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1990-09-30
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FLAG Db DoubleCheck
Version 6
Database Duplicate Checking System
_______
____|__ | (tm)
--| | |-------------------
| ____|__ | Association of
| | |_| Shareware
|__| o | Professionals
-----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
_________________________________________________________________
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Table of Contents
_________________________________________________________________
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
DISCLAIMER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
COPYRIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
DISTRIBUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
LICENSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
SHAREWARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
REGISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
TRADEMARKS and COPYRIGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Environment Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
FLAG6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
F6OVM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
FLAG6/F6OVM Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
FLGFLT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Main menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Data File Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Pick a file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Type in name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
New File Spec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Drive / Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Quit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Field Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Deselecting fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Accepting your choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Options / Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Ignore Character Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Ignore ALL spaces when checking . . . . . . . . . 22
Ignore ALL punctuation characters while checking 23
Write report to a file . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Print report to printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Print Statistics to printer . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Print with Graphics characters . . . . . . . . . 27
_________________________________________________________________
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reservedi
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Table of Contents
_________________________________________________________________
Mark EXACT duplicates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Verify Before Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Set HI and LO duplicate levels . . . . . . . . . 30
Pick fields to use in report(s) . . . . . . . . . 32
Check Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
APPENDIX A -- Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Picking Data Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Picking fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Number of checks to do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
APPENDIX B -- History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Revision History by Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Version 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
R.1.14.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
R.1.14.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
R.1.10.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
R.1.9.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
R.1.8.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
R.1.0.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
R.1.0.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Version 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
R.0.3.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
R.0.2.8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
R.0.2.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
R.0.1.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
R.0.1.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
APPENDIX C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Technical Support / Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
US Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Hours - Weekday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Hours - Weekend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
APPENDIX D -- Quick Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
APPENDIX E -- ASP - Ombudsman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
APPENDIX F -- Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Pricing, Site License, and discount rate chart . . . . 45
_________________________________________________________________
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reservedii
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Introduction
_________________________________________________________________
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to FLAG Db Double Check Version 6!
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 is designed to check
dBASE III+, and compatible, .DBF data files for dupli-
cates.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 features:
* Use dBASE III/III+, Clipper, QuickSilver, FoxBASE+, and
other close compatible, data files
* Check any field(s) in the table, character, numeric,
date, and/or logical
* Settings for:
Where to start checking a field
How much of a field to check
Case sensitivity
Ignore spaces within fields
Ignore punctuation within fields
* Identification of three duplication levels: Exact,
Probable, and Possible
* Reports:
Settings for:
Level(s) of duplication to include in rep-
ort(s)
Printing of duplication report(s)
Write duplication report to a file
Printing of statistics as a separate report
* While checking, optionally, display statistics
* Command line parameters for ease of operation
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 1:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Introduction
_________________________________________________________________
There have been many changes in version six of FLAG Db Double-
Check. It has been greatly enhanced to be more flexible and easy
to use.
In the interest of brevity I will start off with the usual:
requirements, disclaimer, copyright notice, and acknowledgements.
We will then run through an explanation of the menus in FLAG Db
DoubleCheck Version 6.
REQUIREMENTS
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 needs:
An IBM or close compatible
512K RAM (640K is recommended)
A hard disk is suggested
You will need enough room on the disk to cre-
ate an index file The file to check MUST be
compatible with the dBASE III+ .DBF data file
format. (This DOES NOT include dBASE IV or
FoxPro data files). The file should not be
encrypted or in any other way protected or
altered.
Networks:
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 is NOT a multi-user application.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 is network AWARE, that is the limit
to its networking abilities. It, simply, knows if it is on a
network, or not, and will take appropriate file locking action(s)
if it is. The only network OS that FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6
has been tested on, by me, is Novell's NetWare.
NOTE: If you are running on a network it is your
responsibility to ensure that you have Create and
Delete rights in the directory where you will be work-
ing. You will also need to be able to use the data file
to be checked in NON-shareable (LOCKED/EXCLUSIVE) mode.
NOTE: It will take time to index the data file. This
will take even longer on networks, and with larger data
files. Also, make sure you have enough room to create
the index. FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 will make an
attempt to check if there is enough room and inform you
if it doesn't think there is adequate space.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 2:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Introduction
_________________________________________________________________
Known incompatibilities:
I have disabled default use of exPanded memory because of exist-
ing problems with some exPanded memory managers.
DISCLAIMER
I, Matthew G. Maier, hereby disclaim all warranties relating to
this software (FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6), whether express or
implied, including and without limitation to, any implied warran-
ties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. I
will not be liable for any special, incidental, consequential,
indirect, or similar damages due to the use or misuse of this
software or for any other reason, even if I or an agent of mine
have been advised of the possibility of such damages. In no
event shall my liability for any damages ever exceed the price
paid for the license to use this software, regardless of the form
of the claim. The person using the software bears all risk as to
the quality and performance of the software.
COPYRIGHT
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6, the package, and any/all accompa-
nying files are all copyrighted under U.S. and international
copyright law by Matthew G. Maier. Defraud of the codes and
terms of these copyright law(s) will result in criminal prosecu-
tion.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 IS NOT placed into the public
domain, it is SHAREWARE and you are obligated to register this
software if you use it beyond the appointed trial period.
The FLAG Db DoubleCheck version 6 package, including, but not
limited to: FLAG6.EXE,
FLAG6.OVL,
FLAG6A.DAT,
FLAG6B.DAT,
FLAG6.CFG,
FLAG6HIS.DBF,
FLAG6.DOC,
and (optionally) README.F6;
files may NOT be reproduced, sold, copied, disassembled, reverse
engineered, incorporated into, or bundled with, any other pack-
age(s), or application(s), or in any other way modified without
the express WRITTEN consent of the author.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 3:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Introduction
_________________________________________________________________
DISTRIBUTION
You may upload the FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 SHAREWARE ver-
sion, in its unmodified archival form, provided all accompanying
documentation and data files are included in the archive(s).
Commercial distributors/vendors must obtain a WRITTEN distribu-
tion license from the author before they may distribute FLAG Db
DoubleCheck, (any version and/or release from Version 5 Release
1.0.0 forward), in any form; unless the distributor(s) are ASP
approved/authorized vendor(s). Groups may charge a processing and
handling fee, not to exceed $7.00 (U.S. Currency).
LICENSE
You are granted a limited license to use FLAG Db DoubleCheck
Version 6 for a trial period, 30 days, pending evaluation prior
to purchase. Registered users may not reproduce or distribute
their serialized copy of FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 or any
accompanying files. You may install FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version
6 on more than one computer, but are limited to ONE copy
running/active/in use/in operation at the same/parallel time.
SHAREWARE
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 is distributed as SHAREWARE. What
is SHAREWARE? Well, SHAREWARE is a concept that allows you to
test, for a trial period, a fully operational product before
purchasing it. By using the product, beyond the trial period,
you are agreeing to purchase the product. If you do not remit
payment, and continue to use the product, after the prescribed
trial period, you are breaking your part of the agreement. This
makes it harder for SHAREWARE authors to produce quality software
on a try-before-you-buy basis and you will have to live with your
conscience.
REGISTRATION
Why should you register? When you register you will be sent the
latest version/release of FLAG Db DoubleCheck, (all fixes are not
uploaded). FREE major upgrade(s) and technical support for one
year from purchase date. The SHAREWARE notice will be removed
from your registered version(s) and it/(they) will be serialized
with your registration ID(s) and name(s), or company name(s). At
this time, printed documentation is not available, this may
become a future option. If it does, all registered users will
receive this documentation FREE of charge.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 4:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Introduction
_________________________________________________________________
Registered users have priority in all dealings: technical sup-
port, upgrades, enhancements they would like, etc... If you find
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 useful, would like to see enhance-
ments made to it, and want to support the SHAREWARE concept, then
register your version, and please, register all SHAREWARE you
find useful.
Registered users are licensed to use their version(s) of FLAG Db
DoubleCheck, (whichever version/release they have), on one ma-
chine at a time and may NOT, under any circumstances, distribute
their copy.
The price of FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 is $22.95 + $2.50 S/H,
[$25.45], (U.S. currency). Please see the registration form,
site licensing instructions, and pricing information, at the end
of this documentation, for more details.
TRADEMARKS and COPYRIGHTS
The FLAG Db DoubleCheck Duplicate Checking System is distributed
using LHarc 1.13c Large Model SFX.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck is a copyright of Matthew G. Maier.
Clipper is a registered trademark of Nantucket Corporation.
FoxBASE+/FoxPro is a registered trademark of Fox Software.
dBASE III/III+ is a registered trademark of Ashton-Tate.
Quicksilver is a registered trademark of WordTech Systems Inc.
NetWare is a registered trademark of Novell.
LHarc 1.13c SFX is a copyright of Haruyasu Yoshizaki.
DMSERR and DMSOOP are copyrights of DMS.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 5:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Up and Running
_________________________________________________________________
Getting Started
Installation:
In order to install FLAG on your computer system, copy
the .EXE file(s) from drive A: to the target drive (C:
D: B: etc.)
It is advised that you place FLAG in a separate direc-
tory of its own to insure that the FLAG*.* data files
stay with the FLAG6.EXE executable file, we suggest a
directory name of 'FLAG6'.
Unpacking:
If you received a diskette containing a three .EXE
files the following instructions pertain to you.
Otherwise if you received FLAG in archived form
(i.e. FLAG.EXE, FLAG.ZIP, FLAG6rrr.EXE, where rrr
is the release number) all you need to do is ex-
tract the file into the directory where you would
like FLAG to live.
To unpack the FLAG system, after copying the dis-
tribution file(s), type the name of file(s) with
an extension of 'EXE'. You will see each file(s)
opening screen and will be prompted whether or not
to continue. If you respond by pressing the 'Y'
key, each file will un-archive itself into the
current directory. (see INSTALL.TXT (if applica-
ble) for un-archiving to different [drive]:[direc-
tory] instructions.) Depending upon distribution
method the FLAG archive may contain all of the
FLAG files in an unarchived state or it may con-
tain three separate archives. If you have recei-
ved an archive which contains the following three
files you will have one additional step in the
unpacking process.
Type:
FLAG6EXE (the executable program)
FLAG6DOC (this documentation)
FLAG6DAT (the data files FLAG needs)
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 6:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Up and Running
_________________________________________________________________
Configuration:
Environment Variables
FLAG supports three environmental variables / DOS
variables. Two of these variables are for perfor-
mance tuning. FLAG6 and F6OVM both have an impact
on how FLAG will utilize your system resources.
Each these three environment variables can be set
from the DOS prompt or via a batch file (or the
autoexec.bat file). The first controls FLAG's use
of certain system resources, explained below. The
second controls FLAG's overlay manager. The third
variable 'FLGFLT', (Release 1.9.2 and onward),
supports the setting of a filter which FLAG will
use in determining which records to check. The
general guidelines for the use of the FLGFLT DOS
environment variable are outlined below.
FLAG6
Some of you may wish to use exPanded memory for
index buffering. As mentioned previously, I have
disabled FLAG's default use of exPanded memory to
avoid possible problems with some exPanded memory
managers and/or other applications. If you would
like to use exPanded memory, place the following
statement in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, (or enter at
your system prompt).
SET FLAG6=E0000;
Replace the '0000' after the 'E' with the amount
of exPanded memory you would like FLAG to use.
Use of exPanded memory can drastically reduce
index/check time because FLAG will be able to
buffer more of the data in memory rather than
having to access the disk.
In addition, for those of you who do not have
exPanded memory, there is one other setting that
you can experiment with to achieve maximum perfor-
mance. This is the 'R' setting, the syntax for
the 'R' setting is the same as for the 'E' setting
above.
The 'R' setting will determine how much of conven-
tional memory FLAG will use for index buffering.
Depending on total system RAM available and the
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 7:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Up and Running
_________________________________________________________________
system itself, you can fine tune the speed with
which FLAG will read and check your data file.
FLAG's default setting is 45K of conventional
memory devoted to index buffers.
F6OVM
This environment variable will allow you to have
more of FLAG in memory. Depending upon how much
TPA, Total Program Area, you have available you
can have more of FLAG resident therefore allowing
for greater execution speed since FLAG will not
have to read from the disk as often. The syntax
for this variable is:
SET F6OVM=/OOxxxx
Where 'xxxx' is a number. You will usually want
to keep this number low, if it is too high there
can be a performance loss by having too much of
FLAG's overlay in memory and not leaving enough
free memory for FLAG's requirements. Setting it
to around 30-40 will improve performance in most
cases.
FLAG6/F6OVM Warning:
If you have used the previous two variables to change FLAG's
default memory usage requirements and you receive a 'Fatal
Error' message, on the top line of the display, an 'Out of
Memory' error has occurred. You need to adjust your set-
tings accordingly, lowering the parameters that require
conventional memory below the 640K mark. In most cases, the
R parameter of FLAG6 and/or the /OO parameter of F6OVM.
If you have NOT used the above parameters to re-configure
FLAG look for a file called F6_ERROR.LOG on the drive and in
the directory FLAG was working in when the error occurred.
(It will be in the directory where you installed and execut-
ed FLAG unless you changed the drive and/or directory from
the Pick a file menu.) Please send this file to me so that
I can assess the problem and find the solution.
When 'regular' program error occurs a box will pop up con-
taining a message informing you that an error has occurred
and asking you to send the F6_ERROR.* files to me. I would
greatly appreciate your cooperation in this as it is always
possible that software is released with some errors that
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 8:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Up and Running
_________________________________________________________________
only manifest themselves under certain conditions or that
just plain slipped through testing. Thank you.
FLGFLT
This is a nice feature to have and thanks go to
John V. Parker for suggesting (requesting) I pro-
vide this ability. FLGFLT's intended use is to
EXCLUDE certain records that you know you do not
want included in a check. For example, lets say
you did not want to check any records that have a
blank address. (assuming you have a table with a
field called ADDRESS in it, naturally.) You would
put the following statement in your autoexec.bat,
a batch file that calls FLAG, or type it at the
DOS prompt prior to running FLAG.
SET FLGFLT=EMPTY(ADDRESS)
FLAG will then examine records prior to checking
to determine if they meet this criteria. If the
record does, it is skipped and another is tried.
This loop will continue until a record that DOES
NOT match the expression set in FLGFLT is found or
the end of the file is reached.
FLGFLT will support most dBASE III+ expressions.
The only constraint being that the expression must
return a LOGICAL (boolean, true or false). In the
next revision of the manual, and the new release
of FLAG due out soon, hopefully, I will go into
more detail on the uses of FLGFLT. To illustrate
another example:
SET FLGFLT="1" $ address .or. empty(address)
The above would skip all records that contain a 1
in the address or have an empty address.
An empty field: empty(<field_name>)
A certain value in a field:
<field_name> == <value> Equal to
<field_name> != <value> Not Equal to
<field_name> $ <value> Contains
.AND. and .NOT. are supported for the construction
of complex expressions.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 9:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Up and Running
_________________________________________________________________
Anyway that is the general idea. If you have
questions, please, don't hesitate to write, call,
or email me and ask.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 10:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Up and Running
_________________________________________________________________
Starting:
To start FLAG, type "FLAG6", and any command line argu-
ments you require, at the DOS prompt.
Command line arguments:
FLAG will accept only three command line argum-
ents; -Fd:\path\<filename>, -N, and -A. Each
argument must be proceeded by a '-', (hyphen), and
separated by a space.
i.e.
FLAG6 -A -Fd:\path\<filename>
Instructs FLAG to use 'd:\path\<filename>' and go
into Automatic mode.
Command line argument(s) descriptions:
-F File argument.
syntax: <-F>[[d:]\path\]<filename>
desc.: The -F parameter instructs FLAG to use
<filename>. The drive (d:) and path
(\path\) designations are optional.
-N Non-Stop mode
syntax: <-N>
desc.: If the -N argument is found on the com-
mand line, FLAG will start checking the
last file processed immediately upon
startup, provided the configuration
information is accurate and in-tact.
-A Automatic mode
syntax: <-A>
desc.: The -A argument tells FLAG to, fall,
from section to section; not stopping at
the main menu, you can press [ESC] to
abort this process from any menu.
NOTE: The -A and -N arguments cannot be used
simultaneously, further, the -N argument
will not be valid if the -F argument was
used.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 11:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Up and Running
_________________________________________________________________
After typing in the appropriate command line at the DOS prompt
you will see the opening screen. If you have an UNREGISTERED
version of FLAG you will see the shareware notice and will be
required to press the 'F5' function key before further execution
is possible. FLAG's main menu, if you have not specified the -A
command line argument, will now come up.
Main menu:
FLAG's main menu consists of six choices.
Data File Selection
Field Setup Options
-------------------
Options/Setup
Start Checking
Return to DOS
Navigation:
Highlight your selection with the cursor keys and press
[ENTER] to confirm your choice. Alternately, you can press
the first letter of your desired choice to make the selec-
tion. Select 'Return to DOS' and press [ENTER], press 'R',
or press [ESC] to abort and return to the operating system.
Description(s):
Data File Selection:
In this section you will be able to select a file to
check; from a list of the files in the current directo-
ry; type in a filename; specify a new filespec to use
in the pick window; type in the name of a file to
check; change directories; or change drives.
Field Selection:
This section is where you will specify which fields in
the selected file you would like to use in the checking
process. Where to start checking, and the number of
checks to preform on each of the selected fields.
Included here, for ease of use, is the ability to mark
fields for printing while selecting check fields.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 12:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Up and Running
_________________________________________________________________
Options / Setup:
Toggle FLAG's options for checking; set the duplication
level(s); choose which field(s), if any, to include in
the report(s); set display of statistics; etc.
Start Checking:
Start the check process on the currently selected file
with the current setup.
Quit to DOS:
Leave FLAG and return to your normal operating environ-
ment (DOS).
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 13:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 File Selection
_________________________________________________________________
Section Title: Data File Selection
Description:
In the Data File Selection Menu you will select a file to
check, there are six options in this section:
Pick a file
Type in name
New File Spec
Drive / Directory
Quit/Return
Navigation:
Highlight your selection with the cursor keys and press
[ENTER] to confirm your choice. Alternately, you can press
the first letter of your desired choice to make the selec-
tion. Select 'Quit/Return' and press [ENTER], press 'Q', or
press [ESC] to abort.
Menu item descriptions:
Pick a file
Display a list of files in the current directory, that
match the filespec in the current configuration, and
choose one to check. The display is organized by files
first, followed by directories, and then drives. You
can move around all of your disks and directories while
selecting a file to check. (Changing drive/directory
will not change the actual logged drive/directory from
where you started FLAG. You will have to use the Drive
/ Directory option to change the physical drive and/or
directory.)
Highlight your selection with the cursor keys and press
[ENTER] to confirm your choice. Alternately, you can
press the first letter of your desired choice to make
the selection. Press [ESC] to abort.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 14:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 File Selection
_________________________________________________________________
Type in name
Type the name of a file you would like to check. Any
legal DOS filename is acceptable. If the file is not
in the current directory then you must include the
drive and directory designations. The file extension
is optional. FLAG will assume an extension of ".DBF"
and append it to the end of any filename given without
an extension.
NOTE: If you would like to check a file that does
not have an extension you must include a
period ('.') following the file's name. So
that FLAG will not automatically append ".-
DBF" to the end of the filename.
Type in filename and press [ENTER] to confirm. Press [ESC]
to abort.
New File Spec
Change the current filespec in the configuration file.
This file specification is used in determining which
files you see when you select the 'Pick a file' option
from the 'Data File Selection' menu.
Type in any valid DOS filespec and press [ENTER] to
confirm. Press [ESC] to abort.
Drive / Directory
Change the current Drive/Directory by choosing from a
list of the Drives/Directories available. This option
is used to change the drive/directory to where you
would like FLAG to place its scratch files, index,
report, etc. Think of this option as changing the
default drive/directory, as the Pick a File option will
return you to the drive and directory from where you
invoked it after you select a file or abort.
Highlight the directory you wish to change to and press
[F10] to confirm. Press [ENTER] to see a list of the
subdirectories below the highlighted directory. Press
[ESC] to abort.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 15:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 File Selection
_________________________________________________________________
Quit
Return to the main menu......
NOTE: FLAG will check the file picked, or typed, to determine
if it is dBASE III+ compatible or not. If the file is
NOT dBASE III+ compatible, or can NOT be USEd, you will
be notified.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 16:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Field Selection
_________________________________________________________________
Section title: Field Selection
Description:
Here you will be able to mark all of the fields you wish to use
in the check process. You will set your starting and check
lengths and, optionally, mark fields to be included in your
report. You can mark from one to all of the fields in the table.
NOTE: All fields with a length of ZERO or of type Memo
will NOT be presented for selection. In addition there
are a few conditions pertaining to the amount of fields
you can check.
One, the overall length of all of the combined field
lengths must be less than (or at least close to) 200
characters (but MUST be less than 250).
Two, the index expression cannot exceed 256 characters.
This will only become a problem if you want to check
lots and lots of fields or you are checking lots of
fields of type other than character.
A running tally of this information is presented on the top
line of the screen. Keep an eye on the numbers displayed
here and keep in mind that the higher these numbers are the
longer it will take FLAG to build the index.
Navigation:
Highlight your selection with the cursor keys, or press the
first letter of your desired choice, and press [CTRL-ENTER]
to mark the field for checking. Press [ALT-P] to mark a
field for printing. Press [ENTER] to edit the starting,
check length, and print options. Press [F10] to confirm ALL
of your choices. Press [ESC] to abort.
Instructions:
Whenever you mark a field FLAG will place a check mark in
the 'Check Field?' column in the selection window, so you
know that field is selected. In addition, FLAG will also
assign a default starting position and check length. The
last line of the screen is a short, one line, help and
message line.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 17:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Field Selection
_________________________________________________________________
Above the last line is the statistics box. Contained within
this box are statistics on how many fields are available to
be checked, how many are selected, fields selected to be in-
cluded in the report, report width, and total number of
checks.
On the right side of the screen is the Instruction box, it
contains brief instructions on the navigation of the field
section.
NOTE: Deselecting fields:
Position the highlight over a selected field name and
press [CTRL-ENTER]. The check mark will be removed from
the 'Check Field?' column. Don't worry about the
settings in the other columns, they will be ignored by
FLAG if the field is not marked. With the exception of
the Print Field column. This will be used to determine
what fields to display in the Verify Mark box if that
option is turned on.
NOTE: Accepting your choices:
After you have selected all of the fields that you wish
to check and pressed [F10] to confirm your selections.
FLAG will automatically make an estimate of how much
disk space is needed, to build the required index file,
and compare that to what is available. If there is not
enough disk space you will be notified and returned to
the main menu.
What you will need to do now is either
quit or select 'Data File Selection'
from the main menu. When you are in the
'Data File Selection' section select the
'Drive / Directory' option. After you
have changed to a different drive, se-
lect the 'Field Selection' option again,
verify that the fields you want to check
are marked and then press [F10].
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 18:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Options Section
_________________________________________________________________
Section title: Options / Setup
Description:
This section allows you to customize the check process to suit
your needs. By means of a series of toggles, prompts, and multi-
ple choice options.
Navigation:
Highlight your selection with the cursor keys, or press the
first letter of your desired option, and press [ENTER] to
select/toggle your choice. Press [F10] to confirm ALL of
your selections. Press [ESC] to abort.
Instructions:
In most cases all you will need to do is highlight the op-
tion and press [ENTER] to toggle between ON and OFF sett-
ings. There are two other options that are NOT toggles
though, for these you will need to input information or make
selections.
Set HI and LO duplication levels:
When this option is selected you will be prompted for
duplication settings for Exact, Probable, and Possible
levels. In addition, you can tell FLAG whether or not
to include each of these levels in any reports being
generated. (see option description for more details)
Pick fields to use in report(s).
When you select this option you will be presented with
the same list of fields that you saw in the 'Field
Selection' section of the main menu. You may pick as
many fields as you would like, just make sure you have
wide enough paper. (see option description for more
details) NOTE: This option has the same functionality
as the Print Field column in the Field Selection Sec-
tion.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 19:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Options Section
_________________________________________________________________
Sample layout of Option Descriptions:
Option number <default setting>
----------------------------------------
Name of Option
ON -- Action if parameter is on
OFF-- Action if parameter is off
A longer explanation and/or an example.
----------------------------------------
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 20:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Options Section
_________________________________________________________________
1 <OFF>
----------------------------------------
Ignore Character Case
ON -- The case, upper or lower, of a character IS ignored
OFF-- The case of a character IS NOT ignored
If you turn this parameter ON then all letters will be trea-
ted equally. Meaning, as one case, not as mixed case where
an upper case 'J' is not the same as a lower case 'j'. This
is good for names, addresses, etc. that do not require case
sensitivity for uniqueness.
i.e.
data in the table looks like:
field1 field2
record1 J JOnes 1122 ANy St
record2 J Jones 1122 Any St
With Option ON:
record1 J JONES 1122 ANY ST
record2 J JONES 1122 ANY ST
----------------------------------------
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 21:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Options Section
_________________________________________________________________
2 <OFF>
----------------------------------------
Ignore ALL spaces when checking
ON -- Matching spaces ARE NOT counted
OFF-- Matching spaces ARE counted
Normally FLAG will count spaces as matches if they occur, in
the same place, in the same field, in both records. You can
override this by turning this option ON. Telling FLAG that
spaces are not important and not to count them.
FLAG will then extract all of the spaces from the field(s)
as they are to be checked. FLAG will try to extract a val-
id, no spaces, string that is equal to the number of checks
specified. The extraction will continue until either the
correct number of characters are found, or the end of the
field is reached. If FLAG searched until the end of the
field, the remaining unfilled character places will be re-
placed with a special character. When FLAG reaches this
special character during the check of the field it will
terminate that particular check and go on to the next.
i.e. (start checking at character 1, with a length of 5)
data in table looks like FLAG sees this
field1 field2 field1 field2
record1 J Jones 1122Any St J Jon 1122A
record2 JJones 1122 Any St JJone 1122
||||| |||||
With Option ON: 12345 12345
||||| |||||
record1 J Jones 1122Any St JJone 1122A
record2 JJones 1122 Any St JJone 1122A
NOTE: Keep in mind that FLAG does this extraction dynamical-
ly, meaning for _every_ field to be checked in _every_
record. While this does yield a substantially improved
check it will in turn reduce the speed of the check.
----------------------------------------
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 22:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Options Section
_________________________________________________________________
3 <ON>
________________________________________
Ignore ALL punctuation characters while checking
ON -- Punctuation characters IS NOT counted
OFF-- Punctuation characters ARE counted
Normally FLAG will count punctuation characters as unique.
Punctuation is one place where mistakes are most common.
This along with different abbreviation practices can lead to
data that will not show up as being an even close match yet
it is. FLAG now has the option of ignoring punctuation
characters. Turning this option ON will instruct FLAG to
take out any punctuation it finds and not include it in the
check.
FLAG will then extract all of the punctuation characters
from the field(s) as they are to be checked. FLAG will try
to extract a valid, no punctuation, string that is equal to
the number of checks specified. The extraction will contin-
ue until either the correct number of characters are found,
or the end of the field is reached. If FLAG searched until
the end of the field, the remaining unfilled character
places will be replaced with a special character. When FLAG
reaches this special character during the check of the field
it will terminate that particular check and go on to the
next. (This may sometimes cause 'strange' behavior with
regard to what will then be considered a duplicate. This is
caused by FLAG not having enough characters to check, and
not being able to check these special characters we have
determined are to be stripped out. This behavior is even
more evident when spaces are ignored. I am currently working
on a new approach that will alleviate this problem)
Example:
Field contents FLAG will see
122 W. 5th St. 122 W 5th St
122 W 5th St 122 W 5th St
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 23:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Options Section
_________________________________________________________________
4 <OFF>
----------------------------------------
Write report to a file
ON -- Write all duplicates found to a file
OFF-- DO NOT write all duplicates found to a file
You supply the name of the file to create, up to 225 charac-
ters with drive and path designation. There are a few thi-
ngs to consider when choosing this option:
One, you will need to make sure there is enough room on
the disk to create the file. I cannot estimate how
large the file will be ahead of time due to the fact
that FLAG may find no duplicates or it may find hun-
dreds.
Two, this is mostly for the multi-user environment, you
will need to make sure you have CREATE and WRITE rights
in the directory where you would like to create the
file.
----------------------------------------
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 24:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Options Section
_________________________________________________________________
5 <ON>
----------------------------------------
Print report to printer
ON -- The doubles found WILL be sent to the printer
OFF-- The doubles found WILL NOT be sent to the printer
With this parameter ON any duplicates that are found, and
whose level has been turned ON for printing, will be sent to
the printer.
FLAG will also include some statistics with each record,
(record numbers; whether it was an exact, a probable, or a
possible duplicate; how many matches [how many of the checks
you designated were hit]). FLAG will also place the time
and date at the top of each page along with the name of the
file being checked, the field(s) checked, and headers for
the column(s). At the bottom will be the total number of
checks being done and counts of exact, probable, possible,
total duplicates found.
The 'printer' here is LPT1, or the default PARALLEL port on
your computer. If you have a printer hooked up to a serial
port you will need to use the DOS MODE command to redirect
LPT1 to COMx (where x is the number of the serial port you
have your printer hooked up to).
The miscellaneous information on the report will follow this
template:
File name:
Field names:
Date: Time: Page #
===========================================================
DL/H | Record # | Field heading(s)...
===========================================================
Prob 99999999
9999 99999999
DL = Duplication Level:
EXCT = Exact
Prob = Probable
Poss = Possible
H = Number of hits on this comparison
----------------------------------------
6 <ON>
----------------------------------------
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 25:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Options Section
_________________________________________________________________
Print Statistics to printer
Print the statistics of the check to the printer. This
option will print the end of check statistics to the same
printer as the report, if the report option was enabled.
These statistics include:
The name of the file checked
The time and date checked
The fields with number of checks done on each field
The total amount of checks
The number of records to check
The number of records checked
A detail of how much of each duplicate level was detected by
FLAG, and how many, if any, records were marked.
----------------------------------------
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 26:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Options Section
_________________________________________________________________
7 <OFF>
----------------------------------------
Print with Graphics characters
This option enables FLAG to use the extended ASCII graphics
characters in its printouts. Some printers do not support
these extended characters and will print odd replacement
characters.
If you see a double lined box below, then your printer sup-
ports the extended ASCII character set and you can turn this
option ON if you wish to. If not, then you should leave this
option OFF for proper printouts.
╔════╗
║ ║
╚════╝
----------------------------------------
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 27:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Options Section
_________________________________________________________________
8 <OFF>
----------------------------------------
Mark EXACT duplicates during check <OFF>
ON -- Mare EXACT duplicates for deletion
OFF-- DO NOT mark EXACT duplicates found
If you turn this option ON then records that are found to be
EXACT AND ONLY EXACT, meaning every check on every field
selected was a hit, will be marked.
As they would be in dBASE III+ if you BROWSED a file and
pressed [CTRL-U]. This DOES NOT mean the record is physi-
cally DELETED, it is only marked for deletion in the same
manner that dBASE marks a record for deletion. You would
still have to go into dBASE, USE the file and PACK the file
in order to literally DELETE the marked records. You can
also retrieve, UNMARK, all of the marked records by, again,
starting dBASE, USEing the file, and issuing the command
RECALL ALL from the dot prompt.
----------------------------------------
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 28:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Options Section
_________________________________________________________________
9 <OFF>
----------------------------------------
Verify Before Mark
Verification before marking is only relevant if you have turned
Marking of duplicates ON. When both options have been selected,
turned ON, you will be presented with the actual data of the two
records being compared and will be given a choice of deleting
either of the two records or neither.
The field(s) that will be displayed can be selected in two ways.
FLAG will, by default, display the field(s) being checked. But,
if you designate more fields to be printed than you are checking
FLAG will then use those fields. You do not need to be generat-
ing a report in order to select fields to print. The Print Field
switch will be ignored if a report, to printer or file, is not
being generated.
When an exact duplicate is found FLAG will display the two
records on the screen in a box. The interior boxes will be
labeled with the record numbers the data represents. Within the
interior boxes will be displayed the fields, selected to be
checked or selected to be printed, for your perusal. In between
the two interior boxes is a menu. Delete Orig., Delete Dupe. and
Delete None. Delete Orig. applies to the TOP box, and Delete
Dupe applies to the BOTTOM box. Selecting one of these two
options will Mark the designated record.
If there is more data in any given field than can fit in the box
you can scroll, horizontally and vertically, by using the cursor
control, arrow, keys. Pressing [SHIFT-TAB] will move you from
one record box to the other record box. Pressing the [TAB] key
will scroll the menu. To make your selection you can use the
[TAB] key to highlight the appropriate choice or you can press
the highlighted hot key of that menu choice.
----------------------------------------
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 29:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Options Section
_________________________________________________________________
10 <Multiple choice>
----------------------------------------
Set HI and LO duplicate levels
This option will present you with a list of the different dupli-
cate levels that FLAG supports. You will be able to indicate to
FLAG how many hits need to be made during the check, on each
record in order to qualify as one of these duplicate levels. In
addition you will be able to tell FLAG which, if any, duplicate
levels to include in any report(s). Placing a 'N' in the print
field will tell FLAG NOT to include any records found that match
this level of duplication.
Each level of duplication has a HI and LO setting, except for
EXACT which only has a low (the exact HI setting is always the
total number of checks being done).
Designating levels:
EXACT LO -- This number must be less than or equal
to the total number of checks being
made, and greater than the Probable HI
setting.
Probable HI -- This setting must be less than the EXACT
LO setting, and greater than or equal to
the Probable LO setting.
Probable LO -- This setting must be less than or equal
to the Probable HI setting, and greater
than the Possible HI setting.
Possible HI -- This setting must be less than the Prob-
able LO setting, and greater than or
equal to the Possible LO setting.
Possible LO -- This setting must be greater than ZERO,
and less than or equal to the Possible
HI setting.
All of the settings are dynamically updated by means of cascad-
ing. So, if you change the EXACT LO setting to be lower than the
Probable HI setting then all other settings will be changed, as
needed, to conform the above conditions.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 30:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Options Section
_________________________________________________________________
***** I M P O R T A N T *****
If you do not set the Print (Y/N) option ON for each of the
separate duplication levels and have selected to generate a
report, a blank report will be generated. You need to tell FLAG
which of the levels to include in reports. The default is to
include ALL levels.
----------------------------------------
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 31:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Options Section
_________________________________________________________________
11 <Multiple choice>
----------------------------------------
Pick fields to use in report(s)
Selecting this option will pop up a list of the fields in the
file you selected to check. You will then be able to select
which field(s) to include in the report(s). By positioning the
highlight bar with the cursor keys, or pressing the first letter
of the field name, and then pressing [ENTER] you will select that
field to be included in any report. After you are finished press
[F10] to confirm ALL of your selections and return to the options
menu. Pressing [ESC] will abort back to the options menu.
FLAG will calculate the amount of space needed to print the
report for you and display it on the left side of the screen.
This 'Page Width' number is how many spaces you will need in
order to print the requested field(s).
FLAG reserves the first 23 character spaces for:
left margin: 5.
level/hits: 7.
record #: 11.
Total: 23. spaces
NOTE: This option has the same functionality as the Print Field
column in the Field Selection section.
----------------------------------------
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 32:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Options Section
_________________________________________________________________
12 <F>
----------------------------------------
Check Type
The check type instructs FLAG to use one of three different
methods for checking.
The Full option will run as you are used to using the full
configuration to determine if two records are duplicates <exact,
probable, or possible>.
The Partial option will only use the check start and stop option
for checking. The switches for case, punctuation, and spaces
will be ignored during the check.
Quick checking will ignore all of the options for check starting
positions, check lengths, ignorance of case, punctuation, and
space.
The Full check is the most thorough of the three obviously
because it is the most detailed. It is also the slowest. A
partial check will result is a somewhat increased speed during
the check but the accuracy of duplication identification will
decrease. The Quick check can cut time in as much as half as
compared to a Full check. The drawback of this speed gain is
lost in the fact that a Quick check can find neither Probable or
Possible duplicates.
A Quick check will only identify EXACT duplicates, truly EXACT
duplicates based upon the field(s) you have selected. A Full
check, although more thorough, can come up with Exacts that are
not Exact. The reason being that the records are exact to the
Full check, at least the data checked is exact. The amount of
data being checked, start and length of check, will have a
bearing on what a Full and Partial check will return. In a Quick
check length is never a consideration -- the entire field is
compared.
Testing of the three types is the best method of determining
which type will provide the best results for your particular
situation.
----------------------------------------
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 33:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Appendix A
_________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX A -- Hints
Picking Data Files
Any table being checked must be dBASE III+ compatible.
FLAG will not check a data file with less than 10 records in it,
that sized table should not need automated checking.
Be sure the data file is up to date, that any additions have
already been made to it, and so on. There is little use in
running a thorough check of a file, update it, and run the check
again.
Picking fields
Try to pick a combination of fields that will present FLAG with
the fullest possible picture of your data, without being exclu-
sively unique or redundant.
Any 'generated' primary key, by primary key I mean what you
uniquely identify each record with (i.e. an id number, part
number, series of letters, etc.), is not a good idea, but if the
primary key is manually entered, or is composed of the raw data
being entered then it is a prime candidate for FLAG to check.
Remember not to go overboard on uniqueness either. If what you
decide to check is overly unique FLAG will find few, if any,
duplicates.
The goal is to select the right amount of fields, and data in the
fields, to present FLAG as complete a picture of what your ta-
ble's theme, entity, without over burdening FLAG with too many
checks to process.
For instance:
If your table is based upon the entity Customer, then the
name and street address are pretty good choices to check.
Why? Well, the last name is definitely NOT unique in most
cases. While the combination of first+last names is slightly
more unique it still provides too wide a margin for error.
But, with the addition of the street address, the key com-
posed of first name, last name, and street you get a pretty
fair representation of what the whole table is about.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 34:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Appendix A
_________________________________________________________________
What is needed is a good combination of fields that will give
FLAG a good representation of the data in the table through a
carefully selected sample. The fields chosen should be as unique
as possible. Meaning, fields like zip codes, states, and some-
times city will not be unique enough to generate an accurate
duplication estimate. Fields like names, streets, phone numbers,
etc. will produce the best results. These fields will provide
FLAG with a key that gives a very good representation of the
information contained within the record and yet the key is not so
unique as to not generate any duplicates.
Number of checks to do
This is really pretty much based upon the amount of repetition in
each of the fields you choose to check. With fields such as
names or streets you would want to make the number of checks
large enough to get past the part of the field that is likely to
be similar in a large percentage of records.
With version 6 you can now start checking deeper within the
fields so the check length can remain smaller. With a field like
street address. For example, there are likely to be many records
with the first portion of the address, the digits, that will be
exact or very similar. So, to circumvent this, you would want to
designate a large enough check start value to get past the first
part of the address, the number, and get into the street name. A
portion of the street number combined with a portion of the
street name would give an optimal check of a field such as ad-
dress.
But in fields like city the first three or four characters will
generally be sufficiently unique. (This, of course, will depend
upon the range or your address list. If all of your addresses
are in one state then the cities in that state have a high like-
lihood of being redundant and would therefore not be a good
choice to include in the check.)
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 35:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Appendix B
_________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX B -- History
Revision History by Version
Version 6
R.1.14.6
- Stop-n-Ask will display the field name to the left of
the field data.
- Fixed problem with selection of Delete Orig from Stop-
n-Ask.
- Fixed out of memory error problem that only evidenced
itself when TPA was around or less than 425K and check-
ing a file on a different drive.
- Added control of FLAG's internal overlay manager for
performance and memory usage tuning.
R.1.14.0
- Different types of checks. Full/Partial/Quick.
- Stop-n-Ask type marking. When an exact duplicate is
found FLAG will stop and display the information in
those records and inquire whether or not to mark it.
R.1.10.0
- Changed file selection options. Added navigation to
file pick window. Will now navigate across directories
and drives while picking files.
- Changed field selection section. Combined Number of
checks and Field selection into one display. Added
selection of fields to include in reports same display.
- Eliminated display of statistics option. Statistics
are always displayed now. Condensed statistics dis-
played.
- Timer and percent complete added to indexing.
- Percent complete changed to numerical representation
rather than bar in check section.
- Timers include hundredths of seconds. (Mostly because
during some testing I wasn't registering times.)
- Status of FLGFLT, if implemented, is displayed during
check. (Looking/Checking)
R.1.9.2
- Implemented ignore punctuation option. I was saving
this for the new release but figured what the heck.
- Worked on the checking a little more and have fixed
something that some of you may have run into. A prob-
lem where you knew there were mixed case characters and
they were not showing up in the check even with ignore
case on. Well, that won't happen anymore.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 36:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Appendix B
_________________________________________________________________
- Finally implemented the environment variable support
that I intended to do awhile back. The new environment
variable "FLGFLT" supports record filtering expres-
sions.
R.1.8.1
- Revs 1.x.x - 1.8.1 were minor changes that I have made
along the line. None of which are worth mentioning.
Most have to do with the an upcoming new release of
FLAG and new versions of the compilers I use in FLAG's
development.
- Minor fixes to certain internals in the checking sec-
tion, re-engineered the string handling for ignoring
spaces and case.
- FLAG was not saving configurations correctly.
- Amount of area printed on each page has been condensed
so that printers set up to print 60 lpp will not print
a blank page for every full one.
- FLAG now knows exactly (within reason, standard errors)
what is wrong with your printer. (i.e. offline, not
selected, out of paper, not on, etc.)
R.1.0.1
- Corrected FLAG's inability to accept and use the drive
correction if the data files were not in the current
directory.
- Added ability to print or pause to view the statistics
shown on the screen at the end of a check.
- Fixed problem while marking duplicates found, when the
mark duplicate option was toggled ON.
- Rewrote ignore space and check routines in C, this
makes these two specific routines much faster.
R.1.0.0
- Added configuration and history files.
- Will now ignore ALL spaces not just matching ones.
- Fields for report can now be picked.
- Redesigned menus.
- Enabled [ESC] to abort from all menus and data entry
prompts.
- Added command line arguments.
- Settings for duplication levels added.
- Report toggles for duplication levels.
- Broke report into two separate pieces so a check can be
run and ONLY statistics get printed (good for writing a
report to a file and just printing statistics at the
end).
Version 5
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 37:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Appendix B
_________________________________________________________________
R.0.3.0
- Condensed/Optimize checking procedure
- FLAG no longer has problems with ExPanded memory
- Opening screen delays eliminated
R.0.2.8
- Fixed internal problem with network compatibility.
- FLAG was not recognizing that it had USEd a table, it
now does what it should.
- Added graphic/non-graphic character printing option.
R.0.2.0
- Added watch for index key and expression lengths.
- Fixed problem with numeric field conversions in the
index expression during indexing and checking.
- Added abort back to main menu from the field selection
and number of checks section with left and right cursor
movement keys.
- Added recognition of a 'table in use by another user'
for networks.
R.0.1.3
- Statistics added to the end of text file.
- Allowed ESCape to abort back to main menu from certain
menus.
R.0.1.0
- Fixed a problem that occurred when there were less than
three fields selected for checking.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 38:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Appendix C
_________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX C
Technical Support / Author
Any and all comments are welcome. I can be reached in any of the
following ways:
US Mail:
Matthew G. Maier
19019 Capehart Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
Telephone: (301)869-1879
Hours - Weekday: 8:00 am EST/EDT - 9:00 pm EST/EDT
(Leave a message with a phone number
where you can be reached after 9:00 pm
EST/EDT or during the day.)
Hours - Weekend: 11:00 am EST/EDT - 10:30 pm EST/EDT
(Generally, I am in and out all weekend
long, so leave a message if I am not in
at the time.)
Email
If at all possible please use Email, it is considerably
easier to communicate via Electronic Mail. It is both
faster, and more easily controlled. Thank you for your
cooperation.
CompuServe: 76370,743
75140,1627
GEnie: M.MAIER1
M.MAIER
In the DBMS RoundTable (page 485)
If one of the above IDs does not generate a response please
try one of the others. I try to check my mail in all of the
accounts each day but you know how things can get at times
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 39:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Appendix C
_________________________________________________________________
BBS:
I can be reached via InterLink in the Clipper conference.
IDBUG BBS in the public section (long distance, so I do not
check in very often.) Several local BBSs around the Mary-
land, D.C., and Virginia area.
Generally, calling my house will get the best results. After that
it is a toss-up between CompuServe and GEnie. So have faith, I
will respond to ALL email, phone calls, letters, etc.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 40:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Appendix D
_________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX D -- Quick Reference
Remember: [ESC] to ABORT
File Selection:
Pick a file: Pick from a list of files in the current
directory. Press [ENTER] to select.
Type in name: Enter any valid DOS filename.
Change File Spec: Enter a valid DOS filespec.
Drive / Directory: Pick from drives/directories available.
Press [ENTER] to view subdirectories of
the highlighted directory. Press [F10]
when finished.
Quit: Return to the Main Menu.
Field Selection:
Select/Deselect: Choose from list of fields in current
file. [CTRL-ENTER] to select/deselect,
[ENTER] to edit settings, and [F10] when
finished.
Changing checks: Select field from list, press [ENTER] to
edit check start, length and print.
Check Start: Where in the field to start checking.
Enter a value greater than 1 and less
than the total field length minus the
amount of checks to do.
Check Length: How much of field to check. Enter a
value greater than 1 and less than the
total field length minus the check
start.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 41:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Appendix D
_________________________________________________________________
Options / Setup Section:
Toggle/Select: Highlight option press [ENTER] to tog-
gle. Press [F10] when finished.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 42:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 ASP
_________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX E -- ASP - Ombudsman
The Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP) -- Ombudsman
This program is produced by a member of the Association of Share-
ware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the share-
ware 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 P.O. Box 5786, Bellevue, WA 98006
or send a CompuServe message via easyplex to ASP Ombudsman
70007,3536.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 43:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Registration
_________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX F -- Registration
Name: _______________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
City: _______________________________________________________
St/Prov: ______________________________ Zip: ______________
Country if not United States: __________________________________
Phone: ______________________________ Date: ______________
Email: CompuServe____________________ GEnie________________
============================================================
Qty. Product description Price Total
____________________________________________________________
| FLAG Db DoubleCheck V6.1.14.6 | $22.95 |
____________________________________________________________
Shipping and Handling| $ 2.50
MD state residents add 5% state tax|
____________________________________________________________
Total enclosed|
============================================================
ALL order(s) must be accompanied by payment; no purchase order(s)
accepted; all monies in U.S. funds; check(s) drawn on U.S. banks,
or USPS certified money order(s).
Please make payment(s) payable to: Matthew G. Maier
Remit registration(s), accompanied with payment(s), to:
Matthew G. Maier
19019 Capehart Drive
Gaithersburg MD 20879
Comments:
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 44:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Registration
_________________________________________________________________
Pricing, Site License, and discount rate chart (per registration)
1 - 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 22.95 ea.
11 - 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17.95
21 - 35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.95
36 - 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.95
101 - 500+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.95
Site License . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1500.00
All orders include $ 2.50 Shipping/handling per order.
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 45:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6 Thank you!
_________________________________________________________________
Thank You!
for trying
FLAG Db DoubleCheck Version 6
_________________________________________________________________
Rev: 30.09.90 Page: 46:45
Copyright 1988 Matthew G. Maier.
All Rights Reserved.