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This is the readme.1st file for RXDbase and MaxBase.
Please read all of it before installing or upgrading.
NOTE: Please see the end of this document to read about
the license for this package.
RXDbase is *not* freeware (though it is cheap!).
NOTE2: When you find errors in any of the applications
in this package, please report them to maxmars@pianeta.it,
along with the error dump (you can find that in the shell
where you have launched the program) and an explanation
of what you were doing.
HOW TO GET 'LATEST AND GREATEST'
"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'
The web page for maxbase can be found at:
*************************************************
http://www.bmtmicro.com/catalog/mb-web
(BMT-Micro in USA, with secure online order form)
*************************************************
*************************************************
http://www.ososoft.com/RXDBASE.HTM
(OsoSoft in Italy, with plain online order form)
*************************************************
You can get MaxBase from any of the two.
UPDATING
"'"'"'"'
Users updating from earlier versions of MaxBase
should shut down any MaxBase instance which is
running and unzip this file into the existing
MaxBase directory.
If changes to the installation program are listed
in the differences from earlier releases (paragraph
below) please re-run install.cmd.
DIFFERENCES FROM 1.05
"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"
.) Speeded up most filter operations.
.) Added the possibility to choose which fields to show and their
order.
.) Added a pointer to the main panel from panels which are more than
one level away from the main panel.
.) Added information on currently added/modified record,
and total number of records in add/modify sections.
.) Added registration information / program information
in the (new) 'about' section.
.) Minor (but useful) changes to the add/modify section:
CTRL+PGUP/PGDN now changes page when there are 6 or more
fields; UP and DOWN key arrows now move cursor up/down
one field; when pressing PGDN/DOWNN while on the 5-th field
in a 6 or more fields database the page automatically changes
to the next page. (PGUP/UP work similarly for the first field)
.) Changed the font of the non-record list from fixed bold font to
whatever the user chose in the fonts/color section.
.) Changed: when logging out from a database, if no colors/fonts are
defined for that database diectory, the current colors/fonts are
saved.
.) Corrected a severe error in the indexing routines: if you ran into
problems with MaxBase 1.05 (and/or possibly 1.04 as well) please
delete all the *.idx files and reload the DB. The problem should
go away.
.) Corrected: database creation always defaulted to the current
directory (and always created databases there).
.) Corrected: CTRL+B didn't work on filter section.
.) Corrected: MaxBase was crashing while loading a DB under certain
circumstances.
.) Corrected: when exiting from MaxBase, .ini information for that
directory don't get overwritten if values aren't different from
default are in use.
.) Corrected: Sportello didn't handle too well customized menus.
.) Corrected: Minor filter failures.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"
Many thanks to Giuseppe Aprile for his great .dbf <---> .dat conversion
utilities. Also thanks to all the testers who have helped me while I
was (but I still am and will be!) developing MaxBase.
Thanks saCUL, Penny and all the others!
INSTALLATION AND FIRST STEPS
"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'
Warning: you need long file names to use this product.
(HPFS disks only, please)
Warning/2: this program heavily depends on the quality of your Java VM.
Please get and install the latest release of the Java VM for your
computer/Operating System before running MaxBase.
I have included an install batch file for OS/2,
it is called install.cmd and you should find it in this very same
directory.
[If you're an user from another operating system you should really
download the genmb105.zip file, not this one]
1. If you are not a Java or NetRexx programmer.
1.1 QuickStart for MaxBase local version.
1.2 QuickStart for MaxBase networked version.
1.3 Publishing databases on the World Wide Web.
2. If you are a Java/NetRexx programmer.
2.1 Where to go from here now (library for local database)?
2.2 Where to go from here now (library for networked databases)?
2.3 Where to go from here now (plugins for MaxBase)?
1. If you are not a Java or NetRexx programmer:
1.1 QuickStart for MaxBase local version:
---------- --- ------- ----- --------
Just unzip plugins.zip (or MACplug, UNIXplug if you use Macs or Unices), then
type 'java MaxBase' and, via the GUI, connect to the database "imgs.dat".
Select one or all of the entries in the database and click on the
"view text/image" button.
runme.cmd, runme.bat batch files are provided for OS/2 and Windows users.
If you are a user from another system or machine, and have created a batch
file to automatize the launch of MaxBase (local DB app) and/or Sportello
(networked DB app, client side), RXDBServer (networked DB app, server side)
please e-mail it to me at maxmars@pianeta.it.
1.2 QuickStart for MaxBase networked version:
---------- --- ------- --------- --------
To run the server, you need to use the batch files (runserver.cmd and
runserver.bat) to put the server to work.
If you launch RXDBServer.class without parameters, it will show you
its usage. Eg. type "java RXDBServer" at the command prompt.
['runserver' is a batch file which issues 'java RXDBServer <parameters>']
To run the client, just launch runclient.cmd or runclient.bat giving as a
parameter the IP address of the machine which has an RXDBServer running,
the port on which that server is running and (optional) the password for
the server. Without a password, you will be able only to browse the remote
database (but only if the remote server is operating in safe mode).
Beware that in most Java implementations you cannot use dotted decimal
IP notation (unless you have some kind of host resolution hardiwred, as in
OS/2 Warp 4's C:\MPTN\ETC\HOSTS file)
['runclient' is a batch file which issues 'java Sportello <parameters>']
For example, I have set up my machine to act as 10.0.0.1, and when I
do my tests I fire up the server then I launch "runclient.cmd 10.0.0.1".
1.3 Publishing databases on the World Wide Web.
---------- --------- -- --- ----- ---- ----
Please refer to the SportelloApplet.doc file into the "client" directory
to learn how to publish your databases on the web (warning: in that
document it is assumed that you know how to mantain a web page).
2. If you are a Java/NetRexx programmer:
Warning:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
this package was created using NetRexx, a compiler (written in Java) which generates
Java code. The programs generated by it (and all the programs here are such)
need the NetRexx classes. A copy of these is here in this package,
file NetRexxR.zip. Just copy NetRexxR.zip in a directory that's in your
CLASSPATH environment variable, and you're OK (no need to unzip them).
Be sure to have .\. (./. or whatever your OS needs) in the classpath environment
variable.
More NetRexx info on my page or at http://www2.hursley.ibm.com
Read also the file 'license.txt' in the netrexx\lang directory that resides in
NetRexxR.zip, because it contains the user license for those NetRexx classes.
License.txt doesn't apply to RXDbase and MaxBase, though: for those two, refer
to the .doc accompanying them.
From version 0.9 I've started using Taligent widgets. See Talicense.txt
for the license.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If you're interested in plugins for MaxBase and are using WinXX or OS/2, please
unzip the file plugins.zip.
If you are using a Mac unzip macplug.zip, and finally for Unix unzip unixplug.zip.
Those packages differ for the included databases (in WinXX and OS/2 you have
newline = \r\n, in Mac = \r and in Unix = \n) and plugin.ini.
2.1 Where to go from here now (library for local database)?
----- -- -- ---- ---- --- -------- --- ----- ---------
The file to read is RXDbase.doc. I have also put here some examples
(dbtest.nrx and dbtest2.nrx) which are coded in NetRexx.
2.2 Where to go from here now (library for networked databases)?
----- -- -- ---- ---- --- -------- --- --------- ----------
The Networked, client side classess for RXDbase come in the form of RXDBClient.doc
in the .\client directory. There are no server side classes or APIs since it's
all handled by the server.
2.3 Where to go from here now (plugins for MaxBase)?
----- -- -- ---- ---- --- -------- --- ---------
Readme.plugins is the place where to start to learn more about plugins.
MaxBase can be customized with little effort by means of plugins.
Plugins are small Java or NetRexx applications which communicate
with MaxBase to get the list of fields and records which were
selected at the moment that the user launched the plugin, and then
do specific tasks.
Let's see it a bit better:
1) The user selects some records in MaxBase.
2) The user pushes a plugin button from within
MaxBase, thus launching a plugin.
3) MaxBase fires up the plugin, and waits until
the plugin has finished initializing itself.
4) MaxBase sends the plugin info about the fields
of the current DB and the records which are selected.
5) Now it's up to the plugin: it can do whatever it wants
with those data.
PLATFORM CONSIDERATIONS
"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"
I did test this program only on OS/2 Warp 4 and Win32.
If you're using it under other platforms, please drop
me a note on your results with it.
PLEASE BE VOCAL
"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"
Yes, I need _your_ feedback on errors, incompatibilites, suggestions, etc.
So far I'm testing it only on the OS/2 platform (and some
tests are done also on Win32). I'd be interested on
feedback also from users of other O.Ss. and platforms.
LICENSE
"'"'"'"
Why should you register?
Because this way you:
A) Receive (via e-mail or snail mail) the uncrippled
version of MaxBase.
B) Receive for free all the updates up to version 2 for
MaxBase. [Note: bug-fixes are always seen as 1.X,
and so do most of the improvements until the program
is really different from version 1.0, and this won't
happen in 1997 anyway - I plan to release 1 major
release for year, with discounts for people who
already have an older version].
C) Help the author decide that the developing of MaxBase
is a worthy cause, so he will be encouraged to add
many enhancements to it. :-)
With "program", it is intended the whole set of .class files included
in this package.
If you have received this program as shareware, be warned that you
have a period of 30 days to evaluate it, then you must choose:
1) if you want to continue using this product, you must pay for it.
MaxBase can be registered via BMT-Micro - please see the end of the
document.
Register fees are:
US Dollars 29 .. for the standard edition (full local database
+ server able to receive 2 clients at once)
US Dollars 89 .. for the extended edition (full local database
+ server able to receive all the clients
it can handle at once)
2) if you don't like this program, or are unable to contact the author,
you *must* stop using the program and you *must* uninstall it after the
30 days period.
3) If you build an application with RXDbase, a *small* one-time fee
must be paid to the author (contact me for details).
4) Non profit organizations: please contact me for details; discounts
are available.
I am not responsible or liable in any way for any damages
deriving from the use of this product. Use it at your own risk.
The sources for RXDbase are not provided, and you cannot modify or disassemble
the class, in any way. Also, you can not re-distribute this program unless
you have the permission of the author (Max Marsiglietti).
RXDBase is (c) Max Marsiglietti 1996, 97.
See Also Talicense.txt (in the directory where you found this) and license.txt
inside NetRexxR.zip.
CONTACTING THE AUTHOR
"'""'"'"'""'"'"'""'"'
If you find any bug, or have suggestions, please
report all of your comments to:
Max Marsiglietti,
E-mail:
maxmars@pianeta.it (Internet), 2:332/529.12 (Fidonet)
Snail Mail:
V.Landino 13,
41049, Sassuolo (MO)
Italy.
REGISTERING VIA BMT - MICRO
"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"
Mail Orders To: BMT Micro
PO Box 15016
Wilmington, NC 28408
U.S.A.
Voice Orders: 8:00am - 7:00pm EST (-5 GMT)
(800) 414-4268 (orders only)
(910) 791-7052
Fax Orders: (910) 350-2937 24 hours / 7 Days
(800) 346-1672 24 hours / 7 Days
Online Orders via modem: (910) 350-8061 10 lines, all 14.4K
(910) 799-0923 Direct 28.8K line
via Internet: orders@bmtmicro.com
telnet@bmtmicro.com
http://www.bmtmicro.com
Secure Ordering: https://wwws.wilmington.net/bmtmicro/secure_form.html
Ordering and general ordering questions:
Via AOL: bmtmicro
Via MSN: bmtmicro
Via Prodigy: HNGP66D
Via Compuserve: 74031,307
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Diners
Club, Carte Blanche, Cashiers Check, Personal Check. Personal
checks are subject to clearance. Eurochecks in DM are welcome.
DM, Sterling, and US Currency is welcome but send only by
registered mail, return receipt requested. We cannot be liable
for lost cash sent through the mail.
If you reside in a country with an unconvertible currency please
contact us for alternatives.
Purchase orders are welcome, subject to approval. The minimum
amount is $250.00.
Information for our German customers is explained in the last
paragraph of this order form.
_____________________________________________________________________
Company:_____________________________________________________________
Name:________________________________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
City: _______________________________State/Province: ________________
Postal/ZIP Code: ____________________Country:________________________
Phone:_______________________________________________________________
Fax: _______________________________________________________________
E-Mail #1____________________________________________________________
E-Mail #2____________________________________________________________
Product Quantity Price Number of copies
_________________________ ______________ ________________
_________________________ ______________ x ____________ = + $ _______
_________________________ ______________ x ____________ = + $ _______
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Latest Version on Diskette _____$3.00____ x ____________ = + $ _______
North Carolina Residents add 6% Sales Tax $ _______
Shipping and Handling (no quantity limit / see below) $ _______
Email - Subject to Credit Card Verification Free
Fax (USA/Canada)........................... 1.00 US
Fax (Non-North America).................... 2.00 US
Worldwide 1st Class ....................... Free
2nd Day Priority, USA Only ................ $ 4.00 US
US Postal Service International Express
(Including Canada and Mexico), allow up to
7-10 days ............................... $ 25.00 US
Airborne Select Delivery (USA Only) $ 8.00 US
FedEx Overnight, USA Only (delivery by
3:00 pm the following day) .............. $ 15.00 US
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within 3 days) .......................... $ 35.00 US
Total: $ _______
For credit card payment only
Circle one: VISA / Master / Discover / American Express / Diners
Credit card number: _____________________________________________
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ORDERING FROM INSIDE GERMANY ONLY
=================================
Persons in Germany wishing to order shareware may also transfer funds
into our account with Deutsche Bank. Once the money is deposited you
may either fax a confirmation to us with proof of deposit or wait until
Deutsche Bank notifies us of the transaction (usually 10-18 business days).
Account information is as follows:
Deutsche Bank / Frankfurt Branch
Empf║nger: Thomas Bradford
Konto-Nummer: 0860221
Bankleitzahl: 500-700-10
When you make the transfer, be sure to put your name and the program you
are registering on the transfer.
Current exchange rates can be obtained by sending an email to
dm_to_us@bmtmicro.com. An automated reply will return todays exchange
rates.
It is very important that you send us a completed order form by
either email or fax if you deposit money into this account for a
registration. Fill the order form out as usual except in the credit
card number field put "DEUTSCHE BANK". We will file the order and
use it to match against the deposit information we receive from the
bank.
IMPORTANT!
----------
When you email us your order form, we will reply with an
acknowledgement. If you do not get an acknowledgement within 24 hours
please send your order again in case it was lost. This extra bit of
caution can save a lot of confusion.
If you are concerned that your order is taking too long to process, feel
free to check with us about the status of your order. It's important
to all of us that you feel safe doing business with our company and
please feel free to suggest ways we can improve our service to you.
Ciao and thanks for your time!
Max.