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Modem Base
"Ultimate Offline BBS File Maintainer"
By Jonathan C. Canter
(C)Copyright 1991, All Rights Reserved
Modem Base (MBase) is a database management program specifically
designed to allow offline manipulation of BBS program file listings.
With MBase, the user can convert BBS text program file lists directly into
a database format for further processing and storage. Once these file
listings are incorporated into a useable database form, MBase allows the
user complete control over the information.
Because MBase allows offline manipulation of file listings, online
service charges can be dramatically reduced. Additional savings are
possible when MBase is used to prepare desired download files before you go
online with the BBS containing the files desired.
Reducing the costs is but one reason for using MBase. MBase is not
just a 'view on screen' offline reader. With MBase you can manage all
your program file inventory needs and much more. MBase has the following
capabilities:
* Browse - View and/or edit selected files while in column format
* Create - Create new Mbase DBFs
* LoadTxt - Load in any BBS formatted .ZIPped file listings
* Copy - Make copies of your listings
* Append - Add files from one list to another
* Zap - Empty a database (clear out unwanted records)
* Delete - Erase unwanted dbfs
* Index - Create indices to view files the order/format you want
* Global Update - Change or update all similar fields within a file
* ViewEdit - Edit each record in full screen mode
-- search, add, delete, list, find, etc
* Dump Dups - Automatically find and delete duplicate records
* Build Querys- Set filters/conditions affecting the other functions
* Sum Times - Find out how much time the download will take for ? files
* Want Lists - Tag files into a text file of desired files. This file is
then useable with most TSR taggers for online use
* Mark-Del - Globally mark for later deletion, any file/set of files
* Set Baud - Establish your baud rate for Mbase to calculate download time
* Catalog List - Maintain database of catalog names for 'typing' each file
* BBS Lists - Maintain database of BBSs you regularly use
* Load Ext List - Limit text file load to only selected extensions
* Extension Includer - user can select only the extensions to load
------------------------ Disclaimer-------------------------------------
With respect to the physical diskette sent to registered owners, the author
warrants the same to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for
a period of 60 days from the date of registration. In the event of
notification within the warranty period of defects in material or workmanship
the author will replace the defective diskette. The remedy for breach of
this warranty shall be limited to replacement and shall not encompass any
other damages, including but not limited to loss of profit, and special,
incidental, consequential, or other similar claims.
The author specifically disclaims all other warranties, expressed or implied,
including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and
fitness for a particular purpose and the program license granted herein in
particular, and without limiting operation of the program license with
respect to any particular application, use, or purpose. IN NO EVENT SHALL
THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OF PROFIT, LOST SAVINGS, COMMERCIAL DAMAGE,
OR OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR
INABILITY TO USE Modem Base EVEN IF THE AUTHOR (Jonathan Canter) OR AN
AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR OF Modem Base HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY
OF SUCH DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY OTHER PARTY.
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state of Pennsylvania.
By using any part of this program you acknowledge your agreement with
all of the above conditions.
Modem Base Version License Page ii
For unregistered users, you are granted a license to use this software on A
SINGLE COMPUTER for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days. If, on or
before this time expires, you wish to continue using this software, you must
register by sending the registration fee to the author Jonathan Canter for
EACH COPY to be used.
REGISTERED USERS ARE RESTRICTED TO THE SAME SINGLE MACHINE USE UNLESS THE
REGISTRATION FEE FOR MULT-COPY USE WAS MADE. If you desire to use the
software on more than one computer you must purchase a site license.
The shareware version of this software may be freely distributed as long as
the following conditions are met:
1) All files are distributed as is and in unmodified form.
2) No more than a $5.00 handling fee can be charged without the
PRIOR written consent of the author "Jonathan Canter".
3) Modem Base may not be distributed with or as a part of any other
product or software package without the prior written consent of
the author "Jonathan Canter".
REGISTERED COPIES OF THIS SOFTWARE WHICH HAVE BEEN PERSONALIZED WITH THE
USER'S REGISTRATION NUMBER WITHIN THE MAIN PROGRAM, MAY BE FREE DISTRIBUTED
IF ALL THE FILES FROM THE ORIGINAL SHIPMENT ARE KEPT INTACT. JCC OFFERS
AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE A FINDER'S FEE TO ANY REGISTERED USER WHO, THROUGH
HIS/HER DISTRIBUTION, GAINS JCC NEW REGISTRATIONS OF THIS SOFTWARE.
Details are found following the documentation and is listed separately in
a file titled "Finders.doc".
Business and government users of Modem Base must register in order to legally
use Modem Base. The 30 day evaluation privilege is only extended to
non-business users.
By using Modem Base you acknowledge having read this agreement, understand it,
and agree to be bound by its terms and conditions.
____________ Modem Base Manual ______________
INSTALLING Modem Base
___For 720k or 1.44 meg floppy Drive Users:
To gain more space on your floppy drive, make a backup of your
original disk, then delete the following files from the disk.
These are not required for Modem Base 2 to operate:
* Mbase.doc
* Register.doc
* Finders.doc
* Revisions.doc
___Hard Drive Users:
Installation
To install on a hard drive, use the DOS copy command to copy all required
files to the Drive:\directory of your choice.
Example: With Modem Base disk in drive A, type 'Copy A:\*.* D:\mbase\*.*
where D is the desired drive and \mbase is the directory you've created
using the DOS mkdir command. To run Modem Base, type Mbase while within
this new directory.
FILES PROVIDED ON SOFTWARE DISK
* Mbase.exe -the main program
* Mtitle.mem and Colors.mem -Modem Base logo screen and colors file.
* manual.doc -Mbase3 documentation file
* register.doc -registration and ordering form
* revisions.doc -bug fixes, improvements, etc in latest version
Additional files are created automatically by Mbase, intially, and anytime
they are found missing from the default directory. These are necessary for
operation like those above:
* BCODE.MBF and BCODE.MBF
* FILETYPE.MBF and FILETYPE.NDF
* indices, created automatically and named the same as your database
* TEMP.DBF (created and erased during and after load text transfer)
BACKING UP YOUR ORIGINAL SOFTWARE DISK
Backup your software before you install or run this program. If system
errors occur, they may corrupt the files. A backup is your safeguard against
losing the original files!
PROGRAM LIMITATIONS
___Floppy Disk Users:
Only 1.44M disk and drives are recommended. Modem Base is designed for hard
drive use because of disk space and speed.
___Printed Reports:
Epson compatible printers are required to ensure proper report printouts.
___Hard Drive Users:
Disk space limited only by remaining hard disk space.
___RAM Memory:
Conflicts may occur on machines with less than 512k memory or when dual run
programs consume the RAM memory. Modem Base is MEMORY INTENSIVE, if you
encounter "OUT OF MEMORY" conditions, modify your autoexec.bat and config.sys
files to decrease memory consumption caused by other programs while running
Modem Base. You can increase memory by adding the command "set clipper=v5"
to your autoexec.bat file. (Insure you do not add spaces between the word
clipper and the =v5)
___EXTENDED Memory:
If you have enough memory, it would benefit you to run Mbase totally within
this memory pool. Processing times for several of the database intensive
tasks would greatly be reduced.
GENERAL OPERATION
MENU OPERATION
All menus operate the same way: press enter on the highlighted word to
activate the sub-option menus. Move the cursor to the function you wish
to perform and press enter again to proceed to the selected function.
Pressing the highlighted letter of the function will also process your
keystroke.
Example:
Press enter while the word "Files" is highlighted. A sub-option list
is displayed. You may move the cursor keys so the word 'Zap Database" is
highlighted and press enter key again to proceed to the edit screen. A
faster method is to press the letter "Z". Modem Base knows you want to "Z"AP
a database and will take you to the required file screen. You may EXIT any
level of menu or message screen by pressing the ESC key. Continue to press
this key until you are at the prior menu level you desire. To exit or quit
the Modem Base program, highlight the QUIT choice and press enter. Press
enter again or the highlighted letter 'x'; you will return to DOS.
IMPORTANT! Always exit Modem Base from the main menu. All menus are
designed to return eventually to the main menu. File damage may occur if
you reset the computer while Modem Base is still active (open database).
Files:
------------
This is the primary menu for opening established databases, creating new
databases, copy or appending them, clearing or completely erasing them, and
for importing the program file lists (text format only) that you have
downloaded before beginning modem base use.
Indices:
--------
This selection allows for reindexing an open database. You may wish to do
so if an index appears corrupted or proper files are not listed when you
operate other functions. Although this function is available, Modem Base
usually should not require this action to be accomplished since it updates
indexes automatically for you. Reindexing simply reconstructs the index
file which is set to display records in the PROGRAM NAME field order or
in the order you requested using CREATE INDEX.
Edit:
-----
This sub-menu is primarily where you will edit your databases. You can
browse a previously loaded database. Within browse, you can edit each record
while in column format. Also, you can search, mark for deletion, pack (del)
and make notes for each file if necessary. You may also edit each record as
a full screen, each record seen one at a time. Within this vertical edit
mode, you may del, search, filter, list (print), and add new records. The
global option allows you to update 1 or more records en'masse. Lastly, from
the dump duplicates option, you can automatically search the database, with
auto delete of any duplicates found.
Reports selection:
------------------
Select this option for reports. Here is where you print to screen, file, or
printer 1 or more of the records in a database. You can produce labels for
your diskettes or for mailings. You can build query sets to filter selected
records for printouts. You can activate the automatic downtime summing
routine that will on screen show you the amount of time it would take to
download 1 or more of the files within the active database based on the
baud rating you had previously set and made active during the text upload of
a BBS program file list. Lastly, you can tag files and store them into an
ascii file that allows you to call them while online using one of many
shareware tagging TSR programs. This allows you to quickly download the
files instead of typing them at the DOWNLOAD?> prompts found online.
Utilities selection:
--------------------
View any file within the directory that is active. This allows you to see
what a file may contain. The GLOBAL MARK-DEL function allows you to mark
records from a database for subsequent deletion. Using the browse function,
you then can pack your database, deleting any records marked. The SET BBS
function allows you to maintain a list of BBSs frequently used. Modem Base
allows you to choose from this list during BBS text file uploads. Your
choice then becomes part of the database so you know where each file came
from. You can also do the same with a catalog list database, allowing you
categorize each program by type: word processing, game, spreadsheet, etc.
Lastly, the Extension Includer allows you to tell Mbase what type of files
you wish to INCLUDE each time you import text files. Mbase uses your 3
character inputted extensions (ZIP, EXE, TXT, ect..) to determine which
files it will convert to database format. This function is helpful if
you wish NOT to include certain files within your database listings; for
example, you could avoid files with an ".ARC" extention by NOT including
"ARC" as one of your inputs. Once inputted, Mbase remembers your choices
until you modify them again. REMEMBER, YOU MUST INCLUDE AT LEAST ONE
EXTENSION USING THIS FUNCTION OR MBASE WILL THINK YOU DO NOT WISH TO
INCLUDE ANY AND THEREFORE YOU WILL GET THE 'NO TEXT FILE LINES FOUND'
MESSAGE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO LOAD OTHERWISE GOOD PROGRAM FILES.
Quit selection:
---------------
Press QUIT and then 'x' or simply press return again. You'll exit to the
operating system. The authors address information is displayed upon exit;
report bugs, give comments, register, or get information on updates, etc.
Modem Base Operation
(These descriptions follow the menu selections from right to left and from
top to bottom within each sub-menu for ease of instruction)
******* OPTION Files ********
Open Database:
--------------
A 'No Database Found or Empty Database' message will display if you
have never created your first database, no database exists, or the
database desired or selected was found to contain no records.
Most operations require a database to be open to before any operation
effecting it can take place. Once you have created several databases to store
your program file listings, you will come here to select one for using.
Pressing enter will call up a popup box displaying a list of databases
available for selecting. Highlight your choice and press enter and the status
screen will display that the database is now active and the associated index
is also active. In modem base, only one file is active at a time except
during special functions like Copy, Append, etc. Upon selection, you are
returned to the main top menu where you now can move to other sections to
work with this now open database. Pressing ESC key within the popup box
during database selecting, will return you to the main menu without opening
any database. Note that some functions will close the active database
upon completion of the tasks; simply reopen it or select another to work.
If a database selected has not been previously indexed, Mbase will do it
for you automatically, indexing on FNAME, the first field of the standard
modem base DBF format.
Make Database:
_____________
Pressing this option causes a popup box, requesting a unique (new) filename
you want the newly created file to be called. Once you've given a name to
the new file, Mbase creates it for you. If you enter a name that already
exists within the directory, you are warned and allowed to again try to enter
a unique name. If you change your mind, press ESC to exit back to the main
menu. The database created here is always in the format:
Fname C 12 - Mbase.zip
Size C 6 - 213434
Date D 8 - 11/01/91
Comments C 54 - Offline Program File Maintainer..
BBS C 2 - 1 to 99, used to show BBS source
DT C 5 - download calculation in MIN:SEC format
Notes M 10 - Memo field created as a .DBT file
It is important to note that while you can import any text (ASCII or
DELIMITED) into Mbase's database structure, this file sequence is not
changeable within the Make Database function.
Add Records:
____________
Here you can copy files from one database file to another. This is handy when
you want to combine programs of one type: i.e... Quick Basic 4.5 files, that
came from different BBSs into one database listing. Then you can view types of
files without the distraction of 50,000 other files in your way!!
When you activate this choice, a popup window allows you to select the TARGET
file (file to copy record TO). After doing so, you will another popup asks
you for the source file (file to copy FROM). Error control ensures that you
don't try to copy a file into itself by beeping you with a warning window.
Simply follow the instructions on screen by trying again to enter a unique
name or press ESC to stop the append attempt. The target file selected will
be the active database if you ESC from the append after having attempted to
append. Simply reopen another database if the target is not the file you
next want to use.
Copy Records:
_____________
This option allows you to make copies of existing databases. In essence, you
are making backups of the original file under a unique name. An error popup
message will beep you if you attempt to make a copy of a already established
file, then you are offered the chance to re-enter a name that is unique.
This function also allows you to tag (mark) selected records from the active
database by producing a browse window of current records select only certain
records, to make a copy of selected records via a previously established
query set ( one you made before entering this copy database function), or by
copying all records into the new database.
Load Text File:
---------------
This is really a invaluable function, making Mbase so important to the modem
user. This function can recognize the various file text formats that BBS
services use to display their files on screen and allow you to download. Here
is where you first begin to incorporate BBS file lists into Mbase. The
object is to take a BBS file listing, read it and dump the garbage, and the
convert the good stuff (file.zip size date comments) into a database for
you to then manipulate to your hearts content.
Once you have downloaded a text file from a BBS system and ensure this text
file is within the Mbase directory (or the one containing Mbase), activate
this function. A popup window appears which allows you to select a text file
to load. If no text file exists in the default directory, you are so notified
and Mbase returns you to the main directory. You must then exit Mbase and
ensure all text files you wish loaded are in the same location Mbase resides.
Upon selecting the text file you wish loaded, Mbase flashes a message at
the bottom of the screen in the status area. The text file will be searched
for valid program listings.
A window appears allowing you to enter a unique name for the database you wish
Mbase to create and load the converted text to. When Mbase has a good filename,
it begins the input with conversion of text records into database form.
Remember, depending on your system, it may take some time for very large files
to be converted. A message will flash in the status area indicating work in
progress, be patient, good things come to those who wait.
Mbase then AUTOMATICALLY will process your text file, converting the file into
a Mbase useable database. Upon conversion, Mbase returns you to the main menu.
Now, operate the various functions as you wish on this newly created database.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Mbase uses imputs from you when converting the text file
to ensure only the types of files you desire are incorporated into database
format. By using the Extension Includer functions found under the UTILITIES
menu, you enter, one at a time, the types of files you always want to
INCLUDE during the conversion. This is done by entering the file extension
(last three characters of a file name: ZIP,ARC,TXT,BMP,BAT,COM,EXE, etc.)
Mbase stores your desired lists in the Colors.mem file, a file required by
Mbase. Each time you load text into Mbase, Mbase will NOT ASK you at load
time which files to include during the conversion. You must remember to
create your list PRIOR to conversion. Once done, you need not worry again
about the function unless you wish to CHANGE the types of files loaded.
A 286, 8 meg hz system takes 9 minutes to convert a file to a database.
This equates to 10,000 records! A faster machine (20 hz) of course would
take far less time. If you the RAM and have Mbase within this extended memory,
you could cut your time dramatically. While some might think this process
is time consuming, it is far cheaper than being on line! I've only seen
one other program that attempts to compete with Mbase; it took 5 hours!
Mbase is fast!
When Mbase has completed the conversion, you are returned to the main
menu automatically with the newly created or updated database open ready
for use.
Zap Database:
-------------
The function allows you to clear (empty) a database completely without erasing
the file itself. The Zap function will close the current database and then
remove all records, leaving the structure in tack. Some would argue that
since Mbase databases are standard, why not just use the DEL DATABASE function
to erase the file and start over. It's true, however, a few less steps are
required, leaving you with a already created database with the name you want
ready for other importing.
Delete Database(s):
-------------------
Here you can mark one or many files for deletion. You will probably be
creating and deleting many in the course of weeks. This function pops up
a window listing of current databases in the directory. You follow the
instructions at the bottom of this window. Mark files to delete by pressing
return key while the file you wish deleted is highlighted. Repeat this
step for each file you wish to delete. If you decide that a file you marked
is not one you want deleted, highlight the particular filename again, and
press Enter once more, since the Enter key in this function acts a ON/OFF
toggle. When your choices are made, pressing F10 will present you with the
big question: "Verify Delete?". If you wish to avoid the deletion, press
NO or move the cursor to highlight the word "NO" and press enter, the popup
is removed and you're moved back to the main menu without deletions occurring.
To continue with the deletions, press Enter on the "YES" and Mbase will
display the filename it is deleting for you and indicates it is also
removing the associated files (index by the same name and the .DBT memo
file also). When all files marked have been deleted, you are returned
to the main menu.
***** OPTION INDEX *****
(Reindex):
----------
Once in awhile you may find an index gets corrupted. A good indicator is
when files you know exists do not show during display modes OR no files
show at all. Although Mbase does everything to avoid this, it occasionally
happens. Highlight this feature while the database is active and press Enter.
Mbase will update the index file to match the database.
Set Index Order:
----------------
This function is not needed unless you have created indexes other than the
one Mbase creates (using FNAME as the key). If you have, selecting this
feature allows you to change the order in which several indices have
priority in sorting or displaying your records.
NOTE: At present, any indices you create (even if they use FNAME field as
the key field) will not be deleted if you decide to erase or Zap the
database associated with the index. This is because Mbase will only
recognize an index or .DBT file named the same as the database. Future
releases will control all indices.
Occasionally, if you do a lot of unique index creating, will have to
delete manually any unwanted indices outside of Mbase. Although not the
most sophisticated process, it is easy to identify indices not related to
a valid database. When you view the directory, each database (.DBF) should
have a index (.NTX) and a memo record file (.DBT) associated with it. Any
index that does not have database file named exactly the same (except for
the .DBF extension) is a loner and can be deleted.
New Index:
----------
Press enter and a list of valid fields for the active database is displayed.
Follow screen instructions to pick the key field for your index. Press F10.
You are then allowed to name the index. This index will then become the
controlling index until you use SET ORDER or you close and reopen the database
in question.
Global Update:
--------------
This function is allows you to update a field with a new value of your choice
for EVERY record within the selected database. Example: You created and loaded
a database of 10,000 Quick Basic records. But you realize all the files are
actually Pascal program files. Simply use Global Update. Select the category
field and enter "PASCAL" as your desired category. ALL records will be updated
by changing the category field to contain PASCAL.
Browse Edit:
------------
This is an extremely useful function. Within browse, you can view the active
database records a full screen at a time. You may edit records by pressing the
enter key while the record and the desired field in question is highlited.
You can elect to view a particular record vertically by pressing F3.
You may also MARK a record you wish to later delete by pressing the spacebar.
while highlighted. A box pops up allow confirmation of you decision. NOT UNTIL
you PACK the database using the F4-Pack key. After marking the records to
delete, press F4, and after confirmation, Mbase will purge the database of all
marked records.
F5- Find allows you to find a specific record; useful if your database contains
10,000 records! Even though Mbase keeps your records indexed, the find function
is quicker than using the pagedown key to sequence through the records. Once
a record is located, pressing F5 again, will continue the search for more like
records.
Lastly, a great feature is the Note taking feature, activated with F6. Here
record comments that you want regarding a particular file.
Vertical Edit:
--------------
Allows you to edit one record of a database at a time. Within this function,
you may do many of the the available functions available in Mbase.
Remove Duplicates:
------------------
A painless way of removing any duplicate files within the active database.
Duplication is based on program name field.
***** OPTIONS: Reports *****
Query Builder:
-------------
This function displays a screen with several processing steps that the user
can use to establish a query. A query set is simply a filter you create that
allows you to select, view, edit, print, or delete a subset of an active
database. For example, if you want to delete all the records within a given
database that has the words "Demo" in the COMMENTS field, you would first
build a query (filter) statement. Once created, you then can use the delete
function to delete all records that match the condition you established using
this query set.
After you complete the query setup using the Build Query screen, you exit using
the Quit option. Upon return to the main menu or the previous screen, the
query is ready for use. In other words, it does not take effect on your
database until you state that it should. For example: First establish a query
and then return to the main menu. Then go to the COPY TO DATABASE option.
During the copy process, Mbase will ask if you wish to copy using the query
you set. If you answer yes or press enter on the query response, your copy
will be based on this query.
To build a query, activate the function from within the Reports menu option.
(Also available from the Vertical Edit screen under the "Other" option.) With
the Build Query screen active, you can highlight the Build selection item to
start the process. A popup appears allowing you to first select the field
that will be used for comparison or action.
Next, a window asks you to define the relation that must be true (or false)
before the record is effected. In other words, "= Equal to, <> Not Equal to,
<= Smaller or Equal to.....etc..
Select the relationship that most fits your desired outcome. For example: If
you want to set a filter to effect all files with the word DEMO in the COMMENTS
field, highlight the $ symbol (means "is found in") and press return. As you
process through the construction process, the effect of your work is shown
below in the status window.
After your selection, another window appears asking you to describe what the
query builder is supposed to compare or look for to see if the record matches.
As mentioned before, you want the word Demo to be found. So type Demo and
press Enter. The status window shows the query set as it will be applied
against the active database.
NOTE: You may press F2 or F3 function keys to popup actual field contents
or field names to make your matches instead of typing your data if this is
a benefit to your goal.
Now a final popup appears and asks you if you are done or if you want to
further "condition" the database. If you need to, repeat the process by
using the operators listed in the popup. When you are done, highlight
DONE and press return, and you will be back at the Build Query screen.
You may now save the query to disk for later use as well as for current
use, zap it or start over, edit it manually (to fine tune the query), or
Quit. Upon quitting, the query is ready for use. You must re-establish
a query each time you begin a Mbase session unless you previously saved
one. A query will also close if you close the database that the query
was established for.
If you need to use a query often, save it, recalling the Build Query screen
and loading a previously saved query is efficient.
Print Lists:
------------
Activating this function displays a work screen for selecting the fields that
you wish to print. Keep in mind that you can output to screen, text file, or
to printer. You may also filter the database that is active by first building
a query BEFORE entering the print list function (like all other functions that
you may wish filters to apply to).
Pick the fields you wish included in the report (listing) by following the
instructions in the popup field box. You can select all or just 1, then
F10 saves your choices. The status box bottom screen records your actions.
Once selected you can select to list via screen, text file, or printer. You
then can indicate page size, columns, and number of records.
If you wish to save your report definition, this option is available also.
If you want to modify the list, you may.
Upon completing the printing setup, Mbase begins the report output as you
designed.
Format/Print Labels:
-------------------
Creating labels is easy. Select this option an a label function menu appears.
If you have previously saved a label format, you can load it into Mbase. Once
loaded, you may modify it or print it.
To create a new label file, activate the create option and give the default
label a name. Once created, you may complete the process by going to the
modification option of the main label menu. With this option, you can
enter just about any text you desire. Pressing the listed function keys allows
fields to be selected from the active database. You can use RTIM and other
string formatting functions to fine tune the output. Activate the HELP function
key to get help on how to do this.
You can also establish the type of labels you wish to produce (size / type) and
the number you wish to print. You also can tag certain records to be printed
also by poping up a window of records found in the current database, simply
pressing enter to check mark them, and ESC to activate continue the label
producing process. Just follow the popup instructions.
Before beginning a long label printing task, you can test for label alignment
by sending sample test patterns to the printer. A useful function.
Mbase tests for printer readiness prior to printing and will ask you several
other questions applicable and easy to follow.
Tally Downtime:
---------------
Every modem user needs to know how long it will take to download selected
files when online. This function is great. While an active database is
loaded, activate this function. You are asked to select either tagged
records to report or all records. Tagging certain records is probably what
you most often will use, since you would be finding the download time for
a select few that you will download from the BBS session.
Once you have either tagged several or request all records, Mbase will sum
the previously recorded downtimes for each file. Each record has a downtime
field which was automatically calculated during text-to-dbf conversion
BASED ON THE BAUD RATE SETTING you had established before the conversion
transpired. So if you had selected 2400 baud rate, Mbase produces an
APPROXIMATE time in minutes:seconds (xx:xx) and puts this calculation into
the DT (downtime) field.
When you request a summing, Mbase uses these times found in each DT records
field to give you a total. The popup screen will display "XX hrs XX min
XX secs" for the given database and the records you chose to sum. This window
is only a status window; press return to remove and return to the main menu.
Want Lists Builder:
-------------------
This is an ideal function for selecting the records you wish to download in
preparation to go back online with the BBS that has these files. The want
lists function allows you to tag the records you wish to download. Upon
tagging, you are asked name a file that Mbase will make to contain the
records you selected.
I suggest you find within the programs you have available a program that is
able to load a text file listing of desired downloads. FILETAG.ZIP is one
such Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) program you can get from most any
BBS. Its function is to stay loaded in memory while you go on line. It
allows you to mark records while on screen. During the BBS question:
"What File Do you want downloaded (name)=>", you would activate the TSRs
hot key to activate, and force your previously saved download list into
the BBS line. This save you much precious time and $$$$$ !!
With the want lists function, you can use such a program to read the file
you've created (as previously described) so by the time you go on line,
you already have your list ready to go!!! Mbase allows you to name the
download wish list any name and extension you desire, thus allowing you
to match the naming convention required by a particular file tagging program.
******** OPTIONS: Utilities ********
View Files:
-----------
This is a nice option to quickly view a text or ASCII file without having
to exist to Dos. Also, it is handy when you want to see what a text file
looks like before converting to a database format.
Activate this option and a popup filename box appears. Enter the name of
the file you wish to view OR simply press enter to get a list of all files
within the directory. View File function is not particular, it will attempt
to look at any type of file, even .Com, .Exe., and .Dbf files. The value
of looking into these files is left to you experts!
Global Mark-Delete:
------------------
This function operates exactly like the Build Query function with a major
difference! This function allows you to mark records for later deletion.
Remember, these are only marked as deleted. Only the PACK function can
actually delete these marked files (unless ERASE the entire database).
Once you have marked the desired records, use browse function to look at
the database files. You will see as you page through the database, those
that were marked due to the Mark-Del function. Now, while within the browse
function, press the function key which calls the PACK function. You will
be given opportunity to ESC or to follow through.
The purpose of this function is to quickly get rid of types of files you
do not want. Example: Mark all with "Assembly Language" in the Comments
field or all files with a date earlier than 1989.
Set Baud Rate:
--------------
This is a simple popup function that you will not have to useoften. It
in a way is a default you select initially, never having to set again unless
you change to a modem having a different baud rate. While within the popup
window, select the type of modem baud rate you have. Your choice is stored
within the file Colors.mem and is always available in future sessions unless
you change it.
Mbase uses your selection to set an internal variable to a characters per
second rate that is standard for the rating you selected. A 2400 baud will
produce at an average of 232 chars per second. Obviously, many factors
effect the rate, so understand that this is an approximation of the rate.
BBS Names Database:
-------------------
This is a database file (Bcode.MBF) solely for maintaining a record of the BBSs
you use and a code that Mbase can use within the program file databases to
note where each file originated from. You should add the names of each BBS
you use into this file and assign a code of your choice from 1-99, representing
the BBS. Remember, when you convert a text file from a BBS (example: EXEC-PC),
Mbase will popup a listing of your BBSs, asking which one was the source for
your files. Selecting the BBS will assign the CODE YOU ASSIGNED to the
database. Then when you look at files, you see the number "23", you know it
came from EXEC-PC. Also this field can be used efficiently later for deleting
en'masse record from a particular BBS no longer desired. ESCing from this
popup box will cause "??" to be placed in the BBS field and printouts,
indicating that Mbase does not know the source of your records.
Category Database:
------------------
Most of the time, a user must catalog the 'type' of program each record is.
For example: All Quick Basic files could be cataloged under the word
programming, or under QB, or any other convention you so desire.
The database FILETYPE.MBF is solely used for creating a listing of the types
of file categories you want. After you have loaded in the different types
or classifications of files, Mbase will call this database during text
uploads and ask you what the catalog type should be. If all the files
belong to one type, you can enter it and Mbase will make all CATALOG fields
have this classification in it. However, many time you are downloading
the entire listing from a database (for you addicts). In this case, just
press ESC to leave the CATALOG field empty. Later you can use the Global
function to en'masse update this field.
Extension Includer:
-------------------
This is an important function. You need to tell Mbase what types of files
you wish included during the text-to-database conversion. It is designed
to allow you to avoid the types of files you never use or have need for.
It works by allowing you to imput the 3 character extensions that you wish
to INCLUDE during the text conversion. Typical extensions include ZIP, EXE,
COM, ARC, TXT, etc. If you do not want to have files with the "LZH"
extension, DO NOT INCLUDE this 3 character extension when making the include
list. Mbase ONLY loads programs listed from within a text file that MEET
your include list. Although it seems easier to have created an EXCLUDE list,
the system works faster by only having to know what you want, not what you
do not want.
A popup window appears, and you type in the first desired extension: lets say
ZIP. Your input is listed on line 21. Repeat this process for all the types
of extensions you wish Mbase to include. Each entry is listed on the line
so you know what has been used. Upon completion, press enter and your list
is stored. Mbase will ALWAYS use this list (found in colors.mem) until you
again use the function. Remember, you must use the function before conversion
or only your last list will be applicable.
********* OPTIONS: Quit *********
Quit:
-----
It says it all! (Make sure this is the way you quit Mbase or, like many
programs, you could corrupt your files.
Upon Exit, Author Information:
-----------------------------
Not so much ego as my way of letting you contact me to:
* register the program (mail or you pay for the call, please)
* comment on desired improvements
* let me know of bugs (write to me, then I can review your
information several times. User who present problems that
improve my program and are incorporated will receive upgrades
at ONLY the mailing costs of the upgrades!!!
I honor those who are faithful to the concept of shareware and are willing
to pay the small fee to authors like me; the time spent and family missed
to bring you a program to save you time and money is worth your time to
register.
Thanks to the many of you who have, and will.
Jonathan C. Canter.
8069 Peebles Rd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15237