Keystrokes for generation of OLXINP.SCP ---------- 18
Keystrokes for generation of FIND1.SCP ----------- 19
Keystrokes for generation of FINDX.SCP ----------- 20
Appendix III - Message Header Examples ---------------- 21
Appendix IV - File Locations after Installation ------- 22
-1-
MESSAGE FINDER SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION (MSGFIND.DOC)
Version 2.04
Abstract
--------
Users of electronic bulletin-board systems read, and generally save
those messages which they find to be of particular interest. The Message
Finder System (MFS) provides a means for storing those messages in
compressed format, and subsequently relocating them upon inquiry. The
system is used in conjunction with an off-line reader (OLX, SLMR or Blue
Wave), the PKWARE system for compression/decompression of messages, and the
Alpha 4 file-management system. Operation of the entire system is
substantially automatic.
Introduction
------------
For some while I have been using the Fidonet electronic bulletin-
board systems (BBS) to exchange messages with other people who are
interested in genealogy. Frequently, I see a message that I want to
answer, but the name and/or subject look very familiar.-- Didn't I send
him/her a message about this subject six months ago? Or did they send
me the message, or did I send the message to someone else, or was it
about something else, or was it only three months ago, etc, etc? I find
it may be embarrassing if I guess wrong, or annoying if I waste a lot of
time scratching around trying to find an old message.
Retrieving old messages may be particularly vexing when using the
various genealogical conferences on a BBS. Because of the large number of
messages that appear in this media relating to genealogy, (currently as
many as 300+ daily) relying on memory alone is often inadequate (at least
it is for me), and manual record keeping becomes unwieldy and time
consuming. I assume that other people who use the BBS message systems may
have similar problems. If not, (or if you have a photographic memory) then
you may forget about this system. It is not for you.
Numerous methods are already available to aid in locating messages
of interest which may be carried at any one particular time on a BBS.
All the messages may be read in entirety (the old-fashioned way), or an
index of messages from an off-line reader program may be scanned for
subjects of possible interest. Most of the automated systems entail
checking a list of keywords for matches in a file of (usually current)
messages. It would appear, however, that the problem of relocating
messages over a longer time period has not been extensively covered.
Regardless of how messages of interest were found originally, I
believe there is a need for a rapid and convenient method of relocating
those messages again at some later time. I developed the Message Finder
System (MFS) to address this need. My system is intended to supplement the
various methods of finding messages of interest, rather than to replace
them. Although this system was developed primarily as an aid to people
having an interest in genealogy, it could as easily be used to keep track
of BBS message information in other areas.
-2-
Before messages can be retrieved, a message data base must be
established. This raises a question about which messages to include in
the data base. One approach would be to save all BBS messages relating
to a broad subject of interest, e.g. genealogy, on a hard disk. Since
this could eventually require an enormous amount of disk capacity,
perhaps a more practical approach would be to save each day, only those
messages which appear to be of particular interest. Furthermore, little
or no hard-disk space would be required if messages are saved on a
floppy disk in compressed format using one of the available file-
compression systems. In any event, once the data base is established, a
method is needed to relocate any desired messages quickly and conveniently.
Description of the System
-------------------------
The current version of MFS requires the use of one of the following
off-line readers: OLX or the shareware "test drive" version, OLXTD Vers 2.1
or SLMR which are almost identical, or Blue Wave Vers 2.10. Additional
software required by my MFS includes the PKWARE system for compression and
decompression of computer files, the Alpha 4 file-management system, and
two programs which I wrote (OLTODB and MSGFIND) to facilitate message
compression, storage, relocation, decompression and output. A program called
MFINSTAL is also provided to install the Message Finder System.
The Message Finder System consists essentially of two parts which
utilize the same data base, but which operate independently of each other:
Part 1 is for storage of new messages, and Part 2 is for retrieval of
stored messages. These parts are described in greater detail below.
The MFS as described herein is for operation of the OLTODB and MSGFIND
programs when Alpha 4 is utilized. Essentially automatic operation of the
Alpha 4 system for data input and retrieval is attained by means of Alpha 4
script command files which are included with the distribution. However, it
should be possible to use any other file-management system having the
capability of text import/export (although not with the same convenience
unless analogues of the script commands can be written.) While I have not
tested the Message Finder System with other file-management systems, Alpha
4 is claimed to use a format which is identical to systems such as DBase
III. Adaption of the MFS system to other file-management systems may thus
present no great difficulty.
Part 1 of the Message Finder System
--------------------------------------------
This part of the MFS should be employed whenever the user wishes to
add message of interest to the data base, e.g. daily. In this part messages
are stored in compressed format, and information from the message headers
is entered into a file-management system.
-3-
A batch command file, OL.BAT, is generated during installation of the system. This file is designed to execute automatically in sequence the off-line reader, the OLTODB program and the Alpha 4 system. While running
the off-line reader, e.g. OLX, OLXTD, SLMR or BlueWave, the user reads messages from a mail packet which has been earlier downloaded from the BBS. Messages which are of particular interest to the user are saved in a file called, e.g. SAVE.TXT. The OLTODB program causes PKZIP to compress these messages for storage, in a file called BBS.ZIP (default). This ZIP file may either be on a floppy disk or on a disk file (as specified during installation, but which may be changed during execution of MSGFIND.) OLTODB also extracts the message-header information from each of the messages. A batch-file command then activates Alpha 4, which uses a script command to import the header information and append it automatically to the existing data-base file.
The current version of OLTODB recognizes message headers which are
in the format of messages saved by either the OLX Vers. 2.1, (see
General Discussion Section below), or similar off-line readers such as
OLXTD or SLMR, or by the Blue Wave Vers. 2.10 off-line reader. The program
scans message lines in the SAVE.TXT file to identify the beginning of
individual messages, and to find message-header information which will be
placed in the file-management data base. The system could be used with
other off-line readers so long as they produce message-header formats which
are IDENTICAL to those produced by any of the above. (See Appendix III
for examples.)
This version of the Message Finder System is NOT compatible with OLX
Vers. 3.0, because that system uses a different header format for saved
messages. If sufficient interest is generated, future versions may make it
possible for this system to handle OLX Vers. 3.0 message-header formats, or
other off-line readers (or headers generated when saving BBS messages on
line.) While the current version of this system produces a file of
messages compressed by PKWARE, future versions of the system could likewise
accommodate other file compression/decompression systems as well.
While operation of Part 1 is most convenient when using OL.BAT, the
individual programs may be run separately, if desired.
Part 2 of the Message Finder System - MSGFIND
---------------------------------------------
This part of the MFS should be employed whenever the user needs to
relocate and retrieve a particular message or group of messages. In this
part the specified messages are found, decompressed, and output to a device
selected by the user.
For most convenient operation of the MFS, the user first executes
Alpha 4 and brings the Browse table on screen. After selecting the message
or messages to be retrieved, the user activates the appropriate Alpha 4
Script command to retrieve a single message using FIND1.SCP, or a group of
messages using FINDX.SCP. MSGFIND is next executed to locate the file
containing the desired message(s), which are decompressed (using PKUNZIP)
and output to the screen, printer or disk file. Alternatively, a single
message may be retrieved by inquiry from the keyboard while in MSGFIND.
-4-
System Requirements
-------------------
The Message Finder System requires ALL of the following software
for successful operation. Obtaining of these systems is the users
responsibility:
1) Off-line reader system -- Any of the following may be used:
OLX, Vers. 2.1 (or the unregistered "test-drive" version of that system,
OLXTD) or SLMR (a predecessor version of OLX which I understand is
substantially identical), or Blue Wave (Vers 2.10) Note that the current
version of MFS will NOT operate successfully with the recently issued OLX
Vers. 3.0 (See below.)
2) File Compression/Decompression system -- PKWARE (Vers. 1.0)
A new version of PKWARE has recently become available (as a commercial product?) At this time I have no information to indicate whether or not
MFS will be compatible with this new version.
3) File-Management System -- Alpha 4 either Vers 2.0 or 2.1
The off-line reader systems and the file compression/decompression
systems are available as "shareware" while the file-management system,
ALPHA 4 is a commercial product. (Although the list price for Alpha 4 may
appear expensive to some users, I have recently seen it advertized in
popular computer magazines for as little as $99.)
The programs and auxiliary files supplied with this distribution are
also "Shareware". (See Appendix I.) The OLTODB, MSGFIND and MFINSTAL
programs were compiled using QuickBASIC 4.5 as stand-alone programs. They will operate successfully under DOS 5.0 (although earlier versions of DOS may also be acceptable.)
MFS as described herein, will operate on an IBM, or fully-compatible
personal computer. The computer should be equipped with a modem, a
hard-disk drive, and should have at least 640K of RAM memory. More than one
meg of RAM may be needed if Alpha 4 files are large, and the user wishes to
execute MSGFIND while in a shell to DOS out of Alpha 4. (the preferred
method as described above.) The distribution copy is set up to work on
systems having a monochrome monitor, however, colors may be changed, if
desired, by users having color monitors.
Although the basic file structure was not changed in the recent Alpha
4 upgrade to Vers. 2.1, some auxiliary file are incompatible between the
two versions. For the convenience of Alpha 4 users who have not yet
upgraded Alpha 4 to Vers. 2.1, the MFINSTAL installation program is
designed to enable MFS to work with either specified version of Alpha 4.
The Alpha 4 version changes also appear to result in small difference in
the script-command files which are used to facilitate input and look-up in
the Message Finder System. However, the Script commands written for Vers 2.1, also appear to work satisfactorily when using Vers 2.0.
-5-
Performance of the MFS with the new version of PKWARE is uncertain.
If the new PKWARE version does not require changes in the command strings
for file compression or decompression, there should be no change when in
using this new version. If the internal structure of compressed messages is
different, however, it will be necessary to assure that all saved files are
compressed under the same version. The user would thus need to decompress
files of messages, which were compressed using the older version of PKUNZIP
and then re-compress them using the new version of PKZIP to make the entire
compressed data base compatible with a new version of PKWARE.
Version 3.01 of the OLX off-line reader has recently been issued.
Since the message-header format for this version has been changed, the
current version of MFS will NOT operate with the new OLX version. (See
General Discussion Section below.)
Distribution
------------
Distribution of the Message Finder System will be by floppy disk or as
shareware via computer bulletin board. When distributed by bulletin board,
programs and files will be in a compressed file called MFS204.ZIP. This
ZIP file may be redistributed freely in its original unaltered form.
Individual programs or files should not be altered in any way for
redistribution. The program and files contained in the ZIP file include
the following:
README.1ST
IMPORTANT! Read this before attempting to execute any
programs.
MFINSTAL.EXE
Installation program. Execution allows users to reset
paths as needed, and causes various files to be moved to
their correct directories. This program also produces
OL.BAT and MF.BAT to facilitate operation of the system.
MSGFIND.DOC
This document. It may be printed on screen or printer
when using MSGFIND.EXE or may be printed separately.
MSGFIND.REG
Copy of registration form.
OLTODB.EXE
The message storage program. Do NOT execute from original
(unZIPped) package. Execute AFTER running MFINSTAL. See
description above.
MSGFIND.EXE
The message finder program. See OLTODB restriction.
MSG.* and TEMMSG.*
Various files used in Alpha 4 for storage of the header-
information data base, and the temporary data base to be
appended to it. (Both initially contain no message-header
data.)
*.NDX
Various files used in Alpha 4 for storage of the indexes
of fields to be used for relocation of messages.
-6-
OLXINP.SCP
Alpha 4 Vers 2.0 (or 2.1) script file to import header data
to TEMMSG and then to append that information onto the main
MSG data base.
FIND1.SCP
Alpha 4 Vers 2.0 (or 2.1) script file to build a inquiry
file meeting user specification to search for a single
message (using the record number entered by the user).
FINDX.SCP
Alpha 4 Vers 2.0 (or 2.1) script file to build an inquiry
file meeting user specification(s) to search for a group of
messages (using the search criteria entered by the user).
INSTFM.SCP
Alpha 4 Vers 2.0 (or 2.1) script file to call dialog box
containing instructions. (called by another script command)
A4.ITM
Alpha 4 specifications for import table. (message headers)
Quick Startup Instructions
--------------------------
See detailed instructions below for more help.
1) Installation
Mount floppy disk containing the distribution disk on A drive, or
unZIP the distribution file MFS204.ZIP file onto an empty formatted
floppy disk. Shift control to A> and enter MFINSTAL. Follow
instructions on screen.
2) Data Entry
From the directory containing the OL.BAT file, type: OL<Ent>. OL.BAT
will automatically run in sequence, the off-line reader, OLTODB, and
the Alpha 4 file-management system. Save messages while running the
off-line reader, e.g as SAVE.TXT, in the same directory that contains
the off-line reader (for BlueWave use DOWNLOAD subdirectory.) When
OLTODB is activated, follow directions on screen for message compression, and for renaming the file of saved messages. An OL.BAT command next automatically activates Alpha 4, which uses a Script command to import message-header information, and append it the main data-base file. While in Alpha 4 the user should edit Subject entries so that they will be appropriate for future message sorts and searches.
3) Message Finding
Execute Alpha 4 and use Browse command to view available message
headers. When the desired search is formulated, press Alt-F4.
Select the appropriate Script command. Use FIND1 to initiate search
for a single message and enter its record number. Use FINDX for a
group of messages and enter the desired search specifications. When system Shells to DOS, type: mf<Ent> to initiate MSGFIND program. Make sure Input from disk file is specified and Press G. An alternative
method for finding single messages is to press Alt-9 to initiate
MSGFIND. Specify input entry from keyboard, and press G. Then enter
file name and message number of the message desired.
-7-
Installation - Detailed Instructions
------------------------------------
If you have registered for use of the Message Finder System you
should now have a floppy disk containing the system in your possession.
Before proceeding you may wish to make a backup copy of this disk. If
you obtained the Message Finder System as shareware, you should have a
compressed file, MFS204.ZIP, located somewhere on your hard-disk drive.
Using PKUNZIP, "unzip" this file, preferably onto an empty formatted floppy
disk which will then become a backup copy after the installation is
completed. As an alternative, the ZIP file may be decompressed into an
otherwise empty subdirectory on your hard drive. Do NOT attempt to execute
the OLTODB or MSGFIND programs directly from the distribution disk or
directory containing the unzipped files.
For correct operation of MFS you MUST use the MFINSTAL program to
install the system for the first time, or to update it from an earlier
version. Before running MFINSTAL, however, you should read the file,
README.1ST, to observe any special precautions or changes made since this
documentation was written. In either case, for proper operation of
MFINSTAL, the disk or directory containing the unzipped Message Finder
System files should contain NO other files. Otherwise, some of these files
may unintentionally be moved by MFINSTAL into directories used by the
Message Finding System.
For this installation, I have assumed that the user already has
installed in his/her system an off-line reader (OLX, SLMR, or Blue
Wave), the PKWARE system for file compression/de-compression, and Alpha
4 (Version 2.0 or 2.1). Before executing MFINSTAL, please make a notation
of the paths and file names for all systems used by MFS. You may use the
Work Sheet on the following page. This will simplify subsequent entry of
information during the installation procedure.
To begin the installation, the user should go to the distribution disk
or the subdirectory containing the decompressed Message Finder System
programs and files. For example, if the installation is being done from a
floppy disk, place the Message Finder System disk in the A drive. Type
A:<Ent> to change control to the A drive. Then type: MFINSTAL<Ent> This
will begin execution of the MFINSTAL.EXE program.
The user will be asked if this is an initial installation, and if
the Alpha 4 system is available. The user will also be asked to enter the
proper paths and file names to be used for this installation. Default
paths are provided which may be accepted (by pressing Enter only), or
changed as needed to comply with the user's particular installation (using
the notations made on the Work Sheet as suggested above.) If needed, the
MFINSTAL program will also create a directory for the Message Finder
System, and a directory for the Alpha 4 data base of message headers.
The program will then move files and programs from their original
locations to appropriate disk directories for the installation. The
MFINSTAL program will also create two batch files, MF.BAT and OL.BAT for
-8-
use with the system (see discussion below on operation.) If this execution
of MFINSTAL is an update, only programs and some files used by the system
will be changed, but not the data base files. Note carefully any cautionary
messages. Upon completion of MFINSTAL the Message Finder System should be
ready for operation.
After completion of the installation, you may wish to compare the file
names listed in Appendix IV with those in your own system, to make sure
that all files have been copied to their correct destinations.
Installation Work Sheet
-----------------------
To simplify the installation, jot down the paths and file names to be
used in your particular installation. You may use any desired combination
of drives, subdirectories, and file names. You may, of course use the
default drive/paths/file names provided with MFINSTAL.EXE. However, if
space or other considerations require a change any of these, feel free to
modify them to suit your particular needs.
Path to the Message Finder System ________________
Default is c:\mfs
Selected directory is set up by
program if not in existence
Path to off-line reader system ________________
Default is c:\olx
Path and file name for messages
saved by off-line reader ________________
Default is c:\olx\save.txt
For BlueWave installations the
following example may be more
appropriate, c:\bluewave\download\save.txt
Path to compression\decompression
system, PKWARE ________________
Default is c:\utility
Path to compressed files ________________
Default is a: (for floppy disk)
Path may specify a hard drive
directory if desired. Example:
c:\mfs
Path to Alpha 4 file-management
system ________________
Default is c:\alpha4v2
Path to Alpha 4 data files ________________
Default is c:\mfdb
Selected directory is set up by
program if not in existence
-9-
Detailed Instructions for Adding New Messages - Using OL.BAT
When using the Message Finder System to retrieve messages, I find it
most convenient first to execute Alpha 4. The desired message or group of
messages are located by using the Alpha 4 View and Browse commands. The
user then presses Alt-F4 to bring up the available list of Script commands.
The user then two options:
If a single message is to be found, the user moves the cursor to FIND1
and presses <Ent>. When the command flow pauses, user enters the RECORD
NUMBER of the desired message. (Note that quotation marks are NOT required
when entering a record number.)
If a group of messages is to be found, the cursor is moved to FINDX.
When the command flow pauses, the user then moves the cursor to the desired
field, e.g. Subject, and presses <Enter>. A second pause occurs at the
Filter line which would now contain the word: SUBJECT=. The user completes
the request by typing, for example "CARR"<Enter> to request all messages in
the data base having the subject CARR. (Note: Be sure to include the
quotation marks so that the entire entry appears as: SUBJECT="CARR". Case
is unimportant, but letters must match exactly. CARR will not pick up an
entry such as CARR FAMILY.) More complex inquiries may also be formulated
using the search command rules for Alpha 4 as shown below:
SUBJECT="CARR".AND.DATE>{10/15/92} (Note the special date format)
or
SUBJECT="CARR".AND.TO="DEXTER EDGE"
The script command then continues to construct a lookup file,
MSGFIND.INQ containing the file name(s) and message number(s) of messages
meeting the search specifications. The system then shells to DOS. The user
now types: mf<Ent> which initiates MSGFIND. At this point the user should
check to make sure that input is from a disk file (if not, change
designated input as described below), and then press G. The MSGFIND
program will then attempt to find the specified file. If it is found,
PKUNZIP will decompress that file, and MSGFIND will search the uncompressed
file to find the specified message number. If the message is
found, it will be output on screen, printer, or disk file as specified by
the user (see below.) If for any reason a message specified in the
MSGFIND.INQ file is not found, three options are offered: X to discontinue
the search, Y to skip to the next message on the list, or any other key to
the continue the search for the same message on another floppy disk.
Upon completion of the above Script commands, the system returns to
the Browse table of the Alpha 4 system.
As an alternative for locating a single message, the message file name
and message numbers are located using the Alpha 4 Browse table, and are
jotted down. Alt-F9 is pressed to shell to DOS, and mf<Ent> is typed to
execute MSGFIND. In this case keyboard input is specified (see below), and
-13-
the file name and message number are entered on the keyboard. Again G is
pressed to begin output. If desired, MSGFIND may also be executed directly
from the directory containing the Message Finder System.
Whenever MSGFIND is executed, the Main Menu first appears on the
screen. At this point you may elect to change the method of input,
change the output device, view or print the program documentation (that
you are reading now), change initial path settings or screen colors,
exit the program, or continue with the search for messages. Choices
presented on the main menu are described below:
Input Selection - Press I
The Input menu comes on screen. The user may now select input from
the keyboard by pressing K, or input from a disk file, by pressing F. If F
is pressed the user will be cautioned to prepare a MSGFIND.INQ file first,
containing an inquiry list (see discussion above.)
Output Selection - Press O
The Output menu comes on screen. The user may now select output to
screen by pressing S, output to printer by pressing P, or output to a
disk file by pressing D. The user may also enter a file name to be used
for output, or use the default name, OUTFILE.TXT.
Program Documentation - Press D
The Documentation menu comes on screen. The user may now elect to
view (this) documentation on screen by pressing S, or output it to the
printer by pressing P. (The documentation file, MSGFIND.DOC, may also
be viewed or printed off-line, e.g. by using an appropriate DOS command.)
Change screen colors or paths - Press C
The Change menu, comes on screen. The user may elect to change
screen colors by pressing C. In this case the colors are displayed for
characters used for normal text, special messages, and alarm messages
and for the background, and the user may change these by pressing T, M,
A, or B as desired. Pressing any other key causes a return to the Main
Menu. From the Change Menu the user may change paths by pressing P. In
this case, currently specified paths and file names are displayed. The
user may enter a change, or press enter to retain the current settings.
For example, here the user may change the specified output of ZIP files
from being saved on floppy disk, to being saved in any desired hard-disk
directory.
Exit from Program - Press X
Terminates operation of the MSGFIND program.
Continue with Message Finder - Press G
Initiates search for message or messages specified.
-14-
Operating Errors
----------------
The main operating errors which may be encountered are:
1) Failure to Save messages during off-line reader session.
In this event there is no SAVE.TXT file. MSGFIND prints an error
message on screen, and the run terminates. Return DOS and execute OL.BAT
again. Go to the mail packet containing the messages you should have saved
and save them. Then continue as normal.
2) Failure to discontinue OL.BAT when no messages are saved.
In this event, no unique file name is entered in MSGFIND, the user
presses <Ent>, and the program terminates. Now the user should press Ctrl-
Break to discontinue operation of the OL.BAT file. Failure to do so will
bring up Alpha 4 which will attempt to append information in a non-existent
A4-IN.TXT file to the MSG data base. Alpha 4 will "complain" by sounding
several buzzing sounds as it continues this attempt, but otherwise no
damage will be done to the data base. You may then Q (quit) Alpha 4 or
continue with other Alpha 4 operations.
3) Other operating errors are probably the result of incorrect path
or file specifications during installation. Return to MFINSTAL and try
again. As a last resort contact the author.
Alpha 4 Browse Table Options
----------------------------
When the Alpha 4 data-base of header information was initially set up,
I placed the file name, date and time on the left side of the Browse table.
Some users of MFS may find it more convenient to have this information on
the right side. Accordingly a Browse table specification file is included
in the distribution to allow switching from one to the other. From the
Alpha-4 Main Menu simply press L (for the layout menu), then B (for Browse
table menu), then S (to select active Browse table) and finally M to select
the table with file and date/time information on the right, or 0 to select
the default with this information on the left. Subsequent runs of Alpha 4
will reuse the last Browse table selected. The user may also create other
browse table designs if desired.
-15-
General Discussion - Background and Future Work
-----------------------------------------------
When I originally began work on this system in the early months of
1992, my primary objective was only to provide a suitable method for
keeping track of BBS genealogy-related messages that were of particular
interest to me (including my own messages, messages directed to me, or
messages of general interest.) At that time, I had recently acquired Alpha
4 (Vers. 2.0). Using Alpha 4 for my system's data base of header information and working out the script commands needed to automate input and preparation of disk-file inquiry lists appeared to be a good learning experience. Later
I began to think other BBS users might also find the system to be useful.
At about this time it appeared that the BBS I frequent would switch from
support of OLX to the Blue Wave off-line reader. This led me to add the
capability of input from Blue Wave. (Actually, this board now supports both
off-line readers.) More recently it has been necessary to modify my system
to enable using either Alpha 4, Vers. 2.1 or Vers 2.1 (which do not use
identical files for the two versions.)
The latest development affecting my system is the issue of OLX,
Vers. 3.0. This version of OLX is incompatible with the current version
of my Message Finder System, since the OLX vendor (Mustang) has changed
the format in which messages are saved. Although modifications to make MFS
accommodate these features are certainly possible, these changes take time.
Meanwhile, I a new version of PKWARE has been issued.
In view of the apparently never-ending stream of modifications to
the systems that my Message Finder System must interface, I have decided
to issue my system at this point, as is. Otherwise, I might find that I
would never issue it, and would forever be making just one more
modifications to accommodate some new version of one of the interfacing
systems. If sufficient interest is generated in my system, I will
consider additional needed modifications for some future version.
-16-
In the current version of the Message Finder System, the data
fields included in the Alpha 4 data base of header information are: File
Name, Date, From, To, Subject, and Message Number. In an earlier version of
MFS, I also included other information from the (OLX) headers as well,
such as BBS source, Ref #, Conference Name, as well as a field for
remarks. I have since decided to exclude that information since, it
occupies hard-disk storage space and does not appear to be particularly
relevant for most searching needs. I do recognize that individual BBS
users may have filing and relocation needs that are quite different than
mine. The temporary file of header information, A4-IN.TXT, contains all of
the original header data. In view of this, Alpha 4 users who are
reasonably knowledgeable about its operation, should have little difficulty
in modifying the file structure or the script commands to accommodate their special needs.
I would be interested in hearing of any moves along these lines. Also
I would appreciate any comments about the usefulness of this system in
general, or any suggestions for future improvements.
Dexter Edge
2902 Sherwood Dr.
Olympia, WA 98501
Phone: (206)-943-1205
-17-
Appendix I
----------
Limited Warranty
----------------
The Message Finder System, including OLTODB and MSGFIND and related
files is distributed as is. The author, Dexter Edge, makes no warranty
either expressed or implied. The author will assume no liability for
damages either from the direct use of this product, or as an indirect
consequence of the use of this product.
Registration
------------
The MSGFIND system is "shareware." If after a reasonable period of
use, you find this product to be useful, the author would appreciate
receipt of the registration fee of $10 along with this form plus $2.50
to cover the cost mailing. Registration will entitle you to a
distribution disk (5 1/4-in), containing the latest version of the
system. Registered users may obtain update disks by sending an update
fee of $3.00 which includes the cost of disk and mailing. Please remit
to:
Dexter Edge
2902 Sherwood Dr.
Olympia, WA 98501
Registration Fee (one per site) Qty.____ @ $10.00 = ________
_
Washington Residents Add 8% Sales Tax ________
Shipping and handling ________
Total Payment ________
Name:___________________________________
Company:________________________________
Address:________________________________
City, State, Zip__________________________________
Phone:_____________________
Registration Data.
Which off-line reader are you using_______________ Vers.__________
Are you using PKWARE Vers. 1.1? _________
Which version of Alpha 4 are you using? _____________
Do you have any comments, or suggestions for future modifications?
Note here or on back of form.
-18-
Appendix II
Keystrokes for generation of OLXINP.SCP
Type the file name, e.g. OLXINP<Ent>, type y (if needed) to
overwrite any previous versions of OLXINP.SCP, and type the
description: Import message-header data to data base<Ent>. From
the main Alpha 4 menu press Alt-F3 and K to activate Then enter
the following keystrokes:
Keystrokes Purpose
---------- -------
<Esc> Two escapes will return to main menu, e.g.
<Esc> from View/Browse.
C Choose data base menu
O Open a data base
MSG<Ent> Specify MSG data base
U Utilities menu
I Import data menu
T Table ASCII file
A4-IN.TXT<Ent> Specify A4-IN.TXT file to be imported
<F9> Use saved settings
M Request Temp. file for imported
messages.
<F10> Continue
<F10> Continue
<F10> Continue
TEMMSG<Ent> Specify TEMMSG as tempera data base
to contain imported data
<F10> Continue
Y Overwrite old TEMMSG files
C Chose data base menu
W Switch data bases menu
1 Switch to MSG data base
U Utilities menu
A Append menu
A Append all data
TEMMSG<Ent> Specify TEMMSG as data base to append
{Enter}
<F10> Continue
<F10> Continue
<Alt-F3> To terminate recording of keystrokes.
-19-
Keystrokes for generation of FIND1.SCP
From the main Alpha 4 menu press Alt-F3 and K to activate the
command to create a script file by using keystrokes. Type the
file name, FIND1<Ent>, type y (if needed) to overwrite any
previous versions of FIND1.SCP, and the description: Set up
file for MSGFIND disk inquiry <Ent>. Press <F3> to activate Learn
Keystrokes. Then enter the following keystrokes:
Keystrokes Purpose
---------- -------
<Esc> Two escapes will return to main menu, e.g.
<Esc> from View/Browse
C Choose data base menu
O Open a data base
MSG<Ent> Specify MSG data base
U Utilities menu
E Export menu
T Table ASCII file
C:\MFS\MSGFIND.INQ<Ent> Specify file name to export data
to.
Note: This is default path and file
name. If you are using a different
path and/or file name, make
appropriate changes here
Y Overwrite existing file
FILE_NAME<Ent> Specify 1st field to export (File
name)
MSG_NUMBER<Ent> Specify 2nd field to export (Msg.
No.)
<F10> Continue
<Down key 6 times> Move cursor to filter area
<F2> Show available fields
<Ent> Select fields from MSG data base
rec_number Specify entry of record number
<Ent> Places on filter line
= Enter = sign
{Pause} * Wait for user entry of record number
{Enter} * Accept entry
A Activate filter
<F10> Continue
<Down key> Move to election of field-name headers
N Specify no headers in export file
<F10> Continue
{SCREENOFF} * Clears screen
{PLAY "INSTMF"} * Plays script containing instruction box.
{ALTF9} * Shell to DOS
{ESC} * Return to Main Menu
{SCREENON} * Return on screen view of Main Menu
lbsmb * Layout, browse, select, "M"table, Browse
<Alt-F3> To terminate recording of keystrokes.
* These commands are entered with Modify Script commands.
-20-
Keystrokes for generation of FINDX.SCP
From the main Alpha 4 menu press Alt-F3 and K to activate the
command to create a script file by using keystrokes. Type the
file name, FINDX<Ent>, type y (if needed) to overwrite any
previous versions of FINDX.SCP, and the description: Set up
file for MSGFIND disk inquiry <Ent>. Press <F3> to activate Learn
Keystrokes. Then enter the following keystrokes:
Keystrokes Purpose
---------- -------
<Esc> Two escapes will return to main menu, e.g.
<Esc> from View/Browse
C Choose data base menu
O Open a data base
MSG<Ent> Specify MSG data base
U Utilities menu
E Export menu
T Table ASCII file
C:\MFS\MSGFIND.INQ<Ent> Specify file name to export data
to.
Note: This is default path and file
name. If you are using a different
path and/or file name, make
appropriate changes here
Y Overwrite existing file
FILE_NAME<Ent> Specify 1st field to export (File
name)
MSG_NUMBER<Ent> Specify 2nd field to export (Msg.
No.)
<F10> Continue
<Down key 6 times> Move cursor to filter area
<F2> Show available fields
<Ent> Select fields from MSG data base
{PAUSE} * User selects desired field
<Ent> Enter temporary field selection
= * Enter = sign after field
{PAUSE} * User enters desired search specifications
<Ent> Accept entry
A Activate filter
<F10> Continue
<Down key> Move to election of field-name headers
N Specify no headers in export file
<F10> Continue
{SCREENOFF} * Clears screen
{PLAY "INSTMF"} * Plays script containing instruction box.
{ALTF9} * Shell to DOS
{ESC} * Return to Main Menu
{SCREENON} * Return on screen view of Main Menu
lbsmb * Layout, browse, select, "M"table, Browse
<Alt-F3> To terminate recording of keystrokes.
* These commands are entered with Modify Script commands.
-21-
Appendix III
MESSAGE HEADER EXAMPLES
Example of Header for messages saved by OLX (or OLXTD) Vers. 2 or SLMR.
