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MAG RakDb
Magazine Article Cataloging System
Version 1.00
Preliminary Users Manual
(C)opyright 1991 by SOFTreat>_
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
User Support Requested
* * * * * *
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
THE SHAREware CONCEPT.................................... iii
REGISTRATION............................................. iv
CHAPTER ONE.............................................. 1
INTRODUCTION............................................ 1
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW................................... 2
PRODUCT CHECKLIST....................................... 2
CHAPTER TWO.............................................. 3
GETTING STARTED......................................... 3
BACKING UP THE PROGRAM................................. 3
COPYING THE PROGRAM ONTO A HARD DISK................... 3
LOADING THE PROGRAM.................................... 3
CHAPTER THREE............................................ 4
FEATURES................................................ 4
STATUS LINE............................................. 4
ROTOR.................................................. 4
TIME................................................... 4
DELETED STATUS......................................... 4
RECORD................................................. 4
FILE................................................... 4
LAST UPDATE............................................ 4
DATA ENTRY/DISPLAY FORM................................. 4
MENU BAR................................................ 5
ITEM HELP AND DIALOG LINE............................... 5
CHAPTER FOUR............................................. 6
MENU BAR FUNCTIONS...................................... 6
NEXT................................................... 6
PREVIOUS............................................... 6
TOP.................................................... 6
BOTTOM................................................. 6
SEARCH................................................. 6
QKSEARCH............................................... 7
LIMIT.................................................. 7
OPEN................................................... 7
ADD.................................................... 7
EDIT................................................... 7
VIEW................................................... 8
REPORTS................................................ 8
CLEAN.................................................. 8
DELETE................................................. 8
INDEX.................................................. 9
INFO................................................... 9
EXIT................................................... 9
APPENDIX A............................................... 10
ADDING AN ARTICLE....................................... 10
APPENDIX B............................................... 12
VIEWING YOUR RECORDS.................................... 12
APPENDIX C............................................... 13
FILTERING............................................... 13
APPENDIX D............................................... 14
SEARCHING THE DATABASE.................................. 14
ii
The SHAREware CONCEPT
MAG RakDb is founded on the concept of SHAREware marketing
which encourages low cost, high quality software. If you like
and use this software you are encouraged to *register* for the
software by sending in your donation of $39.00 to SOFTreat>_. In
return you will not only receive the latest release version, but
also complete technical support, BBS support, a comprehensive
users manual and our sincere thanks and commitment to your
satisfaction. Without your support, we cannot continue to offer
quality, low cost software to you, the user. Support SHAREware
in the hopes that it will live and prosper for all.
*** NOTICE ***
All information and/or software accompanying this document is
provided "as-is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed
or implied, including but not limited to, the implied warranties
of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. The
user assumes ALL RISK as to the accuracy and use of
MAG RakDb.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
This document and it's related software is protected by U.S.
copyright laws. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The user is granted
license to copy this document and it's related files in their
original form WITHOUT CHANGE and/or OMISSION in their entirety
for the sole purpose of distribution. No other license is
granted, implied, and/or assumed.
iii
*** REGISTRATION ***
MAG RakDb is marketed via the SHAREware Concept which allows
all interested users the FREE opportunity to try and evaluate the
product to see if it meets their requirements BEFORE it is
purchases. MAG RakDb is by no means FREE software or PUBLIC
DOMAIN software. You are encouraged to evaluate this software to
see if it meets your needs. Should you find that MAG RakDb does
meet these requirements, then, you are encouraged to support this
product by sending in your donation of $39.00 (US dollars) to the
following address:
SOFTreat>_
RT 2 Box 67-S
Youngsville, NC 27596
Your support entitles you to the latest registered version of
MAG RakDb, early release notice of future products, complete
technical support, a comprehensive "typeset" users manual, and
FREE update service for subsequent versions of this product.
Users who have registered are given *preferred" status on our
Technical Support BBS and are allowed FREE updates by modem on a
continual basis. To access this service, call by modem (919)
556-0159. This service is provided 24 hrs/day and supports
300/1200/2400 baud.
Those who wish, may place their order for MAG RakDb or any
other product we offer on our Technical Support BBS. We will
ship your order within 24hrs - COD. There will be a $5.00
handling fee for this service. Overseas orders will be charged
$10.00 handling fee.
iv
CHAPTER ONE PAGE 1
INTRODUCTION
By now, you are asking yourself, "What is MAG RakDb"? In
answer to this question, one must ask "Have you ever found
yourself needing a specific piece of information, one that you
KNOW you have read in an article of a magazine you have on your
shelf, but simply could not find again or just did not want to
take the TIME to "flip" through ALL of those magazines to find
it again"? Quite likely you have, as so have many others before
you, and it is frustrating to try and maintain a library of
magazine articles that did not create a LOT of work so you
could. Most people would just say "The heck with that"! and not
do it! MAG RakDb is designed to take the work out of creating
and maintaining a magazine library as well as to provide a means
to quickly FIND an article(s) of specific information when you
want it!
It does not matter if the article you seek is "How To Cook
Cajun Alligators" or "The Secrets of the Atom", MAG RakDb can
tell you EXACTLY where you can find it! MAG RakDb's search
capabilities are very powerful allowing you to find any topic of
interest that exists in the database. With the capability of
defining "categories" to each article you enter, MAG RakDb
automatically groups "like" articles together for easy selection.
Look at some of the main features:
* Catalog your articles by MAGAZINE, Issue Date,
Article Title, Page Number, Author & Category
* Define your own CATEGORY for the article
* Include an "Article Summary" up to 32K bytes long
with powerful built-in text editor
* Provide "QUICK SEARCH" keys (up to 5) for rapid record
selection in large database files
* Selective Indexes for MAGAZINE, ARTICLE TITLE, &
CATEGORY
* Set FILTERS for specific information only
* Search for ANY word or phrase
* Print SUMMARY & DETAIL reports to printer, screen, or
designated file
* BROWSE all records in TABLE FORMAT by selected index
* and MUCH MORE!!!
With MAG RakDb you will find that your collection of
magazines can truly become a valuable library of immense
information waiting to be tapped by you! After all, why spend all
of that money for magazines and not put them to proper use? Tap
the resource!
PAGE 2
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
MAG RakDb v1.00 requires the following minimum hardware:
Computer: IBM PC-XT or compatible
Video Display: Mono, CGA, EGA, VGA
Operating System: MS-Dos 2.01 or above
Hard Drive: Recommended
Floppy Drive: 1
Memory: 384K
Printer: Epson or compatible
PRODUCT CHECKLIST
MAG RakDb v1.00 is supplied with the following associated
files:
MAGRAKDB.EXE MAG RakDb program file
EDITOR.HLP Help file for text editor
MAGRAK.DBF Data file (Dbase III compatible)
MAGRAK.DBT Article summary file
MAGRAK.IND Magazine Index file
MAGRAK1.IND Article Index
MAGRAK2.IND Category Index
MAGRAK.RPT Report Generator
MAGRAK1.RPT Report Generator
MAGRAKDB.DOC Operating manual (this document)
GO.BAT Start-up batch file
If you do not have the above files, please contact SOFTreat>_
Rt. 2 Box 67-S, Youngsville, NC by mail or modem (919)-556-0159
for information on how to obtain the complete and latest
shareware version in it's entirety.
CHAPTER TWO PAGE 3
GETTING STARTED
BACKING UP THE PROGRAM:
It is highly recommended that you install MAG RakDb on your
hard drive in a sub-directory called MAGRAK; however, it is your
choice. Installation to a hard drive improves performance and
allows your database file to grow as needed (to the storage
limits of your drive, of course).
Before you begin using MAG RakDb v1.00, make a back-up copy
of the program and install the program on your hard disk. Back-
ups save time and energy if something should ever happen to your
original program disk.
Start your computer as you normally would do. If you have a
hard disk, the DOS prompt should appear as C>. If you have a
floppy disk, the DOS prompt should appear as A>.
Type COPY A: A: or A: B: (which ever the case may be) and
press ENTER. The information will then be copied from the source
drive (the first letter used) to the target drive (the second
letter used). Source refers to the disk to be copied. Target
refers to the disk to be copied to.
Should you have followed the above instructions your back-up
disk will have been made.
COPYING THE PROGRAM ONTO A HARD DISK:
To install the software to a hard drive, do the following.
Assuming that you intend to use the "C" drive of your
system, at the DOS prompt type...
MD MAGRAK <enter> [creates a sub-directory called
"MAGRAK"]
CD MAGRAK <enter> [makes "MAGRAK" your current sub-
directory]
Insert the distribution disk into drive A and at the DOS
prompt type the following command...
COPY A: *.* <ENTER>
You are now ready to run MAG RakDb.
LOADING THE PROGRAM:
It is assumed that MAG RakDb has been installed on the
C:drive of your hard disk in a sub-directory named "MAGRAK".
Change to the "MAGRAK" sub-directory by typing CD MAGRAK and
pressing <ENTER> at the C:> prompt. PAGE 4
Type GO <ENTER> and MAG RakDb will begin to execute!
Upon initial start-up, MAG RakDb will find the sample
database files and display the first record in the database using
the MAGAZINE index (default). If the database files are found to
be missing, MAG RakDb will attempt to create them. The database
files will always be created in the "default" directory on the
"default" drive. No provisions are made otherwise.
Once the related database files are created, MAG RakDb is
ready to accept data entry and you are on your way to organizing
your MAGAZINE library!
CHAPTER THREE PAGE 5
FEATURES
The entry screen contains many items that has been designed
to give optimum use and versatility with minimum screen swapping.
Everything that can be done with MAG RakDb can be accomplished
from this screen.
The screen is divided into four (4) main categories of the
following type...
STATUS LINE:
This line is located at the TOP of your screen and provides
you with the following information on a continuing basis (from
left to right).
1> Rotor............This is an indicator that "rotates"
whenever the database file is being
accessed.
2> Time.............Always indicates the current time as set
by your system.
3> Deleted Status...This field will indicate if the currently
displayed record is marked for "DELETION"
by flashing the word "DELETED". This
field is "BLANK" when the record is
active.
4> Record...........Indicates "what" record number in the
database the currently displayed record
represents and is followed by the "total"
number of records that are currently in
the database file. This includes all
records that are marked for "DELETION" as
well.
5> File.............Provides the name of the database file.
6> Last Update......Shows the last date that this file was
updated.
DATA ENTRY/DISPLAY FORM:
This screen contains all of the fields and data that make up
the magazine database and is located in the center. Upon initial
entry, MAG RakDb will always display the first record in the
database in the form.
The DISPLAY screen displays the databased data in a friendly
non-fielded format that makes for easy reading. The "large" area
in the lower half of this screen presents to the user any text
that may have been entered about the magazine article.
During DATA ENTRY, the screen will change to a fielded
format that allows for easy entry of the data for the database.
PAGE 6
MENU BAR:
This line provides you with all of the necessary commands to
utilize and control your MAGAZINE database. Each item's first
letter may be used as the "hot key" that will execute the
selection. The item "selected" is indicated by a white "bar".
Pressing <ENTER> when the item is "selected" will initiate the
command. The bar may be positioned by either selecting the "hot
key" or by pressing the "Up arrow" or "Dn arrow" keys. Note
that selecting the "item" by "hot key" will immediately select
the command as opposed to moving the bar with the arrow keys,
which only positions the bar in preparation to pressing the
<ENTER> key that activates the selection. Refer to the section
entitled "Menu Bar Functions" for a description on how to use the
bar functions.
ITEM HELP AND DIALOG LINE:
This line is located at the very bottom of your screen and
provides a short help message that describes what the current
"item" selected in the MENU BAR does. It also provides a dialog
input where specific information is required to perform a certain
function during specific operations of MAG RakDb.
CHAPTER FOUR PAGE 7
MENU BAR FUNCTIONS
The MENU BAR is the door into your MAGAZINE database; and as
you will discover, is quite powerful by allowing many operations
to be performed quickly and easily! The following is a
description of each item in the MENU BAR that will be helpful for
the operation on MAG RakDb.
1> NEXT.....
When selected, the "next" available record in the
database is displayed in the display window. For
instance, if there are 20 records in the database and
the current record number is "10", selecting "NEXT" will
display record "11". The status line is automatically
updated to reflect the new information. "NEXT" may be
selected by pressing the "hot key" "N", by positioning
the menu bar onto the item "NEXT" by using the Up or
Down arrow keys.
The "next" record is determined by the current "filter"
as defined by the "LIMIT" function and/or by the current
"index" as defined by the "INDEX" function. For
example, if "INDEX" is set to "MAGAZINE" and "LIMIT" is
set to "BYTE", then each successive selection of "NEXT"
will advance the data thru the database in sort order by
"MAGAZINE" and will only display those that meet the
requirements of the "filter"; ie., all of those records
that contain the letters "BYTE" in the MAGAZINE field.
This will allow you to display to screen only those
records that are related to the magazine "BYTE". All
other records will be bypassed.
2> PREVIOUS.....
Identical to "NEXT" except that the database pointer is
moved back one from the current record.
3> TOP.....
Selecting "TOP" will obtain and display the "first"
record in the database. The status line is
automatically updated.
4> BOTTOM.....
Selecting "BOTTOM" will obtain and display the "last"
record in the database. The status line is
automatically updated.
5> SEARCH.....
Selecting "SEARCH" will allow you to find specific data
within the database. "SEARCH" acts upon ALL data fields
in the database. When selected, you will be asked to
enter the search string "data" in the dialog line. Once
entered, MAG RakDb will search the entire database for
each occurrence of "data". If the search "data" is
found it will be displayed, and you will be asked to
"continue searching y/n". Selecting "N" will terminate
the search, selecting "Y" will continue the search
further. PAGE 8
6> QKSEARCH.....
Selecting "QKSEARCH" will provide a "quick search"
function on the "Quick Key" fields in an effort to
locate a specific record that may contain a match. This
function is used primarily for extremely "LARGE"
database files to reduce search time.
7> LIMIT.....
This function is very powerful and convenient. It
affects any database operation that causes output to the
screen or printer. For example, if you were interested
in only "browsing" the database for MAGAZINE articles
that are categorized as "RECIPES", you would then enter
"RECIPES" at the (Use CATEGORY Index) dialog prompt which would
in turn cause MAG RakDb to display only those records
that contained fields with the letters "RECIPES" in
them. Note that this is also effective for the reports
also. To terminate this "filter" action, simply select
"LIMIT" again and enter a "blank" line at the dialog
prompt. MAG RakDb always reminds you of what your
current "filter" is by displaying the filter string in
the lower left of the DATA ENTRY/DISPLAY screen. As
this affects WHAT RECORDS are processed to the output
device, it is important to always be aware of the
current filter.
8> OPEN.....
Selecting "OPEN" allows you to enter the "Article
Summary" viewer. NO EDIT of the record is allowed
during this function, but is provided as a tool to
easily navigate thru the text. Help is available by
pressing the <F1> key at any time. To exit, simply
press <ESC>.
9> ADD.....
To "ADD" a "new" item to the database, select "ADD".
This function will place you into the add mode and
position the cursor into the first field of the
"DATA ENTRY screen". Simply enter the MAGAZINE data
accordingly. To enter the "ARTICLE" (memo) data, press
<CTRL-HOME> keys simultaneously when the cursor is
positioned within the "memo" field. The "memo" editor
will appear and allow entry of an "article summary" or
the "complete article" if desired. NOTE: To save the
article summary you must indicate this by exiting the
editor with the <CTRL-END> key-press, otherwise it will
not be saved to the database.
10> EDIT.....
Selecting "EDIT" allows you to "change" a record that
currently resides in the database. If no records are
available, then you will be notified that the database
is "empty" and that this operation is not allowed.
To "edit" a record, enter the field that is desired and
type in the "new" contents. Pressing <ESC> will
terminate any editing session WITHOUT changing the
record. To make the change effective you must <enter>
to the last field of the form and press the <enter> key.
All changes will then be saved to the database. PAGE 9
11> VIEW.....
Sometimes it is desired to only "VIEW" the records in
your database in table format. This is quite easy with
MAG RakDb since it will present your database records in
"table format" that allows associative viewing. Records
can be located very quickly in this way. The "VIEW"
command is dependant upon the current "LIMIT" setting
and records are presented in the order of the current
"INDEX". For instance, if you wish to "browse" your
database by "MAGAZINE NAME" then you would set your
index to "MAGAZINE" and "VIEW" the database. Your
database would be presented to the screen in "table
format" in ASCENDING order by MAGAZINE. Records that
have been marked for "DELETION" will be displayed in
"RED" for your convenience. The entire record may be
browsed by moving the "field bar" horizontally by
pressing either the "left or right" arrow keys. Each
field is "scrolled" horizontally accordingly. To end
the "VIEW" session, press <ESC> and you will be returned
to the "data entry" screen. Pressing <enter> will exit
you from "VIEW" and the display the record selected
while in "VIEW".
12> REPORTS.....
To get the utmost from any database, you must have a
means to get output. "REPORT" provides this means.
Selecting "Report" will cause a "pick list" to appear
that contains the report definition files provided with
MAG RakDb. "REPORT" allows you to direct the output of
the selected report to either the "screen", the
"printer", or to a "file" of your choosing.
* Selecting "screen" allows you to "see" your output
as it would appear in a printout.
* Selecting "printer" directs MAG RakDb to send the
output to the printer attached to port LPT1.
* Selecting "file" allows you to send the output to a
file that will reside in the "current directory" of
the current "drive". MAG RakDb will ask you to
enter a "filename" for the disk file if this is
selected. Selecting "disk file" allows you to defer
your printing to later. NOTE: The filename will
always have the extension "TXT" attached to it and
is saved as an ASCII text file.
13> CLEAN.....
Clean performs the task of REMOVING all records that
have been marked for DELETION using the DEL function.
Once this function has been selected, ALL records
previously marked for deletion WILL BE DELETED from the
database. USE WITH CAUTION!!!
14> DELETE.....
To mark the current displayed record as "DELETED",
select the "DELETE" function. If the record was
previously marked as "DELETED" (indicated by the PAGE10
flashing "DELETED" in the status line) it will be
RECALLED and removed from the "deleted" list.
"DELETE"ing a record does NOT delete a record, but
simply MARKs it for future deletion when the "CLEAN"
function is selected at a later time.
15> INDEX.....
"INDEX" allows you to view/print your records in the
database in a specific order as dictated by the "index"
shown in the lower bottom right of the "DATA
ENTRY/DISPLAY window. There are currently three (3)
indexes provided with MAG RakDb, they are:
* Index by MAGAZINE field
* Index by ARTICLE TITLE field
* Index by CATEGORY field
All view/print operations in the database are directed
by the order of this "index" setting.
16> INFO.....
Just a reminder to you users concerning this poor,
emaciated, shareware peon doomed for all eternity to
remain in his hardware packed, software lined, inner
sanctum steadily churning out useful and organized
utility programs because some leechers conveniently
forgot him!!!
17> EXIT.....
Selecting this item will terminate MAG RakDb and return
you to the operating system prompt.
APPENDIX A PAGE 11
ADDING AN ARTICLE
Selecting "A" will display the DATA ENTRY screen composed of
various fields delimited with "[ ]" markers. The cursor will be
positioned in the first field or MAGAZINE field. Below is a
brief listing of the various fields and how they are used:
MAGAZINE.....[ ] The "name" of the publication up to
40 characters long.
ISSUE DATE...[ ] The date of the publication in the
form of MM-YEAR.
ARTICLE TITLE[ ] The title of the "article" to be
cataloged up to 50 characters.
PAGE#........[ ] The starting page number that the
article begins on.
AUTHOR.......[ ] The "author" that wrote this
article.
CATEGORY.....[ ] Your defined category that this
article falls into.
QKkey 1 -> 5 [ ] Specific "key words" that you choose
for quick search capabilities on
large files.
ARTICLE SUMMARY [memo] Press <CTRL-HOME> while in this
field to enter up to 32K bytes of
article summary.
Making your entries is as simple as stepping into the field
and typing in the desired text. As an aid in consistency and
less typing, MAG RakDb provides a "list" function for the
MAGAZINE and CATEGORY fields. Function key "F1" will provide a
picklist of all MAGAZINE names currently in use; likewise,
selecting "F2" will produce a picklist of all CATEGORIES
currently in use in the database. With the picklist on screen,
move the menu bar to the desired item in the list and press
<ENTER>. The selection will be placed into the current data
field for you automatically. NOTE: Be sure that you are IN the
corresponding field when you do this, ie. MAGAZINE field = F1,
CATEGORY field = F2, otherwise incorrect information will be
entered in the field. Pressing <ESC> will exit you from the
picklist without selecting any item in the list.
Navigating thru the fields is accomplished by pressing
<ENTER> or <TAB>. Pressing <ENTER> in the "memo" field ENDS the
"add" function and will return you to the DISPLAY screen. To
enter an ARTICLE SUMMARY, place the cursor IN the "memo" field
and press the <CTRL-HOME> key combination. The "ARTICLE SUMMARY"
window will appear allowing for you to enter your text. Pressing
"F1" will display the help menu for all of the available commands
and functions. Pressing <ESC> will always take you back one menu
and finally back into the "ARTICLE SUMMARY" window. To exit the
article summary window press <CTRL-END> to save your entry or
<ESC> to exit WITHOUT saving the entry. PAGE 12
An easy method for cataloging your article data is to follow
the following procedure....
* Select the Magazine.
* Enter the Magazine Name and Issue Date.
* Turn to the "Table of Contents" in the magazine you
are about to catalog.
* Using the table of contents information, enter the
Title of the article, it's starting page number and
who the author of the article is.
* Define a CATEGORY that fits the article and enter
this.
* Select "key word" or "phrases" and enter the QKKey
fields.( Obtained form the article content )
* Usually, the table of contents will provide a brief
description or headline as to what the article is
ultimately about. Enter this in the first 1 or 2
lines of the "ARTICLE SUMMARY" (memo) field.
* Turn to the page the article starts on and enter the
first paragraph of the article into the "ARTICLE
SUMMARY" window to serve as an introduction to the
article.
* Return to the Table of contents and repeat the
procedure for the next and subsequent articles.
There is no limit as to the number of magazines and articles
that may be cataloged in MAG RakDb subject only to available disk
space on your system. It should be mentioned that the "ARTICLE
SUMMARY" file allocates storage in chunks of 512 bytes, whether
you have entered 1 word or 100 words; therefore, the "DBT" file
can grow considerably. Take this into consideration when
entering your article text.
APPENDIX B PAGE 13
VIEWING YOUR RECORDS
MAG RakDb always defaults to the DISPLAY screen except when
performing some sort of editing/adding function. The current
index governs the sequence that the records are displayed to the
screen. For instance, if the current index is set to "MAGAZINE",
then each record displayed to the DISPLAY screen will be done in
alphabetical order by MAGAZINE name. Therefore, if you are
browsing the database for a particular MAGAZINE, these settings
would give optimum performance. Using the "P"rev, "N"ext, Left-
arrow, or Right-arrow keys will display the records accordingly.
To BROWSE the database, you may select "VIEW" from the menu
bar. "VIEW" will display the records in table format by index in
a horizontally scrolling window. To view the field data not
displayed in the initial window, press the Left/Right arrow keys
to scroll thru the fields in the window. To select a record as
the current record, simply move the menu bar to the item and
press enter. The DISPLAY screen will again re-appear and display
the record that was selected while in the "VIEW" window.
APPENDIX C PAGE 14
FILTERING
Displaying and browsing data records is quite effective but
may mean processing a lot of records to the screen before you
reach the desired record(s); especially, in large database files.
To ease this constraint and allow you to get right to the heart
of interest, you may utilize the "LIMIT" function. This will
allow you to "filter" in only the records that are of particular
interest while EXCLUDING ALL others that do not meet the
selection criteria. For example, let us say that you want to
browse ONLY those records that you have defined to fall in the
CATEGORY called "MEDICAL". This category obviously pertains to
the medical profession and all records that have been assigned
this category would be expected to hold some sort of article
information that pertained to the subject. After entering the
"filter", ie. "MEDICAL", all records subsequently called for
processing will have to meet this criteria first before being
displayed, printed, etc. This also eliminates a lot of time in
SEARCHING the database for desired key words or phrases that you
are looking for and would not obviously be located in other
categories, ie. using the filter of "MEDICAL" and searching the
database for the phrase "Prevention of AIDS" would locate any
article defined to fall in the CATEGORY of MEDICAL for the phrase
"Prevention of AIDS". It would NOT search the records that were
categorized as SOFTWARE, RECIPES, or ATLAS, etc., as this would
probably be a waste of time and disk access.
APPENDIX D PAGE 15
SEARCHING THE DATABASE
MAG RakDb provides a powerful means to locate just about any
word or phrase that may reside in your database. There are two
methods that may be used for locating records, ie. "QKSEARCH" and
"SEARCH". Normally you would want to use "SEARCH" as this will
search all records and the "ARTICLE SUMMARY" for the search key.
It also is the method that has the potential of consuming more
time should this function be selected. The other method is via
"QKSEARCH".
"QKSEARCH" (Quick Search) is designed to operate on the
"field" data in the database, particularly the QKKeys. This
method does not search the "ARTICLE SUMMARY" records. It is also
the quickest means of search and is most effective when the
database is rather large and your QKKeys have been chosen with
care. The QKKey field data was entered by you for the purpose of
being able to find key words or phrases without the overhead of
opening up each "ARTICLE SUMMARY" record. These QKKeys represent
words or descriptions that may be located in either the ARTICLE
itself or the SUMMARY in the "ARTICLE SUMMARY" record. If you do
not include the entire article in the summary record
(recommended) then these fields should represent the "article
content" and should be chosen wisely during entry as they provide
a means to find an article with specific information, that would
not normally be found in the "ARTICLE SUMMARY" text or any other
field in the database.
Once the word or phrase has been entered, MAG RakDb will
begin searching the database for the selected criteria.
REMEMBER, the "FILTER" currently in use affects your search. If
a match is found, then you will be given the opportunity to
continue the search or to abort the search. Each record found is
first displayed to the DISPLAY screen for your review. If you
abort or reach the end of the search, MAG RakDb will display the
"last" record found that met the search criteria. If no match
was found, then the current record is re-displayed.