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* * * * * * * * * DKSrak Diskette Labeling/Cataloging Management System (c)opyright 1989 by SOFTreat>_ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Distributed via SHAREWARE Version 2.00.01 Users Manual User support requested * * * * - - - - N O T I C E - - - - This software has been distributed via SHAREWARE and subsequently SOFTreat>_ and/or it's employee's assumes NO LIABILITY for it's use. The user accepts ALL RESPONSIBILITY before, during, and after it's use. DSKrak may be freely copied and distributed provided that all associated files in their original form are included and that no financial gains are incurred over and above legitimate distribution costs. * * Table of Contents * * INTRODUCTION ...................................... 1 - 2 HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS ............................. 3 DSKrak DISTRIBUTION DISKETTE ...................... 4 BEFORE YOU BEGIN .................................. 5 INITIAL SETTINGS .................................. 6 DSKrak SCREENS .................................... 7 MENU SELECTIONS, MAKING ........................... 8 DATA ENTRY ........................................ 9 - 10 DATABASE UTILITIES ................................ 11- 12 PREVIEWING DISK CONTENTS .......................... 13- 15 CATALOGING A DISKETTE ............................. 16- 18 THUMBING thru the RAK ............................. 19- 20 LABEL UTILITIES ................................... 21- 22 INDEX REPORTS ..................................... 23- 24 * * INTRODUCTION * * Page 1 Welcome to DSKrak! If you have a computer then you also have a collection of software for use on the computer, and this collection is probably growing at an unmanageable rate. Some time along the way all this software is going to become a 'burden' to manage, at least in a way that will allow for easy access to a particular file/program when it is needed. DSKrak can help you very quickly to organize your software into a professional library that allows quick access to information about a particular data file/program. Gone is the 'hassle' of flipping thru numerous, hand labeled, diskettes every time you want your software. DSKrak manages your software on floppy by dividing your programs into 'trays' of diskettes in much the same way that you would normally use a diskette tray to store disks. Each tray is assigned any number from 0-999. Each tray's number is unique in that no other tray may have the same number. Each tray contains a group of diskettes that are each numbered from 0-999. No other diskette in the tray can carry the same number as another in the same tray. Each of the diskettes within the tray contains a printed label depicting the 'tray #' it was assigned to and the 'disk #' indicating it's numerical position within the tray. This makes for easy and fast retrieval/insertion of the required diskette when required. Contained also on the label for easy viewing while browsing is a 'TITLE' provided by you during the cataloging process. Manually searching a tray of diskettes is already easier if using this method. Also contained on the label is a user supplied 'COMMENT' that can further explain the contents of the diskette. Unique to the DSKrak cataloging system is that you may also define an unlimited number of categories and subjects which will help you in further identifying a diskette. This information is also printed on the label of the diskette for BROWSING purposes. For example, if you had a group of diskettes with programs that were a mixture of various 'GAMES', then you could define the 'CATEGORY' of these disks as 'GAME' or maybe 'ENTERTAINMENT'. Of these disks containing 'games', we may have a mixture of types or flavors, if you will. For example, some may be 'ARCADE', or 'FLIGHT', or 'ADVENTURE' games and in many cases, more than one of the various types. So, to further classify these 'game' disks, we could assign relative subject names to the disks. Now we have on our diskette label not only a CATEGORY but also a SUBJECT type, ie., CATEGORY: Games and SUBJECT: Arcade. Seeing this classification, we can readily determine what this diskette is really about. Now, with the 'TITLE' and 'COMMENT' information available as well, we should know almost, if not exactly, what this disk contains! Page 2 Contained on the label also, is general information about the diskette itself, such as, the 'TOTAL BYTES USED' and the 'BYTES AVAILABLE' on the diskette. Quickly we can see whether or not we have optimized the space on the diskette. If we haven't, we may want to place MORE programs of the same CATEGORY and SUBJECT into sub-directories on the same diskette, thus maximizing the capacity of your floppy disks. Re-cataloging the same diskette is 'quick' and 'painless'! Because we desire to 'grab' that program and LOAD as quickly as possible, it is not always desired to enter into DSKrak just so we may find what we want on the computer, even though this IS an acceptable means to accomplish this, we therefore have provided in DSKrak the ability to CREATE a comprehensive PRINTED index listing for use outside of the program. The indexes may be printed by sorted order on a number of the data fields used in DSKrak. For example, tray '1' would have a complete index listing nearby it's location, that would contain an index, among others, by 'GAMES'. To locate your 'game of interest' you could refer to this index, and LOOK-UP the desired program as all diskettes within this tray (or all trays for that matter) would be listed in ascending alphabetical order by CATEGORY and SUBJECT. You will not only be able to find the program you are currently looking for but you will also see ALL the others cataloged similarly at easy glance. Who knows, instead of wanting to play 'Flight simulator', you may have really wanted to play 'CHESS' and didn't know it! (Until DSKrak reminded you) Of course, the indexes can be indexed by 'TITLE', 'FILENAME', 'TRAY #' and 'DISK #' as well providing even further means to lookup from or browse thru. The results, are a wonderfully organized software library, that is professional looking, is easily updated and maintained and providing you with a wealth of information WHEN you need it! After all, your software did COST you money, so why 'fiddle' with your diskettes the old way and waste your time and RISK forgetting about or LOSING pieces of valuable software you once had! * * HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS * * Page 3 In order for DSKrak to operate properly on your system, your computer will need to meet the necessary hardware requirements. Minimum Hardware Requirements 1> IBM PC, XT, or AT Compatible computer 2> 2 Floppy disk drives (Hard drive recommended) 3> 384K DRAM 4> Monochrome CGA, EGA, or VGA Video adapter 5> Epson, Toshiba, Brother, or Tandy compatible Printer * * The DSKrak DISTRIBUTION DISKETTE * * Page 4 The DSKrak distribution diskette contains the DSKrak program and it's associated files. It is suggested that you install DSKrak on your HARD DRIVE (if you are one of the lucky), and/or make a backup copy of the program diskette to guard against accidental damage or loss. Making a BACKUP of DSKrak 1> Turn on your computer and obtain the 'DOS' prompt. 2> Obtain a BLANK and preferably FORMATTED diskette. 3> Insert the BLANK diskette into Drive B: 4> At the A> prompt type ... DISKCOPY A: B: and press <ENTER> Follow the 'DOS' prompts assuming that your DSKrak distribution diskette is the 'SOURCE' diskette and your BLANK diskette is the 'TARGET' diskette. After completion, you will have a working copy of DSKrak on the disk in DRIVE B:. Label the diskette as your DSKrak 'working diskette' and use this disk to run DSKrak. Store your original DSKrak program diskette in a safe place. Installing DSKrak to a HARD DRIVE 1> Turn your computer on and obtain the 'DOS' prompt. 2> Insert your DSKrak program diskette into DRIVE A: 3> At the A> prompt type ... HDINSTAL and press <ENTER> DSKrak will begin installation to your hard drive in a sub- directory named 'DSKRAK'. Before You Begin .... Page 5 Have your diskettes available that you wish to catalog, and understand with some thought, how you wish to organize your software. For instance, pre-define various CATEGORIES and SUBJECTS that will adequately cover your different software types. Try not to have TOO many or be TOO SPECIFIC with a category or subject. The goal here is to allow DSKrak to GROUP types of software together that are similar in nature to the other software in the same group so that retrieval at a later time will be easy. Having too many or making the definition too restrictive will counter this effort. To run DSKrak .... At the C> prompt type ... cd DSKRAK and press <ENTER> At the C:\DSKRAK> prompt type ... GO and press <ENTER> DSKrak will begin to execute by displaying the title screen. To continue, press ANY KEY and the DSKrak main menu will appear. * * INITIAL SETTINGS * * Page 6 The first time you run DSKrak you will need to select your printer type. The current printer selected is displayed in the upper left of the screen window border. The default printer selected is Epson. If you have a different printer than what is selected, select from the main menu 'Select Printer Type'. If your printer IS NOT shown, then try a selection that is 'CLOSE' to the printer type that you have. If this does not work properly and you are a REGISTERED user, SOFTreat>_ can install YOUR printer type upon request. Cataloging diskettes requires that the database files be present to do so. The first time you try to catalog a diskette DSKrak will find that there is NO database available and will ask you if you want to create one. DSKrak allows you to locate your DSKrak database anywhere on the system you desire. Check the lower left screen border for the 'current database path' and decide if this is acceptable or not. If it is not, select the 'DATABASE UTILITIES' function from the 'MAIN MENU' to set the desired database path. The path displayed will change accordingly once a valid pathname has been excepted. DSKrak will use this pathname to create the database. Once selected DSKrak will remember this path, until a new one is entered at a later time. (If your are a 2 floppy drive system, you will need to set the database path to B: with any optional subdirectory(s) ie. B:\TRAY1). * * ABOUT the DSKrak SCREENS * * Page 7 The DSKrak screen is composed mainly of '3' sections. They are .... 1> Information line Located at the very TOP of the screen, this line displays certain information pertaining to the database, such as CURRENT MODE, CURRENT DATABASE and the number of records in the database. This will only be visible during various database operations when the database is OPENED. 2> The main viewing screen ... This is where most of the work is accomplished during the use of DSKrak and is located beneath the Information line . Take particular note to the upper left border and the lower left border. The currently selected printer is displayed in the upper left and the current DATABASE path is displayed in the lower left. Pop-up menus and data entry windows are displayed within the border. 3> The status/command line at the bottom ... This area provides prompts, error messages, and user input. It is important to train yourself to keep an eye in this area thru-out the use of DSKrak as important operational information is displayed here when and as it is needed. * * MAKING SELECTIONS FROM a MENU * * Page 8 Throughout the use of DSKrak, various 'POP-UP' menus will appear that will allow you to make a selection to perform various functions, depending upon what you wish to accomplish at the particular time. Each menu can be identified by a 'highlighted' menu bar with a various number of selections. Each selection has a 'letter' of a different 'color' which may be used as a 'HOT KEY' selector. Pressing the 'colored letter' key will immediately select that function. The menu bar may be moved up or down by the use of the 'UParrow' and 'DNarrow' keys. Also, the 'HOME' key moves the menu bar to the first selection and likewise, the 'END' key moves the menu bar to the last selection. Placing the menu bar on an item within the menu and pressing the <ENTER> key, will select the corresponding function. Selecting RETURN from a menu will 'return' you to a previous menu. * * DATA ENTRY and the FIELD EDITOR * * Page 9 Fields that accept user input are indicated by the '[' and ']' characters displayed to the right of a field 'title'. The maximum length of data that may be entered into any field is the area shown by a series of '_' characters placed between the '[' and ']' characters in the field. Data may be entered (left justified) AFTER and BEFORE these characters. Typing characters to the end of the field and continuing will result in only the 'last' character in the field accepting the new character. The '1st' character in each field is automatically CAPITALIZED to ease typing constraints and produces uniform and well looking output. Commands Available During Field Entry <DEL> ... Pressing this key will delete the entire contents of the field and position the cursor to the start of the data field. <BACKSPACE> ... Provided that data is present in the field, pressing this key will delete the character from the current cursor position and backspace the cursor '1' cursor position. If characters are positioned to the right of the cursor, pressing backspace will delete the current character and 'pull' the remaining string of characters back one cursor position. < <- > ... Positions the cursor to the left '1' character position. Non-destructive. < -> > ... Positions the cursor to the right '1' character position up to the last character in the data string. Non-destructive. <TAB> ... Advances to the NEXT data field. Data entered in the field when pressed will be lost. <UParrow> ... page 10 Advances to the PREVIOUS data field. <DNarrow> ... Advances to the NEXT data field. <ENTER> ... Advances to the NEXT data field and accepts the entered data. * * DATABASE UTILITIES * * Page 11 DSKrak 'Database Utilities Rak' menu provides you with '5' functions that handle operations directly involved with the database files. The following provides information on each of these functions. To obtain the 'Database Utilities Rak' menu go to the 'DSKrak Main' menu and select 'Database Utilities'. <Create New Index File> ... Selecting this function will create a 'NEW' index file provided an existing database file exists. DSKrak maintains a series of key fields composed of various data items within the database file that allow DSKrak to function as it does. These 'keys' are written and updated 'every time' a new diskette is cataloged and therefore is always up-to-date. However, there may be times when the index file may have been damaged or even lost, and without this file, access to your information would be impossible. A new 'index file' may be created as long as the DSKrak.db file is present. The file 'DSKrak.idx' does not have to exist in order for this function to work. When to use ... 1> If you receive an error 'INDEX FILE GARBLED'. 2> If you receive the message 'DATABASE does not EXIST' DO YOU WISH TO CREATE? <Y/N>, but the database file is KNOWN to exist. 3> If there has been a substantial number of DELETIONS throughout the use of DSKrak. 4> If you have 'LOST' the index file. NOTE: During the process of creating a new index file, THE SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE TURNED OFF. Allow the process to finish once it has been started. Creation of the new index file generally takes little time. <Rebuild Data File> ... This function will 'rebuild' an existing data file and it's effect is to compress the datafile into it's smallest form. During the process of utilizing DSKrak, you will undoubtedly 'DELETE' previously cataloged records such as in updating a diskette that has had it's contents changed from a previous cataloging. Deleting records creates 'holes' in the database and is natural. DSKrak does try to minimize the holes by using as much of the free space as possible when making new entries into the data file, however, it is not always possible to fill in all the holes because of the randomness of the new data. Therefore, 'Rebuilding' the data file will eliminate these holes and thus have the effect of compressing the datafile. Also the data in the newly created file will be organized by key and thus will aid in record retrieval. Use this function when you have had a large number of deletions. NOTE: This function can take some time to complete, depending on the speed Page 12 of your computer and the SIZE of the datafile. Once the process has been started, it SHOULD NOT BE INTERRUPTED. Also, this function WILL NOT restore a previously LOST datafile. It is always IMPORTANT to maintain proper BACKUPS of your datafiles as it is with any other database or program. Failure to do so can result in a LOSS OF DATA. <Set new path for Database> ... This function allows you to enter the 'path' including the drive designator where YOU wish the database files to reside. The current path to the database is ALWAYS displayed in the lower left border of the main viewing screen as a reminder. DSKrak will always remember the LAST path entered from session to session. This function should be selected BEFORE you start your first cataloging session. As a default, DSKrak will use the default drive and path if not selected. NOTE: You may select any valid DRIVE and/or pathname. If the path DOES NOT EXIST, DSKrak will CREATE it for you automatically, so be careful and sure of what is entered for the PATH. <Create a NEW database> ... This function allows you to create a NEW database in the currently selected database path. If an EXISTING database resides in the current database path, it WILL BE DESTROYED! Be careful when using this function as you can easily LOSE a previous datafile and ALL of it's DATA and it won't be recoverable. NOTE: This function may be utilized to create as many small individual database's as desired. Where this may be utilized effectively is in cataloging individual DIRECTORIES on a HARD DRIVE. You could create a database that would reside in EACH sub-directory on your HARD DRIVE and thus maintain an organized library of ALL the files with-in the directory providing you with a comprehensive source of file information on your hard drive. Another twist in use would be to create ONE database on the hard drive that would contain all the file information located on your drive. Each sub directory could be viewed as a 'diskette' with each Drive (if you have partitioned or are using more than one drive) as the 'TRAY #'. For example, to catalog ALL of your floppies AND files on your hard drive .. create a datapath C:\dskrak\FLOPPY or C:\dskrak\FLPTRAY1 . and for the HD C:\dskrak\HARDDR or C:\dskrak\HDTRAY1. To access while within DSKrak, simply use the 'Set NEW path for Database' function to the desired database! * * PREVIEWING DISK CONTENTS * * Page 13 DSKrak provides you with the capability to 'preview' a disk and it's contents BEFORE the actual cataloging process is completed. This gives you the opportunity to examine the disk closely and even MODIFY the disk thru the utilization of the 'COPY', 'MOVE' and 'DELETE' options. You may also use a 'FILTER' for examining ONLY specific file types on the diskette or drive. To select this function you must be at the 'Diskette Cataloging Information' data entry window. From the 'DSKrak MAIN' menu select 'Catalog a Diskette' and the data window will appear. Notice on the 'status/command' line the following ... "Enter Diskette Label Info .. <CRTL-P>review Disk contents <ESC> cancel" Normally, from within this data window, you would enter specific information about the diskette that you are about to catalog. However, it is impossible to always KNOW before hand what exactly DOES reside on the diskette and therefore it would be very helpful to be able to EXAMINE the disk contents at this point before continuing on. To 'preview' a diskette press the CTRL key and hold down while pressing the letter 'P' key. Once activated, the 'status/command' line will prompt you to enter a 'FILTER'. As an example, suppose we have a diskette and all that we are interested in viewing on the disk are the files ending in 'EXE'. To do this, press the 'DEL' key as the default path and filter is always 'A:\*.*'. Now enter the NEW filter, such as "A:\*.EXE" and press <ENTER>. DSKrak will prompt you to insert a disk in Drive A:, so be sure that you have done this. Pressing <ENTER> again will cause DSKrak to read the directory utilizing the FILTER that you provided and will display all the files found meeting the requirements of the filter. If you wish to CHANGE the FILTER, simply press the <ESC> key and DSKrak will return you to the 'data entry window' where you may re-initiate the process once again utilizing a different filter. Now, that we have a directory listing of the diskette we may examine the list by utilizing the following keys ... <UParrow> ... Move UP one item in the list. <DNarrow> ... Move down on item in the list. Page 14 <PGup> ... Advance the list up ONE page. <PGdn> ... Advance the list down ONE page. <END> ... Move to the LAST page in the list. <HOME> ... Move to the FIRST page in the list. If the disk contains SUB-DIRECTORIES, then the directories will be listed as <DIR>. The VOLUME LABEL, if present will be indicated by <VOLID>. If you are viewing the contents of a SUB-DIRECTORY, then the 'parent' directory will be listed as <PARENT> in the listing. To explore the diskette further and sub-directories ARE listed in the directory, we may place the menu bar on a <DIR> item in the list and press the <ENTER> key. DSKrak will now step INTO the DIR that was selected and read it's directory and provide a new listing in the window. To step back OUT of a sub-directory, move the menu bar to one of the <PARENT> listings and press the <ENTER> key. DSKrak will step to the <PARENT> directory and provide you with a directory listing of that parent directory. If NO <PARENT> items are at the top of the directory listing, then your are currently viewing the ROOT directory and are at the TOP of the TREE. With this capability, you may navigate freely around the entire disk to learn all there is about the disk contents. DSKrak also provides the ability to change the contents of the current disk thru the use of the 'DELETE', 'MOVE', and 'COPY' commands. The following describes their proper usage. <DELETE> ... To 'Delete' a file listed in the directory, place the menu-bar on the desired filename in the list and press the 'F1' function key. DSKrak will prompt you as to whether or not to proceed. Answer 'y' if you WANT TO DELETE the file named in the window. Press 'n' if you WANT TO ABORT this selection. If you select 'y' it WILL BE DELETED so be careful and sure or your selection. <COPY> ... You may copy a selected file from one location to another by placing the menu bar on the desired file and pressing the 'F2' key. Once selected, DSKrak will prompt you for a new path. Enter the new path and press <ENTER>. You may also use this Page 15 function to 'DUPLICATE' a file using a different name by entering a NEW FILENAME when prompted to enter the DESTINATION. <MOVE> ... The move function will allow you to take the selected item from the list and 'MOVE' it to the desired DESTINATION. You may also RENAME it by entering a different filename in the destination pathname. NOTE: This is a 'MOVE' function and therefore will ERASE the original copy once the new COPY has been made. * * CATALOGING a DISKETTE * * Page 16 To start your cataloging process, from the 'DSKrak MAIN' menu, select 'Catalog a Diskette'. The 'Diskette Cataloging Information' data window will appear. This window contains important information that will be stored to the database AND printed to the label for the particular diskette and is also the beginning step in cataloging a diskette. To RETURN to the 'DSKrak MAIN' menu you may press the <ESC> at anytime. Doing this ABORTS the cataloging process and anything that may have been entered will be LOST. The following describes the various fields in the window for which data is to be entered. <This Diskette Number> ... This field will contain THE number you will assign to this particular diskette. Only ONE diskette PER TRAY may carry this number. Entering a number that is currently being used in the database tells DSKrak that you are planning to up-date this diskette in the catalog and will inform you of this. If you wish to up-date this diskette then follow the prompts from the 'status/command' line otherwise, if this is a new cataloging, then select an UNUSED number of the NEXT sequence in the TRAY. DSKrak, as an aid in sequentially numbering your diskettes, AUTO-INCREMENTS this field after every successful cataloging so that the NEXT diskette number is READY and already entered for you to start off the next cataloging. You may, however, override this by pressing the <DEL> key and entering the desired number. This field is valid for numbers 0-999 and will accept NUMERIC DATA only. <Tray Number> ... You may assign this cataloging to any one of 1000 trays (0-999) and it also accepts NUMERIC data only. During a normal cataloging process, DSKrak assumes that you will be cataloging by TRAY and therefore carries the previously entered TRAY # over to the next cataloging session. <Diskette Title> ... You may assign a 'title' of your choice to the diskette which will inform you at a glance as to the nature of this diskette. Use descriptive wording as much as possible so that a 'good' image is passed to when read. This field may be entered in one of '2' ways. First, If you would like your title to STAND-OUT and be easily read, then choose a title that is '16' characters or less (indicated by the '^' character symbol in the field). Doing this will cause DSKrak to print the TITLE in DOUBLE WIDTH on the label. If this is NOT preferred, simply select a title that is longer that '16' characters. NOTE: This field will SELF-CENTER when printed to the label. Page 17 <Category> ... Enter a descriptive 'label' which signifies a type of software in this field, such as GAMES, ENTERTAINMENT, HDUTILITIES, PROGRAMMING, WORD PROCESS, etc. <Subject> ... Enter a description that further divides the CATEGORY into significant groups, such as, ARCADE, DATA, LETTERS, SOURCE FILES, etc. <Comment> ... Enter a descriptive comment about the diskette up to 50 characters long. NOTE: DSKrak places the SYSTEM DATE in the bottom of the data window for reference as this date will be placed into the database and on the diskette label as a date stamp. If you wish to use a DIFFERENT date or the one shown is incorrect, then you must EXIT DSKrak and change the system date on your computer using the DATE command from DOS. Once all of the fields have been entered press the 'F1' key. DSKrak will prompt you for a FILTER for use in collecting the desired data from the diskette. Use the FILTER wisely as in many cataloging's, there are quite a few program files that would not be of interest to you in your library, but will consume a tremendous amount of storage space in your database causing a large database file. For example, many programs utilize *.HLP files and are there to simply support the main *.EXE or *.COM program run file and would not be of interest to show up in Index listings. Your choice. After entering the FILTER, DSKrak will read the diskette and summarize the information it has found and the 'DISK INFORMATION' window will appear. This window reflects all the data that will be printed to your label and for that matter shows you what the label for this diskette will look like. Study it carefully for correct information and answer the prompt in the 'status/command' line appropriately. If you answer 'n', you will return to the 'Diskette Cataloging Information' data entry window where you may try again or ultimately end the session entirely. Selecting 'y', DSKrak will provide you with the opportunity to print your 'LABEL' now if you like. Selecting <P> will cause the label to be printed, <L> to print ONLY an alignment pattern for label alignment prior to printing the actual label, or <N> to continue WITHOUT printing the label. NOTE: If you plan to print labels as you catalog (recommended) Page 18 be sure to have previously loaded your printer with MAILING ADDRESS LABELs ('1' UP). You may run a label alignment from the 'Label Utilities' selection from the 'DSKrak MAIN' menu to properly align the labels prior to cataloging. DSKrak allows you to save your cataloging information in '1' of '2' ways, ie. , SUMMARY or DETAIL. Selecting SUMMARY, is the most economical and fastest method, but provides your database with the least amount of information about the diskette. Selecting DETAIL provides you with the maximum amount of diskette information and is the basis for many of the printed reports, but the database file size will GROW considerably. A proper tradeoff is the proper use of the FILTER. This allows you to gather information (files) from the diskette that are of most importance, not including the unwanted files in the database, yet still providing the database with the information that will be useful. If selecting DETAIL, DSKrak also provides you with a means to comment each file as it is about to be saved. This provides a way to describe EACH disk entry if need be. Each file contained on the diskette (selected by the FILTER chosen) will be displayed in a window as it is being read. During the automatic DETAIL cataloging process, information about the file is read such as, it's FILE SIZE, CREATION DATE & TIME, and it's ATTRIBUTE. When all selected information has been read and saved, DSKrak informs you ... "Cataloging of this diskette has been completed ... Press any key to continue" At which time you will return to the 'Diskette cataloging Information' data entry window ready for the NEXT diskette to catalog. * * THUMBING thru the RAK * * Page 19 To view your database records ON SCREEN, select 'Thumb thru Rak' from the 'DSKrak MAIN' menu. The 'Record Selection Criteria' menu will appear. You may view your database by one of '4' methods. They are ... <Disk and Tray Number> ... Allows you to access your library by DISK # and TRAY #. Enter desired DISK and TRAY numbers and DSKrak will search the database for a matching entry. If NO match is found, then DSKrak will inform you and ask if you want the 'closest' match. Selecting 'y' will call the closest matching record to the screen. <Category of Diskette> ... Entering a specific 'category' allows you to browse thru the file viewing all records that fall into your specified 'category'. <Subject of Diskette> ... Entering a specific 'Subject' will select only those records containing the specified subject. <Filename> ... To locate a specific 'file' in your library, enter the desired 'filename' and only those that match or come close will be viewed. Once a record has been displayed, you have several options. They are ... <D>elete ... Selecting 'D' will DELETE the current record. If this was a DETAIL cataloging, then ALL files will be deleted as well. This will open the referenced DISK # for the shown TRAY for future cataloging. <N>ext ... Selecting 'N' will display the NEXT record in the database until EOF (end of file) has been reached. <M>atch ... Selecting 'M' will search for the NEXT match in the database up to the EOF. Page 20 <P>revious ... Selecting 'P' will callup the PREVIOUS record in the database up to the BOF (beginning of file). p<R>int ... Selecting 'R' will print the current displayed record to the printer. <Home> ... Selecting the 'HOME' key will display the FIRST record in the database. <End> ... Selecting the 'END' key will display the LAST record in the database. <ESC> ... Pressing the <ESC> key will EXIT you to the 'Record Selection Criteria' menu. * * LABEL UTILITIES * * Page 21 In addition to the diskette cataloging capabilities, DSKrak provides you with the ability to print your diskette labels all at once, only selected labels, backup labels and includes a FREE-FORM label utility for custom labels. To enter the 'Print Label Menu', select 'Label Utilities' from the 'DSKrak MAIN' menu. The label utilities menu will appear with the following selections ... <Cataloged Diskette Labels by Date> ... Select this function when you desire to print all labels on a specific 'date'. This is useful when you have cataloged a series of diskettes in a day's time and you now want to print ONLY those labels on that day's date. NOTE: You must enter the date specifically, ie., 10/12/89 and not 101289. DSKrak will remind you if need be. <Cataloged Diskette Labels by TRAY> ... Select this function if you wish to print ALL the labels for the diskettes in a specific TRAY #. <Backup Diskette Labels> ... DSKrak provides a way to provide you with labels for your diskettes used in the 'BACKUP' process. Selecting this function will display the 'Backup Label Info' data entry window. You will be prompted to enter a 'SERIES TITLE' for identification of the backup diskettes. This field will print DOUBLE-WIDE if you enter 16 or less characters. Provided also are fields to describe the 'path' used in the backup and a comment up to 50 characters in length to further describe the nature of the backup series. DSKrak allow you to enter the 'number' of disks involved in the backup and will print exactly that number, EACH labeled as diskette 1 of 6, 2 of 6, etc. depending upon the number you have entered. <Print Label Alignment> ... Selecting this function will print a TEST PATTERN for use in aligning your '1' UP mailing label stock in your printer. <Free-Form Labels> ... In the event you have a need for a label, that DSKrak does not ordinarily supply, you may print a custom label of up to 6 lines per label. Selecting this function will cause the FREE-FORM data entry window to appear. Note the bottom of the window that describes Page 22 the PRINT STYLE. By entering various LENGTHs of data into each field you may cause the text in each line to be printed in one of '3' print styles. For example, let's say we wanted LINE# 1 to be printed in DOUBLE WIDE text on the printer. To do this, we would not type any characters beyond the <DOUBLE-WIDE-> alignment box at the bottom . Subsequently, this line of data would be printed in DOUBLE-WIDE on the label. Likewise, if the characters entered were to go beyond the <DOUBLE-WIDE-> alignment box and extend into the <----NORMAL----> alignment box, but did not extend into the <-----CONDENSED-----> alignment box, then our text would print out to the label in NORMAL WIDTH onto the label. * * INDEX REPORTS * * Page 23 To provide QUICK, EASY and OFFLINE access to your newly created Software Library, DSKrak provides a means for printing a set of comprehensive Index reports that may be used for lookup of those wanted files when needed. It is suggested that a master index be kept up to date with the current database(s) for easy and accurate reference. To obtain the printed reports, select 'Index Reports' form the 'DSKrak MAIN' menu. The 'Reports Menu' will appear with '6' options to choose from. They are ... <Diskette Detail Listing> ... This report will print ALL of the diskette catalogues in the database, include both summary and detail. For use as an overall look into the database. This printout is indexed by DISK # and TRAY #. <Tray Index Listing/search> ... This option will allow an Index to be Printed by TRAY only. If you wish a complete Index listing by TRAY # select this option. You may also Print ALL trays by leaving the Field blank when entering the Tray number. <Filename Index Listing/search> ... Use this option when you want an index listing by FILENAME. You may leave the field blank to select ALL or you may enter the EXACT filename and only those diskettes containing the filename will be printed. For instance, if you would like to find all DISKs and TRAYs that contain a file starting with the letters FR, then simply enter 'FR' in the field. Only those files will be printed. <Category Index Listing/search> ... To produce an Index by 'CATEGORY' select this function. This will show you where all DISKs reside that fall under the specified 'category' that you have entered. Leaving the field blank, will produce an Index in ASCENDING order by 'CATEGORY' of all categories. <Subject Index Listing/search> ... Selecting this option will provide a means for finding any item in the database that was grouped under a specific 'SUBJECT' in ascending order. For specific 'subject's, enter only the desired subject, otherwise, leaving the field blank will select all. Page 24 <Title Index Listing/search> ... To produce an Index sorted on disk 'TITLE' use this function. All catalogues will be printed in ASCENDING order by TITLE. Good if you can only remember the 'title' you gave a diskette and want to find it quickly. * * END * *