Amiga Format 25/af025.adf/Beeb-Base/README.DOC

Text File | 1991-06-14 | 6KB | 136 lines

                            Beeb Base
                       By Diamond Braganza

Beeb Base  is  a  database  system  written  in  using  the  Amiga
Beebulator program. This program will therefore need Beebulator to
run or can be transfered to other BBC emulators such as those used
in schools on Nibus Research Machines or on actual BBC micros.

Installing Beeb Base.
  The program can be  installed  by  first  loading your workbench
disk. Then open your  Beebulator  disk.  Open  the disk containing
Beeb Base and then move the icons over to the Beebulator disk. The
files will then be copied into  your disk provided there is enough
room.

Running Beeb Base
  To run the program just double  click  on the run Beeb-Base icon
and the program should start loading.

Using the program
  The  program  is  quite  simple  to  use.  To  obtain  different
functions just type in the  corresponding  number  on the menu and
that will take you to the section  of the program which will carry
out what you want. Below is  a  list  of the main menu options and
what they allow you to do.

1. Create New File -  This  allows  you  to  create  a new file by
typing in the fields you  want  in  the database. The program will
allow you to type in up to  9  fields.  When you enter the name of
the file you are limited to 7 letter names.

2. Add Records - This will  allow  you  to add records to existing
files. If you have a file already  loaded  then it will add to the
position of the last record. If  you  use  option 5 to move around
the file to view different records  then where ever you leave this
section the last record you saw  will  be  from where it starts to
add records. for instance you have records 1 to 5. You view record
3 and then leave this section.  Then  when you add records it will
start at record number 4.

3. Load File - This allows  you  to load previously made files. It
will load a catalog of all the  files on the current directory and
display. Just type in the name of the field and press return.

4. Delete Records - This will set  a marker on a record which tell
the program not to  save  the  record  with  all  the  rest of the
records on the file. This has the effect of deleting the record on
the file. You can tell which  records  will be deleted by going to
search records. All the  records  that  will  be deleted lash red-
green. To undelete just choose delete and the records that are set
to be deleted will return back to normal.

5. Search Records - Will allow you many options such moving around
the file to see different records.

Edit Record - Will allow you to change the contents of the fields.
To use this press return  until  you  reach  the field you want to
change then type in the new contents over the old information.

Print Record - Will let you print the record you are looking at to
a printer.

Print Selection -  Will let you type  in a range of records in the
file to print.

Enter Search Mode - This allows  you  to  type in data you want to
find a match with. For instance you  might have a name and address
database and want to find  all  those  with  the name Smith to use
this type in Smith in the right field. If you don't want to search
a certain field then just press return. You can search for several
matches in different fields.
  Within this mode you will  move  up  and  down from one matching
record to the next. The same applies to ranged printing only those
that match within the range will  be printed. To leave search mode
Press F10.

Delete/Undelete Record -  Will  allow  you  to  select  records to
delete so they are not  saved  at  the  end of your session. These
records will appear red-green colours on the screen.

Move To Record - In larger  files  this  will be useful to move to
the middles of files.

6. Disk Options - This  will  let  you  select different drives or
change the DFS setting  this  is  useful  if  you  want to use the
database on different machines  that  have  different DFS setting.
For instance to use this  program  on  the  RM  Nimbus you need to
select option model B DFS or the program will not work properly.

7. Print Options -  Will set how  the records will print on paper.
It will select options such as printing several records across the
paper and the spacing bewteen each record and field.

8. End and Store Changes  -  This  will  end your session with the
program. It will allow you to  save  any changes to the program if
you wish. To  leave  the  Beebulator  altogether  type *FORCECLOSE
after choosing to end.

Using This Program On Different Machines.
  I have tried using this program  using  a BBC Emulator on the RM
Nimbus. This program should also work on the BBC B, BBC MASTER and
ARCHIMEDES any other BBC emulator. To  use  this program on the RM
Nimbus you will need a piece of PD Software called "MessyDOS" this
will allow you to transfere  the  program  to MS-DOS format and be
able to read the program to  the  Nimbus. To transfere the program
first load your workbench  disk  with  messydos already mounted on
it. Then load the program and  then  select  option 8 to end. Then
put in your IBM Format disk and type:

*ASPOOL PC0:BBCBASE.BBC
LIST
*ASPOOL

When you type list you will  see the whole program listing infront
of you. Be sure to use the "*ASPOOL" after this is finished.

To load it on the Nimbus insert you disk and type:

*DR. A:\
*EXEC BBCBASE.BBC

This will load back the program.
Then save the program with the save command:

SAVE "BBCBASE"

Then you can load the program straight to the Nimbus by typing.

CHAIN "BBCBASE"

This will also run the program.  You  will  need to set the DFS to
option 2 before you can use the program.
Or you can change the  varible  in  the  start of the program that
says LET DFS%=0 to LET DFS%=1. which  will save you the trouble of
having to do this evry time you run the program.