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PC-SIG Diskette Library (Disk #3944)
[PCjs Machine "ibm5170"]
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CDROM.TXT
T h e P C - S I G L i b r a r y o n C D - R O M,
1 2 t h E d i t i o n
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The PC-SIG Library on CD-ROM, winner of the Optical Publishing
Association's Best Consumer Product Award, has added a hypermedia
interface that makes it easy to find and download any type of program
you could want. The WordCruncher text retrieval program has also been
implemented to assist you insearching this vast collection.
This CD-ROM contains over 3700 fully functional shareware programs, each
with a detailed review. The 12th Edition has added over 300 new programs
and over 500 updates since the release of the 11th Edition. The
collection is always kept current and now contains over 70 megabytes of
Windows 3.0 and 3.1 applications, fonts, icons, games and wallpaper
files.
The range of software is phenomenal! There are huge assortments of
games, everything from adventure games with full SVGA and SoundBlaster
support to favorites like Klondike, Chess and Othello. Spreadsheets,
databases, wordprocessors and graphics programs are instantly available
and there are literally hundreds of unique and specialized programs that
will save you time and money. This amazing collection will help you get
a handle on all your business and home accounting and also teach your
children about zoology.
Each of the more than 3700 programs has a one-line description for quick
reference, Just pick one of the 13 software categories and a subcategory
to begin browsing for a program that interests you. You might choose the
Games Category, where you can pick from 12 subcatgories including
Adventure, Arcade, Cards and more. A mouse click (or keyboard stroke) on
the program title takes you to a detailed description of the program.
you can immediately download the software to your hard or floppy drive,
and in many cases view a screen shot.
You can find any program in the collection quickly and easily by using
the search button. When you are in a program category just type in the
title of the program and you will be taken to the description of that
program. The popular WordCruncher text retrieval program has been added
to allow searching every description for any word within that
description, not just in the title or keywords chosen by someone who
thinks differently than you do. The WordCruncher is ideal for finding
programs which perform a specific function, just try searching for
"split", "math" or "subtract". Or switch to the Disks section where you
will find an alphabetical list of all the programs which can be searched
by program title or disk number.
Everyone has their favorite programs and we're no exception. Our 44
favorite programs can be run immediately. No downloading is necessary,
all you do is click on the word "RUN" in the program description and
you'll be working or playing with top notch software right on the CD.
The power of hypermedia will allow you to try out more software than you
ever thought possible. We are sure that you will find a multitude of
programs to your liking on the P-SIG Library on CD-ROM.
System Requirements: IBM PC/AT PS/2 or compatible with 640K, DOS 3.3 or
higher, Microsoft MS-DOS CD-ROM Extensions and a CD-ROM player. We
recommend a 386 with a VGA monitor.
T h e E s s e n t i a l H o m e & B u s i n e s s C o l l e c t i o n
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Never before has such a valuable collection of popular shareware been
compiled on one CD-ROM that everyone can afford." Dr. File Finder a.k.a.
Michael Callahan
Finally, 368 of the most useful, popular, important shareware programs
have been put together on one CD. No matter what your need, it's on The
Essential Home & Business Collection. Everything from Administration to
Windows software is here.
The Essential CD incorporates the WordCruncher text retrieval system.
Every program on the disc is indexed by title, filename, PC-SIG disk
number, and every word in the program description. A new utility, Narc,
is implemented so you can look at the program files and the author's
on-line documentation without having to first copy the program to your
hard disk. By using WordCruncher and Narc, you can quickly find the
program you want and review it to be sure, without ever having to run it
from your hard disk.
If you've got a CD-ROM player at home and want to get more use of it and
your computer, or if you're trying to avoid purchasing another Nintendo
cartridge, or if you just enjoy looking at new software, you need The
Essential Home & Business Collection.
System Requirements:
IBM PC/XT/AT PS/2 or compatible with 384K memory DOS 3.1 or higher and
Microsoft MS-DOS CD ROM extensions.
T h e P C - S I G G a m e s C D - R O M
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Now you can play a game a day fo over a year. This CD-ROM is jammed
with over 380 shareware games of all types, designed to appeal to the
new generation of CD-ROM users out for fun. The CD incorporates a
hypermedia interface and allows 250 of the games to be played directly
from the CD-ROM.
The hottest games in shareware are on this disk, including the
action/arcade games "Jill of the Jungle" and "Wolfenstein 3D," which
rival or surpass commercial PC and Nintendo for use of animation,
SoundBlaster audio, and VGA graphics. There are also games designed to
teach children mathematics, spelling and even ecology. All these games
for less than a dime each!
Over 250 of the games can be played directly from the CD without copying
them to a floppy or a hard drive. Being able to run from the CD means
that users can explore games without using up valuable hard disk space
or spending time downloading and deleting files. The hypermedia
interface makes it easy to browse the titles, read a one line
description or full review, and copy or start a game by clicking the
mouse or using the keyboard.
T h e P C - S I G W o r l d o f G a m e s C D - R O M
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The new PC-SIG World of Games CD-ROM contains over 550 of the best
shareware games, including 53 educational games for children and 57
Windows games. 430 of them can be played directly from the CD without
using your hard drive space.
This edition employs the award-winning HyperReader interface, allowing
easy searching and playing by using a mouse or the keyboard.
This CD is the first in a six-volume PC-SIG Encyclopedia of Shareware
series. Each volume will include the programs from a section of the
PC-SIG collection and also the programs and text from the current issue
of Shareware Magazine. This CD contains the entire text from the
May/June issue of Shareware Magazine, featuring hardware reviews of
the Tandy Sensation and the Media Vision Pro 16 Multimedia System.
Software reviews included cover 58 new shareware releases, security,
educational, CD audio and PIM's. 159 of the programs mentioned in the
magazine are included and can be downloaded using the HyperReader
interface.
There are also 89 programs which were updated since the last issue of
Shareware Magazine, helping those of you who have purchased the 12th
edition of the PC-SIG Library keep on top of the everchanging world
of shareware.
As well, a description of every program in the PC-SIG Library can be
searched with the WordCruncher text retrieval program. This Games CD
continues the ten year PC-SIG tradition of providing quality programs
and information to help you find the best program for your purpose.
System Requirements: IBM PC/AT/PS/2 or compatible computer with 640K,
DOS 3.3 or higher, Microsoft MS-DOS CD-ROM Extensions and a CD-ROM
player. We recommend a 386 with a VGA monitor.
To Order in the U.S.A.: Call 800-245-6717 and ask for Customer Service.
For Technical information: Call 408-730-9291 and ask for Technical
Support
Outside the U.S.A.: Call (408) 730-9291 for the name of the dealer near
you.
ARTICLE.TXT
File: article.txt
To: Editors and Columnists From: Scott Olmsted, Nuts & Bolts Software
[Permission is given to use the following article as is, or as source material for other articles, provided that the information in the last paragraph is retained]
Update Your Mailing List Using The NCOA On Disk
by Scott M. Olmsted, Nuts & Bolts Software
Are you a small business with a mailing list maintained on a desktop PC? If so, you know it takes work to maintain your list: purging bad addresses, entering forwarding addresses, and so forth. Up to 20% of the U.S. population moves every year, and a mailing list can go "stale" very quickly, increasing the cost of reaching each prospect.
How much would it be worth to you to receive address correction and ZIP+4 for your list without the time and cost of manual data entry? Almost any reasonable numbers for printing, postage, and data entry costs will yield a value of several cents per name in your list. And yet, though it is little known among small business owners, there is such a service available for $7.00 per 1000 names. That's less than one cent per name!
The information is supplied by the National Change Of Address Center (NCOA), a part of the US Postal Service. The services are actually provided by a dozen or so vendors under license to the NCOA. While most NCOA users are large mailers that supply their lists on magnetic tape, one vendor provides the service on floppy disks.
To use the service, you send your mailing list on disk in a fixed-field format. The NCOA vendor returns your disks accompanied by additional disks. On these they write your original fields, plus an additional 470 characters in 24 fields. Included is a standardized version with ZIP+4 of the address you supplied, a forwarding address if one is on file, and several flags with information about these addresses. It is left to you to combine all this information into a form you can use.
This is more complex and time-consuming than most small businesses can handle. That is why Nuts & Bolts Software has created a shareware product to do it all for you. With EZ-NCOA, you merely export your mailing list in comma-delimited ASCII format. From this file EZ-NCOA creates the disks you send to the NCOA. EZ-NCOA then reads the disks returned by the NCOA, and creates a new comma-delimited ASCII file for you to import into your mailing list.
You need do no programming, nor figure out any complex file formats. EZ-NCOA preserves all the non-address fields in your list and makes using the NCOA a breeze. In addition, EZ-NCOA can make the results more attractive. The NCOA supplies all addresses in upper case only because the Postal Service prefers this. Upper case is easier for their automated mail sorters to read. The registered version of EZ-NCOA can convert addresses to upper and lower case if that is what you prefer.
What kind of results can you expect? While the NCOA does not have a forwarding address for every move, our experience is that you can obtain 70% to 90% of those that have been filed by the addressee. The older your list, the more valuable the NCOA service becomes; however, even a list that has not been corrected for only six months can be cost-effective to process. In addition, every invalid address can be removed from your list and ZIP+4 added to all addresses. For mailers adding barcodes, the NCOA is now supplying the extra two "Delivery Digits" needed to qualify for barcoding discounts after March 21, 1993.
A registered copy of EZ-NCOA is available from Nuts & Bolts Software, 1324 Calle Scott, Encinitas CA 92024, (619) 942-9692, for $55.00 plus $4.00 shipping and handling ($5.00 Canada and $8.00 outside North America).
EZNCOA.DOC
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EZ-NCOA
Version 4.03
Unregistered Evaluation Copy
User Guide
February 25, 1993
CONTENTS
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2. How Does EZ-NCOA Work? . . . . . . . 2
3. Prepare Your Computer . . . . . . . 5
4. Send Your Mailing List To The NCOA . 6
5. Receive The NCOA Output . . . . . . 7
6. Technical Notes . . . . . . . . . . 8
7. Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 9
8. Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
9. An Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Copyright 1991, 1992, 1993 Scott M. Olmsted.
All rights reserved.
Nuts & Bolts Software
1324 Calle Scott, Encinitas, CA 92024
Tel: (619) 942-9692 Fax: (619) 942-9377
DISCLAIMER
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS," THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES,
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ALL SUCH WARRANTIES ARE EXPRESSLY AND
SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED. NEITHER NUTS AND BOLTS SOFTWARE
NOR ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CREATION,
PRODUCTION, OR DELIVERY OF THIS SOFTWARE SHALL BE LIABLE FOR
ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES
ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE SUCH SOFTWARE EVEN
IF NUTS AND BOLTS SOFTWARE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR CLAIMS.
This disclaimer shall be governed by the laws of
the State of California and shall inure to the benefit of
Scott M. Olmsted, his successors, administrators, heirs and assigns.
1. Introduction Page 1
===============
EZ-NCOA is a software product for IBM PC's and compatibles
that is used to send mailing lists to the National Change of Address
Center (NCOA) on diskette. The services provided by the NCOA include
supplying forwarding addresses on file, standardizing addresses, and
adding ZIP+4 and Carrier Route codes.
The NCOA is a part of the U.S. Postal Service and contracts with a
dozen or more vendors to supply NCOA services to mailers. While all
large mailers use these services, they do so using 9-track tape as
the medium. One vendor has a contract to supply these services on
diskette. While the formats that the NCOA vendor uses to accept and
return data are not complex, in practice it is difficult to combine
the information supplied by the NCOA with an existing mailing list.
In general, it is a job for a database programmer--unless you have
EZ-NCOA.
EZ-NCOA handles all the details of preparing diskettes to
send and reading the diskettes received. All you do is export your
mailing list in a standard format (comma-delimited ASCII text) from
whatever database or mailing list program you are using and run
EZ-NCOA. Then send the diskettes produced to the NCOA vendor
and wait for their return. When the NCOA returns your diskettes, run
EZ-NCOA again, then import the standardized and updated list
into your database or mailing list program. That's all!
What Will This Shareware Version Of EZ-NCOA Do For Me?
-------------------------------------------------------------
With this version, you are able to create a new version of your list
from which records with invalid addresses have been removed, and
which has forwarding addresses substituted where appropriate. All
names and addresses will be in upper case (the NCOA supplies only
upper case). ZIP codes are regular five digit ZIP or ZIP followed by
ZIP+4, separated by a dash.
What Will The Registered Version Of EZ-NCOA Do For Me?
-------------------------------------------------------------
With a registered version of EZ-NCOA you can retain all records and
can retrieve flags indicating whether an address is invalid or has
been replaced by a forwarding address. You can retrieve ZIP+4,
carrier routes, and "Nixie" flags, which indicate close but not
exact matches to the change of address file. And, you can have
EZ-NCOA convert names and addresses to upper and lower case. If you
have sent a job to NCOA with the unregistered version, you need NOT
resend your job to the NCOA to process it with the registered version
as long as you save the SOURCE file you created or are able to create
another SOURCE file with names in the exact same order.
How Do I Register?
------------------
Run EZ-NCOA and choose the Register option. At the Register
screen, hit the HOME key. EZ-NCOA will create a file called
"invoice.txt". Print this file and send with the registration fee,
plus shipping, to Nuts & Bolts Software, or give it to your Accounts
Payable Department for payment.
2. How Does EZ-NCOA Work? Page 2
================================
EZ-NCOA is an enhanced and specialized file format converter.
It converts your mailing list to a format understood by the NCOA and
converts the NCOA output back into a form understood by your
database or mailing list program.
---------- --------- --------
| | | | | |
| Database | -> SOURCE --> | | -> NCOA INPUT --> | |
| or | File | EZ-NCOA | File | NCOA |
| Mailing | | | | Vendor |
| List | <- FORWARD <- | | <- NCOA OUTPUT <- | |
| | File | | File | |
---------- --------- --------
The first step is to create the SOURCE file by exporting from your
database or mailing list program the records to be updated.
The next step is to run EZ-NCOA and choose Send Data. Here
you tell EZ-NCOA the name of your SOURCE file. You will also
tell EZ-NCOA which fields in the SOURCE file contain name and
address information.
EZ-NCOA analyzes the SOURCE file and tells you how many
diskettes you will need to send your list to the NCOA. At this point
you may format diskettes if needed. EZ-NCOA then writes the
NCOA INPUT file to diskette(s).
Optionally, you may simulate an NCOA OUTPUT file. This has exactly
the same format as the file to be sent to you by the NCOA, though of
course it does not contain forwarding information. Use this if you
wish to test the entire updating process before sending diskettes to
the NCOA.
The next step is to print the file EZ-NCOA has created
showing the first 20 records and to fill out the NCOA Processing
Order Form. EZ-NCOA will show you exactly how to fill out
this form.
You then send the NCOA INPUT diskettes, Order Form, and printout to
the NCOA vendor. In two to three weeks you will receive their
package COD. It will contain your NCOA INPUT diskettes and their
NCOA OUTPUT diskettes.
The next step is to run EZ-NCOA and choose Receive Data. Here
you tell EZ-NCOA the name of your SOURCE file and the name of
the NCOA OUTPUT file (which the NCOA has assigned). EZ-NCOA
then constructs a new file, the FORWARD file, from these two files.
The FORWARD file has the same fields as your SOURCE file, but
contains standardized and updated addresses. Records with invalid
addresses have been removed.
The last step is to import the FORWARD file into your database after
first making provisions that you do not end up with duplicate
records.
3. Prepare Your Computer Page 3
========================
Make enough disk space for the SOURCE and FORWARD files
-------------------------------------------------------
In order to work with a wide variety of database and mailing list
programs, EZ-NCOA inputs the SOURCE file in the most common
"interchange" format available: comma-delimited ASCII (see the
Glossary for a definition).
You must have enough free space on your hard drive (or floppy, if
that is your working drive) to hold the SOURCE file, and when the
NCOA returns its output to you, the FORWARD file as well (at the
same time). Generally, the size of each of these files will be
roughly 100 bytes per record, unless your records have fields with
more than just name, address, and phone number. Just a comment field
can average 50 or more bytes per record (but not if this field is
empty on most records).
To calculate how much free space you need, multiply the number of
names you intend to send to the NCOA times the average record size
times 2. Compare this with the amount of free space available. This
can usually be found by typing "chkdsk" to the DOS prompt. If this
command does not work for you, please don't call us; simply continue
to the next chapter. Your database or mailing list program will tell
you if you run out of disk space while creating the SOURCE file.
If you discover that there is not enough disk space to create the
SOURCE file, you must delete or archive some files to make space. Be
very careful what you delete! If there is enough space for the
SOURCE file, but not for the FORWARD file, you may postpone the day
of spacemaking until the NCOA returns its information to you, but
you will need to create enough space at that time.
4. Send Your Mailing List To The NCOA Page 4
=====================================
Step 1 -- Print the NCOA Diskette Processing Order Form
-------------------------------------------------------
Print the file "order.frm". It is adapted from the official NCOA
Processing Order Form supplied with the registered version of Please
Forward.
Step 2 -- Export your list to the SOURCE file
---------------------------------------------
Export from your database a comma-delimited ASCII text file (not a
fixed field or dBase or any other type of file) of the records that
contain the addresses you wish to update. You may choose any name
for this SOURCE file (Example: july13.src). Typically you tell your
database program the directory and name in one step:
Export to: c:\ezncoa\july13.src
Export all fields and do not change the order of the fields. This
will make importing the updated list easier later.
Step 3 - Start EZ-NCOA
-----------------------------
Start EZ-NCOA by exiting your database, exiting to DOS from
your menu program (if you use one), and typing:
cd \ezncoa
ezncoa
Each command in EZ-NCOA will be highlighted. Hit ENTER to set
a command in motion or accept an item, and TAB to skip to the next
allowed command or item. To return to a previous item, hit TAB
several times to go "around the circle". Generally, ENTER is the
right choice for taking the next step.
Step 4 - Create the NCOA INPUT file
-----------------------------------
At the Send Data command hit ENTER to move to the Create NCOA INPUT
File screen.
First, enter the directory and filename (the "path") for the SOURCE
file.
Next, select Choose Fields. EZ-NCOA displays the input fields
understood by the NCOA and allows you to designate your fields as
containing that information. See Figure 3. For each item highlighted
use SPACE or up and down arrows to select a field from your database
or mailing list.
For example, if your list contains a Prefix field ("Mr.", "Mrs.",
etc.), and it is the seventh field in each record, hit SPACE seven
times until '7' shows in the top of the left column headed "Field:"
and the right column shows the Prefix of the first record in your
file. If your file contains no Prefix field, simply hit ENTER.
Page 5
Do this for each field. At a minimum you must specify a Name field,
and Delivery Address, City, State, and ZIP fields. If both the first
and last name are in one field, choose that field for Last or Both.
At See Next Record you may hit SPACE to display the next record.
Hit ENTER to move to Accept Fields and ENTER again to accept your
choices.
EZ-NCOA will save the information from this screen so that
you will not have to repeat the input process should you repeat the
Choose Fields screen.
After accepting these fields and returning to the Send Data screen,
choose the Output Drive and the drive size. You may choose a drive
other than A or B, such as C, for doing a test run. EZ-NCOA
assumes drives C and above are hard drives, so no drive size
selection is offered.
Next, select Analyze Input. EZ-NCOA will read the SOURCE file
and analyze it in preparation for creating the NCOA INPUT file.
EZ-NCOA will display the number of records in the file and
how many diskettes are needed to hold the NCOA INPUT file to be
created.
If you need to format diskettes, select DOS: Format Disks to invoke
a DOS shell. Type "exit" to return to EZ-NCOA.
Next, choose Write NCOA INPUT File. EZ-NCOA will prompt you
to insert each diskette in turn and will report on how many records
it has written. Label each diskette with its sequence number and the
total number of diskettes: "3/5" means Disk 3 of 5.
Step 5 -- Fill out the order form
---------------------------------
Select "Display Filled Out Form". Copy the information displayed to
the NCOA Diskette Processing Order Form. Where you are required to
make choices not yet made, you will see question marks. Make the
appropriate choices.
If you have not yet printed the order form, TAB to DOS: Format
Diskettes to invoke a DOS shell from which you can print. When you
return, TAB to "Display Filled Out Form" and proceed.
Step 6 -- Print the file showing the first twenty records
---------------------------------------------------------
EZ-NCOA creates a file with the extension ".prt" showing the
first twenty records of the NCOA INPUT file. Type "print july13.prt"
(or the name of your file) to DOS. This printout is desirable but
not absolutely necessary; you may send your order without it.
Step 7 -- Backup Your Data
--------------------------
Backup your source file and two files that EZ-NCOA has
created; for the example: july13.src, july13.fld, july13.ezd.
EZ-NCOA must have these files when your data is returned by
the NCOA!
Step 8 -- Send order to NCOA Page 6
----------------------------
Send your diskettes, order form, and printout to the NCOA vendor:
NCOA Diskette Processing
Lorton Data
43 Main St SE Suite 504
Minneapolis MN 55414-1068
The charge is $7.00 per thousand names, with a $25 minimum, plus a
$10 shipping charge, and a few dollars for postage. They ship C.O.D.
The vendor will often call to tell you how much the C.O.D charges
will be. To make this more likely, write "Please call with C.O.D.
charges" on the order form.
5. Receive The NCOA Output Page 7
==========================
The return package from the NCOA vendor will contain your original
diskettes and one or more NCOA OUTPUT diskettes. In this section we
will describe how to retrieve the updated information on these
diskettes.
Step 9 - Create the FORWARD file
--------------------------------
Start EZ-NCOA, tab to Receive Data and hit ENTER to move to
the Read NCOA OUTPUT File screen. Type the SOURCE directory and
filename. EZ-NCOA will show the number of records in the
SOURCE file.
Next, choose the drive from which to read the NCOA OUTPUT diskettes
and enter the name of the NCOA OUTPUT file on the first diskette. It
is written on the diskette and is usually made from your business
name. Here we will call it "bizname". EZ-NCOA will construct
a path for reading this file. You may make corrections if Please
Forward's assumptions are wrong.
Finally, select Read NCOA OUTPUT File. EZ-NCOA will prompt
you to insert the NCOA OUTPUT diskettes. Reading and processing the
NCOA OUTPUT diskettes will generally take one to two minutes each.
The speed will be highly dependent on the speed of your disk drives
and, to a lesser degree, on the speed of your processor.
Step 10 - Import the SOURCE file into your mailing list
-------------------------------------------------------
As was suggested earlier, the best way to handle your list is to
import the FORWARD file into a new, empty database to avoid creating
duplicate entries. If you have to import a part of your list into a
database, your last task will be to remove duplicates.
6. Technical Notes Page 8
==================
Simulate NCOA OUTPUT File
-------------------------
One option on the Send Data screen is Simulate NCOA OUTPUT File.
This choice will write a file identical in format to that supplied
by the NCOA. Use it to test the entire cycle of sending and
receiving data.
Each record in an NCOA OUTPUT file requires 470 bytes; thus a 10,000
record file will require about 4.7 megabytes. You may write this
file to diskettes, or you may select a hard drive to hold this file
(EZ-NCOA treats any drive except A and B as a hard drive). Unlike
the NCOA vendor, which chooses a new name for the NCOA OUTPUT file,
the simulated NCOA OUTPUT file will have the same name as your
source file, with the extension ".001" (and ".002", ".003", etc. if
you write it to multiple diskettes).
Most of the entries in the simulated NCOA OUTPUT file will be
simulated standardized addresses (on "Standardized Blvd") or
simulated forwarding addresses (on "Forwarding St").
7. Error Messages Page 9
=================
Couldn't create directory
EZ-NCOA could not create the directory in which to install
its files. The drive may be full.
Couldn't find filename
The file is not where EZ-NCOA expected to find it. Check
the spelling of the file and directory. If you are on the Receive
screen and the file is the SOURCE file, you must restore it from
your backup. EZ-NCOA must have your SOURCE file to create a
FORWARD file.
Couldn't open file example.ezd
You must first run the Send procedure and choose Simulate NCOA
OUTPUT File before running the Receive procedure on the example
data. See page 12 for more information on the example.
Couldn't open file filename.ezd
Some condition is keeping EZ-NCOA from opening this file.
If this file has been erased, you must create it again by running
the Send procedure on your original SOURCE file.
Data on diskette does not match SOURCE file
The NCOA OUTPUT file does not match the SOURCE file. Check to see
that the proper NCOA OUTPUT disk has been inserted.
Diskette is write-protected
Remove the write-protect tab or slide.
Drive not ready
Insert a disk in the floppy drive.
Error in record length
Call Nuts & Bolts Software.
Error in writing file
Some condition is keeping EZ-NCOA from writing a file.
Check disk drives.
Error seeking start of SOURCE file
Call Nuts & Bolts Software.
Must contain PERSONAL NAME or COMPANY NAME field
Each record must contain at least one of these two fields. Hit TAB
until one of them is highlighted, then hit SPACE to choose a name
field.
Must contain DELIVERY ADDRESS or CITY or STATE or ZIP field
Each record must contain this field. Hit TAB until the indicated
field is highlighted, then hit SPACE to choose the field.
No more records
There are no more records to be displayed.
Not enough space on diskette
Diskette will not hold the data you wish to place on it. Choose
another diskette or delete the data on the diskette.
Not enough space on drive
The drive will not hold the data you wish to place on it. Choose
another drive or delete some files from the drive.
SOURCE file analysis interrupted
A key was struck during analysis. Hit TAB to return to command and
ENTER to restart.
SOURCE path empty
You must type a SOURCE directory and filename.
SOURCE path invalid
The indicated SOURCE path does not describe an existing file.
Page 10
STATE field exceeded 2 characters in one or more records
This is a warning that EZ-NCOA found an entry in the STATE
field that contained more than two characters. You may continue,
but a better course of action is to check the database or mailing
list file for errors.
Too many SOURCE fields
EZ-NCOA can handle up to 300 fields in the SOURCE file.
Unknown drive
The indicated drive was not found on your system.
8. Glossary Page 11
===========
9-track tape -- magnetic tape that is 1/2" wide and comes on 12"
reels.
ASCII -- refers to characters that are meant to be printed or
viewed, as opposed to special characters that indicate formatting,
such as fonts, paragraphs, etc. An ASCII file has none of these
special characters. ASCII stands for American Standard Code for
Information Interchange.
comma-delimited ASCII text -- a format for data files with the
fields of each record on one line separated by commas. Example:
"Sally","Field",49,"actress"
"Dan","Quayle",48,"politician"
Fields can be surrounded by quotes. An empty or blank field is
represented by double quotes ("") or consecutive commas. Each record
ends with a carriage return/line feed.
database -- refers both to a program for manipulating large amounts
of data (dBase, Paradox, Q&A, FileMaker, etc.) and to the data that
it manipulates.
DOS shell -- an invocation of the DOS program from inside another
program, such as EZ-NCOA. You will see the DOS prompt, but be
able to return to the program by typing "exit".
export -- refers to creating a copy of a database outside the
database itself. Usually the format of the exported file is chosen
to facilitate its transfer to another program.
format a diskette -- to make a new diskette ready to receive
information. Every diskette ("floppy disk") must be formatted prior
to use (unless it comes "pre-formatted").
field -- the place in which a single piece of information is saved
in a database. Examples: the address field, the city field, etc.
file -- a collection of data referred to by one name. Example:
july13.src.
fixed field format -- a database file format with each record on one
line and each field padded with blanks to contain a fixed number of
characters. No quotes or commas separate fields. Example:
Sally Field 49 actress
Dan Quayle 48 politician
import -- to bring data into a database from an outside file, often
in comma-delimited ASCII or fixed field format.
record -- the name given to all the information in a database about
one person, one product, one event, or the like. A database is a
collection of many records.
9. An Example Page 12
=============
The installation disk contains a typical comma-delimited ASCII file
exported from a mailing list program. To observe the entire Send and
Receive cycle, use this file to simulate an NCOA OUTPUT file, and to
read the file created. You may do this after installation or
directly from the installation diskette. Substitute your hard drive
or diskette for c: and a: below if they are different.
To Send and create a simulated NCOA OUTPUT file
-----------------------------------------------
SOURCE Path: c:\ezncoa\example.src, or a:\example.src to run
directly from installation diskette.
Choose Fields: Hit ENTER to see the selections taken from
example.fld, or ESCAPE to skip.
NCOA INPUT Write To (drive): Hit SPACE twice, ENTER, choose drive
(usually a hard drive such as "C").
NCOA INPUT Path: c:\ezncoa\example.fix. Hit ENTER.
Analyze Source: Hit ENTER.
DOS: Format Diskettes: Hit TAB to skip.
Write NCOA INPUT File: Hit TAB to skip. Normally you would ENTER
here to create the NCOA INPUT file.
Simulate NCOA OUTPUT File: Hit ENTER.
These steps will create several files: example.prt (you would print
this file and attach to the Processing Order Form), example.001 (a
simulated NCOA OUTPUT file) and example.pdf and example.fld
(information files used internally by EZ-NCOA).
To Receive the simulated NCOA OUTPUT file
-----------------------------------------
SOURCE Path: type the same as SOURCE Path above.
NCOA OUTPUT Read From (drive): choose the same as NCOA INPUT Write
To above.
NCOA OUTPUT Filename: example
NCOA OUTPUT Path: c:\ezncoa\example.001. Hit ENTER.
[X] Get all records: Hit ENTER.
[X] Make upper & lower case: Hit ENTER.
Read NCOA Output File: Hit ENTER.
The SOURCE directory should now contain a simulated NCOA OUTPUT file
named example.fwd.
README.TXT
FILE: readme.txt
EZ-NCOA Version 4.03
Version 4.03--Bug Fix
---------------------
Fixes a bug in 4.0 that caused EZ-NCOA to lock up if the Last Name field
contained "&" or " and ".
Version 4.02--User Interaction
------------------------------
Some minor changes were made to the interaction for choosing files.
Version 4.01--Bug Fix
---------------------
Fixes a bug in 4.0 that would not allow the up and down arrow keys
to be used on the INPUT FIELDS screens.
Version 4.0--New Features
-------------------------
The following designators should be used in your FIELDS file to describe
your data file:
"PFX" Prefix
"FIRST" First
"M" Middle
"LAST" Last or Both
"SFX" Suffix
"COMPANY" Company
"DELIVERY" Delivery Addr
"SECONDARY" Secondary Addr
"CITY" City
"ST" State
"99999" ZIP or ZIP-ZIP+4
"1000" Record ID
"4444" ZIP+4 Only
"99" Delivery Point
"9" Check Digit
"CARR" Carrier Route
"X" Bad Address Flag
"1" ZIP Code Flag
"2" Apartment Indicator
"3" RR/HC Indicator
"T" Move Type
"D" Deliverability Code
"9009" Move Effective Date
"N" Nixie Flag
"NIXIE" Nixie Footnotes
Most users will find the Bad Address Flag and perhaps the Deliverability Code
to be all the information they need. The Nixie Footnotes field contains all
27 columns from A to the one past Z that does not yet have a label. The Nixie
Flag field contains either an "A", "B", or "C", depending on which of these
Nixie Footnotes is present (one and only one always is).
If You Must Make Changes To Your Database During NCOA Processing
================================================================
The User Manual warns you not to make changes to your database while you are
waiting for NCOA output. This is because the output is combined with your
SOURCE file in the exact order it was created. If you were to delete or
add any records, EZ-NCOA will be unable to work.
However, if you simply make changes to the fields of existing records without
adding or deleting records, and you then create a new SOURCE file in the SAME
ORDER as the original, EZ-NCOA will have no problem combining the NCOA
output with the new SOURCE file.
Be sure to backup or rename the original SOURCE file before creating a new
one!
VENDOR.DOC
FILE: vendor.doc
PROGRAM NAME: EZ-NCOA
VERSION: 4.03
PUBLISHER: Nuts & Bolts Software
1324 Calle Scott
Encinitas CA 92024
Tel: (619) 942-9692 Fax: (619) 942-9377
PREFERRED BBS FILENAME: EZNCOA.ZIP (or ARC)
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: IBM PC compatible with 256K of memory and a hard disk.
KEYWORDS: Mailing List; ZIP Code; Forwarding Address; NCOA
SHORT DESCRIPTION: A mailing list utility for obtaining forwarding
addresses and other mailing list corrections from the National Change
Of Address Center on diskette.
LONG DESCRIPTION: Mailing list owners can cut mailing and printing
costs with forwarding addresses, ZIP+4, and more from the National
Change Of Address Center. The cost is $7.00 per thousand names. The
NCOA maintains a database of over 100 million address changes going back
three years. Large mailers have for years sent their lists on tape to
the NCOA and now NCOA is available on diskette! EZ-NCOA writes disks for
you to send to the NCOA and reads the disk they send back to you. You
export and import your database in comma-delimited ASCII. All non-
address fields are preserved. Because the Postal Service prefers it,
addresses are supplied in upper case only. The registered version of
EZ-NCOA can convert lists to upper and lower case, as well as obtain
carrier routes, Delivery Point Digits, and other information.
REGISTRATION: $55.00 plus $4.00 S&H ($5 Canada and $8 outside North America)
REGISTERED USERS GET:
[X] Current version of the software with additional features
[X] Printed/bound manual
[X] Free technical support by fax & phone
[X] Notice of updates and upgrades
CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THIS SOFTWARE MAY BE COPIED AND DISTRIBUTED:
Individual users may freely copy this disk and share it with others.
Nonprofit groups (including user groups and BBSs) may distribute copies
of this disk. A fee of no more than $10 may be charged to cover disk
copying costs. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND you call us (24 hours) to make sure
you have the current version. If not, we will supply the current version
at a low cost.
Disk distributors and dealers must have written permission before
selling copies of this disk. When you contact us, you will receive a
free copy of the latest version and you will be placed on our mailing
list to receive updates as they are released. Disk distributors may
charge no more than $10 per disk for copies of this software. If, as a
distributor, you supply copies to other resellers, the end price to the
user may not exceed $10.
Anyone distributing copies of this software, whether for profit or not,
must conform to the following:
The files on the disk may not be modified or adapted in any way. All of
the files provided on the disk must be distributed together. Individual
files of groups of files may not be sold separately. Additional files
may be added and this software may be combined on a disk with other
programs.
This software may not be represented as anything other than shareware
and the shareware concept must be explained in any ad or catalog that
includes this software and on any packaging used to display the disk.
You must immediately stop selling and distributing copies of this disk
upon notice from Nuts & Bolts Software.
PCSIG.TXT
P C - S I G
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Welcome to the world of Shareware, state of the art software you can
actually try before you buy.
Shareware, a term coined in the early eighties, refers to the method of
distribution chosen by the software authors. With shareware, you can
receive a program and put it through its paces without having to pay for
it. If you find the program useful, and choose to keep the program, then
you pay a modest registration fee to the author.
For the last nine years, PC-SIG has been providing shareware and public
domain software to its customers and members. Since 1982 PC-SIG has
developed an unprecedented library of shareware programs, constantly
updated, consistently strong in every category. Our library of
shareware contains over 3500 titles divided into 120 logical categories.
Every program we add to the library is thoroughly reviewed and tested to
insure that each one meets the high standards of reliability and value we
insist upon and you expect. As a result, our library doesn't contain
every shareware program available, just those that really work.
PC-SIG has grown into the premier distributor of shareware and and
shareware information by producing shareware collections on CD-ROM,
publishing an encyclopedia of shareware, and by publishing Shareware
Magazine, a bi-monthly magazine distributed world-wide.
Quality and support - guaranteed. All of our programs are guaranteed
virus free. We've isolated our systems and check every program
submitted to insure that no viruses make their way to your computer or
ours.
Our support staff is available by phone as well as on our BBS to help
you with questions about installation and operation of PC-SIG's
products.
Through our network of international distributors, PC- SIG strives to
bring you the most current, exciting, technically advanced software
available as shareware.
If you can't find the software you need in PC-SIG's library, it may well
not exist.
To order the latest in Shareware, in the U.S.A: Call (800) 245-6717
Outside the U.S.A.: Call (408) 730-9291 for the name of the dealer near
you.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SHAREMAG.TXT
S H A R E W A R E M A G A Z I N E
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Shareware Magazine has distinguished itself as the only internationally
distributed periodical devoted to the use and business of shareware.
Shareware Magazine provides detailed reviews of new products,
hard-hitting comparisons of shareware programs with regular retail
software, and timely information about changes in the industry and the
latest technology.
Intriguing columnists and regular features add to the excitement. The
beginners section sheds light on new user's concerns regarding
everything from choosing the right operating system to alleviating the
intimidation of using on-line systems.
Educational sections focus on how low cost shareware can aid in
classroom learning, curriculum development, and as a forum for
discussing the impact of computers and technology in schools.
Graphics Gallery renders expert advice and suggestions on how to better
work with graphics, desktop publishing, CAD systems, and the Windows
environment.
Programmers benefit from others experience in developing new programs or
polishing existing ones as well as choosing the right programming
language.
And columnists provide that subjective component, sometimes
controversial, that calls for a closer look at the way we compute and
how shareware effects what we do.
Published bimonthly, Shareware Magazine is available on a subscription
or at your local newsstand or computer bookstore. In conjunction with
PC-SIG, there are special benefits for subscribers as well as
opportunities for discount purchases from PC-SIG.
To Order, in the U.S.A.: Call 800-245-6717 and ask Customer Service.
Outside the U.S.A.: Call (408) 730-9291 for the name of the dealer near
you.
SIGORDER.TXT
[B]
FROM: ___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
[A] [B]
___________________________
PC-SIG Inc.
[A] [B]
1030-D East Duane Avenue
Sunnyvale California
94086
Fold - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Fold
HOW TO USE THIS RETURN ENVELOPE
1. Place any other pages underneath this page.
2. Using the Fold lines (above) as a guide, fold this flap under.
3. Fold the address flap so it covers this flap.
4. Tape or staple the envelope at the two spots marked [A].
5. Slip in any other enclosures (business cards, cheques, etc.).
6. Tape or staple the envelope at the spots marked [B].
THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO PRINT THIS FORM -*- MAIL YOUR ORDER TO:
PC-SIG Inc. 1030-D East Duane Avenue Sunnyvale CA 94086
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Do not mail cash. Please allow four weeks for processing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
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Non-member $3.50 for 5.25" or $4.00 for 3.5"
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ total ______
One year subscription to Shareware Magazine $19.95 ______
Super Saver Membership $39.95 ______
(includes a 1 year subscription to Shareware Magazine,
the PC-SIG Encyclopedia on Disk with WordCruncher,
and 5 free disks)
The PC-SIG Catalog on Disk $5.00 ______
($5.00 is refundable with your first order)
The PC-SIG Encyclopedia on Disk with WordCruncher $20.00 ______
The PC-SIG World of Games CD-ROM $19.95 ______
The PC-SIG 12th Edition Library CD-ROM $99.00 ______
Upgrade to the 12th Edition from ANY previous edition
of the PC-SIG Library on CD-ROM! $59.00 ______
Upgrade from ANY other CD-ROM just! $59.00 ______
The Essential Home & Business Collection CD-ROM $39.00 ______
The PC-SIG Encyclopedia of Shareware on CD-ROM
(1 year subscription) $99.00 ______
Subtotal ______
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California residents add 8.25% sales tax ______
TOTAL ______
If you have any comments or suggestions, please let us know!
To order by phone with VISA or MASTERCARD: Call (800) 245-6717
Ask for operator #2351
INVOICE.DOC
INVOICE
Remit to: From:
Eric Jarrett ______________________
P.O. Box 34749, ______________________
Richmond, VA. 23234 ______________________
______________________
Contact Person:
______________________
______________________
Check Below: (U.S. Funds Only, please!)
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Disk Size___3.5___5.25************************************
NOTE: VDARTS 1.1 has already been delivered. This invoice is for
additional items as specified.
___Check here if you would like information on other
offerings.
OPTIONAL: In order for us to know where our most successful outlets
are for our software, we request the name of the catalog or BBS from
which you obtained your copy. (Not REQUIRED)
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Directory of PC-SIG Library Disk #3944
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
EZNCOA ZIP 65754 8-12-93 9:26a
VDARTS ZIP 53086 8-12-93 9:26a
GO-STRT DAT 541 6-01-93 11:07a
SIGORDER TXT 3336 6-01-93 2:30p
GO-FORM DAT 3336 6-01-93 2:30p
GO EXE 26022 1-10-92 12:14p
PKUNZIP EXE 29378 2-01-93 2:04a
PCSIG TXT 2329 6-01-93 2:31p
SHAREMAG TXT 1831 6-01-93 2:32p
CDROM TXT 8196 6-01-93 3:26p
10 file(s) 193809 bytes
122880 bytes free