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Monster Media Number 15 (Monster Media)(July 1996).ISO
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README.TXT
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DataPage Maker(tm) web-page creation utility.
============================================
DataPage Maker (DPM), Version 1.4, does the following:
a. DPM transforms information, which is resident in a Microsoft(r)
Access(tm) database, into text files called DataPages. These text
files are formatted to function as HomePages on the World-Wide-Web
(WWW) and are called Data Pages. These DataPages consist of Hyper-
Text Mark-up Language (HTML) encapsulating the data extracted from
tables in the selected database.
(1). DataPages are indented lists of orfered database records,
(2). each page containing a hyper-linked record index that branches
into and out-of the list of data records,
(3). each record having a checkbox feedback system to highlight
specific records, and
(4). each DataPage (multiple pages for large databases) is hyper-
linked with the other datapages in order to permit page-turning.
b. DPM operates on 386/486 class PC's using Microsoft Windows(tm)
and performs best with at least 8 Megabytes of RAM. DataPage Maker
is written in Microsoft Visual Basic(tm) 4.0 and requires Visual
Basic's run-time executive, which is included in the distributed
zip files (DPM.ZIP and DPM1.ZIP -- but not in DPM2.ZIP).
c. DPM permits database updates to be continuously displayed on the
WWW, ensuring the web browser has access to the most current data
available in the database.
Special Note
============
The Professional Version of DataPage Maker creates multiple
DataPages for larger database tables (with hyper-linked push
buttons on the top & bottom of each datapage) and also provides
a Web Forms feedback capability (feedback to the data provider)
through utilization of checkboxes, with 'Submit' and 'Reset'
buttons. The Professional version of DataPage Make can also
handle in excess of 1500 Records per Table, limited only by
available disk space.
General Introduction
====================
DataPage Maker utilizes Microsoft's Visual Basic 4.0, Access 2.0
databases, and Jet Engine 2.5. All required files are included
in the larger DPM.ZIP installation setup, while the run-time
executive is included in both DPM.ZIP & DPM1.ZIP.
Limitations of DataPage Maker Version 1.4 are:
Twenty (20) Tables per Database -- fifteen (15) visible.
Twenty (20) Fields per Table -- fifteen (15) can be SELECTED
to be visible. (a new feature)
Fifteen hundred (1500) Records per Table (excess ignored) -- except
for the Professional Version of the DataPage Maker.
DataPage Maker assumes target databases follow design guidelines
of Microsoft's Access 2.0 (databases with the 'MDB' file extension).
Once a Database is selected, a single Table must be selected from the
list of possible Tables within that Database. The Foreign Keys within
that Table (keys that are Primary keys in other Tables), may be used
to provide additional details to the keyed fields.
Sequence of Operation
=====================
1. Select a Database. Using the Database File Selection window,
select both the disk directory containing the database file, as well
as the specific database file name (with an 'MDB' extension).
2. Start Section. Activate Start button and wait until the
Database Tables are displayed. The delay is due to the collection
of Table & Field statistics.
3. Select Table. Select the desired table by clicking one of the
Radio Buttons. The data from this Table will be displayed on the
screen. Also, in the Professional Version -- select max number of
Records to be processed within the selected Table.
4. Extract Data. Data records are pulled from the Fields of the
selected Table. Foreign Keys are expanded if the Foreign Key Data
box is checked, using data from other tables.
5. DataPage Section. The extracted data is packaged in an HTML
wrapper and placed into a DataPage. If the Directory of Records
box is checked, a Directory list will be added to the DataPage.
6. Viewing Data within Selected Table. The Data Control slider
bar is associated with the selected Table. Data from a maximum
of fifteen (15) Fields may be viewed by use of the slider bar.
The Operational Details
=======================
<<Start Button>>
If the Database Path and Name in the boxes at the top-left of the
screen are correct, begin the process by pressing the Start Button.
There will be a delay, while vital database statistics are being
collected. After this delay, the database Tables will be listed
and you will be required to select one of the tables. Watch the
color of the lights by each of the command buttons to guide your
flow sequence through this process. The Green Light near the
'Extract Data' button will indicate when it is time to proceed.
<<Data Extract Button>>
Once the desired Table has been selected, the 'Extract Data'
procedure retrieves applicable records from the database and stores
the data, in preparation for the addition of HTML characters.
Database information must be encapsulated in HTML in order to be
displayed on the WWW. If the amount of the data is too large for
one WWW DataPage, the necessary number of DataPages (max = 99)
will be created (only in the Professional Version).
<<DataPage Button>>
DataPage Maker creates a minimum of three (3) files within the same
directory that the SOURCE database file exists -- the 'MDB' file.
The files are named dxxyyyzz, where xx = is the DataPage Page Number,
yyy = the first three letters of the Database Name and zz = the
sequential Table number, within that database. The file named
dxxyyyzz.htm is an HTML DataPage displayable on WWW. The companion
files are named dXXYYYZZ.jpg, which is the logo displayed at the top
of each DataPage, and 'dp.jpg', which is the 'turn-page' graphic.
Example: The 4th Page of data from the 2nd Table, of a database
named 'prices.mdb', is labeled 'd04pri02.htm', and the companion files
are labeled 'd04pri02.jpg' and 'dp.jpg'.
<<Stop Button>>
Make sure you note the file path and the DataPage Name listed directly
below the Stop Button -- this information will be required when you
direct a web browser to display that series of DataPages.
Forms
=====
The Professional Version of DataPage Maker has a Forms 'Submit' and
'Reset' capability with Checkboxes built into the DataPage, to permit
the user to select specific data records by marking the Checkboxes
and submitting those marks, via E-Mail, back to the owner of the
database.
HTML Specifics
==============
The DataPage Maker produces a HyperText Markup Language (HTML) file,
appropriate for display of a WWW DataPage(s), representing one (1)
Table (Entity) from the source Database. The maximum size of a HTML
DataPage is 60,000 bytes and DataPages that approach this maximum
size are truncated. [Larger databases require the Professional
(Pro) DataPage Maker, which produces multiple DataPages per Table]
Questions, Problems, and Comments
=================================
Any questions about the status of the shipment of the order, refunds,
registration options, product details, technical support, volume
discounts, dealer pricing, site licenses, non-credit card orders,
etc. must be directed to Entity Master System. Another way to
communicate with us, is to visit our HomePage on the WWW. Just surf
over to http://www.entity-master.com/e-m.htm to record problems,
get the latest news, products, & advisories. You can also Register
on-line and download DataPage Maker over the Internet. We encourage
you to Register your DataPage Maker shareware. To insure that you
get the latest version, PsL notifies us on the day of your order and
we ship the product directly to you. [ Reference PsL Product #14431 ]
Contact
=======
You may contact Entity Master Systems by mail: c/o Dave Fashenpour,
714 Regency Court, Friendswood, TX 77546; or by phone at 713-996-0819.
You may send E-Mail to either: 76461.2413@compuserve.com or
ems@entity-master.com -- but best of all, visit our HomePage at:
http://www.entity-master.com/e-m.htm.
Product Registration
====================
We have contracted with Public (software) Library (PsL) to process
any orders that you may wish to place with your valid MC, Visa,
Amex, or Discover cards. Reference PsL Product #14431. PsL may be
contacted via any of the following methods: Voice: 800-242-4775
(7 a.m.- 6 p.m. CST, except Friday afternoons). FAX: 713-524-6398.
E-MAIL: 71355.470@Compuserve.Com. You may also mail credit card
orders to PsL, P.O. Box 35705, Houston, TX 77235.
THE ABOVE NUMBERS ARE FOR CREDIT CARD ORDERS ONLY.
THE PROGRAM AUTHOR CANNOT BE REACHED AT THE ABOVE NUMBERS.
Reasons to Register
===================
When you Register with PsL, you will receive the full set of
DPM diskettes, which contains the DataPage Maker Professional (PRO)
Version and user documentation. As a registered member you will
receive individual assistance with difficulties you may experience
and you will also receive bug-fixe/features-update notifications,
as they occur.
E-Mail Customization
====================
To set your own E-Mail address, in order to receive comments
from DataPage users, do the following:
1) Begin with a Green Lite on 'Start'. (but don't press button yet)
2) Replace 'Database Path' (at the top left of the screen) with
your E-Mail address followed directly by '@@@'. (For example,
if your address is 'ems@entity-master.com', then enter
'ems@entity-master.com@@@')
3) Press the Start button. (Database Path will be reset
automatically & your E-Mail address will be permanently stored.)
Help with Error #3356
=====================
DataPage Maker Version 1.4, cannot open databases exclusively.
If you experience 'Run-Time Error 3356' that states 'You cannot
open this database exclusively', an easy fix is to change the
status of the file. A file status of 'Read Only' can be corrected
at the DOS level by typing 'attrib <file name.MDB> -r'. +
(c) 1996 Entity Master Systems, All rights Reserved
DataPage Maker(tm) -- Trademark of Entity Master Systems
Microsoft(r) -- Registered Trade Name, Microsoft Corp.
Access(tm) -- Trademark of Microsoft Corp.
Visual Basic(tm) -- Trademark of Microsoft Corp.
Jet Engine(tm) -- Trademark of Microsoft Corp.