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READ.ME
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1991-10-21
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Wilson Kerby
2101 9th Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95818
This package contains a rolodex type flat database made of
macros installed into a copy of Eric Meyer's VDE 1.61. I use it
to keep track of behaviour in an eighth grade classroom but it
could easily be adapted for use as a phone rolodex. It has the
advantage of calling up records and adding formula notes in two or
three key-strokes . All of this can be done with one finger while
holding a laptop.
The best way to see how it works is to start the included
copy of VDE and press Esc1. This will call up a sample file with
the first name beginning with A displayed. Pressing F1 moves
forward through the other names beginning with A, if any. F1 will
continue to move you through the file. Faster, though, is to use
the alphabet macros.. Suppose you want to check the records of
"Nelly Janks". Press Esc J for "Janks". Nelly now walks in late.
To add a note about this to her record press F3. To see the whole
file press F2. To see what the other function-key macros do,
press F10.
To make a file, press Esc2, Esc3, Esc4 or Esc5. Names should
be preceded by a ">". Addresses, phone numbers or anything else
can follow. On the line following an entry there should be
another ">" on the pattern you find in the file "SAMPLE." If
anyone can help me find hidden symbols which VDE will seek, the
whole file in its "unzoomed" form would be a little neater.
I had a problem trying to toggle the zoom. To move from the
full file to a search mode press CTRL-F9. This invokes a macro
which blocks, zooms and erases an "x". The alphabet macros then
work in any order.
I have my class files keyed to Esc1, 2, 3, etc. so I can move
through them during the day. The thing I like best about the
system is that at all times I am in a full-powered word processor
and I can type notes or write letters in the window copying single
records as needed.
I am obviously no programmer. Any notions on improving this
little device would be accepted graciously. Feel free to make any
use you wish of these macros including placing them near a magnet.
There is nothing very original in them.
Afterthought: If it looks like I use my computer to play
policeman with my students, I do not. I find this system keeps me
honest, so that even the ugly kids can get "A's" in citizenship
and if I do need to talk with students or parents I have some
accurate records. I erase them often and give very few low
grades.