Business Shareware/Business Shareware.iso/start/hobby/gndemo/manual.doc

Text File | 1993-03-28 | 21KB | 538 lines

 GUN: GUN IDENTIFICATION SOFTWARE

 TABLE OF CONTENTS                                                   PAGE

 1. Disclaimer, Copyright, and Requirements  .......................   1

 2. Installation ...................................................   3

 3. Functions

   A. Gun Picture Libraries .......................................   4

   B. Parts  ......................................................   4

   C. Databases

     1. Gun .......................................................   5
     2. Inventory .................................................   5
     3. Dealers   .................................................   6
     4. Trademark .................................................   6

   D. Serial Number Lookup ........................................   6

   E. Print .......................................................   6

   F. Help  .......................................................   6

   G. Picture Listings ............................................   7

 4. Pontification ..................................................  19

 5. Future Enhancements ............................................  20

 6. Support and Testing ............................................  20



 GUN -  Gun identification program
 Published by Arren-San Software
 P.O. Box 836393
 Richardson, TX 75083-6393





 @ Copyright 1993  Arren-San Software

 All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or part
 in any form. No part of this publication or the included software may be
 reprodeced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or
 translated into any language, or computer language, in any form, or by
 any means electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or
 otherwise without prior written consent of Arren-San Software


 Disclaimer

 Arren-San Software makes no representation or warranties with respect
 to the contents hereof, and specifically disclaims any implied
 warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose.
 Arren-San Software disclaims any liability with respect to the purchaser
 for the purchaser's actions based on information obtained from this
 product. Further, the author shall not be liable even in the event of
 notice of any defect in either the actual product or the data upon
 which the product is based. Arren-San software reserves the right to
 revise this publication, our software, or the data herein, and to make
 changes from time to time in the context thereof, without obligation of
 Arren-San Software to notify any person of such revisions or changes.


  DO NOT PAY ANY SUM OF MONEY ($) BASED ON ANY INFORMATION GIVEN BY
  THIS SOFTWARE. GUN DOES NOT DETERMINE VALUE, ONLY APPROXIMATE
  CHARACTERISTICS OR PICTORIAL EXAMPLES FOR REFERENCE ONLY. ARREN-SAN
  SOFTWARE HAS NOT MADE THIS PRODUCT AS A BASIS FOR PURCHASE OR
  INVESTMENT DECISIONS.

  DO NOT MAKE ANY LEGAL DECISIONS BASED ON ANY STATUTE DOCUMENTATION
  INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE. ALWAYS CONSULT COMPETENT LEGAL AUTHORITIES
  ON SUCH MATTERS.

  DO NOT USE THIS SOFTWARE AS A TECHNICAL GUIDE FOR OPERATING ANY
  WEAPON OF ANY KIND. DO NOT USE ANY TECHNICAL INFORMATION ABOUT ANY
  RELOADING COMPONENTS AS A BASIS FOR RELOADING DECISIONS.

 Trademarks & Copyrights

 MS-DOS, Windows by Microsoft Corp.; PCX by ZSoft Corp; GIF by CompuServe
 Incorporated ( H & R Block); LaserJet by Hewlett Packard, Inc. Ami Pro
 by Lotus Croporation; Ventura Publisher by Xerox Corporation. GDS by
 Phase II Electromics.

 REQUIREMENTS:

   GUN requires a DOS version 3.3 or higher and a VGA monitor / card,
 with 640 x 480 resolution. The underpinning of any good picture
 application is the viewer. The viewer chosen is GDS, and it is supplied
 in zipped form. While the shareware version is being distributed, users
 are encouraged to register the product.  The package is being
 distributed with the express consent of Phase II Electronics and Bob
 Holland. The choice to register will have no impact on this product. The
 user will have to use PKunzip to unpack all shareware products
 included for evaluation. The text editor, tde, is a public domain package,
 and in keeping the spirit of such, it is also included in zip format. tde
 includes the "C" source, and is used for all textual display functions in
 addition to all editing functions. Thank you, Douglas Thompson (Australia)
 and Frank Davis.


 GUN - What is it and what it can do:

   GUN is a stand-alone firearms reference, including text, pictures, and
 look-up tables for quick identification. This product currently has 37 GIF
 and 20 PCX pictures / diagrams.  There is no limitation on the numbers of
 pictures that can be stored or manipulated. The picture viewer, GDS, is
 limited to 640 X 480 resolution. Please refer to the three GDS document
 files under "Texts" for more about Graphics Display System.

  GUN has not been written to comply with Microsoft Windows, though GUN
 has been tested in the Windows environment. A Windows version will be
 available at a later date.

   The product is a command bar program, so simply select the desired
 function and press <Enter>. To escape any command, simply hit escape.
 The command bar reads as follows:

  PICTURES   DATABASES   SERIAL NUMBERS   TEXTS   PRINT   UTILITIES  HELP

 Each function is covered in detail below.


 INSTALLATION

  Insert the disk marked installation and at the floppy drive prompt
 type install. A screen will ask for the user to select the picture
 libraries desired to be installed. Remember, any pictures can be deleted
 at any time, or reinstalled, at the user's discretion. All system,
 document, and otherwise required files will be automatically
 installed. The required files take about 3 megabytes of hard disk
 space. GUN cannot be run from a floppy only system. If the entire
 product is chosen, the space requirement is about 5 Mb. The space
 required is as follows:


 System/Databases     2.8 mb
 Pictures             1.4 mb
 Knives                .4 mb


   These amounts are approximate and subject to change, but the
 install program will make sure the user's system has enough room
 for all the selected data. The program can also be reinstalled at
 any time. The installation program will not make any changes to any
 other system file, such as AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS.



 1.  GUNS

 This is the viewer module applied to each of the various picture
 directories. Separate picture directories are mandatory as searching,
 and retrieving picture files from a large file directory takes a long
 time. For GDS navigation, please read the GDS documentation under
 Texts. All pictures viewed by GUN use GDS. Please note the version used
 here is UNREGISTERED, but GDS is being distributed in full accordance
 with an agreement with Bob Holland and Phase II Electronics. All
 pictures are *.GIF format unless noted. The directory structure is as
 follows:

    GUN \ PICS   - Firearms
    GUN \ PATS   - Patents
    GUN \ KNIVES - Fighting Knives

 See the detail picture listing starting on page 7.


 Simply move the cursor with the Up / Down arrow keys to the desired
 selection and press <Enter> or the left mouse button. The picture will
 display, and stay displayed until <Enter> is pressed or the right mouse
 button is pressed.


 3.  DATABASES


 A.  Gun Database

   The Gun database will allow the user to enter data about any
 Gun or related instrument. Records can be inserted, deleted, edited,
 etc. Once the record has been selected, the user can show a picture
 tied to the Gun, find another record, browse the enitre database, or
 quit the database. The database executable, ldm.exe, and the associated
 db files are located in the \\gun\\db subdirectory (more later). The data
 record has the following format:

      Manufacturer:
      Address:
      Type:
      Model:
      Year:
      Top Value:
      Mid Value:
      Low Value:
      Picture Path and Name:
      Notes: (2 lines)



 NOTE:  NO VALUATIONS HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THIS SOFTWARE.



   The Gun database will be mostly filled with existing data and some
 pictures but pictures and or Gun records can be added, limited only by disk
 space. When the user wants to add or delete pictures to view, simply
 edit the "Pic" field. This is a living, breathing database. It will be as
 good as the user makes it by providing the data desired.

   While in the existing database, another database can be requested,
 while closing the current db. The commands can be accessed by moving the
 arrow keys to the desired selection and pressing <Enter>. To exit the
 database, simply choose Quit, or enter q <Enter> and y for yes at the
 prompt. At any time, the database has Help by simply pressing F1. The
 database one user keeps can be read and used by anyone using this
 software. Utilities also exist to transform files into and out of *.dbf
 format (dBase files).


  The actual database functions are as follows:

  Use database     - the program brings you up in git
  Use index        - default is manufacturer, model, year
  Create database  - for new databases
  Create index     - create a new order to sort data records_
  Head             - first database record
  Tail             - last database record
  Browse           - search database forward from the current record
  Next             - next record
  Curr             - current record
  Prev             - previous record
  Find             - search by sort criteria
  Add              - add a new record
  Edit             - change an existing record
  Delete           - delete an existing record
  Show             - displays the picture file in the PIC field
  Show field names - names of the fields in the database
  Show index names - names of the different database indexes
  Show index definition - shows how each index sorts the data
  Quit



 B.  Inventory Database


 This is the same database manager used for Gun. Sales, purchases,
 and current inventory reports can be printed. This database will
 collect, sort data, print reports and show pictures.


 C.  Dealers Database


 This function is a dealer database, partially complete with most known
 Gun dealers. As with any of the databases, the data can be edited
 directly by the user.


 D.  Manufacturers Database


 This function is a manufacturers database, partially complete with most
 known gun manufacturers and distributors.



 4.  SERIAL NUMBER LOOKUP


 The serial number lookup function will tell the user what year a Gun
 is produced.  The manufacturers included are as follows:


     Browning         gun \ lookup \ BrnXX.doc
     Colt             gun \ lookup \ ColtXXX.doc
     Luger            gun \ lookup \ Maubroom.doc
     Parker Shotguns  gun \ lookup \ Parkshot.doc
     Smith & Wesson   gun \ lookup \ SWXXX.doc
     Winchester       gun \ lookup \ WinXXXX.doc



 If entering the actual serial number, chances are high that
 they have been included. Serial prefixes are not required (nor used).
 There is no cost-beneficial way to program exact year to serial number
 correlations for many manufacturers so discretion must be taken
 with all of this feature. Due to cost / benefit restrictions, any number
 input greater than the last actual production date defaults to the last
 year of manufacture.


 DO NOT USE THIS FEATURE AS AN EXCLUSIVE MEANS TO DETERMINE ANY DATE OF
 MANUFACTURE.


  If the data is incorrect, simply edit the .doc file for that
 manufacturer. It is the responsibility of the user to verify and update
 the data. This is merely a data engine to process any data residing
 in the document file. The data is stored in ascending order so some care
 must be exercised. Each prefix category, where applicable MUST have a
 last year, delimited by a serial number mgunimum value associated with
 it. For example, a field XXXXX in length would list the final year of
 production as having a serial number of 99999.  See win94.doc as an
 example. Also see lookup help for instructions about editing lookup
 data.


 5.  TEXTS

 The texts included cover all the operating instructions for each program.
 Please note this file is the operating instructions, so no printed manual
 is required. However, if you need a hard copy, simply print this file,
 \docs\manual.doc. Manuals are also included for the picture viewer and the
 text editor. Also included are various documents about firearms statutes,
 recalls, and the development / maintenance of the 2nd Amendment.


 6.  PRINT  - Inventory reports


 The inventory module has print support for three types of reports about
 the inventory database (invent.db) only and for the system defined
 sort keys only. Current Inventory, Total Sales, and Total Purchases can
 be generated from the print options menu. A report will include data
 between input from and to dates, a name and address heading, if input,
 and various sort options options. The output will be written to a file
 if a file name is input, otherwise the report will be sent directly to
 the printer. There is no current plan to add additional report formats
 nor print for any additional databases.


 7. HELP


 All areas of this product have help support. Simply select the help menu
 and the appropriate item within the help menu. The database, Gun Data
 Manager has a unique help system invoked by pressing F1. All other help
 must be selected from the main bar.


 PICTURE LISTING


 Total GIF (picture) files: 37     [ 36 at 320 x 200, 256 colors]
                                   [  1 at 640 x 480, 256 colors]
 Total PCX (B/W) files:      20    [All at ~370 x ~480, 2 colors]


 GUNS  - 36 GIF files  and 1 library

 Pist01.GIF    High Standard High Sierra - Note octagonal barrel
 Pist02.GIF    High Standard Derringer
 Pist03.GIF    Smith & Wesson
 Pist04.GIF    Ruger Blackhawk
 Pist05.GIF    Smith & Wesson
 Pist06.GIF    Smith & Wesson
 Pist07.GIF    Browning Hi Power
 Pist08.GIF    Browning Hi Power
 Pist09.GIF    Browning Hi Power
 Pist10.GIF    Walther P.38
 Pist12.GIF    Walther P.38
 Pist13.GIF    Smith & Wesson
 Pist14.GIF    Ruger 22
 Pist15.GIF
 Pist16.GIF    Baby Auto Mag
 Pist17.GIF    Browning Hi Power
 Pist18.GIF    MAC-10
 Pist19.GIF    MAC-10
 Pist21.GIF    MAC-10
 Pist22.GIF    MAC-10
 Pist23.GIF    Luger
 Pist24.GIF    Luger
 Pist25.GIF    Smith & Wesson Single Action 6 Shooter
 Pist26.GIF    High Standard Single Action 6 Shooter
 Pist27.GIF    Colt Single Action 6 Shooter
 Pist28.GIF    Harrington & Richardson Single Action 6 Shooter
 Pist29.GIF    Harrington & Richardson Single Action 6 Shooter - closeup
 Pist30.GIF    Whitney Wolverine - circa 1958
 Pist31.GIF    Steyr GB
 Pist34.GIF    Steyr GB - closeup
 Rifl03.GIF    Winchester "Buffalo Bill" Commemorative
 Shot01.GIF    Colt AR-15
 Shot03.GIF    Ruger "Bull Pup"
 Shot06.GIF    SPAS

 PATENTS - 20 PCX files

 Smitha.gif    Smith & Wesson 2,380,326
 Smithb.gif    Smith & Wesson 2,216,022
 Smithc.gif    Smith & Wesson 2,213,348
 Smithd.gif    Smith & Wesson 2,213,348
 Smithe.gif    Smith & Wesson 2,213,348
 Smithf.gif    Smith & Wesson 1,476,125
 Smithg.gif    Smith & Wesson 1,436,740
 Smithh.gif    Smith & Wesson 688,141
 Smithi.gif    Smith & Wesson 332,416
 Smithj.gif    Smith & Wesson 243,183
 Smithk.gif    Smith & Wesson 401,087
 Smithl.gif    Smith & Wesson 138,047
 Smithm.gif    Smith & Wesson 116225
 Smithn.gif    Smith & Wesson 114,374
 Smitho.gif    Smith & Wesson 78,847
 Smithp.gif    Smith & Wesson 72949
 Smithq.gif    Smith & Wesson 79434
 Smithr.gif    Smith & Wesson 12,648
 Smiths.gif    Smith & Wesson 10,535
 Smithz.gif    Smith & Wesson 20,627



 Pontification - Ad Nauseum


   Over the years, a growing community has become increasingly familiar
 with "vintage" American firearms. Toward this end, a plethora of published
 media has appeared in paper form extolling the virtues, and particulars of,
 said firearms. In conjunction with my brother, Mikie, many firearms have
 passed through our hands, and usually with no more tangible proof than a
 tattered Polaroid. Details such as color, condition, action, unique
 qualities, and what it looked like are by and large forgotten. With larger
 dealers and collectors, I suspect this issue is more severe.

   I am probably naive in the belief that anyone still cares about the
 guns, and not just the money. I cannot honestly tell you that I
 do either. My intent is to provide a common platform for the consolidation
 and distribution of gun knowlege.

   Books are a historical necessity, and text is immortal. But pictures
 published in text are a fading commodity. Most gun texts do cover a
 mountain of data, and this research must provide a basis on which to
 move forward upon. However, the pictures usually black & white, or very
 small. Further, printing large, color pictures is expensive for both the
 publisher and the consumer. Until now, this was the best possible
 solution.

   GUN is basically a picture application with no real upper limits. The
 application currently has 37 full screen VGA, 256 color pictures
 in varying resolutions. Picture qualities will only increase in
 resolution and shrink in storage size.

   The guts of this idea is in Still Video computer images. This format
 has many advantages over traditional photography, mainly that images can
 be manipulated (larger, smaller, zoom, etc.), have an indefinite life,
 can be transmitted electronically over telephone lines, and printed
 through desktop publishing packages. There is no development costs to
 generate the pictures, and the hardware is not prohibitively expensive.


   The GIF images used in GUN are generated from a Still Video camera,
 digitized in a high resolution format, usually 640 x 480 (rows and
 columns) and 256 colors. The original files are between 150k and 250k
 each.  At this rate a 900 picture application could take 150 to 225 mb
 of hard disk space ( not to mention the 100-150 floppies to install it),
 and most people simply do not have that much hard disk space. GUN
 compresses these files into 320 X 200, 256 color which keeps about 85%
 of the resolution in a 30k file. GUN allows that any portion of the
 pictures can be used or deleted at any time to allow for ever changing
 hard disk storage priorities of the user.

   Future versions may adopt different picture file formats to acheive
 higher resolution with lower storage requirements. In the end, the user
 / consumer must decide how much space to allocate to a Gun
 identification software package. The objective of GUN is to fully define
 vintage American Guns in an electric format through pictures and
 text, while providing a platform for all users to share information.



 PLANNED ENHANCEMENTS:

   1. Efficient High Resolution pictures -  up to 1024 x 768 photo
   2. Microsoft Windows version
   3. Upgraded Dealer database
   4. Complete knife module - database and pictures
   5. Complete black powder module - database and pictures
   6. Voice mail for software support
   7. Bulletin board support for getting pictures, etc.
   8. Publishing on a CD-ROM and / or tape back-up


   OTHER CURRENT SERVICES:

            Manufacturers catalogs
            Collection photography and cataloging
            Inventory costing and analysis


   TESTING: While testing has been performed on a variety of
   DOS platforms, and printers, please forward any issues
   encountered for the promptest attention.


   SUPPORT: Leave a message, and you will be called back, but any
   return call must be after CST business hours so leave an
   evening number. We will endeavor to be fair about answering
   any legitimate questions regarding this software and
   addressing any product specific issues, but will not provide
   general computer consulting as suport to this product.

   Other computing consultation or custom coding services are
   available at competitive rates.


    Written communication is preferred, so please write to:

    Arren-San Software
    PO Box 836393
    Richardson, Texas 75083-6393
    Telephone: [phone]