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1997-04-16
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7KB
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135 lines
Super Card 2 Review
--------------------
Providing one has a fast, easy to use and above all reliable database
program a computer can be an extremely good tool for the storage, sorting
and retrieval of data.
I believe I have found such a program, Super Card 2 by Mark Butler of
B.ware Software.
I came across Super Card 2 via the cover disk from the September
edition of ST ABUser (yes, they actually had something useful on it!). The
program on the disk is the shareware version of Super Card 1, the
forerunner of Super Card 2, and is an excellent program in its own rite. I
was so impressed with it I sent the £5 registration fee and received, by
return of post, an A5 printed manual plus a disk with demos of B.Ware's
other programs which included a demo of Super Card 2. Also enclosed was a
special offer voucher for the full version of Super Card 2 at £9.95.
The demo of Super Card 2 was fully functional bar the save option.
Super Card 2 can read Super Card 1 files and I was able to try out Super
Card 2 using some of the example files that was included with Super Card
1. I was immediately impressed with the faster screen handling and extra
facilities that Super Card 2 had to offer.
Having sent off a £9.95 cheque I received, again by return post, a
cardboard box wrapped in tape containing Super Card 2 on a single disk, a
76 page A5 'Verbose Guide', a 32 page A5 'Quick Guide' and a single sheet
index which cross references both guides. Also enclosed is a registration
form which should be filled in and returned if you wish to be kept
informed of updates etc.
Super Card 2 is a free format type database which means there are no
layout restrictions or field structures to set up and adhere to. The only
restrictions are :-
Maximum number of Record Cards................32000 (depending on memory)
Maximum number of characters per Record Card..32000
Maximum lines per Record Cards................16000
Maximum characters per line...................78
The program is designed to run in either high or medium resolution and
will work with ST,STE or TT, minimum memory 1/2 Meg.
Before the program can be used you have to go through the once only
copy protection routine. This involves running an installation program and
typing in a set of six numbers found on page two of the 'Quick Guide'.
This routine encodes the master disk so that any copies of the program or
files can be traced back to the original purchaser.
On running the Super Card 2 program you are presented with a title
screen stating the program version and authors name etc. Pressing return
or clicking on O.K. takes you to the initial selection menu. Here you are
asked to choose the maximum number of records you require, 5000 for a 1
Meg machine, and if you wish disk file back up to be on or off. From here
you enter the Super Card main menu.
The main menu is the heart of Super Card with all the main functions
being called from and returning to this screen. The screen is well laid
out and easy to use with selections being made by pointing and clicking
with the mouse. From this screen you load, save, add, edit, sort and print
your records. There are various utilities available from this screen such
as enabling any desk accessories you may have running, the screen colours
can be flipped if you don't like the standard set up.
A couple of very useful facilities found under the disk handling
routines are:-
1) ADD DIRECTORY this reads a disk directory and lets you add it to a
record card thus enabling you to set up a disk catalogue.
2) ADD ASCII FILE this enables you to import an ascii file upto 10000
characters long and add it it to a record card.
When in a record card menu, control of the program switches from mouse
control to single key selection. Three lines at the top of the screen
inform you of what key presses are available to operate the various
options and ,as the manual states, this method of operation is faster than
a menu bar or mouse driven editor.
The search facilities are vary comprehensive and you are able to set
up various filters which allow for a very powerful search pattern. To help
one understand these facilities there is a excellent step by step
instruction in the 'Verbose Guide' and is well worth the small amount of
time it takes to study.
There is a very useful macro facility enabling you to program the
function keys, F1-F10 plus SHIFTED F1-F10 (twenty in all), with a sequence
of up to 30 characters long and is saved with the record card data file.
This can save you a lot of time if you set up your most common used
sequences.
The best programs can be let down by poor manuals this, however, is
not the case with Super Card 2. Both guides are well written with plenty
of screen shots and diagrams. I do feel, however, that the paper covers of
the guides may not survive long particularly if, like me, you may have to
keep referring to the guides whilst getting used to the program. I have
covered my guides with the clear sticky plastic covering available in most
stationers. I also think the index would have been better printed on card
rather than paper. I do like the idea of it being separate from the guides
as it makes for easy cross referencing.
The Quick Guide is intended for those that have a good knowledge of
their computer and who want to get on with using the program. However you
are advised to read the Verbose Guide as it contains information and
advise about facilities not mentioned in the Quick Guide.
The Verbose Guide really does start from scratch with the first ten
pages or so containing a tutorial on the use of the ST desktop facilities.
This is fine for those that may have only used their ST for games up until
now but can be skipped by experienced users. After these pages you are
taken through an easy to follow step by step guide on the use of Super
Card 2 and is well worth doing if you want to get the most out of the
program. You are asked to load one of the example data files supplied and
then you are shown how to manipulate the record cards using all the
available facilities of Super Card 2
To conclude, Super Card 2 is an inexpensive, fast and easy to use
database which should cover most home or small business use. I have found
it extremely useful and wouldn't hesitate in recommending it to anybody
who has a use for a database. My only complaint being the covers of the
guides mentioned earlier. This does not let the product down in any way
especially when one considers how inexpensive it is.
******************************
* Further details from *
* B.Bytes Computer Systems *
* 19 Southfield Road *
* Hinckley *
* Leicestershire *
* LE10 1UA *
******************************
*************************************************************************
* Reviewed by Dave Price *
*************************************************************************