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QwkSlave
Version 1.10
Copyright c 1995 by
Stevenson Technical Services, Incorporated
108 Second Avenue West
PO Box 297
Bertha MN 56437-0297 USA
Phone/FAX: 218-924-2050
The STSI BBS: 218-924-2060
Internet: cstevens@bertha.polaristel.net
Welcome!
Thank you for using 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
· At least 1MB of Extended Memory (2 MB Total RAM, with 4MB
recommended)
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 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
prices are 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 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.
If you have already registered QwkSlave, you should have received
a registration name and number with your registration packet.
Information is contained in this manual about how to register
your copy of QwkSlave to remove any delay or information (nag)
screens and eliminate the database record limit.
How To Order
To register, do ONE of the following (whichever you prefer):
1. Call The STSI BBS at (218) 924-2060 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 (218) 924-2050.
Please have your credit card handy.
3. You can FAX your registration to (218) 924-2050. 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 (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.
Internet Mail:
STSI will respond to messages sent via the Internet. Send any
tech support related questions, comments, or suggestions to
cstevens@bertha.polaristel.net.
Telephone:
Technical support calls may be placed at (218) 924-2050. 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 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)
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 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 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 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.)
Create Message Base
Description:
On this screen, enter the full path and filename of the message
database file that should be created by QwkSlave.
Ok:
Selecting 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
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 next message in the database.
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 will either display a Standard or Enhanced
browser, or it will prompt you for which browser to use. (The
default browser type can be set on the "Defaults" screen. See
that section of the documentation for more information.)
When the Standard browser is displayed, users can easily view
records in a table format and press ENTER on the record they
want to view. 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 QwkSlave
to display the selected message on the editing screen for
viewing, editing, or deleting.
When the Enhanced browser is displayed, users can mark multiple
records by pressing the space bar or ENTER on each record they
want to tag. Then, all tagged records can be easily deleted by
selecting the "Delete" button. (Other options may be added to
this screen in the future.)
Search:
When Search is selected, QwkSlave 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 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 up to 2 user-specified text
strings. You can select whether QwkSlave 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
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 in a temporary sub-directory (named TEMP0001,
TEMP0002, etc). 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 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. 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. 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 to import, you will be given the
option of importing all messages in the selected conferences,
or only messages To and/or From specific users. The default is
to import all messages in the selected conferences. After you
have specified the search criteria and selected Ok, 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.
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 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.
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
"QWKSLAVE.EXE WILDCAT /V=28" or "QWKSLAVE.EXE /V=50 PASCAL" or a
similar command line.
Defaults
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.
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.
Import Path:
This field should contain the default location where your QWK
mail packets are typically located. QwkSlave 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 QwkSlave is executed.
When a database file is specified in this field, QwkSlave will
attempt to load it immediately after it is executed. If a
database filename is entered on the command line, QwkSlave will
attempt to open that file instead.
Compress Message Data
This option allows users to specify whether or not compression
is used on QwkSlave 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 QwkSlave version
1.08, users who created a database with an earlier version of
QwkSlave will want to use the "Reorganize Database" option,
accessible from the Settings menu. This will allow existing
databases to be rebuilt using data compression (if the Compress
Message Data option is selected).
Video Mode:
This field allows a user to select how many lines of text
QwkSlave should display on his/her monitor. This feature
allows users to view more lines of message text when reading
messages. Note to users: QwkSlave 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).
Browser Type:
This field allows users to select which browser is displayed by
default when the "Browse" button is selected from the message
viewing screen. The Standard browser allows users to see all
records in a table format and pick one for viewing. The
Enhanced browser allows users to select multiple records for
deletion. Users can also choose "Prompt" which causes QwkSlave
to prompt users for the proper browser to use, each time the
Browse button is selected.
Date Format:
This field specifies the default date format to use when
viewing database messages. Available formats are mm-dd-yy (01-
31-95), dd-mm-yy (31-01-95), and dd-nnn-yy (31-Jan-95). This
should serve our foreign users well, and offer flexibility to
our domestic users.
Network Options
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:
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
QwkSlave 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 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.
Reorganize Database / Compress
QwkSlave Version 1.08 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 QwkSlave'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 Settings Menu, QwkSlave 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 QwkSlave prior to version 1.08. Any
databases created using version 1.08 or later will already use
compression, if compression has been enabled on the Defaults
screen.)
Register QwkSlave
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.
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 a temporary QwkSlave 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 QwkSlave. 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: (218) 924-2050
The STSI BBS: (218) 924-2060
Internet Mail: cstevens@bertha.polaristel.net
(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
Informant stores over 40 fields of data on each BBS! Store up to
3 phone numbers, software & version, sysop, emphasis, rate,
location, number of lines, storage space, CD-ROMS, date of
origin, services offered, summary, and much more! Network
support is included! BBS Informant works on Wildcat, PCBoard,
and any BBS that supports DOOR.SYS.
Registration Fee: $49.95
· BOOT'R <ASP> -DOS Multiple Configuration Manager
BOOT'R allows the management of multiple configurations on a
single machine. BOOT'R can modify the CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT,
and more. Modify up to 5 files for each configuration. Useful for
changing files such as NET.CFG too! Ideal for creating custom
configurations for memory-hungry games. Easy to use push-button
interface w/mouse support!
Online reference tools!
Registration Fee: $34.95
· CompuSlave <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 message forum 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
· 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.
Registration Fee: $49.95
· 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:
ARJ is copyrighted by Robert K Jung.
LHA is copyrighted by Haruyasu Yoshizaki.
MS-DOS is copyrighted by Microsoft Corporation.
Novell is copyrighted by Novell.
OS/2 is copyrighted by IBM.
PKUNZIP is copyrighted by PKWare, Inc.
PKZIP is copyrighted by PKWare, Inc.
Windows is copyrighted by Microsoft Corporation.