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COLLECT!.TXT
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╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Collect! Ver 1.04 ║
║ ║
║ Intelligent Collection Management ║
║ ║
║ Copyright (c) 1991 by G.L. Alston ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ATTENTION: │
│ │
│ For those of you who are using a floppy based │
│ system, place a copy of DOS (COMMAND.COM) on to the │
│ Collect! floppy. │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
┌──────────────┐
│ INTRODUCTION │
└──────────────┘
Collect! is an advanced specialty database that is used to
keep track of the things people collect. It can also be
used by small dealers of items like baseball cards, antiques,
comic books, video / audio tape, records, fine arts, books and
magazines. The list of collection types is practically endless.
It will also serve to keep track of household inventory.
Collect! offers unique features that make this collector's
database faster and easier to use than any other product:
* Common spelling file
* Works in RAM memory, not the disk
* All data on one screen
* User changeable database templates
* Mouse Support
* Financial data
* Masked printing
Collect! is not as cryptic as some database products can be.
Rather than using the standard menu system (Add, Change,
Delete, etc.), Collect! uses pop-up windows and a mouse and
is laid out to be easily understood.
┌──────────────┐
│ QUICKSTART │
└──────────────┘
Copy your copy of COMMAND.COM onto the Collect! floppy
if you are using a floppy based system. Otherwise, be
sure that COMMAND.COM is in the PATH on your hard disk.
To start, type "Collect!" at the DOS prompt. The
program will load.
1. Press the "F" key and then press "O". Press
'Enter' to load in a sample data file.
2. Press "V" and use the arrow keys to scroll through
the records. Press "Esc" to bring you back to the
main menu.
3. To quit Collect!, press "F" to pop up the file
window, and "Q" to quit.
4. To print this manual -- at the DOS prompt, type:
type collect!.txt > lpt1
including the word "type." This will use DOS to
redirect the screen output to the printer.
┌─────────────┐
│ DATABASES │
└─────────────┘
A database uses the concept that information will always
follow a given format. This format breaks down the individual
pieces of information into blocks called "fields." Each
group of FIELDS is called a "Record." As a 'for instance',
take the case of a mailing list:
Name
Street
City
Zip
Phone
The above constitutes a RECORD. Each line of information is
a FIELD. In the case of a mailing list, the database uses the
same format for each and every RECORD, although the information
in each FIELD will change depending on the RECORD viewed. A
Rolodex (tm) is a database.
Collect! is also a database, but it has twists:
* You can modify the FIELD names for any
type of collection.
* The financial information can be used
in a search.
Generally, if you purchase a database, it can be rather
expensive. The good news is that it will function as a
mechanism to record your collection information. It will
not, however, be of any use to you in looking for items
that increased in value by any percentage. That's where
Collect! comes in. This database is designed exclusively
for the collector.
RECORD EXAMPLE: (Movies Database)
1) Title : <---- 1 FIELD
2) Starring :
3) Running Time :
4) Movie Type :
5) Director : FINANCE DATA:
6) Year Made :
7) Condition : File Value :
8) Year Purchased: Paid out :
9) Purchase Price: Pct of change :
10) Current Value:
11) Studio :
12) Film Number :
13) Any Comments :
┌─────────────┐
│ DATA FILES │
└─────────────┘
Your collection will be contained in a disk file that is
a group of records. This file is one you OPEN by name.
Collect! limits the number of records in any given data
file to 2000. You may, however, have as many data files as
you have room for. As data files can be stored on floppy
disks, the amount of data that could be ultimately stored
is limitless.
Using multiple data files for your collections also will
help you organize. Rather than have a master file of all
of your collections, having one named "China" and another
named "Dolls" (for instance) helps you categorize.
So why so few items in a file? Many database programs
boast up to millions of records per file.
Many reasons. Collect! :
* works in RAM, not disk. It assumes a machine
of minimum (modern) configuration. (640K)
* is designed to catalog items that have some real
value. If you have over a few hundred expensive items,
like original Renoir paintings, you could buy your own
accounting firm to do this for you. Many good
collections comprise a couple of hundred individual
items at the outside. Even massive collections such
as valuable stamps usually do not exceed 500 or so
items in a given category.
* needs to be fast even on PC/XT technology, which
many of you have.
* needs to be able to operate on LCD screen laptop
computers. A standard disk based database program
will run the batteries down faster because the
disk drive, a power hungry device, needs to be
running all the time.
┌──────────────────┐
│ RUNNING COLLECT! │
└──────────────────┘
Collect! uses pop up windows over a main screen area. The
main system menu appears horizontally beneath the copyright
notice:
File View Search Print Utilities
- - - - -
All menu items, whether using the main system menu or any
within a pop up window, are accessed either by pressing
the highlighted letter key (shown here as underlined) or
by moving the highlight bar with the ARROW (cursor) keys
and pressing ENTER. To PRINT something, for instance, pressing
either "P" or highlighting 'PRINT' will bring up the "Print"
pop up window.
You may also use a mouse if you prefer. The general Rule is
that any window with a '■' in the upper left corner can be
exited by clicking the '■'. The Mouse is NOT used in the
editor. If the Mouse cursor is on-screen, it can be used.
You also have the ability to click menu items and filenames,
as well as the Up and Down arrows when on screen.
The action inside pop up menus is the same.
Once a window has been popped up, you can get back to
the main menu by pressing the "Esc" (Escape) key or by
clicking the upper left corner.
Menu selections inside a window work as described above.
Collect! is configured such that pop up windows will
overlay. The "active" window is the one most whole.
┌─────────────┐
│ │
│ ┌─────────────┐
│ │ │
└───│ │ <---------- ACTIVE WINDOW
│ │
└─────────────┘
If there are any instructions, they will appear in the
window.
┌───────────────────┐
│ ON LINE HELP ! │
└───────────────────┘
At most points in the program, pressing the "?" key or
clicking the "? = HELP" will bring up a context sensitve
HELP pop up window. Press the ESCAPE key or click the upper
left corner to exit the window. The HELP is available in all
sub-menus as well. The On Line HELP should not be used
exclusively in place of this manual. HELP is available at
all menus and screen changes, and can be customized: each
of the help subjects is contained in a *.HLP disk file. You
may reword these using an ASCII text editor (no special
formatting characters, such as in a word processor, can be
used.) Just follow the existing format - 37 chars x 19 lines
in each file. In this way, HELP can be customized for your
(or your employees) special needs.
┌───────────────────┐
│ MENU SELECTIONS │
└───────────────────┘
** = main menu selections
** FILE:
used to access, save, and create disk based
data files; enter DOS; and Quit the program.
THE "FILE" WINDOW:
1) OPEN
A window showing up to 57 data files is presented. You may
scroll through the list by using the arrow keys to high-
light the desired filename. Pressing ENTER will OPEN the
highlighted file. You may also use the mouse in two ways:
you may simply double-click the filename, or you can click
the '( OK )' to open the highlighted file. If the AutoSave
toggle is ON (see UTILITIES), a backup copy of the file is
created upon OPEN. If you have been working on a file and
forgot to Save it, A window will pop up that asks you to
Save your file prior to OPENing the new one.
2) Save
After you edit your database, use this to put the
new data back on the disk.
3) New
This starts a new database file. You will need
enter the name you wish to call it, such as
"dolls", etc. This action will erase the current
file in memory. The new name will be tested to see
if it is the same as an existing filename. If it
is, Collect! will have you re-enter the name as it
will NOT let you overwrite existing files.
If you have edited any file you have OPENed, Collect!
will give a warning that you need to SAVE the current
file before starting a NEW one.
You are next presented with a list of collection
types to choose from. Enter a number corresponding
to the type of collection your NEW data file is for.
5) DOS Shell
Allows you to enter DOS while leaving Collect! running.
You can do anything in DOS that you normally would,
such as format disks or even run another program. Type
the word "exit" at the command line prompt ( such as
A:> , c:\>, etc. ) to return to Collect! and where you
left off. The amount of memory left to run other programs
will depend on your system memory. This shareware version
of Collect! uses about 260K of RAM.
6) Quit
Allows you to quit Collect! and return to DOS.
Make sure you SAVE any changes you made to a
database file before you quit.
7) ABOUT
Gives you revision number, and any other needed info.
** SEARCH:
used to search for records that either match or
fall within a given pattern set or parameters.
In the search window, a list of the data fields is
presented. Also, there are financial data fields.
Use the Up and Down arrow keys to move the highlight
bar to the field to search in. Press the "Enter" key
to activate. At this time, the "how to search" window
pops up:
* = Equality
* < Less Than
* > Greater Than
* - Range
You should again use the Up Down keys to choose the type
of search to be made in the field you selected. Note that
the mouse will be inoperative for the DEFINE SEARCH TYPE
window.
Press "Enter" to activate. Note that alphanumeric
(text) fields are searched as MATCH only. Standard numeric
fields can be searched in any method. Common Spelling Data
fields ( #4 and #7 ) are MATCH only. After entry of your
search criteria, the window pops away and you can then
select any other remaining (unused) data field to search in.
This process can continue on ALL fields until "Esc" is
pressed, OR until the search has narrowed the "found"
records to less than 2 records. As each search criteria
gets entered, it will appear in the search window.
In the bottom of the search window is a display that
shows the current number of records left to search in.
LEFT: xx OF yy
After the search is done, the search window will pop
away, leaving the main screen. Near the top of the
screen will be:
Search Found XX Records
Where XX is the number of matching records.
The first matching record (if any) is displayed. If there
were none, the first record in the file is displayed.
The up and down cursor keys will cycle through all of the
"found" records.
To exit the search function, press the Escape [Esc]
key. The currently shown record will stay on screen, and
VIEW mode will start from that point for editing. Note
that the Search 'found' records can be operated on in
other ways - they can be printed out (See PRINT) or moved
or copied into other files (see UTILITIES).
** VIEW:
used to VIEW and EDIT the database file.
The right side of the screen (at the border) is replaced
with a scroll bar. This is a visual aid to help determine
how far you are in the file:
<----- Top (end)
│
│
Scroll Bar Marker ------> █ <----- Current Position
│
│
│
│
<----- Bottom (1st record)
Near the bottom of the screen, instructions will appear.
The keys pressed do not require <Enter> afterward. A
single keypress will suffice. The mouse can be likewise
used as well. To do the same thing as a letter key, click
the appropriate box. To Scroll, click the Up and DOWN
arrows on either end of the scroll bar. Holding the button
down on an arrow will allow fast cycling. Release it to stop.
Up Down ARROW keys to
cycle through file.
"F" to access the
FIRST record.
"L" to access the
LAST record.
"C" to CHOOSE a
record number.
"D" to DELETE the
current record.
"E" to EDIT.
As you use the ARROW keys to cycle through entries, the
scroll bar marker will move up and down to give a
quick visual indicator of your position in the file.
Using The "C" ( CHOOSE ) key is a fast way to get to a
get to a certain position in large files. To Add a record
to the file, Cycle to the last record, and click or press
the UP arrow for the LAST record PLUS 1.
The "E" (EDIT) Key:
The up and down keys are used to cycle through the
data fields in each record. To make a change, cycle
through the record to the desired data field. The
current information will appear in reverse video.
The mouse is deactivated for editing.
Start typing in the revised information and press
the "Enter" key. Look for on-screen help at the
screen bottom that will remind you that fields
4 and 7 are used for common data and are accessed
using the F1 key.
┌─────────────────┐
│ COMMON DATA │
└─────────────────┘
When a common data field is accessed, a window will
pop up and prompt you for numeric entry. One of these
fields is CONDITION.
┌───────[ Condition ]───────┐
│ │
│ 1) Poor │
│ 2) Fair │
│ 3) Good │
│ 4) Very Good │
│ 5) Excellent │
│ │
│ Enter 1 - 5: │
└───────────────────────────┘
However, looking at the CONDITION field on screen (in
your database record), you will see an alpha entry,
such as "Excellent."
The reason this was done is because we're too lazy to
type "Excellent" for 70, 120, or more records. We wanted
a way to enter common data without all that typing. We
figured you might not relish typing this out either.
One of the problems we've seen in most databases has
two symptoms, but it's the same problem:
Commonly typed data gets misspelled. Searches
tend to suffer.
People tend to abbreviate a lot. This winds
up being confusing for others. Was "P" POOR
or PREMIUM ?
So, considering we were lazy and had a dislike for too
much abbreviation, we came up with common spelling
files. They are simply a shortcut to get readable,
meaningful data on the screen or a printer.
To finish editing, press the Escape "Esc" key, and you
will return to the view mode. Press Escape once more
when you wish to quit viewing; this will return you to
the main menu.
** PRINT:
Printing out data from Collect! Print will use any
printer at LPT1, including Lasers. If you have
only one printer, this is no problem. If your
printer is serial, you will need to redirect the
LPT1 output to the Comm port your serial printer
is connected to. This uses the DOS MODE command:
Mode LPT1 = COMx
where (x) = port number
Collect! printouts have the capability of being
masked. Masking is much like the use of masking
tape during painting. Masked data fields will
not be printed. Print, when selected, assumes
that you want to print a record or group of
records in their entireity.
THE PRINT WINDOW:
1) Print All
Prints the entire database loaded in memory.
2) Print Last Search
Prints all records from last search. If no search was
ever performed, it prints all records.
3) Print Current Entry
Prints the record currently on screen.
4) Print Entry Number
Allows you to enter a record number to print.
5) Print Using Mask
Pops up another print window for further choices
using the print mask.
6) Set Up Mask
This choice will bring up an instruction window as
well as the work window. Essentially, you are shown a
list of the data fields, and you toggle them in a
masked or unmasked state by entering the field number.
Masked fields (those that will NOT be printed) will
show up in reverse video. To Mask the NAME field, for
instance, type a "1" and press "Enter." The NAME field
will then be presented in reverse video; any time you
print using the mask, the NAME will be ommitted. To
UNmask the name field, type "1" again, and NAME will
show up in normal video; it can now be printed.
The masking is saved to disk, and will stay the same
until changed by you.
PRINT USING MASK WINDOW:
This window has choices 1 - 4 as in normal Print, but the
mask is used.
Why use a mask? If you are a dealer, masking off the "price
paid" field would enable you to hand a printout directly to
a customer. Likewise, a trader may not want privy information
about an item being given out. A printout is much easier to
generate than a typed or handwritten list, and is more
convenient than memory alone. In the UTILITIES is another
use for the mask.
** UTILITIES:
used to Change Printout Header or Edit
Database Fields.
THE UTILITIES WINDOW:
1) Change Printout Name
When Collect! prints records, it starts out by
first printing a header. The default says
"Collect! ver. 1.XX"
You can change this to anything you prefer, such
as "Mr. Bill's Baseball Card Emporium / Choklit Shoppe."
When any printouts are made, the header precedes any
of your collection data. This header comes up only
once per printout. If you print 1 record, the header
will be printed first. If you print out 20 records,
the header will likewise be printed only once, NOT
once per record.
2) Edit Collection Type
The entire main screen window is cleared, and a series of
letters (A-Z) are shown. Each letter is related to a type
of collection. Collect! is allowed 26 different collection
types per disk or directory.
We have provided some startup samples:
c = sports cards
m = tape (movies) library
s = stamp collection
a = antiques / misc.
t = audio library
b = book library
These samples can be kept as is or modified. Modification
and creation of wholly new collection types is the purpose
of the editor. Perhaps you can use one of the supplied
samples with some modification.
When you create data files that are used by Collect!, each
is "keyed" to a collection type. This is the mechanism that
allows you to LOAD the books data file and see the fields
related to books on screen.
The distribution floppy, for instance, comes with the
following example data files:
* Movies
* Audio
* Stamps
* Antiques
* Books
The next step is to decide if you wish to modify an existing
collection type or create a new one. Press a letter key at
this point. If you choose an unused letter, you will see a
default set of field names. If you choose a "used" letter,
the corresponding fields are shown. If you press 'Esc', you
will be returned to the main screen.
To the right of these names is the expected entry type. The
entry type is fixed; be careful not to insert TEXT data in
a field that would normally expect numeric data.
FIELD Entry Types: (1st 13 entries)
* TEXT
Alpha Numeric -
e.g. letters and numbers, such as
1622 Wesson Ave. or John Smith.
* INTEGER
Numeric -
Whole numbers in the range
-32767 to +32767, such as
1111 or 1897 or -34.
* FLOATING POINT
Numeric -
entry with a decimal point, such as
10.87 or 1298767986.098.
SPECIAL FIELD Entry Types: (Entries 14 - 16)
14) EDITOR MESSAGE
This is the reminder for pressing F1 key at
entry #4 in the EDIT mode:
┌───────────────────────────────────────┐
│ To Change XXXX or CONDITION, Press F1 │
└───────────────────────────────────────┘
where XXXXX is what you would like to call
the field.
15) FIELD 4 COMMON DATA FILE WINDOW NAME
During operation of Collect! in the EDIT mode,
pressing the F1 key at field # 4 pops up the
common spelling file window. The window is labeled;
this will change the name of the window.
16) DATABASE NAME
When Collect! is up and running, the name of the
database is put on the screen (Upper Left) for you.
This entry allows you to name the database template
what you wish.
Screen entries are limited in length by the editor (It
doesn't want you to let the Collect! screen data overlap.)
To EDIT a field name, simply type the corresponding number
and press 'Enter.' Then, begin typing the new name. Press
'Enter' when done.
Press 'Esc' when you are done editing. You will be asked
whether or not to save the changes. If YES, you proceed to
editing of the Common Spelling File. If NO, you are returned
to the main screen.
You may wish to view a couple of included samples prior
to creating a new collection type.
Editing of the Common Spelling File is the same as above.
Press 'Esc' when done and you will return to the main screen.
The common spelling file will be automatically saved.
3) Auto Save Toggle
Normally, data files loaded by Collect! are automatically
backed up upon LOADing as a direct image. This can cause
loading of large files to take a long time. The TOGGLE
allows disabling of this feature. By default, it is "ON"
when Collect! starts. To change the state, bring up the
AUTO SAVE TOGGLE window and press ENTER. Subsequent
presses will toggle the state ON and OFF. When it is in
the desired state, Press ESCAPE to EXIT the window. You
may also toggle the state using the mouse by clicking the
text.
4) Mouse Toggle
If you prefer to not use a mouse, you may toggle it off.
This simply gets rid of the cursor and the mouse is not
listened to. To restore, toggle by pressing ENTER.
5) Copy / Cut / Paste
This selection uses data from the LAST SEARCH and brings
up another menu window. The Last Search data can be moved
into other files (which erases the records in the current
file) or copied into other files (which leaves the current
file intact.) If you choose an option for an EXISTING file,
the filename window (See FILE - OPEN) pops up for you to
choose the file to add to. If you choose to move or copy
data to a new file, you are asked for a FileName. Should
the filename already exist, Collect! will NOT let you
overwrite this - you must come up with a unique name.
The last option is Modem File. This is simply a mechanism
to copy search data onto the disk as ASCII text that can
be viewed, such as using the DOS 'TYPE' command. The data
is grouped with the appropriate field names and the MASK
is used. For all practical intents and purposes, this
selection does the same thing as PRINT Last Search (Using
Mask) except that the data is routed to the disk instead
of the printer. The new file (DOS extension ".MOD") can
then be sent via disk or MODEM to another collector for
trades, to another dealer for inventory purposes, or to
other interested parties. The receiving party can then
use DOS or a word processor to PRINT out the file as if
Collect! had printed it.
┌────────────────────────────────┐
│ FILES AND BACKING UP OF DATA │
└────────────────────────────────┘
Files used by Collect! use a DOS extension of .ADB and
.BAK. The .BAK file is created as soon as the .ADB file
(your database) is OPENed, and it is an image of the
.ADB file that got OPENed. This is done to provide you
with a last resort way of saving your data. Normally,
you never see the backups, nor do you see the .ADB DOS
extension; when you load a file you enter just the
primary name. (see Auto Save discussion about backups.)
If you do lose your primary file and require use of the
backup, exit Collect! to DOS (Use the DOS Shell as
described above) and rename the backup. For instance,
if you were somehow to lose your database called "DOLLS",
what you lost was the file DOLLS.ADB. The backup would be
called DOLLS.BAK, and you could then use the DOS 'RENAME'
command as follows:
A:> rename dolls.bak dolls.adb
This will now be OPENable by Collect!, and Collect! will
then create another backup as soon as you OPEN the
file name "DOLLS."
A batch file called "NAME.BAT", provided on the
distribution floppy, does the same thing; however,
it is easier to use:
A:> name dolls
If possible, you should use 720K or higher capacity
disks so that all of your database files (and their
backups) get saved properly. Better yet, place Collect!
on your hard drive; just remember to make file backups
and place them in a safety deposit box.
The batch file "ADB2A.BAT", provided on the distribution
floppy, will copy all of your .ABD database files to a
formatted floppy disk in drive A:
C:\Collect!>adb2a
After all, it IS the database files that are important
to save; this batch file copies them over in a fast way
so that you do not have to back up the whole drive.
The batch file "COLLINST.BAT" will create a subdirectory
on your hard disk and install Collect!
┌─────────────┐
│ SHAREWARE │
└─────────────┘
As this programme is distributed as "shareware", you should
know a little about the concept. Shareware is not free.
Basically, if you use this programme and you like it, we
would like to be paid for it. Shareware is a method of
distribution that allows you, the user, to obtain
quality software without going through a middleman. Many
of today's best known programmes either ARE shareware or got
their start this way.
One of the wonderful things about shareware is the "try
before you buy" philosopy. You also are free to make
copies and distribute them at your discretion, providing
that you do not charge a fee for any distribution. Each
recipient can also try Collect! and register if they can
use it. Upon registration, we will send you a manual and a
new registered version of the programme. You will also receive
free upgrades for One Year, and a copy of the Windows 3
version upon release.
Registration of Collect! is $40.00 from:
L.J. Alston
1320 Standiford Ave
Suite # 242
Modesto CA 95350
(209) 522 - 8666
G.L. Alston May, 1991
Collect! is copyrighted material (c) 1991 G.L. Alston
All rights reserved.
DOS and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.,
Redmond, Washington.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines,
Armonk, New York.
INSTRUCT.TXT
INSTRUCTIONS:
This readme file uses the Public Utility "BROWSE.COM"
To read the Collect! manual:
Use the PgUp and PgDn keys to move one screen at a time, and use
the up and down arrow keys to move one line at a time.
Press Escape [Esc] when you are done reading about Collect!
.
Q&A.TXT
Common Questions and Answers for New Users
Q: How do I ADD a record?
A: Choose VIEW. Press 'L' or click LAST for the LAST record.
Click or press UP arrow. Click EDIT or press 'E' to edit.
The record you add is logically at the end of the current
file. You choose "L" (LAST) to see the last record, and
UP Arrow to get to LAST + 1. As soon as you enter your
data, the LAST record is now the number of the one you
entered, and adding another will be at LAST + 1 again.
Q: How do I Change or Edit the fields?
A: In the MAIN Menu, choose UTILITIES. Choose EDIT COLLECTION
TYPE. If you wish to change an EXISTING set of fields,
press the letter key that corresponds. If you wish to CREATE
a new set, choose an unused letter.
Q: It takes too long to LOAD a large file. Can it be shortened?
A: Collect! makes an automatic backup of your data under a
separate file name when loading. You can disable this
feature and get faster LOADing. In the MAIN menu, choose
UTILITIES. Choose AUTO SAVE TOGGLE. Press ENTER or click
the text to turn the AutoSave off. Subsequent LOADs will
now take 1/2 the time, but the automatic backups will not
be made.
Q: Can text searching be mixed case?
A: Sure. Collect! will find "TexT" and "tExT" and "TEXT" just
the same. However, do not insert spaces or control characters
into search text, as it tends to confuse things. The best
idea is to search for a consecutive string of characters,
such as "couch" or such.
Q: Why Common Spelling Files?
A: Well... Let's assume you collect dinosaur bones. To make sure
that searches ALWAYS work, it's easier to pick STENONYCHOSAURUS
from a list rather than to type it in each time. Subsequent
searches would be in error if the above name got misspelled
in any of the records. This is especially true if more than
one person is adding data to Collect!
WINDOWS.TXT
Microsoft Windows(tm) Users Note:
If you are intending to launch Collect! from Microsoft Windows 3.0,
we've included 2 files that will help:
collect!.ico ---------- Collect! Icon file
collect!.pif ---------- Collect! PIF file
The icon file can be directly inserted into the DOS Applications
group.
The supplied PIF file is set up as:
dir - c:\collect\collect!.exe
mode - TEXT MODE REAL/STANDARD MODE
RAM - requires 384K RAM
The PIF file tells Windows(tm) to allocate a minimum of 384K RAM to
Collect!, and where it is located.
ARRANGE.TXT
Arrange V 1.0
Due to requests we've had from people who wish to alphabetize (I.E. Sort)
their collection listings and holdings, we have included the ARRANGE
programme. What this does is alphabetize the first data field (usually
used as a base descriptor) by the first letter. This is not a function
that belongs in the main body of Collect! but functions rather well as
a utility programme.
Usage:
ARRANGE [d:][\path\] filename
Drive [d:] and path [\path\] are optional parameters.
The filename DOES NOT REQUIRE a DOS extension.
COLLECT!.TXT
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╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Collect! Release 2 Ver 1.01 ║
║ ║
║ Intelligent Collection Management ║
║ ║
║ Copyright (c) 1991 by G.L. Alston ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
┌──────────────┐
│ INTRODUCTION │
└──────────────┘
Collect! is an advanced specialty database that is used to
keep track of the things people collect. It can also be
used by small dealers of items like baseball cards, antiques,
comic books, video / audio tape, records, fine arts, books and
magazines. The list of collection types is practically endless.
It will also serve to keep track of household inventory.
Collect! offers unique features that make this collector's
database faster and easier to use than any other product:
* Common spelling file
* Works in RAM memory, not the disk
* All data on one screen
* User changeable database templates
* Mouse Support
* Financial data
* Masked printing
* VGA 3d Graphics Presentation with
pushable pushbuttons
Collect! is not as cryptic as some database products can be.
Rather than using the standard menu system (Add, Change,
Delete, etc.), Collect! uses pop-up windows and a mouse and
is laid out to be easily understood. The use of 16 color VGA
graphics makes for an exciting display; it is certainly not
the same old "tired" TEXT display.
Collect! uses 3 different user interface methods simultaneously:
Mouse, Light bars, and Highlighted letters. Most functions can
be operated via the keyboard, but we think that you'll find that
the mouse is much faster anyway. This product comes fast on the
heels of Collect! 1.03, the mouse driven TEXT version; it can
share the same Data files. The many features of Collect! are
unmatched by ANY collector's package on the market.
Another thing we think is good is that everything you need is
right on the screen, and all you need to do is "click" it
with the mouse. There are no arcane FUNCTION KEYs to be forced
to remember.
┌──────────────┐
│ QUICKSTART │
└──────────────┘
To start, type "Collect!" at the DOS prompt. The program will
load.
1. Choose "F" for FILE and then choose "O" for OPEN.
Press 'Enter' to load in a sample data file.
2. Press "V" and use the arrow keys to scroll through
the records. Press "Esc" to bring you back to the
main menu.
3. To quit Collect!, press "F" to pop up the file
window, and "Q" to quit.
4. To print this manual -- at the DOS prompt, type:
type collect!.txt > lpt1
including the word "type." This will use DOS to
redirect the screen output to the printer.
┌─────────────┐
│ DATABASES │
└─────────────┘
A database uses the concept that information will always
follow a given format. This format breaks down the individual
pieces of information into blocks called "fields." Each
group of FIELDS is called a "Record." As a 'for instance',
take the case of a mailing list:
Name
Street
City
Zip
Phone
The above constitutes a RECORD. Each line of information is
a FIELD. In the case of a mailing list, the database uses the
same format for each and every RECORD, although the information
in each FIELD will change depending on the RECORD viewed. A
Rolodex (tm) is a database.
Collect! is also a database, but it has twists:
* You can modify the FIELD names for any
type of collection.
* The financial information can be used
in a search.
Generally, if you purchase a database, it can be rather
expensive. The good news is that it will function as a
mechanism to record your collection information. It will
not, however, be of any use to you in looking for items
that increased in value by any percentage. That's where
Collect! comes in. This database is designed exclusively
for the collector.
RECORD EXAMPLE: (Movies Database)
1) Title : <---- 1 FIELD
2) Starring :
3) Running Time :
4) Movie Type :
5) Director : BASIC DATA:
6) Year Made :
7) Condition : File Value :
8) Year Purchased: Paid out :
9) Purchase Price: Pct of change :
10) Current Value:
11) Studio :
12) Film Number :
13) Any Comments :
┌─────────────┐
│ DATA FILES │
└─────────────┘
Your collection will be contained in a disk file that is
a group of records. This file is one you OPEN into
Collect! by a name you give it.
Collect! limits the number of records in any given data
file to 2000. You may, however, have as many data files as
you have room for. As data files can be stored on floppy
disks, the amount of data that could be ultimately stored
is limitless.
Using multiple data files for your collections also will
help you organize. Rather than have a master file of all
of your collections, having one named "China" and another
named "Dolls" (for instance) helps you categorize.
┌──────────────────┐
│ RUNNING COLLECT! │
└──────────────────┘
The main system menu appears horizontally as a series of
pushbuttons at the screen top. Pressing the RED HIGHLIGHTED
letter key or clicking with the mouse. ( The term "click,"
which is used liberally throughout this guide, means to
momentarily depress the LEFT mouse button while the arrow
cursor points at an item.) When this happens, the pushbutton
will push in, and in all cases but VIEW/EDIT, a menu will
appear. Note the small box with a spacebar Icon in the upper
left corner of menu windows. This is the CLOSE button, which
will CLOSE the menu and POP UP the pushed in pushbutton.
The Main Menu pushbuttons are very much like the pushbuttons
in a Car radio -- only one can be pushed in at a time. Therefore,
if one of these is pressed in, you can click the other buttons
all day long, but the clicks will be ignored.
MAIN MENU:
File View Search Print Utilities
- - - - -
All menu items within a pop up window, are accessed either
by pressing the highlighted letter key (shown here as underlined)
or by moving the highlight bar with the ARROW (cursor) keys
and pressing ENTER. To PRINT something, for instance, pressing
either "P" or highlighting 'PRINT' will bring up the "Print"
pop up window. Of course, you can always click the text.
Once a window has been popped up, you can get back to
the main menu by pressing the "Esc" (Escape) key or by
clicking the upper left corner CLOSE BUTTON. You will see
Some DIALOG windows periodically; these usually have an
"OK" pushbutton. You must either click the button, or
press ENTER or ESCAPE to EXIT. The ESCAPE key always takes
on the meaning EXIT.
┌───────────────────┐
│ ON LINE HELP ! │
└───────────────────┘
At most points in the program, pressing the "?" key or
clicking the "? = HELP" will bring up a context sensitve
HELP pop up window. Press the ESCAPE key or click the close
button to exit the window. The HELP is available in all
sub-menus as well. The On Line HELP should not be used
exclusively in place of this manual. HELP is available at
all menus and screen changes, and can be customized: each
of the help subjects is contained in a *.HLP disk file. You
may reword these using an ASCII text editor (no special
formatting characters, such as in a word processor, can be
used.) Just follow the existing format - 75 chars x 60 lines
in each file. In this way, HELP can be customized for your
(or your employees) special needs.
When in HELP, clicking the arrow buttons will move by 4 lines
(the display maximum) at a time. Pressing the arrow (Cursor)
keyboard keys scrolls the display one line at a time.
┌───────────────────┐
│ MENU SELECTIONS │
└───────────────────┘
** = main menu selections
** FILE:
used to access, save, and create disk based
data files; enter DOS; and Quit the program.
THE "FILE" MENU:
OPEN
A window showing up to 57 data files is presented. At the
window bottom are some drive icons and filename / path
information. You may click a drive icon if data files are
located in a different drive than the program; the file
names available will appear in the window. If the program
does not display any file names, there may be either
something wrong with the drive (maybe the door is not
closed, or the disk is not in all the way) or the disk
does not REALLY have data files on it. If you do click
the "A:" drive, for instance, Collect! will remember what
drive is the one for data files. When you SAVE a OPENed
Data File, Collect! does not ask you to save Where; it
will attempt to save to the DATA drive. Otherwise, click
the desired Data File you wish to OPEN.
You may scroll through the list by using the arrow keys to
highlight the desired filename; it will appear near the
screen bottom next to "FILENAME:". Pressing ENTER will
load the highlighted file into memory, effectively OPENing
the file for manipulation.
If you attempt to OPEN a file and an EDITed file (already
OPENed) is in memory, you will be asked to SAVE the older
Data file before proceeding.
If you change your mind, and do not wish to REALLY OPEN
a Data File, press ESCAPE or click the close button of
the OPEN FILE window.
NEW (CREATE)
This starts a new database file. You will need
enter the name you wish to call it, such as
"dolls", etc. This action will erase the current
file in memory. The new name will be tested to see
if it is the same as an existing filename. If it
is, Collect! will have you re-enter the name as it
will NOT let you overwrite existing files.
Collect! will also not accept an attempt by you to
put in a DOS extension. Collect! Data Files have
their own unique extension.
If you have edited any file you have Opened, Collect!
will give a warning that you need to SAVE the current
file before starting a NEW one.
You are next presented with a list of collection
types to choose from. Click the text of the name
of the collection type. If you simply click "OK",
or just press ENTER, the collection type will be
the one at the TOP of the list.
SAVE
After you edit your database, use this to put the
new data back on the disk.
SAVE AS
This function allows you to save a Data File under a
different name than it was OPENed under. You will need
to type in a Data File name. Make one up; Collect! will
not allow you to overwrite existing Data Files. It will
also disallow the addition of a DOS extension, as it
appends its' own extension to be able to automatically
find the Data Files later. As described in File OPEN,
the Data file will be saved to the disk chosen for Data
files.
QUIT / EXIT
Allows you to quit Collect! and return to DOS. Make sure
you SAVE any changes you made to a database file before you
quit. Collect! will not let you quit UNTIL a data file that
has been edited has been saved. If you really do not want to
save the edited file, simply choose SAVE AS and enter a
name to save under (such as "garbage") to make Collect!
happy; then, when you go back to DOS simply delete the file:
C:\COLLECT > del garbage.*
ABOUT
This window shows the revision information, and any other
information you may need to know.
** SEARCH:
used to search for records that either match or
fall within a given pattern set or parameters.
In the search window, a list of the data fields is
presented. Also, there are financial data fields.
Use the Up and Down arrow keys to move the highlight
bar to the field to search in. Press the "Enter" key
to activate. Of course, you may also click the text
of the field name.
At this time, the CRITERIA window pops up:
* = Match
* < Less Than
* > Greater Than
* - Range
You can again use the Up Down keys to choose the type
of search to be made in the field you selected rather
than use the mouse.
Press "Enter" or click to activate. Note that alphanumeric
(text) fields are searched as MATCH only. Standard numeric
fields can be searched in any method. Common Spelling Data
fields ( #4 and #7 ) are MATCH only. After entry of your
search criteria, the window pops away and you can then
select any other remaining (unused) data field to search in.
Search of any CRITERIA through all possible records takes
a few milliseconds, NEVER more than 1/2 second. As soon
as you have entered your SEARCH FOR data, it is ready to
continue...
This process can continue on ALL fields until "Esc" is
pressed, OR until the search has narrowed the "found"
records to less than 3 records. As each search criteria
gets entered, it will appear in the search window.
You can also stop the search progress by closing the
search window.
In the bottom of the search window is a display that
shows the current number of records left to search in.
LEFT: xx OF yy
After the search is done, the search window will pop
away, leaving the main screen. At the screen bottom,
an EXIT button and a line of text appears:
Use arrow keys to scroll through XX records.
Where XX is the number of matching records.
The first matching record (if any) is displayed. If there
were none, the first record in the file is displayed.
The up and down cursor keys will cycle through all of the
"found" records; you also can click the up and down arrow
buttons an thescroll bar at the right side of the screen.
To exit the search function, press the Escape [Esc]
key, or click the EXIT button.
The currently shown record will stay on screen. Note
that the Search 'found' records can be operated on in
other ways - they can be printed out (See PRINT) or moved
or copied into other files (see UTILITIES).
** VIEW:
used to VIEW and EDIT the database file.
On the right side of the screen (at the border) is a
scroll bar. This is a visual aid to help determine
how far you are in the file:
<----- Top (end)
│
│
Scroll Bar Marker ------> █ <----- Current Position
│
│
│
│
<----- Bottom (1st record)
Near the bottom of the screen, a series of buttons will
appear. Each has a highlighted letter for those of you
who prefer the keyboard. Also there is a Clipboard Icon
to the left.
To Scroll through the records, click the Up and DOWN
arrows on either end of the scroll bar. Holding the button
down on an arrow will allow fast cycling. Release it to stop.
You can also use the keyboard arrow keys to scroll.
Up Down ARROW keys to
cycle through file.
"F" to access the
FIRST record.
"L" to access the
LAST record.
"P" to PICK a
record number.
"D" to DELETE the
current record.
"E" to EDIT.
As you scroll through entries, the scroll bar marker will
move up and down to give a quick visual indicator of your
position in the file. The scroll bar can also be manipulated
as well: The button can be dragged to a new position. To drag,
click the scroll button and move the mouse up and down WHILE
HOLDING THE LEFT BUTTON DOWN. Also, clicking the areas between
the scroll button and the arrow buttons will cause the records
to PAGE, I.E. 10% of the file size. Of course, you need to
have at least 10 records in the file... The supplied Example
Data File, ANTQUES, has 10 records to demonstrate this feature.
Using The "P" ( PICK ) key is another way to get to a
certain position in large files, but this is primarily a
mechanism for those of you who don't care for mice.
EDITING A RECORD:
The up and down keys are used to cycle through the
data fields in each record. To make a change, cycle
through the record to the desired data field. The
selected Data will appear in RED video.
Of course, you can get there much faster by simply
clicking the desired data.
Start typing in the revised information and press
the "Enter" key. If you access common spelling file
fields (4th and 7th from the top), a separate window
will pop up.
USING THE CLIPBOARD:
The Clipboard can be use to copy the entire contents of
any record over to any other record. This may save time
when updating your Data file and you have an item to enter
that is similar to one of the current entries. The default
clipboard entry is always record #1 when OPENing a file.
To access the clipboard, click the clipboard icon or press
the 'C' key. The record currently held in the clipboard
is shown.
To copy the record on the notepad into the clipboard,
click the 'IN' button (or press 'I'). The record seen on
screen at that point will be copied into the clipboard.
This copy action does not do anything to the record on
the notepad you are copying. Therefore to copy the contents
of ANY record to the clipboard, navigate through to the
record desired, and copy it into the clipboard as described.
To PASTE the clipboard's contents into a Data record, click
the clipboard (to access it) and click 'OUT' (or press 'O').
Whatever is held in the clipboard will be copied into the
record number you were at.
EXAMPLE: Add A Telescope to the Sample Antiques file --
OPEN the antiques sample data file. Choose View/Edit, and
scroll to the record that describes a Telescope. Click the
clipboard and choose 'IN'. Scroll the records to the EMPTY
record (#11), choose the clipboard again, and this time
choose 'OUT'. The contents will now copy into record 11.
Note that you can also access the Clipboard using the
keyboard. If you look at it, you'll see a 'C' written on
the pad of paper in the board.
┌─────────────────┐
│ COMMON DATA │
└─────────────────┘
When a common data field is accessed, a window will
pop up and prompt you for entry. One of these fields
is CONDITION.
┌───────[ Condition ]───────┐
│ │
│ Poor │
│ Fair │
│ Good │
│ Very Good │
│ Excellent │
│ │
│ OK │
└───────────────────────────┘
However, looking at the CONDITION field on screen (in
your database record), you will see an alpha entry,
such as "Excellent."
The reason this was done is because we're too lazy to
type "Excellent" for 70, 120, or more records. We wanted
a way to enter common data without all that typing. We
figured you might not relish typing this out either.
One of the problems we've seen in most databases has
two symptoms, but it's the same problem:
Commonly typed data gets misspelled. Searches
tend to suffer.
People tend to abbreviate a lot. This winds
up being confusing for others. Was "P" POOR
or PREMIUM ?
So, considering we were lazy and had a dislike for too
much abbreviation, we came up with common spelling
files. They are simply a shortcut to get readable,
meaningful data on the screen or a printer.
To operate the CONDITION field, click the desired text,
and click "OK". The current condition is shown in RED
lettering when the window pops up. Clicking "OK", or
pressing ENTER or ESCAPE will not change the data.
In condition, you may alternately use the keyboard arrow
keys to move the RED lettering to the desired text.
In the Common Spelling File window (Field 4), you MUST
use the mouse. A second set of scroll arrows is presented
within this window. You may click these up and down to
scroll through the list. As in CONDITION, the present
selection is RED lettered. Simply click the desired text
to highlight it, and click "OK" or press ENTER. You can
also click the gray part of the scroll bar to get to the
top or bottom of the list quickly. The DRAG function of
the scroll button is disabled for now to maintain a
semblence of compatibility with the TEXT only version
(currently 1.03) of Collect! The click of the gray area
allows movement through all 30 possible choices by
"paging" 15 at a time. This will be amended on the next
release of the text version (1.04), which will allow up
to 100 words / phrases.
To finish editing, press the ESCAPE key, or click the
EXIT button. You will then return to the view mode.
Press Escape once more when you wish to quit viewing;
this will return you to the main menu.
QUICK GUAGES:
By clicking somewhere on the Yellow 'Legal Pad' you will bring up
the QUICK GUAGES window. These guages are used to give you an idea
of how this (current) particular item stacks up financially against
the other items in the Data File.
** PRINT:
Printing out data from Collect! Print will use any
printer at LPT1, including Lasers. If you have
only one printer, this is no problem.
Collect! printouts have the capability of being
masked. Masking is much like the use of masking
tape during painting. Masked data fields will
not be printed. Print, when selected, assumes
that you want to print a record or group of
records in their entireity.
Collect! printing will "page" the data (it assumes
a continuous sheet type printer, such as a dot matrix
with a tractor feed or LASER with a paper tray) so
that the page breaks will be skipped. The print function
is not designed to print to a single feed device such as
older Daisy Wheel printers.
THE PRINT WINDOW:
Print All
Prints the entire Data File in memory.
Print Last Search
Prints all records from last search. If no search was
ever performed, it prints 0 records.
Print Current Entry
Prints the record currently on screen.
Print Entry Number
Allows you to enter a record number to print.
Print Using Mask
Pops up another print window for further choices
using the print mask.
Set Up Mask
The mouse MUST be used...
Masked fields (those that will NOT be printed) will
show up in grey lettering, and the corresponding check
box will show up with an "X" in it.
To Mask a data field, click the check box. Subsequent
clicks of the check box will TOGGLE the state of the
masking ON and OFF.
When you print any records using the mask, the GREY
(or checked) fields and the corresponding Data will
not be printed. Close the window in the usual manner
and the mask data will be saved to the disk.
PRINT USING MASK MENU:
This window has choices 1 - 4 as in normal Print, but the
mask is used.
Why use a mask? If you are a dealer, masking off the "price
paid" field would enable you to hand a printout directly to
a customer. Likewise, a trader may not want privy information
about an item being given out. A printout is much easier to
generate than a typed or handwritten list, and is more
convenient than memory alone. In the UTILITIES is another
use for the mask.
** UTILITIES:
used to Change Printout Header or Edit
Database Fields.
THE UTILITIES MENU:
Change Printout Name
When Collect! prints records, it starts out by
first printing a header. The default says
"Collect! ver. 1.XX"
You can change this to anything you prefer, such
as "Mr. Bill's Baseball Card Emporium / Choklit Shoppe."
When any printouts are made, the header precedes any
of your collection data. This header comes up only
once per printout. If you print 1 record, the header
will be printed first. If you print out 20 records,
the header will likewise be printed only once, NOT
once per record.
Auto Backup
Normally, data files loaded by Collect! are not automatically
backed up upon OPENing. This can cause loading of large files
to take a long time. The TOGGLE allows enabling of this feature
for those of you who desire the extra safety factor.
( WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG?
Collect! Data Files are saved as ASCII text, not as a binary
form most databases use. The primary reason is that the data
is easier to reconstruct if something becomes corrupted. You
can reconstruct binary data if you know the format, but having
it as ASCII makes it a bit easier. )
By default, it is "OFF" when Collect! starts.
To change the state, bring up the AUTO SAVE TOGGLE window
and press ENTER. Subsequent presses will toggle the state
ON and OFF. When it is in the desired state, Press ESCAPE
to EXIT the window. You may also toggle the state using the
mouse by clicking the check box, which is checked when ON.
Copy / Cut / Paste
This selection uses data from the LAST SEARCH and brings
up another menu window. The Last Search data can be moved
into other files (which erases the records in the current
file) or copied into other files (which leaves the current
file intact.)
If you choose to move or copy data to a new file, you are
asked for a FileName. Should the filename already exist,
Collect! will NOT let you overwrite this - you must come
up with a unique name. Whenever a Copy/Cut/Paste choice is
selected and used, a dialog box will appear to confirm that
what you wanted has been done. All you need to do is press
Enter or click the 'OK'.
The next option is Modem File. This is simply a mechanism
to copy search data onto the disk as ASCII text that can
be viewed, such as using the DOS 'TYPE' command. The data
is grouped with the appropriate field names and the MASK
is used. For all practical intents and purposes, this
selection does the same thing as PRINT Last Search (Using
Mask) except that the data is routed to the disk instead
of the printer. The new file (DOS extension ".MOD") can
then be sent via disk or MODEM to another collector for
trades, to another dealer for inventory purposes, or to
other interested parties. The receiving party can then
use DOS or a word processor to PRINT out the file as if
Collect! had printed it.
*.DBF File Create
Quite a few database products use the *.DBF (dBASE) file format.
Collect! data can be Exported into other products by writing a
copy of the data file to the disk in a comma delimited sequential
file format. This is then readable by dBASE, Paradox, and other
database products supporting the dBASE format.
Statistics
This choice pops up a menu with 3 choices. The first two
are graphs, and the third is just BASIC statistics that
shows how much the items are worth on the average. The
graphs show you how much you've been spending by year,
and how much the items are worth vs. the year purchased.
┌────────────────────────────────┐
│ FILES AND BACKING UP OF DATA │
└────────────────────────────────┘
Files used by Collect! use a DOS extension of .ADB and
.BAK. If you have the Auto Backup Toggle turned on,
the .BAK file is created as soon as the .ADB file
(your database) is loaded, and it is an image of the
.ADB file that got loaded. This is done to provide you
with a last resort way of saving your data. Normally,
you never see the backups, nor do you see the .ADB DOS
extension.
If you do lose your primary file and require use of the
backup, exit Collect! to DOS and rename the backup. For
instance, if you were somehow to lose your database called
"DOLLS", what you lost was the file DOLLS.ADB. The backup
would be called DOLLS.BAK, and you could then use the DOS
'RENAME' command as follows:
A:> rename dolls.bak dolls.adb
This will now be loadable by Collect!, and Collect! will
then create another backup as soon as you Load the
file name "DOLLS."
A batch file called "NAME.BAT", provided on the
distribution floppy, does the same thing; however,
it is easier to use:
A:> name dolls
If possible, you should use 720K or higher capacity
disks so that all of your database files (and their
backups) get saved properly. Better yet, place Collect!
on your hard drive; just remember to make file backups
and place them in a safety deposit box.
The batch file "ADB2A.BAT", provided on the distribution
floppy, will copy all of your .ABD database files to a
formatted floppy disk in drive A:
C:\Collect!>adb2a
After all, it IS the database files that are important
to save; this batch file copies them over in a fast way
so that you do not have to back up the whole drive.
The batch file "INSTALL.BAT" will create a subdirectory
on your hard disk and install Collect!
COLLECTION TYPE EDITOR: EDITYPE.EXE
The supplied collection types were originally lifted from
the text version of Collect!. Since we have found that very
little time is actually spent adding TYPES, it seemed prudent
to have this as a Standalone utility. This TEXT mode program
will allow you to Create or Edit a collection type:
You can customize the data field names for your
collections, and Create or Edit a Common Spelling
File unique to your application.
Edit Collection Type
The entire main screen window is cleared, and a series of
letters (A-Z) are shown. Each letter is related to a type
of collection. Collect! is allowed 26 different collection
types per disk or directory.
We have provided some startup samples:
c = sports cards
m = tape (movies) library
s = stamp collection
a = antiques / misc.
t = audio library
b = book library
These samples can be kept as is or modified. Modification
and creation of wholly new collection types is the purpose
of the editor. Perhaps you can use one of the supplied
samples with some modification.
When you create data files that are used by Collect!, each
is "keyed" to a collection type. This is the mechanism that
allows you to LOAD the books data file and see the fields
related to books on screen.
The distribution floppy, for instance, comes with the
following example data files:
* Movies
* Audio
* Stamps
* Antiques
* Books
The next step is to decide if you wish to modify an existing
collection type or create a new one. Press a letter key at
this point. If you choose an unused letter, you will see a
default set of field names. If you choose a "used" letter,
the corresponding fields are shown. If you press 'Esc', you
will be returned to the main screen.
To the right of these names is the expected entry type. The
entry type is fixed; be careful not to insert TEXT data in
a field that would normally expect numeric data.
FIELD Entry Types: (1st 13 entries)
* TEXT
Alpha Numeric -
e.g. letters and numbers, such as
1622 Wesson Ave. or John Smith.
* INTEGER
Numeric -
Whole numbers in the range
-32767 to +32767, such as
1111 or 1897 or -34.
* FLOATING POINT
Numeric -
entry with a decimal point, such as
10.87 or 1298767986.098.
SPECIAL FIELD Entry Types: (Entries 14 - 16)
14) EDITOR MESSAGE
This is the reminder for pressing F1 key at
entry #4 in the EDIT mode:
┌───────────────────────────────────────┐
│ To Change XXXX or CONDITION, Press F1 │
└───────────────────────────────────────┘
where XXXXX is what you would like to call
the field.
This should be filled in when you are also using
the TEXT version of Collect!. However, the graphics
version ignores this.
15) FIELD 4 COMMON DATA FILE WINDOW NAME
During operation of Collect! in the EDIT mode,
pressing the F1 key at field # 4 pops up the
common spelling file window. The window is labeled;
this will change the name of the window.
Same as above. You need to edit this ONLY if you
will be running the TEXT version.
16) DATABASE NAME
When Collect! is up and running, the name of the
database is put on the screen (Upper Left) for you.
This entry allows you to name the database template
what you wish.
Screen entries are limited in length by the editor (It
doesn't want you to let the Collect! screen data overlap.)
To EDIT a field name, simply type the corresponding number
and press 'Enter.' Then, begin typing the new name. Press
'Enter' when done.
Press 'Esc' when you are done editing. You will be asked
whether or not to save the changes. If YES, you proceed to
editing of the Common Spelling File. If NO, you are returned
to the main screen.
You may wish to view a couple of included samples prior
to creating a new collection type.
Editing of the Common Spelling File is the same as above.
Press 'Esc' when done and you will return to the main screen.
The common spelling file will be automatically saved.
┌─────────────┐
│ SHAREWARE │
└─────────────┘
As this programme is distributed as "shareware", you should
know a little about the concept. Shareware is not free.
Basically, if you use this programme and you like it, we
would like to be paid for it. Shareware is a method of
distribution that allows you, the user, to have obtain
quality software without going through a middleman. Many
of today's best known programmes either ARE shareware or got
their start this way.
One of the wonderful things about shareware is the "try
before you buy" philosophy. You also are free to make
copies and distribute them at your discretion, providing
that you do not charge a fee for any distribution. Each
recipient can also try Collect! and register if they can
use it. Upon registration, we will send you a manual and a
new registered copy of the programme. Also, you will recieve
free upgrades for one year, including the upcoming Windows
version.
Registering this programme is simple: You may order by cheque,
Credit Card, or Money Order. The Cost is $40.00.
Contact:
L.J. Alston
1320 Standiford Ave.
Suite # 242
Modesto CA 95350
(209) 522-8666 Voice or FAX
Collect! is copyrighted material (c) 1991 G.L. Alston
All rights reserved.
DOS and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.,
Redmond, Washington, USA.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines,
Armonk, New York, USA.
INSTRUCT.TXT
INSTRUCTIONS:
This readme file uses the Public Utility "BROWSE.COM"
To read the Collect! manual:
Use the PgUp and PgDn keys to move one screen at a time, and use
the up and down arrow keys to move one line at a time.
Press Escape [Esc] when you are done reading about Collect!
.
WINDOWS.TXT
Microsoft Windows(tm) 3.0 Users Note:
If you are intending to launch Collect! from Microsoft Windows 3.0,
we've included 2 files that will help:
collect!.ico ---------- Collect! Icon file
collect!.pif ---------- Collect! PIF file
The icon file can be directly inserted into the DOS Applications
group.
The supplied PIF file is set up as:
dir - c:\collect\collect!.exe
mode - GRAPHICS MODE REAL/STANDARD MODE
RAM - requires 540K RAM
The PIF file tells Windows(tm) to allocate a minimum of 540K RAM to
Collect!, and where it is located.
Directory of PC-SIG Library Disk #3349
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
COLLECTV ZIP 174597 4-14-92 1:47p
COLLECTT ZIP 116219 4-14-92 2:32p
BROWSE COM 958 1-02-86 3:54a
DESCRIPT ION 2141 2-09-92 2:28p
README 1ST 19242 2-09-92 2:21p
README BAT 22 2-09-92 1:00p
GO BAT 32 1-28-93 8:06a
SHOW EXE 2040 9-12-88 10:48a
8 file(s) 315251 bytes
3072 bytes free