NewtDb(tm) - The Relational Database for Newton(tm)(sm)
NewtDb v1.30 Update 12/02/97
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In this bundle you will find:
Everything. This bundle contains all released programs and updated documentation. Except for the now outdated Exlate program and the PC specific XmitDb.exe and RcvDb.exe programs which are still available at my website: http://www.netacc.net/~dmpsyst.
Installing
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As always, please backup your Newton before installing new software. The NBU and NCU may only make an incremental backup so move your backup files to a new folder / subdirectory to allow NBU/NCU to make a complete backup.
Newton System Updates
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For MP2x00's and eMate, please get the latest System Update (released 11/97 or later) and install it. The Update fixes the Heap Fragmentation Bug as previously reported. NOTE: Some users (Newton, not NewtDb) have reported Strange Things when installing this update. Be sure to make a NEW BACKUP before installing.
v1.30 changes summary
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NewtDb:
- Major changes & enhancements:
- Added Keyboard shortcuts (command keys) for darn near everything.
- Reduced storage and heap memory needed for records.
- Added support for all ROM and loadable fonts.
- Added prefs for screen size and Edit Window font / size.
- Minor changes:
- Changed New/Dup/Delete selection to a popup if there are no indirect links.
- Fixed error 77 on application freeze/thaw after routing was used.
- Changed "First / Last Record" message to 500 ms vs 50 ms (or however long a screen update took).
- Minor rework of Perfs startup code for NOS 1.3 to show 1st pref on 2nd or later invocations.
- Made password screen center itself (for eMate and MP2x00 screens) and changed 'OK' key to 'Enter'.
- Added a System Beep upon invalid password entry.
UtilityDb:
- Fixed transfer to NewtDb for last entry in screen list.
- Sorted Db name list by number.
- Added code for reduced storage memory of records.
XferDb:
- Recoded receive decode routine for faster receive on pre-MP2x00 Newtons.
- Supports smaller records when "Indexes use less memory" option is enabled in NewtDb.
- Better error message when serial port is already in use and hence no error or lockup upon exit.
- Updated parts of documentation.
Soupervisor:
- None since v1.26b3 (last release).
DemoDb:
- None since a very long time ago.
RegisterDb:
- None since a very long time ago.
BarCodeDb:
- None since a very long time ago.
Newton Script Sample code updated and added to.
- Changed date popup example to correct use of the CurrentDbcursor variable.
Newton Script information more expanded and updated.
- Information now grouped as to category.
- Added Index at start and numbered sections for easyer reference.
Expanded Information about changes
==================================
1. Added Keyboard shortcuts (command keys) for nearly everything.
Keyboard support has been added to all screens and windows of NewtDb except for the Prefs window. Press and hold the Command key (NOS 2.1 only) to see general help for keys, press command-H key while in windows for keys specific to that window.
General Navigation Keys:
Cmd - A: Popups About / Prefs / UtilityDb list.
Cmd - N: Opens or popups New / Dup / Delete window.
Cmd - Q: Opens Quick Find window.
Cmd - U: Opend Query window.
Cmd - R: Popups Routing list.
Cmd - I: Popups Index list.
Cmd - S: Popups Screen list.
Cmd - W: Closes any window.
Cmd - O: Change to List View.
Cmd - 1,2,3,4: Popups Field Column selections in List View.
Cmd - Shift - Q: Quits NewtDb.
Cmd - Tab: Opens field for edit. Selects first blank field.
The Newton general help window does not show certain keys. They are:
Cmd - Down Arrow: Scroll Detail View to next record, List view and Edit List to next screen full of records.
Cmd - Up Arrow: Scroll Detail View to previous record, List view and Edit List to previous screen full of records.
Cmd - Right Arrow: Hilite next entry in List view and Edit List.
Cmd - Left Arrow: Hilite previous entry in List view and Edit List.
Cmd - Return: Select hilited entry in List View and return to Detail view.
Oh Fudge. Last minute testing on a 120/NOS 2.0 indicates that the General Navigation Keys (all shown above) don't work for NOS 2.0. NOS 2.1 is the first O/S that implements command keys. That would explain the I can't use command keys in ANY MP120 application, including the internal ones. Hey, I just got the keyboard with a coupon after I bought the MP2k 'cause I had a MP120 so I've never used it before. :-)
However, most keys that show up in a window when you do a Cmd-H will work with the exception of any commands that uses the arrow or tab keys. This includes selecting items in a popup list inside of windows where Cmd-H shows a list of keys.
So why do command keys work in the windows ? Because I used a different method to implement them there to be backwards compatible. I'll change to that method for the General Navigation Keys. Should work.
The Return key does work on the Password Screen and Quick Find window. I can (and will, no don't ask when, soon) change the code to work for NOS 2.0 except for maybe selecting items in a popup list. Heck, that will save heap !
2. Reduced storage and heap memory needed for records.
In Prefs [I], there is now a Misc. option window. In Misc. there is a checkbox for "Indexes use less memory". When checked, this implements storing of the three (currently) indexes in a more compact form inside a soup entry. This new method is 100% compatible with older version of NewtDb. The other programs (UtilityDb and XferDb) will also take this into account.
Other routines have been re-coded to reduce heap usage. Depends on record size.
3. Added support for all ROM and loadable fonts.
Now all ROM fonts in NOS 2.x and all loadable fonts will show up in the Font list for objects in UtilityDb when you edit an object and will be selectable. If you later delete a font, all objects that used the font should still show up, but in the system default font.
NOTE: You will get errors if you select and use any loadable or new fonts (ie anything but the standard three ROM fonts that are in all Newton devices) if you go back to any previous (v1.26b3 or before) version of NewtDb and UtilityDb.
4. Added prefs for screen size and Edit Window font / size.
In Prefs [I], there is now a Misc. option window. In Misc. there is now selection of the fond and size to use while editing data in the medium and large windows. This too will show all ROM and loadable fonts.
You can also select the screen size to use. Either full screen or original MP110/120/130 size. This is realy only of use on a MP2x00 or eMate. It won't make a difference on a 100/110/120(NOS 1.3). For MP120(NOS 2.0) or MP130 it will narrow the size when in landscape mode if you select 'original' size.
NOTE: For 120's (and I guess 130's too) when you are in landscape mode and have a passsword protected screen, after you have entered the correct password and the password screen clears, the a small top part of the screen is still covered. Just tap where the Index and Screen popup should be and they will show up. Must be a O/S thing.
Previous Release Changes
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V1.26b3 changes
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NewtDb:
- Enhanched Newton Script:
- Added more error checking.
- More verbose error reporting.
- Corrected some routines that would fault w/bad parameters
UtilityDb:
- Now hilites last screen viewed in NewtDb in screen list.
- Directs NewtDb to open to last edited screen.
- Enhanched Newton Script:
- Made edit window open to full screen width.
- More verbose error reporting.
- Uses Newton scroll arrows for fasted scrolling.
- Updated function list.
XferDb:
- Added higher baud rates
- Added function to index received records after receive ended for fasted loading.
- Now saves prefrences.
NewtDb Soupervisor:
- Was not compiled for 64 Db's.
Newton Script Sample code updated and added to.
Newton Script information expanded and updated.
v.126b1 (9/12/97) changes
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NewtDb:
- Added Newton Script support.
- Made Edit List window go full screen
- Edit List now keeps same display / location when re-opened in same edit.
- Fixed bug where if you scroll past end of Edit List and selected, an error occurred if you tried to select from the list.
- Fixed bug in Edit List when only one field was shown, then two in another edit as only one field would then show.
- Fixed 'click through' in EditList as clicking on background fell into main screen.
- Rearranged startup code to help with the MP2K heap fragmentation problem of random restarts until Apple publicly releases an O/S update to fix. Another help is to file all items in a soup on only one store (Internal / Card).
UtilityDb:
- Added Newton Script support.
- Fixed bug where changing a database name didn't display the new name.
- Added code so that when designing screens, if the button bar (or an other application, namely Start Bar) was on the top, you could select objects. Before you would have to offset your taps.
- Added option in EditList to show only a single field, but put the data from the second list field in the record.
Other changes:
- Fixed a minor bug in XferDb that allowed a button tap to receive while sending.
- Changed NewtDb to a single release application. Gone are the different ones for 4/8 and 16/32.
NewtDb v1.25 changes (4/30/97)
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Added:
Full screen usage (MP2K) and ability to rotate (NO2 x2.x).
Tapping keyboard icon on edit toolbar rotates between the four keyboards.
When changing edit window size, caret (insertion point) was lost. NOS 2.x only .
List View shrinks / grows field width per screen width to fill screen.
Fixed:
Text clipping when it wrapped to next line and view wasn't large enough.
Possible error if no records in database when started and field had Short Date on New thus needing Date Pref format - prefs were not loaded.
Changed:
Edit List Box to show only one column if both fields are the same.
Removed:
Selection ability to delete / route records in Find overview listing as it's not needed.
UtilityDb:
Made Database Edit lines font smaller for longer text entry.
Changed MetaData update so it will if same version is installed.
Adjusted spacing in database edit text entry lines to show caret, highlight text for new entries.
Added keyboard icon in database edit & elsewhere.
Moved position of DIr / Indir & Font ... window in Obj Edit.
When making a 'New' screen obj, shortened H & W by one pixel to make aligned.
Increased size of re-size box for objects to 10 pixels vs. 8.
Made screen layout tool bar movable.
Changed List View column widths to be in percent.
Full screen for MP2k & rotate for 120/130.
NewtDb v1.24 release - 3/8/96
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V1.24 finally fixes the Date format so that you can select any formatting of a Short Date so that records will be in order when sorted or queried by date.
Distribution:
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NewtDb v1.xx(4) DEMO/Shareware version may be freely distributed on any non-profit media and/or Information services (this includes disks, Compuserve, AOL etc.) under the condition that the programs and documentation shall not be altered in any way, shape or form and the ORIGINAL file containing this software and documentation is used. Commercial distribution is prohibited. Any company wishing to include this in a shareware type disk, CD or other form or sell it shall need to contact me and agree to any additional terms and conditions. Any form of distribution, except for on-line services, must contact me to obtain permission. Any on-line service that I don't personally send this shall notify me that it has been uploaded to it so that I may know where it is and let you know of any updates.
The Legal Stuff:
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DISCLAIMER. No warranty, express or implied, is made with respect to this software, including, without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for any particular purpose. I do not warrant that the function of the software will meet customers requirements, or will operate in the manner desired by customer or that the software shall be error free. I shall not, under any circumstance, be liable to customer or third party for any special, incidental, or consequential damages, including but not limited to the loss of data or information of any kind, loss of profit, or liability to third parties, however caused, whether by the act or negligence, of use or inability to use or otherwise. It is recognized that the equipment this software is used on contains memories or data or other things that may be valuable to the customer or a third party. In no event shall I be liable to the customer or any third party if any such data or memory or other things are lost or changed or destroyed, regardless of the cause of any such loss or change or destruction, directly or indirectly arising from customers use misuse or inability to use the software either separately or in conjunction with other equipment.
Who owns this Software:
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The programs in this package is licensed, not sold to you, when you pay a Shareware fee of $29.95US or $59.95US. You have 45 days to evaluate the programs before you must decide to send the shareware fee or stop using it. The program remains owned by DMP Systems. The
"The Relational Database for Newton" is a Service Mark of DMP Systems.
NewtDb is a Trademark of DMP Systems.
Product specifications and prices subject to change. Not responsible for typographic errors and omissions.
Thanks for reading all the way to the end!
Comments & Questions (checks / cash / SWREG) to:
David M. Pompea
DMP Systems
62 Brittany Circle
Rochester, NY 14618 USA
email:
CIS: 74736,172
Internet: 74736.172@compuserve.com
WWW: http://www.netacc.net/~dmpsyst
Other Newton Programs by DMP Systems
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No Sleep - The best program to keep Newton from sleeping when powered by the A/C Adapter. It doesn't patch or do funky stuff to Newton. No Sleep also lets you download YOUR Startup and Shutdown sounds, Smart Sleep times via power level. Note: Sound download only for Macs (at this time). NOS 1.x and 2.0 only. Shareware: $10
App Memory - Lets you clean up memory from the heap that other programs leave behind thus helping with low memory situations. NOS 1.x only. Shareware: $10
Sysbeep - Lets Newton say "Uh Oh" or "What the Hell" when an alert box is shown. It replaces the normal system beep sound. NOS 1.x only. Freeware
Ttime - The smallest digital clock for the Newton that stays on the screen anywhere, on top of all other programs. Freeware
Time & Temp. - Speaks the time and temperature (temp. only on OMP & Newton 100). Freeware
Salad - Lets your Calendar display Julian dates and Week #'s. NOS 1.x only. Shareware: $10
PW Dial - Lets you enter a Password with a key pad on your 100 / 110 (v2.0 is not for 120's v2.3 to be released soon.). Makes touch tone dial tones louder, TT dial pad, theft alarm and more. NOS 1.x only. Shareware: $10
Modem Modifier - Lets you alter the Modem Setup parameters for non-Apple modem for Newton. Change the configuration strings and other options. Shareware: $10
++Volume - Increase the level at which phone touch tones are played. NOS 2.x only. Shareware: $10
Sound to Soup - Transform a NotePad recording into a soup to use is as a System sound. Shareware: $10
DSR-1 - Record Notes without opening the lid. Use the Power Switch. All sorts of options including Auto Play Back. NOS 2.x only. Shareware: $15
