PC Open 23/pcopen23.iso/Win31/Wcs/WCSMAN.DOC

Text File | 1992-06-03 | 23.0 KB | 571 lines

                W I N D O W S

                  C O L L E C T O R

                 S Y S T E M



                    Version  1.01



                   Copyright  1992
                     G.L. Alston
                Alston  Software Labs




       WHAT IS WCS?

       The Windows Collector System was designed to do cataloguing and light
       inventory work for anyone who has a collection of something. This is
       not to say WCS was designed strictly for collectors; for instance, it
       can be used to create on-line catalogues with pictures and text.
       The text files can be up to 32k in length. This ought to be large
       enough to take a few notes in...

       It can also be used for other purposes. Any possible reason you may
       have to record basic data including text files and pictures, WCS
       will likely work for. Here's a few possibilities:

       Collectibles cataloguing -- record your collection data and include
       snapshots. Use this to supplement insurance records. An example would
       be a collection of rare and expensive baseball cards: you could use
       WCS as a cataloguing system, PLUS you could also supply a copy to your
       insurance agent in case anything were to happen to your collection.
       Of course, the collectible you catalogue is strictly up to you; WCS
       is not limited to any TYPE of collection.

       Household Inventory -- many people take poloroid snapshots of all
       their prized possessions and stuff these in a safety deposit box with
       receipts in case of a fire, burglary, etc. Others have gotten clever
       and recorded everything with a Camcorder. WCS, however, will let you
       go one better: your household inventory can be recorded electronically
       and things can be found instantly. You don't need to shuffle through
       129 pictures to locate Grandma's clock. Just ask WCS for it. You can
       also store images of receipts...


       On-Line Catalogue -- some people would like to supplement their mail
       order business with a better catalogue. Software vendors have trouble
       distributing disk catalogues with screen shots, for instance. With up
       to 32k of text per item to describe it with, you can get in-depth
       information to your customer, plus they can SEE what you have as well.
       See the PROGRAMS database for a sample (and an unabashed sales pitch!)

       Parts Inventory -- WCS can be used in lieu of the standard binder for
       storing data about machine parts, etc. It can show you the part plus
       give you the machining instructions. In our manufacturing business,
       when you wanted to find a simple part, we had a binder that you had to
       go through manually to find the drawing number, which was held in a
       cabinet someplace. The machine instructions were in another. Imagine,
       if you will, the chaos that resulted when a machine would come in for
       repair. The "xxxxx" needs replacement. What's "xxxxx's" part number?
       Customer YYY wants "xxxxx" modified. Where's the drawing? Nowdays we
       use WCS. The part number and a picture of it are stored on disk for
       instant retreival. Not only that, each record is associated with a
       text file (up to 32k) that will allow you to store the machining
       instructions, the designer's notes, installation / painting / greasing
       instructions, and anyhting else that is pertinent. In short, we can
       get more work done since we have everything we need at our disposal.

       Photo/Graphics Catalogue -- If you regularly use DTP software, you may
       have a stock of complex images that YOU put together and therefore
       don't have a 'Clip Art' catalogue for them. You can use WCS to put
       clips of these images into a database format so that you can have
       faster access to them than thumbing through a paper catalogue (do a
       search by category and view THOSE records...) This can also work for
       photographers.


       In summary, WCS is an all-purpose tool used for any application that
       requires light data manipulation coupled with photos and text data.


       INSTALLING WCS:

       Copy the distribution media contents into a subdirectory. WCS does
       not modify any INI files.


       RUNNING WCS:

       WCS uses the concept of TEMPLATES. Each Template is programmable. In
       this manner you can set up WCS to work with the data you require. The
       template allows you to name fields what you need and to change common
       pick list data. For instance, a sports card application may require
       a pick list of player positions, whereas a parts inventory would use
       this list for parts categories, e.g. Brakes/Electric/Exhaust etc.

       The screen information is Windows standard with the exception of the
       icons on screen. The NOTEBOOK Icon is used to access the associated
       text file and the PHOTO icon is used to view/print/import images.

       Each text box can be edited as you would expect. The primary concepts
       used by WCS that you may NOT expect are the SCROLL BAR and the
       ADDENDUM FILENAME field. The scroll bar allows you to access data
       records. Clicking the scrolling area will move by 10% of the file
       size, and the LEFT-RIGHT buttons move one record at a time. The
       Addendum Filename is what is used to store the information that is
       accessed by the Notebook and Photo icons. The LAUNCH icon is explained
       in the ADDENDA file.

       WCS will work with up to 1000 records per file. Don't scoff: that
       represents up to 32.7 MEGS of disk space for TEXT information and
       150 MEGS of photo information PER FILE! You may work with ANY number
       of data FILES or TEMPLATES.

       If you've worked with standard DOS based database products before,
       it may take you a couple of tries before you understand WCS. As you
       cycle through the data records using the scroll bar, you are in a
       default VIEW / EDIT mode of operation. Any change you make in a
       data field is permanent if you SAVE the current file.

       Due to disk size constraints, we only put ONE sample database with
       one sample photo on the disk...


       WCS has the following menu structure:

       FILE                  TOOLS                      HELP
       NEW                   CREATE NEW TEMPLATE        TOPICS
       OPEN                  EDIT EXISTING TEMPLATE     ABOUT
       SAVE                  EDIT CONDITION FILE
       SAVE AS
       PRINT
       PRINT SETUP
       SEARCH
       EXIT

       We will describe each function from LEFT -> RIGHT and TOP -> BOTTOM.

       **********   FILE   ***********

       NEW:

       Create a new data file. You will be asked to enter a filename. After
       entering a name, choose a template (*.DEF). There are some sample
       templates we've supplied for you to help you get started.

       A new data file will be created that is "married" to this template.
       You may not enter a DOS extension since WCS uses *.WDB as a default
       extension.

       You will have 10 empty data records to start with.

       OPEN:

       Choose a data file from the list. (*.WDB) If your data file has less
       than 10 records, WCS will add some so that you are working with at
       least 10. The file open dialog is Windows standard, so if you are
       experiencing any trouble with the concept of directories please
       consult your Windows manual.

       SAVE:

       Saves the current data file in the same directory it was opened in.

       SAVE AS:

       Save the current data file using a different name. Again, WCS will
       append the proper DOS extension. It will be saved in the current
       working directory.

       PRINT:

       Prints data as per PRINT SETUP criteria.

       PRINT SETUP:

       Allows you to choose what is printed. All checked fields will
       be printed.

       SEARCH:

       Pops up a child window. When the SEARCH button is clicked, all data
       fields that are "checked" will be searched for matching data in the
       associated text boxes or lists.

       The scroll bar will allow you to review the matches. The search
       only takes a second or so, by the way... Since a SEARCH takes such
       a short time, you may re-enter data or check/uncheck any category
       and search again. The display shows you how many FOUND records
       there are vs. the total available in the current file. Choose the
       cancel button to return to the menu. The data found during the
       SEARCH process is retained and you can print this data out. In the
       PRINT SETUP menu item, click the 'DATA FROM LAST SEARCH' option
       button.

       EXIT:

       Quit WCS.


       **********   TOOLS   **********

       CREATE NEW TEMPLATE:

       Allows creation of a new template type. It uses the same child window
       as EDIT EXISTING TEMPLATE. See EDIT EXISTING TEMPLATE for information.

       EDIT EXISTING TEMPLATE:

       You will be asked to pick a *.DEF template in the file window.

       A series of text fields and a pick list are shown. The text fields
       allow you to change:

         Filename        (*.DEF name)
         Collection Type
         Pick List Name
         User Integer Name

       The pick list has a text box over it, plus two buttons: Add / Remove.
       To remove, pick the item in the pick list. Click REMOVE. To add, enter
       the text you want to add in the text box. Click ADD. The new item will
       be appended to the bottom of the list.

       We suggest that you look at a few of the included sample templates to
       get a feel for how to put one together.

       EDIT CONDITION FILE:

       The child window that pops up has a pick list inside and works like
       the EDIT EXISTING TEMPLATE pick list editing. Please refer to the
       above text on how to edit a pick list.

       *********   HELP   **********

       TOPICS:

       Choose HELP topic from list box, and read about the subject of
       interest in the right hand text box.

       ABOUT:

       WCS revision, and the manufacturer.

     *********************************************************************

      TECHNICAL INFORMATION:   File Structures

      Condition file:        condit.ION
                list

      Templates:                  *.DEF
                  picklist name
                  collection name
                  user integer name
                 list

      Database Files:            *.WDB
                   DEF filename
                   description
                   value
                   cost
                               User Integer
                   user picklist pointer
                   condition pointer
                   text / photo filename pointer

      User Text Files:         *.CST

      User Photo Files:        *.BMP


       ********************************************************************

       WDL Hook

       ********************************************************************

       A new Alston Software Labs product for Windows is being released in
       Summer 1992 -- Windows Disk Labels. This program allows object
       oriented label manipulation, and unlike the name may suggest, does
       far more than disk labels.

       WCS has a DDE link to WDL built in. What this means to you is that
       you can use the *.CST text files to hold J-Card information, for
       instance, in a CASSETTE template, and use WCS to feed WDL to print
       the labels directly. You now can use more general purpose tools like
       WCS to record MUSIC database information with rather than purchase
       or use specialty programs that specifically make J-Card printing a
       special 'feature.' This also works likewise in other WCS 'database'
       templates as well: Video tapes, software on disk, etc...


       ********************************************************************

                                L A U N C H E R

       ********************************************************************

       The file LAUNCH.INI holds the information that can be used by a 3rd
       party Windows program which is started from WCS. These programs can
       be purchased, provided by ASL, or created by you or those you hire.
       The format for the INI file:


       LAUNCH.INI

       icon name to place on the WCS screen    ( * .ICO)
       path and name of program

       The icon is whatever the 3rd party program uses.

       Essentially, WCS is an object oriented database. What this means is
       that data is encapsulated such that basic information is somewhat
       isolated from less used information. You still have the ability to
       look at some very involved statistics with WCS, but WCS does not
       directly manipulate them. We'll give an example:

       One of the programs offered by us as a WCS add-on is a baseball
       statistics engine. What it does is to do some very complex
       statistical manipulation of data that is put into the WCS program
       by the user. No, not the stuff on the main display, but stuff in the
       text files. The way it works is to insert a "template" into each of
       the WCS text files. This "template" is text information. In the case
       of the baseball card module, it looks like this:

       BATTING:

       Home Runs    (HR):
       Triples      (3b):
       Doubles      (2B):
       Singles      (1B):
       Walks        (BB):
       Stolen Base  (SB):
       etc.

       PITCHING:

       Strike Outs     (SO):
       Walks           (BB):
       Innings Pitched (IP):
       Earned Run Avg (ERA):
       etc.

       In this manner, you can enter the data for each player into the WCS
       text module. This allows you to browse the information if need be
       but at the same time leaves WCS unspecialised such that it can be
       used for other purposes. When you need to do in depth analysis, all
       you need to do is to launch BASEBALL.EXE (from the launcher) which
       will go and extract information from BASEBALL files. Furthermore,
       BASEBALL.EXE can access ALL of your baseball card data files
       simultaneously. The advantage to this is that you can keep groups
       of data separate (such as keeping the '91 Fleer cards all together
       in one data file and the '89 Donruss cards in another) so that you
       are not trying to keep massive amounts of information in one file.
       This means that when you are working with a group of cards (like
       the '91 Fleer set) that you have instantaneous access to ONLY that
       group. This is far faster and easier than searching a massive
       database for them as you need them.

       The BASEBALL.EXE program therefore acts as an analysis tool, and
       you only call for it when you need it. In this manner you can
       customise WCS for any sort of collection you may have, and it will
       work equally well with your collection of stamps, coins, antiques,
       books, guns, and so on.

       We have a number of analysis modules for WCS, and others can either
       be created by us or by you if you can program: we offer a full
       source code development kit as well, which includes the source code
       for the BASEBALL statistical analysis program. We encourage you if
       you are a developer to create modules for WCS and sell them if you
       would like.

       The modules we have so far sell for $8 each and are listed here:

       BASEBALL       -- Statistics on baseball
       AUDIO LIBRARY  -- Helps to find that one song you're looking for
       VIDEO LIBRARY  -- Statistics on stars, directors, Oscar, etc...

       The Developer's kit sells for $49 and includes the full source code
       (in Microsoft Visual Basic format) for the BASEBALL module.

       So you may be asking yourself why we didn't ship a module with the
       shareware version of WCS. Murphy's law, to be honest: we figured
       that if it came with a baseball module attached to it that WCS
       could be seen by a number of people as baseball only. Same with
       Books, Magazines, Antiques, and so on. We thought the best way to
       present WCS was to show you how it works and then tell you about
       the modules. This way you can request a module if you need it.

       With shareware there's a problem presenting a product like this,
       because the 'standard' way of manipulating data for a subject of
       interest is to write a stand-alone program. General purpose data
       manipulation products like dBASE can record the data, but they
       are expensive and hard to learn. Shareware authors, knowing this,
       tend to put out dBASE clones that essentially limit the program
       to that of the subject in the attempt to keeping things simple
       for the user. Therefore you have baseball programs, stamp programs,
       and so on. Rarely do all people really use the full capability of
       every program.

       WCS takes the approach that you can use a central program to record
       ALL of your collections, household inventory, and so on, and then
       use modules to do specific analysis on items that you have a high
       interest in. The base information (i.e. the basic descriptor) is
       part of the main WCS data set and the "non-essential" data is then
       viewable but at the same time the WCS overhead is still low.

       As an example of the concept, WCS is being used in one business as
       a visual parts inventory tool. The main pick list is used to define
       a product family or assembly. The company using this can now have
       better assurance that when people order parts they will get the
       right part: the part number is cross-referenced to a photo of the
       part, and the people fulfilling the order can, if necessary, ID the
       part by the photo. This helps reduce error and cuts down on the
       amount of training the employees need. In short, they are saving a
       lot of money. They did not need to create a statistical module for
       this application.

       In another example, another business uses WCS as a brochure. It has
       photos of their products and descriptive text to help sell it. The
       company is pleased with the on-line catalogue that WCS makes.

       In summary, WCS is a very flexible data management system, suitable
       for collectibles, inventory, and catalogues. Modularity is achieved
       using the launcher, and WCS can act as a powerful front end for a
       variety of applications.


       ************************** SHAREWARE **************************

       Shareware is not a TYPE of software, but rather a distribution and
       marketing method. By distributing this program as Shareware, we are
       attempting to keep the cost for you to obtain a copy of this program
       to a minimum. We encourage you to show WCS to your friends and give
       them copies as well. You may NOT sell copies of WCS without first
       obtaining written permission from Alston Software Labs unless you
       are a Professional Shareware Disk Vendor.

       Shareware distribution allows you to evaluate fully functional
       software at your discretion without paying for it beforehand. If
       you like and use WCS, you are obligated to pay for it; legally
       speaking, we are the copyright holder.

       Why should you license WCS? For one thing, you will be on the upgrade
       list. Alston Software Labs policy is to provide FREE upgrades for one
       year from date of purchase. You also will recieve discounts for other
       ASL products. You'll also recieve a printed manual and the latest copy
       of the software WITHOUT the 'Unlicensed Copy' tag. You can buy modules
       for $8 each, or you can get the module builder kit if you know how to
       program a little (please refer to the addendum.)

       How Much?

       WCS can be licensed for $25 / copy. If you are part of a business
       that will need multiple copies, please call / fax us for discount
       and site information.

       We know that you paid SOMETHING to get hold of WCS. Let us reimburse
       you. If you license WCS V 1.0 BEFORE Dec 1993, send us a receipt or
       other proof of purchase from a vendor, and we will discount this
       amount from the licensing fee.

       Please fill in and print your order today, or you may order with MasterCard,
       Visa, Amex, and Discover by calling us.

       WCS (tm)

       Copyright 1992

       Gary L. Alston
       Alston Software Labs
       1320 Standiford Ave. # 242
       Modesto CA 95350

       Phone (209) 522 - 8666
       FAX   (209) 522 - 8666


       //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NOTE: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

         Updates and ASL new releases can be found on
             The Collector's Forum BBS
             (619) 463 - 9222      ALL BAUD RATES!


       //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////


       ********************** "Fine Print" Section *******************

       Disclaimer:

       WCS is supplied as-is with no warranty whatsoever with regard to
       merchantability or fitness for purpose. Alston Software Labs
       assumes no responsibility for any consequences of use or misuse
       of this program.




                O R D E R     F O R M


                      WCS 1.0



     NAME:__________________________________________________________


     ADDRESS:_______________________________________________________


         _______________________________________________________


         _______________________________________________________


         _______________________________________________________


     [ ]  Check here if you would like 5.25" disks. WCS ships on 3.5"
          720k disks by default.

     < > Denotes UK/European prices


     NUMBER of COPIES _____  X  $25 / Copy  = _______________________
                             < £ 18 >

     MINUS DISCOUNT (attach purchase proof) _________________________


     MODULES:

     [ ]   DEVELOPER KIT   $49  < £37>
     [ ]   BASEBALL        $ 8  < £ 5>
     [ ]   AUDIO           $ 8  < £ 5>
     [ ]   VIDEO           $ 8  < £ 5>            -------------------


     TOTAL:__________________________________________________________


     U S A  /  A U S T R A L I A    |      E U R O P E  /  U K
                                    |
     Make Cheque to:                |    Contact:(Send cheque to)
                                    |
     L.J. Alston                    |    The Thompson Partnership
     Alston Software Labs           |    Churchcroft, Bramshall
     1320 Standiford Ave #242       |    UTTOXETER, Staffordshire ST145DE
     Modesto CA 95350               |
                                    |
     Phone (209) 522 - 8666         |    Phone  889 - 564601
     FAX   (209) 522 - 8666         |    FAX    889 - 563219