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1995-02-26
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CompuSlave Version 1.09
CompuServe Message Database!
Copyright 1994-1995
by
Stevenson Technical Services, Inc. (STSI)
108 Second Avenue West
Bertha MN 56437-0297
Phone: (218) 924-2050
FAX: (218) 924-2050 (Ext. 11)
The STSI BBS: (218) 924-2060, 8,N,1
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Welcome! │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
Thank you for trying CompuSlave! CompuSlave imports CompuServe forum
capture files into a database, converting them to individual messages.
Add, edit, delete, and search the entire database for key words or
phrases. Make those messages work for you! Create your own technical
support resource. Ideal for power users, programmers, and network
administrators. (286 or higher) Easy push-button interface with mouse
support. Network support is included.
If you appreciate CompuSlave, you are encouraged to call The STSI BBS at
(218) 924-2060, and let us know! Comments, suggestions, and enhancement
requests are always welcome!
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Requirements │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
To run CompuSlave reliably, you will need the following:
∙ DOS 3.3 or Higher
∙ IBM PC, PC-Compatible or MS-DOS Computer with an 80286 Processor or
Higher, Hard Drive, and 640K RAM
Page 1
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Table of Contents: │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1
Disclaimer / License Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
ASP Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5
What Is CompuSlave? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5
Why Use CompuSlave? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6
Capturing CompuServe Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7
Installing CompuSlave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8
Create Message Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8
Viewing Database Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9
Opening and Deleting Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14
Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14
Command Line Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15
Network Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15
Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 17
Register CompuSlave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 18
Cautions! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19
Other Products By STSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19
CompuSlave Registration Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 21
Page 2
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Disclaimer / License Agreement │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
What is shareware?
Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying
it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are
expected to register. Individual programs differ on details - some
request registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial
period. With registration, you get anything from the simple right to
continue using the software to an updated program with printed manual.
Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the
copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as
stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like
commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both
cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in
the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to
copy and distribute the software, either to all or to a specific group.
For example, some authors require written permission before a commercial
disk vendor may copy their Shareware.
Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should
find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's
commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs
easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is
low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee
- if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it.
Disclaimer - Agreement
By using CompuSlave, users indicate their acceptance of the following
terms:
"CompuSlave is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties,
expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of
merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. Neither STSI, The STSI
BBS, or any STSI employees will be held responsible for any damages,
direct or consequential, which may result from the use of CompuSlave."
"Information in this documentation is subject to change without notice and
does not represent a commitment on the part of STSI. STSI may make
improvements and/or changes in this documentation or in the products
and/or programs described in this documentation at any time."
CompuSlave is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the
user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your friends, but please
do not give it away altered or as part of another system. The essence of
"user-supported" software is to provide personal computer users with
quality software without high prices, and yet to provide incentive for
programmers to continue to develop new products. If you find this program
useful and find that you are using CompuSlave and continue to use
CompuSlave after a reasonable trial period, you must make a registration
payment of $49.95 (+S&H) to Stevenson Technical Services, Inc. (STSI).
This registration fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at
any one time. You must treat this software just like a book. An example
Page 3
is that this software may be used by any number of people and may be
freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as there is no
possibility of it being used at one location while it's being used at
another. Just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at the
same time, CompuSlave should not be used on two different computers at the
same time.
Commercial users of CompuSlave must register and pay for their copies of
CompuSlave within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn.
Site-License arrangements may be made by contacting STSI at (218) 924-
2050.
Anyone distributing CompuSlave for any kind of remuneration must first
contact STSI for authorization. This authorization will be automatically
granted to distributors recognized by the (ASP) as adhering to its
guidelines for shareware distributors, and such distributors may begin
offering CompuSlave immediately. (However STSI must still be advised so
that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest version of
CompuSlave.)
You are encouraged to pass a copy of CompuSlave along to your friends for
evaluation. Please encourage them to register their copy if they find
that they can use it. All registered users will receive a copy of the
latest version of the CompuSlave, along with a printed manual and bonus
disks.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ ASP Notice: │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
STSI is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP
wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are
unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by
contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP
Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member,
but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please
write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442-9427
USA, FAX 616-788-2765 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to
ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Registration: │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
CompuSlave is distributed under the shareware concept. You may try
CompuSlave for a period of two weeks. After this period, you must either
discontinue using it, or register it. A single-user license is only
$49.95 (+$5.00 S&H in the U.S., or $10.00 S&H on Foreign Orders). This
price includes a printed manual, 3 1/2" and 5 1/4" diskettes, removal of
nag screens and database record limit, along with a Registration Name and
Number allowing you to register your copy of CompuSlave. Network and
site-license pricing is also available. Please see REGISTER.DOC for
details.
Page 4
To register over the telephone, call STSI at (218) 924-2050, and charge it
to your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover credit card. Once
registered, you will no longer see the nag screens, reminding you to
register CompuSlave.
For further registration information and pricing, please read the
REGISTER.DOC file included with CompuSlave. There is also a registration
form contained at the end of this documentation file.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Technical Support: │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
Technical support is available to CompuSlave users through the following
means:
The STSI BBS: New versions of CompuSlave will be posted here as soon
as they are available. The STSI BBS uses a U.S.
Robotics V.Everything Modem, which is capable of
V.FAST, V.32bis, V.32, and 2400 baud connect speeds.
The access number for The STSI BBS is (218)-924-2060.
Technical support questions should be addressed to the
SYSOP.
STSI FAX: STSI has a FAX machine on-line 24 hours-a-day to accept
FAX transmissions. Technical support questions /
problems may be faxed to (218) 924-2050. Most FAX
transmissions will be automatically routed to the FAX
machine. If you have problems reaching our FAX
machine, wait until after the first ring, press 11, and
then begin transmitting.
Telephone: Technical support calls may be placed at (218) 924-
2050.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ What Is CompuSlave? │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
CompuSlave imports CompuServe forum capture files into a database,
converting them to individual messages. Add, edit, delete, and search the
entire database for key words or phrases. Make those messages work for
you! Create your own technical support resource. Ideal for power users,
programmers, and network administrators. (286 or higher) Easy push-
button interface with mouse support. Network support is included.
Page 5
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Why Use CompuSlave? │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
I have found the CompuServe message bases to be an invaluable technical
support resource for my company. Many of my questions are answered in the
various forums. Whenever I have a technical problem, I call CompuServe and
capture the messages in an entire forum. I then scan the messages for key
words or phrases that relate to the particular problem that I or one of my
customers is having. Most of the time, someone else has had the same
problem, and has already received an answer from someone that frequents the
forum. The biggest drawback to this method is that old messages are not
kept in the forum for very long. They are "scrolled" out of some of the
busier forums in as little as 3-4 days. The Novell NetWare 3.x forum
(NETW3X) is a good example. If I don't call every 3-4 days, messages start
to scroll out of the forum.
In the past, I would create a capture file and compress it onto my network
hard drive. That way, I could access it from any workstation on the
network. The only problem was that when I needed to find information on a
specific topic, I had to search through numerous capture files using a text
editor/viewer. Before I started using CompuSlave, I had 26 capture files
from the Novell NETW3X forum, which consumed over 20 megabytes of hard drive
space. This process was extremely long and cumbersome.
That's when the idea for CompuSlave was borne. CompuSlave will import a
capture file (in ASCII text format), and add each message into a database.
CompuSlave allows multiple databases to be created, so it is convenient to
have several different databases, each dedicated to a specific topic. At
the same time, CompuSlave will import endless messages (up to 2 billion)
into the same database. CompuSlave allows easy browsing through the records
in sequential order. A cross reference is created when a message is
imported, so CompuSlave can quickly find any responses to the current
message, or even the original message that the current message was a
response to. Messages can be edited to eliminate unneeded text or comments,
or they can be deleted altogether. The real power of CompuSlave is shown
in its searching capabilities. Six of the message fields are indexed for
extremely fast searching. Specify an include range for message browsing,
such as only viewing messages 21000 through 21500. Or perform a
comprehensive search, and locate all occurrences of a string within the
entire database, even in the message body. Perform multiple searches,
narrowing down the search criteria, to find the exact information needed.
For my company, CompuSlave has meant a whole new way of managing message
databases. Now, an entire database containing thousands of messages can be
searched at one time. When a new capture file arrives, it is imported into
the existing database. No more lost messages. No more cumbersome searches
of individual capture files. And since CompuSlave is a network application,
I can access it on any network workstation without worrying about multiple
accesses by other users.
Remember those 26 capture files I mentioned earlier? They have all been
imported into a CompuSlave database. At last count, I had 37,266 messages.
The total database size is over 29 megabytes, while the index size is just
over 10 megabytes. Yes, the database consumes slightly more hard drive
space than the individual capture files did, but that's a price I'm willing
to pay to have 37,266 messages at my fingertips (in one common location) for
easy browsing and searching.
Page 6
CompuSlave has been ideal for our business as a technical reference tool
for network-related support issues. Our business performs computer
consulting and network management services to local businesses and
organizations. When one of our customers needs assistance, they expect us
to have the answer. Our CompuSlave Novell database gives us an extra
reference tool necessary for solving any problems that arise. We also use
CompuSlave to store our messages from the various programming related
forums on CompuServe. Programmers who want to maintain a database of
questions and answers on programming problems will find that CompuSlave
meets their needs.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Capturing CompuServe Messages │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
In order to import messages into CompuSlave, you must have a CompuServe
capture file to import. In order to capture a message base, there is a
certain sequence of events you will want to follow. As an example, I
perform the following steps when capturing messages from the Novell 3.x
forum on CompuServe
1. Type "GO NETW3X" to enter the Novell Netware 3.x Forum. (CompuServe
will display information welcoming you to the conference.)
2. When the Forum Menu is displayed, I type "2" to move to the Messages
Menu.
3. When the Messages Menu is displayed, I type "2" again to "READ or
search messages". (CompuServe will display the Novell NetWare 3.X
ForumRead Menu.)
4. At this point, I instruct my communications program to begin the
capturing process, so that all messages displayed on the screen will
be added to the capture file.
5. After selecting "1" to read NEW messages, CompuServe displays the
first new message in the conference, and prompts me whether or not to
continue. Here, I must type "SCROLL" to indicate that I want the
messages displayed non-stop. All messages that are displayed are
added to the capture file by the communications program.
6. Once the capturing process is complete, and CompuServe stops scrolling
the messages off the screen, I close the capture file (using the
communications package), and type "OFF" to end my CompuServe session.
7. The newly created capture file is ready for importing into CompuSlave
"as is". There are no modifications that need to be made. Simply
select the Import option after a database has been created or opened,
and you can import the new capture file.
Page 7
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Installing CompuSlave │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
To get CompuSlave up and running, follow these installation instructions:
Log to the drive where you are installing CompuSlave from, and type
"INSTALL". The CompuSlave installation program will ask you where you are
installing CompuSlave from (usually, the current directory), and the
location where the program files should be stored. (The default
destination directory is C:\CSLAVE.) If you are upgrading from a previous
version, CompuSlave will issue a warning before overwriting the
CSLAVE.INI file. If you have already set up your registration information
and user preferences in the CSLAVE.INI file, answer "N" (No) to instruct
the installation program not to overwrite this file. When the
installation is complete, you will be returned to the operating system.
CompuSlave can be installed on any drive in your system, including network
drives.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Create Message Base │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
┌─[■]─────────────── Enter Database Filename ───────────────────┐
│ │
│ Database Filename: Q:\CSLAVE\UNTITLED.DAT │
│ │
│ │
│ Ok ▄ Cancel ▄ │
│ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Description: On this screen, enter the full path and filename of the
message database file that should be created using
CompuSlave.
Ok: Select the Ok button causes CompuSlave to create a new
database, open it, and display the editing screen. Once
the editing screen is displayed, you can start importing
CompuServe capture files into your database.
Cancel: Selecting the Cancel button causes CompuSlave to close
the displayed dialog and return to the main menu.
Page 8
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Viewing Database Messages │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
Number.....: [ ] Date/Time: [ ] [ ] Original ▄
Response To: [ ] Keyword..: [ ] ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
Section....: [ ] Response ▄
Subject....: [ ] ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
From.......: [ ] GoTo ▄
To.........: [ ] ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ^
│ █
│ ░
│ ░
│ ░
│ ░
│ ░
│ ░
│ ░
│
└<█░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░>┘
New ▄ Delete ▄ Browse ▄ Import ▄ Quit ▄ Prev ▄ First ▄
▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
Edit ▄ Print ▄ Search ▄ Sort ▄ Next ▄ Last ▄
▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
Datebase: NOV_31.DAT Messages: 37,266 CompuSlave v1.xx
Description: This screens allows you create, edit, delete, print, and
import messages into the current database. Additional
features include browsing, comprehensive searches, fast
cross-referencing original and response messages, and quick
"Go-To" commands to find a specific message number. Each
field is filled in with the corresponding information in a
message when a capture file is imported. The only exception
is the Keyword field, which is provided for your own use.
If you find a message extremely helpful, you may want to use
the Keyword field to enter your own short comment. Since
this field is indexed, you can easily locate this message in
the future, when you need it.
New: When New is selected, CompuSlave goes into "edit mode", and
allows you to enter a new message into the database. When
CompuSlave is in edit mode, you cannot move between
messages, delete messages, call up the browser, print a
message, or search for data. Once you have finished adding
the new message, click on "Save" to save it into the
database, or select "Cancel" to exit from edit Mode. If you
have made any changes, CompuSlave will issue a prompt to
check whether or not you want to save any changes before
leaving. Note: While it is possible to add new messages to
the database in this manner, this feature will not be
necessary for most users (since messages can be easily added
through the Import function).
Page 9
Edit: If the need arises to edit an existing database message, you
can easily do so by using the Edit option. When this option
is selected, CompuSlave goes into "edit mode", and allows
you to modify the current message. When CompuSlave is in
edit mode, you cannot move between messages, delete
messages, call up the browser, print a message, or search
for data. Once you have finished modifying the current
message, click on "Save" to save the modified message into
the database, or select "Cancel" to exit from edit mode. If
you have made any changes, CompuSlave will issue a prompt to
make sure that you don't want to save any changes before
leaving.
Delete: Unwanted messages can be easily deleted through the Delete
option. When the Delete button is selected, CompuSlave
issues a prompt to confirm that you want to delete the
current message from the database. When you choose "Yes" at
the prompt, the message is deleted, and CompuSlave resets
the message display to the first message in the database.
At this point, CompuSlave also prompts you whether or not
you want to the delete the actual file from the hard drive,
if it exists. If you answer Yes, CompuSlave will search for
and delete the associated file.
Browse: Browsing for messages can be a quick way to view the
section, topic, from and to fields of a message, giving you
a general idea of what is contained in the message body.
When this option is selected, CompuSlave displays a
browsing screen that contains all of the records in the
database. To scroll through the browser, use the Up Arrow,
Down Arrow, PgUp, and PgDn keys, or the mouse to scroll
through all of the messages. Pressing Escape will erase the
browser and redisplay the editing screen. Pressing ENTER on
the highlighted message will erase the browser and cause
CompuSlave to display the selected message on the editing
screen for viewing, editing, or deleting.
Search: When Search is selected, CompuSlave displays a dialog box
giving you the option of the type of search to perform.
┌─[■]───────── Select Search Type ──────────────┐
│ │
│ Search Type.: (*) Search One Field Only │
│ ( ) Range Search │
│ ( ) Search Entire Message │
│ │
│ │
│ Ok ▄ Cancel ▄ │
│ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────┘
There are three types of searches to perform on a CompuSlave
message database. The first two types are extremely fast
Page 10
and efficient, while the third is much slower, although it
is much more thorough.
When "Search One Field Only" is selected, CompuSlave allows
you to search for a text string in any one of the following
six fields: Message Number, Section, Response Number,
Subject, From, and To. The search string must be located at
the beginning of the field you decide to search. If
CompuSlave cannot find a message with the specified text, it
issues an error message. Otherwise it displays the browser
screen containing all of the entries that matched the search
criteria. Since the six fields mentioned above are all
indexed fields, the search can be completed very rapidly.
When "Range Search" is selected, CompuSlave allows you to
perform a search where the only records that are found must
be within the a specified range of values. For example, if
you wanted to locate all messages numbered between 20000 and
20100, you could enter these two values as the starting and
ending search values, and select the message number field as
the field to search. If no messages could be found within
that range, an error message would be issued. Otherwise,
all messages within that range would be displayed. As with
the first search method, the range search allows you to find
a text string at the beginning of any one of the six indexed
fields (see previous paragraph for the names of these
fields).
When "Search Entire Message" is selected, CompuSlave will
perform a search of the entire database for a specified text
string. The search can be performed as a case-sensitive or
case-insensitive search, with case-insensitive being the
default. The text string you enter can be located at ANY
location within the message. It does not have to be at the
start of an indexed field. The Limit Search option can be
used to limit the range of message numbers that are included
in the search. Simply check Limit Search and enter the
beginning and ending message numbers in order to search a
smaller portion of the database. If CompuSlave locates the
text anywhere within the message (including all individual
fields and the message body), it is included in the search
results.
When CompuSlave starts the search process, it creates a
temporary database. When a message is found that contains
the search string, it is added to the temporary database.
After the search has been completed, you can browse through
the filtered records. If you wish to narrow down the search
criteria even further, you can perform a secondary search on
the database. At this point, when you select "Search Entire
Message", you will only be searching for a text string
located in messages that have been placed in the filtered
database. For example, if you search a Novell database for
the keyword "SCSI", and then perform a secondary search for
"Seagate", your resulting search would only find records
that contained BOTH of the specified keywords. You can
continue to perform a filtered search as long as necessary,
thus narrowing the search criteria every time. (Each
Page 11
consecutive search should also be less time consuming, since
it does not need to search as many messages for the
specified text.)
Once this type of search is complete, you can browse through
the filtered messages by using the browser, or by selecting
Next, Prev, First, and Last. When you select Quit at this
point, the search will be cancelled, and you will return to
the previous editing screen, allowing you to view all of the
messages in your original database.
Print: The message that is currently being viewed on the screen can
be printed by using the Print option.
┌─[■]─────────── Print Message ───────────────┐
│ │
│ Range...: (*) Current Message │
│ ( ) All Messages │
│ │
│ Print To: (*) LPT1: │
│ ( ) LPT2: │
│ ( ) LPT3: │
│ ( ) File: │
│ │
│ Filename: │
│ │
│ │
│ Ok ▄ Cancel ▄ │
│ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Using the print option, you can print the current message,
or all messages in the database. If you have just executed
an "entire record" search of the database, printing all of
the messages will cause all of the matching messages to be
printed. CompuSlave supports printer ports LPT1 through
LPT3, as well as printing to a file.
Import: Importing messages into CompuSlave is extremely easy using
the Import feature. When you select Import, you can use the
import file dialog to search for a specific text file. Once
you have selected the text file, CompuSlave will import the
text file and display a status screen to indicate the
completion percentage, the total number of messages it
expects to import, and the current message being imported.
Once the import process has been completed, CompuSlave
writes the import statistics to the activity log file, if
activity logging is enabled. (See the Defaults section for
more information on activity logging.)
Sort: Selecting Sort will allow you to choose which indexed field
should be used to sort the database. Available sort fields
include the message number, response number, section,
subject, from, to, and keyword fields. The default sort
field is the message number field. The currently sorted
Page 12
field is denoted by a diamond character immediately in front
of the field. When the Browse command is selected, the
browser is initialized and sorted according to the current
sort field. The First, Last, Previous, and Next buttons
are also executed in relation to the current sort field,
making it easy to follow messages in virtually any order.
Quit: Selecting Quit will close the database and return back to
the main menu.
GoTo: When GoTo is selected, CompuSlave prompts you to enter the
number of the message you want to move to. If CompuSlave
could not locate the EXACT message number, it will display
an error message. If it found the message number you
entered, CompuSlave will automatically display it on the
screen.
Original: As a cross-referencing tool, CompuSlave allows you to select
the Original button and locate the message that the current
message was a response to. (To determine if the current
message was a response, check the "Response To" field. If
this message was not a response, the field will contain the
word "NONE". Otherwise, it will contain the number of the
message that the current message responded to.) When you
select Original, CompuSlave will either go to the original
message, or display an error message if it could not find
the original message.
Response: In addition to using the "Original" command described above,
you can select the "Response" command to search for any
and/or all messages that were responses to the current
message. If there aren't any responses in the current
database, CompuSlave will display an error message. If only
1 response was found, CompuSlave will immediately display
the located response. Otherwise, it will display a browser
screen containing a complete list of all responses, giving
you the option of which message to view.
Prev: Selecting the "Previous" button causes CompuSlave to display
the message previous to the currently displayed message. If
the current message is the first one in the database,
CompuSlave "wraps" to the last message in the database.
Next: Selecting the "Next" button causes CompuSlave to display the
message after the currently displayed message. If the
current message in the database, CompuSlave "wraps" to the
first message in the database.
First: Selecting the "First" button causes CompuSlave to display
the first message in the database, regardless of the
currently displayed message.
Page 13
Last: Selecting the "Last" button causes CompuSlave to display the
last message in the database, regardless of the currently
displayed message.
Save: The Save button is only displayed when CompuSlave is in
edit mode, and when it is selected, CompuSlave will Save the
current message and exit from edit mode, returning to the
viewing screen.
Cancel: The Cancel button is only displayed when CompuSlave is in
edit mode, and when it is selected, CompuSlave will Cancel
the editing process, exit from edit mode, and redisplay the
current message.
F1: By pressing the F1 function key, users can have access to
the CompuSlave help system. The F1 key is available at any
time within CompuSlave, and will offer helpful information
and instructions.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Opening and Deleting Files │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
Also available from the main menu is the ability to open or delete a
previously created database file. Use the "Open Message Base" screen to
search through available drives and directories for the database file you
want to open. Once you've located the file you want to open, click on it
with the mouse, or press [ENTER] when it is selected with the highlight
bar, and CompuSlave will open the database and display the message editing
screen.
If you choose "Delete Message Base" from the main menu, a similar dialog
box will appear, allowing you to search through available drives and
directories for the database file you want to delete. When you find it,
click on it, or press [ENTER] when it is selected with the highlight bar.
A confirmation dialog box will be displayed to confirm that you want to
delete the selected file. When you delete a database file (.DAT), the
accompanying index (.IX) and dialog (.DIA) files are also deleted.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Utilities │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
Remove "#" from Message Subject:
After importing CompuServe messages, many messages may contain a number
(#) sign on the front of the subject field. This routine will remove the
number sign from the front of the subject field of each message, if the
number sign exists. This conversion should only be necessary if database
messages were imported using CompuSlave version 1.00 or 1.01.
Page 14
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Command Line Support │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
CompuSlave provides command line support to speed up the loading process
for message databases. Simply specify the name of the database file to
open on the command line, such as "CSLAVE.EXE NOVELL" or "CSLAVE.EXE
PASCAL". When you enter a database name on the command line, CompuSlave
opens it and (after the about box is displayed) displays it for immediate
viewing.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Network Options │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
┌─[■]──────────── Network Options ─────────────────┐
│ │
│ Optimization.: (*) Optimize For Data Integrity │
│ ( ) Optimize For Speed │
│ │
│ Network Type.: ( ) None │
│ (*) Novell NetWare │
│ ( ) MS-Net Compatible │
│ │
│ Refresh Delay: 5 │
│ │
│ Fast Search..: ( ) Yes │
│ (*) No │
│ │
│ Ok ▄ Cancel ▄ │
│ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Description: The options on this screen determine the default network
behavior of CompuSlave on your computer system.
Optimization: This option is used to specify whether CompuSlave should
optimize database management for Data Integrity or Speed.
If Optimize For Data Integrity is chosen, access to
certain routines may be impacted by a reduction in speed.
If Optimize For Speed is chosen, CompuSlave will attempt
to optimize access to routines without a reduction in
speed.
When Optimize For Data Integrity is turned on, CompuSlave
will write portions of the database to be modified to the
dialog (.DIA) file before any changes are made. Then, in
the event that an error occurs, the database can be
restored to its known state prior to the operation. If
the computer system crashes before an operation is
complete, CompuSlave automatically repairs the database
by using the information in the dialog file the next time
Page 15
the database is opened.
Based on our internal testing, Optimize For Speed is MUCH
faster, especially when importing CompuServe capture
files. If you decide to use Optimize For Speed, however,
we recommend that you maintain a regular backup. If you
are more concerned about data integrity, even to the
point of sacrificing some performance, select Optimize
For Data Integrity.
Network Type: If you will not be using CompuSlave on a network or in a
multi-user environment, select "None" for this option.
If you are using CompuSlave on a Novell network, select
the "Novell NetWare" option, and if you are using any
other type of network, select the "MS-Net Compatible"
option.
Refresh Delay: This number specifies the number of seconds that
CompuSlave will use as an update interval when displaying
the browser screen. If this value is set to 5,
CompuSlave will update the browser screen every 5 seconds
with any changes that have made from other workstations
working on the same database file.
Fast Search: When the Fast Search option is enabled, the search speed
for the "Search Entire Message" option is increased
substantially. To do this, CompuSlave places a "Read
Lock" on the entire database to prevent other users from
writing to it. This can produce search speeds up to 3
times as fast as when Fast Search is disabled. However,
if Fast Search is enabled, other users CANNOT make
changes to the database when another user is performing
this type of search. Network supervisors should consider
this situation carefully before enabling the Fast Search
option.
Ok: When Ok is selected, CompuSlave saves the options on this
screen to the file CSLAVE.INI in the default CompuSlave
directory.
Cancel: Selecting Cancel leaves all options on this screen in the
state they were set to when this screen was initially
displayed.
Page 16
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Defaults │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
┌─[■]──────────────── Defaults ────────────────────┐
│ │
│ Explode Delay...: 3 │
│ │
│ Use Activity Log: Y │
│ │
│ Log File Name...: Q:\CSLAVE\CSLAVE.LOG │
│ │
│ Startup File....: Q:\CSLAVE\NOV_40.DAT │
│ │
│ Video Mode......: (*) 25-Line Mode │
│ ( ) 28-Line Mode │
│ ( ) 43-Line Mode │
│ ( ) 50-Line Mode │
│ │
│ Ok ▄ Cancel ▄ │
│ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Description: The fields on this screen specify the default values
that will be used for CompuSlave, as pertaining to
window exploding effects and activity logging.
Explode Delay: This number specifies the number of seconds used as an
"Explode Delay" for dialog boxes within CompuSlave. To
eliminate all exploding effects, set the number in this
field to 0.
Use Activity Log: Enter Y (Yes) or N (No) to specify whether or not
CompuSlave should perform activity logging. If
activity logging is turned on, CompuSlave will log
importing activity to the activity log, when
appropriate. This can be useful to determine what
capture files have been imported into a particular
database, when it occurred, and how many messages were
actually imported into the database.
Log File Name: This field contains the name of the file that will be
used to log CompuSlave activity. Right now, the only
activity being logged to this file is import
information. (Activity logging may be expanded in a
future release.) The default filename is CSLAVE.LOG,
located in the default CompuSlave directory.
Startup File: The Startup File field should contain the name of the
database file that should be loaded each time
CompuSlave is executed. When a database file is
specified in this field, CompuSlave will attempt to
load it immediately after it is executed. If a
database filename is entered on the command line,
CompuSlave will attempt to open that file instead.
Page 17
Video Mode: This field allows a user to select how many lines of
text CompuSlave should display on his/her monitor.
This feature allows users to view more lines of message
text when reading messages. Note to users: CompuSlave
will change the video mode to display the selected
number of lines when it is executed. To override this
setting from the command line use the parameter /V=nn
(where nn is 25, 28, 43, or 50).
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Register CompuSlave │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
┌─[■]─────────────── Register CompuSlave ───────────────────┐
│ │
│ Registration Name..: John Doe │
│ │
│ Registration Number: 0123456789 │
│ │
│ Network Users......: 0 │
│ │
│ Ok ▄ Cancel ▄ │
│ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Description: Once you register CompuSlave and pay the requested
fee to STSI for registering, you will receive a
registration name and number. Enter your name and
number in the fields shown on this screen, and
CompuSlave will be registered to you. You will no
longer see "nag screens" or "reminders" pressuring
you to register. If your name and number are
entered accurately, CompuSlave will display a thank-
you message. Otherwise, CompuSlave will warn you
that the registration number you entered was not
valid.
Registration Name: The Registration Name text field allows users to
enter their personal name or the name of their
company or organization.
Registration Number: The Registration Number text field allows users to
enter the registration number they received from
STSI upon registering CompuSlave. For information
on how to register, please see the "Registration"
section near the top of this documentation file.
Network Users: This field contains the numbers of network users for
CompuSlave. To receive a registration number that
provides support for network users, see the file
REGISTER.DOC. If you are registering a single-user
Page 18
version of CompuSlave, enter 0 in this field.
Ok: Selecting Ok instructs CompuSlave to save this
configuration information to the file CSLAVE.INI.
Cancel: Selecting Cancel instructs CompuSlave to ignore any
changes that have been made to the previous
settings, and return to the main menu.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Cautions! │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
As with any program that maintains large amounts of data, there is the
possibility for data loss. CompuSlave contains special precautions, such
as having the ability to rebuild the database index if it should become
corrupt. However, regular data backups are strongly recommended. Hard
drives can fail, files can become corrupt, and data loss can occur. Your
best protection is a regular (verified) backup!
If your computer system should hang while you are performing a search with
CompuSlave, you may find some temporary files left over in your default
CompuSlave directory. These files will have a random file name such as
123BDX4Z.???. (You will likely find one file with a .DAT extension, one
with a .IX extension, and one with a .DIA extension.) If you are sure
that no other network users are performing a search, that this database is
not one of your message databases, and that your computer system hung in
the middle of a search, go ahead and delete it using CompuSlave. For an
explanation of why this temporary database is created, see the information
on Searching the database.
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
│ Other Products by STSI │
■─────────────────────────────────────────■
ZIP'R Professional For DOS <ASP> - Hard Drive Tripler For DOS!
ZIP'R Pro stores programs in compressed form when they are not being
used. Automatically compress, decompress, and launch programs as
needed. Uses ARJ, LHA, PKZIP, or built-in compression. Easy to use
interface!
ZIP'R Professional For Windows <ASP> - Hard Drive Tripler For Windows!
ZIP'R Pro stores programs in compressed form when they are not being
used. Automatically compress, decompress, and launch programs as
needed. Uses ARJ, LHA, PKZIP, or built-in compression. Easy to use
interface!
BOOT'R <ASP> - DOS Configuration Manager
BOOT'R is a utility that allows the management of multiple
configurations on a single machine. BOOT'R not only allows the
modification of the CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files, but any other
files that might be needed.
Page 19
Replicator <ASP> - The Disk Replicator!
Replicator is a disk image utility designed to create images of
diskettes and catalog them in a database. Use optional compression
routines to reduce the image size. Store up to 10 lines of descriptive
text for each disk image in the database. Database entries can be
modified at any time. Easy push button interface!
Infodex <ASP> - Multipurpose Database!
Infodex is a versatile database manager used to keep track of names and
addresses, equipment, computer software, books, and much more! Includes
a FREE-FORM layout. Add, delete, or rearrange fields EASILY! Search
for text in any field. Import and export to a delimited text file.
Quickly browse through a list of records. Easy push button interface!
Programmer's Project Manager
PPM is a project manager that allows Builder or BASIC users to have
complete control over their program's development. Edit source files
using the PPM Editor, or specify your own favorite editor. Compile,
link using multiple libraries, compress the EXE, scan for viruses,
date/time stamp, and then compress the entire project, all under the
control of PPM.
Subber <ASP> - The Character Subber!
Subber is designed to substitute characters in a WildCat! bulletin,
menu, or other .BBS display file. Create a generic background using
WCDraw or TheDraw, and create text using your favorite text editor. Use
Subber to combine the two together! Ideal for BBS system notices, news,
& info screens that need to be changed frequently.
Page 20
Stevenson Technical Services, Inc. (STSI)
108 Second Avenue West
Bertha, MN 56437-0297
Phone/FAX: (218) 924-2050
The STSI BBS: (218) 924-2060, N,8,1
CompuSlave 1.09 Registration Form
Qty Description Price Each Total
_____ CompuSlave 1.09 Single-User Registration $49.95 ________
Includes a printed manual, 3 1/2" & 5 1/4" diskettes,
removal of nag screens and database record limit,
and a registration number good for all version 1.x
releases.
_____ CompuSlave 1.09 Site-License (Users? ___) ______ ________
(Same price breaks apply for site-licensing.)
# of Users Price # of Users Price
---------- ------- ---------- -------
5 -> $150.00 50 -> $600.00
10 -> $300.00 100 -> $750.00
20 -> $450.00 More? -> CALL
Sub-Total: ________
Minnesota Residents Add 6.5% Sales Tax: ________
Shipping/Handling (USA/Canada = $5.00, Foreign = $10.00): ________
Total: ________
Name: ____________________________ Company: __________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________
City: ___________________________ State: _____ Zip Code: ____________
Country: ___________________________ Phone: ____________________________
Please Register CompuSlave To This Name: _______________________________
Method of Payment: ___ Visa/MC ___ American Express ___ Discover
___ Check/Money Order Enclosed
(Checks/MO's must be in U.S. Funds drawn on a U.S. Bank!)
Credit Card #: _________________________________ Expiration Date: ___/___
Name on Card: _______________________ Signature: ________________________
Comments / Suggestions: __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Page 21
Please take a minute to answer the following questions. Your answers
will assist us in improving and marketing CompuSlave. (Check all that
apply.)
Where did you hear about CompuSlave?
[ ] BBS [ ] Catalog/Magazine [ ] Friend/Relative
[ ] Rack Vendor [ ] User's Group [ ] Other _______________
Please provide name of BBS/Catalog/Magazine/User's Group, (if possible)
______________________________________________________________________
What operating systems / environments do you use?
[ ] DOS [ ] Windows [ ] DESQview/DESQview/X [ ] OS/2
Would you like to see a Windows version of CompuSlave?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Doesn't Matter
What types of messages or what message forums do you use CompuSlave for?
__________________________________________________________________________
What feature(s) do you like the most about CompuSlave? ___________________
__________________________________________________________________________
What feature(s) would you like to see added to CompuSlave? _______________
__________________________________________________________________________
Additional Comments: _____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
May We Quote You? [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Doesn't Matter
Page 22