Software of the Month Club 1997 April

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Infodex Version 2.19 Multipurpose Database Copyright 1993-1996 by Stevenson Technical Services, Incorporated 108 Second Avenue West, PO Box 297 Bertha MN 56437-0297 USA Phone/FAX: 218-924-2050 The STSI BBS: 218-924-2060 Internet: http://www.stevetech.com Internet Mail: support@stevetech.com Welcome! Thank you for trying Infodex! Infodex is a versatile multipurpose database manager used to keep track of any information you want to maintain - names and addresses, equipment, computer software, books, and much more. A FREE-FORM layout allows you to make Infodex look the way you want it to look. Add or delete fields at any time, rearrange the field order, and lengthen or shorten fields EASILY! Search for text in ANY field. Quickly Browse through a list of records. Easy push- button interface! If you appreciate Infodex, you are encouraged to call The STSI BBS at (218) 924-2060, and let us know! Comments, suggestions, and enhancement requests are always welcome! Requirements There are 2 versions of Infodex in this package. The first, INFODEXP.EXE is a protected mode application that requires the following: · DOS 3.3 or Higher · IBM PC, PC-Compatible, or MS-DOS 286 Computer (or higher) · Hard Drive · 1 MB Extended Memory · Mouse Recommended If you do not have 1 megabyte of extended memory, you can optionally use INFODEX.EXE, which is a real-mode application that requires the following: · DOS 3.3 or Higher · IBM PC, PC-Compatible or MS-DOS 8088 Computer (or higher) · Hard Drive · 500K Free Conventional Memory · EMS Memory Recommended · Mouse Recommended Quick-Start Instructions To get Infodex up and running in a hurry, follow these Quick- Start instructions: 1. Run the Install program by logging to the correct drive and directory, and type "INSTALL". 2. After installing Infodex, read the "Memory Requirements" section of this documentation, and then decide whether you want the protected- mode or real-mode version of Infodex. Log to the \INFODEX sub- directory. If you want the protected-mode version, type "INFODEXP.EXE". If you want the real-mode version, type "INFODEX.EXE". Disclaimer / License Agreement What is shareware? Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details - some request registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using the software to an updated program with printed manual. Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to all or to a specific group. For example, some authors require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware. Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee - if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it. Disclaimer - Agreement By using Infodex and/or any of its components, users indicate their acceptance of the following terms: "Infodex is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. Neither STSI, The STSI BBS, or any STSI employees will be held responsible for any damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of Infodex and/or any of its components." "Information in this documentation is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of STSI. STSI may make improvements and/or changes in this documentation or in the products and/or programs described in this documentation at any time." Infodex is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of another system. The essence of "user-supported" software is to provide personal computer users with quality software without high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to continue to develop new products. If you find this program useful and find that you are using Infodex and continue to use Infodex after a reasonable trial period, you must make a registration payment of $34.95 (+S&H) to Stevenson Technical Services, Inc. (STSI). This registration fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time. You must treat this software just like a book. An example is that this software may be used by any number of people and 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's being used at another. Just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at the same time, Infodex should not be used on two different computers at the same time. Commercial users of Infodex must register and pay for their copies of Infodex within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn. Site- License arrangements may be made by contacting STSI at (218) 924-2050. Anyone distributing Infodex for any kind of remuneration must first contact STSI for authorization. This authorization will be automatically granted to distributors recognized by the (ASP) as adhering to its guidelines for shareware distributors, and such distributors may begin offering Infodex immediately. (However STSI must still be advised so that the distributor can be kept up- to-date with the latest version of Infodex.) You are encouraged to pass a copy of Infodex along to your friends for evaluation. Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that they can use it. All registered users will receive a copy of the latest version of the Infodex, along with a printed manual and bonus disks. ASP Notice: STSI is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442-9427 USA, FAX 616-788-2765 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536. Registration Infodex is distributed under the shareware concept. It is NOT free! You may try Infodex for a period of two weeks. After this period, you must register it. Registration is only $34.95 (+S&H). By registering, you will receive the latest version of Infodex on diskette, a manual, technical support, notification of updates and upgrades, a registration number for Infodex, and bonus disks. (Registration also removes all nag screens!) For further registration information and pricing, please read the REGISTER.DOC file included with Infodex. How To Order To register, do ONE of the following (whichever you prefer): 1. Call The STSI BBS at 218-924-2060 and order online. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards. This method of ordering can be performed 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. (Ordering this way is fast and easy, allowing us to process your request quickly.) 2. To order using our voice line, call 218-924-2050. Please have your credit card handy. 3. You can FAX your order to 218-924-2050. Simply fill out the registration form provided with the program (REGISTER.DOC), include your credit card information on the bottom of the form, and sign it. (Most FAX transmissions will be automatically routed to the FAX machine. If you have problems reaching our FAX machine, wait until after the first ring, press 11, and then begin transmitting.) 4. Mail the registration form along with your payment to: Stevenson Technical Services, Inc. (STSI) 108 2nd Avenue West, PO Box 297 Bertha, MN 56437-0297 USA. Technical Support: Technical support is available through the following means: Internet: Access STSI's internet home page at http://www.stevetech.com. Check the bulletins for information on the latest versions of our software. Software updates can be downloaded through our web site or via anonymous ftp to stevetech.com (file are located in the \pub directory). Internet Mail: STSI will respond to messages sent via the Internet. Send any tech support related questions, comments, or suggestions to support@stevetech.com. The STSI BBS: New versions of this program will be posted here as soon as they are available. The STSI BBS uses a U.S. Robotics V.Everything modem, which is capable of V.FAST, V.32bis, V.32, and 2400 baud connect speeds. The access number for The STSI BBS is 218-924-2060. Technical support questions posted on the bulletin board system should be addressed to Craig Stevenson. STSI FAX: STSI has a FAX machine on-line 24 hours-a-day to accept FAX transmissions. Technical support questions / problems may be faxed to 218-924-2050. Most FAX transmissions will be automatically routed to the FAX machine. If you have problems reaching our FAX machine, wait until after the first ring, press 11, and then begin transmitting. Telephone: Technical support calls may be placed at (218) 924-2050. Office hours are from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday thru Friday, and 8:00 am - 11:00 am on Saturday. Please read the following before placing a technical support call to STSI: 1. Read the documentation files (and the help screens, if available). Most questions can be answered by simply reading the docs. 2. If you have a modem, call The STSI BBS and download the latest version. (Read Bulletin #1 on our BBS to find out the latest version and release date of this program. When downloading a file, keep in mind that STSI's programs are always posted in area 27.) After you download the latest version, try it and see if you are still experiencing the same problem. We attempt to fix problems as soon as we become aware of them, and post the updated versions on the bulletin board system. (Check the .REV revision file for information on feature enhancements and bug-fixes.) 3. If you still cannot find an answer, contact us through one of the means outlined above. We will do our best to assist you and answer any questions you may have. 4. When calling or leaving a message, please be prepared to answer the following questions: What version of this program are you using? What problem(s) are you having, if any? What type of computer CPU do you have (486DX2-66, etc.)? What version of DOS are you using? Please be as specific as possible. The more specific you are, the faster we will be able to assist you. 5. When placing a technical support call via telephone, please be seated behind your computer. We may ask you to perform a couple of simple tasks in order to help us narrow down any potential problems. 6. When speaking with any of our employees, please be considerate. Speak clearly, explaining your problem as carefully as possible. Please do not use any harsh or inappropriate (profane) language. 7. If one of our employees is able to help you, and you continue to use this program, register it! We cannot continue to produce quality programs without the continuing support of our users. Memory Requirements IMPORTANT! READ THIS!!! This version of Infodex includes 2 executable files for Infodex. Each version has unique memory requirements that are explained below. INFODEXP.EXE This version is a protected-mode application, which means that it requires an 80286 or higher microprocessor in order to operate. Because of this fact, it requires at least 1 megabytes of EXTENDED memory. If you do not have this much extended memory, you will probably receive an "Insufficient Memory" error when Infodex tries to initialize its database manager. If you run into this problem, try the real-mode version as explained below. INFODEX.EXE This version is a real-mode application, which means that it will operate on an 8088 or higher microprocessor. In order to run this version of Infodex, you will need at least 500K of conventional memory. An additional 512K of EMS memory is strongly recommended for better performance. If you do not have sufficient extended memory on your system, you will want to try this version. Note: These two executable files contain the same code, but simply require different memory configurations to operate properly. If your system has at least 1 megabyte of extended memory, we would recommend running the protected-mode version (INFODEXP.EXE). To assist you in deciding which version will work for you, we have included a simple memory testing program with Infodex, called MEMCHECK.EXE. From a DOS prompt, log to the \INFODEX sub- directory, and type "MEMCHECK". Look at the following example: +--------- STSI MemCheck Version 1.01 -----------+ ▌ ▌ ▌ (X) Conventional Free: 503,136 ▌ ▌ ▌ ▌ (X) Extended Installed: Managed ▌ ▌ Free: Managed ▌ ▌ ▌ ▌ (_) DPMI Version: N/A ▌ ▌ ▌ ▌ (X) EMS Version: 4.0 ▌ ▌ Installed: 884,736 ▌ ▌ Free: 524,288 ▌ ▌ ▌ ▌ (X) XMS Version: Allocated ▌ ▌ Revision: Allocated ▌ ▌ Free: Allocated ▌ ▌ ▌ +---------- Press Any Key To Continue -----------+ This particular system does not have any extended memory available, which means that it will be incapable of running INFODEXP.EXE. But it does have 503,136 bytes of free conventional memory, and an additional 524,288 bytes of free EMS memory, which means that the real-mode version, INFODEX.EXE, will run with acceptable performance. Now look at the next example: +--------- STSI MemCheck Version 1.01 -----------+ ▌ ▌ ▌ (X) Conventional Free: 582,336 ▌ ▌ ▌ ▌ (X) Extended Installed: Managed ▌ ▌ Free: Managed ▌ ▌ ▌ ▌ (_) DPMI Version: N/A ▌ ▌ ▌ ▌ ( ) EMS Version: N/A ▌ ▌ Installed: N/A ▌ ▌ Free: N/A ▌ ▌ ▌ ▌ (X) XMS Version: 2.00 ▌ ▌ Revision: 2.77 ▌ ▌ Free: 2,031,616 ▌ ▌ ▌ +---------- Press Any Key To Continue -----------+ Since this system does not have any EMS memory free, running the real-mode version might seem a little slow. However, it does have approximately 2 megabytes of XMS memory, which will run the protected-mode version (INFODEXP.EXE) very well. (Note: If you are running under OS/2, allocate at least 1 megabyte of DPMI memory when using INFODEXP.EXE.) Installing Infodex The installation procedure for Infodex is quite simple. The package includes a program, "INSTALL.EXE", which automates the entire process. You will need about 1 megabyte of available disk space on the hard drive on which you plan to install Infodex. The exact steps you need to take will depend on how you received Infodex. Installing From Diskettes To install from diskette(s), you need to perform the following steps. 1. Place Infodex distribution diskette "Disk 1" in the appropriate diskette drive. 2. Execute the "INSTALL.EXE" program on the distribution diskette. For example, if the distribution diskette is on drive A:, type the MS-DOS command, "a:install". 3. Follow the instructions presented by the installation program. You will have a chance to approve installation before any changes are actually made to the contents of your hard drive. The program will ask you for a destination directory, and will copy the Infodex files to that directory. If you received Infodex on two diskettes, you will need to insert Disk 2 in the diskette drive when asked to do so. If you so direct it, the installation program will install executable programs and documentation in other directories of your choice. Installing From A Hard Drive If you downloaded Infodex from a BBS (or received it in the form of archive files from some other source), you will need to perform the following steps. 1. Extract the contents of the archive file(s) in a temporary directory on your hard drive. The procedure for doing this varies, depending on the form in which you received the package. In all likelihood, the fact that you are reading this text means that you already have the necessary tools and knowledge to perform this step. If not, you should be able to obtain directions for this from the same source from which you received the package. 2. Execute the "INSTALL.EXE" program which you have extracted. For example, if the temporary directory into which you have extracted the files is C:\TEMPDIR, you would execute the MS-DOS command, "c:\tempdir\install". 3. Follow the instructions presented by the installation program. You will have a chance to approve installation before any changes are actually made to the contents of your hard drive. The installation program will ask you for a destination directory, and will copy the program files to that directory. If you so direct it, the installation program will install executable programs and documentation in other directories of your choice. When you're satisfied that the installation was successful, you should delete the temporary directory FROM which you installed the program, (C:\TEMPDIR, in the above discussion), including all its contents. You're Ready To Go To execute Infodex, type "INFODEX" or "INFODEXP" (depending on which version you installed) (see Memory Requirements) from the \INFODEX sub-directory, and press [ENTER]. Infodex's desktop will display an information dialog box containing version and copyright information, followed by the main menu. Creating A New Database To create a new database, select "Create A New Database" from the Infodex main menu. A dialog box will pop up allowing you to enter the new name and description for the database you will create. Once you have entered a filename, enter a description in the "Description" field. This text will be shown as the title on the top of the editing screen. To create the database, select Ok. If an existing database exists by that same name, Infodex will warn you before overwriting it. When you have selected Ok, Infodex will display the layout screen. This is where you will create your database, and place the fields where you want them. To create a new field, you can do one of three things... 1) Click on the New button with your mouse, 2) Press Alt-N, or 3) Press the Insert key. Infodex will display a dialog box that looks similar to this: +-[_]--------- Edit Field -------------+ ▌ ▌ ▌ Field Name....: New Field ▌ ▌ ▌ ▌ Field Type....: (X) Character ▌ ▌ ( ) Number ▌ ▌ ( ) Memo ▌ ▌ ▌ ▌ Decimal Places: 2 ▌ ▌ ▌ ▌ Prompt Row,Col: 2, 2 ▌ ▌ ▌ ▌ Field Row,Col.: 2,18 ▌ ▌ ▌ ▌ Field Length..: 25 ▌ ▌ ▌ ▌ Display Length: 25 ▌ ▌ ▌ ▌ Ok Cancel ▌ ▌ ▌ +--------------------------------------+ Field Name The Field Name contains the text that will appear beside the field you are creating. This field can be blank, but it is most often used to display descriptive information about what is contained in the actual field, such as Name, Address, City, etc. Field Type Infodex currently supports three types of fields. Character Fields can contain up to 254 characters of alpha- numeric text. Number fields can contain only numeric characters. A decimal point is allowed, but there must be a value between 1 and 4 in the decimal places field for a decimal point to be displayed. Memo fields can contain alpha-numeric text with a maximum size of 65,530 characters. A typical size for memo fields is 1,000 - 2,000 characters. Memo fields are helpful for entering information that does not fit very well in any other field. Decimal Places If you are creating a number field, you can change the number of decimal places that should be displayed. Currently, Infodex limits the maximum number of decimal places to 4. Prompt Row,Col These fields contain the row and column positions of the Field Name entered above. Infodex automatically enters a default column and row position, to make this task easier. These values can be changed directly, or you can manually move the field once it has been placed on the layout screen. Field Row,Col These fields contain the row and column positions of the actual field. As with the prompt, Infodex automatically enters a default column and row position, to make this task easier. The positioning of the field can also be changed once it has been placed on the layout screen. Field Length This field should contain the maximum length of any text that will be entered. If you create a Name field, and only specify a field length of 20 characters, you will not be able to enter names longer than 20 characters. (If you need to lengthen a field after the database has been created, Infodex will allow you to do this. So if you aren't sure about the field length, take your best guess, and change it later if you need to.) Display Length This value is similar to the Field Length value, but it contains the length of the field as it is displayed on the screen. For example, if you want a name field to be 100 characters long, you would enter 100 in the Field Length field. But since you can't display a control that long on your screen, you would enter a smaller value in the Display Length field, such as 30 or 40. If the display length is too long to fit on the layout screen, Infodex will warn you and make you change it before continuing. Once you select Ok, Infodex adds the field to the layout screen. If you don't like the position of the field, you can move it around by using the arrow keys or the mouse. Using the Mouse To move the prompt and field using the mouse, click on the right field delimiter (if you are using field delimiters) or on the field handle (located immediately to the right of the field). Using the Arrow Keys If you only want to move the field (for example, to place it closer to the name), click on the Field button, or press Alt-F. The prompt on the bottom of the screen will change to "Move Field" to indicate that you are only moving the field. To move the name, click on the Name button, or press Alt-A. The prompt on the bottom of the screen will change to "Move Name" to indicate that you are only moving the name. To move both the name and field at the same time, click on the Both button, or press Alt-B, and the prompt will change to "Move Field and Name". If you want to delete an existing field, highlight that field with the cursor and press the Delete key. After confirming that you want to delete the field, Infodex will remove it from the screen. Repeat this process for every field you want to create. When you are finished, select Done (Alt-D). Infodex will save the layout information, and will create a database based on the name you provided. When Infodex creates a new database, several supporting files are created. If the database filename is "TEST"(.DAT), the files that Infodex would create are as follows: TEST.DAT This file contains the actual data for the database. This file is crucial to the integrity of the database. TEST.DBH This "header file" contains information about the structure of the database file. This file is also crucial to the database integrity, ensuring that Infodex can read the data that has been previously written. TEST.IX This file contains the indexes, or searching information to allow Infodex to quickly locate a needed record. If this file should become lost or corrupt, Infodex will automatically regenerate it for you. TEST.INF This file contains information about the layout of each field in the database. It also contains the last size and position of the Notes field and the Browser screen. This allows you to define a special size and position for the Notes field and Browser screen in each database you create. In the event that this file is deleted or becomes corrupt, Infodex will attempt to regenerate it for you. However, you will probably lose your existing layout (that is, your placement of the fields), and will need to put them back where you originally placed them. TEST.DIA This file manages multiple access to the database in multitasking and network environments. TEST.MSG In the event that an error would occur while rebuilding or working with the database, you may find a file in your \INFODEX sub-directory with a .MSG extension. This file should contain information about any error(s) that occurred. (If this should occur, copy this file to a backup location for safe-keeping and send a copy of it on a diskette to STSI for evaluation.) After creating these files, Infodex displays the main editing screen. This is where you add, edit, and delete information from the database, browse through records, and search for data in specific fields. Keyboard Commands Infodex supports the use of both the mouse and the keyboard. Persons using the keyboard will want to become familiar with the keys and key combinations available for use within Infodex. Push buttons can be selected by holding down the Alt key and pressing the highlighted letter. Most keyboard commands are listed below: Alt-B Browse through a list of all records Alt-C Cancel the current editing operation Alt-D Delete the current record Alt-E Edit the current record Alt-N Create a new record Alt-O Access Other features, such as printing & exporting Alt-P Print database records to the printer or disk Alt-R Search for text in one of the fields Alt-S Save the current record PgUp Move to the previous record PgDn Move to the next record Ctrl+Home Move to the first record Ctrl+End Move to the last record Ctrl+PgUp Move to the first record Ctrl+PgDn Move to the last record Home Move to the beginning of the current field End Move to the end of the current field Insert Insert Mode / Overstrike Mode Delete Remove character over the cursor Backspace Remove character left of the cursor Left Arrow Move cursor one character to the left Rght Arrow Move cursor one character to the right Enter Move cursor to the next field Tab Move cursor to the next field Shift+Tab Move cursor to the previous field Down Arrow Move cursor to the next field Up Arrow Move cursor to the previous field F3 Edit the database description F10 Save the current record Editing Commands New When this button is pushed, Infodex goes into "edit mode", and allows you to enter a new record. When Infodex is in edit mode, you cannot move between records, delete records, call up the browser, or search for data. Once you have finished adding the new record, click on "Save" to save it into the database, or select "Cancel" to exit from edit Mode. If you have made any changes, Infodex will issue a prompt to check whether or not you want to save any changes before leaving. Edit When this button is pushed, Infodex goes into "edit mode", and allows you to modify the current record. When Infodex is in edit mode, you cannot move between records, delete records, call up the browser, or search for data. Once you have finished modifying the current record, click on "Save" to save the modified record into the database, or select "Cancel" to exit from Edit Mode. If you have made any changes, Infodex will issue a prompt to make sure that you don't want to save any changes before leaving. Delete When the Delete button is selected, Infodex issues a prompt to confirm that you want to delete the current record from the database. When you choose "Yes" at the prompt, the record is deleted, and Infodex moves to the next record in the database. Browse When this button is pushed, Infodex displays a browsing screen that contains all of the records in the database. To scroll through the browser, use the Up Arrow, Down Arrow, PgUp, and PgDn keys, or the mouse to scroll through all of the records. Pressing a key such as "N" will move the highlight bar to the beginning of the records beginning with the letter "N". Pressing Escape will erase the browser and redisplay the editing screen. Pressing ENTER on the highlighted record will erase the browser and cause Infodex to display the selected record on the editing screen for viewing, editing, or deleting. Search When the Search button is selected, Infodex displays a Search options screen where you can type the string to search for, and select the field you want to search through. When Ok is selected, the search process begins. Once Infodex completes the search, it will either display a message box indicating that no records were found, or it will display the browser screen with a complete list of all records that were found matching the Search String. If you leave the Search String field blank, all records will be displayed in the browser. The search that is performed is not case sensitive, so entering the Search String in upper-case letters or lower-case letters will produce the same result. Other The Other button gives users access to advanced options. The advanced options include printing all of the database records, and exporting the records into a delimited text file. Export Infodex allows you to export all records in the database into a delimited text file. When you select the Export button, Infodex displays a dialog box allowing you to modify the text and field delimiters for the file, and specify what the name of the output file should be. Print To print the current record or all records within the database, select the Print button. A Print Records dialog box will be displayed, allowing you to select which port the output should be sent to, or if the records should be printed directly to a file. If a File is selected for output, the Filename field must be filled in to specify the name of the file to use. Infodex will print the record using the layout on the screen. To print only 1 record per page, check the box titled "Page Break After Each Record". Up Pushing the Up Arrow button will cause the record previous to the current record to be displayed. Down Pushing the Down Arrow button will cause the record subsequent to the current record to be displayed. Up Triangle Pushing the Up Triangle button will cause the first record in the database to be displayed. Down Triangle Pushing the Down Triangle button will cause the last record in the database to be displayed. Save The Save button is only displayed when Infodex is in edit (F10) mode, and when it is selected, Infodex will attempt to save the current record into the database. Cancel The Cancel button is only displayed when Infodex is in edit mode, and when it is selected, Infodex will Cancel the editing process, exit from edit mode, and redisplay the current record. F1 By pressing the F1 function key, users can have access to the Infodex help system. The F1 key should be available at any time within Infodex, and will offer helpful information and instructions. F3 When the F3 function key is pressed (only available when Infodex is NOT in edit mode), Infodex will allow you to edit the database description associated with the current database. After editing the description and selecting Ok, Infodex will redraw the editing screen with the new database description displayed on the top of the editing screen. Tab or ENTER When tab or ENTER is pressed during the editing process, it will normally advance the cursor to the next field. However, if the current field is a memo field, pressing the ENTER key will cause the memo window to be displayed. To exit from editing a memo, press Escape. Changes to memo fields are saved when the entire record is saved. Import A Database Description Infodex has support to import a delimited text file or a file created with Infodex version 1.x. In order to properly import a delimited text file, it cannot have more than 36 fields. This is because Infodex must create a field on the layout screen for every field in the database, and it is difficult to fit more than 36 fields on the layout screen. Delimited File File To Import: Enter the path and filename of the delimited text file to import into Infodex. Text Delimiter: This character should be the character used to mark the beginning and end of text fields in the delimited text file. This is typically a quote (") character. Field Delimiter: This character should be the character used to mark (or delimit) the end of field in the delimited text file. Database File Name: Enter the name of the database file to create when Infodex imports the delimited text file. You cannot import records into an existing database! You must create a new database when importing records. Ok: When you select Ok, Infodex will check if the database file name already exists. If it does, a warning message will appear, asking whether or not you want to overwrite the existing database. After that, Infodex will begin the importing process. First, the delimited file must be scanned to detect the number of fields in the database. Next, the records are added to the database file. As each of these processes occur, status windows will display the progress. When the importing process is complete, the database file is opened and displayed on the editing screen. Cancel: To cancel the importing process, select the Cancel button, and you will return to the main menu. File Dialog Boxes Description: The file dialog box screens allow users to open or delete an existing database. Note: When opening a database, make sure that the file was originally created with Infodex. Filename This text field allows users to manually enter the name of a file. If you enter a filename without an extension when opening or deleting a file, Infodex appends a .DAT extension and searches for a file in the current directory. If the file exists, it is automatically selected when you press ENTER. If the file does not exist, Infodex will either advance the cursor to the Files list box for manual selection, or issue an error message, depending on the existing conditions. Files The Files list box provides users with a way to search the current drive and directory for files with the selected *.DAT file filter. Pressing the SPACE BAR will highlight a file from the list, and pressing ENTER on a highlighted file will instruct Infodex to attempt to open or delete it (depending on the current routine). Directories The Directories list box displays a list of directories on the currently selected drive, and a list of available drives. The current directory can be changed by pressing ENTER on the desired directory, or clicking on it with the mouse. When a new directory is selected, the "Files" list box is updated to display all files matching the file filter in the new directory. Directory This non-editable field contains the current drive and path. Use this field as a quick-reference to see where Infodex is looking for files. Ok The Ok button can be selected when a file has been highlighted from the Files list box. Infodex will then attempt to open or delete the selected file. Cancel The Cancel button can be selected to cancel the current routine and return to the previous screen. Configuration Options Description The options on this screen determine the default behavior of Infodex on your computer system. Optimization This option is used to specify whether Infodex should optimize database management for Data Integrity or Speed. If Optimize For Data Integrity is chosen, access to certain routines may be impacted by a reduction in speed. If Optimize For Speed is chosen, Infodex will attempt to optimize access to routines without a reduction in speed. When Optimize For Data Integrity is turned on, Infodex will write portions of the database to be modified to the dialog (.DIA) file before any changes are made. Then, in the event that an error occurs, the database can be restored to its known state prior to the operation. If the computer system crashes before an operation is complete, Infodex automatically repairs the database by using the information in the dialog file the next time the database is opened. Based on our internal testing, Optimize For Speed is MUCH faster. If you decide to use Optimize For Speed, however, we recommend that you maintain a regular backup. If you are more concerned about data integrity, even to the point of sacrificing some performance, select Optimize For Data Integrity. Network Type Even if you don't use a network, you may need to change the default Network Type from None to the MS-Net Compatible option. Make sure to read the following section! None: When "None" is selected as the network type, file sharing and record locking routines are not used. Do NOT run Infodex in a multiuser setting with the network type set to "None". If you do, the data and index files are likely to become corrupt if two or more nodes try to access the program! Novell: If you are running on a Novell NetWare 2.x, 3.x, or 4.x network, be sure to set the network type setting to "Novell Network". MS-Net: The "MS-Net Compatible" setting should be used for the following networks and environments: LANtastic, LAN Manager, IBM PC-LAN, Personal NetWare, NetWare Lite, DESQview, and Windows. When using this option, you must load SHARE.EXE. (When running under Windows, either SHARE must be loaded prior to running Windows, or the VSHARE driver must be loaded in Windows.) Startup File If a valid filename is entered in this field, Infodex will attempt to load the specified file each time it is executed. The only exception to this rule is if a different filename is entered on the command line when Infodex is executed. If Infodex detects that a filename has been entered as a parameter on the command line, it will open that filename instead of the one specified in the Startup File field. Refresh Delay This number specifies the number of seconds that Infodex will use as an update interval when displaying the browser screen. If this value is set to 5, Infodex will update the browser screen every 5 seconds with any changes that have made from other workstations working on the same database file. Explode Delay This number specifies the number of seconds used as an "Explode Delay" for dialog boxes within Infodex. To eliminate all exploding effects, set the number in this field to 0. Editing Options The Use Field Delimiters setting allows you to specify whether or not fields on the editing screen are delimited by brackets or not. This may be helpful for you to determine the placement and size of fields on the layout screen. Ok When Ok is selected, Infodex saves the options on this screen to the file INFODEX.INI. Cancel Selecting Cancel leaves all options on this screen in the state they were set to when this screen was initially displayed. Register Infodex Description Once you register Infodex and pay the requested $34.95 fee to STSI for registering, you will receive a registration name and number. Enter your name and number in the fields shown on this screen, and Infodex will be registered to you. You will no longer see "nag screens" or "reminders" pressuring you to register. If your name and number are entered accurately, Infodex will display a thank-you message. Otherwise, Infodex will warn you that the registration number you entered was not valid. Registration Name The Registration Name text field allows users to enter their personal name or the name of their company or organization. Registration Number The Registration Number text field allows users to enter the registration number they received from STSI upon registering Infodex. For information on how to register, please see the "Registration" section near the top of this documentation file. Network Users This field contains the numbers of network users for Infodex. To receive a registration number that provides support for network users, see the file REGISTER.DOC. If you are registering a single-user version of Infodex, enter 0 in this field. Title Bar Display Registered users can customize the title on the background display of Infodex by changing the text in this field. If this is an unregistered version of Infodex, the title bar cannot be changed, and will always display "UNREGISTERED Version". Ok Selecting Ok instructs Infodex to save this configuration information to the file INFODEX.INI. Cancel Selecting Cancel instructs Infodex to ignore any changes that have been made to the previous settings, and return to the main menu. Future Enhancements The following is a list of planned features and enhancements for future versions of Infodex. Most features will be implemented as soon as possible. · Scan through all records for a user-specified string. This string will not have to be located at the beginning of a search field. It can be located at any position in any field of the database. · Import databases in dBase format. · Color customization. · Customization of which fields are displayed on the browser screen. Cautions As with any program that maintains large amounts of data, there is the possibility for data loss. Infodex contains special precautions, such as having the ability to rebuild the database index if it should become corrupt. However, regular data backups are strongly recommended. Hard drives can fail, files can become corrupt, and data loss can occur. Your best protection is a regular (verified) backup! Products By STSI Stevenson Technical Services, Inc. 108 Second Avenue West Bertha MN 56437-0297 Phone / FAX: (218) 924-2050 The STSI BBS: (218) 924-2060 Internet: http://www.stevetech.com Internet Mail: support@stevetech.com (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, & Discover Accepted) · BBS Informant <ASP> Comprehensive BBS List / Search Door! BBS Informant is a comprehensive BBS door used for adding, listing, and searching through BBS names and numbers. BBS Informant stores over 40 fields of data on each BBS! Store up to 3 phone numbers, software & version, sysop, emphasis, rate, location, number of lines, storage space, CD-ROMS, date of origin, services offered, summary, and much more! Network support is included! BBS Informant works on Wildcat, PCBoard, and any BBS that supports DOOR.SYS. 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