Contents

The following Help Topics are available:

Welcome To ComponentSource

About ComponentSource

How To Register

Using the CD

Overview

The Main Screen

The Shopping List

Contact ComponentSource at:-

ComponentSource

Reada Court

27-37 Vachel Road

Reading

Berkshire

RG1 1NY

United Kingdom

Email: 101320.2624@compuserve.com

Web Site:http://www.componentsource.co.uk

Or call us on +44 (0) 118 958 1111.

Or fax us on +44 (0) 118 9589999


Welcome to ComponentSource

Try Instantly - Buy Instantly - Use Instantly

Welcome to this issue of the ComponentSource CD.  Packed into this CD are the very best software components and companion products for the serious software developer.

Create your applications faster by downloading the full retail version of each component or product direct from the CD.  No shipping costs, no time delays, just guaranteed delivery, every time!

Use the ComponentSource menu options to select your components or products, browse through product literature and technical descriptions at your leisure. See working demonstrations, then just double click the purchase option to add to your own shopping list.

Competitive Prices - Guaranteed

Once you have reviewed and selected the products you would like, simply call our sales hotline on +44 (0) 118 958 1111, and we will give you an authorisation code that will allow you to download the complete working product straight from the CD.  Each product you select has a price guide to help you.  For the latest available prices call our sales hotline.  ComponentSource guarantees to provide competitive prices to all members. International callers welcome on +44 (0) 118 958 1111.

Dont forget to register now to ensure you get the next Issue of the ComponentSource CD.  You can register today using this CD. (See How To Register for  more information.)

Thank you for using ComponentSource.


About ComponentSource

The Definitive Source of Software Components

ComponentSource is the first company to offer software developers INSTANT access to a huge range of leading components and companion products.  Available on CD and updated regularly, all the products we sell are backed by professional support, and for members, we guarantee competitive prices. Register today and Build Better Applications - Faster!

Build Better Applications - FASTER

Access to over 300 of the latest Components with every issue

Instant access to full retail versions of every product

TRY instantly, BUY instantly, USE instantly - No time delays

Full product demonstrations

30 days FREE support on each product purchased

No software shipping, delivery or connection charges

Low prices - guaranteed

Guaranteed immediate delivery

Product search service - if it exists we will find it for you

A regular newsletter filled with news and reviews

Additional professional support available

A Cut Above the Rest

Users to the ComponentSource CD can rapidly view and select available components by various criteria.  For example, by application category, alphabetical order or by component vendor.  More importantly, the ComponentSource CD allows developers to first, read full product descriptions, see working demonstrations, then when satisfied buy components there and then, straight from the CD.

Register Today

See How To Register   to this CD for more details.

To learn more about ComponentSource see The Foundation of ComponentSource


The Foundation of ComponentSource

ComponentSource was founded in October 1995 by a core team of professionals with over one hundred man years combined experience in vertical market software application development. The business aim is to become the definitive source of software components for corporate IT developers, software houses and contract software professionals.

With the future of client/server development set to become revolutionised by the rapid growth of distributed object and component technology, ComponentSource has established a unique method for delivering these building blocks using CD technology.

It is estimated that by 1997 most new software will be developed using components. (Source Strategic Focus). Primarily, the driving force behind this movement is the benefit that component technology brings. Namely, the ability to put together complex client server information systems by quickly and simply assembling and extending components. In other words, re-using proven software and not re-inventing the wheel when developing new applications.

In short, the whole revolution is set to make us change the way we develop, build and sell software, and will affect the entire software business: developers, integrators and customers alike.

This technology is not new, but now for the first time the necessary infrastructures and standards such as OLE exist for components to become true building blocks, and are increasingly independent of hardware platform or operating system.

Commercially, the problems for the component market up until  now  have revolved round cost, distribution and support. ComponentSource believes it is the first in the market to properly address these issues, and its products will be a major force in stimulating the inevitable boom in demand for components.

For small and medium size developers the use of components means reduced development costs and the ability to integrate seamlessly with applications developed by other suppliers. For large developers using components complex applications can be delivered in record time, with a large proportion of software coming from off the shelf, already tested and proven components. Components will also allow developers to provide market specific applications, (e.g. Microsoft Word for legal companies), offering only the functionality needed with useful and relevant add-ons provided.

With this market opportunity in mind, and with first hand experience of the frustrations involved in obtaining software components, ComponentSource was born. Initially the business will focus on establishing itself as The supplier of software components to the software industry, offering a superior level of product choice, information, education, accessibility and support, all being made available on currently the most convenient and robust media, CD-ROM.


How To Register

Guarantee yourself a priority copy of each issue of the ComponentSource CD. Register with ComponentSource and be amongst the first to try out the latest software components, add-ons and companion products.

There are many benefits to joining the growing band of software professionals that rely upon the ComponentSource CD to keep them one step ahead of  the market place. These include:

Access to over 300 of the latest Components with every issue

Instant access to full retail versions of every product

TRY instantly, BUY instantly, USE instantly - No time delays

Full product demonstrations

30 days FREE support on each product purchased

No software shipping, delivery or connection charges

Low prices - guaranteed

Guaranteed immediate delivery

Product search service - if it exists we will find it for you

A regular newsletter filled with news and reviews

Additional professional support available

If you want to register instantly - call us now on +44 (0) 118 958 1111

Or fax us on +44 (0) 118 958 9999

Or write to:-

ComponentSource

Reada Court

27-37 Vachel Road

Reading

Berkshire

RG1 1NY

United Kingdom

Email: 101320.2624@compuserve.com

Web Site:http://www.componentsource.co.uk


Overview of Using the CD
Using this CD - Overview

Overview

ComponentSource enables developers to rapidly view, select and instantly buy a large range of software components and companion products.  It has been designed for professionals who need to be continually updated on the latest available products, see working demonstrations, get products quickly and who demand the lowest available prices.

Working with the ComponentSource CD

Each CD is packed with products and is updated on a regular basis. Full working versions of each product are on the CD and available instantly by telephoning the ComponentSource Sales office on:

+44 (0) 118 958 1111

Selecting and buying Products

From the main ComponentSource window, use the outline view in the left pane to select a product, (this can be done, for example, by vendor or by type of component or product), then, from the centre right pane double-click one of the available icons to either view product information, or see a working product demonstration.

The browser lists all of the products which are available from ComponentSource. If you request a product which is not on the current CD then you will be prompted to insert a CD which does contain that product. If you do not have it, please phone ComponentSource on +44 (0) 118 958 1111 and a copy will be sent directly.

In the bottom right pane the price for the selected product is simultaneously displayed. Double-click on the price, to add the product to your shopping list, ready for purchase. (Call our sales office for the latest available price).

Note: 	Items can only be purchased if the software licence terms and conditions are agreed.

Once you have finished selecting products, choose Shopping List from the drop down menu and select the Show option. A list of selected products is now revealed giving details of the products ordered so far. A total price is displayed in the bottom right hand corner.  To buy selected components, click on the Buy Now button in the bottom left of the window. A further drop down window is then displayed, follow steps 1-5 and click on the Authorise button. Having called the ComponentSource sales office, follow the verbal instructions issued by the sales representative to complete the purchase.


The Main Screen
The CD Main Screen

Move the mouse to an area on the screen that you would like help on. When the pointer turns into a hand, click for more information.


Outline Pane

This pane which occupies the whole left side of the screen, gives a structural view of the products available from ComponentSource.

The outline always has three possible indent levels :-

•	The top level represents the complete set of products available from ComponentSource. This is the root of the outline.

•	The items in the centre level represent groups of components or tools which have been logically collected together to simplify the task of finding suitable products. The type of grouping in effect may be changed by selecting the Sort facility from the Options menu.

•	The third level represents individual products which may be purchased from ComponentSource.

The indent level of the item currently selected in the outline affects the contents of  the three panes on the right hand side of the screen.

•	The top right pane displays a description of the item selected in the outline pane, whether the item is an issue of the CD, a product grouping or a product.

•	The centre pane will display a list of items at the indent level below the one selected in the outline pane.

•	The lower right pane displays buying options and prices whenever the selected item in the outline is a product.

The outline functions much like File Manager in Windows 3.1or  Explorer in Windows 95. Items may be selected using the mouse or the keyboard.

•	Single clicking an item will cause its contents to be displayed in the centre right pane.

•	Double-clicking will cause contents to be displayed in the centre right pane whilst also expanding any children belonging to the item selected.

•	Items with a plus or minus have subordinate tree entries. A plus indicates that its children are not visible and a minus means that children are visible. Clicking the plus or minus will cause their state to be inverted. If the current item is hidden because its parents minus sign is clicked then the current item will become the parent.

Clicking the plus sign alone will not cause the currently selected item to change.

•	Keyboard navigation is achieved through the use of the + and - signs to expand and collapse children and arrow keys to move up and down the outline.

•	The entire outline can be expanded or collapsed through the Expand all  and Collapse all entries on the options menu.

To increase the width of the Outline Pane, position the cursor over the central vertical bar until the vertical sizing cursor  [image] appears and then press and hold the left mouse button and drag right. Release the mouse when the sizing bar is at the required position.


Description Pane

The description pane gives you information about the item currently selected in the Outline pane. The context of the description depends upon the indent level of the selected item in the Outline pane.

To increase the height of the Description Pane, position the cursor over the upper of the two horizontal bars until the horizontal sizing cursor  [image] appears and then press and hold the left mouse button and drag downwards. Release the mouse when the sizing bar is at the required position.

Note that dropping the horizontal size bar near to another size bar or the edge of the window will

result in the pane disappearing completely. When you select another product the pane will reappear


Item Pane

The information displayed in the items pane (centre-right of the main screen)  represents children of the item currently selected in the Outline pane.

•	When the item selected in the outline is at the top level (i.e. the CD edition), the items pane shows the titles of the various product groupings

•	When the item selected in the outline is at the second level (i.e. a product group heading), the items pane displays the names of products in that group.

•	When the item selected in the outline is at the third (lowest) level (i.e.  a product name), the item pane displays the various demonstration programs and information files which you can use to explore the product.

•	If there is no information to show in this pane it will automatically be hidden from view to give more space to the other panes.

It is possible to select items by double-clicking in the items pane and changes made in this way are reflected in the outline pane.

When the items displayed are product groupings or product names, a folder icon [image] is displayed to the left of the title.

Once a product name is selected then the items pane displays a variety of different icons representing the different types of information available that relate to the product. Double-clicking these will cause the associated action to be performed. The icons have the following meanings:-

	AVI Multimedia file played via the Media Player
	Executable demo file. This icon will only appear if a demo does not have one of its own.
	Windows help file will be opened via WinHelp.EXE.
	HTML web page. Displayed via the Microsoft internet explorer, I-Explore, which is provided free on the ComponentSource CD.
	Text file opened using Notepad.
	Word document to opened by Microsoft WordView which is provided free on the ComponentSource CD.
	Write document opened by Microsoft Write.
	Visual Basic Project Source (MAK or VBP). These require Visual Basic to be present and include sample source code to help you understand how a component is employed.  Visual Basic Working Model, a cut down version of Visual Basic is available free on this CD and may be downloaded if you do not have a copy of Visual Basic already. (Visual Basic Working Model is only available for 32-bit operating systems.)
To increase the height of the Items pane, position the cursor over the lower of the two horizontal bars until the horizontal sizing cursor  [image] appears and then press and hold the left mouse button and drag upwards. Release the mouse when the sizing bar is at the required position.

Note that dropping the horizontal size bar near to another size bar or the edge of the window will

result in the pane disappearing completely. When you select another product the pane will reappear


Price Pane

The bottom right hand pane on the screen is used to display purchase options. These are the different configurations of a product that you may buy from the CD. Each product is listed alongside its guide price. (You should contact ComponentSource for the current price). If you see a product with Free! displayed next to it, then simply double-clicking it will start downloading the software in question. Double-clicking non-free items will cause them to be added to the Shopping List.

You can view the shopping list by selecting Show from the Shopping List Menu.

If there is no information to show in this pane it will automatically be hidden from view to give more space to the other panes.

To increase the size of the Prices pane, position the cursor over the lower of the two horizontal bars until the horizontal sizing cursor  [image] appears and then press and hold the left mouse button and drag upwards. Release the mouse when the sizing bar is at the required position.


Main Screen Menu Options
Main Menu Options

The following options are presented on the pull down menu bar or the main screen.

Menu	Options

File	Sort	Change the way products are grouped together. E.G. by manufacturer or functionality.
	Find	Displays the Product Search screen which allows you to locate products using keyword searching.
	Expand All	Will force all children in the outline pane to be displayed.
	Collapse All	Will hide all bottom level (product name) children.
	Save Settings on Exit	Causes screen size etc to be saved between sessions
	Exit	Finish your session on the ComponentSource CD.
Shopping List	Show (Hide)	Will make the shopping list visible/invisible.
	Always On Top	When checked, the Shopping List will always sit above other
Help		Provides access to the help system.


Product Search

This sample shows the Product Search screen which can be activated by selecting Find from the main menu

The above example show a search using a phrase and a word with AND matching selected and the resultant products displayed beneath.

When searching for a product, enter keywords which associate with the type of product required. For example if you wanted to find grid controls you could enter the keyword grid.  To widen the search, add extra keywords and then select OR matching. For example by using the keywords grid and spreadsheet with OR matching the number of records returned may be increased. To narrow the search, add extra keywords and select AND matching. For example to return only data bound grid controls you might provide the keywords grid and datacontrol and select AND matching.

You may search for phrases by enclosing them in quotes ( a phrase to find ).

If your search is successful the results will be returned to the table where a single entry may be selected by double clicking that entry or clicking and then pressing the Select button.


The Shopping List

Move the mouse to an area on the screen that you would Like help on. When the pointer turns into a hand, click for more information.


Order Items List

Whenever you double-click an item in the Price pane it is added to the order item list. This displays the information that you will need when buying products from ComponentSource. The order item list is read-only apart from the quantity field which may be set to the number of product licences that you require.

The order item list contains a Part column which should be given to the ComponentSource sales representative to identify the product that you require.

The Total column  is the product of Price and Qty (quantity). Beneath the order item list, on the right, is the Sub-total (all the totals added together), the VAT amount payable and the Total (including VAT).


Download Path Pane

Located beneath the order items list, the download path pane provides information about where products will be downloaded to and how much space they will require on the selected drive and the TEMP directory. Also displayed is the amount of free space available on these drives.

Once you have called ComponentSource and purchased a product, this is where the installation kits are to be found.  From here you can copy all of the created disks onto floppy for your own security or backup purposes. To install the product follow the installation instructions provided.

To change the download path, click the Change Path… button which is located on the bottom line of the pane.

The temporary directory is used by ComponentSource to hold working files whilst downloading to disk. The temporary path cannot be changed from within the browser but can be altered by setting the environment variable TEMP in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file which is run when your computer starts up.

You cannot proceed with the purchase process until there is enough free space on the selected drive and the temporary path.


Buy Now...
Buy Now

When the Shopping List is first displayed, it will only show the order items pane, the download path pane and the Buy Now button. When you have selected the items that you are going to buy, press the Buy Now button and the rest of the screen containing instructions and information required by ComponentSource is displayed.

Follow the instructions provided and you will be guided through the procedure for obtaining and entering unlock keys for the products that you require.

If you want to reduce the Shopping List to its original size then click the Buy Later button.


Shopping List Option Menu

The following options are available:-

Always on Top	Ensures that the shopping list is never obscured by other windows.

Remove Item	Removes the current item (indicated by a highlight bar) from the Order items list.

Review Download	Lists any problems that may have occurred during the download process. This should be quoted to