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═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
September, 1994
A note of thanks...
During the last 4 years, many of you have reponded to IGI255
with some very neat postcards and letters, suggestions and
constructive criticisms, contributions and best wishes.
A sincere Thank You to each and everyone.
This documentation file has not been totally updated since
Version 3.5 but does include some reference notes for previous
4.x versions. A maintenance release 4.5, to include updated
documentation, is planned.
patrick.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Contents
────────
Introduction .................................... 1
Family Search Program Downloads ................. 2
Installing IGI255 ............................... 3
Running the Program In General .................. 4
Arrow Keys With A Twist ..................... 4
Deleting Unneeded Files ..................... 4
Quit to DOS - Stopping the Program .......... 4
Disk Space .................................. 5
Problems With Snow .......................... 5
Computer Incompatibility .................... 6
Upgrades - Now and Then .................... 6
The Main Menu ................................... 7
Customizing - Changing the Program Defaults ..... 8
Printer/Date Setup - Printer ................ 8
Customizing the Printed Page ................ 8
Printer Setup Menu .......................... 8
Compressed Code
Lines Per Page
Margin
Header Line & Bottom Line Characters
Print Marked Duplicates
Tag Character
Customizing Field Lengths ................... 10
Changing the Length of the Fields
Changing the Order of the Fields
Saving Field Changes
Printer Date Setup - Event Dates ............ 11
State Abbreviations & Place Information ..... 12
Text File Location .......................... 14
Modify Colors - Changing the Screen Colors .. 14
Creating a .DBF from a Text File ................ 15
Multiple Files Processing ................... 15
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
i
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
View/Print .DBF ................................. 16
Viewing the .DBF ............................ 16
Function Keys ............................... 17
F2 - Print to Text/.DBF
F3 - Printer
F4 - Event Dates
F7 - Duplicates and Tags
F8 - Swap Mom/Place
F9 - Place Information
F10 - Filter
Printing the .DBF ........................... 18
F2-Print to Text/.DBF ....................... 18
Creating Another .DBF file
Creating a Text File
F3-Send to Printer - Print Options Menu ..... 19
All - Print All Entries
Tagged - Print Tagged Entries Only
Setup Printer
Test Printer
Resume Previous
Cancel
Interupting the Print Session ............... 21
Line Wrapping ............................... 21
Maximizing Use of IGI255 ........................ 22
F7-Duplicate/Tagged ......................... 23
Duplicates
Tagged Entries
F10-Filter (Query) .......................... 25
Quick Query Name Filter
Golden Rules For Custom Filtering
Custom Sorts ................................ 28
Picking a Custom Sort
Creating a New Custom Sort
Deleting Custom Sort Files
A Note About Date Sorts
Version 4.2, Release Notes ...................... 30
Version 4.4, BBS Release ........................ 34
Version 4.4, Feature Notes ...................... 35
Version 4.4, DOS Won't Load? .................... 38
Version 4.4, Installing IGI255 .................. 39
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ii
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 Version 3.5 is designed to read IGI text files created
with the Family Search Program at your local Family History
Center and allow them to be printed out using 55 single line
entries per page vs the FSP's 12-13.
Completely menu driven, IGI255 will simply scan IGI text files
and create a separate database with the information it finds.
The database is then sorted, viewed, printed or copied as
desired. No printer is required. File contents may be sorted
and viewed on screen. The database files may also be copied and
combined to another file in .DBF or ascii text form.
Four pre-defined sorts are available or create up to 9 additional
at one time. An excellent filtering option is also available.
There is no formal charge for IGI255 Version 3.5 - the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is generous enough to let us
all use their facilities, equipment & IGI data at no charge - may
this program begin to return the favor, and, I ask two favors:
1) The next time you walk into your local family
history center, say "thanks" to the volunteers
who are donating their time to help us all.
2) Send me a picture postcard from where you live.
City, County, State, Region or Country, your choice.
If neither of these options is acceptable then pay for the
program. Send me a check in the amount of $20.
IGI255, Version 3.5 is being released as Freeware, NOT public
domain or Shareware - this means, simply put, that I retain all
the rights to the program but anyone is more than welcome to use
it for their personal needs. Anyone wishing to distribute the
program to others may do so and access a reasonable and normal
charge for disk media, mailer and postage. Commercial computer
on-line services may allow appropriate distribution through the
normal course of their business.
There are no warranties associated with IGI255, implied or
expressed - use at your own risk.
Special thanks to those who have offered their support and
suggestions. IGI255 in it's current form simply would not exist
without you.
Patrick C. Deatherage
755 South Iowa Avenue
League City, TX 77573
(713) 332-3268
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 Page - 2
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Family Search Program Downloads
───────────────────────────────
The Family Search Program's IGI routine features various types of
searches and the ability to "filter" them. Each search may also
be set for a "Similar" or an "Exact" surname search. IGI255 will
process files created in any FSP search and/or filter combination.
Naturally a text file consisting of information from both types
of searches would gather all available possibilities for a given
surname. Unfortunately this creates an extremely large amount of
duplicate entries in the text file. IGI255 cures this "problem"
rather easily by simply removing the duplicates, automatically.
When downloading IGI information to be processed with IGI255,
there are a couple of items to remember:
First, GEDCOM's produced by the FSP are handled by IGI255 but the
routine may be considered *slow*. Experiment with small gedcom
downloads first. See page 35 for additional information. There
is also a shareware program by the name of GIPSI which process
gedcom files. NOTE: The .DBF files created by GIPSI are NOT
compatible with IGI255.
Secondly and most important, name your text files with an
extenstion - and - DO NOT use .COM, .EXE, .DBF, .SYS
OR WITH A 3rd LETTER OF X
filename.CPM is valid, filename.COM is NOT
filename.NTY is valid, filename.NTX is NOT
IGI255's file selection routine does NOT display any file that
has one of the above extensions. Names such as .IGU, .IGE, .IGG
meaning the United States, England, and Germany are valid but
whatever naming convention (.TXT, .DOC, .IGI, etc.) suits your
needs is fine.
Apparently the Family Search Program can be configured by each
individual Family History Center to produce "text" files in
various word processing formats. IGI255 SHOULD be able to read
any of these text files created by any FSP.
IGI255 was designed and tested using text files created by
version 2.xx and 3.xx of the Family Search Program. It scans the
text file for certain text strings in certain places so it is
possible that, depending on the configuration/installation of
your FHC's program, variances are possible. If you have blank
lines or what appears to be information where it shouldn't be,
contact me at once and the appropriate modifications can be made.
If in doubt, try it.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 Page - 3
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Installing IGI255
─────────────────
Please refer to "Installing IGI255", Page 39.
Please remember that
FILES CREATED BY THE PROGRAM WILL BE CREATED IN
THE DIRECTORY FROM WHICH THE PROGRAM WAS BEGUN.
IGI255 is designed for use on a hard drive but files can be
processed from a floppy drive - but is MUCH slower. If at all
possible, use the hard drive.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 Page - 4
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Running the Program in General
──────────────────────────────
To begin the program simply type IGI255 at the DOS prompt.
The first time IGI255 is run, the paths for the IGI text files
will be set, and various files will be created. IGI255.sys
stores the default information used by the program. IGI255ST.sys
and IGI255ST.srt contain the "state" names and abbreviations.
Please refer to "IGI255 Version 4.4 Feature Notes", page 37 for
important concerning the default locations.
Arrow Keys with a Twist
───────────────────────
IGI255 generally uses the RIGHT ARROW key as the ENTER key and
the LEFT ARROW key as the ESC key. This feature can be disabled.
Please see "IGI255 Version 4.4 Feature Notes", page 34.
Deleting Unneeded Files
───────────────────────
If a "<DEL active>" is shown on the bottom of a screen, files on
that list can be deleted. Press the DEL key once to bring up the
warning screen and press the DEL key a second time to actually
erase the file. Any other key will cancel the request.
The 'View/Print' file selection screen will show a small diamond
"tag" next to the sort description if that sort file exists for
that .DBF. This sort file can be deleted by hi-liting the sort
name and pressing the DEL key. A warning screen will then
appear. Press the DEL key a second time to erase the sort file
or press any other key to cancel the request.
Quit to DOS - Stopping the Program
──────────────────────────────────
Ending the program is as simple as pressing ESC while at the Main
Menu or hi-liting quit and pressing ENTER or the RIGHT ARROW key.
Return to the Main Menu from any point in the program by
continually pressing the ESC key.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 Running the Program in General - 5
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Disk Space
──────────
Disk space is the only limiting factor for processing files. Not
only is space needed for the IGI text file and the resulting .DBF
file but the size of each sort file must also be considered.
For example, text files for the 8,000 plus HARRIS's in VA were
created by the Family Search Program. These text files consume
over 3 meg of disk space and the resulting combined .DBF file is
about 1.5 meg. Each sort created an index file ranging from 600K
to 900K - over a total of 6 megabytes of disk space was used. Of
course once printing was completed each of the .DBF and sort
files could be deleted.
ALWAYS, REPEAT, ALWAYS KEEP A BACK-UP
COPY OF YOUR ORIGINAL TEXT FILE
If a "disk full" error occurs during the "indexing" (sorting)
process you will get a "retry" prompt at the top of the screen.
Press N to abort the program - there will probably be a temporary
work file in your root directory that needs to be deleted. It
will generally have a strange looking name of all characters,
possibly digits, but will be unique enough that you will know it
doesn't belong and can be deleted.
Problems with "Snow"
────────────────────
IGI255 has been tested on AT and XT class machines with MONO,
CGA, EGA and VGA which have suffered no ill effects. CGA
monitors are notorious for "snow" - to cure this problem, at the
DOS prompt before running the program, type:
SET CLIPPER=S1
exactly as shown. Assuming that there is "environment space"
available, this will cure the problem. Once "set", this command
will remain in the computer's memory until the machine is reset
or turned off. Place this command in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file so
that it doesn't have to be re-typed it each time the computer is
turned on or reset.
If your computer indicates an "out of environment space" error
when attempting to use this command, please refer to a DOS manual
for instructions to increase the environment's space.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 Running the Program in General - 6
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Computer Incompatibility
────────────────────────
Machine incompatibility is rare but occasionaly, it happens.
If a "NOT ENOUGH MEMORY" error is detected when attempting
to run IGI255 - please refer to "DOS Won't Load", Page 38.
Previous users, if problems are encountered after the program
begins, erase the file IGI255.SYS and rerun the program. If
problems persist, contact me for a corrected version.
Upgrades, Now and Then
──────────────────────
Every attempt is made to keep IGI255 a simple-to-use program for
general use while expanding the underlying features for those of
wanting to do extremely complex manipulations of IGI data.
There are still some features that could be added to the program
and the flow of moving from one screen to another could be
improved. At this time the next release date is unknown.
"The suggestion box is hanging on the wall grinnin' like a
Cheshire Cat and a I'm hungry feed me gleam in it's eye..."
All comments, good, bad or ugly, about IGI255 are welcomed.
Testing has been continuous but saturation at times tends to
overlook the obvious. If you notice anything that needs fixing,
no matter how large or small, please let me know. Please send
suggestions, comments, complaints, requests for additional copies
and upgrades to:
Patrick C. Deatherage
755 South Iowa
League City, TX 77573
(713) 332:3268
I do monitor both the National Genealogical and Gensoft Echos on
a daily basis and Compuserve weekly (72607,2064). The best time
to telephone is weekends or any weekday evening.
The flexibility of IGI255 can be a tremendous asset but please
remember that it can also can lead to confusion. Even those
extremely familiar with the program have known to get lost not
knowing what's tagged, marked and/or copied to what .DBF - plan
ahead and go slow and steady...when in doubt, just untag
everything, unmarked everything and start over.
In any case, I truly hope the program in some way helps you find
that missing link.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 Page - 7
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
The Main Menu
─────────────
When IGI255 is begun, the first screen that to appear is the Main
Menu. You must first 'Create' a .DBF file before you can 'View'
it but the options on the Main Menu are placed beginning with the
most frequently used.
Using the cursor keys (up, down, page up, page down, home, end),
hi-lite your choice and press ENTER or the RIGHT ARROW key.
Pressing ESC or choosing Quit will terminate IGI255 and return
you to the DOS prompt.
The Main Menu options are:
View/Print .DBF - Look at or print a .DBF file
that has been created.
Create .DBF from Text - Select a text file and create
a .DBF.
Text Files Location - Set the path and file spec
to the IGI text files.
Printer/Date Setup - Set up printer codes and Event
Date manipulation defaults.
Modify Colors - Change the program screen
colors.
State Abbreviations - View, modify or add custom
state abbreviations.
Quit to DOS - Return to DOS operating system.
Refer to the next chapter 'Customizing - Changing the Program
Defaults' for discussions on Printer/Date Setup, State
Abbreviations (& Place Information), Modify Colors and Text Files
Location. Quit to DOS is covered in Running the Program In
General. View/Print .DBF and Create .DBF From Text are
discussed in their own chapter.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 Page - 8
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Customizing - Changing the Program Defaults
───────────────────────────────────────────
(refer to Version 4.x Release/Feature Notes for changes)
Printer/Date Setup - Printer
────────────────────────────
Customizing the Printed Page
One of the IGI255's finest features is it's ability to print out
a .DBF in almost any possible configuration. Another handy to
have feature is the program's ability to interrupt a large multi-
page print session and resume it at a later date.
Naturally, normal print options such as such as lines per page,
margin, header lines and footer lines can be defined.
In addition, the ability to print marked duplicate entries as
well as a character to hi-light tagged entries can be designated.
Along with the option to define which fields are to be printed as
well as the length of each field, a custom print-out can be
easily created.
The printer configuration can be modified from two points while
running the program. First, from the Main Menu. Select the
Printer/Date Setup option and another small menu will appear.
This menu will lead to either the Printer Setup Menu or the Event
Date Menu. Hi-lite "Printer" and press ENTER. The Printer Setup
Menu will then appear.
It is also possible to configure the printer by pressing F3 when
viewing a .DBF which will activate the Print Options Menu. This
menu contains a option that leads directly to the Printer Setup
Menu. Simply hi-lite the "Printer Setup" option and press ENTER.
Printer Set-up Menu
The Printer Setup Menu consists of two screens. The first is to
designate the printer's compressed code, lines per page, margin,
header and footer lines, whether or not duplicates are to be
printed, and the character to print if an entry is tagged. Type
in the appropriate responses and press enter after each.
The second screen is to define the length of each field that is
to be printed. At either screen, pressing ESC will cancel any
changes and back up to the previous screen.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Ver 3.5 Customizing - Changing the Program Defaults - 9
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Compressed Code
Specifically designed for the standard compressed mode of
printing (17 CPI), you must tell the program what CHR number to
use. Usually 15, this code represents the CHR number to activate
the compressed mode of the printer. Older model of Okidata
printers will use the number 29.
If neither work then leave it blank and force the printer to the
compressed or condensed mode prior to printing. If there are no
buttons on a control panel of the printer to do this then simply
run a word processor or a program which allows condensed
printing. Print something to force the printer into the
condensed mode, exit, and re-try IGI255.
In other words, in most cases, once the printer is in the
condensed mode it will stay that way until a program tells it
different or the printer is turned off.
Lines Per Page
Decide how many entries per page are to be printed and type in
that amount. Generally, standard compressed print will allow 55-
60 entries per page. If it is possible to "force" the printer
into different modes some interesting results can be obtained.
For example, a combination of "tiny" print and 100 lines-per-page
will drastically cut the number of pages needed but the print is
extremely small. Another option is 20 CPI and 75-80 lines per
page which also produces smaller print.
Margin
The number typed in as a margin is the number of spaces that the
print out will be indented. This can allow room to 3-hole punch
each page for insertion in a 3-ring binder. Note, some printers
may require a decrease in the length of one or more fields in
order to prevent the print line wrapping around to the next line.
Header Line Characters and Bottom Line Characters
By default, the third line of the header on each page consists of
a dash and two spaces. This can be changed by entering the
character(s) desired. For example, a simple solid dashed line is
created by typing in --- or even ~~~. If the computer in use is
an AT class or higher machine and the printer supports graphic
characters, try holding down the ALT key and then pressing the
numbers 205 to get a double graphic line. Some rather unique
lines can be created. Refer to a standard ASCII chart for
additional characters.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Ver 3.5 Customizing - Changing the Program Defaults - 10
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Print Marked Duplicates
Since duplicates can be marked and retained for deletion at a
later date, determine if any marked entries are to be printed.
Answer this question with either a Y or N. When a duplicate is
marked for deletion, the Event Code is replaced with an * and
therefore if printed, they can be recognized rather easily.
Tag Character
A tagged entry can be "hi-lited" during printing. That is, a
character will be printed in the margin to the left of the entry.
The designated Tag Character will be printed. If no tag
character is desired, simply leave the Tag Character field blank.
This can possibly be a rather handy feature. For example, a list
of entries has been tagged for a particular first name but the
entire list is printed in state order. Using a period "." as a
tag character, each of the tagged entries in the .DBF will be
printed with the "." in the left margin. The list can quickly be
scanned for the tagged lines. ASCII characters can be generated
with an AT class (or better) computer and a graphics printer.
Customizing Field Lengths
The second screen of the Printer Setup Menu specifies which
fields are to be printed and the length of each. The order that
the fields will be printed can also be defined.
Changing the Length of a Field
Use the cursor keys to hi-lite the field to change and press
ENTER (or the RIGHT ARROW key). Type in the number of spaces to
be printed for that field and the number of spaces to follow it
when it is printed. Press ENTER to record the changes or ESC to
cancel them. The entire line will again be hi-lighted and the
next field to be changed may be chosen.
For reference, the program default for that field is shown
immediately to the left of each and the maximum spaces for that
field is shown to the left of that.
Prevent a field from being printed by entering a zero (0) as both
the field length and the number of spaces after.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Ver 3.5 Customizing - Changing the Program Defaults - 11
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Changing the Order of the Fields
Hi-lite the field to be moved and press M. That line will begin
blinking. Use the UP and DOWN ARROW keys to move it to the new
location and press ENTER. The program will then adjust the
screen and show the new order of the fields. Pressing ENTER is
the only means of leaving the "Move Mode".
Pressing R will reset the length and order of the fields to the
default values.
Saving Field Changes
There are 3 options. Hi-lite one and press ENTER. The program
will then return to the Main Menu (or the Print Menu if activated
from there). The first, Cancel will ignore any changes you may
have made. The previously saved information will be used.
Pressing ESC will emulate selecting the Cancel option.
The second, "Use for now but don't save", will activate the
information shown but once you leave the program and return to
DOS these changes are lost.
The third, "Save these changes", will update the IGI255.sys file
with the new information. The next time you use IGI255 these
same print field values will be in effect.
Printer/Date Setup - Event Dates
────────────────────────────────
Event dates in the IGI text file at times contain verbiage such
as "Born 1866 (census)". IGI255 will attempt to calculate the
proper year following a DD MMM YYYY format and use an event date
of "b. 1866" in the .DBF. This assures a proper DATE sort based
on the year. It would also be safe to assume that an entry with
the "b." had been reformatted by IGI255.
The Family Search Program also produces event dates in DD MMM
YYYY left justified, such as:
7 Apr 1898
17 Apr 1898
IGI255 can "stuff" the dates with leading spaces. This lends
consistency to the date sorts as well as the printed output.
Right justified, they would then appear like this:
7 Apr 1898
17 Apr 1898
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Ver 3.5 Customizing - Changing the Program Defaults - 12
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 affords the opportunity to mix and match how the event
dates are handled. That is, the program can be set leave the
event dates in their original form, attempt to "correct" or "re-
work" both situations, or a combination of the two.
The first time IGI255 is run, the program is set to attempt to
correct both situations. To change this default, select
Printer/Date Setup at the Main Menu. When the Printer Setup menu
appears, select Event Dates. An informative screen repeating the
information above will first appear. Press a key. The Event
Date selection menu will appear. Hi-lite the new option desired
and press ENTER. Each IGI text file processed from this point
will use the selected choice. Select Cancel or press the ESC key
to leave the current choice in effect.
A "Dt=Y - Vrb=Y" will appear center screen during the "Create a
.DBF" file selection process. The Y's signify that dates will be
formatted and the verbiage will be corrected if possible.
Therefore the current options can be seen prior to processing.
The Event Date selection menu can be activated from the scroll
screen by pressing F4. The .DBF being viewed can be reformatted
immediately without having to return to the main menu.
The only extraneous verbiage known at this time is "Born". If
others are found please contact me so they corrections can be
in time for the next version.
State Abbreviations & Place Information
───────────────────────────────────────
The text files produced by the FSP do not utilize state
abbreviations but the expanded spelling instead. Fortunately the
place information in the IGI text file is generally grouped by
commas but unfortunately the groupings aren't always consistent.
That is, the state or country for one entry may be in the third
group but in the next entry it may be in the 2nd group.
IGI255 will attempt to determine each group, calculate the state
abbreviation beginning with the right-most group and work it's
way left. If a match is not made in the right-most group, the
next to last group on the right will be searched and so on.
The first time the program finds a valid state spelling, it will
assume that this is the state and go on to the next entry.
It is possible that an entry may contain a "county" which happens
to be a valid state spelling but not a "state". This is
generally due to excessive length of the place information in the
text file (see below).
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Ver 3.5 Customizing - Changing the Program Defaults - 13
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
The files IGI255ST.sys and IGI255ST.srt contain the information
used to determine the abbreviations and are automatically created
on start up if they don't already exist. The complete index to
the Family Search Program Version 2.13 was used in compiling the
abbreviations used. If future versions of the FSP change its
abbreviations, then IGI255 will possibly be out-of-date.
The "States Abbreviation" option on the Main Menu will allow
custom state and place entries. The F9 key at the "View/Print"
scroll screen will allow the .DBF being viewed to be "re-worked"
under this new format.
Note: Beginning with version 3.0, the fields which hold the
state abbreviation and place information were increased by one
space to 3 and 36 respectively. Although this does not generally
effect entries for the U.S. and Canada, it does make a difference
when dealing with other countries because they utilize a 3 space
abbreviation. If you simply re-work the abbreviations of an
OLDER .DBF via the F9 key, only the first two letters of the
abbreviation will be included and a sort on the "state" can be
confusing. A .DBF created under the older format that contains
place information other than U.S. locations should be recreated
under the new format.
Although it is recommended all .DBF's created with pre 3.0
versions of IGI255 be remade, re-format all the old 'U.S. only'
.DBF's using this F9 feature, do a sort by state, and then take a
look to see if they need to be recreated before actually doing
so. It may be unnecessary.
Just be aware that if NEW .DBF is ADDED TO AN OLD .DBF the OLD
format will be retained. Again, if possible, recreate old .DBF's
and when combining old and new, COPY THE OLD TO THE NEW, not the
new to the old.
The program retains the 1st 36 characters of each place info line
from the text file - which *appears* to be the maximum length
retained by the text file. In some cases, the place information
in the text file is so long that the 2nd line ends abruptly
chopping off what would be the state, county or country. If an
entry like this exists, attempt to utilize the State Abbreviation
Maintenance at the main menu and customize an entry for it.
For example...there is a group of ILDERTON's with a combined
place location of "St. Nicholas Parish Rec and Nonconf.,
Newcastle Upon Tyne,". The word Northumberland should follow but
doesn't due to the line's excessive length. The solution in this
case was simple.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Ver 3.5 Customizing - Changing the Program Defaults - 14
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Selecting "State Abbreviations" at the Main Menu, A <new> entry
was created using "NBL" as the abbreviation and "Newcastle Upon
Tyne" as Name to Look For. Returning to the Main Menu,
View/Print was selected. The ILDERTON.dbf was chosen and "none"
as the sort. When the scroll screen appeared, F9 was pressed and
"Yes" was chosen. IGI255 re-formatted the state abbreviations
and this time when the long entry was reached, "Newcastle Upon
Tyne" (the right-most group) was found in IGI255ST.sys and "NBL"
was used as the abbreviation.
There may be cases where this won't work but with a just a little
extra effort, most, if not all, of your extra long place name
entries can be classified.
Text File Location (refer to 4.x supplements for changes)
──────────────────
IGI text files do not have to be in the same directory as the
program. Set their location by selecting 'Text Files Location'
at the main menu. Once prompted, type in the new path. The
complete path MUST be entered, INCLUDING drive designator AND
file spec. For example:
Valid Not Valid (no file spec)
───── ────────────────────────
B:\*.* B:
C:\IGI\*.IGI C:\IGI
If no files appear in the file list then there are no files in
that drive, directory or subdirectory - or - an invalid path was
entered. The path to the IGI text files can also be changed at
the "Create .DBF from Text" file selection screen.
Modify Colors - Changing the Screen Colors
──────────────────────────────────────────
Select "Modify Colors" at the Main Menu to change the appearance
of the program's screens. Once the color menu appears, hi-lite
the screen to change and press enter. Then use the arrow keys to
select the desired color and press enter. Once all color
selections are made, hi-lite the save option and press enter.
The new colors will be in effect. If the color menu was reached
in error, press ESC or hi-lite the "No Save" option and press
enter. The current colors in use will not be changed.
Some of the message boxes are "hardwired" in a particular color.
A commercial screen manipulator may not allow color changes and
you won't necessarially see what you should. If you feel that
this is the case contact me for verification and a corrected
version of the program.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 Page - 15
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Creating a .DBF from a Text File
────────────────────────────────
The process to transform your FSP text file into a .DBF is
simple. Choose "Create .DBF from Text" at the Main Menu and
press ENTER. The next screen will have a list of files to
process on the left, and .DBF files on the right.
If no files are shown on the left, either the path is incorrect
or there are simply no files in that location. Press F5 to bring
up the "Text File Location" request and enter a valid DOS path
and file spec to the IGI text files.
One the desired file(s) are listed on the left, use the arrow
keys to hi-lite the name of the IGI text file for which a .DBF is
desired and press ENTER (or the RIGHT ARROW key).
The lite bar will now be on the right side of the screen. Hi-
lite the name of the .DBF to use and press ENTER (or the RIGHT
ARROW key). If an existing .DBF is selected, you will be
prompted to either add this text file to it, overwrite it or
cancel the operation. Hi-lite your choice and press ENTER.
Select <new> to create a new .DBF and type in a file name. The
name of the text file will appear as a default but another name
may be used by simply typing over the existing one. The .DBF
extension will be provided automatically. When the name is
typed, press ENTER and processing will begin. If a .DBF file
exists for the name you type in, you will be prompted to either
add this text file to it, overwrite it or cancel the operation.
When the .DBF has been created you will return to the Main Menu.
Pressing the LEFT ARROW key while on the left side of the screen
(text file selection) will return you to the Main Menu. Pressing
the LEFT ARROW key while on the right side of the screen (.DBF
file selection) will return you to the text file selection.
Multiple File Processing
────────────────────────
Create one .DBF from multiple IGI text files by simply "tagging"
all of the text files to be included. Use the space bar to "tag"
(or "untag") the text files and press ENTER (or the RIGHT ARROW
key). The .DBF file to use can then be selected. Each of the
tagged files will be processed IN THE ORDER SHOWN IN THE LIST and
added to that .DBF file.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 Page - 16
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
View/Print .DBF
═══════════════
Viewing the .DBF
────────────────
Viewing a .DBF is as simple as first picking the file to see and
then a sort for it. A "scroll-screen" of entries for that .DBF
will then appear. From here other options such as printing and
filtering can be invoked by pressing the appropriate function
keys or key combinations.
Hi-lite "View/Print .DBF" at the Main Menu and press ENTER (or
the RIGHT ARROW key). The next screen will list the available
.DBF's on the left and fixed sorts on the right. If no .DBF
files have been created, a "No Files" message will appear. A
.DBF must first be created from an IGI text file.
Hi-lite the .DBF to be viewed and press ENTER (or the RIGHT ARROW
key). The lite bar will move to the right side of the screen.
Choose the appropriate sort and press ENTER (or the RIGHT ARROW
key). If the sort file does not exist it will then be
automatically created. A small diamond next to the sort
description indicates that the sort file exists.
Pressing the INS key while at either file selection list will
activate the custom sort routine for that .DBF (see Custom
Sorts). Pressing the LEFT ARROW key while at the left side of
the screen returns you to the main menu - while at the right side
of the screen returns you to the .DBF file selection.
Once the sort has been selected, the "scroll screen" will appear.
This is a list of all the entries in the selected .DBF in the
sort order requested. Use the cursor keys (down, up, page up,
page down, home, end) to scroll thru the names.
The program was modified in the past to utilize 3 spaces for the
State field rather than 2 and the place field was increased to
35 - viewing an "old" .DBF will only hi-lite 2 spaces in the
state field, a "new" one will hi-lite 3. Refer to the discussion
on State Abbreviations and Event Date manipulation for more
information on their differences.
When viewing at the scroll screen press the SPACE BAR to "tag" an
entry. Using the appropriate function keys, tagged entries can
then be viewed, printed, copied to another file or deleted.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 View/Print .DBF - 17
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Function Keys - While viewing a .DBF, pressing some of the
Function Keys will activate a particular action:
F2 - Print to Text/.DBF - copies selected contents of
the .DBF to another .DBF or text file. See below.
F3 - Printer, sends selected contents of .DBF being
viewed to the printer. See below.
F4 - Event Dates, activates the Event Dates menu.
Event Dates can be manipulated in various fixed
formats. Please refer to 'Changing Program
Defaults, Printer/Event Date Setup'.
F7 - Duplicates & Tagged Entries, activates a menu to
mark, remove, view or unmark duplicates and
tagged entries. Refer to Customizing IGI255,
Duplicate Entries.
F8 - Swap Mom/Place rotates the viewing position of
the place information, batch codes and name in
the "Mother" field.
F9 - State Abbreviations, activates a routine to update
the State Abbreviation of each entry in the .DBF
being viewed based on the current Place
Information found in the State Abbreviation file.
Earlier versions of IGI255 utilized a 2 character
field for the abbreviation. Countries outside the
U.S. utilize a 3 space abbreviation and newer
versions of the program were adjusted to account
for the change. "Old" .DBF's may be corrected
without having to be recreated. Please refer to
the section 'Changing Program Defaults, State
Abbreviations' for additional information.
A prompt for verification appears before changes
are processed. Hi-lite either "Yes" or "No" and
press ENTER. "No" or the ESC key will cancel the
operation and return program control to the scroll
screen. "Yes" will rework the state abbreviations
for ALL entries even if the filter is active.
F10 - Filter, activates Quick Query Name prompt or
allows for custom filtering of the .DBF being
viewed. Refer to Customizing IGI255, Filtering.
Press the LEFT ARROW key or the ESC key while the scroll screen
is active to return to the sort selection screen.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 View/Print .DBF - 18
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Printing the .DBF
─────────────────
F2 - Print to Text/.DBF
Pressing the F2 key while at the view scroll screen invokes a
series of menu options allowing you to send the currently viewed
.DBF, or a selected portion of it, to a text file or a different
.DBF file. You may also "add" this file to existing ones. Each
prompt has an option to cancel the operation. You may also press
ESC at any of the prompts to do so. You will be first prompted
for the type of file desired.
Creating Another .DBF File
The .DBF file created will be a duplicate of the file being
viewed unless of course you choose "Tagged Entries". If a
filtered .DBF is being viewed then copying 'All' entries to a new
.DBF will only copy these filtered entries. If "Tagged Entries"
is chosen, then only the tagged entries will be copied. NOTE: If
the filter is on and "Tagged Entries" is chosen, ONLY those
tagged entries IN THE FILTER will be copied.
You will then be asked for a file name. Type in the name you
want and press enter. The .DBF extension will be supplied
automatically. You will not be allowed to use the same file name
that you are viewing. If a file by the name that you entered
already exists, you will be prompted to either overwrite it, add
to it or cancel the operation. If you press enter and the name
request is all blanks, the operation will be canceled.
After the file name request, you will then be asked if you want
to copy the entire file being viewed or the tagged entries. The
copy routine will then begin. See the section on filtering for
additional information on using the print to .DBF option.
There is no way to cancel the operation during the process.
Creating a Text File
The text file created will be of a fixed length format and the
length of each field will match the printer output. Suggestions
for future improvements are welcomed.
Selecting "Delimted Ascii" - available, Version 4.x, see notes.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 View/Print .DBF - 19
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
If the type of file selected is 'Text - Fixed', a file name
prompt will appear. The name of the file being viewed with an
extension of .PRN is the default. Name it something different by
typing in a new name and pressing enter. Note: A file extension
must be included if one is desired. Previous versions of IGI255
forced a .PRN extension to the text files but you now have the
option of changing this. If a file by the name that you entered
already exists, you will be asked if you want to overwrite it,
add to it or cancel the operation. If you press enter and the
name request is all blanks, the operation will be canceled.
After the file name request, you will then be asked if you want
to copy the entire file being viewed or the tagged entries. The
copy routine will then begin. See the section on filtering for
additional information on using the print to .TXT option.
During the text copy process you may press ESC to cancel the
operation but remember, doing so WILL result in an INCOMPLETE
file. Note too that some rather large text files can be created
(depending on the number of entries in your .DBF) which may be to
large to into your word processor. You may want to keep this in
mind when creating text files.
F3 - Send to Printer - Print Options Menu
─────────────────────────────────────────
Pressing the F3 key while viewing a .DBF will activate the Print
Options Menu. Hi-lite the desired choice and press ENTER. If
this menu was reached by mistake, either select Cancel or press
ESC to return to the scroll screen. Choices on the Print Options
Menu include:
ALL - Print All Entries
To print all entries of the .DBF being viewed select the "All"
option on the Print Options Menu and press ENTER. Each entry in
the .DBF will be printed UNLESS the filter is active.
If the .DBF being viewed has been filtered then just the filtered
entries (as shown on the view screen) will be printed.
Tagged - Print Tagged Entries Only
To print only the tagged entries of the .DBF being viewed, select
the "Tagged" option on the Print Options Menu and press ENTER.
Only the tagged entries will print UNLESS the filter is active.
If the .DBF being viewed has been filtered, then just the tagged
entries meeting the filter requirements will be printed.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 View/Print .DBF - 20
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Setup Printer
The printer configuration may be changed by selecting "Setup
Printer" at the Print Options Menu. This will activate the
Printer Setup Menu. Once the configuration has been complete
program control will return to the Print Options Menu.
Test Printer
The positioning of the page can be tested with this option. Only
the title line, header line and bottom line will be printed using
the current characters and margin.
Resume Previous
The "Resume Previous" option allows selected "pages" of a .DBF to
be printed. Large .DBF's can be printed in multiple sessions.
When this option is selected a screen requesting the beginning
and ending page numbers will appear. Type in the appropriate
page numbers pressing enter after each.
─────────────────────── NOTE ────────────────────────
ALL file and print parameters MUST set exactly the
same each time for the output to be accurate.
The .DBF must not be altered between sessions, i.e.
no deleted or added entries that would have appeared
in earlier pages.
If a sort is used it must be the same each time.
If a filter is used it must be the same each time.
The Lines Per Page must be the same each time.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────
This routine simply calculates the number of entries per page
based on the lines per page to determine the beginning and ending
page. If an entry in the previous pages had been deleted or
added then the count would be different from one session to the
next and could not be mathematically correct.
Using a different sort or filter combination between sessions
would naturally disrupt the order of the entries and therefore in
no way could retain accuracy.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 View/Print .DBF - 21
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Cancel
Select Cancel on the Print Options Menu to return to the scroll
screen and continue viewing the current .DBF.
Interrupting the Print Session
Pressing the ESC key while the list is printing will pause the
printer. A Yes-No prompt will appear asking whether or not the
print job should be terminated. Hi-lite the desired choice and
press enter. Some printers load data into a print buffer.
Therefore even if the ESC key has been pressed and the print
session canceled, the printer may continue to run. It will do so
until the print buffer is empty. The only way to stop the
printer in this situation is to turn it off.
Prior to IGI255 Version 3.1, any key press activated the request
to cancel printing. Beginning with Version 3.1 the ONLY the ESC
key will activate the request.
Line Wrapping
All printers are not equal. Condensed mode of 132 characters per
line for one printer may create a "line wrap" problem on another
printer. Print width of the characters can vary from one printer
to another. Use the Printer Setup Menu and adjust the length of
one or more fields to solve this problem. If necessary, re-read
the Printer/Date Setup - Printer section of the Customizing -
Changing the Program Defaults chapter.
If problems continue, contact me for assistance.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 Page - 22
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Maximizing Use of IGI255
─────────────────────────
IGI255 can be a tremendous help in manipulating IGI information.
The ability to combine files, remove duplicates, tag selected
entries for specific purposes, filter for specific information
and custom sorting on any field combination all create endless
possibilities to what can be done to the data.
The secret to a successful end result is proper planning. Know
ahead of time what the desired file or print out is to contain.
It's very easy to start out with one thing in mind and get side
tracked with a couple of other 'what ifs'.
Just like researching any area of family history it's so very
easy to get side-tracked from the initial goal. Experienced
researchers always tell us to "pick one name, decided on what to
find (that is, marriage record, death record etc), and stay with
it, don't try to find everybody at once". How many times do we
start looking for a marriage record for one surname and end the
visit to the library looking for a death record of an ancestor
from an entirely different line?
This section deals with the heart of IGI255 - handling duplicate
entries, tagging entries and what to do with them, filtering the
database and the custom sort feature. Like any good computer
program, don't let the flexibility overwhelm you. Pick one thing
you want to do and learn it before trying something else. Simply
don't try to do to much at one time and in no time at all you
will see the tremendous hidden power of the program.
IGI255 was designed to manipulate the .DBF's from the view screen
(scroll screen) without having to constantly return to the Main
Menu. Once a .DBF is created, filter tag and combine to your
hearts content. Then sort and print.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 Maximizing Use of IGI255 - 23
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
F7 - Duplicate/Tagged
Pressing F7 at the view screen will present a Duplicates/Tags
Menu. Consider these two separate menus rather than one and
think in two different processes.
DUPLICATIONS ARE ONE THING AND TAGGED ENTRIES ARE ANOTHER
Their options happen to be included on the same menu. For
example, a marked duplicate can also be a tagged entry. This
menu may also be activated by pressing ALT-D at the view screen.
Duplicates
Fairly straight forward, the initial goal of handling duplicates
is simply to get rid of them. It is a two-stop process. A
duplicate must be marked for deletion before it can actually be
removed. Marking the duplicates is one step. Deleting them is
another. Therefore you may have marked duplicates which have not
been deleted. When two duplicate entries are compared the second
one is "marked" by replacing the Code field with an asterisk (*).
It is possible that duplicate entries will exist in the IGI but
they will have different batch numbers. You may want to retain
both since they may have been submitted by different people and
you would want to be aware of this. Therefore there are two
marking options. One will ignore the batch numbers and one will
not. One option is to mark the duplicates keeping the ones with
different batch numbers, view them and make notes as necessary.
Then you can re-process with the option to ignore that batch
numbers which will also mark these.
The other menu options allow you to "view" the currently marked
duplicates, "unmark" all of the currently marked duplicates, and
"delete" (permanently remove) all currently marked duplicates.
Again, a duplicate must be marked before it can be deleted, and
once it's deleted it is gone for good.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 Maximizing Use of IGI255 - 24
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Tagging Entries
Pressing F7 at the view screen will present a Duplicates/Tags
menu. Remember to consider these two separate menus rather than
one and think in two different processes.
Again, DUPLICATIONS ARE ONE THING AND TAGGED ENTRIES ARE ANOTHER.
Each set of options happens to be included on the same menu. For
example, you can have a marked duplicate which is also tagged.
Tags may be activated ONLY on an UNSORTED .DBF at this time.
Entries may be tagged or untagged individually at the view scroll
screen by hi-liting the entry and pressing the space bar. You
can tagged an entire group of filtered entries. Set the filter,
and once those entries meeting your filtered condition are on-
screen, press ^T (Control-T) or bring up the Dups/Tags menu and
select Tag Entries Meeting Query.
Once one or more entries are tagged, they can be printed, copied
to a new .DBF or .TXT file, viewed, deleted (permanently removed)
or untagged.
NOTE: Once an entry is tagged, it REMAINS tagged even if you
leave the program and return at a later date (unless of course
you select the untag option). Other than selecting the "View
Tagged Entries" option, there is nothing to alert you that tagged
entries exist in a .DBF - so keep in mind that you may have
tagged some entries in an earlier session.
Viewing tagged entries is activated via the Dups/Tags menu or
pressing ^V or the INS key while at the view scroll screen. This
will re-set the filter to those entries and present them on-
screen. If no tagged entries exist, you will be notified and
returned to the previous filtered condition.
Untag ALL Tagged Entries is activated via the Dups/Tags menu or
pressing ^U while at the view scroll screen. This will remove
the tag from ALL currently tagged entries.
Delete ALL Tagged Entries is activated via the Dups/Tags menu or
pressing the DEL key while at the view scroll screen. This will
PERMANENTLY remove ALL currently tagged entries.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 Maximizing Use of IGI255 - 25
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
F10 - Filter (Query)
────────────────────
There are two possible filtering options when the F10 key is
pressed. An extremely powerful and somewhat complex custom
filter routine is hidden behind the Quick Query Name option.
- Quick Query Name Filter -
Quite often the ability to quickly filter on any entry that
contains a particular surname is needed. The Quick Query Name
Filter provides this service and it's screen appears first when
the F10 is pressed.
If you pressed F10 (or ALT-F) in error and want to return to the
view scroll screen at this point, press ESC. If you want to
enter the custom filter routine, leave the quick query name blank
and press ENTER.
Type a name in the quick query name field and press enter. The
filter is activated for any occurrence of that name in either the
FATHER, MOTHER, or NAME fields. By default this filter is NOT
case sensitive and a partial name may be used. For example:
If you want create a new .DBF of just those entries which contain
the name of William in either the FATHER, MOTHER or NAME fields
but you know that some of the entries abbreviate William as Wm
and Willm...
Press F10 (or ALT-F), type in the word william and press
enter. All the William, william, and WILLIAM 's will be
found and presented on-screen. Press ^T to tag them.
Now press F10, type in the word wm and press enter. All the
Wm, wm, and WM 's will be found and presented on-screen.
Press ^T to tag them.
Now press F10, type in the word willm and press enter. All
the Willm, willm, and WILLM 's will be found and presented
on-screen. Press ^T to tag them...
Now they are all tagged. Return to the sort selection and select
none. This will de-activate the current filter of Willm. They
can now be copied to a new .DBF by pressing F2, following the
prompts and selecting "Tagged Entries". If you selected "Tagged
Entries" while the previous filter of Willm was on you would only
get those entries.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 Maximizing Use of IGI255 - 26
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
The name Will could also be used in the search. This would pick
up the William 's and the Willm 's but also pick up the Willard's
and Willy 's - so a little planning ahead is in order.
An EXACT search (including case) is possible. Begin the name
with an asterisk (*). For example, if you type in *WILLIAM, the
machine will only find the upper-case WILLIAM's and not the
entries such as WILL, William and william.
Another course of action in the above example would be to copy
each search group immediately to a the new .DBF without first
tagging them.
Press F10 (or ALT-F), type in the word william and press
enter. All the William, william, and WILLIAM 's will be
found and presented on-screen. Press F2, select .DBF,
type in a file name (how about William?) and select ALL.
Since the filter is active, ALL will only copy those
meeting the filter requirements.
Now press F10, type in the word wm and press enter. All
the Wm, wm, and WM 's will be found and presented on-screen.
Press F2, select .DBF, type in the same file name you used
before, select Add To, and select ALL. Since the filter
is active, ALL will only copy those meeting the filter
requirement and they will be added to the .DBF you named.
Now press F10, type in the word willm and press enter. All
the Willm, willm, and WILLM 's will be found and presented
on-screen. Press F2, select .DBF, type in the same file
name you used before, select Add To, and select ALL. Since
the filter is active, ALL will only copy those meeting the
filter requirements and they will be added to the .DBF
you named. Bingo, one file full of Williams...
If the query results in no matches, instead of a blank screen you
will be notified via a message box and then return to the
previous screen.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 Maximizing Use of IGI255 - 27
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Golden Rules For Custom Filtering
1) ALWAYS filter on an UNSORTED .DBF - query routines are
notoriously SLOW. Filter on an unsorted .DBF and copy the
results to a new .DBF and *then* sort the new .DBF - this
uses less time as well as less space!
2) The CUSTOM filter routine's verbiage is CASE SENSITIVE.
Filter on "HARRIS" & any "Harris" entries will be ignored.
3) In the CUSTOM filter, watch your AND's and OR's - There is
a definite difference between
NAME=Harris .AND. FATHER=Harris
and
NAME=Harris .OR. FATHER=Harris
AND means the entry MUST contain BOTH occurrences.
OR means the entry MAY contain EITHER of the occurrences.
For example (the old way of a quick query name search): a .DBF
contains all of the HARRIS's for the VA and WVA - but only the
with the surname COLEMAN is desired. Filter on not only the NAME
field (since you may have done a "family search") but the FATHER
and MOTHER field as well. Your filter entry would be:
NAME=COLEMAN .or. NAME=Coleman .or. FATHER=COLEMAN .or.
FATHER=Coleman .or. MOTHER=COLEMAN .or. MOTHER=Coleman
Using the .OR. option with the lower case version of Coleman as
well as the upper case, will assure you of getting any instance
of Coleman in either of the three fields. There is a 254
character limit on the search verbiage so you may have to break
it down into 2 or more filter sessions.
It is sometimes easier and less confusing to copy the filtered
results of one search to a new .DBF and then add the filtered
results of second search to that same .DBF.
Selecting 'Quit' on the Query menu will activate the filter. You
will return to the view screen while the program completes the
search. You can then scroll the filtered entries, print them
(F3), or create/add to a .DBF or text file (F2).
Depending on the filter and the size of the .DBF, use the
"scroll" on a filtered .DBF sparingly. The filter has to read
each entry and determine if it meets the filter - again, if you
want to study the filtered results, copy it to a temporary .DBF
and sort and study the temporary .DBF.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 Maximizing Use of IGI255 - 28
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Custom Sorts
────────────
The four fixed sort options provided by IGI255 should satisfy
many listing requirements but a major feature of IGI255 is the
underlying ability to sort a database (.DBF) on any field
combination and/or order.
Remember that sort files take up disk space. A large .DBF file
will also create a large sort file. Up to 9 different custom
sort files in addition to the four fixed sorts is possible.
The ESC key or the LEFT ARROW key will cancel each operation and
return you to the previous screen.
Picking a Custom Sort
The custom sort routine is hidden under the fixed sort screen.
Press the INS key while at the View/Print File Selection screen
to activate it.
If a custom sort file exists, it will be shown. Hi-lite the
desired file and press ENTER or the RIGHT ARROW key. The scroll
screen will then appear with the entries sorted accordingly. Use
the LEFT ARROW key or ESC to return to the View/Print File
Selection screen.
Creating a New Custom Sort
If no custom sort files exist, none will be listed. Select <new>
from the pick-box to create a new custom sort file. A pick-box
of the available fields will appear. Hi-lite the field(s)
desired and press ENTER or the RIGHT ARROW key. Press the LEFT
ARROW key, the ESC key or select <quit> to return to the
View/Print File Selection screen.
As a field is selected will be tagged (or untagged) and added to
(or removed from) the sort string at the bottom of the selection
box. The order of the fields is based on the order they are
picked and this also determines the sort. Experiment!
A field can only be picked once. Place fields are automatically
placed with the first field first even though it may be picked
after the second.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 3.5 Maximizing Use of IGI255 - 29
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
To actually create the sort file, hi-lite <create> and press
ENTER, the RIGHT ARROW key or INS. A Yes-No prompt will give you
an opportunity to cancel the request before creating the sort
file. Selecting "Yes" will create the sort. Select "No" or
press the ESC key to cancel the sort request.
After the sort file is created, the scroll screen will appear
using that .DBF in that sort order.
Deleting Custom Sort Files
Up to 9 sorts for each .DBF are retained at any one time. This
is in addition to the four fixed sorts. Remember that these take
up disk space. Large .DBF files create large sort files.
Deleting a custom sort file is as easy as hi-liting it and
pressing the DEL key. When the warning screen appears press DEL
a second time to permanently remove the file or any other key to
cancel the delete request.
A Note About Date Sorts
A date sort will handle the months alphabetically instead of
numerically. In other words, April and August will come before
January. This may be corrected in future versions.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 4.2 Release Notes - 30
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IGI255 Version 4.2
December, 1993
Version 4.2 is a must for your 1993 Family Search IGI text
downloads. The format of the new IGI was changed and in turn,
IGI255 has been modified to accommodate those changes. Earlier
versions of IGI255 will not process the 1993 IGI properly and
the initial release version 4.0 will only process specific '93
IGI beta versions.
Several improvements have also been made to IGI255 and although
the documentation file IGI25535.NFO has not been updated, the
following is a brief summary of them...
Optional LDS Ordinance Codes Processing
Reserved for the LDS Ordinance information, 3 fields of 21
spaces each are added to each .DBF created, even if the
ordinance information was not downloaded. Therefore, the size of
each .DBF will increase by 20-30%.
If you do not download your IGI text files with the LDS
Ordinance information, disable this option to save space.
At the Main Menu, choose "Setup". At the Setup Menu, hi-lite the
"LDS Ord=Y" option and press Enter. The (Y)es will change to a
(N)o. The LDS Ordinance option may also be toggled on and off
by pressing the "L" key at the file select screen when creating
a DBF.
Improved Batch/Film #'s Handling & "Special Codes"
The Batch field has been increased to 28 spaces and will contain
all of the Batch/Sheet and Film/Page/Ord numbers. The first 3
"Special Codes" are retained in the field previously used for
the Sheet information.
In some cases, the IGI will have a "Printout" number or other
extraneous verbiage which will not be recorded. Generally, this
type of entry is obvious but, before using the IGI255 numbers to
order film from Salt Lake, compare them with the original text
file of the Family Search Catalog for accuracy.
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IGI255 - Version 4.2 Release Notes - 31
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Improved Text File Output
Text file output is now consistent with the Field Output
selections of the Printer Setup menu.
ASCII Delimited Output
The Delimited Ascii option is now activated on the text file
output menu. The contents of each field, empty or otherwise, is
bracketed by quote marks ("") and separated by a comma (,).
"Detail" Display - Optional View of an Entry's Data
Since a computer screen is only 80 characters wide, the "scroll-
screen" can show only so much information on a single line.
Hi-lite an entry, press the Enter or the Right Arrow key and a
box will appear with the information in a "vertical" format.
While in the vertical view, the Up, Down, Page Up, Page Down,
Home and End keys allow navigation through the entries. The ESC,
Enter or Left Arrow keys will return control to the
scroll-screen.
"Special Codes" Help - You Don't Have to Remember What They Mean
Pressing F1 at the scroll-screen or while viewing an entry in
the
vertical format will produce a help box that shows the Event
Code and Special Code definitions.
The Up and Down arrow keys will move this box up and down on the
screen. Press ESC, Enter or the Left arrow key to return to the
previous screen.
Improved "Relative" Handling - Know Who They Are at a Glance
When "no parents are listed", the Relative's name (if given) is
placed in the Mother field. Version 4.0 placed a "(r)" at the
end of the name but this made it difficult to know which entries
represented a relative. Beginning with Version 4.2, relatives
are shown with a plus sign (+) next to their name.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 4.2 Release Notes - 32
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Expanded Print String Option - Send Custom Codes Before & After
The print setup has been revamped and is easier to navigate. A
formal printer selection routine is reserved for a future
version, but 2 sets of "print strings" are now allowed. Each
set, designated as Printer #1 and Printer #2, can contain up to
3 separate strings - 2 of which are used prior to printing and 1
after - and each string can hold enough codes to satisfy the
most sophisticated laser needs.
This means that codes for 2 different printers can be stored and
switching between them is relatively painless. Happen to have an
Epson 850 and a HP 4L? Try this:
Printer #1 Printer #2
Before: 27,64 Before: 27,69,27,40,49,48,85,27,40,115,48,80
Cmprssd: 27,15 Cmprssd: 27,40,115,49,55,72
After: 27,64 After: 27,69,27,40,49,48,85,27,40,115,48,80
Downward Compatibility with Pre '93 Downloads and .DBF's
Pre '93 text downloads and .DBF's created with earlier versions
of the program can be processed and manipulated. Remember that
the "old" .DBF's don't have the same batch field size or the new
ordinance fields. Therefore when possible, re-process with
Version 4.
If you must combine an "old" .DBF with a "new" one, add the old
to the new. In other words, create the new .DBF as usual. Then
select and view the old. Press F2 at the scroll-screen, select
.DBF, enter the name of the new .DBF, and when the "file exists
warning" appears, select "add to it".
If you send a new file to an old, the batch information will not
be complete and if the ordinance information was processed, it
will not be transferred.
Special Thanks to:
Don Keith, Utah
Jay Markham, Utah
Jim Slade, Oklahoma
Rex Stephenson, Georgia
George Towle, Arizona
Same Low "Price"
Enjoy.
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IGI255 - Version 4.2 Release Notes - 33
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 Version 4.2 is being released as Freeware. It is not
public domain material or Shareware - this means, simply put,
that I retain all the rights to the program but anyone is more
than welcome to use it for their own personal needs. Anyone
wishing to distribute the program to others may do so and
access a reasonable and normal charge for disk media, mailer
and postage. Commercial computer on-line services are allowed
appropriate distribution through their normal course of
business. There are no warranties associated with IGI255,
implied or expressed - used at your own risk.
Your comments, questions and suggestions for improvements are
welcomed.
Patrick C. Deatherage
P. O. Box 202
League City, TX 77574-0202
(713) 332:3268
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IGI255 - Version 4.4 BBS Release - 34
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 Version 4.4 has been released.
Some of the new features are...
Edit an Entry - Want to change the info in the .DBF?
Do it.
Add an Entry - Make your own IGI!
SSDI/MI Support - Process the Social Security Death Index
& Military Index .GEDs
Gedcom Import - IGI, SDI, MI .GED files from the Family
History Center's Family Search only,
please.
Last Name First - The "Name", "Father", and "Mother"
fields can be converted to
lastname-firstname order and back again.
This and That - 3 different text/ged locations can be
stored which allows 3 different sets of
print & screen parameters; hot key &
edit toggle; duplication marking fixed;
FHC listing; longer names; "out of
memory" during processing fixed;
miscellaneous maintenance.
Uploaded to the following boards...
Bayou Bend (TX) 713-894-0574
Ancestry (FL) 813-471-0552 <GSDS>
Bug reports greatly appreciated...mail requests please include
postage or mailer etc. Those of you who have been *patiently*
awaiting...this one's on the way!
Patrick C. Deatherage
P. O. Box 202
League City, TX 77574-0202
(713) 332:3268
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IGI255 - Version 4.4 Feature Notes - 35
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Last Name First
---------------
The IGI text presents the name information in a first name-last
name format. This routine will attempt to convert the "Name",
"Father", and/or "Mother" fields to last name-first name and,in
turn, sorts can be made accordingly.
The process can be reversed at will and is invoked at the
Scroll-Screen. The Setup routine at the Main Menu as a
Surnames option which can be used to designate how each field
is handled when a .DBF is created.
It is possible that some names will convert a bit strange. If
you detect a discrepancy, please compare IGI255's result to the
original text file for verification and then report it as soon
as possible.
Edit an Entry
---------------
Yes, now you can actually change what's there. An Edit option
on the Setup Menu toggles the function on and off. In the off
position, ENTER at the scroll screen activates the "detailed
view" of the entry and a TAB invokes the ability to edit the
entry. In the on position, the process is reversed, ENTER=Edit
and TAB=View.
Caution should be taken when using the edit routine. IGI255
often relies on specific items in certain places for many
of its functions. For example, a "(M)" and "(F)" is used in
formatting the dots in the name field. A "+" in the Relative's
Tag field is used to determine the status of the
"Mother" field and so forth...
But you can now change'em up as you please...and...
Add an Entry
---------------
Want to add your own? Try an Alt-A at the Scroll Screen!
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 4.4 Feature Notes - 36
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Gedcom Import
---------------
.GEDs from the Family History Center's Family Search
Program only please...This routine may be slow - experiment with
small downloads until satisfied.
IGI - The resulting .DBF is similar to one created using an
IGI text file, with one exception. The text file
contains "Relative" information if no parents are
listed and often refers to "Special Codes".Apparently
these are not transferred to the gedcom and in turn,
IGI255 has no way of including them.
SDI - Social Security Death Index. Rather than creating
an entire program module, the IGI screens and fields
are used for the SDI data.
Name - Name.
Code - D(eath).
Date - Death date.
Father - Age (calculated) and birth date.
Mother - State of issue, state of residence.
State - Not used.
Relative Tag - Not used.
Place - Death residence zip and place
Place2 - Death benefit residence zip and place
Batch - Social Security number.
LDSORD1 - Not used.
LDSORD2 - Not used.
LDSORD3 - Not used.
By utilizing the Last name-First Name option, sorts can be
obtained for age, birth year, and issue state.
MI - Military Index. Like the SDI, all the current fields
for IGI data are used.
Name - Name and sex.
Code - D(eath).
Date - Death date.
Father - Months in-country (calculated), date tour
began.
Mother - Age (calculated), birth date.
State - State of residence.
Relative Tag - "+" if "Married" was designated in gedcom.
Place - Place of death.
Place2 - Place of residence.
Batch - Rank, branch of service.
LDSORD1 - Service number.
LDSORD2 - Race
LDSORD3 - Religious Preference
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 4.4 Feature Notes - 37
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Note that the Korea data does not contain some of the same
information found in the Vietnam lists. Like the SDI,
utilizing the Last name-First name option at the Scroll
Screen (F6), sorts can be created for months in country,
tour date, birth date and age.
Text/Ged Locations
------------------
Three different file types can be processed: IGI text & ged,
SDI ged, and MI ged. Each of these should be stored in a
different location on the hard disk and the Text/Ged Location
option of the Main Menu is used to define where these areas are.
Select Text/Ged Locations at the Main Menu. An option box
showing the 3 areas will appear and as each is highlighted, the
current location for that area is shown. Select the area to
change and press ENTER. Type in the new path, including file
spec, and press ENTER.
Remember to use the complete file spec. The program uses this
path and file spec to determine which files are listed when
creating a .DBF - for example:
C:\IGI255\IGI\*.* - all files are listed
C:\IGI255\IGI\*.GED - only ged files are listed
One of these areas is considered to be active and this is
designated by a small diamond next to the name. When the
"Create .DBF from Text" option is selected, the files listed
with be those as described in the active path. If an invalid
path is used, or the directories do not exist, "No Files" will
be shown in the file selection list. A different active area
can be designated at the "Create .DBF from Text" screen but the
path can only be changed at the "Text/Ged Location" option.
All DBFs that are created, even if they are of the different
file types, are still placed in the directory where the program
was started.
The 3 areas also allow retention of separate print and screen
variables. Say, for example, that you only process IGI and SDI
files but you want two different printouts for the IGI - perhaps
one with place information and another with ordinance
information. The IGI area can be used to store the print fields
including the place information and the MI area can be used
to store the print fields including the ordinance information.
Using the "Text/Ged Location" option, make the IGI area active.
Then select Setup at the Main Menu, and choose Printer. When
the Printer Setup Menu appears, select Field Output and make the
appropriate changes. Next, make the MI area active and make the
desired changes to the Field output of that area.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 4.4 DOS Won't Load? - 38
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
DOS won't load IGI255?
Something along the line of "not enough memory"? There is
probably a line in your CONFIG.SYS file similiar to:
DEVICE=C:\EMM386.EXE NOEMS /I:xxxxx
The word NOEMS is causing the problem and it must be
removed...not to worry, all it costs you is a few bytes of
memory. Use your text editor or word processor to take out the
NOEMS. Remember that the CONFIG.SYS file is simply a text fle
so if you use a word processor, save it as a text file or
"print to file".
*--------------------------------------------------------------*
The CONFIG.SYS file contains information the computer needs
when you turn it on, so if you feel uncomfortable changing
it...call me first. I should be able to easily walk you
through it.
*--------------------------------------------------------------*
If you decide to try to make your own changes, you may want to
save a copy of the current CONFIG.SYS under a different name.
At the DOS prompt type:
COPY C:\CONFIG.SYS C:\CONFIG.BU
Load the CONFIG.SYS into your text editor and take out the
NOEMS. After saving the changes, "type" the file to screen to
see if the change was made properly. First, at the DOS prompt,
type CLS and press ENTER. This should clear the screen. Then
type the following:
TYPE C:\CONFIG.SYS
and press ENTER. Each line of the file should appear on the
screen, each on a line by itself. If you see any strange or
"garbage" characters, or it looks like more than one line is on
the same line, then something isn't right. Either try again or
COPY C:\CONFIG.BU C:\CONFIG.SYS and call me.
If it looks ok, the machine must be re-started before the change
will take effect. Either press the CTRL, ALT and DEL at the
same time, the RESET button, or turn the computer off, wait a
minute and turn it back on.
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IGI255 - Version 4.4 Installing IGI255 - 39
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
INSTALLING IGI255
IGI25544.ZIP was released containing the following files:
READ1ST .TXT - this file, you're reading it.
IGI255 .EXE - executable file, Version 4.4
INSTALL .COM - install (from floppy to hard drive)
IGIFHCUS.DQF - data file, FHC list, access via
IGI255.EXE
IGI25544.NFO - text file, program documentation
SAMPLE88.IGI - IGI sample text download, pre '93
SAMPLE93.IGI - IGI sample text download, '93
SAMPLIGI.GED - IGI sample .GED download
SAMPLSDI.GED - SSDI sample .GED download
SAMPLKMI.GED - MI sample, Korea, .GED download
SAMPLVMI.GED - MI sample, VietNam, .GED download
The INSTALL.COM program is designed to set up the proper
directory & sub-directories for IGI255, and to copy the files to
the appropriate places. It is a compiled form of a simple batch
file and is designed to work with a floppy drive as the source
and a hard drive as the target.
1) If you received the files unzipped to a floppy
drive...Place the floppy in drive A (or B) and
at the DOS prompt, type:
A:INSTALL A C
+---- hard drive to install to
+------ floppy drive to install from
+---------------- use B if floppy is B
2) If you received the files in zipped form, unzip them
to floppy and follow the instructions for 1).
3) If you received the files in zipped form and unzip
them to a hard drive directory, the install will
function hard drive-to-hard drive. ALL of the above
files listed must be placed in the same directory.
At the DOS prompt, type:
INSTALL C D
+---- hard drive to install to
+------ hard drive to install from
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
IGI255 - Version 4.4 Installing IGI255 - 40
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
The exception is if the install is begun in a directory by the
name of IGI255 and the hard drive to install from and the hard
drive to install to are the same (INSTALL C C). Since the files
designated for the IGI255 directory are already there, you may
get a SHARE error or something similiar that generates the
infamous
A)bort - R)etry - I)gnore
Answer A for A)bort. DOS is simply telling you that you can't
copy a file to itself. R)etry will get you no where, and
I)gnore will probably destroy the IGI255.EXE and IGIFHCUS.DQF
files.
Please note that the install routine does not delete the files
from the source drive. Therefore if they are unzipped to a hard
drive directory other than IGI255 and installed, there will be
two sets of files.
*--------------------------------------------------------------*
Previous users of IGI255...
*--------------------------------------------------------------*
Yes you can simply copy the IGI255.EXE file over your old one.
You will also want to place IGI255US.DQF in the same place so
the FHClist routine will work....but...Version 4.4 allows for 3
separte paths for text/ged files and holds 3 different
screen/printer settings, so run the install check out the new
directory setup...
C:\IGI255 - IGI255 .EXE
- IGIFHCUS.DQF
- IGI25544.NFO
- READ1ST .TXT
- INSTALL .COM
C:\IGI255\IGI - SAMPLE88.IGI
- SAMPLE93.IGI
- SAMPLIGI.GED
C:\IGI255\SDI - SAMPLSDI.GED
C:\IGI255\MI - SAMPLKMI.GED
- SAMPLVMI.GED
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