LABEL BASE is an integrated database program for maintaining names, addresses and telephone numbers, with built-in printing routines that let you instantly print both mailing labels, in any quantity, and a personalized telephone directory.
Label Base uses "pure" sequential files, which let you readily exchange file data between Label Base and some popular programs, such as Superbase. You can even create or edit your files with a word processor that uses sequential files, such as RUN Script.
Label Base will run on both a C-64 and a C-128 in either 40- or 80-Column mode. In 80 columns, the program automatically uses the "wider" screen and runs in Fast mode.
The number of files you can input using Label Base is unlimited. However, the maximum number of records per file is 250 for the C-64 and 350 for the C-128. This should be more than enough for the average home computer user.
Label Base is configured to print "one-across" mailing labels of the standard size, 15/16-inch high by 3 1/2 inches wide.
To select one of the main menu functions, press the designated function key. At any point in the program, you may return to this main menu by pressing the return key.
Load, Save, Directory and Alphabetize--Self-explanatory. Of course, load and save actually mean read and write, since Label Base files are sequential.
Note that when it's writing files, the program adds the prefix .LB to each filename. This limits the maximum number of characters in a name to 13. When reading or writing a file, don't enter the prefix, since the program does it for you. By entering no filename, you can abort a read or write operation without affecting the current file in memory. To erase the current file in memory and start a new one, press F1 and enter NEW as the filename.
Enter Data--Adds new records to a file directly from the main menu. The blank record, or template, is displayed, complete with field names and designated field lengths, so all you have to do is enter the required data into each field and press return.
To correct an error in the current field, use the delete key. To leave a field blank, just press return and move on. After entering the last field, press the space bar to do another record, or press the return key for the main menu. If necessary, records may be further edited from the Select Records menu described below.
Label Base will accept most characters and punctuation except the quotation mark. It's important not to use commas or colons in your data.
Both the Select Records and Print Menu functions provide the following submenus.
Select Records--Displays the current record on the screen, along with a menu of "quick-key" commands. Control/P instantly prints the current record on as many labels as you indicate; it can be aborted by pressing 0 and return. To find out what the one-letter, quick-key commands do, press ? to go to the Help screen.
The Select Records options are indented below.
First, Next, Previous and Last Record. Instantly locate Record in the current file.
Key Field Match--Finds a record by last name, even if you don't remember the correct spelling of the entire name. In most instances, only the first one or two characters will do. When prompted for the key field, enter the first portion of the last name and press return. The first record beginning with those characters will appear. Then use the Next Record command to quickly locate the record you want. For this to be effective, the file must be in alphabetical order, so, if necessary, return to the main menu and sort the file by pressing F4.
Add and Delete Record--Self-explanatory.
Replace Record--Lets you enter entirely new data in a record.
Edit Current Record--When you're editing a record, each field is presented individually. When using a C-64, you must represent an empty field with an asterisk on the screen, although it'll be stored as a space character. For this reason, I recommend Edit only for making minor changes to a record.
Print--Prints the current record, all the records in your file or a phone directory of all the records. You'll be prompted for the number of labels you wish to print from each record.
