlier than 1989. Set Baud Rate: -------------- This is a simple popup function that you will not have to useoften. It in a way is a default you select initially, never having to set again unless you change to a modem having a different baud rate. While within the popup window, select the type of modem baud rate you have. Your choice is stored within the file Colors.mem and is always available in future sessions unless you change it. Mbase uses your selection to set an internal variable to a characters per second rate that is standard for the rating you selected. A 2400 baud will produce at an average of 232 chars per second. Obviously, many factors effect the rate, so understand that this is an approximation of the rate. BBS Names Database: ------------------- This is a database file (Bcode.MBF) solely for maintaining a record of the BBSs you use and a code that Mbase can use within the program file databases to note where each file originated from. You should add the names of each BBS you use into this file and assign a code of your choice from 1-99, representing the BBS. Remember, when you convert a text file from a BBS (example: EXEC-PC), Mbase will popup a listing of your BBSs, asking which one was the source for your files. Selecting the BBS will assign the CODE YOU ASSIGNED to the database. Then when you look at files, you see the number "23", you know it came from EXEC-PC. Also this field can be used efficiently later for deleting en'masse record from a particular BBS no longer desired. ESCing from this popup box will cause "??" to be placed in the BBS field and printouts, indicating that Mbase does not know the source of your records. Category Database: ------------------ Most of the time, a user must catalog the 'type' of program each record is. For example: All Quick Basic files could be cataloged under the word programming, or under QB, or any other convention you so desire. The database FILETYPE.MBF is solely used for creating a listing of the types of file categories you want. After you have loaded in the different types or classifications of files, Mbase will call this database during text uploads and ask you what the catalog type should be. If all the files belong to one type, you can enter it and Mbase will make all CATALOG fields have this classification in it. However, many time you are downloading the entire listing from a database (for you addicts). In this case, just press ESC to leave the CATALOG field empty. Later you can use the Global function to en'masse update this field. Extension Includer: ------------------- This is an important function. You need to tell Mbase what types of files you wish included during the text-to-database conversion. It is designed to allow you to avoid the types of files you never use or have need for. It works by allowing you to imput the 3 character extensions that you wish to INCLUDE during the text conversion. Typical extensions include ZIP, EXE, COM, ARC, TXT, etc. If you do not want to have files with the "LZH" extension, DO NOT INCLUDE this 3 character extension when making the include list. Mbase ONLY loads programs listed from within a text file that MEET your include list. Although it seems easier to have created an EXCLUDE list, the system works faster by only having to know what you want, not what you do not want. A popup window appears, and you type in the first desired extension: lets say ZIP. Your input is listed on line 21. Repeat this process for all the types of extensions you wish Mbase to include. Each entry is listed on the line so you know what has been used. Upon completion, press enter and your list is stored. Mbase will ALWAYS use this list (found in colors.mem) until you again use the function. Remember, you must use the function before conversion or only your last list will be applicable. ********* OPTIONS: Quit ********* Quit: ----- It says it all! (Make sure this is the way you quit Mbase or, like many programs, you could corrupt your files. Upon Exit, Author Information: ----------------------------- Not so much ego as my way of letting you contact me to: * register the program (mail or you pay for the call, please) * comment on desired improvements * let me know of bugs (write to me, then I can review your information several times. User who present problems that improve my program and are incorporated will receive upgrades at ONLY the mailing costs of the upgrades!!! I honor those who are faithful to the concept of shareware and are willing to pay the small fee to authors like me; the time spent and family missed to bring you a program to save you time and money is worth your time to register. Thanks to the many of you who have, and will. Jonathan C. Canter. 8069 Peebles Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15237