Monster Media 1994 #2

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________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 1 ________ +-------------------------------------------+ | TTGEN 2.06 | | | | Tiny Tafel Generator and Editor Utility | | | | Written by Tom P. Douglas | | Highlands Ranch, Colorado, U.S.A. | | | | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | | | +-------------------------------------------+ COPYRIGHT 1987, 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994 TOM P. DOUGLAS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PORTIONS COPYRIGHT 1983, 1989 BORLAND INTERNATIONAL ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY ------------------------ THIS SOFTWARE AND MANUAL ARE SOLD "AS IS" AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES AS TO PERFORMANCE OF MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. BECAUSE OF THE VARIOUS HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE ENVIRONMENTS INTO WHICH THIS PROGRAM MAY BE PUT, NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS OFFERED. GOOD DATA PROCESSING PROCEDURE DICTATES THAT ANY PROGRAM BE THOROUGHLY TESTED WITH NON-CRITICAL DATA BEFORE RELYING ON IT. THE USER MUST ASSUME THE ENTIRE RISK OF USING THE PROGRAM. ANY LIABILITY OF THE SELLER WILL BE LIMITED EXCLUSIVELY TO PRODUCT REPLACEMENT OR REFUND OF PURCHASE PRICE. YOUR USE OF THIS SOFTWARE SIGNIFIES YOUR AGREEMENT TO THESE TERMS. ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 2 ________ TABLE OF CONTENTS ------------------- SECTION PAGE 1: TTGEN LICENSE .......................... 3 2: DISTRIBUTION NOTICE .................... 4 3: FILE CONTENTS .......................... 4 4: TTGEN OVERVIEW ......................... 5 5: GETTING STARTED WITH TTGEN ............. 5 6: CREATING A NEW TINY TAFEL .............. 7 7: EDITING A TINY TAFEL ................... 8 8: THE MENUS .............................. 10 9: INFORMATION WINDOWS .................... 10 10: EDIT MODE KEY TABLE .................... 12 11: NAME AND ADDRESS WINDOW ................ 13 12: INFORMATION SERVICE WINDOW ............. 13 13: BBS INFORMATION WINDOW ................. 14 14: FLOPPY DISK AND SOFTWARE WINDOW ........ 15 15: REMARKS/COMMENTS WINDOW ................ 15 16: SURNAME EDITING WINDOW ................. 16 17: SAVING YOUR TINY TAFEL ................. 17 18: DISPLAYING AND PRINTING THE TINY TAFEL . 18 19: HOW BIG IS MY TINY TAFEL? .............. 18 20: TTGEN CONFIGURATION WINDOW ............. 19 21: WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR NEW TINY TAFEL .... 20 22: MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ........ 22 23: ERROR REPORTING ........................ 23 24: THE TINY TAFEL (HISTORY) ............... 24 ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 3 ________ 1: TTGEN LICENSE ------------------ TTGEN is a user-supported product. It is not public domain, nor it is free. Non-registered users are granted a LIMITED LICENSE to use TTGEN on a trial basis for the purpose of determining whether TTGEN is suitable for their needs. Use of TTGEN, except for this limited purpose, REQUIRES REGISTRATION. The use of non-registered copies of TTGEN by any person, business, corporation, governmental agency, or other entity is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. The suggested single-user registration fee is $15. However YOU determine how much TTGEN is worth. An $8 minimum registration fee is acceptable. Registrations of more than $15 are graciously accepted. If you use TTGEN beyond a trial basis, you must register your copy! BBS sysops who provide online TMS may use TTGEN version 2 free of charge (please send registration form, however). This is the author's way of saying, "Thanks!" What is "Shareware"? The philosophy behind shareware is "TRY BEFORE YOU BUY." YOU TRY the shareware software on YOUR OWN computer system, YOUR OWN environment. Then YOU decide whether the software fits your needs. If you like or use it, THEN you pay for it. What you see is what you get! You deal directly with the author! Whether or not you buy TTGEN, you may share copies of it with others. Virtually NO retailer would allow you to share or even try commercial software before buying! This is where shareware has its advantages. By registering your copy of TTGEN, you would: 1, receive the most up-to-date version of TTGEN; 2, receive subsequent TTGEN update notices; 3, receive technical support directly from the author; 4, show desire for continued software support. Please register your copy of TTGEN using the form included in LICENSE.DOC, enclosed with this software. ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 4 ________ 2: DISTRIBUTION NOTICE ------------------------ FREE and NON-COMMERCIAL distribution of TTGEN is welcomed and encouraged. Each file (listed under file contents) must be included in the distribution and MUST NOT be altered or modified in any way by anyone. Sale of this software for more than $5 beyond cost of media, for any reason, without prior written consent of the author, is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. This software is NOT to be used as an incentive toward any purchase of any product or service. Should any CRC errors or any other errors be encountered during file extraction of TTGEN, it is advised that you do not attempt to run the extracted software. It is further advised that corrupted copies of TTGEN archive files be erased. New copies of TTGEN for non-registered users may be obtained directly from the author by sending a formatted diskette and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Requests and suggestions may be mailed to: Tom P. Douglas 753 E Walden CT Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 U. S. A. 3: FILE CONTENTS ------------------ TTGEN is distributed in two files: * TTGEN206.ZIP is a zipped file and requires the use of UNZIP.EXE, PKUNZIP.EXE, or similar utility to extract the contents. * TTGEN206.EXE is a self-extracting file that automatically extracts the contents. File contents of both TTGEN206 files are: README.DOC -- Brief information file; LICENSE.DOC -- License and registration information; TTGEN.DOC -- This documentation; TTGEN.EXE -- Program file; TTGEN.OVR -- Program support file; TTGEN.OV2 -- Program support file; TTGEN.BAT -- Example batch file; DOUGLAS.TT -- Author's example TT file; | TTGEN.UPD -- Updates made to TTGEN. ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 5 ________ 4: TTGEN OVERVIEW ------------------- With TTGEN version 2.06, one can quickly and easily build or edit a properly formatted, compact ASCII "Tiny tafel" file that describes a family database. This tiny tafel can be readily used by the Tafel Matching System (TMS) available on many BBS's. TTGEN also audits preexisting ASCII tiny tafel files to assure compliance with current TMS criteria. Section 21, "What To Do With Your New Tiny Tafel" provides guidance for submitting the newly-produced tiny tafel. Any comments and/or suggestions are welcomed, encouraged and appreciated. Many features contained in TTGEN version 2 were suggested by users like you! 5: GETTING STARTED WITH TTGEN ------------------------------- PRINTING THE DOCUMENTATION: You may want to print this manual particularly if you are new to computing. One way to do this is by typing the following command at the DOS prompt: COPY TTGEN.DOC LPT1: EXPORTING A TINY TAFEL FROM YOUR FAMILY DATABASE: Many sets of genealogy database software are able to export their data as ASCII to disk files. Some databases export tiny tafels, such as Brother's Keeper. Others export Gedcom files, like PAF. If you are unable to locate any exporting features with your database, ask the software author or vendor. Your only choice may be to create your tiny tafels manually from your printouts or notes, but it never hurts to ask. If your software exports Gedcom and not tiny tafel files, Gedcom-to-tiny tafel conversion utilities are available, such as GED2TT by Andrew Koppenhaver (shareware). GED2TT is distributed with TTGEN version 2 for your convenience. SETTING UP TTGEN: You may wish to create a dedicated subdirectory on your hard drive for TTGEN. MAKE SURE you have a backup copy of the original TTGEN files. The next step is to extract TTGEN206. To do this: ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 6 ________ * TTGEN206.EXE: Simply type TTGEN206 at the DOS prompt. The files are extracted and placed in the current directory. TTGEN version 2 distribution disks include INSTALL.BAT which will create a directory called TTGEN from the root directory on drive C:. To use this batch file, log to the drive containing the distribution disk (usually A:) and type INSTALL. * TTGEN206.ZIP: This requires an unzipping utility such as UNZIP or PKUNZIP to extract the contents. Should CRC errors or any other errors be encountered during file extraction, it is advised that you do not attempt to run the extracted software. It is further advised that corrupted copies of TTGEN archive files be erased. See "Distribution Notice" section for obtaining a new copy of TTGEN. EXECUTING TTGEN: Finally, at your DOS prompt, type "TTGEN" and press [RETURN]. In a moment a few windows pop open. An "About" message is displayed for your information as TTGEN is starting. As TTGEN begins, your computer's system date is read and checked for validity. If the date appears invalid, a prompt for a valid date will appear. Enter today's date as "MMDDYY" (2 digits for the month, 2 for the date, and last 2 of the year). Conclude the input with [RETURN]. This date is used to date-stamp your tiny tafels as they are saved to disk. If you are running TTGEN for the first time, you will probably see the configuration window appear. For computers with: * Monochrome video, the topmost four parameters are preset and disabled. Other parameters may be changed as desired. * For color video, the parameters may be changed as desired. A color palette appears to the right of the color parameters. If no colors appear in the palette, you may want to set the topmost parameter to "N" for monochrome operation. See the Configuration Window section for more information. Press [F2] to save the parameters. THE OPTION BAR: Besides the options displayed with various prompts and menus, the option bar at the bottom of the screen displays additional options, "hot keys." For example, "F1=Help" ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 7 ________ appearing on the option bar shows that you have help available by pressing [F1]. Or "^Q=Quit" ("^" meaning "Control key") allows you to quit TTGEN. Press control-Q to exit. TTGEN will then take you to the file name prompt by opening Main Menu, Files Menu, and Load Tiny Tafel Windows. You are now ready to name a tiny tafel file. To create a tiny tafel, read on in the next section. To edit a preexisting tiny tafel file, go to "Editing A Tiny Tafel." 6: CREATING A NEW TINY TAFEL ------------------------------ CREATING THE FILE: Once the file name prompt appears, you need to provide a valid DOS file name. Type the name of your tiny tafel file (drive and directories are optional) and press [RETURN]. If no extension is specified, ".TT" is used. * TIP: The surname is usually used as the file name (if longer than eight characters, use the first eight). If you are in doubt about file names, refer to your DOS user manual. If the named file is not found on disk, you'll be asked if you want to create the file. If you mistyped the filename, press "N" so that TTGEN will return to the file name prompt. You must specify a file name. Editing options are available at this prompt; see "Editing Key Table" section. Once you confirm your file name by pressing "Y," TTGEN will take you out of "Load Tiny Tafel" and "Files Menu" windows and into the "Editor Menu" window. From there, a prompt will appear to inform you that you'll need to fill out some forms. Press [RETURN] to acknowledge. FILLING OUT SOME FORMS: The first form, "Name And Address Window," will appear, in the "Edit" mode. Simply type your name, address, and telephone number in the corresponding field, ending each line with [RETURN]. A "Mini-help" message appears at the bottom of the window as you type each line. If you make a mistake as you type in the information, you may reposition the cursor using the arrow keys. The [BACKSPACE] and [DELETE] keys may be used to delete ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 8 ________ characters. The [INSERT] key may be used as well to toggle between insert or overwrite modes. Refer to "Editing Key Table" for more information about editing options. You may also want to refer to the "Name And Address Window" section. Once you have the window filled out, a menu will pop open at the bottom of the name and address window. An option is available to edit the window again by pressing "E," or save the information by pressing "S." Once the name and address information is saved, another window will appear. The "Floppy Disk And Software Window" is next. This tells other prospective users what floppy disk format your computer is able to read, and the genealogy database software you use. You may bypass this optional window by pressing "C," or fill in this window by pressing "E." When you exit the floppy disk window, a prompt will appear that you can now enter your surname information. There is also a message that you have control of TTGEN at this point. Press [RETURN] to acknowledge. A surname window will open up and ready to your input. See the "Surname Window" section for making your surname entries. 7: EDITING A TINY TAFEL ------------------------- PICKING THE FILE: Once the file name prompt appears, you need to provide a valid DOS file name. This is done in either of two ways: * 1. Type the name of your tiny tafel file (drive and directories are optional) and press [RETURN]. If no extension is specified, ".TT" is used. * 2. Press [F3] for a directory window of directories and tiny tafel files. Once the directory window is displayed, use the arrow keys to position the banner on the desired file, and press [RETURN] to select. If a directory is selected, the window will display a listing of the new directory. To abort the list selection, press [ESCAPE] to return to the file name prompt and refer to step 1 above. * TIP: I use the last name as the file name (if longer than eight characters, use the first ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 9 ________ eight). If you are in doubt about file name specs, refer to your DOS user manual. Once the tiny tafel file is found and loaded, TTGEN will automatically take you out of "Load Tiny Tafel" and "Files Menu" windows and into the "Editor Menu" window. At this point, an audit will take place. As the file is being loaded, the data format is checked for validity, listing all errors found. When the file loading is complete and any errors were encountered, some prompts may appear. Press [RETURN] to acknowledge each one. After loading, TTGEN closes the Tiny Tafel Load and Files Menu windows and proceeds to the Editor Menu and begins auditing the loaded tafel. AUDITING: Auditing the tiny tafel for TMS Compatibility is now the user's option, available using "C" from the Edit Menu. The audit checks your tiny tafel information to assure it complies with new Tafel Matching System (TMS) criteria. If a discrepancy is found, the appropriate window will open and a message is displayed at the bottom of the window to show what the discrepancy is. Press [RETURN] to acknowledge the discrepancy. A menu is displayed at the bottom of this window. Here you have an option to either edit (correct) or delete the information in the window. To edit, press "E" and TTGEN will be in the edit mode. For editing options, see "Editing Key Table" section. The new information can be saved by [RETURN] at the last line followed by "S," or [F2] in the edit mode. Auditing will continue. To delete the window, press "D." You'll be asked to confirm the deletion. The information displayed on the window will be deleted from the tafel and auditing will continue. You may press Control-Q to quit TTGEN at any time. If you save the tafel file during "Quit," the corrected or unaudited information will be saved. Deleted information will not be saved. Once the auditing is completed, TTGEN will display a message that you have control of TTGEN. Press [RETURN] to acknowledge. TTGEN will stop at the Editor Menu. You may make your edits from there. See the section in this document that applies to the window you want to edit. ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 10 ________ 8: THE MENUS -------------- To navigate about the menus is a straight-forward process. Selecting an item from the menu can be done in either of two ways: * 1. Press the key that is highlighted within the item. No [RETURN] is required. The selected item will be highlighted and immediately executed. * 2. Use an arrow key to make the "Banner" appear. Use the arrow keys to position the banner over the desired item. All inactive (unavailable) items on the menu are skipped. Press [RETURN] to select the item. The selection will remain highlighted and immediately executed. NOTE: If an item does not have any letter highlighted, that item cannot be selected. To exit any menu, press [ESCAPE]. If an [ESCAPE] is pressed at the Main Menu, you'll be asked to confirm that you want to quit TTGEN. To quit TTGEN at any time, press Control-Q. You'll be asked to confirm that you want to quit. If you do confirm to quit, you may receive an additional question prompt whether to save your file or not. 9: INFORMATION WINDOWS ------------------------ Each information window is a "Fill-in-the-blank," full- screen form, easily accessed from the editor menu. If a menu is present at the bottom of the name and address window, press "E" to enter the edit mode. Otherwise "R" or [ESCAPE] key returns you to the editor menu. In the edit mode, use the arrow keys to position the cursor to where you want to enter or revise the information, then simply type the information. The [INSERT] key toggles between overwrite and insert modes. A complete table of editing keys is located in the following "Editing Key Table" section. A "mini-help" message appears at the bottom of the window ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 11 ________ to give you a better idea what to type in. As you edit your entries, the [INSERT] key may be used to toggle between "Insert" and "Overwrite" modes. The option bar at the bottom of the screen displays the current status ("INSERT" or "OVERWT"). The insert mode inserts your keystrokes in your fields, while the overwrite (or overstrike) mode overtypes your keystrokes. When a line is completed, simply press [RETURN] for the next line. When [RETURN] is pressed at the last line, another menu will appear at the bottom of the window. "E" allows you to return to the edit mode again. "S" saves the window to memory. "A" discards the editions made to this window. Another option to saving the window is to use the [F2] key when all edits are made to the window, regardless of where the cursor is located. This option bypasses the "Edit/Save/Abort" menu. If the [F2] key is pressed, or the [RETURN] key is pressed at the last line, TTGEN assures that all mandatory or pertinent information is provided. If something is missing, a message will appear at the bottom of the window and wait for you to press [RETURN]. Following [RETURN], TTGEN returns to the edit mode and the cursor points to the line needing information. ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 12 ________ 10: EDIT MODE KEY TABLE ------------------------ During all information window edit modes, and file name, date, and surname prompts, the following keys are available for editing: Right arrow or ^D ("^" means Control): Move cursor right one character; Left arrow, ^S: Move cursor left one character; Right tab, ^F: Move cursor right one word; Left tab, ^A: Move cursor left one word; [DELETE], ^G: Delete one character at cursor position; [BACKSPACE], ^H: Delete a character left of cursor, move cursor left one character; ^U: Undo line to original entry; ^T, ^Y: Delete all characters on and right of cursor, and move cursor to beginning of line; [RETURN]: Move cursor to next line, if at last line, save and exit window; ^Q: Quit TTGEN, then type "Y" or "N" to confirm; note that current window's contents are lost; F1: Call for help window; Up arrow, ^E (Information windows only): Move cursor up one line and to the beginning, if at first line move to last; Down arrow, ^X (Information windows only): Move cursor down one line and to the beginning, if at last line move to first line; F2, ^W: Accept (save) window edits/prompt replies. ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 13 ________ 11: NAME AND ADDRESS WINDOW ----------------------------- The name and address window may be selected by pressing "N" at the Editor Menu. The "Name and Address Window" appears with the name, address, and telephone that is in the tiny tafel. A menu will appear at the bottom of the window. This menu gives you the option to edit the entries on the window or to exit the window. This menu is bypassed to the "Edit" mode if the name or address is absent. The name and address window consist of the following: NAME: Your name, the name of the person having custody of the family data. This entry is mandatory. ADDRESS: Your address is also mandatory. Up to five lines for your address are available. TELEPHONE: Optional; remember to include the area code. This is free-form, however it is suggested that you use the format: (000) 000-0000 12: INFORMATION SERVICE WINDOW -------------------------------- Using the Information Service Page, you may enter up to five information services (GEnie, CompuServe, genealogy echo, etc.) you use for your research or contact. Fellow researchers may wish to contact you through this service. These entries are optional. DO NOT disclose any passwords. INFORMATION SERVICE: This is the name of the information service you use (The Source, Prodigy, GEnie, etc.). If you use an "Echo" on a BBS, such as a genealogy echo, you may include this information. USER NUMBER: Enter your user number with the corresponding information service. This should be blank for BBS echoes. ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 14 ________ 13: BBS INFORMATION WINDOW ---------------------------- This window allows you to enter a BBS (Bulletin Board System) you use regularly for your research or other purposes. This information can be used by follow researchers as an option for contacting you. This information is optional. BBS NAME: The name of the bulletin board system (BBS). BBS PHONE: BBS's telephone number including area code. MAX BAUD: BBS's maximum baud capability (NOT YOUR baud). BBS MODE: A BBS is likely to be an "A" for answer only. Use "O" for originate only; "A" for answer only; or "B" for both. PROTOCOL: File transfer protocols available on the BBS (Xmodem, Zmodem, Kermit, etc.). If any entry other then the name is made, you'll receive a message that a BBS name must be entered, or all information on this window will be lost. ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 15 ________ 14: FLOPPY DISK AND SOFTWARE WINDOW ------------------------------------- This window allows you to enter your primary floppy disk format (for exchanging data), and the genealogy database software you use. This information would enable fellow researchers to send their information to you on proper floppy disks. This information is optional. DISK DIAMETER: Your primary floppy disk size. Use "3" for 3.5-inch, "5" for 5.25-inch, or "8" for 8-inch disk. DISK FORMAT: The primary floppy disk format your computer is able to read or write (IBM, Apple MacIntosh, Amiga, CP/M, etc.). DISK CAPACITY: Amount of total floppy disk space available IN KILOBYTES. (Kilobyte equals 1024 bytes and sometimes expressed as 1000 bytes.) SOFTWARE: Genealogy database software you use (Roots, PAF, Brother's Keeper, etc.). This is a free form entry. You may want to enter the software version number with the software name as well. 15: REMARKS/COMMENTS WINDOW ----------------------------- Up to five lines of remarks or comments may be embedded in your tiny tafel. Although these entries are optional and free form, they are generally unnecessary. ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 16 ________ 16: SURNAME EDITING WINDOW ---------------------------- To add a surname, select "A" at the Editor Menu. A blank surname window will appear and be ready for your input. Simply type in the information. To edit a surname already in the file, press "E" at the Editor Menu. A surname prompt will appear. You may select your target surname either of two ways: * 1. Type in the surname (the first few characters of the surname are acceptable) and press [RETURN] or [F2]. If the surname is not found, a message will appear. Press [RETURN] to return to the surname prompt. * 2. Press [F3] to display a listing window of surnames already in the tafel. Use the arrow keys to position a "Banner" over the surname you want to edit, and press [RETURN]. All lines extending beyond the right window boarder will display a right arrow. To abort this option, press [ESCAPE] to return to the surname prompt and refer to step 1 above. Each surname entry has the following inputs: SURNAME: This entry is mandatory. SURNAME VARIANTS: Optional, up to four surname variants may be entered. Each surname not overlaid by the cursor will display the Soundex code. Pressing [RETURN] or down-arrow to a blank surname variant field skips to the Ancestor's birth year. ANCESTOR'S BIRTH YEAR: Mandatory; earliest known birth year of the ancestor. ANCESTOR'S BIRTH LOCATION: Birth place of ancestor if known. Either ancestor or descendent place of birth is mandatory. Both places of birth are acceptable. ANCESTOR INTEREST: This is your level of interest for additional ancestor information. If you have all the information you'd want, you might enter a "1" or "0". On the other hand, if you have very little information and want more, you might enter "2" or "3". Interest levels are defined as: 0 = No interest 1 = Low interest ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 17 ________ 2 = Moderate interest 3 = Highest interest If this entry is blank when the cursor is positioned there, it is pre-entered with a preset value. This value may be adjusted in the configuration window (from the Main Menu) if desired. DESCENDANT'S BIRTH YEAR: Latest descendent birth year known; mandatory. DESCENDANT'S BIRTH LOCATION: Descendent birth place if known. Either ancestor or descendent place of birth is mandatory. Both places of birth are acceptable. DESCENDENT INTEREST: Your interest level for additional descendent information, explained above. 17: SAVING YOUR TINY TAFEL ---------------------------- Some of your tafel editing sessions may be lengthy. It is generally wise to frequently save your new editions to disk. This is because any program can suddenly "Lock up" without warning, or power outages or "Glitches" can drop your unsaved editions into the bit bucket. From the "Files Menu" press "S" to save your tiny tafel to your file you named earlier. To save from the "Editor Menu," press [ESCAPE] to back up to "Main Menu," then press "F" for "Files Menu." A prompt will appear to name your file. If the file you want to save is other than what is in the prompt, you may rename that file. Press [RETURN] or [F2] to save the file. To quit TTGEN at any time, press Control-Q. If the in- memory tafel was edited after the last file save, a prompt will appear. Affirm or deny the file save with "Y" or "N." A "Y" saves the tafel to disk before exiting to DOS. ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 18 ________ 18: DISPLAYING AND PRINTING THE TINY TAFEL ------------------------------------------- To display your tiny tafel, press "D" at the Files Menu. Use the arrow keys to scroll the display. Press [ESCAPE] to exit the tafel display. To print your tafel, make sure your printer on port LPT1: is ready. Press "P" at the File Menu and follow the prompts in the Print Tiny Tafel window. 19: HOW BIG IS MY TINY TAFEL? ------------------------------- Sometimes the question about the file size, or how many surnames you can enter, may arise. You can check the statistics of the currently loaded tafel by pressing "F" at the Files Menu. To access the Files Menu from the Editor Menu, press [ESCAPE] to back up to the Main Menu, then press "F" for files menu. The statistics displayed are: LENGTH OF FILE ON DISK: This is the estimated disk file length your current tafel would occupy on disk. UNUSED LINES LEFT IN MEMORY: This is the amount of lines you currently have unused in memory. Lines are used by "Headers" (Name, address, BBS information, etc.) as well as surname data. Eliminating a few TSR's from memory would gain more memory, offering more available lines for your tafel if you need it. If you had 530K of free conventional memory when TTGEN was started, about 2400 lines are usually available. DISK SPACE FREE ON CURRENT DRIVE: This shows the amount of disk space available on your current disk drive, in kilobytes. (Kilobyte equals 1024 bytes and sometimes expressed as 1000 bytes.) This will differ from what your disk directory may show due to TTGEN maintaining an on-disk "work" file. ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 19 ________ 20: TTGEN CONFIGURATION WINDOW ------------------------------- TTGEN maintains a user-configuration file. Press [ESCAPE] until TTGEN is in the Main Menu. Press "C" to access the configuration window. Use the arrow keys to position the cursor. A [RETURN] at the last parameter, or [F2] from any parameter, saves the configuration. An [ESCAPE] exit the configuration window without saving the configuration. Note for monochrome systems: TTGEN internally senses the use of monochrome video adapters. In this case, the first four parameters are locked out, assuming monochrome operation. COLOR: Some computer systems with color video adapters are equipped with monochrome monitors. TTGEN was designed to operation for either monochrome or color monitors. If your monitor can display color text, you may want to press "Y" to keep TTGEN running in color. For color video adapters with monochrome monitors, this parameter should be disabled with "N". WHITE TEXT ON CYAN BACKGROUND: For color operations only, you may prefer white text on cyan background (press "W"), or black text on cyan (press "B"). Use the color palette to the right of the cursor for guidance. WHITE TEXT ON GREEN BACKGROUND: For color operations only, you may prefer white text on green background (press "W"), or black text on green (press "B"). Use the color palette to the right of the cursor for guidance. WHITE TEXT ON GRAY BACKGROUND: For color operations only, you may prefer white text on gray background (press "W"), or black text on gray (press "B"). Again, use the color palette to the right of the cursor for guidance. MAKE BACKUP (*.BAK) FILES: TTGEN offers the ability to rename original tiny tafel files (*.TT) to *.BAK just before an updated tafel is saved to disk (press "Y"). To write over original tafel files (no *.BAK files), press "N" at this prompt. SURNAMES IN CAPITALS: All surnames edited, loaded from disk, and saved to disk, are forced to capitals if "Y" is pressed. An "N" leaves all surnames as is. ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 20 ________ DEFAULT SURNAME INTEREST: This parameter is defaulted when new surnames are entered into the tiny tafel. This represents the general interest level you have for contact from others regarding information pertaining to your surnames. If you have all the information you'd want, you might enter a "1" or "0". On the other hand, if you have very little information and want more, you might enter "2" or "3". Interest levels are defined as: 0 = No interest 1 = Low interest 2 = Moderate interest 3 = Highest interest IS YOUR COPY OF TTGEN REGISTERED: This parameter's purpose is to remind you to register your copy of TTGEN. If you registered your copy, simply press "Y" so that the reminders will be turned off each time you execute or exit TTGEN. If you haven't registered, please do so, and press "N" in the meantime. You will receive no registration "codes;" this is an honor system. 21: WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR NEW TINY TAFEL ---------------------------------------- Once your new tiny tafel is created or edited, you are ready to submit it to the Tafel Matching System (TMS). Several methods are available to submit your new tafel: * 1. Using a genealogy "Echo" on any BBS, submit your tafel as a message to Brian Mavrogeorge on that echo. Make sure the message's subject only reads, "Tiny tafel" and Brian will receive and place it into TMS free of charge. Look at your BBS for options, then refer to your telecommunications manual for information about uploading your tafel to the BBS. * 2. A BBS with a "FidoNet" node number, you may send your tafel as a message, or a message with the tafel as an attached file, to Brian Mavrogeorge at FidoNet Node 1:125/30. Ask your local system operator ("Sysop") about sending messages to other BBS nodes. It's likely that you'll need to prepay your sysop for the long distance phone call required to mail your message. Look at your BBS for options (your sysop can help), then refer to your ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 21 ________ telecommunications manual for information about uploading your tafel to the BBS. * 3. Several sysops of TMS-capable BBS's will accept your tafel file via mailed diskette. If you want a list of potential matches from TMS, you'll need to send a self-addressed stamped envelope with your disk. The following two sysops will accept your tafel by diskette, printout, or form: Brian Mavrogeorge Roots (SF!) BBS 109 Stratford DR San Francisco, CA 94132 Charles Simpkinson Root Cellar Too!! BBS 5522 E Costilla DR Littleton, CO 80122 In addition to the tafel information, please provide four surnames and the appropriate date ranges that you wish to have a match query run for. * 4. The text file TMSNODE.LST is included with TTGEN so you may call your nearest TMS-capable BBS and submit your tafel to it directly. Not every BBS will give you "Full access" to the system on your first call. Please note that submitting your tiny tafel to TMS DOES NOT mean you'll automatically receive queries. You need to make a separate request for queries, using the off-line match feature of the TMS program. Ask your sysop for help if needed. * 5. Some TMS-BBS sysops offer to type your tafel into TMS from printouts or even hand-written forms. Two of those sysops that accept printouts and forms are listed in option 3 above. To date, this service is free of charge. TTFORM.DOC for hand-written submissions is included with TTGEN version 2 distribution disks. ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 22 ________ 22: MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ------------------------------------- Q: I used to be able to submit tiny tafels without any location names. Why does TTGEN version 2 require these? A: New TMS criteria now require location information for either the descendent or ancestor for each surname entry. If this information for either is unavailable, you must delete that surname from your tiny tafel. This new TMS requirement was designed to serve its users better. Q: Sometimes a long tiny tafel takes longer to load in TTGEN. Why? A: Tiny tafels with surnames appearing in random order take longer to load compared to tiny tafels that are already sorted. This is due to internal sorting that takes place during loading in TTGEN. TMS does not require sorted tiny tafels; TTGEN sorts surnames for ease of visual searching. Q: How many surname information windows can be entered using TTGEN? A: This depends on the amount of memory-resident TSR's you have. If you have about 530K of free conventional memory when TTGEN is executed, TTGEN would be able to handle more then 2400 lines (surname data, name and address "Headers," etc.). Using the file statistics feature in the Files Menu ("F"), you'll find the exact number of lines you have left. Q: Editing my tiny tafel with my word processor, how would I know what Soundex code to write for each surname line? A: If you're in doubt about proper Soundex coding for any surname, use an alias code, like "A000." Next, save your file in ASCII form and exit your word processor. Execute TTGEN and load your tiny tafel file, then save it again. TTGEN discards all Soundex codes during loading, and regenerates proper codes for each surname during file save. Q: After saving my tiny tafel from my word processor and loading it in TTGEN, I find garbled characters. What happened? A: It is likely that your tiny tafel file was saved by your word processor in a compressed mode, or in a format other than ASCII. You must make absolutely sure that your word processor always saves your tafel files in ASCII format for TTGEN, and TMS! If your word processor doesn't save in ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 23 ________ ASCII (most of them can), an ASCII word processor, such as VDE by Eric Meyer (shareware), can be used. VDE is included on TTGEN version 2 distribution disks (3.5" only). 23: ERROR REPORTING --------------------- Should CRC errors or any other errors be encountered during file extraction, it is advised that you do not attempt to run the extracted software. It is further advised that corrupted copies of TTGEN archive files be erased. New copies of the software may be obtained directly from the author by sending a formatted diskette and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Should this software display a "Software error" message, please write down the entire error message (error number and address code). Send this, along with version number (found on the "Matted" screen) and the make of your computer (IBM-AT, etc.), to the author. A write-up of what you did before the program error encounter would be helpful as well. Screen printouts would be helpful as well. Any comments and/or suggestions are welcomed, encouraged and appreciated. Many features contained in TTGEN were suggested by users like you! The author is best reached by mail: Tom P. Douglas 753 E Walden CT Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 U. S. A. Phone calls are acceptable, (303) 791-1587. If you reach the answering machine, please leave your name and evening/weekend phone number. ________ TTGEN vrsn 2.06 __________ Page 24 ________ 24: THE TINY TAFEL (HISTORY) ------------------------------ The tiny tafel was developed in recent years and is another tool available to the genealogist. An article, "Tiny-Tafel for Database Scope Indexing" by Paul Andereck, appeared in the April-May-June, 1986 issue of Genealogical Computing. This article was a proposal for a compact table, called the "Tiny tafel" (TAFEL means TABLE in German), describing basic family information, designed for both visual and computer scanning. The Tiny Tafel protocol was modified and improved by Commsoft. A call was out for an editor that would help the genealogist create the sometimes seemingly cryptic tiny tafel. TTGEN was designed to aid the user to create and edit a tiny tafel. Tafel files from TTGEN are properly formatted and assured compliance with TMS criteria.