CD ROM Paradise Collection 4/CD ROM Paradise Collection 4 1995 Nov.iso/comms/cslav116.zip/CSLAVE.1/CSLAVE.DOC

Text File | 1995-07-10 | 51KB | 1,215 lines

                           CompuSlave
                          Version 1.16


                  CompuServe Message Database!


                     Copyright 1994-1995 by


           Stevenson Technical Services, Incorporated
                     108 Second Avenue West
                           PO Box 297
                    Bertha MN 56437-0297 USA
                     Phone/FAX: [phone]
                   The STSI BBS: 218-924-2060
            Internet: [e-mail]

Welcome!

Thank you for trying CompuSlave!  CompuSlave imports CompuServe
forum capture files into a database, converting them to
individual messages. Add, edit, delete, and search the entire
database for key words or phrases.  Make those messages work for
you!  Create your own technical support resource.  Ideal for
power users, programmers, and network administrators.  (286 or
higher)  Easy push-button interface with mouse support.  Network
support is included.

If you appreciate CompuSlave, you are encouraged to call The STSI
BBS at [phone], and let us know!  Comments, suggestions,
and enhancement requests are always welcome!




Requirements

To run CompuSlave reliably, you will need the following:

·    DOS 3.3 or Higher
·    IBM PC, PC-Compatible or MS-DOS Computer
·    80286 Processor or Higher
·    Hard Drive and 640K RAM




Disclaimer / License Agreement


What is shareware?

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

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

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


Disclaimer - Agreement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




ASP Notice:

STSI 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.  The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a
dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide
technical support for members' products.  Please write to the ASP
Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442-9427 USA, FAX
616-788-2765 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to
ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.





Registration

CompuSlave is distributed under the shareware concept.  You may
try CompuSlave for a period of two weeks.  After this period, you
must either discontinue using it, or register it.  A single-user
license is only $49.95 (+$5.00 S&H in the U.S., or $10.00 S&H on
Foreign Orders).  This price includes a printed manual, 3 1/2"
and 5 1/4" diskettes, removal of nag screens and database record
limit, along with a Registration Name and Number allowing you to
register your copy of CompuSlave.  Network and site-license
pricing is also available.  Please see REGISTER.DOC for details.

To register over the telephone, call STSI at [phone], and
charge it to your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover
credit card.  Once registered, you will no longer see the nag
screens, reminding you to register CompuSlave.  For further
registration information and pricing, please read the
REGISTER.DOC file included with CompuSlave.  There is also a
registration form contained at the end of this documentation
file.




How To Order

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

1.  Call The STSI BBS at [phone] and register online.  We
accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit
cards.  This method of registration can be performed 24-hours a
day, 7-days a week.  (Registering this way is fast and easy,
allowing us to process your registration quickly.)

2.  To register using our voice line, call [phone].
Please have your credit card handy.

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

4.  Mail the registration form along with your payment to STSI at
108 2nd Avenue West, PO Box 297, Bertha, MN 56437-0297 USA.




Technical Support:

Technical support is available through the following means:


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


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


Internet Mail:
  STSI will respond to messages sent via the Internet.  Send any
  tech support related questions, comments, or suggestions to
  [e-mail].


Telephone:
  Technical support calls may be placed at [phone]. Office
  hours are from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday thru Friday, and 8:00
  am - 11:00 am on Saturday.



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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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




What Is CompuSlave?

CompuSlave imports CompuServe forum capture files into a
database, converting them to individual messages.  Add, edit,
delete, and search the entire database for key words or phrases.
Make those messages work for you!  Create your own technical
support resource.  Ideal for power users, programmers, and
network administrators.  (286 or higher)  Easy push- button
interface with mouse support.  Network support is included.




Why Use CompuSlave?

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

In the past, I would create a capture file and compress it onto
my network hard drive.  That way, I could access it from any
workstation on the network.  The only problem was that when I
needed to find information on a specific topic, I had to search
through numerous capture files using a text editor/viewer.
Before I started using CompuSlave, I had 26 capture files from
the Novell NETW3X forum, which consumed over 20 megabytes of hard
drive space.  This process was extremely long and cumbersome.

That's when the idea for CompuSlave was borne.  CompuSlave will
import a capture file (in ASCII text format), and add each
message into a database. CompuSlave allows multiple databases to
be created, so it is convenient to have several different
databases, each dedicated to a specific topic.  At the same time,
CompuSlave will import endless messages (up to 2 billion) into
the same database.  CompuSlave allows easy browsing through the
records in sequential order.  A cross reference is created when a
message is imported, so CompuSlave can quickly find any responses
to the current message, or even the original message that the
current message was a response to.  Messages can be edited to
eliminate unneeded text or comments, or they can be deleted
altogether.  The real power of CompuSlave is shown in its
searching capabilities.  Six of the message fields are indexed
for extremely fast searching.  Specify an include range for
message browsing, such as only viewing messages 21000 through
21500.  Or perform a comprehensive search, and locate all
occurrences of a string within the entire database, even in the
message body.  Perform multiple searches, narrowing down the
search criteria, to find the exact information needed.

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

Remember those 26 capture files I mentioned earlier?  They have
all been imported into a CompuSlave database.  At last count, I
had 37,266 messages. The total database size is over 29
megabytes, while the index size is just over 10 megabytes.  Yes,
the database consumes slightly more hard drive space than the
individual capture files did, but that's a price I'm willing to
pay to have 37,266 messages at my fingertips (in one common
location) for easy browsing and searching.

CompuSlave has been ideal for our business as a technical
reference tool for network-related support issues.  Our business
performs computer consulting and network management services to
local businesses and organizations.  When one of our customers
needs assistance, they expect us to have the answer.  Our
CompuSlave Novell database gives us an extra reference tool
necessary for solving any problems that arise.  We also use
CompuSlave to store our messages from the various programming
related forums on CompuServe.  Programmers who want to maintain a
database of questions and answers on programming problems will
find that CompuSlave meets their needs.





Capturing CompuServe Messages

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


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


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


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


  4.  At this point, I instruct my communications program to
  begin the capturing process, so that all messages displayed on
  the screen will be added to the capture file.


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


  6.  Once the capturing process is complete, and CompuServe
  stops scrolling the messages off the screen, I close the
  capture file (using the communications package), and type "OFF"
  to end my CompuServe session.


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





Installing CompuSlave

To get CompuSlave up and running, follow these installation
instructions:

Log to the drive where you are installing CompuSlave from, and
type "INSTALL".  The CompuSlave installation program will ask you
where you are installing CompuSlave from (usually, the current
directory), and the location where the program files should be
stored.  (The default destination directory is C:\CSLAVE.)  If
you are upgrading from a previous version, CompuSlave will issue
a warning before overwriting the CSLAVE.INI file.  If you have
already set up your registration information and user preferences
in the CSLAVE.INI file, answer "N" (No) to instruct the
installation program not to overwrite this file.  When the
installation is complete, you will be returned to the operating
system.

CompuSlave can be installed on any drive in your system,
including network drives.




Create Message Base

Description:
  On this screen, enter the full path and filename of the message
  database file that should be created using CompuSlave.

Ok:
  Select the Ok button causes CompuSlave to create a new
  database, open it, and display the editing screen.  Once the
  editing screen is displayed, you can start importing CompuServe
  capture files into your database.

Cancel:
  Selecting the Cancel button causes CompuSlave to close the
  displayed dialog and return to the main menu.





Viewing Database Messages


Description:
  This screens allows you create, edit, delete, print, and import
  messages into the current database.  Additional features
  include browsing, comprehensive searches, fast cross-
  referencing original and response messages, and quick "Go-To"
  commands to find a specific message number.  Each field is
  filled in with the corresponding information in a message when
  a capture file is imported.  The only exception is the Keyword
  field, which is provided for your own use. If you find a
  message extremely helpful, you may want to use the Keyword
  field to enter your own short comment.  Since this field is
  indexed, you can easily locate this message in the future, when
  you need it.


New:
  When New is selected, CompuSlave goes into "edit mode", and
  allows you to enter a new message into the database.  When
  CompuSlave is in edit mode, you cannot move between messages,
  delete messages, call up the browser, print a message, or
  search for data.  Once you have finished adding the new
  message, click on "Save" to save it into the database, or
  select "Cancel" to exit from edit Mode.  If you have made any
  changes, CompuSlave will issue a prompt to check whether or not
  you want to save any changes before leaving.  Note: While it is
  possible to add new messages to the database in this manner,
  this feature will not be necessary for most users (since
  messages can be easily added through the Import function).


Edit:
  If the need arises to edit an existing database message, you
  can easily do so by using the Edit option.  When this option is
  selected, CompuSlave goes into "edit mode", and allows you to
  modify the current message.  When CompuSlave is in edit mode,
  you cannot move between messages, delete messages, call up the
  browser, print a message, or search for data.  Once you have
  finished modifying the current message, click on "Save" to save
  the modified message into the database, or select "Cancel" to
  exit from edit mode.  If you have made any changes, CompuSlave
  will issue a prompt to make sure that you don't want to save
  any changes before leaving.


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


Browse:
  Browsing for messages can be a quick way to view the section,
  topic, from and to fields of a message, giving you a general
  idea of what is contained in the message body.  When this
  option is selected, CompuSlave displays a browsing screen that
  contains all of the records in the database.  To scroll through
  the browser, use the Up Arrow, Down Arrow, PgUp, and PgDn keys,
  or the mouse to scroll through all of the messages.  Pressing
  Escape will erase the browser and redisplay the editing screen.
  Pressing ENTER on the highlighted message will erase the
  browser and cause CompuSlave to display the selected message on
  the editing screen for viewing, editing, or deleting.


Search:
  When Search is selected, CompuSlave displays a dialog box
  giving you the option of the type of search to perform.

  There are three types of searches to perform on a CompuSlave
  message database.  The first two types are extremely fast and
  efficient, while the third is much slower, although it is much
  more thorough.

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

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

  When "Search Entire Message" is selected, CompuSlave will
  perform a search of the entire database for up to 2 user-
  specified text strings.  You can select whether CompuSlave
  searches for only the first string (by selecting "None" as the
  operation), the first string AND the second string (both
  strings must be present for the message to be included in the
  search results) or the first string OR the second string
  (either one of the two strings can be present for the message
  to be included in the search results). The text strings you
  enter can be located at ANY location within the message.  They
  do not have to be at the start of an indexed field.

  The search can be performed as a case-sensitive or case-
  insensitive search, with case-insensitive being the default.
  The Limit Search option can be used to limit the range of
  message numbers that are included in the search.  Simply check
  Limit Search and enter the beginning and ending message numbers
  in order to search a smaller portion of the database.  If
  CompuSlave locates the text anywhere within the message
  (including all individual fields and the message body), it is
  included in the search results.

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

  Once this type of search is complete, you can browse through
  the filtered messages by using the browser, or by selecting
  Next, Prev, First, and Last.  When you select Quit at this
  point, the search will be cancelled, and you will have the
  option of saving the search results database under a new name,
  or erasing it.  If you've performed an in-depth search on a
  large database, you may want to save all of the filtered
  records under a new database name, making it easier to find the
  filtered records at a later date.  Once you save or erase the
  database, you will return to the normal editing screen,
  allowing you to view all of the messages in your original
  database.


Print:
  The message that is currently being viewed on the screen can be
  printed by using the Print option.  Using the print option, you
  can print the current message, or all messages in the database.
  If you have just executed an "entire record" search of the
  database, printing all of the messages will cause all of the
  matching messages to be printed.  CompuSlave supports printer
  ports LPT1 through LPT3, as well as printing to a file.


Import:
  Importing messages into CompuSlave is extremely easy using the
  Import feature.  When you select Import, you can use the import
  file dialog to search for a specific text file.  Once you have
  selected the text file, CompuSlave will import the text file
  and display a status screen to indicate the completion
  percentage, the total number of messages it expects to import,
  and the current message being imported. Once the import process
  has been completed, CompuSlave writes the import statistics to
  the activity log file, if activity logging is enabled.  (See
  the Defaults section for more information on activity logging.)


Sort:
  Selecting Sort will allow you to choose which indexed field
  should be used to sort the database.  Available sort fields
  include the message number, response number, section, subject,
  from, to, and keyword fields.  The default sort field is the
  message number field.  The currently sorted field is denoted by
  a diamond character immediately in front of the field.  When
  the Browse command is selected, the browser is initialized and
  sorted according to the current sort field.  The First, Last,
  Previous, and Next buttons are also executed in relation to the
  current sort field, making it easy to follow messages in
  virtually any order.


Quit:
  Selecting Quit will close the database and return back to the
  main menu.


GoTo:
  When GoTo is selected, CompuSlave prompts you to enter the
  number of the message you want to move to.  If CompuSlave could
  not locate the EXACT message number, it will display an error
  message.  If it found the message number you entered,
  CompuSlave will automatically display it on the screen.


Original:
  As a cross-referencing tool, CompuSlave allows you to select
  the Original button and locate the message that the current
  message was a response to.  (To determine if the current
  message was a response, check the "Response To" field.  If this
  message was not a response, the field will contain the word
  "NONE".  Otherwise, it will contain the number of the message
  that the current message responded to.)  When you select
  Original, CompuSlave will either go to the original message, or
  display an error message if it could not find the original
  message.


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


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


Next:
  Selecting the "Next" button causes CompuSlave to display the
  message after the currently displayed message.  If the current
  message in the database, CompuSlave "wraps" to the first
  message in the database.


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


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


Save:
  The Save button is only displayed when CompuSlave is in edit
  mode, and when it is selected, CompuSlave will Save the current
  message and exit from edit mode, returning to the viewing
  screen.


Cancel:
  The Cancel button is only displayed when CompuSlave is in edit
  mode, and when it is selected, CompuSlave will Cancel the
  editing process, exit from edit mode, and redisplay the current
  message.


F1:
  By pressing the F1 function key, users can have access to the
  CompuSlave help system.  The F1 key is available at any time
  within CompuSlave, and will offer helpful information and
  instructions.




Opening And Deleting Files

Also available from the main menu is the ability to open or
delete a previously created database file.  Use the "Open Message
Base" screen to search through available drives and directories
for the database file you want to open.  Once you've located the
file you want to open, click on it with the mouse, or press
[ENTER] when it is selected with the highlight bar, and
CompuSlave will open the database and display the message editing
screen.

If you choose "Delete Message Base" from the main menu, a similar
dialog box will appear, allowing you to search through available
drives and directories for the database file you want to delete.
When you find it, click on it, or press [ENTER] when it is
selected with the highlight bar. A confirmation dialog box will
be displayed to confirm that you want to delete the selected
file.  When you delete a database file (.DAT), the accompanying
index (.IX) and dialog (.DIA) files are also deleted.





Utilities

Remove "#" from Message Subject:
  After importing CompuServe messages, many messages may contain
  a number (#) sign on the front of the subject field.  This
  routine will remove the number sign from the front of the
  subject field of each message, if the number sign exists.  This
  conversion should only be necessary if database messages were
  imported using CompuSlave version 1.00 or 1.01.


Reorganize Database / Compress
  CompuSlave Version 1.12 added an option to compress message
  data when adding records to the database.  Databases created
  with compression enabled will typically be 10-20% smaller than
  databases that do not use CompuSlave's internal compression.
  (To enable compression, check the "Compress Message Data" check
  box on the Defaults screen.)  When the Reorganize Database
  option is selected from the Utilities Menu, CompuSlave will
  reorganize any database you choose.  If compression has been
  enabled, the database messages will be compressed, saving hard
  drive space.  (It is only necessary to use this option on
  database files created with a version of CompuSlave prior to
  version 1.12.  Any databases created using version 1.12 or
  later will already use compression, if compression has been
  enabled on the Defaults screen.)




Command Line Support

CompuSlave provides command line support to speed up the loading
process for message databases.  Simply specify the name of the
database file to open on the command line, such as "CSLAVE.EXE
NOVELL" or "CSLAVE.EXE PASCAL".  When you enter a database name
on the command line, CompuSlave opens it and (after the about box
is displayed) displays it for immediate viewing.

Users can also override the default video mode from the command
line by specifying "/V=nn" (when nn is 25, 28, 43, or 50).  This
changes the number of displayed lines to 25, 28, 43, or 50.  (The
order of parameters on the command line does not matter.  To load
one of the databases mentioned above, users can type "CSLAVE.EXE
NOVELL /V=28" or "CSLAVE.EXE /V=50 PASCAL" or a similar command
line.




Network Options


Description:
  The options on this screen determine the default network
  behavior of CompuSlave on your computer system.

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

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

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


Network Type:
  Even if you don't use a network, you may need to change the
  default Network Type from None to the MS-Net Compatible option.
  Make sure to read the following section!

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

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

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


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


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


Ok:
  When Ok is selected, CompuSlave saves the options on this
  screen to the file CSLAVE.INI in the default CompuSlave
  directory.


Cancel:
  Selecting Cancel leaves all options on this screen in the state
  they were set to when this screen was initially displayed.




Defaults

Description:
  The fields on this screen specify the default values that will
  be used for CompuSlave, as pertaining to window exploding
  effects and activity logging.


Video Mode:
  This field allows a user to select how many lines of text
  CompuSlave should display on his/her monitor. This feature
  allows users to view more lines of message text when reading
  messages.  Note to users:  CompuSlave will change the video
  mode to display the selected number of lines when it is
  executed.  To override this setting from the command line use
  the parameter /V=nn (where nn is 25, 28, 43, or 50).


Explode Delay:
  This number specifies the number of seconds used as an "Explode
  Delay" for dialog boxes within CompuSlave.  To eliminate all
  exploding effects, set the number in this field to 0.


Use Activity Log:
  Enter Y (Yes) or N (No) to specify whether or not CompuSlave
  should perform activity logging.  If activity logging is turned
  on, CompuSlave will log importing activity to the activity log,
  when appropriate.  This can be useful to determine what capture
  files have been imported into a particular database, when it
  occurred, and how many messages were actually imported into the
  database.


Log File Name:
  This field contains the name of the file that will be used to
  log CompuSlave activity.  Right now, the only activity being
  logged to this file is import information.  (Activity logging
  may be expanded in a future release.)  The default filename is
  CSLAVE.LOG, located in the default CompuSlave directory.


Import Path:
  This field should contain the default location where your
  CompuServe capture files are located.  CompuSlave will log to
  this directory as the default when you import a capture file
  from the editing screen.


Startup File:
  The Startup File field should contain the name of the database
  file that should be loaded each time CompuSlave is executed.
  When a database file is specified in this field, CompuSlave
  will attempt to load it immediately after it is executed.  If a
  database filename is entered on the command line, CompuSlave
  will attempt to open that file instead.


Compress Message Data
  This option allows users to specify whether or not compression
  is used on CompuSlave message databases.  The default is on.  A
  database that uses compression will typically be 10 - 20%
  smaller than a database that was created with compression
  disabled.  Since this option was added in CompuSlave version
  1.12, users who created a database with an earlier version of
  CompuSlave will want to use the "Reorganize Database" option,
  accessible from the Utilities menu.  This will allow existing
  databases to be rebuilt using data compression (if the Compress
  Message Data option is selected).





Register CompuSlave

Description:
  Once you register CompuSlave and pay the requested fee to STSI
  for registering, you will receive a registration name and
  number.  Enter your name and number in the fields shown on this
  screen, and CompuSlave will be registered to you.  You will no
  longer see "nag screens" or "reminders" pressuring you to
  register.  If your name and number are entered accurately,
  CompuSlave will display a thank- you message.  Otherwise,
  CompuSlave will warn you that the registration number you
  entered was not valid.


Registration Name:
  The Registration Name text field allows users to enter their
  personal name or the name of their company or organization.


Registration Number:
  The Registration Number text field allows users to enter the
  registration number they received from STSI upon registering
  CompuSlave.  For information on how to register, please see the
  "Registration" section near the top of this documentation file.


Network Users:
  This field contains the numbers of network users for
  CompuSlave.  To receive a registration number that provides
  support for network users, see the file REGISTER.DOC.  If you
  are registering a single-user version of CompuSlave, enter 0 in
  this field.


Ok:
  Selecting Ok instructs CompuSlave to save this configuration
  information to the file CSLAVE.INI.


Cancel:
  Selecting Cancel instructs CompuSlave to ignore any changes
  that have been made to the previous settings, and return to the
  main menu.



Cautions

As with any program that maintains large amounts of data, there
is the possibility for data loss.  CompuSlave contains special
precautions, such as having the ability to rebuild the database
index if it should become corrupt.  However, regular data backups
are strongly recommended.  Hard drives can fail, files can become
corrupt, and data loss can occur.  Your best protection is a
regular (verified) backup!

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





Products By STSI

Stevenson Technical Services, Inc.
108 Second Avenue West
Bertha MN 56437-0297
Phone / FAX: [phone]
The STSI BBS: [phone]
Internet Mail: [e-mail]
(Visa, MC, American Express, & Discover Accepted)


  ·    BBS Informant <ASP> Comprehensive BBS List / Search Door!
BBS Informant is a comprehensive BBS door used for adding,
listing, and searching through BBS names and numbers. BBS
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Registration Fee: $49.95


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BOOT'R allows the management of multiple configurations on a
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Registration Fee: $34.95


  ·    CompuSlave For DOS <ASP> Master Your Messages!
CompuSlave imports CompuServe forum capture files into a
database, converting them to individual messages. Add, delete,
edit, and search the entire database for key words or phrases.
Make those messages work for you! Create your own technical
support resource. Ideal for power users, programmers, and network
administrators. Network support is included.  Easy to use push-
button interface with mouse support!  (286 or higher)  Sample
import file is included.  Documentation contains helpful hints on
how to create a CompuServe forum message capture file.
Registration Fee: $49.95


  ·    CompuSlave For Windows <ASP> Master Your Messages!
CompuSlave imports CompuServe forum capture files into a
database, converting them to individual messages. Add, delete,
edit, and search the entire database for key words or phrases.
Make those messages work for you! Create your own technical
support resource. Ideal for power users, programmers, and network
administrators.  Easy to use Windows interface!  Sample import
file is included.  Documentation contains helpful hints on how to
create a CompuServe forum message capture file.
Registration Fee: $49.95


  ·    Infodex <ASP> - Multipurpose Database!
Infodex is a versatile database manager used to keep track of
names and addresses, equipment, computer software, books, and
much more!  Includes a FREE-FORM layout.  Add, delete, or
rearrange fields EASILY!  Search for text in any field.  Import
and export to a delimited text file.  Quickly browse through a
list of records.  Easy push button interface!  Both protected-
mode and real-mode versions are included to support various
memory requirements.
Registration Fee: $34.95


  ·    QwkSlave <ASP> - QWK Packet Message Database!
QwkSlave imports QWK mail packets, storing each message as a
database record.  Add, edit, delete, print, browse, sort, &
search through messages.  Cross referencing makes finding an
original message and its response as easy as a mouse-click.
Ideal as a technical support reference tool.  Network support is
included.  Easy to use push-button interface!
Registration Fee: $49.95


  ·    Replicator <ASP> - The Diskette Database / Replicator!
Replicator is a disk image utility designed to create images of
diskettes and catalog them in a database.  Use optional
compression to reduce the image size.  Recreate disks as needed.
Store up to 10 lines of descriptive text for each disk image in
the database.  Database entries can be modified at any time.
Easy push button interface!  (286 or higher)
Registration Fee: $49.95


  ·    Subber <ASP> - The BBS Character Subber!
Subber is designed to substitute characters in a WildCat!
bulletin, menu, or other .BBS display file.  Create a generic
background using WCDraw or TheDraw, and create text using your
favorite text editor.  Use Subber to combine the two together!
Ideal for BBS system notices, news, & info screens that need to
be changed frequently.
Registration Fee: $29.95


  ·    ZIP'R Pro For DOS <ASP> - Hard Drive Tripler For DOS!
ZIP'R Pro stores programs in compressed form when they are not
being used. Use ZIP'R Pro to automatically decompress a program,
execute it, and recompress it again. Uses ARJ, LHA, PKZIP, or
built-in compression.  Integrate with a menu system, or use ZIP'R
Pro's button menu. Works with networks & multitaskers. Easy to
use push-button interface with mouse support!
Registration Fee: $49.95


  ·    ZIP'R Pro For Windows <ASP> - Hard Drive Tripler For Windows!
ZIP'R Pro stores programs in compressed form when they are not
being used. Use ZIP'R Pro to automatically decompress a program,
execute it, and recompress it again. Uses ARJ, LHA, PKZIP, or
built-in compression.  Integrate with a Windows icon, or use
ZIP'R Pro's desktop to launch the program of your choice.
Network/Multi-user support is included.
Registration Fee: $49.95




Programs Mentioned:

  MS-DOS is copyrighted by Microsoft Corporation.
  Windows is copyrighted by Microsoft Corporation.