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DataBass User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ DataBass Pro Series version 2.05 │ │ │ │ Professional Fishing Database │ │ │ │ Copyright (C) 1989-93, SportSoft, All Rights Reserved │ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ SportSoft P.O. Box 2301 Stone Mountain, Ga. 30083-2301 Phone Support: (404) 498-8398 12/24/96 N-8-1 ┌─ CATCH └─── AND ───┐ RELEASE ┘ DISCLAIMER Use of this program acknowledges this disclaimer: "This program is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness of this program for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages direct, indirect, or consequential, which might result from the use or misuse of this program, including any lost profits or other incidental or consequential damages arising out of or inability to use this software". Page 2 DataBass User's Guide _____________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft T H I S P R O G R A M I S C O P Y R I G H T E D --------------------------- People who would never walk into a store and shoplift a software product think nothing of making several copies of the same software. The results are the same. The act is just as wrong. When it comes to unauthorized duplication of software, many people do not realize the costly impact on the software developer and the customer community. The relationship between customer and developer in a software transaction is one of mutual trust. The customer trusts that the developer has produced a product that will deliver the desired result, performs according to specifications, and is properly documented and supported. The developer trusts that the customer will make use of only those copies for which he has purchased a license. Unauthorized duplication and use of software violates the U.S. Copyright Law, and unfairly deprives software developers of revenue they are entitled to receive for their work. Software developers find that thousands of illegal copies have been made by customers who either innocently believe they are doing nothing wrong or simply choose to ignore the law. Reproducing computer software without authorization violates the U.S. Copyright Law. It is a FEDERAL offense. The money paid for a software product represents a license fee for the use of ONE copy. It does not represent an authorization to copy. Civil damages for unauthorized software copying can be as much as $50,000 or more and criminal penalties include fines and imprisonment. Bills have been introduced in Congress to strengthen the law and increase penalties. Page 3 DataBass User's Guide _____________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S page GETTING STARTED........................................................ 4 Introduction.................................................... 4 Files Included.................................................. 5 System Requirements............................................. 6 Printing the User's Guide....................................... 6 INSTALLATION NOTES..................................................... 7 Legal Notice.................................................... 7 Initial Installation............................................ 8 Installation of the DEMO Copy................................... 8 RUNNING DATABASS....................................................... 9 Floppy Disk Operation........................................... 9 Hard Drive Operation............................................ 9 INSIDE THE PROGRAM..................................................... 9 Running DataBass................................................ 9 MAIN MENU............................................................. 10 Activating the Pull-Down Menu System........................... 10 Context Sensitive Help......................................... 10 FILE.................................................................. 11 Enter a Record................................................. 11 Modify a Record................................................ 11 Open a Data File............................................... 12 Create a New Data File......................................... 12 Save Current Configuration..................................... 13 Set Password for Modify........................................ 13 About DataBass................................................. 13 VIEW.................................................................. 14 Display Data File Summary...................................... 14 Display Records................................................ 14 Sort Records................................................... 14 PRINT................................................................. 15 Print Data File Summary........................................ 15 Print All Records.............................................. 15 Select Other File Summary...................................... 15 Form Feed...................................................... 15 CALENDAR.............................................................. 16 View Calendar.................................................. 16 SOLAR/LUNAR CHART..................................................... 16 Display Solar/Lunar Chart...................................... 16 Select Geographic Location..................................... 17 Adding Additional Locations............................ 17 TELEPHONE............................................................. 18 Display Phone Directory........................................ 18 Sort Phone List................................................ 18 Add Names...................................................... 18 Modify Entries................................................. 18 INFORMATION........................................................... 19 Online User's Guide............................................ 19 Bait and Tackle Selection...................................... 19 Fishing Hints.................................................. 19 Bass Fishing Information....................................... 20 Size / Weight Chart............................................ 20 A State Record?................................................ 20 Fish Preparation............................................... 20 Cooking Recipes................................................ 20 EXIT.................................................................. 21 Quit DataBass.................................................. 21 Dos Shell...................................................... 21 TECHNICAL INFORMATION ................................................ 21 File Structure of the Database................................. 21 Data File Size................................................. 21 Modifying Data Files........................................... 21 COPYRIGHT AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION................................ 22 Why you should register DataBass............................... 22 Licensing Agreement............................................ 23 Making Copies of DataBass...................................... 23 Page 4 DataBass User's _______________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft G E T T I N G S T A R T E D Introduction DataBass is an easy-to-use program that was designed with the Bass fisherman in mind. It was written to help facilitate a way to input fishing trip data, or Bass Tournament results into a personal computer whereby the information could easily be viewed on the screen or printed as a hard copy to any Epson compatible printer for later viewing. DataBass has an added feature of letting you view the Primary and Secondary feeding periods of fish in the Solar/Lunar section of the program. These times are calculated by the computer and have been found to be accurate to within +/- two minutes when compared to The Old Farmer's Almanac by Robert B. Thomas. The program automatically calculates Sunrise, Sunset, Moonrise and Moonset times for over 250 locations throughout the U.S. What makes DataBass unique is the fact it will let you view the feeding times for ANY DATE (between 1900 A.D. and 2099 A.D.). Doug Hannon did a study for the 10 year period between 1970 and 1979 and found "..that 73 percent of all World Records were caught 3 days either side of the Full Moon, New Moon or on days of the Half Moon." In fact, if you enter the date that George Perry caught his World Record Large- mouth Bass, (June 3, 1932), you'll see for yourself that it occurred during a period of overlapping primary feeding periods. DataBass is a great way to look back on those days when you or your Bass Club had real success without having to find those old back issues of your favorite magazines to look up moon tables. Page 5 DataBass User's Guide _____________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft Files Included on the Program Disk DBASS.EXE --------------- The Main Program DBFV1.OVL --------------- Overlay File for Main Program DBFV2.OVL --------------- Geographic Locations Data File DBFV3.OVL --------------- Phone Directory File DBFV4.OVL --------------- Data File for Solar/Lunar Charts DBFV5.OVL --------------- Help File for DataBass DBFV6.OVL --------------- This file (Online User's Guide) DBFV7.OVL --------------- DataBass Information File DBFV8.OVL --------------- Bait and Tackle Information DBFV9.OVL --------------- Fishing Hints Text File DBFV10.OVL --------------- DataBass Information File DBFV11.OVL --------------- DataBass Information File DBFV12.OVL --------------- Text file on cooking fish DBFV13-17.OVL --------------- DataBass Information File(s) DBFV18.OVL --------------- DataBass configuration File ORDER.TXT --------------- Mailer for Registration Copy Special Note: All of the above files must be present in the immediate path of the main program in order for DataBass to work properly. The INSTALL program will create a Sub-directory named "C:\DATABASS" for you (ONLY for the Registered Version). If you have a copy of the DataBass DEMO COPY program, then you can install it on your system in a sub-directory you create named "C:\DATABASS". Page 6 DataBass User's Guide _____________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft System Requirements This program was designed to run on an IBM or true compatible. If the intended computer is IBM software compatible computer, there is a good chance you will be able to run this program on your system. To run DataBass, your computer must have as a minimum configuration: o An IBM(R) PC/XT/AT or true "compatible" running MS-DOS(R) or PC-DOS(R) 2.1 or later. o One high-density floppy-disk drive or one floppy-disk drive and a hard disk drive. o 248K System Memory. o Color Monitor (Recommended but not required) o ANSI.SYS (or equiv.) in the CONFIG.SYS file Systems that are known to run this program are: -IBM PC XT and AT, PortableS -Blue Chip -Compaq -AT&T 6300 -Wyse -Tandy 1000 -ITT Xtra -Avatar/Ishvar clone -Plus 88 clone -Packard Bell -Atari ST running PC Ditto -PC-II Clone -Del Computers Printing the User's Guide You can print a copy of this User's Guide by typing in the following at the Command Line prompt: C> Print DBFV6.OVL Lpt1 Note: You must have the sub-directory pathname included in your autoexec.bat file to execute the print command from the DATABASS sub-directory. Page 7 DataBass User's Guide _____________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft Installation Notes DataBass is copy-protected using a "Leased Disk" technique. This means you can install the program to your hard disk using the original disk, only twice. Once the program has been transferred, your original disks become "inoperative", preventing them from getting copied by someone else. The original disks have "invisible" markings that cannot be copied or removed from the disks. The original diskette should have the ability to install the program on a hard disk for the initial installation plus provide you the ability to have a backup copy of the program disk as well. If you give it to someone to install on their system, you just gave your backup away and will have to purchase another copy. If you need to install the program more than two times, you will need to contact SportSoft, P.O. Box 2301, Stone Mountain, Ga. 30083 to get instructions on how to do an install using an "exhausted disk". SportSoft regrets that continuing casual and organized software piracy requires that we copy-protect this program. LEGAL NOTICE This software is protected by both United States copyright law and international treaty provisions. You are strictly prohibited from making copies of this software for any reason. If your copy of DataBass gets corrupted or destroyed, you may obtain another copy, FREE OF CHARGE (one per customer), by providing your program disk serial number, date of purchase, full name and address, to SportSoft. This software is licensed for use by a SINGLE USER, but may be freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as there is NO possibility of it being used at one location while it is being used at another. Remember to DE-INSTALL THE PROGRAM from your system prior to running in on another system. If you forget to DE-INSTALL the program prior to running it elsewhere, it will not work properly. THIS SOFTWARE MAY NOT BE LOADED ONTO A NETWORK WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM SPORTSOFT, P.O. BOX 2301, STONE MTN., GA. 30083-2301 Page 8 DataBass User's Guide _____________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft Initial Installation (Registered Version) DataBass is a copy protected program. You must install this program in order for it to function properly. You are allowed to use it on other computers, but you must keep in mind that only the original disk can be used for installation or de-installing the program from one system to another. To install the program on your hard drive, insert the disk in the A Drive and type the following at the DOS prompt : INSTALL The installation program will ask you which drive to install the program onto. Enter the drive letter and press return. DataBass will automatically create a sub-directory for you on the C: Drive called "C:\DATABASS". All program files will be copied into this sub-directory. Installation of the DEMO Copy Create a sub-direcory named "C:\DATABASS". Copy the file "DBASS205.EXE" into this sub-directory. Type "DBASS205.EXE" at the DOS prompt. The files will self extract in about 1-2 minutes for most systems. When the files have been extracted, type "DBASS" to run the program. Page 9 DataBass User Guide _____________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft R U N N I N G D A T A B A S S Floppy Disk Operation Only the DataBass Data Files can be stored on floppy disks. It is recommended that all files be maintained and updated on the systems hard disk. Hard Drive Operation Once all files have been installed onto the hard disk, the only thing you need to do is type "DBASS" to start the program running. I N S I D E T H E P R O G R A M Running DataBass To run the DataBass Pro Series Professional Fishing Database, just type "DBASS", and press ENTER from the DOS prompt. Note: Make sure you have installed the program from the original program disk first, or you will not be able to run DataBass. Page 10 DataBass User's Guide _____________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft M A I N M E N U Activating the Pull-Down Menu System Once you are past the opening screen, you will need to press the ALT key to activate the pull-down menus. The top row contains the main menu selections and are activated when you see the first letter of each word highlighted. Hint: Press the ALT key then the first letter of the menu selection you want to access next. Example: Press ALT then the "F" key to activate the Files Menu. After you have the pull-down menus activated, you can move between main menus by using the left and right arrow keys. (with the Num Lock Key turned OFF). With all selections showing from a main menu section, you can activate any sub-menu by typing the Highlighted Key and then pressing ENTER. Example: After the files menu is activated, press the "N" to select the Create a New Data File menu option. You must then press ENTER to activate that option. You can also move between sub-menu options by using the up and down arrow keys. Context Sensitive Help To make the program easy to use by anyone, the program uses what is called "Context Sensitive Help Screens". What this means to you is that no matter where you are in the program, if you press the F1 key on your keyboard, a help screen will appear giving you information about the option you have selected or other useful information. This allows most anyone to be able to use the program faster and more efficiently without constantly having to refer to the owners manual. If needed, this manual can be read using the program option for reading the online manual. Page 11 DataBass User's Guide _____________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft F I L E Enter a Record This is the option that allows you to enter records into the Data File. You must have a file open first before attempting to enter records. Hint: Refer to Create a New Data File Listed below are the different fields for each record: DATE - the system date is the default date LOCATION - used for the location of the trip or fishing tournament TOURNAMENT NAME - used to record the name of the tournament FISHING PARTNERS - used to record who fished with who WATER TEMP. - used to record surface water temperature WATER PH. - used to record water Ph if known WATER CONDITIONS - used to record conditions of the lake or river AIR TEMP. - used to record average temperature that day BAROMETER - used to record average barometric pressure WEATHER CONDITIONS - used to record sky conditions BEST LURE - used to record lure type, i.e. Worm, Spinner bait, Crankbait BEST COLOR - used to record most productive color DEPTH - used to record where most "hits" occurred SPECIES - used to record species caught NUMBER OF FISH CAUGHT - "how many did you catch" RELEASED - "Y" for yes, or "N" for No, (practice catch and release) TOTAL WEIGHT - used to record weight in POUNDS and OUNCES LARGEST SIZE (SIZE) - used to record the Big Fish in INCHES LARGEST SIZE (WEIGHT) - used to record weight in POUNDS and OUNCES CATCH WEIGHT - total wt. of the trip PLACE POINTS - (Bass Clubs) if using a point system BONUS WEIGHT - (Bass Clubs) if using a bonus wt. system BONUS POINTS - (Bass Clubs) if using bonus pts. PENALTY WEIGHT - (Bass Clubs) if using a penalty wt. system PENALTY POINTS - (Bass Clubs) if using a penalty pt. system COMMENTS - the comments section is there to record up to 6 lines of information such as structure, activity such as cold fronts passing through or if the barometer was rising or falling. Modify a Record This option is used when you want to modify an existing Data File. If you want to change or add additional information, use this option. Hint: Bass Clubs may want to use the Set Password for Modify to protect anyone from changing any existing record. Hint: When modifying records use the F10 key to view the SOLAR/LUNAR chart for the date in the "DATE :" field. Page 12 DataBass User's Guide _____________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft Open a Data File This option is used to open an already existing Data File. When this option is selected, a dialog box will appear showing all files with the .DBF extension in the current directory (C:\DATABASS\*.DBF). If you have other files in different directories, you can modify the search string to include those directories (A:\*.DBF, B:\*.DBF). Hint: Press the TAB Key to move the cursor to the file list and then use your arrow keys to the file you want to open. After you have the file selected press ENTER to load the Data File. If files have been opened from a directory other than the C: drive, the program will automatically save them to the same drive they originated from. Create a New Data File If you are running DATABASS for the first time you will have to select this option to create your own Data Files. When this option is used, a box will appear at the center of the screen prompting you to enter an eight string prefix for a new Data File. Although you can rename Data Files at a later date, they must always have the .DBF file extension or DataBass will not recognize them. Hint: Use filenames that are somewhat descriptive in name when creating new files to enter data into. Remember that the file extension is automatically set to .DBF for you in the program. Example: Listed below are just a few ways to name your files. The first section is a list of fish types. The second section is a list of names (for Bass Club members). The third is a list of several lakes around the country and fourth is a list of times throughout the year. LGMBASS.DBF SMMBASS.DBF CRAPPIE.DBF WHTBASS.DBF BREAM.DBF CATFISH.DBF TROUT.DBF STRIPER.DBF MUDFISH.DBF B_SMITH.DBF SMITHB.DBF JOHNSON.DBF MARTIN_R.DBF BOBBY_K.DBF LANE_P.DBF LANIER.DBF WESTPT.DBF OCONEE.DBF PICWICK.DBF OCECHOBE.DBF CASTAIC.DBF 1STQTR.DBF 2NDQRT.DBF 3RDQRT.DBF SPRING.DBF FALL.DBF JAN.DBF FEB.DBF JAN93.DBF FEB93.DBF Hint: Decide on a format early, and STICK TO IT! Each has its own advantages, so think carefully before entering 100 records or so only to find that you have to re-enter them a different way. Page 13 DataBass User's Guide _____________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft Save Current Configuration If you, or your Bass Club only fish a few local lakes in your area, then you will find this option helpful when starting up DataBass each time. Saving the Current Configuration will save in the program memory several things. 1) A default filename, 2) A default Location, and 3) A default criteria for displaying file records. Hint: Select a location from the Solar/Lunar Chart section under the "Select Geographic Location" option. Next, save the current configuration. Exit the program and restart noting that the location you selected is displayed at the bottom of the screen. If you have no default location of filename saved, the program will display "none" for both location and filename at the bottom of the screen when you run the program. Set Password for Modify Occasionally we all make mistakes. The program has an option that will allow you to go back and modify existing records. This makes it very easy and inviting for some to go back and "change" records to reflect what they would have liked to have caught. We're not saying that any- one is dishonest, just that the program has an option to make sure that we all stay honest. Hint: If this option is used to prevent anyone from going back and changing records, it is up to the program operator to REMEMBER THE PASSWORD! WRITE IT DOWN SOMEWHERE! If you forget your password, there is NO WAY to get back into the system. You will have to call SportSoft Tech Support to get a one-time password to use in order to reset your system password. THERE IS A $20.00 CHARGE FOR THIS SERVICE. Once this option is turned on or activated, it can easily be turned off or deactivated by selecting the option again, entering the correct password, then entering a carriage return when prompted for a new password. About DataBass This option will display a screen showing information about the new DataBass Pro Series professional fishing database. Page 14 DataBass User's Guide _____________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft V I E W Display Data File Summary This option allows the user to display, on the screen, a summary for the current file. The summary contains the following information: NUMBER OF TRIPS - entries recorded in the Data File TOTAL FISH CAUGHT - cumulative total of all fish caught TOTAL WEIGHT CAUGHT - cumulative total weight for all fish caught AVERAGE FISH (WEIGHT) - total weight divided by total fish recorded LARGEST FISH (SIZE) - the largest fish in the Data File (inches) LARGEST FISH (WEIGHT) - the heaviest fish in the Data File (lbs and oz.) LARGEST FISH (AVERAGE SIZE) - average of all largest fish (inches) LARGEST FISH (AVERAGE WEIGHT) - average of all largest fish (lbs and oz.) Hint: This summary information can be printed using the print data file summary option under the main menu. Display Records This option allows you to browse through the records in an open Data File. You can select what information to display using the Select Criteria first. The record number you are currently viewing will be displayed in the lower left corner of the display window. Hint: If you are looking for a particular record where you know how many fish you caught on a particular day, then select only what information you are looking for (i.e. Number of Fish Caught) using the Select Criteria, so that when you browse the records you will only be looking for records that contain what you are looking for. Hint: Use the F10 key to view the SOLAR/LUNAR chart for the record being displayed. Sort Records This option is used to sort the Data File contents. When selected, a window will appear with two columns. The left column is used to select which field to sort on (only one field can be sorted at a time). The right hand column is used to tell the program in which order to sort the records. The arrow keys will move the cursor up or down to the appropriate field. The field that is selected will have a (∙) next to it. The default sorting order is Ascending or "from smallest to biggest", and the default field is the date (oldest to latest). Hint: Use the Alt-Hotkey to jump to a field when sorting, it's faster. Page 15 DataBass User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft P R I N T Print Data File Summary This option is used to print a hard copy of the Data File Summary to the printer. Some Bass Clubs post results at the end of the year or after each tournament, and this is a great way to keep track of each members current standings. Hint: Make sure the printer is "TURNED ON" and "Online" before trying to print records. Print All Records This option is used to print a hard copy of ALL RECORDS in the current Data File. Hint: This option will print two records per page. If you have a long Data File, make sure there is enough printer paper before you start printing. Select Other File Summary This is a nice option that allows you to select a different Data File and print the summary from that file without having to open it first. Hint: If your Bass Club has 30 members, and your file structure is such that you have the Data File names by member, this option will save you lots of time in printing summaries for each of your Bass Clubs members. Form Feed Selecting this option will send a form feed to the printer. Hint: Insure you have the printer on-line or you will get an error trying to print a form feed. Page 16 DataBass User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft C A L E N D A R View Calendar This option is used to view a monthly calendar for the current month, as well as any month previous or any month in the future. When this option is selected, a monthly calendar is displayed with the current system date flashing. Using different keys, you can move ahead or backwards by month, or year. Hint: This option can be used for planning tournaments S O L A R / L U N A R C H A R T Display Solar/Lunar Chart This is the option that is used to display the Solar/Lunar chart. You must pick a geographic location first, so the program can calculate the necessary information needed to generate the feeding periods. After you display the chart, you can use the left and right arrow keys to move the display across the screen in order to view the early morning or late evening hours. A full 24 hours is displayed. The system uses the system clock to determine the date to view. You can either advance or backup the date being viewed by using the Up or Down arrow keys or the PgUp and PgDown keys. Refer to the Help screen (F1) while viewing the chart for more in-depth information about the Solar / Lunar chart display. After moving the date forward to a more favorable day (overlapping primary feeding periods), you can press the Ins key to view a pop-up calendar of the date/month you are viewing. This is great for someone who is planning a trip in the upcoming months. Bass Clubs can use this to plan tournaments months, and yes, even years in advance. Pressing the Home key will return the date back to the original system date. Hint: Since the moon has an approximate 28 day cycle, using the PgUp or PgDown keys will move the date up/back 14 days at a time. If you are viewing a day where there is a FULL MOON, pressing the PgUp key will advance the date 14 days forward, or up to the NEW MOON. Hint: Pressing the Del key while viewing the Solar/Lunar chart will activate a window prompting you for a new date. This can be used to jump to a date either backwards or forwards without having to page up, or back to the new date. The date must be entered using the following format [month, day, year] Page 17 DataBass User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft Select Geographic Location This option is used to select a Geographic Location nearest to where you will be fishing. The list contains over 250 cities from all over the U.S. This selection contains the latitude and longitudes for each city. This is then used by the program to determine the correct times for Sunrise, Sunset, Moonrise and Moonset for each location. When this option is selected, a window will appear with the names of major U.S. cities listed. Use the Up and Down arrow keys, or PgDown and PgUp keys to select which city you wish to select and press Enter. You will see the name of the city you selected beside Location, at the bottom left of the main menu screen. Hint: If you fish only a few lakes around your local area, you can select a geographic location and save it to memory using the Save Current Configuration under the File menu. This will allow the program to automatically pull up your location each time the program is started, saving you time when you want to view the Solar/Lunar chart. Adding additional locations to the "DBFV2.OVL" File You can add additional locations as long as you use the following guidelines. You must use a standard ASCII text editor. You must use the following format (same as the existing format): 11111111112222222222333333333344444444445555555 (spaces) 12345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456 "NEW CITY ST 99.99 999.99 " Page 18 DataBass User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft T E L E P H O N E Display Phone Directory This option is used to display the DataBass Phone Directory on your monitor. Since there are only 80 characters across, the program has a unique way of displaying the information entered for each record. When you display the directory, you will see the name, work and home telephone numbers for each record. Any additional information can be viewed by using the left and right arrow keys to move the information to the left or right. When you move the information displayed around, you will find that the name, and entry number are to the left, and the information is to the right. When the comments for an entry are displayed, the number will continue to be displayed, while the complete line is taken up with the comments. To see what name goes to what comment, use the left and right arrow keys to move between fields. Sort Phone List This option allows you to SORT the phone directory. The phone directory listing can only be sorted by Name. It uses the first 60 characters to sort with, so if you have duplicate names it will look beyond the name field to find an unlike character to sort on. Add Names Selecting this option allow you to ADD entries into your phone directory. When this option is selected, a window will be displayed that allows you to enter the Names, Addresses, Home Telephone, Work Telephone and Comments for each entry. Hint: When entering the names of people in your phone list, it is recommended that you use the following format so when the program sorts, they will be listed in alphabetical order. [Lastname, Firstname] Modify Entries Selecting this option allows you to MODIFY entries that have already been made into the phone directory. You can use the Alt-Hotkey to jump to a field you want to modify. This is where you DELETE records from the phone directory. To Delete a record from the phone directory, first, find the record by using the PgUp or PgDown keys, and then using the TAB key move the cursor to the Delete Box, located at the bottom of the window, and press Enter. Page 19 DataBass User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft I N F O R M A T I O N Online User's Guide This option allows you to view the User's Guide while inside the DataBass program. If you just want to browse through the program, you can use the context sensitive help screens by pressing F1 or if you want additional information, use this option. Hint: See Printing the User's Guide for information on printing a hard copy of the User's Guide. Bait and Tackle Selection This option allows you to peruze through the BAITTACK.DOC file. This file contains helpful information about different types of Bait and Tackle used today. Fishing Hints This option will display over 100 fishing tips collected from bass fishermen all over the country. Here you'll find enjoyable hints about topics you never dreamed of. Bass Fishing Information This option contains additional reading material about bass fishing. Page 20 DataBass User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft Size / Weight Chart This option displays a size/weight chart for three species of fish. The chart shows approximate weights for certain lengths. This screen is helpful when you left your scales back at the dock, but know about how long your catch was in length. The information was provided by the U.S. Department of Natural Resources. A State Record? This option displays important information about what to do if you think you have caught a state or world record fish. Many people don't realize that there are records for different pound test lines. This section covers many aspects of recording and certifying your record catch. Fish Preparation This section covers how to prepare your catch for mounting on the wall, or for cooking. Even though we at SportSoft encourage you to practice catch-and-release we feel this section is necessary for those that enjoy an occasional fish fry. If and when you do catch that special "wall hanger", information provided here will help you prepare your catch for mounting. Cooking Recipes This section contains several popular recipes for turning your catch into a memorable and tasty meal. Page 21 DataBass User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft E X I T M E M U O P T I O N Quit DataBass Selecting this option allows you to quit the program and exit to DOS. Hint: If you are at the main menu you can press the ESCAPE key to exit the program also. Dos Shell The program has a built in feature that allows you to exit the program in order to take care of something else. When you have exited to DOS, you must type "EXIT" to return to the DataBass program. Hint: This option is helpful when you want to look at different file directories, exit to rename a file or make backup copies prior to modifying existing files. T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N File Structure of the Database The DataBass file structure uses the Random Access method file structure to increase the speed at which files are accessed. It is recommended that you do not tamper with the files using a text editor because you may damage the integrity of your file structure. Please take note : BACK UP YOUR FILES REGULARLY! Data File Size Each record takes up 770 bytes of disk space. For example if you went fishing every day for a year (365 days) and entered 1 record for each trip, you would use up 365 X 770 bytes = 285,000 bytes of disk space. Modifying Data Files It is not recommended that you modify any of the Data Files while you are not inside of the DataBass program. If the file structure gets corrupted in any way, the program will not function properly. It is up to the user of the program to back-up files regularly as to avoid any problems with the data files. Page 22 DataBass User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft C O P Y R I G H T A N D R E G I S T R A T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N Why you should register DataBass When you register your copy of DataBass Pro Series Professional Fishing Database your program will be upgraded to do the following: 1) Unlimited Data File Record entries (Demo Version is limited to 5 entries) 2) Use of the Save Configuration Mode (Not available with Demo Version) 3) Use of the Password Option (Not available with Demo Version) 4) Unlimited viewing of the DataBass Solar/Lunar Charts (Demo Version can view only the past not future dates) 5) You will receive a printed bound manual and FREE updates for 1 year Registering your copy of DataBass Pro Series Professioanal Fishing Database insures that you get timely updates when they become available. It also means that if by chance there is a (bug) or some unforeseen problem that gets reported that you will recieve FREE updated releases up to a year of your purchase. Registering your copy of DataBass also guarantees you FREE technical support via our 24 hour Electronic Bulletin Board Service. All mail left on the system regarding this program are answered within 72 hours. Page 23 DataBass User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________________ (c) Copyright 1989-1993 SportSoft Licensing Agreement LIMITED LICENCE AGREEMENT This program is copyrighted! You may not sell it or offer it in conjunction with other products you sell. However, you may distribute copies to others or post this software on Electronic Bulletin Board Systems for people to try out before registering their software with SportSoft. This version of DataBass is available as "Shareware". Non-Registered users are granted a limited licence to make an evaluation copy for trial use on a private, noncommercial basis. After evaluating this software, you should either register your copy or discontinue it's use. Registration entitles you to private use of the software. Making Copies of DataBass Myths and Facts of Software --------------------------- Let's start by dispelling some myths with a few facts. First, software developers DO NOT condone unauthorized copying in order to gain market penetration. Second, the price of software DOES NOT make unauthorized copying justifiable. The cost of a software product to a consumer represents only a small fraction of the publisher's development and marketing costs. Third, although the cost of 'softlifting' is borne initially by the software developer, it is paid for ultimately by legitimate users. What it Means to You -------------------- It's obvious that legitimate software users are paying for theft along with software developers. It's obvious too, that no one is going to put up with it for much longer. Think twice before you ask someone to give you an illegal copy of their software. Think THREE times before you offer to do it for someone else! Software piracy is not only a crime, it's simply wrong! The DEMO copy of DataBass is "SHAREWARE" and can be copied feely and distributed as long as it is not bundled with any other software or sold as part of a package deal without written permission from SportSoft. Comments and Suggestions should be directed to : SportSoft Attn: Rick Cubbage P.O. Box 2301 Stone Mountain, Georgia 30087-2301 (404) 498-1669 24 Hour Bulletin Board Support is provided by : The PC-EXPRESS BBS N-8-1 12/24/9600 Baud (404) 498-8398 ┌─ CATCH └─── AND ───┐ RELEASE ┘