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1992-05-19
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The WIZARD (c)
Data Base
QUICK Guide
Unregistered Version 2.10
Written By
SuperSoft
1798O Tollview Drive
South Bend, IN 46635-1320
USA
Questions, Comments, Errors and other Scuttlebutt
Compuserve User ID [70642,3220], Brett Simpson
or leave a message on EXEC-PC or Channel 1 to Brett Simpson
There is no warranty of any kind (express or implied) related
to this product, including without limitation any implied
warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose. The copyright owner/author may not be held liable
for any special, incidental, consequential, indirect or
similar damages due to loss of data or for any other reason
including any loss of profit or other damages arising out of
or because of an inability to use the software. By using the
software you agree to this. The person using the software
bears all risk as to the quality and performance of the
software.
Copyright Brett A. Simpson, 1992, All Rights Reserved
'QUICK' QUICK GUIDE!
-------------------
First uncompress all of The Wizard(c) Data Base files into
one directory. Now enter WIZARD MUSIC and press enter to
begin viewing the MUSIC database (you can choose another
database to look at if you want), the databases distributed
with this version of The Wizard(c) are as follows:
BOOKS - For keeping track of your book collection.
MUSIC - For keeping track of Records,Tapes,CD's,Cassettes.
IMAGES - Keep track of your IMAGE files.
SOUNDS - For keeping track of your Sound files.
Just type in WIZARD followed by the name of the database you
want to look at to bring up that database in The Wizard (c).
If you have a SOUND card, configure The WIZARD(c) Data Base with the
CONFIGURATION option, selecting the appropriate card and directories
where you will be storing your images and sound files. Now to view
the sample data choose the BROWSE/SEARCH option from the DATA menu.
To begin browsing Data press the Page Down key or Page Up key,
or to search for a record enter the information to search for
and press <F10>. The Wizard(c) Data Base will begin displaying
the sample data. Insert a valid IMAGE file name in the IMAGE
File field and/or a valid SOUND File name in the SOUND File
field if those fields are in the database that you are
viewing, (you can use some of your own image and sound files
to try out The Wizard(c) Data Base, since NO SOUND or IMAGE files
are distributed with the unregistered version.) Press <F4> to
view an IMAGE file for a record listed. Press <F5> to hear a
SOUND file playback. Press <F6> if you want to view an IMAGE
file and hear the SOUND playback at the same time.
You can edit the data or delete it, if you want to begin
entering your own data. To delete the sample data records
press the Delete key while you are browsing. A DELETED tag
should appear at the top left of the screen. Do this for all
Sample records in the Sample database. Now choose the PURGE
DELETED RECORDS option from the UTILITIES menu. This will
erase all the records that you just deleted. You can now
begin from scratch entering your own data.
The Wizard(c) Data Base is a companion program for The Wizard(c)
Template Editor. You will find The Wizard(c) Template Editor
program available on most major BBS's. It will be in a file titled
WIZTPLxx.ZIP where xx stand for the current version number. You
should also obtain a copy of this file so you can try out editing
and creating your own Templates!
I. INTRODUCTION
SOFTWARE INTRODUCTION
---------------------
Thank you for trying out The Wizard(c) Data Base.
The Wizard(c) Data Base and it's companion The Wizard(c)
Template Editor will allow you to create your own Multi-Media
Data Bases! This software was born out of a sense of
perfectionism on my part. I decided to write my own software
after trying several other Data Base software packages. The
goal was to create a Data Base that would allow the user to
do several tasks that would make it easy to locate and print
data and DISPLAY graphics files and HEAR sound file
selections from the Data Base. This Data Base was designed
to be feasible for everyone, I hope that the program succeeds
in doing that. Here are the main features of The Wizard(c).
1.) Simple entry of all data in the user's own format
including extensive Notes (64K byte) if required.
2.) Plays back SOUND selections from the data by
allowing the definition of a SOUND Data Base field.
Plays the SOUND files from the most popular sound
cards on the market, Sound Blaster, Sound Master II
and on the internal speaker using Covox Sound Master
II files
3.) Displays IMAGES from the users data in several
formats, from a IMAGE field in the Data Base.
Displays all popular graphics files including GIF,
TIF, PCX, TGA, IFF, LBM, IMG.
4.) Creates custom printouts of data in the Data Base in
any format that the user desires.
5.) Allows the user to easily SEARCH the database
for data from any field in the database.
6.) Allows sorting on any field in the database.
7.) Zoomable Memo field.
I hope that you will find it a rewarding product to work
with. Many hours were spent in the development phase and in
analyzing sound cards and video output for the IBM PC family
of computers. This software was written specifically for IBM
PC's and 100% compatibles and it will function on any
compatible machine as long as that machine is 100% IBM
compatible.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
-------------------
To run this software, you will need an IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2
or compatible computer with a minimum of 640K of memory and a
hard disk.
No other software is required (except for the DOS operating
system). However, I strongly recommend that you obtain a
back up utility for your hard disk. Your data files should
be backed up any time you've made significant changes! (DON'T
FORGET TO DO THIS). A good rule of thumb is to completely
backup your data files (those ending with .DBF and . DBT)
anytime you've made more new entries than you'd want to type
over again. Your data is very important and backing it up
should NOT be neglected. I know from experience!
WHY REGISTER?
-------------
By registering this software you can will receive the
following benefits:
1.) Latest version of The Wizard(c) Data Base AND
The Wizard(c) Template Editor!
2.) Printed and Bound Manual. NOTE: the printed manual
covers everything, includes an Index and a Table of
Contents and is much larger than this Quick Start
Wizard document.
3.) Free technical support for 1 year
4.) Support for SVGA images up to 1024 x 768 resolution
with 256 colors!
5.) An extra Print selection on the Print menu which
allows for the printing of MEMO fields and for the
totalling of numeric fields (value).
6.) An extra Print selection on the Print menu which
allows the user to enter/save/delete Form letters,
and lets the user enter any field from the current
Template into the letter!
7.) The ability to print IMAGE files while you are
viewing data! Image files can be printed on any HP
Laser Jet compatible Laser printer or on any Epson
compatible dot matrix printer.
8.) Notice of release of the next version.
To register print and mail in the last page of this Manual or
print out and mail in the document ORDER.FRM.
Future Enhancements
-------------------
The following enhancements/improvements are planned for
coming releases of The Wizard:
- Definable columnar reports allowing column sizes
to be changed and an extensive/detailed report
writer.
- Extended SOUND support for more Sound cards.
- Color Printer support for the HP Paint Jet.
- Searching allowed on Notes Field.
- Thumbnail Catalog IMAGES printout.
- Browsing Thumbnail Catalog of IMAGES on the screen and
selecting with a mouse.
- Full Mouse Support
- Memo field entry from anywhere on the screen.
- More internal speaker support, for other sound files.
QUICK START
-----------
This is for those of you who don't like reading manuals
(myself included) and who are already experienced computer
users. First uncompress all of The Wizard(c) Data Base files
into one directory. Now enter WIZARD and the name of the
template that you want to work with, IE: WIZARD MUSIC to view
the MUSIC database, or WIZARD BOOKS to view the books
database, and press enter to begin The Wizard(c). the databases
distributed with this version of The Wizard(c) are as follows:
BOOKS - For keeping track of your book collection.
MUSIC - For keeping track of Records,Tapes,CD's,Cassettes.
IMAGES - Keep track of your IMAGE files.
SOUNDS - For keeping track of your Sound files.
Just type in WIZARD followed by the name of the database you
want to look at to bring up that database in The Wizard (c).
You must first configure the program for the Sound card you
are using, to do this choose the SOUND CONFIGURATION option from the
Configuration Menu and then choose the SELECT SOUND CARD
option. Choose the Sound card you will be using or choose
INTERNAL SPEAKER if you don't have a Sound card, NOTE: Only
Covox compatible sound files will play back through the internal
speaker. Now to view the sample data choose the BROWSE/SEARCH option
from the DATA menu. To begin browsing Data press the Page Down key or
Page Up key, or to search for a record enter the information to search
for and press <F10>. The Wizard(c) will begin displaying the sample
data. Insert a valid IMAGE file name in the IMAGE File field and/or
a valid SOUND File name in the SOUND File field (you can use some of
your pre-existing files to try out The Wizard(c) Data Base since NO
SOUND or IMAGE files are distributed with the unregistered version.)
Press <F4> to view an IMAGE file for a record listed. Press <F5> to
hear a SOUND file playback. Press <F6> if you want to view an IMAGE
file and hear the SOUND playback at the same time.
You can edit the data or delete it, if you want to begin
entering your own data. To delete the sample data records
press the Delete key while you are browsing. A DELETED tag
should appear at the top left of the screen. Do this for all
Sample records in the Sample database. Now choose the PURGE
DELETED RECORDS option from the UTILITIES menu. This will
erase all the records that you just deleted. You can now
begin from scratch entering your own records.
The Wizard(c) Data Base is a companion program for The Wizard(c)
Template Editor. You will find The Wizard(c) Template Editor
program available on most major BBS's. It will be in a file titled
WIZTPLxx.ZIP where xx stand for the current version number. You
should also obtain a copy of this file so you can try out editing
and creating your own Template Data Bases that can be used by
The Wizard(c) Data Base!
UTILITIES MENU
-------------
ENTER DEFAULTS
Entering defaults will let you enter default information
into the fields you specify. This default information will
then appear automatically in the fields that you specify
information for, every time that you choose to enter new
data. This default information can be typed over while you
are entering new data so it is recommended that if you are
entering the same data for a certain field quite often then
you should enter it as default information. By selecting
ENTER DEFAULTS and pressing ENTER, you will have a blank
default data information screen, which is identical to the
Data Entry screen displayed when you ENTER DATA.
You can enter in any information in these fields and they
will show up on your ENTER DATA screen automatically
when you are entering new data. For example, if the majority
of your entries are CD's in the music template then you should enter
CD in the default data FORMAT field. Now every time that you ENTER
NEW DATA this default information 'CD' will appear and you won't have
to re-type it every time. You can also type over this information.
Defaults save time in entering repetitive information.
RE-INDEX FILES
--------------
If you are having problems with sorting or searching for
information you can select RE-INDEX FILES. This will re-
index all your files to eliminate further problems.
CUSTOMIZE COLORS
----------------
This option will let you customize any of the colors and
menus of The Wizard(c). This option only works if you have a
color monitor! You can change any color that is displayed
except for the Error messages which always appear as White
text on a Red background (sorry but that's a standard in my
book.)
PURGE DELETED RECORDS
---------------------
This function is used to remove all records that you have
marked DELETED while using the record search option, or while
browsing. You simply choose PURGE DELETED RECORDS and press
ENTER. The screen will let you know it is removing the
deleted records and will then return to the MAIN MENU when
finished.
PACK MEMO FILE
--------------
You should choose this option at least once a month so that
it will compress your memo files on the disk. It is a maintenance
function that will help keep the size of your files smaller.
QUIT
----
To get out of the database simply select QUIT and press
ENTER.
INFO
----
To know more info about The Wizard(c) or how to get technical
information or where to send any questions or comments select
this option from the QUIT Menu and press ENTER.
APPENDIX 1. IMAGE FILES AND THEIR EXTENSIONS
The following IMAGE files can be displayed with The Wizard(c)
Extension File type
------------------------------------------------------------
.PCX PC Paintbrush
.GIF Graphics Interchange Format (Compuserve)
.TIF Aldus/Microsoft/HP
.IMG GEM
.TGA Targa (8 bit only)
.IFF Amiga
.LBM Electronic Arts
APPENDIX 2. HOW CAN I GET MY OWN IMAGES INTO WIZARD?
To do this I'd recommend the product Computer Eyes, however
you can also use hand scanners or full page scanners to
create IMAGE files. Computer Eyes Professional will create
images by connecting it to a video camera. Once you have
created an IMAGE file put in your IMAGE File directory (as
you configured it for The Wizard(c)) and then when entering
the database record it pertains to, enter it as the IMAGE
File name. Now when you browse and press <F4>, there's your
image in graphics mode on the screen. (Note The Wizard
supports up to 1024x768 resolution (with the registered
version), 256 Colors)
If you need images digitized, SuperSoft has this service
available and will digitize an image for you up to 640x480
resolution (256 colors). The cost is $5.00 per image. For
ordering info see the order form.
Appendix 3. HOW CAN I GET MY MUSIC/SOUNDS INTO THE WIZARD
Use a sound card or have it digitized from SuperSoft.
SuperSoft charges $4.00 per digitized sound. For ordering
info see the order form.
There are several sound cards available on the market which
allow you to digitally record your own music/sounds. So far
The Wizard(c) supports Sound Blaster (Creative Labs Inc.) and
Sound Master II (Covox Inc.). More cards will be supported
with future releases. After you have used a Sound card to
save your Digitized SOUND file, put it in your SOUND file
directory (as configured in The Wizard), enter it in the
SOUND file field for the data record that it pertains to.
Now when you browse your data press <F5> to hear your SOUND
file.
HOW TO ORDER!
------------
SuperSoft
1798O Tollview Drive
South Bend, IN 46635-1320
USA
Registration information:
To order send $49.00 in US funds payable to Brett Simpson
and the following page to the address listed above, foreign
orders add $5.00 please.
Please register me for ____ copies of The Wizard(c) (includes
Data Base and Template Editor) at $49.00 each.
Send me The Wizard(c) in the following disk format 3 1/2" ___ or
5 1/4" ___
Where I got my Unregistered version of The Wizard(c) from _________.
Here's my address information:
Name: ___________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________
City: __________________________ State: ____ Zip:_______
Country: __________________________
I intend on using The Wizard the most for ____________________
My most favorite Wizard feature is _______________________
My LEAST favorite Wizard feature is ______________________
What I'd like to see added to Wizard _____________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Type of Computer I have __________, Hard Disk Size ________,
Video Type & Resolution __________, Sound Card ____________.
Please digitize ___ enclosed images at $5.00 US each = _______
Specify Resolution and Colors! (MAX 640x480 256 Color)
Please digitize ___ enclosed sounds at $4.00 US each = _______
Specify Compression and Sampling rate, and Sound Card!