Shareware Overload Trio 2/Shareware Overload Trio Volume 2 (Chestnut CD-ROM).ISO/dir43/sayv20.zip/SAY.DOC

Text File | 1994-01-06 | 23KB | 439 lines

    SAY V2.0 is Copy(c)right 1993,1994 by Gary M. Raymond, New Orleans, La.

       The most POWERFUL database manager in the WORLD - for its size!
             More powerful utilities in the DiskSave Series by

                              Gary M. Raymond
                                P.O.Box 8184
                           New Orleans, La.  70182
                               [phone]
                            Compuserve 70613,3165

   ====================================================================

   Files Provided:
   SAY.COM            SAY Utility
   SAY.DOC            This document.
   LICENSE            Legal stuff etc.

   System requirements: PC/XT/AT, DOS 2.1 up, 128k+ ram, floppy
   with hard drive, mono or color, any type graphic adapter.

   For technical information about these utilities see end of doc.
   ====================================================================

Q  What can SAY do for me?
A  Give you access to data that you previously saved FROM the DOS
   prompt! You heard right!  You never need to load a big database
   application again to get information at your fingertips.

Q  What exactly is SAY?
A  SAY is a very small, but ultra powerful ascii database manager that
   was written in machine code.  This technique for storing and
   retrieving data is sometimes referred to as a "free form" database
   management system.

Q  Specifically, what are the target uses for SAY?
A  Saving and retrieving ANY kind of text data. This can vary from a
   desktop ROLLERDEX where you keep names, addresses, phone numbers etc.
   to an accounts receivable or payable file.  The only limit is your
   imagination.

Q  This sounds interesting, how does it work?
A  First, SAY.COM must be installed in any directory that you have a DOS
   path assigned. Next, you must start building your SAY.TXT database file.
   This file will be created in the root directory of your hard drive.
   SAY.COM both creates and adds data to your database file as well as
   searches your database for information you are looking for. To both
   create and start adding data the syntax is:

   C>SAY mary joe williams 123 apple st mytown, la. 23236 504-333-4444 <Enter>

   Thats all there is to it!  SAY will create a file called SAY.TXT in
   the root directory of your hard drive with the contents described above
   as the first record.

Q  Ok, suppose I have a file with several hundred names etc., how do I
   search for and locate the one I want?
A  EASY!  The mind is a funny tool. 99.99% of the time, you never forget
   everything about a data entry.  Lets suppose you recall Mary lives
   on apple street. The syntax is:

   C>SAY apple? <Enter>   NOTE the question (?) mark indicating a search.

   Wow! you say, and believe me, your exclamation is well founded. Within
   a few seconds, SAY will start spitting out any records (lines of
   text) with "apple" to the screen. The output data from the shareware
   version of SAY will scroll off screen if the number of lines exceeds
   21. Because SAY supports redirection, if this happens you have two
   additional options. Either redirect the output to your line printer
   or to a text file. The correct syntax for doing this is:

   C>SAY apple?>prn           ;note there is NO space between the question
   or                         ;mark (?) and the DOS redirection (>) symbol.
   C>SAY apple?>outdata.txt

Q  Wait, I know a little about computers and disk file systems. Explain
   exactly how this record keeping is done and how this file operates?
A  The beauty of a free form method of file storage and data acquisition
   lies in the nature of a simple ascii text file sometimes known as a
   sequential access, crlf record delimited file. Records can be any
   length (although for practical purposes they should be limited to
   eighty characters - the length of one line on a typical PC monitor).
   The file size can grow to ANY size although once again, there are
   some practical limits, such as the remaining disk space.

Q  You mean if I already have a standard ascii text file, I could use
   SAY to search and add text data to it?
A  If that will save you some time, YES!  All you have to do is rename
   it from xyz.fil to SAY.TXT and move it to the root directory.

Q  Refresh my memory, what again is the definition of ascii or text data?
A  Characters with decimal code values of 32 to 127.  This includes the
   upper and lower case american alphabet, numerals and most common types
   of punctuation.

Q  Suppose I want to include graphic characters like ▓, is that possible?
A  Sure. You only need to know the trick to get your keyboard to generate
   them.  The character illustrated (▓) has a decimal value of 178.  If
   you want to include it (or any other) in your database, hold the Alt
   key down, while you key in numbers 17 and 8 from the NUMERIC keypad
   on the right side of your keyboard. Its that easy!  Of course I am
   assuming you have reference to an ascii table which is included in
   the index of most DOS or printer manuals.

Q  Are there any other advantages or limitations of SAY?
A  As is the case with any search algorithm that is based on sequential
   rather than direct record access, its speed. The larger your database
   grows, the more time it takes to search the entire file. But,
   considering that SAY is not intended for a major database task, its
   native ability is still amazing. SAY converts anything you type as
   input data to UPPERCASE. Therefore all data is stored as uppercase.
   It matters not whether you enter search strings in either upper or
   lower case letters.

   A normal database is a file (method of storage on disk) that uses a
   highly structured method of saving information. The structure begins
   with a RECORD (similar to a single folder in a file cabinet) that may
   contain many individual pieces of information. Each piece of
   information must however be associated with particular areas of the
   record (called FIELDS) that are limited as to what TYPE of
   information they can hold as well as the size (field data length) of
   the information. The advantages are speed of access with ability to
   index and sort. The disadvantages have mostly to do with the
   complication of the database file itself. It cannot be modified by a
   simple text editor, SAY.TXT can!  You cannot put information just
   anywhere but are limited to its pre defined structure. You must have
   a program specifically written to accommodate the data file and such
   programs are usually very complicated (like DBase etc).

   To avoid all these pitfalls, and to fill a need in my own office for
   a simple yet reliable method of keeping a wide variety of
   information, I developed SAY, a free form database. The biggest
   advantage of a freeform database is that the data is maintained in a
   standard ascii text file that can be modified by just about any
   Editor or Word Processor with an ascii or plain text output. Each
   line becomes a RECORD. All records can be linked. Each character on a
   line is a FIELD. All FIELDS can be linked. There is no limit to the
   number of records or fields. Any TYPE of data can be stored ANYWHERE,
   in any order in SAY.TXT.

   The two most important operations of any database, are the ability to
   INPUT information and OUTPUT information. To better understand how
   SAY works, lets examine the following lines of data that might be
   found in a typical SAY.TXT data file used as a ROLLERDEX.


   1  ANN MILLER P.O.B. 7772 CENTERVILLE, GA 45434 505-287-8877
   2  BEN HANDSOM 2211 LOVEBIRD AVE PEACHES, CA 77432 718-777-6655
   3  FRED SMITH 321 LANETREE AVE YOURTOWN, MA 76344 212-446-3344
   4  GEORGE JONES 123 APPLE LANE HOMETOWN, GA 45434 504-288-6550
   5  JOE YOUNG 6 STRONG WAY MAPPLETOWN, VA 212-667-6432
   6  SUE HANDCOCK 333 PITCHFORK ROAD BACKROAD, TX 87654 313-777-6754
   7  TED SMITH 8211 LADYBIRD ST WINGS, MS 33298 601-777-9876

   Here are the results of various searches.

   SAY e?     (Lines 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 are displayed)
   SAY 454?   (Lines 1 and 4 are displayed)
   SAY joe?   (Line 5 is displayed)
   SAY AVE?   (Lines 2,3 are displayed)
   SAY 212?   (Lines 3,5 are displayed)
   SAY TOWN?  (Lines 3,4,5 are displayed)
   SAY young? (Lines 5 is displayed)

   With these examples you have a clear picture of the versatility of
   SAY.COM. Here are some additional hints: If you start every line with
   either zip code, area code or last name, your data can become even
   more organized with the use of any editor (like QEdit) that has a
   sort feature. This is especially useful when you go to print a hard
   copy of your SAY.TXT data file.

   The basic ALGORITHM used by SAY is simple:  When you enter a search
   pattern, say "xyz" (case is unimportant) the program begins looking
   for the very first occurrence of "x". When it finds it, it then looks
   to see if "y" follows and so on until the end of the search string.
   If it locates a matching pattern, it displays that line it was found
   on and proceeds to continue looking through the remainder of the
   file, displaying every line (record) it finds an additional match.
   Its just that simple.

   Remember, freeform databases are NOT intended for LARGE amounts of
   data due to the sequential nature of the searches performed. However
   with most modern personal computers running at 10mhz or faster it
   will perform nicely on text files of several hundred lines before it
   begins to become noticeable slower.

Q  Is there any problem with renaming SAY to a single letter file handle
   like W.COM?
A  No, and since SAY was intended to be operated from the DOS prompt, it
   will save you from typing two extra characters when you evoke it into
   operation. Just make sure you have no other single character batch
   files or applications in your DOS path.

Q  Gary, SAY is a great little time saver but it would help if it could
   do one extra little operation. Would you consider coding it for me?
A  Yes, I am available for custom projects.  Minor or cosmetic changes
   that take only minutes, I usually do for the cost of registration.
   If you want additional features, I would be happy to give you a
   free quote. Leave me e-mail or call voice.


   ====================================================================
   V2.0  01/8/94  First public release
   ====================================================================

                           ┌─────────┐
                           │ MEMBER  │   Society of
                           │  ┌──────┴──┐ Independent
                           │  │         │   Shareware
                           └──┤    ■    │     Authors
                              │    ║    │
                              └────╨────┘
    This program is produced by a member of the Society of Independent
    Shareware Authors (SISA).    The Society wants to ensure that all valid
    shareware principles actually work for you and SISA members.  The
    principle behind shareware distribution is simple: try before you
    buy.  Society members agree to license all shareware for a minimum of
    10 days, free of charge, to first-time users as an evaluation
    period.  After 10 days, buyers are then obligated to license their
    copy with the Society member.  Society members are obligated to
    provide high quality, useful shareware, but are free to choose
    whatever marketing methods suit their specific needs.  SISA-
    sanctioned marketing methods include: demonstration versions;
    providing printed documentation after purchase; registration keys
    that unlock additional features not necessary to determine basic
    usefulness; and providing bug fixes free of charge.  Any Shareware
    author may become a member of SISA without cost by simply agreeing
    to the above conditions and displaying, at their option, this logo
    in their documentation.
    ====================================================================

    WARRANTY:
    Software:
    Gary Raymond warrants that the software contained herein will
    perform in substantial compliance with the documentation
    accompanying the software.  If you report, in writing, a significant
    defect to us, and we are unable to correct it within 90 days of the
    date you report the defect, you may return the software and
    accompanying materials, and we will refund the purchase price.

    Diskettes and Documentation:
    Gary Raymond warrants all diskettes and documentation to be free
    of defects in materials for a period of 30 days from the date of
    purchase.  In the event of notification within the warranty period
    of defects in any materials, Gary Raymond will replace the
    defective diskette or documentation.

    Remedies:
    The remedy for breach of the warranty shall be limited to
    replacement and shall not encompass any other damages, including but
    not limited to loss of profit, special, incidental, consequential,
    or similar damages, losses, or claims.

    DISCLAIMER:
    Gary Raymond specifically disclaims all other warranties, expressed
    or implied, including but not limited to, implied warranties of
    merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to
    defects in the diskette and documentation, 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 Gary Raymond be liable for any loss of
    profit or any other commercial damage, including but not limited to
    special, incidental, consequential or other damages.

    GOVERNING LAW:
    This statement shall be construed, interpreted, and governed by the
    laws of the State of Louisiana.
    ====================================================================

   Registering your copy will help continue the competitive advantages
   of providing economical shareware.  Upon receipt of your payment I
   will provide you with a copy of the latest version and notify you of
   all future upgrades.  Your patronage is appreciated.

   My no-nonsense license:
   ------------------------
   Your one-time registration fee will license you to use SAY on
   any number of personal computers owned directly and personally by you
   in any non-commercial environment.

   Re-distribution via electronic transmission, or down loading, is
   allowed without further permission.  Re-distribution of the Shareware
   version of SAY, for a fee, is also allowed without further
   permission as long as that cost is limited to no more than two
   dollars per copy, if supplied on any physical disk media.

   The assembler source code for SAY.COM is available for sale at $50
   per copy.  The source is based on the A86 assembler / compiler but is
   generic enough to be compatible with most all assemblers with very
   minor changes.

   Yes Gary, I can really make use of your program and would like to
   register and obtain the latest version as well as get on your mailing
   list for future upgrades and new releases!

   Product:
   --------
   SAY V2.0 ...........  Private User License USA only.......... $5.00
   Registered users will be disked the latest version, will be entitled
   to any bug fixes free of charge, and receive a free disk containing
   all of my other nifty shareware programs and utilities on approval.
   See the listing below for more information about my other shareware
   products.

   For information about commercial and/or multiple site licensing,
   contact the undersigned.

   Name_____________________________________________________________

   Mailing Address__________________________________________________

   City & State ___________________________________________________

   ZIP _____________________________ Phone _________________________

   Send registration check or money order to:

                              Gary M. Raymond
                                P.O.Box 8184
                            New Orleans, La. 70182
                                504-288-6550
                            Compuserve 70613,3165
   ====================================================================

    TECH DATA:
    ----------
    There is nothing very mysterious about the internal working of SAY.
    All output functions use native DOS services to allow for
    redirecting the output to a printer or a file. SAY treats all file
    character data as a single record up to the crlf. (carriage return -
    linefeed). There is no limit to the size of file that SAY will
    search other than your disk space and your patience. SAY uses less
    than 1k of memory. SAY is entirely CPU speed driven and will produce
    optimum results using larger data files on processors running at
    20mhz or better.
    ====================================================================


    MANY OTHER USEFUL PROGRAMS, DATABASES AND UTILITIES FROM SLICWARE!
    ===================================================================
SLICK65  EXE  Join On-Line Electronic Services today using SLICK modem
              terminal. SLICK is used by everyone. SLICK has many powerful and
              exciting features not found in other communications programs.
              Example: SLICK has a built in GIF viewer for 256 color SVGA and
              VGA graphic images. Plus, SLICK supports all the popular file
              protocols such as X, Y and Zmodem and others. SLICK has a very
              easy to learn script language for automating your logons. SLICK
              is easy to install and pre configured for COM2 at 1200 baud,
              however any default can be changed on the fly.

CLUBCON4 EXE  Great MONEYMAKER, dating, matchmaking software, used worldwide.
              Compatible with Dbase3 or 4. Everything you need to get started.
              Sample database and search info included to tutor and guide you.
              If you are thinking about a computer bases business, this is it!

EZBBSV11 EXE  Feature packed BBS system that sets up in less than five minutes!
              Great system for first time sysops. Easy but feature packed. Uses
              ordinary ascii text files as data files for fast maintenance.

EZCASHV1 EXE  Easy to use CASH Register program, ideal for small businesses.
              Compatible with Dbase3 or 4. Sets up quickly and user friendly!

EZPV11   EXE  External Protocol Engine supports SeaLink, X, Y and Zmodem. Great
              way to upload or download files when stuck with a dumb terminal
              that supports no internal protocols. Or, for that terminal that
              is missing SeaLink, Zmodem or Ymodem B/G.

PAGEIT18 EXE  SAVE Money, dispatch your own messages to Alpha Numeric Pagers.
              Requires modem capable of operating at 300 baud and your PC.

PCM_V13  EXE  Corporations! Quietly monitor PC work station productivity. This
              is a very powerful utility for determining the need of a pc at a
              particular work station in a large company. Excellent tool for
              company pc managers.

READV12  EXE  Ascii Text Viewer that FINDS the file you want to read. Can use
              mouse. Great for those having to read text files daily.

SHOWV20  EXE  Convert your ascii text files to Electronic Magazine format.
              Makes it easy to distribute your memos, notices, letters,
              documentation etc. Many unique features allow you to Find, Goto,
              Write to a file, Print, change colors etc. Easy to use.

ATZ-V12  EXE  Dial your phone, control your Modem, all from the DOS prompt!
              Works on all four standard IBM default COM ports. NOT a tsr.

SLICKPRO EXE  Easy to use ascii text editor with directory directory file
              point and load feature. Emulates most Word Star key commands.

SWAPORT1 EXE  BIOS Serial utility for reading or swapping com port addresses.
              Useful utility to get various games and terminals working ok.

COPYNOT2 EXE  PREVENTS any unauthorized person from removing files from
              your workstation. Simple to setup and just seconds to use.

DISKSAV2 EXE  If you are one of those people who keep promising to do
              BACKUPS, this is for you. Some protection is better than none!

SMTV11   EXE  The DO IT ALL script driven communications terminal. Ideal
              to set up for students to call the campus library etc etc.

PORTEST2 EXE  Simple and easy to use serial port diagnostic tool that even
              a housewife could learn to use in minutes. Explains it all.

READV12  EXE  Nice tool for quickly viewing and reading ascii text files.
              Has several powerful features not even found in Vern's LIST.

SAM-V32  EXE  Slick Answer Machine, ideal for notifying users when the
              BBS is down for regular maintenance. Quick to setup an use.

VALERT2.EXE   Finally, a safe way to test suspicious software. Easy to
              use, monitors DOS Vector table for potential virus attack.

ASAVITV3.EXE  Add a timed auto file save feature to your favorite Editor
              or word processor, can also double as a timed prg execution util.

PCLOCKV2.EXE  Stop the kids from messing with the keyboard when you leave
              the terminal for coffee. Easy and quick to both install an use.

DIVEFIX2.EXE  Eliminate DOS Divide Error system crashes with this temporary
              DOS patch utility. If you ever had this problem, its over.

ABATV2.EXE    A Great way to modify your AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS without
              any hassle. Quick, easy and accurate every time.

==============================================================================

    ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
    -----------------
    To one of my best friends and machine code instructor, the Padre,
    alias, Machine Man, whose many patient hours of coaching and prodding
    over the years helped me learn assembler so that I could create this
    and many other useful DOS utility. Also, to a small handful of other
    generous "Elmer's of Assembler" whose contributions over the years
    have helped make my hack more efficient and elegant. Five years ago
    I could not even spell Assnembler, now I are one. Thanks guys!

                                <EOF>