Night Owl 9

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Text File | 1993-03-15 | 50KB | 992 lines

# ---------------------------[TREE EDITING]----------------------------------- ->>>-TABLE OF CONTENTS:-<<<- [A] MAKE A CHILD LINK [B] MAKE A CROSS REFERENCE LINK (ver 2.0) [C] MAKE A PROGRAM LINK (ver 2.0) [D] ADD PROGRAM TO PROGRAM LINK (ver 2.0) [E] PICK A LINK [F] GO TO PICKED LINK [G] DELETE A LINK [H] MOVE A LINK [I] COPY A LINK [J] IMPORT A TREE FILE [K] EXPORT A BRANCH INTO ITS OWN FILE All of the following operations can be done through the pull down ring menu under the heading TREE, except [J] and [K] which are done under the heading FILES. READ THIS: 1) When you see two keys in brackets with a '+' sign between them this means you depress the first key and while holding it down press the next key. For example, if you see [Alt+S] you would depress the [Alt] key and keep it depressed until after the [S] key has been pressed. 2) Also, when being given options you will know which key to press because it will be in brackets. For example: if asked "Move [Y]es or [N]o?" Here you would press an upper or lower case [Y] or [N] to select yes or no respectively. If there is no bracketed character then [Enter] and [Esc] are often used. * A) To MAKE a CHILD LINK (a smile face) place the cursor in the position you desire the link placed, then press [Alt+M]; this should create a smile-face. Upon creating a child link a new record is also created. The new record is linked directly to the child link. * B) To MAKE a CROSS-REFERENCE LINK (a bold dash) place the cursor in the position you desire the x-ref link placed, then press [Alt+X]; this should give create a bold-dash. The x-ref link will refer to the record the Other Path currently refers to (for more on PATHS see NAVIGATION HELP). Note, this function is only available in version 2.0. * C) To MAKE a PROGRAM LINK (a right arrowhead) place the cursor in the position you want the link, then go to the pull down ring menu and select the option TREE/ADD PROGRAM. Note: a Program Link allows you to execute any program you wish to run from inside the Writer's Editor editor. To specify a program to be run by the program link see how to ADD a PROGRAM in this help section. Note, this function is only available in version 2.0. * D) To ADD a PROGRAM to a program link place the cursor on the Program Link, then press [Alt+I]. This should display a box on the second line of the screen. It is here that you type in the program. After typing an entry you may either save it by pressing [Enter], or disregard it and escape by pressing [Esc]. To execute a program on another directory the Dos commands should be used. A semicolon indicates that a new Dos command is beginning. Separating dos commands by a semicolon, ';', allows you to place as many commands in the box as will fit. If you want another directory as the default for the program to be run, use the Dos "CD" command. For example, to run a program called "GAME" on the diretory "PLAY" you would type: "CD \PLAY ; GAME" in the box. To execute a program on another disk drive type the letter of the disk drive, then a colon, then the programs name. For example, if the program "GAME" is on drive 'A' you would type: "A: ; GAME". Note, this function is only available in version 2.0. * E) To PICK a LINK (smile face, bold dash, or right arrow head) place the cursor on the link you desire to pick and depress [Alt+P]. This funtion is is used in conjunction with importing and exporting trees: both found in this help section. It is also used for moving and copying branches and links; these functions are also found in this help section. * F) GO TO PICKED: this function goes to the record and position of the last link that was picked. This operation is similar to going to a Child record, or a record linked by a X-reference link, thus you can navigate in the same way as you do for each of those operations. * G) To DELETE a LINK (smile face, bold dash, or right arrow head) place the cursor onr the link to be deleted and depress [Alt+D]. When deleting a CHILD LINK (smile-face) all of its subbranches will be erased, i.e., the complete chain of records hooked to the link at higher levels (x-references are not considered part of the link in the chain). It may take a few minutes for a large branch to be deleted. When deleting a X-REF (bold dash) or a PROGRAM LINK (right arrow head) only the link will be deleted, thus in the case of the x-ref link the record it is linked to will not be deleted. * H) To MOVE a LINK first pick the link to be moved (see PICK LINK in this help section), then move the cursor to the position in the file you want the link moved, then press [ALT+T]. In the case of a CHILD LINK (smile face) the link and its branches will be moved, this may take a few minutes for a large branch. * I) To COPY a LINK first pick the link to be copied (see PICK LINK in this help list), then move the cursor to the position in the file you want the link copied, then press [ALT+C]. You will be asked how many levels you want copied. Type in a number from 1 to 19 and press [Enter], or type [A] for all. The maximum number of records that can be copied is 4000. There will be an indicator on the second line of the screen that indicates what percentage of the copy has been done. Note: it may take a while for a copy to be completed, depending upon the number and size of the records. * J) IMPORT TREE FILE: this function imports the desired number of levels of a Writer's Editor file from the file list and makes it into a subbranch of the current record by placing a CHILD LINK (smile face) in the cursors last position within the current record. You will be asked how many levels you want imported, the root of the imported file is always the first level. Type in the appropriate number, then press [Enter] (for all type [A]). The file list will then appear, from this list you select a file to import. To invoke this function go to the ring menu and select FILE/EXPORT TREE. The maximum number of records that can be imported is 4000. There will be an indicator on the second line of the screen that indicates what precentage of the import has been done. Note: it may take a while for an import, depending upon the number and size of the records. * K) EXPORT TREE FILE: this function exports the current record and the desired number of levels to a new file. So, the exported branch becomes a file. To invoke this function go to the ring menu and select FILE/EXPORT TREE. You will be asked how many levels you want imported, type in the appropriate number and press [Enter] (for all type [A]). The maximum number of records that can be exported is 4000. There will be an indicator on the second line of the screen that indicates what precentage of the export has been done. Note: it may take a while for an export, depending upon the number and size of the records. # -----------------------[TEXT EDITING]-------------------------------------- ->>>-TABLE OF CONTENTS:-<<<- [A] CURSOR MOVES [B] DELETING OPERATIONS [C] ADDING TEXT BLOCKS [D] TEXT BLOCK OPERATIONS (Delete, move, copy) [E] RESTORE RECORD [F] SPELL CHECK (ver 2.0) [G] SPELL CORRECT (ver 2.0) [H] IMPORT RECORD [I] EXPORT RECORD (multiple export in ver 2.0) [J] RECORD SIZE LIMIT WARNING Some of the following operations can be done through the pull down ring menu under the heading TEXT. READ THIS: 1) When you see two keys in brackets with a '+' sign between them this means you depress the first key and while holding it down press the next key. For example, if you see [Alt+S] you would depress the [Alt] key and keep it depressed until after the [S] key has been pressed. 2) Also, when being given options you will know which key to press because it will be in brackets. For example: if asked "Move [Y]es or [N]o?" Here you would press an upper or lower case [Y] or [N] to select yes or no respectively. If there is no bracketed character then [Enter] and [Esc] are often used. * A) >>>CURSOR MOVES IN RECORD<<< To go UP SCREEN press [PgUp]. To go DOWN SCREEN press [PgDn]. To go to the END of a LINE press [End]. To go to the BEGINNING of a LINE press [Home]. To move to every fifth position to the right hit the [Tab] key. If in 'overwrite' mode the cursor alone is moved, in insert mode the text is also moved. To go WORD RIGHT/LEFT press [Ctrl+right-arrow] and [Ctrl+left-arrow] respectively. To go to the BEGINNING of a RECORD press [F10] or [Shift+Home]. To go to the END of a RECORD press [Shift+F10] or [Shift+End]. To MOVE within the current record A STEP AT A TIME use the arrow keys. * B) >>>DELETING TEXT<<< To DELETE A CHARACTER press the [Del] key. To DELETE A CHARACTER TO LEFT OF CURSOR press the backspace key, i.e. the key with the large straight left arrow (or it may have 'Backspace' printed on its face). To DELETE a WORD from the cursor to the end of the word press [Shift+Del]. To DELETE A LINE put the cursor on the line and press [Shift+L]. * C) >>>ADDING TEXT<<< To UNDELETE the last deleted LINE press [Alt+U]. This places the line on the line between the line the cursor is on and the one above. To ADD the TEXT BLOCK picked up during the last block move, copy or delete press [Alt+A]. The characters from the block will be placed to the right of the cursors current position. * D) >>>OTHER OPERATIONS<<< To MOVE, COPY or DELETE large blocks of data use the GET TEXT BLOCK command by pressing [Alt+B]. Once you have done this the text that is to be Moved, Copied or Deleted will be shown in reverse video. Use the arrow keys, [Home] and [End] keys, and [PgUp], [PgDn] keys to isolate the block you want. To capture that block: press [M] for move, [C] for copy, and [D] for delete. You may escape by pressing [Esc]. In version 2.0 you may print the isolated block of text by pressing [P]. * E) To RESTORE A RECORD TO the last save made press [Alt+O]. * F) SPELL CHECK: this function allows you to use the list of over 50,000 words and the user's word list to check spellings. The user's word list allows the user to add words to the spell checker. Words can be added and subtracted from the user's list. The list can hold well over 1000 words, however as the list gets bigger the spell checker may become noticably slower. The only way to REMOVE A WORD from the users list is to execute the spell check operation on one word. If that word is in the users list you will be asked whether or not you want it removed. The spell checker can be invoked to spell check just the word the cursor is under, to do this press [F5]. Or, it can be used to spell check all the of words in the current record from the cursor on, to do this press [F6]. You can also execute these commands using the pull down ring menu by selecting TEXT/SPELL CHECK. In the case where you are spell checking from the cursors position on and you come upon a word which is not in either list you will be given a list of the following four options: 1) [C]ontinue: pass up the word and continue spell checking. 2) [H]alt: stop at the current line. 3) [I]gnore: ignore any other finding of this word and continue spell checking. 4) [A]dd to user: add the word to the users list and continue spell checking. 5) A[L]ternative: gives alternative spellings if there are any. You can replace the word with one of the alternatives that are found. Note, the spell checker is only available in version 2.0. * G) To spell correct, place the cursor under the word to be checked and press [F7] (you can also find it in the spell checker). Wait a bit and a list of alternative spellings should be given. Use the Up/Down arrow keys to high- light a word. If that word is the one you seek press [Y] to select that word. Note, the spell corrector is only available in version 2.0. * H) To IMPORT an ASCII file into the current record go to the pull down ring menu and select the option TEXT/IMPORT RECORD. When a file is imported, only as much text from the file as will fill the current record can be imported. An empty record is about 14,000 bytes. If the file you are importing is bigger than the record, you may start the importing at different depths into the file. That is, you will be asked how many 1000 bytes deep you want to start. Type a number in and press [Enter]. If you typed the number "12" the importing will start at 12,000 bytes into the file. If you type "0", the importing will start at the beginning of the file. The imported file will be placed on the line above the cursor. Before the importing begins you may press [Esc] to escape. * I) To EXPORT the current record to an ASCII file, go to the pull down ring menu and select the option TEXT/EXPORT ASCII. Under version 2.0 you may export a branch or whole Writer's Editor file to an ascii file. You will be able to copy the current record to a new file, append a file, or overwrite a file. You can export to a file on another Dos path or on another disk drive by specifying the path and/or drive. For example, if you wanted to export to a directory called GAME into a file called PLAY you would type: "\GAME\PLAY" [Enter]. If this file were on drive A you would type: "A: PLAY" [Enter]. If you have version 2.0 see help for print in the "FILE" help page. It works the same as export. * J) RECORD SIZE LIMIT: If you are very near the capacity of a record and you get a warning of this it is advisable that you eliminate the warning by erasing some text from the current record. There will be a bar on the right side of the editor's screen which indicates how full the current record is. If the bar is tall, that means that the record is relatively full. If the bar is short, that means that the record is relatively empty. Also, if you receive the warning "WARNING: SIZE LIMIT" you will not be able to enter any more text, however, you may delete text from the record. The reason you should get rid of all warnings, by deleting the appropriate amount of text, is that it helps to eliminate the possibility of a loss of data. The record capacity is over 14,000 characters (close to 15,000). # -----------------------------[FILE]----------------------------------------- ->>>-TABLE OF CONTENTS:-<<<- [A] LOAD A FILE [B] PRINT [C] PRINT ROOT [D] PRINT CHARACTER (Printable character options for links) [E] SAVE [F] CREATE A NEW TREE FILE [G] CHECK LINKS [H] REBUILD A DAMAGED TREE FILE Most of the following operations can be done through the ring menu under the heading MODE, FILE, or SEARCH. To get to the ring menu leave the help page and press [ESC]. READ THIS: 1) When you see two keys in brackets with a '+' sign between them this means you depress the first key and while holding it down press the next key. For example, if you see [Alt+S] you would depress the [Alt] key and keep it depressed until after the [S] key has been pressed. 2) Also, when being given options you will know which key to press because it will be in brackets. For example: if asked "Move [Y]es or [N]o?" Here you would press an upper or lower case [Y] or [N] to select yes or no respectively. If there is no bracketed character then [Enter] and [Esc] are often used. * A) To LOAD A TREE FILE: first, go to the pull down ring menu and select the option FILE/LOAD. The Writer's Editor file list will then be displayed. Highlight the file you want loaded and press [Enter]. To load from a different directory see CHANGE DIRECTORY in the MODE help section. To load a file while in Dos type the following: "WRITERS FILENAME," then press [Enter]. You can either type the path before the file name or just the path. For example: "WRITERS \PATH\FILENAME, or for just the path "WRITERS \PATH\." * B) PRINT: This operation allows you to print-out the current record and the number of levels you want. It also allows you to print-out a printout description header. _________________________________________________________________________ _____Printing Steps:_____________________________________________________ To invoke this command go to the pull down ring menu and select the option FILE/PRINT. The following questions will then be asked: i) "How many levels above this level do you want the print root, 0-19?" For this you will almost always type [0]. After you have typed the number press [Enter]. Typing 0 means that the current record is the 'print root' record. This option is here for the case where your printer stops in the middle of printing one of your files: see 'Printer Stops' below. ii) "You will then be asked how many levels you want printed?" Type the number you want (1-20) and press [Enter]. Or, type [A] and then [Y] for all levels. Finally, you will then be asked if you want a print-out of the 'print-out description page.' Type [Y] for yes and [N] for no. Note: if you want to stop at any time press [Esc]. iii) Finally you will be asked if you want a "cover page printed [Y]es or [N]o?" If you type [Y] then this sheet will be printed out as a cover sheet for your printout. The cover page gives a brief description of the printout format. _________________________________________________________________________ _____Printer Stops:______________________________________________________ If your printer stops printing in the middle of a job and you don't want to start all over again, you can picked up about where you left off by doing the following: i) Move to the last record that was printed out. ii) Determine how many levels above the current record the 'print root' record is. That is, when you originally printed out the file you were at a particular record, this record is your 'print root' record (On the condition that you typed a [0] in step i under 'Printing Steps' above.) To determine the number of levels above, write down the level of the record that was last print-out. The level indicator is on the top line of the video screen, and will tell you which level the record is on if you enter the record. After writing the first number down, go back to your original 'print root' record and write down its level (this will not necessarily be the Level:ROOT.) Finally, subract the smaller number from the bigger number, the result is the number of levels above the current record the 'print root' record is. See 'Print-Root' in this help section. iii) Once you have found this number go to 'Printing Steps' above and type in this number at step two. Answer the other questions the same way as you did for the original printing. Make sure you are in the last record printed out. * C) PRINT ROOT - This is the root record of the print out. It is the first record from which all of the other records in the print out are referenced. For example, in the diagram below, if I were to choose record 1 as the "Print Root" this means that that record and as many levels below it as I want will be printed. The records which are one level below record 1 are: "Record 1-1," "Record 1-2," and "Record 1-3." The records that are two levels below record 1 are: "Record 1-1-1," and "Record 1-1-2." If two levels were printed out, records "Record root," "Record 1", and "Record 2" would be printed. ___________________________________________________________________ _______ A DIAGRAM OF A POSSIBLE WRITER'S EDITORS FILE:_____________ LEVEL: ROOT 1 2 3 [Record root]-|_____[Record 1]-|_____[Record 1-1]-|_____[Record 1-1-1] | | |_____[Record 1-1-2] | |_____[Record 1-2] | | | |_____[Record 1-3] | |_____[Record 2]-|_____[Record 2-1]-|_____[Record 2-1-1] |_____[Record 2-1-2] ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ * D) PRINT CHARACTER: this allows you to make the links any printable character you desire. It allows you to change the smile faces, bold dashes and right arrow heads to printable characters for Block Commands, Printouts, Tree Copies, Tree Moves, Tree Exports, Tree Imports and for exporting records to ascii files. To implement this command select the option FILE/PRINT CHARACTER in the pull down ring menu. * E) To SAVE the CURRENT RECORD depress [Alt+S]. Note: a record is automatically saved upon leaving it if a change has been made. * F) To CREATE A TREE FILE, select the option FILE/CREATE in the pull down ring menu. Type a new file name into the box on the second line of the screen, then press [Enter]. Note: you may also create a file from the command line. To do this type the desired file name after the editors name thus: "WRITERS NEWFILE" [Enter]. One Writer's Editor file actually creates two files: NEWFILE.DAT and NEWFILE.IDX. * G) CHECK LINKS: this function may never have to be employed. Its purpose is to make sure that the number of links in a record is enough, that is, some may somehow be lost. You would employ it if you think there are too few links in a record. It will automatically give you the proper number of links by adding or subtracting some if necessary. If it must add links they will be place at the end of the record. To invoke CHECK LINKS select the option FILE/CHECK LINKS in the pull down ring menu. * H) To REBUILD A WRITER'S EDITOR FILE you must have at least the file with the .DAT extenstion. To rebuild run REBUILD.EXE which was provided with the Writer's Editor program. Rebuild creates a new index file by using the data file. To run the program type: "REBUILD filename" [Enter]. Leave off the extension. # -------------------------[NAVIGATION HELP]----------------------------------- ->>>-TABLE OF CONTENTS:-<<<- [A] TO MOVE LINK TO LINK [B] HOW TO GO TO NEXT RECORD [C] HOW TO GO TO PREVIOUS RECORD [D] DESCRIPTION OF A PATH [E] PATH LENGTH [F] LEVEL [G] OTHER PATH [H] EQUATE PATHS The following operations can be done through the pull down ring menu under the heading NAVIGATION. READ THIS: 1) When you see two keys in brackets with a '+' sign between them this means you depress the first key and while holding it down press the next key. For example, if you see [Alt+S] you would depress the [Alt] key and keep it depressed until after the [S] key has been pressed. 2) Also, when being given options you will know which key to press because it will be in brackets. For example: if asked "Move [Y]es or [N]o?" Here you would press an upper or lower case [Y] or [N] to select yes or no respectively. If there is no bracketed character then [Enter] and [Esc] are often used. * A) To MOVE FROM LINK TO LINK (smile faces, bold dashes and arrow heads) within in the current record use the up/down arrow keys with the shift key. Thus, to move up a LINK press [shift+up-arrow], and to move down a LINK press [shift+down arrow]. * B) NEXT RECORD: to execute this place the cursor on a link and then press [shift+right-arrow]. If you are on a child link (smile face), you will go to the record it connects to. If you are on a cross reference link (bold-dash), you will go to the record it connects to. If you are over a program link (a right arrowhead), it will execute the program it refers to. * C) To go to the PREVIOUS RECORD press [shift+left-arrow]. The previous record is the record you would be in if the path length were one shorter. It is like doubling back, or backing up. If the path length is zero (indicated by "ROOT" on the first line of the screen) you can not back up any further. * D) PATHS: there are two paths in the Writer's Editor editor, Path A and Path B. You know which path you are currently on by looking at the second line of the screen. If you are on Path A nothing will be displayed. If you are on Path B, then PATH B will be seen on the second line of the screen. The paths allow you to go to distant parts of the tree file (Writer's Editor file) and compare the data from each part by toggling the [F1] key. The paths are created automatically as you navigate through the tree. Here is an example of how to use the paths: When I initially load a file both paths are at the root and have no length. Lets say you have loaded a file with information on celestial bodies. Your goal is to compare the data on the moons of Jupiter to that of the Earth's moon, but this information is far apart in the tree file. This means that you must continually navigate back and forth. You can over come this problem by performing the following steps: 1) Go to the record with the information on the moons of Jupiter. 2) Go back to the "Other Path" by pressing [F1]. 3) Finally, navigate to the record on the Earth's moon. So, one path leads to the record on the Jupiterian moons, while the other leads to the record on Earth's moon. RESULT: by simply pressing [F1] (Other Path) you can easily move from one record to the other. The paths are used for the following operations: 1) Comparing records 2) Copying a branch of records 3) Moving a branch of records 4) Making a x-refernce link * E) PATH LENGTH - this is located at the top right hand side of the video screen. It indicates how long the current path is. This is not the same as the level indicator which shows how deep you are in the file. The maximum path length that can be reached is 60 (Root to 59, where root is zero). * F) LEVEL - this indicator indicates how deep you are in the Writer's Editor structure. It should be noted that it is not always the same as the path length. With the path length you can be at the root level and have a long path. The maximum depth that the tree can be is 20 levels, this is from root to 19 (the root is level zero.) * G) OTHER PATH: to get to the other path press [F1]. If you are currently on path A, you will go to path B. If you are currently on path B, you will go to path A (see description of paths in this help section.) The second line of the screen tells you which path you are currently on. If you are on path A, nothing will be displayed. If you are on path B, "PATH B" will be displayed. * H) To EQUATE the other path to the current path press [F2]. If the current Path is path A, path B will be set equal to it. If the current path is path B, path A will be set equal to it. If the second line says PATH B you are on path B; if it doesn't indicate any path, you are on PATH A. # -----------------------[WRITER'S EDITOR DESCRIBED]-------------------------- ->>>-TABLE OF CONTENTS:-<<<- [A] GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE WRITER'S EDITOR [B] WRITER'S EDITOR STRUCTURE OVERVIEW [C] SCREEN OVERVIEW [D] PULL DOWN RING MENU DESCRIPTION [E] WRITER'S EDITOR FILES WRITER'S EDITOR TERMINOLOGY: [F] TREE [G] RECORD [H] BRANCH [I] CHILD LINK [J] PARENT [K] CROSS REFERENCE LINK (X-REF) (ver 2.0) [L] PROGRAM LINK (ver 2.0) [M] PATH [N] STATUS LINE * A) >>>Description Of The Writer's Editor:<<< Do you take lots of school notes or book notes? Do you write letters or essays often? Do you write or outline books? Do you have a large amount of text information to organize? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, then the Writer's Editor can help you. The Writer's Editor is a text word processor and organizer in one package. Its tree structure allows you to easily organize large amounts of text in a clear and logical manner. Typing a paper in the editor is a snap, as easy as it's for most top of the line text editors. Here are some examples of how the Writer's Editor can be used: Example 1: if you are organizing notes for college courses you can set up a table of contents for all the courses, then create a further break down by setting up a table of contents for each of the courses. By doing this your notes are broken down into a well organized format within one file. The Writer's Editor allows you to add and subtract categories or divisions with ease. You are the one who determines what the categories or divisions will be, and how many there will be. Example 2: The editor can be used to organize papers. Instead of having files scattered around your computer, you can put hundreds of your papers into one Writer's Editor file in a manner that allows for easy finding, reading, editing, and printing. So, if you want to refer to a paper you have previously written, instead of fishing through hundreds of old files, all you have to do is load the Writer's Editor file with your papers in it, then find the category your paper would be under. Example 3: if you are writing or outlining a book the Writer's Editor allows you to get an overview of what you are writing. If you are writing a story you can break your book up by plot; if you are writing a nonfiction book you may want to break the book up by topic. The choice of break down is fully yours. * B) >>>Understanding the Writer's Editor Structure:<<< Root Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 etc (Max 19) record-----record 1------record 1-1----record 1-1-1 | |------record 1-2----record 1-2-1--record 1-2-1-1--- | |--record 1-2-1-2 | |-----record 2------record 2-1----record 2-1-1 | |------record 2-2 | |------record 2-3 | |-----record 3 Each Writer's Editor file is a set of interconnected records. This is schematically shown in the diagram above. The records are hooked together in a tree structure. Each record and can contain anywhere from a few characters to a over 14,000, which is about 4 type written pages. Each Writer's Editor file begins with a single record called the 'root' record, which can be linked to as many 'child' records as you wish to add (the only limit being the amount of text you can add to a record). Every record, except the root, has one and only one 'parent' record. Each Writer's Editor tree file can be up to 20 levels deep (From 0 to 19, where 0 is the root.) Cross references can be added between any two records of a Writer's Editor tree file. For example, you can put a cross reference in that goes from record 3 to record 1-2-1 in the diagram above. Or, between any other two records. This is only available in version 2.0. You are the one who adds and subtracts records and text according to the way you desire it to be. That is, you are the builder of a file and can add, copy, move, and delete records and groups of records according to how you want a particular subject to be presented. * C) >>>A Brief Overview of the Writer's Editor Screen:<<< The screen has two modes. In one mode you see the two previous steps, of the path in the text screen and the status line. In the other you just see an enlarged text screen and the status line. The schematic diagram below shows the small text screen mode: here you see the two previous steps you have taken (if you have taken any steps.) A step here is defined as the increment from record to record. For a simple analogy: imagine several lines of rocks set up to cross a river, each being about a foot apart. Each time you move forward to the next rock you are moving into a new record. Each time you move backward a rock you are going into the previous record. The rock you are now on is the current record. Note: when the path length (see top right corner of status line) is 'Root', there can be no previous steps. When it is '1', there can only be one previous step. ----------------------------- 2 lines Status lines (or, if you press [Esc] the Ring Menu) ----------------------------- 3 lines HEADING: 2 steps back (if any) ----------------------------- 3 lines HEADING: 1 step back (if any) ----------------------------- 17 lines Current-record (visible portion) ----------------------------- This diagram shows how the large text screen looks: ----------------------------- 2 lines Status lines (or, if you press [Esc] the Ring Menu) ----------------------------- 23 lines Current-record (visible portion) ----------------------------- >>>HOW A HEADING IS SEEN:<<< Smile faces are links to 'child' records. Bold dashes are cross reference links to other records. Right arrow heads are executable program links. Headings contain two lines: (1) the first line of the prevous record and, (2) the line of the previous record containing the link which connects to the next record. * D) The PULL DOWN RING MENU is displayed by pressing [Esc], and removed by pressing [Esc] again. The menu should appear at the top of the screen. The right/left arrow keys are used to choose a heading, and the up/down arrow keys are used to highlight an option. To select the option press [Enter]. In the lower half center of the screen there is a box. This box gives a short description of each highlighted option. The box can be removed and added for convenience using the Blank/Unblank Status line command found under MODE. An item in the menu is referenced by HEADING/OPTION. The FAST WAY to use the menu is as follows: press [Ctrl+key], where key is the highlighted character of a heading, and then press the highlighted key for the option under the heading you want to execute. That is press [Ctrl+key] then [highlighted letter of option under heading]. * E) The WRITER'S EDITOR includes the following files: a) WRITE.EXE (Can not distribute this file) b) PROEDITS.EXE (Can not distribute this file) c) HELPSELF.WRT (THIS FILE) d) LIST0.WRT through to LIST6.WRT (for spell checker) e) NDX0.WRT through to NDX5.WRT (for spell checker) f) COMMON.WRT (for spell checker) g) README.WRT h) REBUILD.EXE (This file is used to rebuild index files) i) MANUAL.DAT (The Writer's Editor manual) j) MANUAL.IDX k) BROWSE.EXE (The Browse Version, you can freely distribute this) l) PROALTED.EXE (The main program of the Browse version) Files a, b, c, d, f and e are required for the Writer's Editor. Files k, l and a file to view such as Manual (both i & j) are required for the BROWSE version, which you may freely distribute. The two files that can not be distributed are a & b. * F) A TREE is a type of structure similar to a genealogy chart or a living things classification table. For example, 'living things' can be broken down by a tree structure see figure below: [LIVING THINGS]-|_____[ANIMAL KINGDOM]-|______[MAMMALS]-|____[GIRAFFES] | | |____[TIGERS] | | | |______[REPTILES]-|___[SNAKES] | |___[LIZARDS] | |_____[PLANT KINGDOM] Each category is the parent and/or child of another category. For example: 'Animal Kingdom' is the child of 'Living Things,' and the parent of both 'Mammals' and 'Reptiles.' This type of structure is the type Writer's Editor imposes. You also have the ability to add cross references between any two categories. Cross references are independent of the tree structure and thus don't interfere with editing. The trees can be 20 levels deep and many children wide (depending upon how much text is added). Each of the categories shown above would be a record in the Writer's Editor. * G) A RECORD is a fundamental building block of a tree. Each record can hold over 14,000 bytes of data (about four pages of type written text). Records are held together in a tree structure by Child Links (smile faces). The tree makes up the entire file, the records are its subunits. See 'TREE' above for an example of how records are interconnected. * H) A BRANCH or SUBBRANCH is a part, or all, of a TREE file. The branch of any record is that record and all of its children, and grandchildren etc. The schematic diagram in under the heading 'TREE' of this help section may be used as an example. The branch of 'Animal Kingdom' includes: 'Mammals,' 'Reptiles,' 'Giraffes,' 'Tigers,' 'Snakes,' and 'Lizards.' Cross references are independent of this structure. When you move a branch you are moving a piece of the tree. This structure allows you to easily reorganize large chuncks of data. You can move, copy, delete, export, and import branches. Though cross references are moved if they are in the branch, the record a cross reference refers to isn't part of the branch unless it is a child of the branch. * I) A CHILD LINK (shown as a smile face on the screen) connects one record to another. When you add a child link you are adding a new record to the tree, thus enlarging the tree. See the schematic diagram under 'TREE' in this help section. The smile faces are not shown in the schematic diagrams, just the way the records may be connected. * J) A PARENT is hierarchically one level above a child. See the schematic digram under 'TREE' in this help section. Those records connected to the right of a record are the children and the record they are connected to is the parent, if you are looking at the diagram referred to above. * K) A X-REFERENCE LINK (seen as a bold dash on the screen) refers to another record somewhere in the tree (if the record exists). Note: a cross reference ignores the parent child structure allowing you to go anywhere within the tree quickly. Cross references have no effects on child link (or branch) moves, copies, exports and imports. A x-reference doesn't add a new record it just gives you an alternate path to another area of the tree. It also allows you to connect different parts of the tree where you believe it is necessary. This is only available in version 2.0. * L) A PROGRAM LINK (seen as a right arrow head on the screen) allows you to execute a program while within the Writer's Editor. Program links allow you to set up a record or records with your programs. So, you may set up a branch of the tree with your video games, editors etc. To find out how to add program links and programs see the "TREE EDITING" help section. Note, this is only available in version 2.0. * M) A PATH is the course you take when you move from record to record through a tree file. There are two paths provided in the Writer's Editor, paths A and B. The second line of the screen indicates which one you are on. The path length is displayed on the first line of the screen. You can get to the other path by pressing the [F1] key. Note: the path you are on is automatically built as you move through the tree. If the second line of the video screen reads PATH B you are on path B. If it doesn't indicate any path you are on PATH A. For a more full description of this function see the NAVIGATION help section, or the Writer's Editor manual. * N) The STATUS LINE is the first two lines at the top of the video screen. It gives the row, column, path length, file name, level, and path. # --------------------------[MODES & SEARCH]---------------------------------- ->>>-TABLE OF CONTENTS:-<<<- [A] MODES: (Color, Screen size, Overwrite/insert) [B] BLANK/UNBLANK STATUS LINE [C] MAP [D] DIRECTORY CHANGE [E] FIND WORD (ver 2.0) [F] FIND AND REPLACE WORD (ver 2.0) READ THIS: 1) When you see two keys in brackets with a '+' sign between them this means you depress the first key and while holding it down press the next key. For example, if you see [Alt+S] you would depress the [Alt] key and keep it depressed until after the [S] key has been pressed. 2) Also, when being given options you will know which key to press because it will be in brackets. For example: if asked "Move [Y]es or [N]o?" Here you would press an upper or lower case [Y] or [N] to select yes or no respectively. If there is no bracketed character then [Enter] and [Esc] are often used. * A) >>>MODES<<< If you have a BLACK AND WHITE monitor with a Hercules graphics card you should press the [F8] key for COLOR CONTRAST, or if you have a color monitor you may want to see the screen in black and white. You can also select this function by going to the pull down ring menu and, under the heading MODE, selecting the option COLOR/B&W. SCREEN SIZE: press [F4] to go between a small and large text screen. The small screen will allow you to see the previous two steps of the path if they exist. This allows you to see some of the Writer's Editor's tree structure. To change text editing mode from INSERT to OVERWRITE and vise versa press [Ins]. When the editor is in insert mode nothing will be displayed on the second line of the screen. If it is in overwrite mode, OVERWRITE will be displayed on the second line of the screen. Also the cursor is larger in overwrite mode. * B) The BLANK/UNBLANK status: this gives you the option of displaying the information at the top two lines of the video screen or of ignoring it. To invoke this select the option MODE/STATUS LINE in the pull down ring menu. You may also press [F3]. * C) The MAP: in an effort to show you more of a Writer's Editor file structure this map function has been created. It allows you to see the current level, its parent and its children. By pressing the right left arrow keys you see other children, if they exist. By pressing the [tab] key (the key that has two opposite pointing arrows on its face) you can select which child you want to see more of. The position of the cursor determines which child record has been selected. Once a child is selected you use the [PdgUp]/[PgDn] keys to move through the record. Upon pressing [PgUp]/[PgDn] the bottom of the screen will fill with the selected record. To escape the map function press [Esc]. The MAP is executed through the pull down ring menu under the heading MODE. * D) DIRECTORY CHANGE: this option allows you to view files on directories and drives other than the drive the Writer's Editor is on. To see the directory and drive from where the editor will load files go to the pull down ring menu and, under the heading MODE, select the option DIRECTORY. On the second line of the video screen you will see the path. If there is nothing on the line then you are on the directory where you entered the editor. If there is a path there, you are on the path indicated. You can load a file list from a different path or drive by typing a new path and pressing [Enter]. If you want to make no change to the path press [Esc]. Examples: If you want to go to a directory called GAMES you would type \GAMES on the line. If you wanted to go to drive B and a directory called GAMES you would type B:\GAMES. If you wanted to get back to the original path you would clear the line. * E) To FIND WORD: This function allows you to find a particular word or word group. The search can be case sensitive, or it can ignore case. The search can be limited to the current record, or the entire branch. To invoke this command go to the pull down ring menu and, under the heading SEARCH, select the option FIND WORD. You can halt the search any time by pressing [Esc]. Note: If you are searching the branch and don't want to lose your current position it is advisable to equate paths, which is done by pressing [F2] before using this function. Equating paths allows you to get back to the pre-search position by simply pressing [F1] (Other Path Key). Note this is only available in version 2.0. * F) FIND AND REPLACE WORD: find and Replace allows you to find a word and replace it with another word. The search can be case sensitive, or it can ignore case. The search can be limited to the current record or the entire branch. It can automatically replace each find without permission, or it can ask for permission. To invoke this function go to the pull down ring menu and, under the heading SEARCH, select the option REPLACE WORD. You can halt the search at any time by pressing [Esc]. Note: If you are searching the branch and don't want to lose your current position it is advisable to equate paths. This is done by pressing [F2] before using this function. Then after the search you can get back to the original position by pressing [F1] (Other Path Key). Note, this is only available in version 2.0. # ---------------------------[HOW TO ORDER]----------------------------------- ->>>-TABLE OF CONTENTS:-<<<- [A] HOW TO ORDER VERSION 2.0 [B] WHAT IS IN VERSION 2.0 [C] GENERAL ASSISTANCE (number and address) * A) ALL NUMBERS AND ADDRESS BELOW ARE FOR ORDERING ONLY. The Writer's Editor is $35.00 + shipping and handling. Shipping within the US is $4.00; outside the U.S. it's $7.00. We ship 3.5 inch diskettes unless you specify 5.25 (all disks are low density). ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________ORDERING FROM PSL:______________________________ Remember, when ordering from PsL give the product number, which is No. 107778. CREDIT CARDS ONLY -- You can order with MC, Visa, Amex, or Discover from Public (software) Library, from 7 am to 7 pm weekdays and 7 am to 4 pm weekends CST, by: 1) Calling (800) 2424-PsL, or (713) 524-6394 2) Faxing: (713) 524-6398 3) CompuServe Email: 71355,470 (by internet: 71355.470@CompuServe.Com) 4) Mailing credit card orders to PsL, P.O. Box 35705, Houston TX 77235-5705 ______________________________________________________________________ _________________ORDERING FROM SOFTWARE EXCITMENT!____________________ Remember, when ordering SE! give the product number, which is No. V327. ORDER BY CREDIT CARD (MC, Visa, or Discover) OR CHECK 24 HOURS FROM SE! by: 1) Calling (800) 444-5457, or (503) 826-8082 2) Faxing: (503) 826-8090 3) CompuServe Email: 71203,5457 (by internet: 71203.5457@CompuServe.Com) 4) Sending Check to Software Excitement!, 6475 Crater Lake Hwy, Central Point, OR 97502. Foreign checks should be drawn on US funds. THE ABOVE NUMBERS ARE FOR ORDERS ONLY. For general assistance see Miscellaneous/General Assistance in this manual. THANKS FOR ORDERING THE WRITER'S EDITOR! * B) WHAT YOU GET: If you order version 2.0 you get the following additional features over version 1.0: 1) EXPORTING: a feature which gives you the ability to easily export multiple records to an ascii file. 2) PRINT TEXT BLOCK: this allows you to print isolated block in the cut/paste operation "Get Text Block." 3) CROSS REFERENCE LINKS: this gives you the ability to add cross reference links. You may link any two records together by using this function. This is a great feature. 4) RUNNING PROGRAMS: this allows you to add program links which allow you to execute programs you place in the link. Another wonderful feature. 5) FIND/REPLACE: this function allows you to find and/or replace words in an entire file. If you have a word you want to find in a huge file this function will find it fast. 6) SPELL CHECKER: this spell checker uses a 50,000 word list and also any words you may want to add to a user's list. 7) SPELL CORRECTOR: this gives you the ability to find alternative spellings for wrongly spelled words. -----ALSO--- You Get: 1) A bound MANUAL, great for the shelf. 2) A BROWSE VERSION with which others may see your files. 3) A REBUILD PROGRAM to rebuild ruined index files. You get all of this for only $35.00 plus shipping and handling. See "How To Order" in this help page. Note, you can see descriptions of all of these features within the help pages. * C) GENERAL ASSISTANCE: Any questions about the status of the shipment of the orders, refunds, registration options, product details, technical support, volume discounts, dealer pricing, site licenses, etc, must be directed to general assistance, the numbers and address are given below. You may call one of the following BBSs and direct mail to John Alway: 'Direct Connect' at (512) 572-8378 -- also located at -- Fidonet address - 1:3802/213.0 Or, call voice phone (512) 576-2077 Or, write to: Writer's Editor, P.O. Box 7302, Victoria, TX 77903-7302 Or, you may send Email to my compuserve CIS No. 73730,2337. The internet address is 73730.2337@CompuServe.Com. Make sure that you lead your message with 'General Assistance' on the first line. Thanks!