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1995-02-06
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QwkSlave Version 1.00
QWK Mail Packet Message Database!
Copyright 1995
by
Stevenson Technical Services, Inc. (STSI)
108 Second Avenue West
Bertha MN 56437-0297
Phone: (218) 924-2050
FAX: (218) 924-2050 (Ext. 11)
The STSI BBS: (218) 924-2060, 8,N,1
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Welcome! │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
Thank you for trying QwkSlave! QwkSlave imports QWK mail packets, storing
each message as a database record. Add, edit, delete, and print messages.
Search the entire database for key words or phrases. Sort the database on
any one of ten different fields. Cross referencing makes finding an
original message and its response as easy as a mouse-click! Make those
messages work for you! QwkSlave is ideal as a technical support reference
tool. Network support is included. Easy push-button interface with mouse
support. (286 or higher)
If you appreciate QwkSlave, you are encouraged to call The STSI BBS at
(218) 924-2060, and let us know! Comments, suggestions, and enhancement
requests are always welcome!
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Requirements │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
To run QwkSlave reliably, you will need the following:
∙ DOS 3.3 or Higher
∙ IBM PC, PC-Compatible or MS-DOS Computer with an 80286 Processor or
Higher, Hard Drive, and 640K RAM
Page 1
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Table of Contents: │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1
Disclaimer / License Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
ASP Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5
What Is QwkSlave? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5
Why Use QwkSlave? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6
Capturing CompuServe Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7
Installing QwkSlave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8
Create Message Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8
Viewing Database Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9
Opening and Deleting Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14
Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14
Command Line Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15
Network Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15
Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 17
Register QwkSlave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 18
Cautions! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19
Other Products By STSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19
QwkSlave Registration Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 21
Page 2
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ 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 QwkSlave, users indicate their acceptance of the following terms:
"QwkSlave 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 QwkSlave."
"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."
QwkSlave 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 QwkSlave and continue to use QwkSlave
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
Page 3
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, QwkSlave should not be used on two different computers at the
same time.
Commercial users of QwkSlave must register and pay for their copies of
QwkSlave 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 QwkSlave 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 QwkSlave immediately. (However STSI must still be advised so
that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest version of
QwkSlave.)
You are encouraged to pass a copy of QwkSlave 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 QwkSlave, 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: │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
QwkSlave is distributed under the shareware concept. You may try
QwkSlave 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
the nag screens and the database record limit, along with a Registration
Name and Number allowing you to register your copy of QwkSlave. Network
and site-license pricing is also available. Please see REGISTER.DOC for
details.
To register over the telephone, call STSI at (218) 924-2050, and charge it
to your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover credit card. Once
Page 4
registered, you will no longer see the nag screens, reminding you to
register QwkSlave.
For further registration information and pricing, please read the
REGISTER.DOC file included with QwkSlave. There is also a registration
form contained at the end of this documentation file.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Technical Support: │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
Technical support is available to QwkSlave users through the following
means:
The STSI BBS: New versions of QwkSlave 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 should be addressed to the
SYSOP.
STSI FAX: STSI has a FAX machine on-line 24 hours-a-day to accept
FAX transmissions. Technical support questions /
problems may be faxed to (218) 924-2050. Most FAX
transmissions will be automatically routed to the FAX
machine. If you have problems reaching our FAX
machine, wait until after the first ring, press 11, and
then begin transmitting.
Telephone: Technical support calls may be placed at (218) 924-
2050. Office hours are from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday
through Friday, and 8:00 am - 11:00 am on Saturdays
(CST).
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ What Is QwkSlave? │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
QwkSlave imports QWK mail packets, storing each message as a database
record. Add, edit, delete, and print messages. Search the entire
database for key words or phrases. Sort the database on any one of ten
different fields. Cross referencing makes finding an original message and
its response as easy as a mouse-click! Make those messages work for you!
QwkSlave is ideal as a technical support reference tool. Network support
is included. Easy push-button interface with mouse support. (286 or
higher)
Page 5
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Why Use QwkSlave? │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
I have found message conferences on various BBS's to be an invaluable
technical support resource for my company. Many of my questions are
answered by simply reading messages from other computer users. Whenever I
have a technical problem, I search through the many QWK mail packets I have
accumulated. 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 message conference.
A major drawback to maintaining the messages this way was that each mail
packet was contained in a separate file. In order to find a particular
message, I needed to search through dozens and dozens of mail packets,
wasting time and energy.
That's when the idea for QwkSlave was born. QwkSlave will import a QWK mail
packet and convert each message into a database record. QwkSlave 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,
QwkSlave will import endless messages (up to 2 billion) into the same
database. QwkSlave allows easy browsing through the records in sequential
order. A cross reference is created when a message is imported, so QwkSlave
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 QwkSlave is shown in its searching capabilities. Ten 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, QwkSlave 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 QWK mail packet arrives, it is imported
into one of our existing databases. If the QWK packet contains several
conferences, QwkSlave displays all of the conference names, allowing me to
import only the conferences I select. No more lost messages. No more
cumbersome searches of individual mail packets. And since QwkSlave contains
network support, I can access it on any network workstation without worrying
about multiple accesses by other users.
Before I started using QwkSlave, I had 29 Pascal-related QWK packets
(containing messages about Borland Pascal), which consumed about 3.4
megabytes of hard drive space (uncompressed). All of these packets have
been imported into a QwkSlave database. At last count, I had 5,447
messages. The total database size is over 7.5 megabytes, while the index
size is just over 2.4 megabytes. Yes, the database consumes more hard drive
space than the individual capture files did, but that's a price I'm willing
to pay to have thousands of messages at my fingertips (in one common
location) for easy browsing and searching. Another example: 12 Wildcat!-
related QWK packets (containing messages about the Wildcat! BBS system),
which consumed about 3.7 megabytes of hard drive space (uncompressed) have
been imported into a separate QwkSlave database. This database contains
Page 6
11,279 messages, with a database size of 12.2 megabytes and an index size of
4.7 megabytes. (Why such a big difference in hard drive consumption? QWK
packets are maintained in compressed form, while the QwkSlave databases are
not.)
QwkSlave has been ideal for our business as a technical reference support
tool. Our business performs computer consulting and technical support to
local local businesses and organizations. When one of our customers needs
assistance, they expect us to have the answer. Our QwkSlave databases
give us an extra reference tool necessary for solving any problems that
arise.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Importing QWK Mail Packets │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
In order to import messages into QwkSlave, you must have a QWK-formatted
mail packet compressed using PKZIP. QWK packets compressed using ARJ,
LHA, or PKPAK are not supported at this time. The QWK packet cannot be in
ASCII text format. It MUST be in QWK format. After you have downloaded a
QWK mail packet, you can import it into QwkSlave "as is". QwkSlave
automatically decompresses the mail packet, displays a list of available
conferences, and imports messages from the conference(s) you specify.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Installing QwkSlave │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
The installation procedure for QwkSlave is quite simple. The package
includes a program, "INSTALL.EXE", which automates the entire process.
You will need about 1 megabyte of available disk space on the hard drive
on which you plan to install QwkSlave.
The exact steps you need to take will depend on how you received
QwkSlave.
INSTALLING FROM DISKETTES
To install from diskette(s), you need to perform the following steps.
1. Place QwkSlave distribution diskette "Disk 1" in the appropriate
diskette drive.
2. Execute the "INSTALL.EXE" program on the distribution diskette.
For example, if the distribution diskette is on drive A:, type
the MS-DOS command, "a:install".
3. Follow the instructions presented by the installation program.
You will have a chance to approve installation before any changes
are actually made to the contents of your hard drive. The program
will ask you for a destination directory, and will copy the QwkSlave
Page 7
files to that directory. If you received QwkSlave on two diskettes,
you will need to insert Disk 2 in the diskette drive when asked to
do so. If you so direct it, the installation program will install
executable programs and documentation in other directories of your
choice.
INSTALLING FROM A HARD DRIVE
If you downloaded QwkSlave from a BBS (or received it in the form of
archive files from some other source), you will need to perform the
following steps.
1. Extract the contents of the archive file(s) in a temporary
directory on your hard drive. The procedure for doing this
varies, depending on the form in which you received the package.
In all likelihood, the fact that you are reading this text means
that you already have the necessary tools and knowledge to
perform this step. If not, you should be able to obtain
directions for this from the same source from which you received
the package.
2. Execute the "INSTALL.EXE" program which you have extracted. For
example, if the temporary directory into which you have extracted
the program files is C:\TEMPDIR, you would execute the MS-DOS
command, "c:\tempdir\install".
3. Follow the instructions presented by the installation program.
You will have a chance to approve installation before any changes
are actually made to the contents of your hard drive. The program
will ask you for a destination directory, and will copy the QwkSlave
files to that directory. If you so direct it, the installation
program will install executable programs and documentation in other
directories of your choice.
When you're satisfied that the installation was successful, you should
delete the temporary directory FROM which you installed the program
files, (C:\TEMPDIR, in the above discussion), including all its
contents.
Note : If you are upgrading from a previous version, QwkSlave will issue
a warning before overwriting the file QWKSLAVE.INI. If you have already
set up your registration information and user preferences in the
QWKSLAVE.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. (QwkSlave can be installed on any
drive in your system, including network drives.)
Page 8
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Create Message Base │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
┌─[■]─────────────── Enter Database Filename ───────────────────┐
│ │
│ Database Filename: Q:\QWKSLAVE\UNTITLED.DAT │
│ │
│ │
│ Ok ▄ Cancel ▄ │
│ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Description: On this screen, enter the full path and filename of the
message database file that should be created by QwkSlave.
Ok: Select the Ok button causes QwkSlave to create a new
database, open it, and display the editing screen. Once
the editing screen is displayed, you can start importing
QWK mail packets into your database.
Cancel: Selecting the Cancel button causes QwkSlave to close the
displayed dialog and return to the main menu.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Viewing Database Messages │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
Number..:²[ ] Ref #: [ ] Conf..: [ ] Original ▄
BBS Name: [ ] Conf #: *[ 0] ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
Subject.: [ ] Recvd.: [ ] Response ▄
From....: [ ] Date..: [01-01-00] ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
To......: [ ] Time..: [00:00] GoTo ▄
Keyword.: [ ] ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ^
│ █
│ ░
│ ░
│ ░
│ ░
│ ░
│ ░
│ ░
│
└<█░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░>┘
New ▄ Delete ▄ Browse ▄ Import ▄ Quit ▄ Prev ▄ First ▄
▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
Edit ▄ Print ▄ Search ▄ Sort ▄ Next ▄ Last ▄
▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
Datebase: WILDCAT.DAT Messages: 11,279 QwkSlave v1.xx
Page 9
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. The
database can be sorted based on any one of ten fields. 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, QwkSlave goes into "edit mode", and
allows you to enter a new message into the database. When
QwkSlave 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, QwkSlave 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, QwkSlave goes into "edit mode", and allows you
to modify the current message. When QwkSlave 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, QwkSlave 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, QwkSlave 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 QwkSlave resets the
message display to the first message in the database. At
this point, QwkSlave also prompts you whether or not you
want to the delete the actual file from the hard drive, if
it exists. If you answer Yes, QwkSlave will search for and
delete the associated file.
Browse: Browsing for messages can be a quick way to view the
contents of several fields within a message, giving you a
general idea of what is contained in the message body.
When this option is selected, QwkSlave displays a browsing
screen that contains all of the records in the database. To
scroll through the browser, use the Up Arrow, Down Arrow,
Page 10
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
QwkSlave to display the selected message on the editing
screen for viewing, editing, or deleting.
Search: When Search is selected, QwkSlave displays a dialog box
giving you the option of the type of search to perform.
┌─[■]───────── Select Search Type ──────────────┐
│ │
│ Search Type.: (*) Search One Field Only │
│ ( ) Range Search │
│ ( ) Search Entire Message │
│ │
│ │
│ Ok ▄ Cancel ▄ │
│ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────┘
There are three types of searches to perform on a QwkSlave
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, QwkSlave allows
you to search for a text string in any one of the following
ten fields: Conference Number, Message Number, Response
Number, Conference Name, Subject, From, To, Date, BBS Name,
and Keyword. The search string must be located at the
beginning of the field you decide to search. If QwkSlave
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 ten fields mentioned above are all
indexed fields, the search can be completed very rapidly.
When "Range Search" is selected, QwkSlave 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 ten indexed
fields (see previous paragraph for the names of these
fields).
When "Search Entire Message" is selected, QwkSlave will
perform a search of the entire database for a specified text
string. The search can be performed as a case-sensitive or
case-insensitive search, with case-insensitive being the
Page 11
default. The text string you enter can be located at ANY
location within the message. It does not have to be at the
start of an indexed field. 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 QwkSlave locates the
text anywhere within the message (including all individual
fields and the message body), it is included in the search
results.
When QwkSlave starts the search process, it creates a
temporary database. When a message is found that contains
the search string, 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 a text string
located in messages that have been placed in the filtered
database. For example, if you search a Novell database for
the keyword "SCSI", and then perform a secondary search for
"Seagate", your resulting search would only find records
that contained BOTH 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 return to
the previous 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.
┌─[■]─────────── Print Message ───────────────┐
│ │
│ Range...: (*) Current Message │
│ ( ) All Messages │
│ │
│ Print To: (*) LPT1: │
│ ( ) LPT2: │
│ ( ) LPT3: │
│ ( ) File: │
│ │
│ Filename: │
│ │
│ │
│ Ok ▄ Cancel ▄ │
│ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Using the print option, you can print the current message,
Page 12
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. QwkSlave supports printer ports LPT1 through LPT3,
as well as printing to a file.
Import: Importing QWK packets into QwkSlave is extremely easy using
the Import feature. When you select Import, you can use the
import file dialog to search for a specific QWK packet.
Once you have selected the QWK packet, QwkSlave decompresses
it and displays the conferences that are included in the
mail packet, allowing you to select which conference(s)
should be imported. Once you select one or more
conferences, QwkSlave displays 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, QwkSlave 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 Conference Number, Message Number, Response
Number, Conference Name, Subject, From, To, Date, BBS Name,
and Keyword fields. The default sort field is the
Conference Number field. The currently sorted field is
denoted by a diamond character immediately in front of the
field. (In the case of the default sort field, there is a
secondary sort key, (the Message Number field), and this is
denoted by a "²" character immediately in front of the
Message Number 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 view messages in virtually any
order.
Quit: Selecting Quit will close the database and return back to
the main menu.
GoTo: When GoTo is selected, QwkSlave prompts you to enter the
number of the message you want to move to. If QwkSlave
could not locate the EXACT message number, it will display
an error message. If it found the message number you
entered, QwkSlave will automatically display it on the
screen.
Original: As a cross-referencing tool, QwkSlave 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 "Ref #" 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, QwkSlave will either go to the original
message, or display an error message if it could not find
the original message.
Page 13
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, QwkSlave will display an error message. If only 1
response was found, QwkSlave 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 QwkSlave to display
the message previous to the currently displayed message. If
the current message is the first one in the database,
QwkSlave "wraps" to the last message in the database.
Next: Selecting the "Next" button causes QwkSlave to display the
message after the currently displayed message. If the
current message is the last one in the database, QwkSlave
"wraps" to the first message in the database.
First: Selecting the "First" button causes QwkSlave to display the
first message in the database, regardless of the currently
displayed message.
Last: Selecting the "Last" button causes QwkSlave to display the
last message in the database, regardless of the currently
displayed message.
Save: The Save button is only displayed when QwkSlave is in edit
mode, and when it is selected, QwkSlave will Save the
current message and exit from edit mode, returning to the
viewing screen.
Cancel: The Cancel button is only displayed when QwkSlave is in edit
mode, and when it is selected, QwkSlave 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 QwkSlave help system. The F1 key is available at any
time within QwkSlave, and will offer helpful information and
instructions.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ File Dialog Boxes │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
Description:
The file dialog box screens allow users to open or delete an existing
message database. When you delete a database file (.DAT), the
accompanying index (.IX) and dialog (.DIA) files are also deleted.
Note: When opening a file, make sure that any files being opened
Page 14
were originally created with QwkSlave. QwkSlave will NOT read
files properly if they have not been created with QwkSlave.
Filename:
This text field allows users to manually enter the name of a file. If
you enter a filename without an extension when opening or deleting a
file, QwkSlave appends a .DAT extension and searches for a file in the
current directory. If the file exists, it is automatically selected
when you press ENTER. If the file does not exist, QwkSlave will
either advance the cursor to the Files list box for manual selection,
or issue an error message, depending on the existing conditions.
Files:
The Files list box provides users with a way to search the current
drive and directory for files with the selected (*.DAT) file filter.
Pressing the SPACE BAR will highlight a file from the list, and
pressing ENTER on a highlighted file will instruct QwkSlave to attempt
to open or delete it (depending on the current routine).
Directories:
The Directories list box displays a list of directories on the
currently selected drive, and a list of available drives. The current
directory can be changed by pressing ENTER on the desired directory,
or clicking on it with the mouse. When a new directory is selected,
the "Files" list box is updated to display all files matching the file
filter in the new directory.
Directory:
This non-editable field contains the current drive and path. Use this
field as a quick-reference to see where QwkSlave is looking for files.
Ok:
The Ok button can be selected when a file has been highlighted from
the Files list box. QwkSlave will then attempt to open or delete the
selected file (depending on the current routine).
Cancel:
The Cancel button can be selected to cancel the current routine and
return to the main menu.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Command Line Support │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
QwkSlave 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 "QWKSLAVE.EXE WILDCAT" or "QWKSLAVE.EXE
PASCAL". When you enter a database name on the command line, QwkSlave
opens it and (after the about box is displayed) displays it for immediate
viewing.
Page 15
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Network Options │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
┌─[■]──────────── Network Options ─────────────────┐
│ │
│ Optimization.: (*) Optimize For Data Integrity │
│ ( ) Optimize For Speed │
│ │
│ Network Type.: ( ) None │
│ (*) Novell NetWare │
│ ( ) MS-Net Compatible │
│ │
│ Refresh Delay: 5 │
│ │
│ Fast Search..: ( ) Yes │
│ (*) No │
│ │
│ Ok ▄ Cancel ▄ │
│ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Description: The options on this screen determine the default network
behavior of QwkSlave on your computer system.
Optimization: This option is used to specify whether QwkSlave 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, QwkSlave will attempt to
optimize access to routines without a reduction in speed.
When Optimize For Data Integrity is turned on, QwkSlave
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, QwkSlave 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 QWK packets. 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: If you will not be using QwkSlave on a network or in a
multi-user environment, select "None" for this option.
If you are using QwkSlave on a Novell network, select the
"Novell NetWare" option, and if you are using any other
type of network, select the "MS-Net Compatible" option.
Page 16
Refresh Delay: This number specifies the number of seconds that
QwkSlave will use as an update interval when displaying
the browser screen. If this value is set to 5,
QwkSlave 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, QwkSlave 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, QwkSlave saves the options on this
screen to the file QWKSLAVE.INI in the default QwkSlave
directory.
Cancel: Selecting Cancel leaves all options on this screen in the
state they were set to when this screen was initially
displayed.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Defaults │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
┌─[■]──────────────── Defaults ────────────────────┐
│ │
│ Explode Delay...: 3 │
│ │
│ Use Activity Log: Y │
│ │
│ Log File Name...: Q:\QWKSLAVE\QWKSLAVE.LOG │
│ │
│ │
│ Ok ▄ Cancel ▄ │
│ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Description: The fields on this screen specify the default values
that will be used for QwkSlave, as pertaining to window
exploding effects and activity logging.
Explode Delay: This number specifies the number of seconds used as an
"Explode Delay" for dialog boxes within QwkSlave. To
eliminate all exploding effects, set the number in this
field to 0.
Page 17
Use Activity Log: Enter Y (Yes) or N (No) to specify whether or not
QwkSlave should perform activity logging. If activity
logging is turned on, QwkSlave will log importing
activity to the activity log, when appropriate. This
can be useful to determine what QWK packets 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 QwkSlave 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 QWKSLAVE.LOG,
located in the default QwkSlave directory.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Register QwkSlave │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
┌─[■]──────────────── Register QwkSlave ────────────────────┐
│ │
│ Registration Name..: John Doe │
│ │
│ Registration Number: 0123456789 │
│ │
│ Network Users......: 0 │
│ │
│ Ok ▄ Cancel ▄ │
│ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Description: Once you register QwkSlave 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
QwkSlave 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, QwkSlave will display a thank-
you message. Otherwise, QwkSlave will warn you that
the registration number you entered was not valid.
Registration Name: The Registration Name field allows users to enter
their personal name or the name of their company or
organization.
Registration Number: The Registration Number field allows users to enter
the registration number they received from STSI upon
registering QwkSlave. For information on how to
register, please see the "Registration" section near
the top of this documentation file.
Page 18
Network Users: This field contains the numbers of network (or site-
license users) for QwkSlave. To receive a
registration number that provides support for
network and site-license users, see the file
REGISTER.DOC. If you are registering a single-user
version of QwkSlave, enter 0 in this field.
Ok: Selecting Ok instructs QwkSlave to save this
configuration information to the file QWKSLAVE.INI.
Cancel: Selecting Cancel instructs QwkSlave 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. QwkSlave 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
QwkSlave, you may find some temporary files left over in your default
QwkSlave directory. These files 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 QwkSlave. For an
explanation of why this temporary database is created, see the information
on Searching the database.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Other Products by STSI │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
ZIP'R Professional For DOS <ASP> - Hard Drive Tripler For DOS!
ZIP'R Pro stores programs in compressed form when they are not being
used. Automatically compress, decompress, and launch programs as
needed. Uses ARJ, LHA, PKZIP, or built-in compression. Easy to use
interface!
ZIP'R Professional For Windows <ASP> - Hard Drive Tripler For Windows!
ZIP'R Pro stores programs in compressed form when they are not being
used. Automatically compress, decompress, and launch programs as
Page 19
needed. Uses ARJ, LHA, PKZIP, or built-in compression. Easy to use
interface!
BOOT'R <ASP> - DOS Configuration Manager
BOOT'R is a utility that allows the management of multiple
configurations on a single machine. BOOT'R not only allows the
modification of the CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files, but any other
files that might be needed.
Replicator <ASP> - The Disk Replicator!
Replicator is a disk image utility designed to create images of
diskettes and catalog them in a database. Use optional compression
routines to reduce the image size. 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!
CompuSlave <ASP> - CompuServe Message Database!
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!
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!
Programmer's Project Manager
PPM is a project manager that allows Builder or BASIC users to have
complete control over their program's development. Edit source files
using the PPM Editor, or specify your own favorite editor. Compile,
link using multiple libraries, compress the EXE, scan for viruses,
date/time stamp, and then compress the entire project, all under the
control of PPM.
Subber <ASP> - The 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.
Page 20
Stevenson Technical Services, Inc. (STSI)
108 Second Avenue West
Bertha, MN 56437-0297
Phone/FAX: (218) 924-2050
The STSI BBS: (218) 924-2060, N,8,1
QwkSlave 1.00 Registration Form
Qty Description Price Each Total
_____ QwkSlave 1.00 Single-User Registration $49.95 ________
Includes a printed manual, 3 1/2" & 5 1/4" diskettes,
removal of nag screens and database record limit,
and a registration number good for all version 1.x
releases.
_____ QwkSlave 1.00 Site-License (Users? ___) ______ ________
(Same price breaks apply for site-licensing.)
# of Users Price # of Users Price
---------- ------- ---------- -------
5 -> $150.00 50 -> $600.00
10 -> $300.00 100 -> $750.00
20 -> $450.00 More? -> CALL
Sub-Total: ________
Minnesota Residents Add 6.5% Sales Tax: ________
Shipping/Handling (USA/Canada = $5.00, Foreign = $10.00): ________
Total: ________
Name: ____________________________ Company: __________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________
City: ___________________________ State: _____ Zip Code: ____________
Country: ___________________________ Phone: ____________________________
Please Register QwkSlave To This Name: __________________________________
Method of Payment: ___ Visa/MC ___ American Express ___ Discover
___ Check/Money Order Enclosed
(Checks/MO's must be in U.S. Funds drawn on a U.S. Bank!)
Credit Card #: _________________________________ Expiration Date: ___/___
Name on Card: _______________________ Signature: ________________________
Comments / Suggestions: __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Page 21
Please take a minute to answer the following questions. Your answers
will assist us in improving and marketing QwkSlave. (Check all that
apply.)
Where did you hear about QwkSlave?
[ ] BBS [ ] Catalog/Magazine [ ] Friend/Relative
[ ] Rack Vendor [ ] User's Group [ ] Other _______________
Please provide name of BBS/Catalog/Magazine/User's Group, (if possible)
______________________________________________________________________
What operating systems / environments do you use?
[ ] DOS [ ] Windows [ ] DESQview/DESQview/X [ ] OS/2
Would you like to see a Windows version of QwkSlave?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Doesn't Matter
What types of messages or what message conferences do you use QwkSlave for?
__________________________________________________________________________
What feature(s) do you like the most about QwkSlave? _____________________
__________________________________________________________________________
What feature(s) would you like to see added to QwkSlave? _________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Additional Comments: _____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
May We Quote You? [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Doesn't Matter
Page 22
