Night Owl 9/Night Owl CD-ROM (NOPV9) (Night Owl Publisher) (1993).ISO/002a/fishex31.zip/INFO.TXT

Text File | 1993-04-03 | 23KB | 459 lines

                _______
           ____|__     |               (R)
        --|       |    |-------------------
          |   ____|__  |  Association of
          |  |       |_|  Shareware
          |__|   o   |    Professionals
        -----|   |   |---------------------
             |___|___|    MEMBER



     S T R A T - T E C H , I N C
     P. O. Box 1957
     Milwaukee, Wisconsin
     U.S.A.  53201
     1-414-271-0980


     Thank you for your selection of the Fish Expert System!!
     It helps you plan a successful and safe fishing trip.
     With free added databases the program contains about 300 proven
     fishing patterns.  Our program has appeared in such magazines as
     OUTDOOR LIFE and the front pages of major newspapers (See
     articles in Library).

     You use the program as a planning tool for obtaining the
     most successful fishing method and "pattern" given certain fishing
     conditions.  This is very important since you want to make
     the best use of limited fishing time, and we know you value your
     free time greatly.  The shareware program contains data for brown,
     brook, and rainbow trout.  When you register the program we send
     you the latest version of the program marked as registered
     and FREE additional databases for largemouth bass, walleyed
     pike, and boat control.  You also get more library files to
     include in the library.  As an added incentive to register
     you may also get one or more of our other programs at half
     price each. (see the orderfrm in the log section or call our toll
     free number 1-800-783-9544 (available 24 hours a day). You may use
     this toll free number for support as well.  We also support the
     program on the Compuserve "Outdoor Forum" which we scan
     almost daily (General, hunting, fishing, and computer sections).

     We add more fish in future versions.  You easily view the fishing
     methods and conditions in the library file 'METHODS.TXT' so we
     do not list them here.  For a quick start to the process
     see the 'readme' file in the logs for appropriate system
     set up (more information follows also).

     If you have not registered and/or paid yet, we expect you to
     do so after trying the program for a two week trial period.
     With each registration of $26, we send you the most
     current version with any added files or fish databases,
     and the most recent fishing techniques and findings.  You
     may use the order form in the log "orderfrm" to register.

     The system is based on recent research on fish behavior and
     involves a literature search of recent writings in the
     area.  We found a consensus of opinions in these writings
     and use the consensus as the basis for determining the data
     base which includes possible fishing conditions and the best
     methods for the conditions.  The data base contains hundreds
     of possibilities which the expert system links to
     automatically.  The expert system is a popular technology
     used for relaying complex information in an area.  Doctors
     use expert systems to diagnose illnesses, and we apply the
     expert system concept to fishing.

     We use an advanced programming language commonly used for
     expert systems and artificial intelligence applications.
     This fifth generation language allows a more compact program
     and data base than other languages.  It can take 10 times the
     program code in a fourth generation language (dbase, C, etc.)
     to do the same program in prolog.  The program gives you much
     more programming for your dollar.

     The Fish Expert System covers many more situations than any
     video or tape.  We developed it to complement your favorite
     articles, books, videos, and tapes.   You can use the system
     as an excellent training tool for new fishermen and children,
     and the seasoned veteran learns from it as well.  It helps
     you have a safer trip since you adequately prepare for
     different conditions.  It is a tremendous step forward
     in fishing technique!

     Section 1 contains fast start user information, sets colors,
     and sets a default directory.  Go through this section first
     if only to set the default directory so the program works
     correctly.

     The expert system is in Section 2 'Determine Method'.  You may
     want to turn on NUM LOCK and use the numeric keypad for your
     Yes/No responses in this section.  Remember to turn it off
     when finished.

     The program also includes a handy 'Fishing Logs' section.
     This section allows you to keep track of and completely
     plan all fish needs. You store information from year to
     year - packing lists, equipment lists, scouting lists, recipes,
     safety, etc..

     You fill these logs with up to 64K of information.  You also
     print the logs or library for sharing this information with other
     members of your fishing trip.  We especially recommend
     printing and sharing your safety log with fishing trip members
     before each expedition.  A tremendous feature is the key word
     search feature; use the F3 key to find exactly what you
     want in the logs.  Online help exists when you press the
     'Shift and F1' and 'F1' keys within the logs.  You use Wordstar
     or Multimate compatible commands for many functions (see help).

     You add your own files to the log directory by using the
     F8 key.  Press F8 from any log; press return with the light
     bar on 'load file' and enter any file name and press return.
     You must not enter a '.txt' or '.doc', just the 8 character
     name followed by a period(.).  For example, 'newlog.'.
     Answer yes when asked 'File does not exist, Create y/n:'.
     Put some information in it (You must enter something to
     make it possible to save it).   Press F10 and then return to save.
     This creates a log which shows up in the log directory.

     You also can change the headings for certain logs.  Some
     logs contain headings so that as you add more information
     the text scrolls still allowing you to see headings.  The
     logs with headings are the Catch Record (Record), the Quality
     /Productivity Log (Quality), the Address Log (Names), and
     an "Extra" log for you to use.

     You may have multiple logs in the same family e.g. record,
     record1, record2, etc. or extra1, extra2, etc. and headings
     come up for all of these files in the same family.
     You use the procedure in the above paragraphs to create
     appropriate heading logs as well; for example, to add "extra1"
     use the log name  'extra1' when asked for a name after pressing
     the F8 key (and enter).

     Change the headings with the auxiliary log editor - F8 key.
     This allows another file to be examined and changed in addition
     to the log you are working on.  Use the feature to change
     headings for the logs mentioned above.  The file name for
     changing headings is "headcfg.dat".  Use the Ctl-F10 key
     to enlarge the window.  More instructions are given when you
     edit "headcfg.dat"

     (The F8 key works after you have selected a log to work on but
     you may edit any other file).

     F10 saved logs return to the cursor position you were on
     in the logs last.  The information which allows this is stored
     in the first five positions of the log, and this function
     overwrites anything there originally.  We show the number in
     the upper left corner to remind you not to enter data in this
     area. It is possible for your top line to get chopped; if this
     happens just add some spaces after the cursor position number
     and everything will work fine.

    You must read the license information in the library which
    acquaints you with the license conditions as a shareware program
    and as a registered program.

    The Fish Expert system includes the files: fish.exe, fish.hlp,
    prolog.err, info, recipes, packing, notes, sources, quality,
    orderfrm, records, safety, equipmen, names, tvshows,
    othrprod.txt, license.txt, info.txt, safety.txt, methods.txt,
    ticks.txt, fish30.cfg, colorcfg.dat, and fish34.dba.

    Do not attempt to alter fish30.cfg, colorcfg.dat, and fish34.dba
    or prolog.err since altering them even slightly causes the
    system to malfunction.  You must place these files in the same
    directory as fish.exe in order for the program to run. The file
    headcfg.dat must also be in the same directory as fish.exe, but
    you may alter it as mentioned earlier.

    More files are in the library compliments of the Du Pont fishing
    tackle department and you may have more log files as well depending
    on the version.  These files must all reside in the same directory
    or floppy disk with only Fish Expert system files (except see below).
    (Note: Because of their large size we do not include Du Pont files
    and the recipe library in the shareware version).

    Other log and library files may also be included on the disk
    you receive since we constantly add new information to the system.

    The Library section includes files which you only want to view
    and changes are not allowed (you may print them).  The Fishing Logs
    section has files which you can modify, view, and print.
    You print out a library file or log file as follows:

    TO PRINT: move flashing cursor to top with arrow keys.
    mark this point with keys Ctrl K B; move cursor to end with
    arrow keys; mark end with  Ctrl K K; and print with Ctrl K P.
    PRESS THE 'Ctrl' WHILE YOU PRESS THE OTHER TWO KEYS IN ORDER.
        Alternatively put the cursor where you wish to start printing,
        press Ctrl K M, use the arrow keys to mark the block you wish to
        print, finally press Alt F8 to print.

    The Fishing Logs section contains online help when you press
    'Shift' and 'F1' or 'F1' from within a log.   Help shows you how
    to print files, do key word searches, etc.  You can also edit
    an auxiliary file at the same time by pressing the F8 key.
    This allows you to edit information in other files and save it
    by using the F10 key.  The F9 key allows you to bring in other
    information from other files or just view other files while
    you use one of your 'Fish Expert' logs.  In the logs, you save
    and exit the log by using the F10 key, and exit the log without
    saving changes with the 'Esc' key.

    Another feature, the print menu (activated by pressing Alt-P)
    creates a file called prolog.log which contains screen output.

    INSTALLATION

    If you receive the Fish Expert system on a floppy disk, and you
    have a hard disk, make a directory using the command:
    'md c:\fish' (no quotes).  You can use any directory name,
    but we recommend 'fish' for compatibility with future versions.
    Copy the files from each floppy disk in drive a: via the
    command 'copy a:\*.* c:\fish' (no quotes).  The program diskette
    contains all 'system' files and the log/library disk(s) contains
    the log/library files.  (720k users may receive all files on one
    disk).  Set the default drive in the General Section of the
    program as appropriate.  We recommend you put all files in the
    same directory.

    Be careful using the above copy command if you used a previous
    version of "The Fish Expert" and created log information.
    The above copy command copies all new log files and overlays
    existing ones if they exist.  In this case copy new log files
    individually to your 'fish' directory.  For example, to copy the
    recipe log from the original file to your 'fish' directory use
    the command 'copy a:\recipe c:\fish'.  Of course, only copy those
    logs which you wish to establish new with no data in them.

    You may use the mechanized backup procedure as specified in detail
    in the 'Utility' log in the program (Application keys Alt-F9 or
    Alt-B when in a log).  If you do not wish to use this feature
    the following tells you how to backup logs using the DOS commands.

    Of course, you should back up all the programs initially and
    then periodically to safeguard all your valuable information.
    To make a copy of all files to a backup disk in drive a: from
    a hard disk directory which only has Fish Expert files type:
    'copy *.* a:\' (no quotes).

    When the logs become too large you may have to backup using two
    diskettes; or just keep the main programs (fish.exe, all '.txt'
    files, prolog.err, fish.hlp, fish34.dba, colorcfg.dat,
    headcfg.dat, fish30.cfg, and blank.log) on one diskette
    since these files do not change, and copy the rest of the files to
    a floppy disk periodically to backup your logs.  The command to
    just backup up log files from a hard disk to a floppy disk in
    drive a: is 'copy *. a:\' (no quotes).

    You reference a log or library file on other drives or paths
    by setting a default path for logs and library files in the
    General Section of the program.  The main program files must reside
    in the main system directory which you run the program from, and
    normally keeping logs and library files there works fine.  However,
    you may wish to have or access files in other directories and/or
    drives and the default drive set in the General menu provides
    for this.

      If you have a two drive floppy system:

    It is best to have all the files in one directory on one
    floppy disk or hard drive; however, the system runs easily
    on two floppy drives as the following example shows.
    You have the main files (fish.exe, prolog.err, fish34.dba,
    fish.hlp, colorcfg.dat, fish30.cfg, headcfg.dat and blank.log)
    on a disk in drive a:, and the rest of the files on a floppy disk
    in drive b:. (log and library files).  This is the way the
    programs are shipped to you for 360K users so all you need
    to do is put the program disk in drive a: and the log/library
    disk in drive b:.

    Set the default drive in the General Section 1 of the main menu
    to b:\.  After this subsequent log and library use accesses
    drive b.  You may have as many diskettes as you desire with
    log or library information.  Just insert the appropriate disk
    in drive b: to work with them and leave the program disk
    in drive a:.
    --------------------
    You may desire to make added log disks when you need more room.
    To install added log files on drive b: disks use the Dos copy
    command to copy log/library files from the original log disk
    in drive a: to a floppy disk in drive b: - 'copy a:\record. b:\'
    (no quotes).  To copy library files use the command
    'copy a:\info.txt b:\' (no quotes).  Substitute the file name
    as appropriate.

    To backup files in drive a: to a floppy disk in drive b: enter
    'copy a:\*.* b:\' (no quotes). To only backup the log files
    (or copy them) to a floppy disk in drive b: enter 'copy *. b:\'
    (no quotes).


       If you have one drive and do not have a Hard Drive or do not
     care to use the hard drive:

     If the drive you have is the newer 720K or larger drive you should
     be able to run the system quite easily with one disk with all the
     files on it.  If your files get too large and you desire to
     have more than one disk then follow the instruction below for
     360K one drive users.  You must set the default drive to the
     drive you use for the system although it is the same as the
     system drive.

     If you have a 360K drive and use the logs you probably will
     run out of room at some point.  In this case you run the system
     by creating and using added diskette(s) with your logs and
     library files only.  You copy the logs to the added diskette using
     the DOS copy command when you need more room. For each diskette
     you create you must also copy the file colorcfg.dat, headcfg.dat,
     fish.help, and prolog.err to the new diskette.  They should only
     take up about 30K of room so you have plenty of room for log
     information.  Also set the default drive to a: in the General
     Section 1. Also you may wish to copy the added files blank.log
     and extra. if you plan to add new logs of your own.

     A second disk may come with the registered version of the program
     and it contains the necessary files already set up on the added
     logs and library diskette for 360K users.  If you make added
     files then you must copy the appropriate files as we discussed
     above.

    BAK FILES
     Saving files accessed with the F8 key causes additional '.bak'
     (backup) files to be created for these files.  This 'bak' file
     is a copy of the original file you accessed and takes up the
     same amount of room as the original file accessed.  The regular
     file contains your changes as you entered and saved them. You
     use the Dos erase command to erase the 'bak' files if desired:
     'erase record.bak' erases the record backup and retains your
     regular record file.  Erase *.bak erase all bak files.

    PROLOG.LOG
     Using Alt-P and its log file function creates a file called
     'prolog.log'.  You might find it useful to store Section Two
     output here and then review or edit it later using the F8
     auxiliary log editor.  You may edit this file in using the F8
     key after bringing up any log.  You must rename or copy prolog.log
     if you with to save its data; when you toggle Alt P LOG file
     off, the next time you toggle it on it overwrites what you
     logged before.  Use the F8 key from any log file and specify
     the file name 'prolog.log'; press return to bring the file up;
     edit it as desired; press F10 to save; change the file name in
     the save box to a name of your choice (no extension if you wish
     it to show up in the Log Directory window).


    TO RUN THE PROGRAM:
     To run the program enter "fish".  Enter the command at the
     Dos prompt in the directory where you have the files (e.g. fish).
     You enter the command 'cd c:\fish'  (no quotes) to get into
     the 'fish' directory.

     Menus guide you once you start the program.  Select many menu
     items by just pressing the menu number selection.

    WINDOWS 3.1 OPERATION
     The program works fine when you run it as an icon under
     windows. A windows 'pif' is enclosed: go into the Program
     Manager of windows, file menu, new, select program item.
     In the description box enter 'The Fish Expert 3.1', in the
     command line box enter 'c:\fish\fish.exe'. Choose the OK box.
     Then just click on 'The Fish Expert' to run.  The included
     pif file presumes you install the program to 'c:\fish'
     directory'. You may change the icon if desired.

   COLOR AND REVERSE VIDEO DISPLAYS:

   The color display is set in the General Section.  If you have
   any trouble you may specify a screen display when you run the program:
   The 'fish c' command gives you another set of colors for color monitors.
   The 'fish r' command gives you reverse video for monochrome monitors.


     Minimum System Requirements are:
     IBM PC or compatible computer. 356K of RAM internal memory.
     PC-DOS or MS-DOS operating system, Version 3.3 or later.
     Color or Monochrome monitor.

    You get an error 1001 if the program could not boot up because of
    insufficient memory.

    If system does not boot or system boots and section 2 does not run,
    remove any TSR (terminate and stay resident) (memory resident
    programs).  Rerun the Fish Expert program.  You may also reduce
    the memory used by these TSR's (see their documentation) in order
    to get the 356K necessary to run the Fish Expert with your
    memory resident programs.

    If the system still does not boot make sure you have the proper
    cfg files (colrcfg.dat, fish30.cfg, headcfg.dat, and fish34.dba
    in the same directory as fish.exe.  Also try running the program
    with one of the command line options above ('c' or 'r' as appropri-
    ate)(no quotes and small letters e.g. fish r).  When the system
    comes up reset the colors and path which may have become corrupt.

    Also if you set an incorrect path in the General Section Default
    Path selection, then you get errors in Sections 3 and 4 as the
    program searches for files in the incorrect path you set.
    Simply reset the correct default path in the General Section Default
    procedure.  Error number 7003 'Bad Path' comes up in Sections 3 and
    4 until you set the path correctly.

    --------------

    Good Fishing !!!!

    Chester Ceille, President, STRAT-TECH, Inc.

    Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments:

    Chester Ceille at address above or Compuserve EMail: 72317,2332

    ------------

    CHANGES IN VERSION 3.0 OVER 2.0:
    Use of 8 Application Function Keys in logs including
      unique Pattern Creator for creating your own patterns
    Adds more log edit functions
    Adds more help information
    Adds a default directory for logs on other drives/paths
    Adds user color selection
    Faster execution
    Logs scroll under headings
    Changeable headings
    Adds Status lines at bottom of screens for easier use
    Adds Alt-P Print Selection and Log file
    Adds Path name in directory; file mask change allowed in Library
    Directory change allowed in library at .. selection
    Logs prompt when data entered but not saved
    Some new log and library files added
    Adds return position to editor
    Now comes on two 360K diskettes
    Easier menu flow in directories and expert system

    ---------------------------------------------------------------


     The software is intended for use only as a tool and
     not as a professional adviser.  Neither STRAT-TECH nor
     anyone else involved in the creation, production or
     distribution of the software warrants, guarantees, or makes
     any representations regarding the use of the software in
     terms of correctness, accuracy, reliability, currency, or
     otherwise, and you rely on the software and results solely
     at your own risk.

     Neither STRAT-TECH nor anyone else who has been involved
     in the creation, production, or distribution of
     this software shall be liable for any direct, indirect,
     consequential, or incidental damages  arising out of the
     use, the results of use, or inability to use the software
     even if STRAT-TECH or any such other party has been advised
     of the possibility of such damages.