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GEDSORT.EXE Version 1.3
GEDCOM File Sort Utility
by Raymond L. Browning, Sr.
(c) 1992, LAURAY Software
Section 1 - Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS...........................................1
DISCLAIMER..................................................2
Warranty..................................................2
KSORT Disclaimer..........................................2
SHAREWARE NOTIFICATION......................................3
User Notice...............................................3
Software Distributor/Bulletin Board Notice................3
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS..........................5
Hardware..................................................5
Software..................................................5
OPERATION...................................................7
Why sort a GEDCOM file?...................................7
Sort Order................................................7
Starting the program......................................7
GEDCOM file name..........................................8
What the screens tell you.................................8
KSORT Operation...........................................9
Speeding up execution.....................................9
Keeping your database sorted..............................10
Interrupted execution.....................................10
VERSION CHANGES.............................................11
Version 1.3...............................................11
Version 1.2...............................................11
Version 1.1...............................................11
Version 1.0...............................................11
ORDERING INFORMATION........................................12
Ordering..................................................12
Suggestions...............................................12
Bug Reporting.............................................12
Order Form................................................13
INDEX.......................................................14
1
GEDSORT.EXE Version 1.3
by Raymond L. Browning, Sr.
(c) 1992, LAURAY Software
Section 2 - Disclaimer
WARRANTY
2.1. The author and copyright owner furnish the software as-is,
and the user must determine the suitability for his/her own
intended purpose. Use of this product should at all times be
performed on databases that have been correctly backed up follow-
ing normal industry practices. After use, the database must be
examined to determine no damage has occurred. Under no circum-
stances is the author or copyright owner liable for consequential
damages arising from use of this software.
2.2. All rights are reserved by the author and copyright owner.
Only those rights granted in the registration license and the
trial period are available to the user.
2.3. By use of the software provided with this documentation, the
user acknowledges that this manual has been read and understood,
and agrees to all terms contained herein.
2.4. This software is the property of the author and copyright
owner at all times. The user is only granted license to use the
software during the trial period of twenty-one days, or if a
registration payment is made, a license is granted for continued
operation on only one computer. Site license and network use
license can be granted only by written permission from the author
or copyright owner.
KSORT DISCLAIMER
2.5. A third-party program named KSORT.EXE written by others is
used by the GEDSORT.EXE program and is included in its entirety,
with documentation. Please note: the use of GEDSORT.EXE requires
KSORT.EXE, and the KSORT author's requirements in the enclosed
documentation must also be met for continued operation. For
further details, refer to the KSORT.DOC file included with this
distribution.
2
GEDSORT.EXE Version 1.3
by Raymond L. Browning, Sr.
(c) 1992, LAURAY Software
Section 3 - Shareware Notification
USER NOTICE
3.1. This software is furnished for a trial period of twenty-one
days. During that period, the user is free to execute the soft-
ware in a manner consistent with genealogical databases and the
intended design.
3.2. Following a period of twenty-one days, the user must regis-
ter the software before continued use. Registration and ordering
information is provided at the end of this manual.
3.3. Shareware is a concept unique to the computer software
industry. A program is placed in locations accessible by the
general public for copying. The user is allowed to test-drive the
software during a specified period to see if it is useful for
their purposes.
3.4. After the specified period of time, the user must either
quit using the software, or register it to allow continued opera-
tion. Registration fees are paid to the author or copyright
owner, and a license is created allowing the user to continue
operation. Normally, for a slightly additional charge, the user
will be provided with the latest version of the software, which
may or may not be the one they are using.
3.5. Copies of this software may be freely distributed. Provided,
that the original files are copied exactly as received, without
any modification of any type. All documentation, executable
files, registration forms, and comments in compressed files must
be left intact, without change.
3.6. No fees may be charged for copies of this software at any
time without prior written agreement from the author or copyright
owner.
SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTOR/BULLETIN BOARD NOTICE
3.7. Software distribution companies must first contact the
author or copyright owner and obtain written permission before
this software is included in their distribution inventory.
3.8. Bulletin board operators that do not charge the user any
fees at any time are hereby granted permission to include this
software in their inventory for download.
3.9. Uploading of this software by the author or copyright owner
to a bulletin board that charges fees for access will constitute
instant permission to include the software in their downloadable
inventory.
3
GEDSORT.EXE Version 1.3
by Raymond L. Browning, Sr.
(c) 1992, LAURAY Software
3.10. All other bulletin board systems must contact the author or
copyright owner for written permission before including the
software in their downloadable inventory.
3.11. The files must be distributed without modification of any
kind.
4
GEDSORT.EXE Version 1.3
by Raymond L. Browning, Sr.
(c) 1992, LAURAY Software
Section 4 - Hardware and Software Requirements
HARDWARE
4.1. This software will run on a computer equipped with an 8088
(PC/XT) or 8086 processor, or subsequent generation processors.
Operation on an 80286 (PC/AT), 80386, or 80486 machine is highly
recommended to reduce execution time.
4.2. 80386 and 80486 machines have an additional advantage. They
can execute the program in multi-tasking software such as Micro-
Soft Windows, while allowing you to do other tasks with your
computer. This option is not available through MicroSoft Windows
with 80286 or earlier processors.
4.3. CGA, MGA, EGA, VGA, and compatible laptop LCD displays will
properly present the screens generated by the program.
4.4. Free disk space slightly greater than the twice the GEDCOM
file size is required. The program produces a duplicate of the
GEDCOM in sorted order while retaining the original for backup
purposes. In addition, an index used for sorting is generated.
4.5. Although the program will execute on computers with less
than 640 Kbytes of conventional memory, it is not recommended.
4.6. Extended memory (beyond the conventional 640 KBytes) is
recommended, but not required. Use of extended memory will speed
execution times. Disk cache programs using extended or expanded
memory, and ram drives using extended or expanded memory will
help speed up execution.
SOFTWARE
4.7. This software was written in MicroSoft QuickBasic 4.5 and is
designed for IBM compatible computers running IBM PCDOS 3.3 or
later; or running MicroSoft MSDOS 3.3 or later.
4.8. Use through MicroSoft Windows with a 80286 or earlier proc-
essor will be considerably slower in execution speed.
4.9. A LAURAY Software icon for MicroSoft Windows is included in
the distribution file.
4.10. A program named KSORT.EXE written by others is required for
operation of GEDSORT.EXE. It is included with the distribution
files in its entirety, including documentation. This program is
also shareware and the instructions provided by the author in the
documentation regarding registration must be followed.
GEDSORT.EXE will not execute properly without KSORT.EXE.
4.11. Memory and disk management programs are not required,
5
GEDSORT.EXE Version 1.3
by Raymond L. Browning, Sr.
(c) 1992, LAURAY Software
however they are recommended to reduce execution times. Suggested
is SMARTDRV.EXE or SMARTDRV.SYS from MicroSoft. By reducing the
disk accesses and using primarily memory, large speed increases
will be realized.
4.12. Look-ahead buffers in the disk access are not required, but
are highly recommended to also reduce disk access times. Include
the statement "BUFFERS=20,8" in your CONFIG.SYS file. The number
8 represents 8 look-ahead buffers, beyond what the program is
asking for at that time. DOS gets these buffers of data antici-
pating the use by the program. With sequential files such as
GEDCOM files, this provides a noticeable gain in execution speed.
6
GEDSORT.EXE Version 1.3
by Raymond L. Browning, Sr.
(c) 1992, LAURAY Software
Section 5 - Operation
WHY SORT A GEDCOM FILE?
5.1. Most genealogy programs retain records in the order they are
entered. Considering the various ways of collecting that data,
the order is very random. An example is Personal Ancestral File
(PAF) by The Church of Jesus Christ and Later Day Saints (Mor-
mons).
5.2. In searching for an individual in PAF, you will find the
individuals in the order entered. Any printout of individual
numbers and names will be also very randomized. If your personal
preference is to look through an organized database, then GED-
SORT.EXE may be just the program you have been searching for!
5.3. To use GEDSORT, you must first export your database from the
genealogy program of your choice into a GEDCOM file format. Most
better programs include that capability to allow transfer of data
between researchers without requiring retyping. If your database
cannot be exported and imported to/from GEDCOM format, then
GEDSORT.EXE will not be of interest to you.
5.4. After sorting your GEDCOM file, then import the sorted file
into a new/clean database in your genealogy program of choice.
5.5. Another area in which GEDSORT.EXE is useful is in sorting
the output files created by the International Genealogical Index
(IGI), the Ancestral File (AF), and the Social Security Death
Index (SSDI), all available from the Mormons. GEDSORT.EXE allows
you to organize the file BEFORE placing the information into your
database.
5.6. GEDSORT.EXE was designed by the author to allow regular
sorting of his PAF files into alphabetical order for easier
viewing.
SORT ORDER
5.7. The sort process is not truely alphabetical. All persons
without a surname are placed at the back of the file, not the
front unlike a true alphabetical sort. Otherwise, all sorting is
by alphabetical order: surname, first name, middle name/initial,
other names, and lastly title (Jr., Sr., MD, etc.).
STARTING THE PROGRAM
5.8. First, you must make sure your computer is set up properly
in your CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files. Your CONFIG.SYS file
must contain the following two lines:
FILES=20
7
GEDSORT.EXE Version 1.3
by Raymond L. Browning, Sr.
(c) 1992, LAURAY Software
BUFFERS=20,8
5.9. The number of files may be greater than 20 if desired. Then
number of buffers may be greater than 20; however, leave the
number of look-ahead buffers at the maximum of 8.
5.10. Recommended is the inclusion of SMARTDRV.SYS to your CON-
FIG.SYS file, or SMARTDRV.EXE to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, depend-
ing on which version of the software you possess.
5.11. If you have a large amount of extended memory available,
you should consider using RAMDRIVE.SYS, VDISK.SYS, or any other
RAM resident pseudo-disk. Access to RAM is always faster than
access to a magnetic media, such as a hard drive or floppy disk.
5.12. Second, change to the subdirectory containing the GEDCOM
database you wish to sort. GEDSORT.EXE must be called from the
subdirectory with the GEDCOM file, or it will abort execution.
5.13. Third, call the GEDSORT.EXE program using its full path
statement. For example:
C:\GEDSORT\GEDSORT.EXE
GEDCOM FILE NAME
5.14. GEDSORT.EXE will ask you for the name of the database you
wish to sort. Enter just the file name of the GEDCOM database,
without the extension. For example, if your file is BROWNING.GED,
you would enter:
BROWNING
5.15. GEDSORT.EXE will then sort the database, reporting its
progress to you through various screens.
WHAT THE SCREENS TELL YOU
5.16. The first screen to appear after starting the program will
show the version number, and ask you for the database name, Enter
it and press ENTER. That will be the first and last question
asked by the program. The second and later screens merely provide
you with information on the program's progress.
5.17. Then screen then changes to tell you that it is in the
process of indexing the individuals for sorting. During that
indexing process, the screen displays the current GEDCOM file
line number, the name of the database, and the individual being
placed into the index.
KSORT OPERATION
8
GEDSORT.EXE Version 1.3
by Raymond L. Browning, Sr.
(c) 1992, LAURAY Software
5.18. During operation of KSORT.EXE (it is called by
GEDSORT.EXE), the screen will blank. This is by design of the
author of KSORT.EXE. A note warning you of the screen blanking is
placed on the screen displayed just prior to sorting.
5.19. KSORT.EXE is also useable as a separate program. To learn
how to operate it to its fullest capabilities, read the KSORT.DOC
file included with the distribution.
5.20. After KSORT.EXE arranges the index into alphabetical order,
you are presented with another screen from GEDSORT.EXE. On this
screen you are advised that individuals are being placed in the
new GEDCOM file in alphabetical order. You are shown the name of
the database, the current line number in the old GEDCOM file, and
which Individual is being searched, or moved.
5.21. The last screen shown to you tells you that all the
individuals have been moved, and the program is now moving the
mariages to the new GEDCOM file. You are shown the database name,
and the old GEDCOM line number being processed. The program then
cleans up the temporary files, renames the old file to an exten-
sion of .OLD, renames the new file with the database name and
extenxion of .GED, and renames the index file.
5.22. Upon exiting the program, GEDSORT.EXE leaves an exit screen
with information about the author, copyright owner, KSORT, and
the request for registration.
SPEEDING UP EXECUTION
5.23. Execution speed will seem very slow on the first sort of
your database. Therefore, to make it as short as possible, the
following suggestions are offered.
1. The first sort of any database should be on the fastest
machine available to you (faster clock speed, and/or later
processor like 80286, 80386, or 80486). Later sorts on a
partially alphabetized database will be quite faster.
2. Make the best possible use of RAM disk drives if you have
enough memory available. RAM drives operate much faster for
access than magnetic drives such as hard disks or floppy
disks.
3. Use the suggested look-ahead buffers available in your
disk operating system.
4. Use disk cache programs such as SMARTDRV to reduce access
times for your hard drive or floppy drive if you do not have
a RAM drive installed.
5. Operate your computer in the fastest CPU clock time
9
GEDSORT.EXE Version 1.3
by Raymond L. Browning, Sr.
(c) 1992, LAURAY Software
(TURBO) if available.
6. Sort the pieces of databases such as IGI or Ancestral
File GEDCOM files AND YOUR PERSONAL DATABASE before combin-
ing them with your personal database. The sort of the com-
bined database will be much faster if the pieces are pre-
sorted.
5.24. GEDSORT.EXE is designed to rapidly sort databases that are
only partially out of order (such as recent addition of individu-
als).
KEEPING YOUR DATABASE SORTED
5.25. There are two major reasons to keep your database sorted on
a regular basis. First, the advantages of having a database that
is in a sequence you can use to locate individuals quickly.
Second, GEDSORT.EXE is designed to work more efficiently with
databases that are only partially out of order. The more individ-
uals that are out of sequence when the program is run, the longer
the execution time. Regular sorts keep your time to a minimum.
INTERRUPTED EXECUTION
5.26. Extensive error checking is not included in this version of
the software. Any file errors that occur will halt execution of
GEDSORT.EXE. If that happens, you will have left in your working
directory some temporary files. They can be recognized by start-
ing with GEDSORT and having an extension starting with a dollar
sign, like .$A$ $B$, $C$, or $D$. Just delete these files, fix
the problem with the disk that caused the original error, and
start execution again.
10
GEDSORT.EXE Version 1.3
by Raymond L. Browning, Sr.
(c) 1992, LAURAY Software
Section 6 - Version Changes
Version 1.3
-----------
Released 13 May 1992. Corrected GEDCOM file line display blanking
for marriage info addition.
Version 1.2
-----------
Released 05 May 1992. Corrected file cleanup. Added request for
registration. Changed GEDCOM file line counter from floating
point variable to long integer variable for handling files with
greater than 32767 lines with better accuracy. Added line number
feedback during marriage information transfer.
Version 1.1
-----------
Released 04 May 1992. Increased execution speed by using line
numbers in index for comparison to current line position. Added
feedback screens to allow user to view status as program exe-
cutes.
Version 1.0
-----------
Released 30 May 1992. Original program release of development
work initiated on 29 May 1992.
11
GEDSORT.EXE Version 1.3
by Raymond L. Browning, Sr.
(c) 1992, LAURAY Software
Section 7 - Ordering Information
7.1. The latest version of GEDSORT.EXE and documentation may be
ordered by using the order form on the next page. Registration of
the GEDSORT software is required for continued use beyond the
trial period. The author and copyright owner welcome suggestions
to improve the product.
7.2. Mail suggestions to:
LAURAY Software
P.O. Box 1638
Henderson, KY 42420-1638
7.3. Registered users may report errors found in the program to:
LAURAY Software
P.O. Box 1638
Henderson, KY 42420-1638
or if you prefer, registered users may report them by telephone
to:
(502) 826-6534.
12
GEDSORT.EXE Version 1.3
by Raymond L. Browning, Sr.
(c) 1992, LAURAY Software
GEDSORT.EXE Version 1.3
O R D E R F O R M
[] I wish to register my copy of GEDSORT.EXE Version 1.3 for a
one-time fee of $10.00.
[] I wish to also request a copy of the latest version of GED-
SORT.EXE for an additional $5.00 for shipping and handling.
TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $_________
Please ship registration and/or latest version to the following
address:
NAME: _____________________________________________________
ADDRESS: __________________________________________________
CITY: __________________________ STATE: ____ ZIP: _________
PRODUCT SUGGESTIONS OR COMMENTS:
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Mail the completed form to:
LAURAY Software
P.O. Box 1638
Henderson, KY 42420-1638
Thank you for your patronage!
13
GEDSORT.EXE Version 1.3
by Raymond L. Browning, Sr.
(c) 1992, LAURAY Software
INDEX
80286 processor, 5
80386 processor, 5
80486 processor, 5
8086 processor, 5
Adding marriages, 9
AF, 7
Ancestral File, 7
AUTOEXEC.BAT, 7, 8
Backup, 5
BUFFERS=, 6, 7
Bug Reporting, 12
Building sorted GEDCOM, 9
Bulletin boards, 3
CGA display, 5
CONFIG.SYS, 6, 7, 8
Consequential damages, 2
Conventional memory, 5
Copying, 3
Copying fees, 3
Database name, 8
Disclaimer, 2
Disk cache, 5
Disk management, 5
Disk space, 5
Display, 8, 11
DOS look-ahead, 6
EGA display, 5
Ending screen, 9
Error checking, 10
Errors, 12
Execution speed, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11
Export GEDCOM, 7
Extended memory, 5
File names, 10
FILES=, 7
Gathering individuals, 8
GEDCOM capability, 7
GEDCOM file name, 8
GEDCOM line number, 8
Hardware requirements, 5
IBM PCDOS, 5
IGI, 7
14
GEDSORT.EXE Version 1.3
by Raymond L. Browning, Sr.
(c) 1992, LAURAY Software
Import GEDCOM, 7
Index, 14
Individual reference, 8
Input screen, 8
International Genealogical Index, 7
Interrupted execution, 10
Keeping database sorted, 10
KSORT.EXE, 2, 5, 9
Latest version, 3, 12, 13
LAURAY icon, 5
LAURAY Software address, 12
LAURAY Software telephone, 12
LCD display, 5
Liability, 2
License, 2, 3
Look-ahead buffers, 6, 8
M1croSoft Windows, 5
Memory management, 5
MGA display, 5
Microsoft MSDOS, 5
MicroSoft Windows, 5
Mormons, 7
MSDOS, 5
Network use license, 2
Order form, 13
Ordered vs. random databases, 7
Ordering, 3, 12, 13
PAF, 7
PCDOS, 5
PC/AT processor, 5
PC/XT processor, 5
Personal Ancesctral File, 7
Program errors, 12
QuickBasic, 5
Ram drive, 5
RAMDRIVE.SYS, 8
Registration, 3, 5, 12, 13
Registration fee, 3, 13
Rights reserved, 2
Screen blanking, 9
Screens, 8
Shareware, 3
Site License, 2
SMARTDRV.EXE, 5, 8
SMARTDRV.SYS, 8
15
GEDSORT.EXE Version 1.3
by Raymond L. Browning, Sr.
(c) 1992, LAURAY Software
Social Security Death Index, 7
Software distribution companies, 3
Software requirements, 5
Sort order, 7
Sorting individuals, 9
SSDI, 7
Starting the program, 7
Suggestions, 12
Table of contents, 1
Temporary files, 10
Test-drive, 3
Titles, 7
Trial period, 2, 3
Uploading by author, 3
Uploading by copyright owner, 3
Use license, 2
User fees, 3, 4
User notice, 3
VDISK.SYS, 8
Version 1.0, 11
Version 1.1, 11
Version 1.2, 11
Version 1.3, 11
Version changes, 11
VGA display, 5
Warranty, 2
Why sort?, 7
16