Table of Contents ----------------- I. MDS PowerBase Overview II. Installing the Software III. ODBC Drivers MDS PowerBase (Rel - 1.1) Overview ---------------------------------- MDS PowerBase is a SQL database front-end tool which utilizes Microsoft's Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) interface to access database information. It's primary purpose is to enable you to easily access data in virtually any Database Management System (DBMS) from a single tool using a common interface. This makes MDS PowerBase unique compared to other tools which can only access data from only a single DBMS. For example, MDS PowerBase enables you to execute a SQL based query against a SQL Server DBMS, ORACLE DBMS, and Microsoft Access DBMS using the same easy to use interface without ever having to leave the program. In addition, as more database vendors support the ODBC interface, additional ODBC drivers will become available. This will enable you to access additional DBMS's without having to purchase a new version of MDS PowerBase. Look at some of the major features of MDS PowerBase: * Access to an unlimited number of ODBC compliant database management systems. * Create multiple queries with the ability to save and retreive the SQL created thereby eliminating re-entry of commonly used SQL. * Drag and Drop tables to automatically build SQL SELECT statements against the tables. * Drag and Drop stored procedures, triggers, and views directly from a SQL Server database to view their text. * SQL Script Facility Window which enables you to easily run queries stored in one or more text files. * View query results in result windows or have the results automatically loaded to your favorite text editor. * Easily build SQL SELECT statements against one or more tables including WHERE, ORDER/GROUP BY, and JOIN criteria. And Much More........ MDS PowerBase is marketed under the Shareware concept. This means you have 30 days to evaluate the product free of charge. During this time you are encouraged to duplicate and re-distribute the product as you received it. If after 30 days, you'd like to continue using the product, the product must be registered. Refer to the Registering MDS PowerBase Help Topic for information about registering the product. The unregistered product you are evaluating has the following limitations and features disabled: * Only 1 Query window is available for entering SQL * Only 1 table can be selected at a time * Table information is unavailable * All Drag and Drop features including: * Drag and Drop of tables to automatically create SQL SELECT queries * Drag and Drop of procedures, triggers, and views to view their text * Drag and Drop of text files to execute and/or view the SQL stored within the files * Executing SQL queries from the SQL Script Facility * The SELECT ALL COLUMNS menu option which automatically builds a SQL SELECT statement for all columns in the column list After registering the product, all of the features within MDS PowerBase will be enabled. You are encouraged to submit enhancement requests or comments about the product. Future planned enhancements include: * Database Maintenance Facility including support for many DML SQL statements : * CREATE database objects (databases, tables, indexes, etc.) * DROP database objects * TRUNCATE tables * Automatic creation of stored procedures (update, insert delete) for tables * Facility to easily create expressions and computed fields in SQL queries (ie. SQRT(x), ABS(x), RIGHT(x), CURDATE(), etc.) * Facility to view information about the datasource connected to (ie. Functions supported, Version Level, etc.) * And more.... Please send all enhancement requests to: Analytical Solutions, Inc. Attn: Mike Sachais 3857 Foxwood Rd. Duluth, GA 30136 Installing the Software ----------------------- NOTE: If you have the VBRUN300.DLL already installed in your WINDOWS\SYSTEM directory and it's date is greater than 4/28/93, you must first rename the VBRUN300.DLL (i.e. change it to VBRUN300.OLD) so that the Visual Basic installation program can install the VBRUN300.DLL delivered with MDS PowerBase. After the MDS PowerBase installation process is complete, you can delete the VBRUN300.DLL installed by MDS PowerBase and re-name your later dated VBRUN300.DLL back to VBRUN300.DLL. INSTALLING FROM ZIPPED (*.ZIP) FILES ------------------------------------ 1) Make two directories on your hard drive. One named DISK1, the other named DISK2. 2) Unzip the file DISK1.ZIP into the directory named DISK1. 3) Unzip the file DISK2.ZIP into the directory named DISK2. 4) From within Windows, run the SETUP.EXE program in the directory named DISK1. 5) Follow the setup instructions. 6) After the installation of the first disk is complete, you will be prompted to install the ODBC component of MDS PowerBase. This is done by running (from within Windows) the SETUP.EXE program in the directory named DISK2. Note: If you install the SQL Server ODBC driver, you must install the procedures delivered in the file INSTCAT.SQL which is on the MDS PowerBase ODBC installation diskette (#2). Each SQL Server datasource must have the procedures loaded onto the server. Loading of procedures is usually done by your SQL Server Administrator. **** Both SETUP.EXE programs must be run for MDS PowerBase to function. INSTALLING FROM DISKETTES ------------------------- 1) Place the MDS PowerBase Installation Diskette #1 into the disk drive. 2) From within Windows, run the SETUP.EXE program on the MDS PowerBase Installation Diskette #1. 3) Follow the setup instructions. 4) After the installation of the first disk is complete, you will be prompted to install the ODBC component of MDS PowerBase. This is done by following steps 1-3 above except using the MDS PowerBase Installation Diskette #2. Note: If you install the SQL Server ODBC driver, you must install the procedures delivered in the file INSTCAT.SQL which is on the MDS PowerBase ODBC installation diskette (#2). Each SQL Server datasource must have the procedures loaded onto the server. Loading of procedures is usually done by your SQL Server Administrator. **** Both SETUP.EXE programs must be run for MDS PowerBase to function. ODBC Drivers ------------ MDS PowerBase is delivered with two ODBC drivers. They are for accessing Oracle and SQL Server Databases. If you are currently using one of these two databases you will be able to use MDS PowerBase immediately after installing it. If you are using a different database, you will need to purchase the ODBC driver for that database if you do not already have it. You may already have it if for example, you are using Microsoft Access to access the database. This is because Microsoft Access uses ODBC to access data from databases. If you need to purchase an ODBC driver, most likely the vendor who developed the database you are using will sell the ODBC driver for that database. After installing MDS PowerBase, a text file named ODBCDRV.TXT will be copied to the directory you install MDS PowerBase into. This text file lists various vendors of ODBC drivers, what database the drivers access, and who to call to get more information about the driver. **** Thank you for evaluating MDS PowerBase ****