Shareware Overload/ShartewareOverload.cdr/busi/blkbk512.zip/BLAKBOOK.DOC

Text File | 1989-10-01 | 23KB | 480 lines

                           BLAQUE BOOK


Important notes

--current  version  1.2 users make sure you read the  update
section below regarding use of  SQZBB.COM to upgrade you existing
database.    This  will  convert  your  BLKBOOK.DAT  file  to one
compatible  with version  2,3 which  you then  can convert  using
UPGRADE.EXE to the current datafile format.

--current version 2 - 3  users see UPGRADE information to version
    5.1.

  Macros now available - see section on 5.1.

=================================================================

Blaque Book

Tired  of  rewriting your address book every  year  or  so?   The
Blaque  Book  can save you considerable time and writer's  cramp.
As a Database it is limited to Name, Address and Phone number and
,for that alone, it is surpassed by many general purpose database
systems. Its forte is in the printed output which is formatted in
mini,  alphabetized pages  which you  can assemble  into a pocket
sized address  book.  There is  extra room under each  letter for
additional entries which you can  later enter into your database.
When you are ready for an updated address book, just print one.

I wrote the program because I had a need for the output  booklet.
I  never  could see the value of a name and phone  number  (only)
database because you usually need the numbers when you are not in
front of the computer.   If you are in front of a computer, there
is always SideKick.   I also wanted to learn more about Borland's
Turbo Access system which seems to work just great.

System requirements: IBM-PC, 256K (mem) and a compatible printer.
Your printer needs to be  capable of compressed printing and have
adjustable  vertical  line  spacing  (most  do).    Adjustment of
vertical spacing to about 9 lines per inch seems best.

Instructions:

The  program  is  essentially  menu  driven.   Several files will
eventually be on your disk:

Blakbook.EXE -- Main Program
Blakbook.DAT  -- Database File
Blakbook.IXN  -- Name Index File
Blkbk30.CFG  -- Configuration file
Blakbook.MAC -- Macro file
Util.EXE -- Blakbook utility file.

Except  for  the main program files (.EXE),  each  will  be
created by the program as needed.   If you don't need the utility
functions, you  only need BLAKBOOK.EXE to  start with, the others
will  be  created.    However,  the  CFG  file  does have several
printers present which you may select  from or use as examples in
configuring your own.

Creating  your  database  is  done  by  using  the  U)date / A)dd
options.   Enter the data as  requested.  Duplicate Keys  are not
allowed.  The key is created  from the some of the lastname, some
of the firstname,  some of the first address line  and the last 4
digits of  the phone number.   If you  accidentally get an  error
notice, you  must change something  in the above  fields to allow
entry.  In this way, you can enter a name twice to get a business
and home listing  if necessary.  Editing during  A)dd or E)dit is
made easy by the  use of the arrow keys (or ^S,  ^D, ^E, ^X).  ^Y
will erase  entry from the  cursor to the  right.  DEL,  ^G erase
character under  the cursor and  back arrow deletes  character to
left  of cursor.   The   added/edited entry  is updated  into the
database by  either using the  enter (carriage return)  key while
the cursor is in the last field or  by using ^Z at any time.  You
may cancel your entry or edit by using the ESC key at any time.

You may review your data on the screen using the B)rowse option.

P)rint  will send  output to  the printer.   The  default printer
configuration is for  an Okidata with Plug 'N  Play (original IBM
dot matrix printer  foramt). If you have another  printer, a menu
option   is  available   to  create   a  configuration   file  to
set-up/select your printer.  This set-up need only be done once.

The printer output is as follows:

< Section Deleted  -- update in Section on 3.0 >

After  printing all you need to do is get out your  scissors and
stapler.

Exiting the Program

It  is  very important that you exit the program  using  the Q)uit
options  until  you reach DOS  level.   This  enables proper
updating and closing of all files.  ^C and Break Keys have been
disabled to help keep your database file and index intact.   Using
Ctrl-Alt-Del may irretrievably disrupt them. Keeping  backup copies
of your Blkbook.DAT  and  Blkbook.IXN files is recommended.

==================================================================

The history of Blaque Book

Modifications from BLAQUE BOOK Version 1.0 to 2.0

FIRST  AND FOREMOST -- The data STRUCTURE HAS BEEN  CHANGED. All
is not lost however.   You need to run the SQZBB.COM  program on
your existing BLKBOOK.DAT file.  This compresses your existing data
by about 14% and will make it compatable with version  2.0.
Important--ONLY  RUN this program once.   Once you convert it,  I
recommend you remove SQZBB.COM from your active disk.

The  working  program BLAKBOOK.COM still runs  as  described above.
It  needs only the BLKBOOK.DAT and BLKBOOK.IXN files  to operate.
It  will  create  those files and you  may  optionally create  a
BLKBOOK.CFG  file if you need  it  to  configure  your printer for
proper output.

Thanks for the comments and suggestions.  I have included in Ver
2.0 some of the more easily implemented ones.   I have  also
included  some  information  about the file structure  for  those
interested in playing with the database itself.

When  I  originally created the program,  it  started  as  a kludge
from  the BTREE file distributed as a demo from  Borland. The
database  management  is  still  essentially  through  Turbo
Toolbox routines.   You can find a description of those  routines
in Borland's Toolbox package.   Many of you requested information
on the file structure so that you might be able to convert to and
from  other databases.   I have included 2 files (BBTOTXT.PAS and
TXTTOBB.PAS)  in  which you can see the data  structure  and  the
basic retrieval and storage routines.

BLAKBOOK.COM  has been modified to allow the printing  of  a label
or envelope from the entry/edit form.  It is the 'P' option
available  after  you have found and displayed the desired  name.
It will prompt for the number of spaces to the right of the  left
margin you want to print the address.   The printer output format
is default.

A  selection of utilities have been added.  They are contained in
BBUTIL.COM  which  can  be either chained  to  from  BLAKBOOK  or
executed from DOS.  It does not need to be present on your Blaque
Book  disk unless you want to chain to it from the main menu (new
option).    It  requires a copy of BLKBOOK.DAT be present on  the
same disk and directory.  Functions thus far enabled are:

1. Conversion to and from DBASEII
2. Conversion to and from DBASEIII
3. Conversion to and from PC-FILE
4. Conversion to and from Text files
5. One up mail label printing with Note field keys
6. Fix routine to help retrieve a corrupted index file

The conversion to DBASE (R) requires some knowledge of the use of
DBASE II or III.   The conversion routine creates a special  text
file  which  can  then  be APPENDED to a  DBASE  (R)  file.   The
commands  to  use are demonstrated when  the  utility  conversion
routines are run.

Modifications for BLAQUE BOOK Version 2.0

Conversion  to  PC-FILE (R) requires that the  PC-FILE  (R)  file
structure  be created in advance.   Again,  you will be warned of
this and given examples when the utility is run.

Conversions  back  to the BLAQUE BOOK are done directly from  the
DBASE (R) or PC-File (R) files directly.   NOTE:  ALL conversions
back  to BLKBOOK.DAT will CREATE a NEW BLKBOOK.DAT.   It  is  not
appended.   I  strongly  suggest that you keep a backup  of  your
original data on another disk or directory.

Lastly,  though this had been included in some of the version 1.2
distribution, is an installation routine for terminal type.

I hope these additions make the program more useful and flexible.
As  I  stated above,  I didn't want to write an  entire  database
management  program  but  just create  a  conveniently  updatable
address book.

Modificataions added in version 3.0

Due  to a bug which went unnoticed in the distribution of version
2.0, the output was completely distorted in blank entry sections.
I  sent  out a quick fix but don't know if anyone  used  it.   It
would be very discouraging to spend a couple of hours typing in a
database  only  to find it printed out  garbage.   Because  of  a
suggestion sent by Fred Ringwald, I decided to rewrite the output
routine.   This  new version only prints two pages side by  side,
and only 6 entries per minipage.  It is nicer, though, because it
is a physically smaller book.  All of the blank entries have been
omitted.   The  pages  are  printed  ascending on  the  left  and
descending  on the right.   All you need to to is stack them  up,
staple them in the middle and fold it in half.   Instructions are
printed when you print the booklet.

The printer output is as follows:

     .---------------.
     .     A .     Z .
     .       .       .
     .       .       .
     .       .       .
     .       .       .
     .       .       .
     .---------------.
     .     B .     X .
     .       .       .
     .       .       .
     .       .       .
     .       .       .
     .       .       .
      ---------------

Also  due  to a number of requests,  a second datafile  has  been
added  to  accomodate  the configuration routines  of  up  to  30
printers.   You merely find your printer or add it,  make sure it
is  the  currently selected one and then forget  about  it.   Any
subsequent  Blaque  Book  printouts will be configured  for  your
printer.  You may delete the BLAKBOOK.CFG file as it is no longer
necessary (if you already have it).   It has been replaced by the
BLBK30.CFG  file  for  the printer  configuration  storage  noted
above.   I  have  only  information  available  on  a  couple  of
printers.   If you are using one not listed and develop a working
configuration protocol,  I would appreciate hearing what you used
so I can include them in future distributions of the CFG file.

The  standard color format as distributed will be white on black.
I  received  many comments regarding problems with  the  previous
colors.   These can be changed by selecting the 'C olor'  command
in  the first menu.   Then by use of the 'F oreground',  'B  ack-
ground',  and  'M essage' toggles you can step through to  colors
which  you  might like.   The selected colors will be saved in  a
special spot in the printer configuration file (BLBK30.CFG) if it
exists.

Modificataions added in version 3.0

Please NOTE-- there is a potential problem with saving the colors
in  the  configuration file.   If some joker changes all  of  the
colors to the same,  you will see only a blank screen (ie.  white
on  white) after the initial sign on message.   If that  happens,
use 'C' then 'F',  and 'M' in that order.   Then you will be able
to see what you are doing.

The only programs needed to run this package are BLAKBOOK.COM and
BBUTIL.COM all data, index and configuration files may be erased
if you are having a hard time getting started.

Though  the SQZBB.COM program is still included,  it is ONLY  for
those using Versions less that 2.0.

One  additional comment.   Some of you have written that you  get
errors in the Find menu selection, some have included a print out
showing  a screen with an indiciation of a very high or  negative
number  of  records.   What  has probably happened is  that  your
system  was  turned off or had the power interrupted  before  you
exited the program using a 'Q' command.  The data/index files are
then  out of sync or disrupted.   There are two potential  fixes.
The  first is to run BBUTIL.COM and select the option  that  will
re-create  the index file.   If that doesn't work,  then use  the
option  that  converts Blaque Book to Text files.   Remember  the
name you select (ie.  DUMMY).   The extension .TXT will be added.
This routine looks only at valid data and does not use the  index
file.   Then  re-create your entire database and index using  the
Text  to  Blaque  Book  selection.  The input  for  this  routine
requires  the  entire file name (ie DUMMY.TXT) to  be  typed  in.
Then  use the Blaque Book selection or run Blaque Book from  DOS.
You  will  have  to check through your database to see  what  you
might  have lost during the power failure but at least most  will
be saved.

3.1

Utility  routine  for label printing enhanced to single or  three
up.  Additional routine for creating a mailmerge file included in
the utilities.

3.2  -- Mailmerge modified to select on Note Keys.

As is mentioned in the program, considerable effort went into its
development.  It is distributed  under the user supported concept
and if you feel the program to  be of value, a contribution of $7
(the  cost  of  a  good   address  book)  would  be  appreciated.
Obviously,  I haven't  created this   program to  get rich.   The
program has  been greatly enhanced  by user comments  and I would
appreciate your comments  even if you don't think  it's worth $7.
In any case,  please feel free to share  this program with others
and upload it to your favorite bulletin board.

3.31 -- Bug causing abort to DOS after color selection fixed.

4.0  -- BLAKBOOK.EXE  and  BBUTIL.EXE  converted to  Turbo Pascal
Version 5.0.   Database and Index slightly modified  to work with
the upgraded Turbo Pascal database units.  Therefore, the program
is NOT  COMPATIBLE with earlier  databases.  Conversion  is easy!
Use BBUTIL.COM (from  the earlier version) to create  a text file
(BB  to Text  conversion). Copy  the text  file to  a new disk or
directory  where  you  have  BLAKBOOK.EXE  and  BBUTIL.EXE.   Use
BBUTIL.EXE to  create your datafile  and index (TEXT  to BLAKBOOK
routine).

A browse  function has  been added  to the  main menu.   You  may
peruse through your entries and the select one to be edited.

The print out is unchanged.

The configuration file  is unchanged and may be  copied from your
old 3.+  version.  The CFG  file included has had  a few printers
added.

5.0 -- Significant  upgrade.  In response to  many users, several
more fields have been added.   Space for Company, Title, 2 Street
address lines; separate fields for  City, State and Zip Codes, as
well as  another note line have  been added.  This  about doubles
the size  of the database  but for the  usual personnal name  and
address  book this  is not  significant.   Because of  the larger
record  size --  THE DATA  FILE IS  NOT COMPATIBLE  with previous
versions.   An UPGRADE.EXE program has  been provided to generate
your new data  file from the old.  It  attempts to separate city,
state and zip  fields from the earlier second  address field.  It
might not  be perfect but at  least it doesn't require  typing in
all of  your data.   The default database  name for version  5 is
BLAKBOOK.DAT.    Version  4  was  BLKBOOK.DAT  so  the  files can
co-exist  in the  same directory.   UPGRADE  is executed from the
command line by:

   C:UPGRADE BLKBOOK.DAT BLAKBOOK.DAT

you MUST have  two arguments so you'll need to  type in the above
noted .DAT filenames.   Version 4 did allow  other datafile names
(as does version  5 -- see below).  If  you have older files with
datafiles  named  other  than  BLKBOOK  or  want  a different new
filename, you may use the format:

   C:UPGRADE <oldfilename> <newfilename>

One last note  about upgrades.  If you have  a VERY early version
(less than 2), UPGRADE.EXE will not convert your files.  You must
first  run SQZBB.COM  -- ONCE!  on you  old database.   Then  use
UPGRADE and select  2 for the input file type  (when asked).  See
the above notes for further information on SQZBB.COM.

The booklet has also been significantly improved.  The program is
"smarter" and  leaves out all of  the blank lines resulting  in a
smaller   book.     Also  options   are  provided   to  eliminate
company,title fields,  address fields, and  note fields from  the
booklet.  Lastly, an option is provided to allow a second listing
by  company (names  and numbers  only) at  the end  of the  first
listing.   You  should be  able to  fashion exactly  the type  of
listing you require.  Though  the database is capable of indexing
millions  of  records,  the  page  locating  array  is limited by
memory.  I have limited the  number to $1000 (4096) entries which
should be more than most folks can  stuff into a pocket.  You can
store a lot  more entries in the database  but the program cannot
print using the small page format.

The utilities section has also been improved.  Selections are now
provided from a pulldown menu that should be quite easy to figure
out.    Output  to  a  mail  label  generator has been eliminated
because  of increased  amount of  available data.   I  may add it
again  later if  I can  figure out  a good  protocol.  Output and
input from several types of files are available:

        PC-FILE (the earlier version)
        DBASEII, DBASEIII -- output is  to SDF or delimited files
                 which  must  be  APPENDED  to  an existing dbase
                 file.   Input  from DBASE  is directly  from the
                 .DBF  files.   Appending and  reading from these
                 files  requires  that  the  files  be configured
                 EXACTLY as  is the BLAQUE BOOK  database.  Field
                 descriptions are well  outlined when the program
                 is run.
        SDF,CDF -Space  defined files (SDF)  are text files  with
                 each field taking exactly  the space requred for
                 each field.  You may  use this to mass edit your
                 database and then reload  it.  Note: because the
                 record  size is  over 255  characters some  text
                 editors may not be able to be used.
                 Comma  defined files  (CDF) are  also text files
                 with each field separated by  a comma.  There is
                 no extra space and the line length and file size
                 is usually much smaller.  If your text editor is
                 unable  to  untilize  the  larger  SDF file, you
                 should be  able to mass  edit using a  CDF file.
                 You'll just have to count commas to figure which
                 field you are in.
        Alpha  listing  -  to  a  file  or  output  directly to a
                 printer.   This is a nice  plain vanilla listing
                 of your phone list with empty fields ignored.

A FIX  routine is  still available  to salvage  lost or corrupted
index files.

You may now use multiple databases.  Several users have requested
this capability to allow more than one person to use the program.
Different  databases  are  selectable  only  when  the program is
initially  run.    ie  C:BLAKBOOK  MYDATA  would  setup  and  use
MYDATA.DAT and  MYDATA.IXN.  The  same database is  automatically
selected when you clone to  the uTility program (BBUTIL.EXE) from
the main menu.  If you run  BBUTIL from the command line, you may
also select another database (ie BBUTIL MYDATA).

BLAKBOOK Version 5.1 -- MACRO utility added.

A macro  key utility  is now  available.   You can  record a  key
sequence to  any of the function  keys (plus shift, alt  and ctrl
Function keys)  as well as Alt  letter keys.. You can  record any
key  sequence that  you frequently  use to  make the program more
convenient.  For example, you  might want to record several City,
State, and Zip code combinations to various Alt-letter keys.  The
next  time you  need the  combination, you  only need  to use the
alt-letter key when you reach the city portion of the address and
the information is immediately entered -- no errors!

The easiest way to use the macro recorder is to go to the portion
of  the menu  or program  in which  you want  to start your macro
sequence.  To  start recording use the <ALT>= key.   You will the
be prompted for the key you wish to use (bottom line of display).
Touch the Function key or Alt key  you wish to program.  You will
then  be prompted  for the  Name you  wish to  call the sequence.
(The name will be used to  list the available sequences.) Type in
a name of up to 14 characters and finish with the ENTER key.  You
will now  see the message RECORDING  MACRO on the bottom  line of
the display.   From this point until you  turn off the recording,
all keystrokes will be recorded (up to 1000 -- more than enough).
Go through  the sequence you  wish to record.   It can  either be
a menu command  sequence or an  entry sequence such  as the city,
state, zip noted above.  After  you have entered the last desired
keystroke of your macro, turn off the Macro recorder by using the
<ALT>- key.  That's all there is to it.

A suggested macro that I use is to use F10 to file an entry.  You
may  have  noted  that  on  adding  or  editing  an  entry to the
database, you  must either repeatedly  use the enter  key to pass
the last  note field or (if  you looked at the  help box) you can
use the <CTRL>Z key combination from any field to file the entry.
I used the macro recorder to store the <CTRL>Z key combination to
the F10  key.  A single  key is always quicker  and easier than a
key combination.  Now using F10 from any field in the Add or Edit
section, will  store the data.   Obviously, I  could have written
the program  to use the  F10 key in  this way.   But -- different
strokes for  different folks.  This  way the system is  much more
flexible and you can roll your own commands.

The macro file (BLAKBOOK.MAC)  is automatically loaded on running
the program and saved when you Quit.   You may also use the Macro
command from the main menu  to view currently programmed keys and
to reload or save your current  macros.  Note: you don't need the
Macro command to record or use  your macros -- it just allows you
to see  them.  Macros  are recorded using  the <ALT>= and  <ALT>-
keys  as  noted  above.    Once  recorded,  any  time you use the
programmed   key,  the   macro  sequence   will  be   executed  -
immediately.

One other  minor change in version  5.1.  You may  use the escape
key  to  exit  from  the  Add/Edit  entry  form without filing or
updating the data.


Considerable  time  and  effort  has  gone  into  improving  this
utility.  I have increased the registration to $10.

Send    contributions-registrations   and/or    suggestions   for
improvement to:

Martin C. Beattie
285 Southmoreland Place
Decatur, IL 62521

[phone]

Blaque Book (C) 1985, 1986, 1989