                                   ABOOK.EXE
                          (An Electronic Address Book)

                                      by

                               Alfred D'Attore


Command DB to get into the program.  Thereafter, prompts will guide the user.
A sample file called "add," (lower case add), is offered with names and
addresses in the proper order and position.  The user may add to this file,
and at some later time, delete the unwanted information.  For detailed
procedures, three extensive "DB" files are included, that is --

     DB.SAM, written with AmiPro.

     DB.WP, written with WordPerfect for Windows.

     DB.DOC, written with MicroSoft Word for Windows..

The information provided above is included below in pure ASCII.



                             DB -- DATA-BASE PROGRAM

        OVERVIEW
         
             DB is a very fast, file storage and retrieval program that is 
        MENU driven, easy-to-use and absolutely free of charge.  Having the
        capacity to store 1500 records, it makes a fine "address book." In
        fact, a sample is included herein, one from which records can easily
        be deleted, and to which records can just as easily be added.
                         
        TYPICAL USE
         
                  Do you wish to create a file? n  (yes)   ENTER
         
                  file name?  (test)   ENTER
         
                  number of records?  (20)   ENTER
         
                  Comment:  the number is low to speed the operation.
         
                  Input number of fields per record?  (5)   ENTER
         
                  Comment:  20 fields are maximum.
         
             But five fields were requested, so the system asks in turn 
        for five field names and the number of characters to be reserved 
        for each field:
         
                  field 1?  (last name,15)   ENTER
         
                  field 2?  (first name,15)   ENTER
         
                  field 3?  (st. address,25)   ENTER
         
                  field 4  (city/st/zip,25)   ENTER
         
                  field 5  (tel. number, 12)   ENTER
         
        The user should note that this is the format for the sample file.
        Looking ahead, and anticipating a print out of records, the
        recommendations given above are -- substantially -- the maximum
        characters allowable for straight ASCII, "elite Type," (96 
        characters per line).  The "allowable" for "pica Type," 80 
        characters per line, is 78.  If these limitations are met, DB 
        will automatically print one record per line.  Otherwise, the 
        program will print each record in its entirety, one field per 
        line.
         
             At this point, the program together with the built-in 
        disk-operating system, sets aside reserved space on the disk for 
        the requested file.  When the task is complete, the program goes 
        directly to the "MENU."
         
         
             The following information applies to all sessions, whether 
        starting a new file -- as above -- or accessing and/or modifying 
        an old file.
         
        MENU
         
                             File Access
         
                       Type 'q' for quit
       
                       Type 'd' for directory
         
                       Type 's' for sort
         
                       Type 'a' for adding a record
         
                       Type 'c" for configuration, printer

                       Type 'p' for printing records
         
                       Type 'l' for looking at records
         
                       Type 'dos' for MS-DOS  (Type 'EXIT' to return.)
         
                       code? *
         
                  Note!  Except for calling a file directly by name, 
        only lower case letters are used above.
         
                  'c' is for configuring a printer.  Output is set for 
        HP PCL-4 and related printers.  But a number of printers are 
        accomodated; listings provided.  One may choose a particular 
        printer or one which is known to be compatible.  If none of the 
        listed printers will serve, the program provides for 
        user-configuration.  That is; armed with the applicable printer 
        manual, the user inputs eleven printer-codes to the program, 
        "USERP.PRN."  Toward this end, DB is amply prompted or is 
        otherwise self-explanatory.
         
                  'q' is for quitting the program.  This is the only 
        proper way to exit, since it closes all files and releases all 
        peripherals for later use.
         
                  'd' is for the directory.  It will list on the screen 
        or on paper all the key fields of the file.  (The user can stop 
        a "screen" presentation by pressing the space bar.  Pressing it 
        again will recommence the scroll.)
         
                  's' is for sort which can be alphabetizing or sorting 
        by number.  Alphabetizing is a downward sort.  "High score" 
        sorting is upward; (as -- for example -- sorting by year, for 
        tax purposes).  The user chooses the direction.   This program 
        employs a very efficient sort algorithm.  Even with 750 records 
        and second level sorting, (which is automatic, incidentally), 
        the job is finished in seconds.  The user is informed when the 
        sort is complete.
         
                  'a' is for adding a record.  The fields will be listed 
        with assigned names one after the other.  The user merely fills 
        in the appropriate information.  As an aid to the user, a 
        lighted horizontal bar will appear above the entry point to 
        indicate how much space is available for the particular entry.  
        If by chance, one enters more than the allowable amount, the 
        program will automatically reject the entry and revert to the 
        beginning of the field.  Another attempt can then be made.  All 
        fields are supplied with "default" entries; the symbols "@."  
        "Null" entries create problems.  Go ahead and just hit the 
        return key if no entry is required.  The program will 
        automatically enter its own "null" string for that field.  Note! 
        Commas and semi-colons cannot be used within field-entries.  
        Commas and semi-colons are "delimiters," recognised by the 
        computer as markers to separating entries.
         
                  'p' is the option for printing records and is 
        screen-prompted in great  detail.  Courier typeface is asssumed
        in all print operations, since it is universally available and
        provides for "one character," per space (making "spacing" entirely
        predictable.  For example, 80 characters per line for Pica and 96
        characters per line for Elite; a rather typical "ASCII" setup.
        The user may print out the whole file or a specifically designated
        portion thereof.  Formatting and paging are automatic.  If the
        chosen fields for the records can fit on single lines, the records
        are listed one per line.  If single fields are chosen, (for example,
        names only), the program will automatically set them down one next
        to the other, two or three abreast, with appropriate spacing.  One
        can specify a heading if one wishes.  Make it simple and remember,
        it will be "left justified"  If more than one page is required for
        a particular printing session, the program will automatically number
        succeeeding pages and provide a repeat of the heading.  One line is
        skipped after every five lines of single-line printing to
        facilitate reading.
         
             If the records exceed 78 characters total (for "pica" Type) 
        or 94 characters total (for "elite" Type), each record will be 
        printed as a unit, one field directly beneath another.  A more 
        typical file is the sample included herein, "RECS,"  which lists 
        and locates (by library file number) the author's phonograph 
        records.  When the file is printed out, "elite" type is chosen 
        so that two complete, computer records can fit on each line..
         
                  'l' is for look, and except for the fact that records 
        appear one at a time on the screen, this option corresponds 
        almost exactly with 'p.'  Here too, commands are heavily 
        prompted for ease of use.  When employing 'l,' and after the 
        computer presents a particular record, the user is given the 
        opportunity to modify it or add to it as required.  If the user 
        wishes to "delete" the record, he must answer "d" at this point 
        -- followed by ENTER, of course.  The record will be deleted 
        from the file in its entirety.  Note!  If the user chooses to 
        delete a "field" (rather than a complete record), he can do so 
        with the INS/DEL key, but he must restore the prompt "@."  
        Failure to do so may result in file problems and possible loss 
        of data.  All other aspects of "modifications" are explained 
        fully in the screen prompts.
         
                  After completing this phase, the user is asked if he 
        wishes to see the next record.  If he indicates yes, he will 
        find that the "next" record follows the sequence established by 
        its original entry; or -- if "sort" had been commanded -- 
        according to the now sorted file.  This is convenient and makes 
        'l' a very useful option.
         
                  '*' is the default character for our MENU.  Hitting 
        ENTER simply cycles the computer back to the MENU.  However, 
        there is an option available too. One may ask for a particular 
        record here by putting in all or part of its "key" in answer to 
        the prompt.  For example, if one wished to see Doe John'srecord, 
        one might simply enter "Doe John."  Note the capitals.  If 
        capitals were used when entering this record, capitals must be 
        used in calling the record.  Alternately, one might enter "Doe" 
        only, and providing there are no other names in the file 
        beginning with "Doe," the proper record would appear on the 
        screen.
         
         
        LATER SESSIONS
         
             All that remains now is to review the method by which 
        examination and re-entry are made to the file at some later 
        session.  Command DB and note the following "RUN."
         
                  do you wish to create a file? n  (no)   ENTER
         
                  file name?  (test)   ENTER
         
                  which field is key?  1  (1)  ENTER
         
             One (1) is usual for the KEY field, since it normally 
        represents "last name," but this program supports any choice.  
        The program now takes over and after a short interval returns to 
        the MENU.  The user may then proceed as indicated above.
         
         
        SECURITY
         
             When a sizable amount of information has been posted to a 
        file, one might justifiably feel badly if -- by some unfortunate 
        chance -- the file were to be damaged or destroyed.  It might be 
        useful, therefore, to copy your files to another disk at an 
        appropriate time.  It takes but a few moments, and it's good 
        insurance.  Note.  There are two MS-DOS files associated with 
        each record file: one with ".REL" extension and one with ".DSC." 
        Both must be transfered.

            MS Smartdrv.exe can present problems with storage and read
        back programs.  Two batch files are recommended.  Assuming this
        software is stored in the directory "c:\DBASE," the following is 
        suggested:






        To activate DB --

               @echo off
               cd\
               c:
               smartdrv c- a- b- (or with Stacker "on," smartdrv d- a- b-)
               cd dbase
               db
               cls
               cd\
               smartdrv c+ a+ b-+ (or with Stacker "on," smartdrv d+ a+ b+)
            
          Save as batch\db.bat    To actuate, merely command "DB" at the
          MS-DOS prompt.


                                  GLOSSARY

        CHARACTER:       One letter or one digit.  One "character" is 
        normally stored in one "byte" of computer memory.
         
        CURSOR:          A screen prompting signal.  This is a small 
        vertical, lighted rectangle which indicates the point at which 
        an entry will be made.   A "prompted" response (i.e., a suggested,
        "reasonable" response) is sometimes placed under the cursor to aid 
        the user.
         
        DEFAULT:         The name given to an option which is automatic, 
        that is; if no option is chosen by the user, the program 
        provides its own, called the "default" option.
         
        EDIT MODE:       The edit mode of a word processor is the mode 
        in which the user Types in his text.
                  
        ELITE:           With Computers, this is taken to mean 12 
        characters per inch or 96 characters per line.
         
        FIELD:           One line entry of a "record," limited in size 
        (in DB) to 78 bytes.  Normally, the first two field are last and 
        first name, followed perhaps by an address, telephone number, 
        etc..
         
        FILE:            Normally, any program or software appearing on 
        a disk drive.  A file could be text, binary code, etc..  When 
        using "DB," a file is considered a complete store of "records."
         
        KEY FIELD:       A field in a record (in a data-base system), is 
        described as a "key," if it is employed to identify a particular
        record in a file.  Usually, the first field of a record is the 
        key.  However, one might also "key" on a date (year) for tax 
        purposes, etc..  DB has the capacity for employing any field as 
        a key in any given session.
         
        PICA:            With computers, this is taken to mean 10 
        characters (letters) per inch, or 80 characters per line.
         
        PROMPT:          An entry suggested by the program and put under 
        the cursor. (See "cursor," above.)  If the "prompted" entry is 
        acceptable, all one needs to do is hit ENTER (RETURN). 
         
        RECORD:          One complete entry in a "file" normally 
        containing one or more "fields."  Records have the same meaning 
        in computer files as they did in the old style, office filess.

        USER:            The name given to the person (or persons) who 
        currently operate the program.
         
                                  End

        Direct corrections and/or suggestions to --
         
                           Alfred D'Attore
                           CompuServe 75222,1254
                           or
                           1300 South Farm View Drive
                           Apt. B-21
                           Dover, Delaware 19904

