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Petrie Software Co. is an ASP approved Publisher - I - WARRANTY Disclaimer agreement ......................... 1 Disclaimer of Warranty ....................... 1 ASP Ombudsman statement .......................... 1 What is Shareware ............................ 2 FILE LISTING Files and their purpose ...................... 3 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Hardware ..................................... 3 Software ..................................... 3 REGISTRATION Registration Information ..................... 4 Order Form ................................... 5 TUTORIAL 30 STEPS Introduction ................................. 6 Using CREATE ................................. 6 Using EZ-DB .................................. 7 CREATE Introduction ................................. 8 Creating a Database File ..................... 8 Defining a Structure ......................... 9 Field Name ................................... 9 Field Type ................................... 9 Field Len .................................... 10 Field Dec .................................... 10 Hot Keys ..................................... 10 EZ-DB EZ-DB intro .................................. 11 Getting started with EZ-DB ................... 11 Selecting a record ........................... 11 FUNCTIONS & SUB-MENUS Selecting a function ......................... 12 Add Record ................................... 12 Modify Record ................................ 12 Delete Record ................................ 12 Display Record ............................... 13 Print Record ................................. 13 SELECTING A SPECIFIC RECORD All Records .................................. 13 Specific Record .............................. 13 Multiple Select .............................. 14 Relational Operators ......................... 14 EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - II - PRINT Selected Record(s) ........................... 15 Record(s) Columns ............................ 15 Mailing List/Labels .......................... 15 Mailing Label ................................ 15 Edit Label File .............................. 15 Edit Column File ............................. 15 EDITOR & LETTERS Using the Editor ............................. 16 Current Letter ............................... 17 Letter(s) Selected Records ................... 17 Letter Current Record ........................ 17 Edit Current Letter .......................... 18 Letter Type .................................. 18 FORMS Using a Form ................................. 18 How to create a form letter .................. 18 OPTIONS Re-Index File ................................ 18 Purge Records ................................ 19 Move Field ................................... 19 CONFIGURATION Printer Width ................................ 19 Left Margin .................................. 19 Word Wrap .................................... 19 Total Columns ................................ 19 Column Width ................................. 19 Column Spacing ............................... 19 QUIT Exit to Dos .................................. 19 System ....................................... 19 OTHER PRODUCTS Dir-Desc ..................................... 20 BBS's HOME BBS ...................................... 21 HOME-ward BBS's ............................... 21 ASP Hub Network AHN ........................... 21 - 22 EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 1 - Disclaimer agreement Users of EZ-DB must accept this disclaimer of warranty: "EZ-DB is supplied as is. The author and or publisher disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author and or publisher assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of EZ-DB. EZ-DB is a "Shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your friends, family or co- workers, but please DO NOT gibe 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 EZ-DB and continue to use EZ-DB after a reasonable trial period, you must make a registration payment of $10.00 to PETRIE SOFTWARE Co.. The $10.00 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. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY THIS SOFTWARE AND MANUAL ARE SOLD "AS IS" AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES AS TO PERFORMANCE OF MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. BECAUSE OF THE VARIOUS HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE ENVIRONMENTS INTO WHICH THIS PROGRAM MAY BE PUT, NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS OFFERED. GOOD DATA PROCESSING PROCEDURE DICTATES THAT ANY PROGRAM BE THOROUGHLY TESTED WITH NON-CRITICAL DATA BEFORE RELYING ON IT. THE USER MUST ASSUME THE ENTIRE RISK OF USING THE PROGRAM. ANY LIABILITY OF THE SELLER WILL BE LIMITED EXCLUSIVELY TO PRODUCT REPLACEMENT OR REFUND OF PURCHASE PRICE. IN NO EVENT WILL PETRIE SOFTWARE BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS OR OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF YOUR USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PROGRAM, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY OTHER PARTY. PLEASE READ THIS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION! ASP Ombudsman Statement This Program (EZ-DB) is produced by (Petrie Software Co.) which is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 2 - ASP Ombudsman cont.. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. FAX: 616-788-2765 Please write to: ASP Ombudsman 545 Grover Road Muskegon, MI 49442-9427 USA or send a Compuserve message via CompuServe Mail to: ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536 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 registering you get the simple right to continue using the software with the beginning and ending (reminder screens) removed. Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the copy right 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. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it. Commercial users of EZ-DB must register and pay for their copies of EZ-DB within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn. Site-License arrangements may be made by contacting Petrie Software. Anyone distributing EZ-DB for any kind of remuneration must first contact Petrie Software at the address below 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 EZ-DB immediately (However Petrie Software must still be advised in writing that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest version of EZ-DB. You are encouraged to pass a copy of EZ-DB 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 received a copy of the latest version of EZ-DB. EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 3 - FILE LISTING File Names Purpose ========================================================================== README.1ST A simple informational text file INSTALL.EXE Install un-packs 1st 2 files mentioned EZ-DB.EXE The main executable file EZ-DB.INI Init file, holds info for use by EZ-DB EZ-DB.DOC Detailed information text file (MANUAL) CREATE.EXE Function for creating database files CUSTOMER.DBF Sample database file CUSTOMER.NDX Sample index file CUSTOMER.BAK Sample backup file SAMPLE.LTR Sample letter file ORDER.FRM Registration form, a simple text file ========================================================================== SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS - Hardware: The minimum hardware should be an IBM PC XT/AT or compatible. The minimum amount of RAM should be no lower than 256k. A hard drive is also recommended. - Software: The minimum software that is required for EZ-DB would be DOS 3.0 or greater. EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 4 - REGISTRATION If you find EZ-DB to be of use, a registration fee of $10.00 is required. As a registered user of EZ-DB v1.5 with Petrie Software, you will be entitled to the following: - The right to continue using a registered version of EZ-DB v1.5 The latest version. (with the opening and ending screens removed) and a registration number assigned to you. - Inform you when new releases become available, also any other software that Petrie Software will be distributing. We appreciate your comments and suggestions about this program. We also would like feedback on any other ideas for different applications which you may use for your business or personal use. Please send your registration to: Petrie Software Co. PO Box 904 Northboro, MA. 01532 Thank you for your support for this program and to the SHAREWARE concept. TRY BEFORE YOU BUY EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 5 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- REGISTRATION FORM EZ-DB 1.5 \ CREATE 1.0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Send to: Petrie Software Co. P.O. Box 904 Northboro, MA. 01532 BBS (508) 393-1731 Live | Voicemail (508) 393-1732 For proper registration the entire form must be completed. The information is important to both you and my company. THANK YOU! Name: ________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________ City: _________________________ State: _____ Zip Code: _____________ Telephone Number (Optional) (_____) _____ - _______ Where did you receive EZ-DB & CREATE. Example if from a BBS please add their BBS name, address and phone number. __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Specify disk size: 5 1/4 (_) or 3 1/2 (_) (__) Please send me EZ-DB for the low price of $10.00. (__) Please send me both EZ-DB and DIR-DESC for the low price of $15.00. Additional comments/suggestions:________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Please see page #20 for a full description of DIR-DESC. If you register EZ-DB Ver1.5 & DIR-DESC we will cut the registration fee from $20.00 to $15.00 for both EZ-DB and DIR-DESC. Thank You for supporting our software and the shareware concept. EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 6 - TUTORIAL This is a simple step by step procedure to help you get started with this software. EZ-DB and CREATE are very simple to use programs made for people with little or no experience using or creating databases. If you have some experience with using this type of software you may want to skip over this tutorial and read over the more in-depth information located in this manual beyond the tutorial section. This section is not explained very much just step by step instructions to get you started. Everything is fully explained later. Following is a short 10 minute tutorial that will take you step by step through the process of building a database. This tutorial is very short and to the point. Every procedure is explained in detail later in the document. The commands in UPPER CASE and double quotes (example: "DIR") are to be executed without the double quotes or in upper case. Double quotes and upper case are just used for clarity! Also if you press return by mistake or want to go back to a field just use the arrow keys. use CREATE to define a structure STEP # 1. Copy the EZ-DB & CREATE files to a directory using install or manually copy them using dos commands. 2. Enter the directory that houses EZ-DB & CREATE files. 3. Type "CREATE" at the dos prompt and press enter. 4. Enter the name of the database you want to create. If you do not have a name yet type "TFILE", short for test file, and press return. 5. Type y or n, I type "Y" return is not necessary. 6. Enter a field name like "SALESMAN" and press return. 7. Press return because the name of the salesman are characters. 8. Enter "25" and press return, this is how long the field will be. 9. You have just moved down to field #2, enter "SM_NUMBER" and press the return key. ID_NUMBER is going to give use his ID number. 10. Press the letter "N" , now this category is a numeric field. 11. Enter "5" and press return, now this category can be up to five numbers in length. 12. Press return for I am not using decimals in their ID category. 13. Enter "SALES_AMNT" no need to press return you filled the field and create automatically enters you into the next field. 14. Enter "N" for Numeric, no need to press return. 15. Enter "9" and press return. 16. Enter "2" and press return, This is the amount he has made in sales. Being an amount a decimal is used to point out cents 17. Enter "THE_DATE" and press return. 18. Press "D" you will see that the field type filled in with date and the field length filled in with an eight. It also sent you to a a new field number. EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 7 - Tutorial Cont. 19. Enter "CUS_SATISF" meaning Customer Satisfaction, no need to press the return key. 20. Enter "L" notice that it filled in the fields like the date did and sent you to another field. 21. Press the "F1 key" and then the "ENTER" key. This will send you out to your dos prompt. Now lets run EZ-DB with the new database file we just created! 22. From the dos prompt type "EZ-DB TFILE" and press return. You will get an error a the lower left hand side of the screen. Disregard this for it is just telling you that the database is empty. 23. Press the "F1 key" this will pull down a menu with add new record highlighted, press return to add a new record. 24. Enter the salesman name "DANIEL PETRIE", or your name, this is case sensitive you should capitalize proper names etc.... 25. Enter his ID number "01234" and press return 26. Enter "1234.22" and press enter. He made $1,234.22 on this sale. 27. Enter "081295" and press return. There is no need to move the cursor over the / mark EZ-DB will enter the field properly for you. 28. Enter y or n I am entering "Y" and press return. 29. Press "F1 key" to save your entry 30. DO NOT be alarmed if you do not see anything press the "F1 key" again and use the right arrow key and highlight All Records under the select menu, and press return. There is the data you just entered, try steps 23 through 29 a few times and then perform step 30 to see everything you have entered. Now that you have this exercise working, exit out of the main menu by pressing F10 and start at step 1 and create a database that you will use. Remember that you can always come back to this database that you created and experiment with it. EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 8 - CREATE Introduction CREATE is a simple utility which allows the user to create DBASE III compatible files for use with EZ-DB. CREATE creates the two files necessary for EZ-DB to function properly. The first file name has the extension of "DBF" which is the data file and is where all the records are stored. The second file has the extension of "NDX" which is the index file. The index file holds selected information on which the data file is indexed. Creating A Database File EZ-DB / CREATE (CREATE.EXE) can be executed from any floppy or hard drive, although it is recommended that they be installed or copied to your hard drive. From the directory which houses these files type the word CREATE and press the return key. Caution if you are using a 8088 computer don't forget to change sysmode and be running in ibm mode. A screen appears with two boxes and two different extension names in them. The program CREATE is used to make two files. (( .NDX )( .DBF )) are the extensions associated with those files. The .NDX file is the index for the database. What that means is it handles how your data should be held in the database. The .DBF file holds all of your information that you enter later using EZ-DB. Think of a name appropriate to the database you want to create. Examples: If you want to create a Database of people you want on a mailing list for your Business good names are dealers, vendors, authors etc... depending on your business. If you want to create a Database of things some names could be like housestf, B_c@rds, jewelry, checks, bonds etc... The rule is that the file name must be eight characters or less. Characters that are included are the alphabet a thru z, underscore _, explanation point !, at sign @, pound sign #, and the dollar sign $. As you type in the name you picked, it is echoing in the other box that is so there are no spelling mistakes. Both the .NDX and the .DBF files should have the same name. If you make a mistake just use the backspace key and delete the name and put in another one. If you change your mind and do not want to create one now press the escape key and that will take you back to the dos prompt. NOTE: CREATE will only make files in the current directory if they don't exist! EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 9 - Creating a database file cont... After naming the file you are asked if you want to allow duplicate records. What we mean by this is, if you select (N)o when asked, while using EZ-DB and entering your data, the first field will not allow you to enter a record which already exists. EXAMPLE: If the first field is company (meaning company name) and you have Petrie Software in that field you cannot have another company with the same name. This is used to prevent duplicate records for example mass mailings. You would not want to send out data 2, 3, or more times to a company and run up your post office bill. If you select (Y)es, then you will be allowed to create records with the same data entered. This means you can have two or more records that are duplicates. The arrow keys move the cursor to any field. When the fields take up more than a single screen you can press the page up and page down keys to scroll through the fields, a file may have up to 128 fields. Press the F1 key to exit the program and create the files. Press enter to confirm and create that database or escape to exit, the program without creating the files. Defining a Structure Define the structure of the database file by specifying the following information for each field: - FIELD NAME: The field name must start with a letter, but the rest of the name and can contain digits, letters and underscores. - FIELD TYPE: Valid field types are Character, Numeric, Logical or Date. Character fields: Contain text, this includes anything that can be printed including letters, numbers, symbols, and spaces. A character field can be up to 254 characters in length. Numeric Fields: Can contain only numbers, the decimal point and a plus (+) or minus (-) sign and commas are not allowed. This field can be up to 19 characters in length. Logical Fields: Contain one character. (Y)es or (N)o. A Logical field is used to keep track of items that can only be one of two things. Date Fields: Is eight characters in length and is used to store dates. ( Example>> "08/31/63" ) EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 10 - Defining a Structure cont.. - FIELD LEN: Field Length is the maximum number of characters or digits that are to be contained in the field. In the case of numeric fields the decimal point and + sign are counted in the length. - FIELD DEC: Field Decimal is the number of decimal places to be used in a numeric type field only. The length of digits is 1 to 19. Enter decimal places 0 to 15 and keep it at least 2 less than the fields length. YOU CAN ALWAYS RETURN TO CREATE AND CHANGE YOUR DATABASE STRUCTURE AT ANY TIME. REMEMBER THAT IF YOU DELETE A FIELD WHILE YOUR IN CREATE YOU WILL LOSE THE INFORMATION WHEN YOU ENTER BACK INTO EZ-DB! ADDING FIELDS DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH THE INFORMATION THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN ADD USING EZ-DB! HOT KEYS for CREATE - F1: Pressing the F1 key will save the file and exit you back. - F10: Is the hot key for on-line help. The on-line help screen will tell you the hot keys and their functions. - ALT M: This is a move feature that will allow you to move a certain fields position. Place the cursor on the field that you wish to move, press ALT M and the current field will blink until you move it to a new location and press the enter key. - ALT D: Will delete the current field where the cursor is positioned. Remember that if you delete a field in CREATE it will not be in EZ-DB. If you have any information in that field it will be lost, and you cannot retrieve it! - ALT I: Will insert a new field where the cursor is positioned. EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 11 - Introduction to EZ-DB EZ-DB's easy to use fully functional Data Base management system provides tracking for any records of large numbers for individuals/companies, etc. Translator is a function that comes with Lotus and can change your files to be DBASE compatible files that will run with EZ-DB. This has not been fully tested but I hope to have documentation on this matter in the next release. I will also look for other converters for you. With EZ-DB, you can print out customized records, mail merge for mass mailings, custom letter applications, labels, etc. EZ-DB also includes a easy to use editor for creating all of your letters and labels. EZ-DB Getting Started To start type ez-db (file name) where file name is the file that you made with the CREATE function. Failure to enter a filename, EZ-DB will automatically look for the customer.dbf file. The customer file is a default file that EZ-DB looks for. If that file cannot be found you will get an error and EZ-DB will not run properly. To start EZ-DB you must first use the create function and build a database, explained earlier in this book. When starting EZ-DB you should first enter the directory that holds the EZ-DB files. When in the appropriate directory your command line should look like this (c:\EZ-DB\ez-db (database name)) and press return. The c:\EZ-DB is your root prompt and the directory name which holds the files, assuming that you named the directory EZ-DB. The \ez-db executes the program and database name is the name you used in the CREATE function. When you first start EZ-DB with a new database name, you will see no records in the database. Press the F1 key to active the menu selections from the top. Refer to add a record located at the lower portion of this page and the beginning of the next page to begin adding records. EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 12 - EZ-DB FUNCTIONS & SUB MENUS SELECTING A FUNCTION: The FUNCTION menu is located on the TOP of the screen. Press F1 to bring up the menu. Use the UP, DOWN, RIGHT and LEFT arrow keys to highlight the desired FUNCTION. Press ENTER to execute the selected function. - Add Record: When Add Record is selected, a data entry screen is displayed. There is a menu located on the top to the screen and the fields of your data base are listed on the left. The highlighted area next to the field name shows you how many characters that can be entered in that specific field, which you assigned in the create function. The return key is used as an enter key, after entering your data you must press the return key so that the database excepts the data and also moves you to the next field. You can use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to move the Highlighted area through the various fields in the database. EZ-DB also supports the use of the BACKSPACE, DELETE, and the INSERT keys. - Add a Record (Continued): When you are satisfied with your entry press F1 to SAVE RECORD. The more information you enter on your customer base, the more effective EZ-DB will be to you. You will notice that the screen will begin to fill with the data that has been entered. There are two ways to have your record show in the database, the first is you press F1, go to select and press enter on all records. The second way is if you are in the database and you scroll the screen one page away from the targeted area and back that record will appear. - Modify Record: When Modify Record is selected, the Add record data entry screen and the "CURRENTLY SELECTED" record's data is displayed next to the appropriate field on the screen. Functionality is the same for Add Record. - Delete Record: When Delete Record is selected, the "CURRENTLY SELECTED" record is marked for deletion. The record will remain in the data base file until the PURGE RECORDS function is executed from the OPTIONS menu. If the record is already marked as "DELETED", then it can be UN-MARKED and will not be affected by the PURGE RECORDS function by pressing the F8 key. EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 13 - Functions cont. - Display Record: When Display Record is selected, the "CURRENTLY SELECTED" record is displayed on the screen. Press the escape key to return to the main screen. - Print Record: When Print Record is selected, the "CURRENTLY SELECTED" record is sent to the printer and you are returned to the main screen. SELECTING A RECORD: Use the PgUp and PgDn keys to move by page. Use the up and down arrow keys to move the highlighted bar through the records until you reach a desired record that you are looking for. Press return to select the highlighted record which will be referenced to as the "CURRENTLY SELECTED" record from now on in this document. After pressing the return key on a record you will enter a view screen. The format of this screen is vertical, this makes it easier to read all of or most of the files located in that record. Pressing the escape key will exit you from this view feature back to the database. SELECTING A SPECIFIC RECORD SELECT: from the SELECT submenu, you are given the following choices: Select All Records: Reinitializes the data base and all records are displayed on the screen. EZ-DB allows you to select one or more records that meet your specified search criteria. EZ-DB is not case sensitive when using specific and Multiple select. If you are looking for all the records that their last names are Anderson, you may also type anderson and get the same result. - Specific Record: This is a simple way to select records. It only uses the equals condition (Show records that equal specified search criteria). Simply select the field you want to search on and press the RETURN key. Type in your search criteria, (Ex. FIRST_NAME = John) and it will select only the records which have John as a first name. If you can't remember the exact spelling of a name or address etc... you can type in the first few characters and only those records that begin with the specified characters are selected. EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 14 - Select a record cont. - Multiple Select: You also have the ability to build a complex query using one or all the fields of the data base and combining them with relational and/or logical operators. Relational Operators : Logical Operators: = Equal to .AND. < Less than .OR. > Greater Than <= Less Than or Equal to >= Greater Than or Equal to <> Not Equal to Press the F1 key to enter menu selections and pick select, pick multiple select and press return. A window will appear and that will show you all the fields in the database, from the selection field select the field you would like to run a condition on. Another window will open, here you pick the relational operation that you want to perform. After selecting the operator press return which will prompt you for the criteria that the operator will use. Again press return, you will be prompted to either select a logical operator or no more conditions. If you select one of the operators you will start the process again from the fields of the records. If you select no more conditions it will process the information that you have entered and show you the results. Use this function a few times, play with it and make some test runs. It won't hurt anything and you will enjoy the many different ways you can use your data with EZ-DB. At anytime you may press escape and either exit the process or just backup one window at a time. For example if you want to search for all companies that begin with the letter "A" and that are in the state of CALIFORNIA. From the selection field, select the category COMPANY and press return. Another window will open and ask you to select the category = EQUAL TO and enter the letter A. Then select COMBINE WITH .AND. and press RETURN. Press the arrow key so that the highlighted bar is on STATE. Press RETURN and insert the letters CA in the query area. The highlighted bar is on NO MORE CONDITIONS, press RETURN again and EZ-DB will search for all companies that begin with the letter A and are located within the state of CA. EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 15 - PRINT Selected Records: This feature will print a listing of all "SELECTED" records. in a column format. On the printout you will get your data fields at the top in a neat menu. A vertical listing of all the records that you selected with the page number at the top of every page. Records Columns: Print selected records in columns. You first have to make a column file with the format that you want. Also you must set the last three variables in the config section of the menu fields. The config section is set to a default. Mailing List/Labels: Simply prints a mailing list for each "SELECTED" record(s) on a 3 1/2" by 15/16" label format. Mailing label: Prints a mailing label for ONLY the "CURRENTLY SELECTED" record. Edit label file: Using the editor which is explained on page nine. You can format the file to print out in any form. Edit Column file: Using the editor you will create the format of how the columns will be printed out. Example: *#DATE#**#NAME#**#COMPANY#**#ADDRESS#* EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 16 - EDITOR & LETTERS The Editor EZ-DB has installed a editor for the use of creating letters. In the menu of the database there are three ways of entering the editor, and each way has the word edit in the string. Two of them are under the print menu and the other is under the letters menu. Once you enter the editor you can just start typing in your letter, form letter or label as you would with any word processor or wp. In the editor is an on-line help menu: The F1 Key: In that menu is the F1 key that is used to save the file. At any time you can press F1 to save the file and exit out to the database. The F5 Key: F5 Pick Field is used to enter any field that is in the database. Position the cursor where you would like to have a field inserted into your letter. Selecting the F5 key opens a window with every field in the database. You can use the arrow keys to select any one of these fields to enter into your letter. Press return on the field you want to enter and the window will close. A word (the field name) will appear at the cursor and it will be surrounded with the pound sign and the star sign on either side of it. The F7 Key F7 Pick Function opens a window and gives you the option to enter the date in two different formats, (Month, Day Yr) or (MM-DD-YY). The F7 key also allows for the current time, (Hour:Min). Both of these functions will give the proper date and time of the system, the day they are used not the day of the creation of this letter. The Escape Key: Escape is used to exit the letter, and return to the database without saving any changes you may have entered. EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 17 - The Editor Cont. By inserting the fields, you will be able to print out your letters personalized, your forms quickly and efficiently, and your labels personalized for mass mailings to everyone in your database. Field Symbols: EZ-DB will search through any document that you created for a field name with these symbols *# #*. A valid field name is written between these *# #* symbols, the entire string will be replaced by the data of that particular field for that record. LTR Extension: This editor uses any ASCII text file with the extension of "LTR". Most word processing packages allow you to create ASCII text files with a conversion utility that is built into them. Convert your document into ASCII text and if you have to, using DOS, rename the file so it has an extension of LTR. EZ-DB needs to "read" the LTR extension to function properly. Example: your word processor names your file "LETTER.DOC". Rename it to "LETTER.LTR" Current Letter: When this is selected, the system will display all your "LETTER" files in the current directory in a window. You are then prompted to select the file you wish to use as the current letter. Make your selection by using the UP, DOWN arrow keys. When the desired file is highlighted, press the return key to enter the desired letter for the editor or the escape key to return to the letter menu. The file you select will now be displayed next to the CURRENT LETTER option. Letter(s) Selected Records: This selection will print a personalized letter for each of the selected records (on continuous form paper). Letter Current Record: This selection will print a personalized letter for only the "CURRENTLY SELECTED" record. EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 18 - the Editor Cont. Edit current Letter: This function allows you to create or edit the letters in the database. Press the F1 key and use the arrow keys to open the letters menu and select edit current letter. This will enter you into EZ-DB's editor. Earlier on pages 9 & 10 you were given a description on how to use the editor, if needed please read again and refresh. If you have a letter that you have already created and want to change it for any reason go to the current letter section and it will give you a pick of letters to choose. EXAMPLE: If the "CURRENTLY SELECTED" record's Field's FIRST_NAME was John, you could write a personalized letter to John by starting the letter with the line "Dear *#FIRST_NAME#*, will be printed as "Dear John," Letter Type: This option is used to specify whether you want to print out a regular letter or print out a form letter. A regular letter will be text with options from the fields that you choose. (EXA. order.ltr) FORMS What is a form letter: A FORM letter is used in conjunction with EZ-DB. This feature will enable you to print out the information from EZ-DB onto any form. Examples of forms would be: An order form, a travel request form, or a direct deposit form. First you must have a database created. Then you you would pick edit current letter which will be none. Create a new letter. The hard part is placing the right information in the appropriate places. Meaning you want your data to print out on the pre-prepared form where the boxes or empty spaces are located. OPTIONS - Re-Index File: This feature allows you to change the way the data file is indexed (Sorted). All the fields in the data file are displayed in a window. You are prompted to select the field you wish to index the data file on. Make your selection by using the UP, DOWN arrow keys. When the desired field is highlighted, press RETURN to select or the ESCAPE key to return to the OPTION menu. After selecting a field, the system will RE-INDEX the file. Upon completion, all records will be displayed on the screen sorted in the new order. EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 19 - OPTIONS (continued) - Purge Records: All records that are marked for deletion are DELETED. This will permanently remove the record(s). - Move Field: This will temporarily move a field to another location. If you exit and re-enter it will return back to it's original form. If you want to move a field permanently use the create function. Once your inside create just type the name of the database file your working on and make the changes. CONFIGURATION - Printer Width: This variable is used to set the amount of characters that are printed across each line. The different choices are: 80 width, 128 width and 232 width. To change them just press the return key. This is preset to 80 characters. - Left Margin: This margin is the amount of space that is default on the left side of the paper. It can be set from zero to forty. - Word Wrap: 80, 100, 120, 132, 150 or off. This is preset to off. - Total Columns: This is the number of columns that can be printed and they range between one through eight, and is preset to 2. - Column Width: This is the width of a column while printing. The ranges are between one and forty. Figure out the width of your data fields and set this appropriately. - Column Spacing: This is the width of space between columns. The ranges are between one and forty. Depending on ( column width ) and how much space you would like between columns, five which is preset would be sufficient. QUIT - Quit: Terminates EZ-DB and EXITS to DOS. - System: Temporarily Exits EZ-DB and returns you to dos type "EXIT" to return to EZ-DB right where you left off. EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 20 - DESCRIPTION OF DIR-DESC DIR-DESC is a powerful full color menu driven utility that allows a user to add up to 55 characters as a description to any and all of your files and directories. As many as 499 files can be located in each directory fully loaded with descriptions. Some of the many other useful tools that are supplied with DIR-DESC are: copy, move, rename, erase and view files. View a tree of your system, make a new directory, remove the current directory and convert .DES files to ACSII text files. Print out diskette jackets with file names or locate files also sort files by name or description. Format diskette drives, change to a different directory, and perform full attribute handling on any file or directory. EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 21 - HOME BBS Petrie's Place is a 24/7 public access system. As of August 1995 I am running a 386 IBM compatible computer, a 14400 baud modem, and 700+ meg hard drive used solely for the BBS. Data Phone is (508) 393-1731. Sysop name: Daniel Petrie Data-phone: 508-393-1731 1 line location : Northboro, Mass HOME-ward BBS HOME-ward BBS's are providers of Petrie Software and will always have the most recent version available to their customers. You may log in and download my software without registering with the BBS. Please remember that it is very expensive to operate a BBS and that they are a great source of information and contain a vast number of files. Blue Ridge Express - ASP Sysop name: Webb B.Blackmon Jr. Data-phone: 804-790-9600 v.32bis 32 lines location : Chesterfield Virginia Sub-Board : PETRIE ANH ASP Hub Network The AHN is a group of ASP "BBS" members, who have offered the use of their BBS systems as distribution points for the ASP and it's members. The AHN provides a place where the up to moment versions of ASP Author programs can be found (these are changes that may have taken place between mailings and minor changes that may or may not deserve an individual mailing). Zone 1 - East Coast USA North-East Coast Mid-East Coast [Site #1] [Site #2] The Consultant BBS The Break RBBS <East> Jay Caplan Bruce Jackson P.O. Box 8571 4660 Whitaker PL New York, NY. 10116-4655 Dale City, VA. 22193-3011 Data1) 718-837-3236 Data1) 703-680-9269 Data2) 703-551-0000 EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95 - 22 - AHN cont. Zone 2 - North Mid-USA Zone 3 - Southern Mid-USA [Site #3] [Site #4] The Twilight Zone The DataExchange BBS John Hrusovszky Don Morris 1119 E. Main St. 119 Herring St. Auburndale, WI. 54412 Leesville, LA. 71446 Data1) 715-652-2758 Data1) 318-239-2122 Zone 4 - West Coast USA [Site #5] [Site #6] Attention to Details BBS Space BBS Clint Bradford Owen Hawkins 5085 Trail Canyon Dr. P.O. Box X Mira Loma, CA. 91752 Menlo Park, CA. 94026 Data1) 909-681-6221 ASP Files call Data1) 415-323-4398 Other Files call Data2) 415-323-4193 Zone 5 - Canada [Site #7] Knighttec BBS Phil Knight 35 Robb Blvd #6 Orangeville, ONT L9W 3L1 Data1) 519-940-0007 EZ-DB / CREATE (C) Copyright Petrie Software 1994,95