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Infodex
Version 2.19
Multipurpose Database
Copyright 1993-1996 by
Stevenson Technical Services, Incorporated
108 Second Avenue West, PO Box 297
Bertha MN 56437-0297 USA
Phone/FAX: 218-924-2050
The STSI BBS: 218-924-2060
Internet: http://www.stevetech.com
Internet Mail: support@stevetech.com
Welcome!
Thank you for trying Infodex! Infodex is a versatile
multipurpose database manager used to keep track of any
information you want to maintain - names and addresses,
equipment, computer software, books, and much more. A FREE-FORM
layout allows you to make Infodex look the way you want it to
look. Add or delete fields at any time, rearrange the field
order, and lengthen or shorten fields EASILY! Search for text in
ANY field. Quickly Browse through a list of records. Easy push-
button interface!
If you appreciate Infodex, you are encouraged to call The STSI
BBS at (218) 924-2060, and let us know! Comments, suggestions,
and enhancement requests are always welcome!
Requirements
There are 2 versions of Infodex in this package. The first,
INFODEXP.EXE is a protected mode application that requires the
following:
· DOS 3.3 or Higher
· IBM PC, PC-Compatible, or MS-DOS 286 Computer (or higher)
· Hard Drive
· 1 MB Extended Memory
· Mouse Recommended
If you do not have 1 megabyte of extended memory, you can
optionally use INFODEX.EXE, which is a real-mode application that
requires the following:
· DOS 3.3 or Higher
· IBM PC, PC-Compatible or MS-DOS 8088 Computer (or higher)
· Hard Drive
· 500K Free Conventional Memory
· EMS Memory Recommended
· Mouse Recommended
Quick-Start Instructions
To get Infodex up and running in a hurry, follow these Quick-
Start instructions:
1. Run the Install program by logging to the correct drive and
directory, and type "INSTALL".
2. After installing Infodex, read the "Memory Requirements"
section of this documentation, and then decide whether you want
the protected- mode or real-mode version of Infodex. Log to the
\INFODEX sub- directory. If you want the protected-mode version,
type "INFODEXP.EXE". If you want the real-mode version, type
"INFODEX.EXE".
Disclaimer / License Agreement
What is shareware?
Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software
before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue
using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs
differ on details - some request registration while others
require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With
registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue
using the software to an updated program with printed manual.
Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software,
and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific
exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished
programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are
of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs
and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of
distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy
and distribute the software, either to all or to a specific
group. For example, some authors require written permission
before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware.
Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You
should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook,
whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes
fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy.
And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware
has the ultimate money-back guarantee - if you don't use the
product, you don't pay for it.
Disclaimer - Agreement
By using Infodex and/or any of its components, users indicate
their acceptance of the following terms:
"Infodex is supplied as is. The author disclaims all
warranties, expressed or implied, including, without
limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness
for any purpose. Neither STSI, The STSI BBS, or any STSI
employees will be held responsible for any damages, direct
or consequential, which may result from the use of Infodex
and/or any of its components."
"Information in this documentation is subject to change
without notice and does not represent a commitment on the
part of STSI. STSI may make improvements and/or changes in
this documentation or in the products and/or programs
described in this documentation at any time."
Infodex is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to
the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your
friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of
another system. The essence of "user-supported" software is to
provide personal computer users with quality software without
high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to
continue to develop new products. If you find this program
useful and find that you are using Infodex and continue to use
Infodex after a reasonable trial period, you must make a
registration payment of $34.95 (+S&H) to Stevenson Technical
Services, Inc. (STSI). This registration fee will license one
copy for use on any one computer at any one time. You must treat
this software just like a book. An example is that this software
may be used by any number of people and may be freely moved from
one computer location to another, so long as there is no
possibility of it being used at one location while it's being
used at another. Just as a book cannot be read by two different
persons at the same time, Infodex should not be used on two
different computers at the same time.
Commercial users of Infodex must register and pay for their
copies of Infodex within 30 days of first use or their license is
withdrawn. Site- License arrangements may be made by contacting
STSI at (218) 924-2050.
Anyone distributing Infodex for any kind of remuneration must
first contact STSI for authorization. This authorization will be
automatically granted to distributors recognized by the (ASP) as
adhering to its guidelines for shareware distributors, and such
distributors may begin offering Infodex immediately. (However
STSI must still be advised so that the distributor can be kept up-
to-date with the latest version of Infodex.)
You are encouraged to pass a copy of Infodex along to your
friends for evaluation. Please encourage them to register their
copy if they find that they can use it. All registered users
will receive a copy of the latest version of the Infodex, along
with a printed manual and bonus disks.
ASP Notice:
STSI is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals
(ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works
for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related
problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP
may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a
dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide
technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP
Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442-9427 USA, FAX
616-788-2765 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to
ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.
Registration
Infodex is distributed under the shareware concept. It is NOT
free! You may try Infodex for a period of two weeks. After this
period, you must register it. Registration is only $34.95
(+S&H). By registering, you will receive the latest version of
Infodex on diskette, a manual, technical support, notification of
updates and upgrades, a registration number for Infodex, and
bonus disks. (Registration also removes all nag screens!) For
further registration information and pricing, please read the
REGISTER.DOC file included with Infodex.
How To Order
To register, do ONE of the following (whichever you prefer):
1. Call The STSI BBS at 218-924-2060 and order online. We
accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit
cards. This method of ordering can be performed 24-hours a day,
7-days a week. (Ordering this way is fast and easy, allowing us
to process your request quickly.)
2. To order using our voice line, call 218-924-2050. Please
have your credit card handy.
3. You can FAX your order to 218-924-2050. Simply fill out the
registration form provided with the program (REGISTER.DOC),
include your credit card information on the bottom of the form,
and sign it. (Most FAX transmissions will be automatically
routed to the FAX machine. If you have problems reaching our FAX
machine, wait until after the first ring, press 11, and then
begin transmitting.)
4. Mail the registration form along with your payment to:
Stevenson Technical Services, Inc. (STSI)
108 2nd Avenue West, PO Box 297
Bertha, MN 56437-0297 USA.
Technical Support:
Technical support is available through the following means:
Internet:
Access STSI's internet home page at http://www.stevetech.com.
Check the bulletins for information on the latest versions of
our software. Software updates can be downloaded through our
web site or via anonymous ftp to stevetech.com (file are
located in the \pub directory).
Internet Mail:
STSI will respond to messages sent via the Internet. Send any
tech support related questions, comments, or suggestions to
support@stevetech.com.
The STSI BBS:
New versions of this program will be posted here as soon as
they are available. The STSI BBS uses a U.S. Robotics
V.Everything modem, which is capable of V.FAST, V.32bis, V.32,
and 2400 baud connect speeds. The access number for The STSI
BBS is 218-924-2060. Technical support questions posted on the
bulletin board system should be addressed to Craig Stevenson.
STSI FAX:
STSI has a FAX machine on-line 24 hours-a-day to accept FAX
transmissions. Technical support questions / problems may be
faxed to 218-924-2050. Most FAX transmissions will be
automatically routed to the FAX machine. If you have problems
reaching our FAX machine, wait until after the first ring,
press 11, and then begin transmitting.
Telephone:
Technical support calls may be placed at (218) 924-2050. Office
hours are from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday thru Friday, and 8:00
am - 11:00 am on Saturday.
Please read the following before placing a technical support call
to STSI:
1. Read the documentation files (and the help screens, if
available). Most questions can be answered by simply reading the
docs.
2. If you have a modem, call The STSI BBS and download the
latest version. (Read Bulletin #1 on our BBS to find out the
latest version and release date of this program. When
downloading a file, keep in mind that STSI's programs are always
posted in area 27.) After you download the latest version, try
it and see if you are still experiencing the same problem. We
attempt to fix problems as soon as we become aware of them, and
post the updated versions on the bulletin board system. (Check
the .REV revision file for information on feature enhancements
and bug-fixes.)
3. If you still cannot find an answer, contact us through one of
the means outlined above. We will do our best to assist you and
answer any questions you may have.
4. When calling or leaving a message, please be prepared to
answer the following questions: What version of this program are
you using? What problem(s) are you having, if any? What type of
computer CPU do you have (486DX2-66, etc.)? What version of DOS
are you using? Please be as specific as possible. The more
specific you are, the faster we will be able to assist you.
5. When placing a technical support call via telephone, please
be seated behind your computer. We may ask you to perform a
couple of simple tasks in order to help us narrow down any
potential problems.
6. When speaking with any of our employees, please be
considerate. Speak clearly, explaining your problem as carefully
as possible. Please do not use any harsh or inappropriate
(profane) language.
7. If one of our employees is able to help you, and you continue
to use this program, register it! We cannot continue to produce
quality programs without the continuing support of our users.
Memory Requirements
IMPORTANT! READ THIS!!!
This version of Infodex includes 2 executable files for Infodex.
Each version has unique memory requirements that are explained
below.
INFODEXP.EXE
This version is a protected-mode application, which means that
it requires an 80286 or higher microprocessor in order to
operate. Because of this fact, it requires at least 1
megabytes of EXTENDED memory. If you do not have this much
extended memory, you will probably receive an "Insufficient
Memory" error when Infodex tries to initialize its database
manager. If you run into this problem, try the real-mode
version as explained below.
INFODEX.EXE
This version is a real-mode application, which means that it
will operate on an 8088 or higher microprocessor. In order to
run this version of Infodex, you will need at least 500K of
conventional memory. An additional 512K of EMS memory is
strongly recommended for better performance. If you do not
have sufficient extended memory on your system, you will want
to try this version.
Note: These two executable files contain the same code, but
simply require different memory configurations to operate
properly. If your system has at least 1 megabyte of extended
memory, we would recommend running the protected-mode version
(INFODEXP.EXE).
To assist you in deciding which version will work for you, we
have included a simple memory testing program with Infodex,
called MEMCHECK.EXE. From a DOS prompt, log to the \INFODEX sub-
directory, and type "MEMCHECK". Look at the following example:
+--------- STSI MemCheck Version 1.01 -----------+
▌ ▌
▌ (X) Conventional Free: 503,136 ▌
▌ ▌
▌ (X) Extended Installed: Managed ▌
▌ Free: Managed ▌
▌ ▌
▌ (_) DPMI Version: N/A ▌
▌ ▌
▌ (X) EMS Version: 4.0 ▌
▌ Installed: 884,736 ▌
▌ Free: 524,288 ▌
▌ ▌
▌ (X) XMS Version: Allocated ▌
▌ Revision: Allocated ▌
▌ Free: Allocated ▌
▌ ▌
+---------- Press Any Key To Continue -----------+
This particular system does not have any extended memory
available, which means that it will be incapable of running
INFODEXP.EXE. But it does have 503,136 bytes of free
conventional memory, and an additional 524,288 bytes of free EMS
memory, which means that the real-mode version, INFODEX.EXE, will
run with acceptable performance. Now look at the next example:
+--------- STSI MemCheck Version 1.01 -----------+
▌ ▌
▌ (X) Conventional Free: 582,336 ▌
▌ ▌
▌ (X) Extended Installed: Managed ▌
▌ Free: Managed ▌
▌ ▌
▌ (_) DPMI Version: N/A ▌
▌ ▌
▌ ( ) EMS Version: N/A ▌
▌ Installed: N/A ▌
▌ Free: N/A ▌
▌ ▌
▌ (X) XMS Version: 2.00 ▌
▌ Revision: 2.77 ▌
▌ Free: 2,031,616 ▌
▌ ▌
+---------- Press Any Key To Continue -----------+
Since this system does not have any EMS memory free, running the
real-mode version might seem a little slow. However, it does
have approximately 2 megabytes of XMS memory, which will run the
protected-mode version (INFODEXP.EXE) very well. (Note: If you
are running under OS/2, allocate at least 1 megabyte of DPMI
memory when using INFODEXP.EXE.)
Installing Infodex
The installation procedure for Infodex is quite simple. The
package includes a program, "INSTALL.EXE", which automates the
entire process. You will need about 1 megabyte of available disk
space on the hard drive on which you plan to install Infodex.
The exact steps you need to take will depend on how you received
Infodex.
Installing From Diskettes
To install from diskette(s), you need to perform the following
steps.
1. Place Infodex distribution diskette "Disk 1" in the
appropriate diskette drive.
2. Execute the "INSTALL.EXE" program on the distribution
diskette. For example, if the distribution diskette is on drive
A:, type the MS-DOS command, "a:install".
3. Follow the instructions presented by the installation program.
You will have a chance to approve installation before any changes
are actually made to the contents of your hard drive. The program
will ask you for a destination directory, and will copy the
Infodex files to that directory. If you received Infodex on two
diskettes, you will need to insert Disk 2 in the diskette drive
when asked to do so. If you so direct it, the installation
program will install executable programs and documentation in
other directories of your choice.
Installing From A Hard Drive
If you downloaded Infodex from a BBS (or received it in the form
of archive files from some other source), you will need to
perform the following steps.
1. Extract the contents of the archive file(s) in a temporary
directory on your hard drive. The procedure for doing this
varies, depending on the form in which you received the package.
In all likelihood, the fact that you are reading this text means
that you already have the necessary tools and knowledge to
perform this step. If not, you should be able to obtain
directions for this from the same source from which you received
the package.
2. Execute the "INSTALL.EXE" program which you have extracted.
For example, if the temporary directory into which you have
extracted the files is C:\TEMPDIR, you would execute the MS-DOS
command, "c:\tempdir\install".
3. Follow the instructions presented by the installation program.
You will have a chance to approve installation before any changes
are actually made to the contents of your hard drive. The
installation program will ask you for a destination directory,
and will copy the program files to that directory. If you so
direct it, the installation program will install executable
programs and documentation in other directories of your choice.
When you're satisfied that the installation was successful, you
should delete the temporary directory FROM which you installed
the program, (C:\TEMPDIR, in the above discussion), including all
its contents.
You're Ready To Go
To execute Infodex, type "INFODEX" or "INFODEXP" (depending on
which version you installed) (see Memory Requirements) from the
\INFODEX sub-directory, and press [ENTER]. Infodex's desktop
will display an information dialog box containing version and
copyright information, followed by the main menu.
Creating A New Database
To create a new database, select "Create A New Database" from the
Infodex main menu. A dialog box will pop up allowing you to
enter the new name and description for the database you will
create. Once you have entered a filename, enter a description in
the "Description" field. This text will be shown as the title on
the top of the editing screen. To create the database, select
Ok. If an existing database exists by that same name, Infodex
will warn you before overwriting it.
When you have selected Ok, Infodex will display the layout
screen. This is where you will create your database, and place
the fields where you want them. To create a new field, you can
do one of three things... 1) Click on the New button with your
mouse, 2) Press Alt-N, or 3) Press the Insert key. Infodex will
display a dialog box that looks similar to this:
+-[_]--------- Edit Field -------------+
▌ ▌
▌ Field Name....: New Field ▌
▌ ▌
▌ Field Type....: (X) Character ▌
▌ ( ) Number ▌
▌ ( ) Memo ▌
▌ ▌
▌ Decimal Places: 2 ▌
▌ ▌
▌ Prompt Row,Col: 2, 2 ▌
▌ ▌
▌ Field Row,Col.: 2,18 ▌
▌ ▌
▌ Field Length..: 25 ▌
▌ ▌
▌ Display Length: 25 ▌
▌ ▌
▌ Ok Cancel ▌
▌ ▌
+--------------------------------------+
Field Name
The Field Name contains the text that will appear beside the
field you are creating. This field can be blank, but it is
most often used to display descriptive information about what
is contained in the actual field, such as Name, Address, City,
etc.
Field Type
Infodex currently supports three types of fields.
Character Fields can contain up to 254 characters of alpha-
numeric text. Number fields can contain only numeric
characters. A decimal point is allowed, but there must be a
value between 1 and 4 in the decimal places field for a decimal
point to be displayed. Memo fields can contain alpha-numeric
text with a maximum size of 65,530 characters. A typical size
for memo fields is 1,000 - 2,000 characters. Memo fields are
helpful for entering information that does not fit very well in
any other field.
Decimal Places
If you are creating a number field, you can change the number
of decimal places that should be displayed. Currently, Infodex
limits the maximum number of decimal places to 4.
Prompt Row,Col
These fields contain the row and column positions of the Field
Name entered above. Infodex automatically enters a default
column and row position, to make this task easier. These
values can be changed directly, or you can manually move the
field once it has been placed on the layout screen.
Field Row,Col
These fields contain the row and column positions of the actual
field. As with the prompt, Infodex automatically enters a
default column and row position, to make this task easier. The
positioning of the field can also be changed once it has been
placed on the layout screen.
Field Length
This field should contain the maximum length of any text that
will be entered. If you create a Name field, and only specify
a field length of 20 characters, you will not be able to enter
names longer than 20 characters. (If you need to lengthen a
field after the database has been created, Infodex will allow
you to do this. So if you aren't sure about the field length,
take your best guess, and change it later if you need to.)
Display Length
This value is similar to the Field Length value, but it
contains the length of the field as it is displayed on the
screen. For example, if you want a name field to be 100
characters long, you would enter 100 in the Field Length field.
But since you can't display a control that long on your screen,
you would enter a smaller value in the Display Length field,
such as 30 or 40. If the display length is too long to fit on
the layout screen, Infodex will warn you and make you change it
before continuing.
Once you select Ok, Infodex adds the field to the layout screen.
If you don't like the position of the field, you can move it
around by using the arrow keys or the mouse.
Using the Mouse
To move the prompt and field using the mouse, click on the
right field delimiter (if you are using field delimiters) or on
the field handle (located immediately to the right of the
field).
Using the Arrow Keys
If you only want to move the field (for example, to place it
closer to the name), click on the Field button, or press Alt-F.
The prompt on the bottom of the screen will change to "Move
Field" to indicate that you are only moving the field. To move
the name, click on the Name button, or press Alt-A. The prompt
on the bottom of the screen will change to "Move Name" to
indicate that you are only moving the name. To move both the
name and field at the same time, click on the Both button, or
press Alt-B, and the prompt will change to "Move Field and
Name".
If you want to delete an existing field, highlight that field
with the cursor and press the Delete key. After confirming that
you want to delete the field, Infodex will remove it from the
screen.
Repeat this process for every field you want to create. When you
are finished, select Done (Alt-D). Infodex will save the layout
information, and will create a database based on the name you
provided.
When Infodex creates a new database, several supporting files are
created. If the database filename is "TEST"(.DAT), the files that
Infodex would create are as follows:
TEST.DAT
This file contains the actual data for the database. This file
is crucial to the integrity of the database.
TEST.DBH
This "header file" contains information about the structure of
the database file. This file is also crucial to the database
integrity, ensuring that Infodex can read the data that has
been previously written.
TEST.IX
This file contains the indexes, or searching information to
allow Infodex to quickly locate a needed record. If this file
should become lost or corrupt, Infodex will automatically
regenerate it for you.
TEST.INF
This file contains information about the layout of each field
in the database. It also contains the last size and position
of the Notes field and the Browser screen. This allows you to
define a special size and position for the Notes field and
Browser screen in each database you create. In the event that
this file is deleted or becomes corrupt, Infodex will attempt
to regenerate it for you. However, you will probably lose your
existing layout (that is, your placement of the fields), and
will need to put them back where you originally placed them.
TEST.DIA
This file manages multiple access to the database in
multitasking and network environments.
TEST.MSG
In the event that an error would occur while rebuilding or
working with the database, you may find a file in your \INFODEX
sub-directory with a .MSG extension. This file should contain
information about any error(s) that occurred. (If this should
occur, copy this file to a backup location for safe-keeping and
send a copy of it on a diskette to STSI for evaluation.)
After creating these files, Infodex displays the main editing
screen. This is where you add, edit, and delete information
from the database, browse through records, and search for data
in specific fields.
Keyboard Commands
Infodex supports the use of both the mouse and the keyboard.
Persons using the keyboard will want to become familiar with the
keys and key combinations available for use within Infodex. Push
buttons can be selected by holding down the Alt key and pressing
the highlighted letter. Most keyboard commands are listed below:
Alt-B Browse through a list of all records
Alt-C Cancel the current editing operation
Alt-D Delete the current record
Alt-E Edit the current record
Alt-N Create a new record
Alt-O Access Other features, such as printing &
exporting
Alt-P Print database records to the printer or disk
Alt-R Search for text in one of the fields
Alt-S Save the current record
PgUp Move to the previous record
PgDn Move to the next record
Ctrl+Home Move to the first record
Ctrl+End Move to the last record
Ctrl+PgUp Move to the first record
Ctrl+PgDn Move to the last record
Home Move to the beginning of the current field
End Move to the end of the current field
Insert Insert Mode / Overstrike Mode
Delete Remove character over the cursor
Backspace Remove character left of the cursor
Left Arrow Move cursor one character to the left
Rght Arrow Move cursor one character to the right
Enter Move cursor to the next field
Tab Move cursor to the next field
Shift+Tab Move cursor to the previous field
Down Arrow Move cursor to the next field
Up Arrow Move cursor to the previous field
F3 Edit the database description
F10 Save the current record
Editing Commands
New
When this button is pushed, Infodex goes into "edit mode", and
allows you to enter a new record. When Infodex is in edit
mode, you cannot move between records, delete records, call up
the browser, or search for data. Once you have finished adding
the new record, click on "Save" to save it into the database,
or select "Cancel" to exit from edit Mode. If you have made
any changes, Infodex will issue a prompt to check whether or
not you want to save any changes before leaving.
Edit
When this button is pushed, Infodex goes into "edit mode", and
allows you to modify the current record. When Infodex is in
edit mode, you cannot move between records, delete records,
call up the browser, or search for data. Once you have
finished modifying the current record, click on "Save" to save
the modified record into the database, or select "Cancel" to
exit from Edit Mode. If you have made any changes, Infodex
will issue a prompt to make sure that you don't want to save
any changes before leaving.
Delete
When the Delete button is selected, Infodex issues a prompt to
confirm that you want to delete the current record from the
database. When you choose "Yes" at the prompt, the record is
deleted, and Infodex moves to the next record in the database.
Browse
When this button is pushed, Infodex displays a browsing screen
that contains all of the records in the database. To scroll
through the browser, use the Up Arrow, Down Arrow, PgUp, and
PgDn keys, or the mouse to scroll through all of the records.
Pressing a key such as "N" will move the highlight bar to the
beginning of the records beginning with the letter "N".
Pressing Escape will erase the browser and redisplay the
editing screen. Pressing ENTER on the highlighted record will
erase the browser and cause Infodex to display the selected
record on the editing screen for viewing, editing, or deleting.
Search
When the Search button is selected, Infodex displays a Search
options screen where you can type the string to search for, and
select the field you want to search through. When Ok is
selected, the search process begins. Once Infodex completes
the search, it will either display a message box indicating
that no records were found, or it will display the browser
screen with a complete list of all records that were found
matching the Search String. If you leave the Search String
field blank, all records will be displayed in the browser. The
search that is performed is not case sensitive, so entering the
Search String in upper-case letters or lower-case letters will
produce the same result.
Other
The Other button gives users access to advanced options. The
advanced options include printing all of the database records,
and exporting the records into a delimited text file.
Export
Infodex allows you to export all records in the database into a
delimited text file. When you select the Export button,
Infodex displays a dialog box allowing you to modify the text
and field delimiters for the file, and specify what the name of
the output file should be.
Print
To print the current record or all records within the database,
select the Print button. A Print Records dialog box will be
displayed, allowing you to select which port the output should
be sent to, or if the records should be printed directly to a
file. If a File is selected for output, the Filename field
must be filled in to specify the name of the file to use.
Infodex will print the record using the layout on the screen.
To print only 1 record per page, check the box titled "Page
Break After Each Record".
Up
Pushing the Up Arrow button will cause the record previous to
the current record to be displayed.
Down
Pushing the Down Arrow button will cause the record subsequent
to the current record to be displayed.
Up Triangle
Pushing the Up Triangle button will cause the first record in
the database to be displayed.
Down Triangle
Pushing the Down Triangle button will cause the last record in
the database to be displayed.
Save
The Save button is only displayed when Infodex is in edit (F10)
mode, and when it is selected, Infodex will attempt to save the
current record into the database.
Cancel
The Cancel button is only displayed when Infodex is in edit
mode, and when it is selected, Infodex will Cancel the editing
process, exit from edit mode, and redisplay the current record.
F1
By pressing the F1 function key, users can have access to the
Infodex help system. The F1 key should be available at any
time within Infodex, and will offer helpful information and
instructions.
F3
When the F3 function key is pressed (only available when
Infodex is NOT in edit mode), Infodex will allow you to edit
the database description associated with the current database.
After editing the description and selecting Ok, Infodex will
redraw the editing screen with the new database description
displayed on the top of the editing screen.
Tab or ENTER
When tab or ENTER is pressed during the editing process, it
will normally advance the cursor to the next field. However,
if the current field is a memo field, pressing the ENTER key
will cause the memo window to be displayed. To exit from
editing a memo, press Escape. Changes to memo fields are saved
when the entire record is saved.
Import A Database
Description
Infodex has support to import a delimited text file or a file
created with Infodex version 1.x. In order to properly import
a delimited text file, it cannot have more than 36 fields.
This is because Infodex must create a field on the layout
screen for every field in the database, and it is difficult to
fit more than 36 fields on the layout screen.
Delimited File
File To Import:
Enter the path and filename of the delimited text file to
import into Infodex.
Text Delimiter:
This character should be the character used to mark the
beginning and end of text fields in the delimited text file.
This is typically a quote (") character.
Field Delimiter:
This character should be the character used to mark (or
delimit) the end of field in the delimited text file.
Database File Name:
Enter the name of the database file to create when Infodex
imports the delimited text file. You cannot import records
into an existing database! You must create a new database
when importing records.
Ok:
When you select Ok, Infodex will check if the database file
name already exists. If it does, a warning message will
appear, asking whether or not you want to overwrite the
existing database. After that, Infodex will begin the
importing process. First, the delimited file must be scanned
to detect the number of fields in the database. Next, the
records are added to the database file. As each of these
processes occur, status windows will display the progress.
When the importing process is complete, the database file is
opened and displayed on the editing screen.
Cancel:
To cancel the importing process, select the Cancel button,
and you will return to the main menu.
File Dialog Boxes
Description:
The file dialog box screens allow users to open or delete an
existing database.
Note: When opening a database, make sure that the file was
originally created with Infodex.
Filename
This text field allows users to manually enter the name of a
file. If you enter a filename without an extension when
opening or deleting a file, Infodex appends a .DAT extension
and searches for a file in the current directory. If the file
exists, it is automatically selected when you press ENTER. If
the file does not exist, Infodex will either advance the cursor
to the Files list box for manual selection, or issue an error
message, depending on the existing conditions.
Files
The Files list box provides users with a way to search the
current drive and directory for files with the selected *.DAT
file filter. Pressing the SPACE BAR will highlight a file from
the list, and pressing ENTER on a highlighted file will
instruct Infodex to attempt to open or delete it (depending on
the current routine).
Directories
The Directories list box displays a list of directories on the
currently selected drive, and a list of available drives. The
current directory can be changed by pressing ENTER on the
desired directory, or clicking on it with the mouse. When a
new directory is selected, the "Files" list box is updated to
display all files matching the file filter in the new
directory.
Directory
This non-editable field contains the current drive and path.
Use this field as a quick-reference to see where Infodex is
looking for files.
Ok
The Ok button can be selected when a file has been highlighted
from the Files list box. Infodex will then attempt to open or
delete the selected file.
Cancel
The Cancel button can be selected to cancel the current routine
and return to the previous screen.
Configuration Options
Description
The options on this screen determine the default behavior of
Infodex on your computer system.
Optimization
This option is used to specify whether Infodex should optimize
database management for Data Integrity or Speed. If Optimize
For Data Integrity is chosen, access to certain routines may be
impacted by a reduction in speed. If Optimize For Speed is
chosen, Infodex will attempt to optimize access to routines
without a reduction in speed.
When Optimize For Data Integrity is turned on, Infodex will
write portions of the database to be modified to the dialog
(.DIA) file before any changes are made. Then, in the event
that an error occurs, the database can be restored to its known
state prior to the operation. If the computer system crashes
before an operation is complete, Infodex automatically repairs
the database by using the information in the dialog file the
next time the database is opened.
Based on our internal testing, Optimize For Speed is MUCH
faster. If you decide to use Optimize For Speed, however, we
recommend that you maintain a regular backup. If you are more
concerned about data integrity, even to the point of
sacrificing some performance, select Optimize For Data
Integrity.
Network Type
Even if you don't use a network, you may need to change the
default Network Type from None to the MS-Net Compatible option.
Make sure to read the following section!
None:
When "None" is selected as the network type, file sharing
and record locking routines are not used. Do NOT run Infodex
in a multiuser setting with the network type set to "None".
If you do, the data and index files are likely to become
corrupt if two or more nodes try to access the program!
Novell:
If you are running on a Novell NetWare 2.x, 3.x, or 4.x
network, be sure to set the network type setting to "Novell
Network".
MS-Net:
The "MS-Net Compatible" setting should be used for the
following networks and environments: LANtastic, LAN Manager,
IBM PC-LAN, Personal NetWare, NetWare Lite, DESQview, and
Windows. When using this option, you must load SHARE.EXE.
(When running under Windows, either SHARE must be loaded
prior to running Windows, or the VSHARE driver must be loaded
in Windows.)
Startup File
If a valid filename is entered in this field, Infodex will
attempt to load the specified file each time it is executed.
The only exception to this rule is if a different filename is
entered on the command line when Infodex is executed. If
Infodex detects that a filename has been entered as a parameter
on the command line, it will open that filename instead of the
one specified in the Startup File field.
Refresh Delay
This number specifies the number of seconds that Infodex will
use as an update interval when displaying the browser screen.
If this value is set to 5, Infodex will update the browser
screen every 5 seconds with any changes that have made from
other workstations working on the same database file.
Explode Delay
This number specifies the number of seconds used as an "Explode
Delay" for dialog boxes within Infodex. To eliminate all
exploding effects, set the number in this field to 0.
Editing Options
The Use Field Delimiters setting allows you to specify whether
or not fields on the editing screen are delimited by brackets
or not. This may be helpful for you to determine the placement
and size of fields on the layout screen.
Ok
When Ok is selected, Infodex saves the options on this screen
to the file INFODEX.INI.
Cancel
Selecting Cancel leaves all options on this screen in the state
they were set to when this screen was initially displayed.
Register Infodex
Description
Once you register Infodex and pay the requested $34.95 fee to
STSI for registering, you will receive a registration name and
number. Enter your name and number in the fields shown on this
screen, and Infodex will be registered to you. You will no
longer see "nag screens" or "reminders" pressuring you to
register. If your name and number are entered accurately,
Infodex will display a thank-you message. Otherwise, Infodex
will warn you that the registration number you entered was not
valid.
Registration Name
The Registration Name text field allows users to enter their
personal name or the name of their company or organization.
Registration Number
The Registration Number text field allows users to enter the
registration number they received from STSI upon registering
Infodex. For information on how to register, please see the
"Registration" section near the top of this documentation file.
Network Users
This field contains the numbers of network users for Infodex.
To receive a registration number that provides support for
network users, see the file REGISTER.DOC. If you are
registering a single-user version of Infodex, enter 0 in this
field.
Title Bar Display
Registered users can customize the title on the background
display of Infodex by changing the text in this field. If this
is an unregistered version of Infodex, the title bar cannot be
changed, and will always display "UNREGISTERED Version".
Ok
Selecting Ok instructs Infodex to save this configuration
information to the file INFODEX.INI.
Cancel
Selecting Cancel instructs Infodex to ignore any changes that
have been made to the previous settings, and return to the main
menu.
Future Enhancements
The following is a list of planned features and enhancements for
future versions of Infodex. Most features will be implemented as
soon as possible.
· Scan through all records for a user-specified string. This
string will not have to be located at the beginning of a search
field. It can be located at any position in any field of the
database.
· Import databases in dBase format.
· Color customization.
· Customization of which fields are displayed on the browser
screen.
Cautions
As with any program that maintains large amounts of data, there
is the possibility for data loss. Infodex contains special
precautions, such as having the ability to rebuild the database
index if it should become corrupt. However, regular data backups
are strongly recommended. Hard drives can fail, files can become
corrupt, and data loss can occur. Your best protection is a
regular (verified) backup!
Products By STSI
Stevenson Technical Services, Inc.
108 Second Avenue West
Bertha MN 56437-0297
Phone / FAX: (218) 924-2050
The STSI BBS: (218) 924-2060
Internet: http://www.stevetech.com
Internet Mail: support@stevetech.com
(Visa, MasterCard, American Express, & Discover Accepted)
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location, number of lines, storage space, CD-ROMS, date of
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Registration Fee: $49.95
· BOOT'R <ASP> -DOS Multiple Configuration Manager
BOOT'R allows the management of multiple configurations on a
single machine. BOOT'R can modify the CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT,
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Registration Fee: $34.95
· CompuSlave For DOS <ASP> Master Your Messages!
CompuSlave imports CompuServe forum messages from a capture file
into a database. Search the entire database for key words or
phrases. Create your own stand-alone, customized technical
support resource using the combined knowledge of the CompuServe
forum members. Ideal tool for tech support personnel,
programmers, network administrators, or any user who routinely
searches the CompuServe forum messages for information. Sample
import file is included. Documentation contains helpful hints on
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Registration Fee: $49.95
· CompuSlave For Windows <ASP> Master Your Messages!
CompuSlave imports CompuServe forum messages from a capture file
into a database. Search the entire database for key words or
phrases. Create your own stand-alone, customized technical
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forum members. Ideal tool for tech support personnel,
programmers, network administrators, or any user who routinely
searches the CompuServe forum messages for information. Easy to
use Windows interface! Sample import file is included.
Documentation contains helpful hints on how to create a
CompuServe forum message capture file.
Registration Fee: $49.95
· Infodex <ASP> - Multipurpose Database!
Infodex is a versatile database manager used to keep track of
names and addresses, equipment, computer software, books, and
much more! Includes a FREE-FORM layout. Add, delete, or
rearrange fields EASILY! Search for text in any field. Import
and export to a delimited text file. Quickly browse through a
list of records. Easy push button interface! Both protected-
mode and real-mode versions are included to support various
memory requirements.
Registration Fee: $34.95
· QwkSlave <ASP> - QWK Packet Message Database!
QwkSlave imports QWK mail packets, storing each message as a
database record. Add, edit, delete, print, browse, sort, &
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original message and its response as easy as a mouse-click.
Ideal as a technical support reference tool. Network support is
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Registration Fee: $49.95
· Replicator For DOS <ASP> - The Diskette Database / Duplicator!
Replicator is a disk image utility designed to create images of
diskettes and catalog them in a database. Use optional
compression to reduce the image size. Recreate disks as needed.
Store up to 10 lines of descriptive text for each disk image in
the database. Database entries can be modified at any time.
Easy push button interface! (286 or higher)
Registration Fee: $49.95
· Replicator For Windows <ASP> - The Diskette Database / Duplicator!
Replicator is a disk image utility designed to create images of
diskettes and catalog them in a database. Optionally compress
image files and scan disks for viruses. Recreate disks as
needed. Store up to 10 lines of descriptive text for each disk
image in the database. Database entries can be modified at any
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Registration Fee: $49.95
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ZIP'R Pro stores programs in compressed form when they are not
being used. Use ZIP'R Pro to automatically decompress a program,
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Registration Fee: $49.95
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ZIP'R Pro stores programs in compressed form when they are not
being used. Use ZIP'R Pro to automatically decompress a program,
execute it, and recompress it again. Uses ARJ, LHA, PKZIP, or
built-in compression. Integrate with a Windows icon, or use
ZIP'R Pro's desktop to launch the program of your choice.
Network/Multi-user support is included.
Registration Fee: $49.95
Programs Mentioned
dBase is copyrighted by Borland International.
MS-DOS is copyrighted by Microsoft.