Monster Media 1994 #1

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ Monster Media 1994 #1 / monster.zip / monster / CLIPPER / BCNN0394.ZIP / BCNN0394.TXT

Wrap

Text File | 1994-03-11 | 28KB | 548 lines

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNN NNNNNN NNNNNNN NNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNN NNNNNN NNNNNNNN NNNNNN NNNNNN NNNNN NNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNN NNNNNN NNNNNNNNN NNNNNN NNNNNN NNNNN NNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNN NNNNNN NNNNNNNNNN NNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNN MNNNNN NNNNNNN NNNNNN NNNNNNNNNN NNNNNN NNNNNNNNNN NNNNNN MNNNNN NNNNNNNN NNNNNN NNNNNNNN NNNNNN NNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNN NNNNNNN NNNNNN NNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNN NNNNNN NNNNNN NNNNNN ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Boston Computer News Network March, 1994 A Service of the Boston Computer Society, USA Vol.3 No.3 Sponsored by the Xbase Language Group Clipper Version ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. Call for Participation: UDF Showcase. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ReplyTo: Les Squires bcnn@world.std.com [73020,3435] ReplySubj: BCNN@UDF@Showcase. Deadline: March 15, 1994 Clever code is pouring in. The deadline is approaching. As described last month, we'd like to see your 1 to 20 line Clipper function. One you use VERY often. Email your code. Choose your best. Make sure it's well documented. Format it to resemble a BCNN paragraph. Check PadSpecial() submitted by Gunther 'Goonie' Popp [100014,3646]: // PadSpec() - Shortens a string to a given length. In the middle of // the str '...' is inserted, to indicate the user that // something is missing. Very useful for screen-IO. // Syntax cNew := PadSpecial( cOld, nMaxLen ) // Requires Funcky II // Author Gunther 'Goonie' Popp [100014, 3646] // ------------------------------------------------ FUNCTION PadSpecial( cString, nMaxlen ) LOCAL cNewStr AS STRING cString := trim( cString ) IF len( cString ) > nMaxlen nMaxlen := nMaxlen - 5 cNewStr := left(cString, nMaxlen/2 ) cNewStr := cNewStr + " ... " cNewStr := cNewStr + right(cString, int( (nMaxlen/2+0.5) ) ) ELSE cNewStr := untrim( cString, nMaxlen ) ENDIF return(cNewStr) 2. User Group Meeting: Windows in 60 Minutes (*New Meeting Place*) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ReplyTo: Les Squires 73020,3435 or >INTERNET:LSquires@world.std.com Meeting: March 15, 1994, 6:30 p.m. Place: 101 First Avenue, Suite 2, Waltham, MA 02154 We'll pass out a 500 record DBF at our meeting. Any developer who wants to participate is invited to MAKE SOMETHING WINDOWS. Any software (dbFAST, Microsoft Access, Paradox, Fox, Gupta SQL Windows, Visual Basic, even Visual Objects for Clipper). See earlier issues of BCNN for more details. 3. The Transition From Clipper To Visual Objects: Learn OOPs Concepts. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ReplyTo: Chris Pels [73777,3562] Date: April 19, 1994, 6:30 p.m. "Visual Objects promises to be the object-oriented Clipper that programmers have been waiting and clamoring for the last couple of years. Users of OOPs extensions to Clipper like SuperClass and Class(y) will find the transition easier. Get hold of one of these products and begin designing objects now." (Clipper Advisor, March/April 1994, p.48). Whether you intend to use the upcoming CA-Visual Objects for Windows development or another product, it will be vital to understand the basic concepts of Object Oriented Programming (OOP). The object paradigm will transcend almost all aspects of computing in the years to come, from programming to data storage. For our April meeting I will present a practical, example based introduction to doing OOP with Clipper 5.2c and Class(y) 2.0d. The goals will be to learn the basic concepts of OOP, realize the advantages of OOP over procedural programming, and go home ready to incorporate some OOP into existing applications. I will show and distribute several classes that I am currently using in production applications. The emphasis of the evening will be on when and how to use objects. Class design and the mechanics of constructing a class will be covered in the context of practical examples. The session will be highly interactive, oriented towards both new and experienced object oriented programmers. Knowing more about OOP concepts will make you a better programmer no matter what language you use for programming! SPECIAL DEAL ON CLASS(Y)! As an incentive to go home and start using OOP with Clipper to prepare for the future, today, AppSolutions will offer attendees of our April meeting a special deal on Class(y) Version 2.0d. PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY SO THIS GOES SMOOTHLY FOR ME<G>! Anyone attending the April 19, 1994 meeting can pre-order Class(y) for $139 (includes shipping/delivery for pickup at April meeting only), 30% off the $199 list price. This price is contingent upon me placing one bulk order. Anyone providing an Email address will receive a confirmation of their order on 4/2/94. WAYS TO ORDER: 1. In person at our 3/15/94 meeting (check or credit card). 2. Electronically (credit card only). 3. By mail (check or credit card). Chris Pels Greenwich Bay Technologies 54 West St. East Greenwich, RI 02818-3319 ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 4/1/94 SO I CAN HAVE THE SOFTWARE AT OUR APRIL MEETING! NO SOFTWARE WILL BE SHIPPED, YOU MUST COME TO THE MEETING TO PICK IT UP. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ORDER FORM (Class(y) 2.0): Name: Address: Phone: EMail: Credit Card: Expiration: MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO AppSolutions, Inc. ($139 US). Finally, If you really need to call me: 401-885-2815. 4. *NEW SERVICE* Announcement of Local User Group News World-Wide. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ReplyTo: Les Squires bcnn@world.std.com [73020,3435] Email your selection of one UGID (103537, 103888, 101658, etc.) from the following list to receive monthly announcements of what's happening in your city (every month your President emails an announcement). For example, say '103537-Yes' in the SUBJECT: or the body of your email. UGID Participating Group Name/President/IDs Location ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 103863 Clipper Club Hamburg Hamburg/Germany Max Bressel 100112,3401 fido:2:240/5300 +49-40-7661290 103864 Clipper Developers' Association of Toronto Toronto, Canada John Ball [72060,3716] 100051 Clipper Expert Group Johannesburg, South Africa Russel Stromin [70334,2353] +27 11 442 4550 103873 Clipper Meeting Frankfurt Frankfurt/Germany Ronald B. Knecht [71307,1624] +49-6103-53278 101669 Clipper User Group (Melbourne) Melbourne, Australia Steve Forbes [100033,2073] +613-5530938 103537 Connecticut CA-Clipper Users Group Manchester, CT, USA George L. Smith [71155,2543] (203) 645-8962 103888 Detroit Area Clipper Users Group (D.A.C.U.G.) Detroit, MI USA Leo Benchich [70451,3613] 101658 Houston Clipper User Group Houston, TX USA David Vukovic [71520,1310] 100483 Mobile Software User Group Mobile, AL USA George Rae [71760,3562] 205-342-8360 102689 North Carolina Clipper User Group Research Triangle Park,NC USA 100494 San Francisco Bay Area Clipper Dev. Assn. San Francisco, CA USA Yau-Man Chan ymchan@uclink.berkeley.edu 510-229-3277 70731,3523 102691 SFDDG CA-Clipper/CA-VO SIG Miami, FL USA Willy Esteban 72740,1440 W:305-599-9609 F:305-599-9610 103532 SouthEast Clipper Developers Association Montgomery, Alabama Brian Abbott [73304,2663] (205) 244-7840 101612 Washington Area Clipper Users Group Washington DC Area USA Gerald E. Nelson 76467,3030 703-471-7919 5. Position Available: Technical Support/Application Consultant. * $ * ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ReplyTo: Advocate Software/ASG 92 Montvale Avenue Stoneham, MA 02180 Fax: 617-279-1009 Email: 73234,2301 Code: TSAC Advocate Software provides Fund Raising and Membership Management software to prestigious nonprofits through the United States and Canada. Advocate is written in Clipper, using object-based technology and the Xbase file system running in a PC network environment. The company was started in 1986 and was acquired by Applications Systems Group in 1992. The Application Consultant position provides implementation support including project management, conversion of programming and software configuration on new and upgrading installations. This position works with other staff and clients to accomplish these tasks. Position acts as backup telephone support. Some travel and significant Clipper experience required. Please indicate the job code, and mail, e-mail, or FAX your resume. 6. Clipper Developers Guide to Windows (Special Report from BCS). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ReplyTo: Darren J. Forcier >INTERNET:djf@world.std.com Download: BCFORC.ZIP, GO CLIPPER, Lib 17 Available: March 15-20th The BCS group has published the results of its February meeting, a 'white paper' presentation by Darren Forcier on programming solutions available to us as Clipper developers. The paper surveys 1) Clip4Win 1.2 from Skelton Software/Grumpfish's Clipper->Windows library, 2) Dolce Vita (With Craig Yellick's La Strada programming guide), and 3) From DOS - A cool library for integrating Windows services into DOS applications. Sample programs are included in the ZIP. 7. Developer Tip: Microsoft and More 1.1. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ReplyTo: Erik J. Thomas 73124.2160@CompuServe.COM I have received over thirty responses to the letter you published in last month's xBase newsletter regarding my switching from Clipper to FoxPro. Most of them were to ask for my opinion on what the best Windows package between FoxPro, Access, Visual Basic, and Paradox. You might want to let your readers know there is a company called CD Select (1-800-446-1185) which will send a free CD-ROM that contains over 64 software packages for test driving. These applications are fully functional and can be unlocked and installed onto your system with a password from CD Select, should you decide to buy. Included on the "Microsoft and More 1.1" CD: Microsoft FoxPro 2.5 for Windows Microsoft FoxPro 2.5 Library Construction Kit Microsoft Access for Windows Microsoft Visual Basic for Windows Professional and Standard Edition Microsoft Visual C++ for Windows Professional and Standard Edition Your readers can find out for themselves which is the better package for their needs--with no risk! Unfortunately, you need a CD-ROM drive-- but heck, just about everyone has one nowadays I'm told! 8. ODBC and Client Server: A New Standard for Database Connectivity. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ReplyTo: Chris Pels [73777,3562] ReplyTo: Les Squires bcnn@world.std.com [73020,3435] Editor's Note. In May, Les Squires plans to make a major presentation on this subject. He will use Microsoft Access 2.0 to demonstrate critical changes for the development process. How will we interact with our data in the future? Client/server architecture is being used more widely today than ever before and will most likely become the norm for much of our application development in the not to distant future. Developing applications with a database server is a very different world from our DBF tables. A new standard is being touted/pushed by Microsoft for accessing data in relational and non-relational DBMS systems called Open Database Connectivity (ODBC). ODBC uses its own SQL dialect as well as any SQL dialect supported by the target DBMS. Because of Microsoft's clout in the industry you will be dealing with ODBC in the near future, if you have not already. A very nice introductory article on ODBC was published in the February 22, 1994 edition of PC Magazine (p. 261-263). It provides a good overview of ODBC from the developer's perspective and I highly recommend reading it. It is vital for our future survival as application developer's to learn to use ODBC/SQL/client server data access in our applications. Fortunately, there are several products that will allow you to "try out" ODBC/SQL/client server without having to take out a second mortgage. All of these are Windows products so you will need a reasonably powerful computer. Microsoft Access database engine uses ODBC/SQL calls which is a gently introduction into the ODBC world using either Microsoft Access or Visual Basic 3.0. If you want to go to a full featured SQL engine Watcom is currently running a great deal on it's single user version of SQL for Windows. The PC Magazine review of Client Server/SQL (10/12/93) said "Watcom SQL is an especially good choice for those new to client/server databases". The list price special $395 directly from Watcomm (800-265-4555) and Programmer's Shop (800-544-8732) has been running a special of $295. Either price is a bargain for having a real client server environment as a learning tool. Even if you do not use it for any production applications it's the cheapest and probably best way to learn a real client server environment. Beware, it is addictive and it may be hard to go back to the simple DBF tables <g>. 9. Technicon'93 Notes: A Communications Tip. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ReplyTo: Steve Gray [70650,2005]. Ira Emus of Extrasensory and author of Telepathy say's don't use XON/XOFF, use RTS/CTS if possible. Use Zmodem or if machine to machine or using compression modems ymodem/g may be the best. A 286/8 will support higher transmission speeds that an 386/25 with Qemm loaded because Qemm (et.al.) takes interrupts. I purchased Telepathy (and their PS/error product as well). 10. Technicon'93 Notes: Tip on Advanced Network Programming. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ReplyTo: Steve Gray [70650,2005]. Duplicate key search takes a long time. By adding a string made up of the RECNO() it will speed up. For example, index on Company + STR(RECNO(),7) instead of just Company. 11. Technicon'93 Notes: BandIT - Report Generator. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ReplyTo: Mark Bolzern [GCS&WGS] <71630.3505@CompuServe.COM> BandIT is a superset of R&R Report Writer, comes with complete Clipper Source code, Reads R&R files, and is linkable into applications. It neatly overcomes most of R&R's shortcomings. What a neat third party add-on. This can relieve you from all sorts of coding headaches, and it seems that no user can ever have enough reports. Now you have an easy way to satisfy these users. 12. Technicon'93 Notes: Improving Application Performance by Mark Elias. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ReplyTo: Richard Simon [71141,2515] Improve performance for network applications by using local EXEs. Using Novell's WSUPDATE command in the login script can be made to update the user's local C drive with the most up to date program EXEs stored in a file server application directory. Here's the syntax: WSUPDATE <<masterfilespec>> <<localfilespec>> /C 13. Technicon'93 Notes: Licensing and Contracting Software. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ReplyTo: Jay Forrest <73707.2010@CompuServe.COM> The presentation by CA's VP of Legal Affairs was almost worth the price of Technicon. Key concepts were NEVER, EVER SELL software or code as software is an intellectual property and not a commodity. This is important and the software lawyers have fought for that designation. As a result the code can be sold only once, and once sold you have no right to use any portion of the code you sold. As one person said, "Isn't this just minor semantics?" to which he replied, "Semantically the difference is minor. Legally it is enormous!" Strive he suggested for unlimited perpetual license to replace sale (where sale is demanded), but if you supply code be sure to get reasonable confidentiality clauses to protect you from their giving your code to your competitor. He also suggested offering to people who demand "sale" the concept that your programs use proven routines you developed and to sell them the program would deprive you of the right to use the tools that give you your position in the business and effectively put you out of business, 14. Technicon'93 Notes: Optimizing Your Execution Environment ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ReplyTo: Mike Herrick [100116,444] o Avoid loading ANSI.SYS and SETVER o Avoid SET COMSPEC=..... o Problems with SHARE.EXE generally stem from insufficiently high values for the /F and /L parameters. o Don't use the NOIDLE switch o Increasing no of files is minimal overhead o Enabling BADCACHE is likely to correct unpredictable errors stemming from corrupt page frame. 15. Opportunities for Developers in Russia. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ReplyTo: Steve Kerr <stkerr@u.washington.edu> ReplyTo: Alexander Iu. Uvarov auvarov@glas.apc.org ul. Chkalova, 12/7, kv. 11 Moscow 103064 7-095-227-8634 (home) 7-095-193-7090 (office) 7-095-943-0040 (fax) One of my contacts in Russia is a fellow named Alexander Uvarov. He's a computer scientist and specialist in networks, formerly affiliated with one of the Biology research institutes and now a member of the Scientific Council on Cybernetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Very bright guy, and very energetic. Alexander has started, on his own, to move into the area of computer training and development of software for same. He's done some modest packages, and sold some of them in Spain. He'd be interested in collaborating with Americans who might want to try a foray into the Russian market, but who might not be confidant of their ability to discern the "lay of the land." My estimate, by the way, is that the market is large and growing. There are a good many computers around now -- mostly IBM clones, but a growing number of Macs -- and a lot of software, but also a lack of people trained to use it. I saw an amazing number of very sophisticated (in other ways) users who were completely unaware of how to use basic application programs. Uvarov is on e-mail, and uses it regularly. His English is fine. I have worked with him for five years and can vouch for his honesty and integrity, as well as his general smarts and management acumen. 16. Letter to the Editor: Flagship and Clipper. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ReplyTo: Glen Webster [70754,2612] Robert G. Freeman Mark Blomberg C.R. Anthony, Inc. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma We are a Clipper/Flagship developer as well as a subscriber to BCNN. We would be interested in following any news relating to Flagship. We have used Flagship to convert our existing Clipper code from a DOS environment to a SCO Xenix environment. We found it to be the only product that would do the conversion, with few changes to the original source. Mark and Robert developed the new software in only a few months. This was after Mark had messed around with another package for months, just trying to get it to work. Flagship has allowed us to create software accross platforms (DOS, Xenix) and has allowed us to remove the DOS PC's from our retail outlets (190 stores in the midwest). This allows for easier maintenance, polling of transactional data from the general office host system and also allowed us to get out of a rather expensive service contract arrangement. We support FlagShip, and hope to see BCNN do the same. 17. Opportunities for Developers to Make Money: NT versu OS/2. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ReplyTo: Ron Dennis <76247.2606@CompuServe.COM> Thanks for the great BCNN Newsletter, Les. I was very interested in your comments re: NT versu OS/2. I'm doing a project for MS Solution Providers about NT and what opportunities are available to application integrators to be successful with it. Mostly I've found "Rightsizing Downward" opportunities, like replacing AS/400 solutions with micros and client server applications. Do you have any thoughts about opportunities for developers to make money installing Win NT and Advanced Server? Lots of people seem to think that "A year from now" NT will be a big player in the server and client server markets. Any way consultants can get a client in on the ground floor of this phenomenon and still deliver a cost effective and dependable application? Editor's Note. That's a question for everybody. Feel free, Ron, to share people's answers in a future BCNN. 18. Technicon'93 Notes: .CH Files. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ReplyTo: "Dave Rolston 72160,2475" <72160.2475@CompuServe.COM> Did you know .CH files work from the bottom up? Put you most specific information at the bottom and the most general at the top of your .CH files (or modifications of an existing one). 19. UART Follow-up ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ReplyTo: Wilfried A Faulkner, 71670,2050 ResponseTo: Chris Pels, 73777,3562 (BCNN, February, 1994). I read your contribution in BCNN about the UART 16550 chip and the BOCA card. I can only sustain your findings. I myself have a BOCA 2x4 with four serial and two parallel ports and noticed a significant increase in speed. However, unless you also replace the standard Windows COMM.DRV with something that takes advantage of the UART chip, you still don't realize the full benefits of the chip. You can use TurboCom/2 from Pacific Comm-Ware which will blow your socks off. Or you can try KingCOM which I hear also has a replacement for the standard COMM.DRV. The latter is second hand information and I don't vouch for its correctness. 20. BCNN Statement of Ownership, Copyright, and Responsibility. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The BCNN Newsletter is sponsored by the xBASE User Group of the Boston Computer Society. BCNN is dedicated to keeping professional database developers (both consultants and corporate employees) informed about educational events, meetings, job openings, world events, notable articles, technical tips, new and 'must have' products, etc. As an electronic network BCNN is also a hub where developers can address world class issues to fellow developers around the world. Recipients agree to respond via Email to periodic polls of their directions, opinions, and needs. For those who do not have User Groups in their areas, BCNN is a vehicle where individuals can volunteer and contribute to something larger than themselves. Over 5,400 persons world-wide participate with CA-Clipper and Microsoft Access. The newsletter is distributed monthly by electronic mail via CompuServe, Internet, FidoNet, and other electronic gateways. It is free of charge to individual developers. Modest fees are charged to corporations for job placement and third-party announcements. Opinions expressed are solely expressed by the authors or by the Xbase Language Group of the Boston Computer Society, even in cases where 'Xbase Language Group' is abbreviated to 'BCS'. All materials are copyrighted by the BCS, unless otherwise indicated, and free for any user group to redistribute on their own BBS on the condition that a by-line referencing the BCNN and the individual author are included. Les Squires, Director Xbase User Group c/o Word Jenny, Incorporated P. O. Box 126 29 Brick Kiln Road, Kilnwood Center Harbor, New Hampshire 03226-0126 USA 603-253-6109 //-Primary Phone & Messages 24 hours 603-253-7214 //-Messages Only 24 hours 603-253-9864 //-Fax 24 hours a day INTERENT:bcnn@World.Std.Com //-First choice for Email. CIS:73020,3435 //-Second choice for Email. Boston Computer Society, Inc. 101 First Avenue, Suite 2 Waltham, MA 02154 617-290-5700 General Number 617-290-5700 Ext. 432 for up-to-date meeting information. Add Subscribers: @BCNN@ClipperYes to bcnn@World.Std.Com. Delete Subscribers: @BCNN@ClipperNo to bcnn@World.Std.Com. Back Issues: CompuServe CLIPPER Forum, LIBS 1 and 17. FTP samba.iss.uw.edu.pl (CD pub/clipper/bcnn) BCNN Email Services donated by Word Jenny, Inc. LSquires@World.Std.Com (c) 1994 Boston Computer Society, Inc.