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- Preface
-
-
- The dMAIL4 System is a set of programs designed to record and track a
- simple mailing list database. dMAIL4 is written in a dBASE IV
- compatible language called Foxpro.
-
- Among the dMAIL4 System features is the ability to run in a Multi-
- user environment. It can access a customer record by either Last
- Name or Zip Code. dMAIL4 also can save/restore a range of customer
- records to/from a floppy disk.
-
- An IBM personal computer (80386 or better) is recommended. For
- improved performance, it is highly recommended that the user obtain
- at least three megabytes of extended memory. A color monitor and a
- mouse are also recommended.
-
- Considerable effort was expended to make the user reference manual as
- complete as possible. However, this documentation is in no way to be
- considered an instructive guide to MS-DOS or Foxpro. Many reference
- texts are available on the market that explain the MS-DOS operating
- system and Foxpro programming. If you need more information, your
- reference materials should include one of these texts.
-
- My advice is to read the contents of this user manual. Familiarize
- yourself with its information. If you have any questions concerning
- this application, feel free to write or call.
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- - Page 1 -
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- Copyright/License/Warranty
-
-
- This document and the program dMAIL4 ("the software") are
- copyrighted by the author. The copyright owner hereby licenses
- you to use the software given these restrictions:
-
-
- o the program shall be supplied in its original, unmodified
- form, which includes this documentation;
-
- o for-profit use without a license is prohibited;
-
- o the program may not be included - or bundled - with other
- goods or services. Exceptions may be granted upon written
- request only.
-
- o no fee is charged beyond a reasonable amount for the media
- and handling ($10 maximum suggested);
-
-
- There is no warranty of any kind. The copyright owner may not
- be held liable for any damages, including any lost profits or
- other incidental or consequential damages arising out of or
- inability to use the software. By using the software, you agree
- to this.
-
-
- Shareware
-
- dMAIL4 is distributed as Shareware. It is not free software.
- You are free to try it and make copies for others. If you
- continue to use this application beyond a reasonable trial
- period, you are required to register it with the distributor
- and author.
-
-
- ASP Ombudsman
-
- This program is produced by a member of the Association of
- Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the
- shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve
- a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the
- member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can
- help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but
- does not provide technical support for members' products.
-
- Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon,
- MI 49442-9427 USA, FAX 616-788-2765 or send a CompuServe message
- via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.
-
-
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- Copyright (C) 1987 Dennis Allen. All rights reserved. All
- trademarks mentioned herein belong to their respective owners.
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- - Page 2 -
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- TABLE OF CONTENTS
-
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- Preface 1
- Copyright/License/Warranty 2
- Introduction 5
- Manual Content 5
- Notation Convention 6
- Invoking dMAIL4 7
- Creating a dMAIL4 Record 8
- Adding a Customer Record 11
- Creating a User Record 13
- Quit 13
- Printing Mailing List 14
- Printing Mailing Labels 14
- Quit 16
- System Setup 17
- Expression Builder 18
- Printer Control Codes 18
- Change Color Set 21
- Customizing Color Sets 21
- Problems & Suggestions 22
- All About... 22
- Edit User Descriptions 22
- Display/Print Manual 22
- Quit 22
- Utilities 23
- Export Mailing List 23
- Exporting Different Data Structures 24
- Import Mailing List 25
- Importing Different Data Structures 26
- Importing SBT records 26
- Rebuilding Indices 27
- Initializing Databases 27
- Purging Mailing List 27
- Quit to DOS 28
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- TABLE OF CONTENTS
-
-
- Appendices 29
- Appendix A/ Generic Editor 29
- Appendix A-1/ System Menu 36
- Sysmenu edit 36
- Foxpro Calculator 36
- Foxpro Calendar 36
- Foxpro DOS Shell 37
- Printer Eject 37
- Video Mode 37
- Print Mode 37
- Appendix B/ Data Files 38
- Backup/Restore Data files 39
- Appendix C/ Error Handling 40
- Disk Space 40
- Printer not Ready 40
- Multi-User Errors 41
- Syntax Error 41
- Appendix D/ Configuring Application 42
- Foxpro Runtime Unit 42
- FOXR.EXE 42
- FOXRW.EXE 43
- CONFIG.FP 43
- EMS 44
- MEMLIMIT 44
- PROGWORK 44
- RESOURCE 45
- TIME 45
- FOXPRO.INI 46
- DATA 46
- FONTNAME 47
- FONTSIZE 47
- FONTSTYLE 47
- INIT 48
- LAST 48
- MULT 48
- PROG 49
- RECALL 49
- SYSMENU 49
- TEMP 50
- TERM 50
- FOXUSER.DBF 51
- FOXUSER2.DBF 51
- Printer Codes 52
- Record Filters 52
- Configuring Sideways 52
- Glossary 53
- Index 56
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- Introduction
-
-
- The dMAIL4 System is a set of programs designed to record and track a
- simple mailing list database. dMAIL4 is written in a dBASE IV
- compatible language called Foxpro.
-
- Before continuing, we should explain a couple of terms. When we
- refer to an "editor", it is a program module that allows us to add,
- delete, or change database records. The word "edit" means to update,
- maintain, or change a database record.
-
- When we refer to a "window", it is a section of the screen that is
- receiving output. Windows may overlap each other on the screen.
- They are characterized by a double line border and usually have some
- sort of title.
-
- A "record filter" determines the access allowed to a database. Only
- those records, defined by a record filter, may be viewed, edited, or
- printed. Record filters are created/selected using an "expression
- builder".
-
- Finally, when we say "DOS", we refer to the disk operating system.
- It's usually MS-DOS, but could be Microsoft windows, UNIX, or even
- the Macintosh OS.
-
- The following sections of this manual will describe all available
- menu options, one at a time. Each menu option will be illustrated.
- Appendices are included to describe all the files in the dMAIL4
- system, the generic operations of editors, error handling, optimizing
- dMAIL4, and establishing a backup procedure.
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- - Page 5 -
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- Introduction
-
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- Notation Conventions
-
-
- CAPITAL LETTERS
-
- Capital letters indicates a command. During command entry, this
- text should be entered exactly as it appears. Unless specified,
- any command may be in upper or lower-case letters.
-
- lower case
-
- Parameters to commands are usually typed in lower-case
- characters.
-
- Ellipsis "..."
-
- The ellipsis represent repetition of a previous item.
-
- Single Key "[ ]"
-
- The single key command is represented by the characters "[" and
- "]".
-
- Control keys
-
- Control keys are designated with a "[Ctrl]-" followed by the
- name of another key (for example: [Ctrl]-[S]). To enter a
- control key, press [Ctrl] on your keyboard and, while holding it
- down, press the additional key. On some Foxpro menus, control
- keys are designated with a "^" followed by the name of another
- key (for example: ^[End] for [Ctrl]-[End]).
-
- Carriage Return
-
- Depending on your keyboard, the same key may be represented by
- different descriptions. For example, the carriage return may be
- represented as [Enter], [Return], or [Bent arrow symbol]. For
- the most part, this should not be a problem. Make sure,
- however, that you understand the function of each key so that
- you understand how they appear in this manual.
-
- Alternate key
-
- On an IBM PC keyboard, alternate keys are designated with a
- "[Alt]-" followed by the name of another key (for example:
- [Alt]-[V]). To enter a control key, press [Alt] on your
- keyboard and, while holding it down, press the additional key.
-
- On a Macintosh keyboard, [Alt] is produced by holding down both
- the [Ctrl] key and the [Option] key. To produce [Alt]-[V], for
- example, you must press [Ctrl], [Option], and [V] at the same
- time.
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- Invoking dMAIL4 System
-
-
- The purpose of this section is to help you get started using dMAIL4.
- Your computer should be running and you should be at the DOS prompt.
-
- You should have already installed the dMAIL4 application and the
- Foxpro runtime unit. You should also have a functional backup
- procedure (See Appendix B). To invoke dMAIL4, at the DOS prompt,
- type:
-
- MAL
-
- and press [Enter]. You should see is the following screen:
-
-
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
- Mailing List, Version 03.05.00
- (c) 1987 Dennis Allen, All rights reserved
- | |
- ----------------------- M A I N M E N U -----------------------
- | |
- E - Create/Edit Mailing List
- | |
- P - Print Mailing List
- | |
- S - System Setup
- | |
- U - Utilities
- | |
- M - Change Status (Single-User)
- | |
- Q - Quit this program
- | |
- |--------------------------------------------------------------------|
- Make a selection:
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
-
-
- This is our initial screen. Option 'E' allows you to create and
- maintain all mailing list records. Option 'P' will print mailing
- list labels or reports. Option 'S' allows you to change label
- heights and widths. Option 'U' contain miscellaneous options that
- allow the user to maintain dMAIL4. Option 'Q' will return you to the
- DOS prompt.
-
- By default, dMAIL4 runs in a single-user mode. Option 'M' is
- available only in multi-user mode. If you are running in a Multi-
- user environment, you will need to configure dMAIL4 to run Multi-user
- mode. Please refer to Appendix D for more information.
-
- There are a couple of ways to select an option. One way is to simply
- press the highlighted key, (example: press [S] for system setup).
- Another way is to press the up and down cursor keys to highlight the
- desired option. Then, by pressing [Enter], the highlighted option is
- selected.
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- Invoking dMAIL4 System
-
-
- Note: If you have a mouse, you can move the mouse cursor to the
- desired option. Pressing the left mouse button will then select the
- option.
-
-
- Creating Sample Records
-
-
- First, we need to create sample data. At the main menu, press [E].
- You should see the following screen:
-
-
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
- Mailing List, Version 03.05.00
- (c) 1987 Dennis Allen, All rights reserved
- | |
- ---------------------- E D I T M E N U ------------------------
- | |
- 1 - Edit Mailing List
- 2 - Edit User ID
- | |
- Q - Return to main menu
- | |
- |--------------------------------------------------------------------|
- Your selection:
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
-
-
- This is the edit menu. Here, all components of the mailing list
- system can be maintained. Option '1' will allow you to maintain each
- mailing list record. Option '2' will allow you to maintain the user
- IDs. Option 'Q' will return you to the main menu.
-
- Before continuing, notice that the edit window is slightly smaller
- than the main menu window. This is a built-in feature. This feature
- allows the user to see how far he/she is into the program. It is
- intended to give the user a sense of depth.
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- Creating a Mailing List Record
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- Creating Mailing List records is simple. At the edit menu, press
- [1]. The following screen will appear:
-
-
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
- Mailing List, Version 03.05.00
- (c) 1987 Dennis Allen, All rights reserved
- | |
- --------------------------- Mailing List --------------------------
- User ID:
- First Name: Last:
- Billing Shipping
- Address 1 :
- Address 2 :
- City/State:
- Zip Code :
- Sex: Status: Head of HouseHold:
- Home: ( ) - Birth:
- Work: ( ) - Wedding:
- Soc.Sec. #: - - Active Date:
- [ ] MS-DOS +------------ Message Memo -------------+
- [ ] CP/M | |
- [ ] TRSDOS | |
- +---------------------------------------+
- |--------------------------------------------------------------------|
- Toggle Index (Last Name) Toggle Order (Ascending)
- Add Browse Delete Find Goto Help Update Quit
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
-
-
- This screen is typical of a generic editor used with Foxpro. At the
- bottom of the screen are all the one-character options available to
- the user.
-
- Like the main menu, there are three ways of selecting a function. By
- direct keystroke, by the cursor keys and [Enter], or by the mouse.
- Before continuing, we will briefly describe each function.
-
- Add Function
-
- Pressing [A] will allow you to add a record to the current database.
- The cursor will be positioned on the first field in the record.
- Whether adding or updating a record, there only a few keystrokes you
- need to know.
-
- You can move the cursor from field to field using the arrow keys.
- For instance, the Right arrow, the Down arrow, and the Enter key,
- moves the cursor forward one field at a time. The up arrow moves the
- cursor back one field.
-
- Note: If you have a mouse, you also can move from field to field.
- Simply move the mouse cursor to the desired field and press the left
- mouse button.
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- Creating a Mailing List Record
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- The [Home] key will move the cursor to the beginning of a field. If
- it is already there, [Home] will move the cursor to the first field
- in the screen. [End] will move the cursor to the end of the field.
- If it is already there, [End] will move the cursor to the last field
- in the screen.
-
- If you need more information on any field, press [F1]. If there is
- help information, a help window will be displayed. The help window
- will remain until you press either [Esc] or [F10].
-
- Note: If you have a mouse, move the mouse cursor to the desired
- field. Press the right mouse button, once to move to the field, and
- once for the help text.
-
- After you have entered your data, moving the cursor beyond the last
- input field on the screen tells the editor to accept the record. You
- can either use the arrow keys to move the cursor, or press [F10].
- [Esc] will abort any updating, returning the screen to its original
- condition.
-
- Browse Function
-
- Pressing [B] will invoke the Foxpro browse function. The browse
- function will display as many database records as will fit on one
- screen. You use the arrow keys to move from record to record.
- Pressing [F10] will return you to the edit screen. The browse
- function is explained in more detail in Appendix A.
-
- Delete Function
-
- Pressing [D] will allow you to delete the currently displayed record.
- You will be prompted whether you are sure. Pressing [Y] deletes the
- record from the database.
-
- Find Function
-
- Pressing [F] will invoke the find function. This option is a quick
- way of finding a desired record. Since the current database is
- indexed by last name, this option will prompt you for the last name,
- then the first name. Type the desired customer name, and press
- [Enter]. If found, the desired customer will be displayed. You
- could then delete it, or update it.
-
- Goto Function
-
- Pressing [G] will create a pop-up menu. This popup menu allows the
- user to display different records in the current database. Press [F]
- for the first record in the database. Press [L] for the last record.
- Press [N] for the next record. Press [P] for the previous record.
- The goto window remains active until you press [Esc] or [Q] to quit.
- The goto function is explained in more detail in Appendix A.
-
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- Creating a Mailing List Record
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- Help Function
-
- Pressing [H] will display a summary of commands used in the edit
- menu. Pressing any key after that returns you to the edit menu.
-
- Toggle Index Function
-
- For a database with multiple indices, the toggle option will be
- displayed. The toggle option allows the user to change what index
- will be used with the [F]ind option. The current index is displayed
- in parenthesis.
-
- For example, if the current index is by last name, pressing [T] will
- change the current index to zip code. Upon pressing [F], the user
- will be prompted for the zip code. Pressing [T], repeatedly, will
- eventually return you to the last name index.
-
- Toggle Order Function
-
- This option toggles the order of the current index. The current
- order is displayed in parenthesis.
-
- For example, if the current order is ascending, pressing [O] will
- toggle the order to descending. If the current index is by last
- name, then 'ALPHA' will come after 'BETA'. Pressing [O] again will
- change the current index back to ascending.
-
- Update Function
-
- Pressing [U] allows you to update the currently displayed record.
- Like the add function, pressing [F10] will complete the update.
- Pressing [Esc] will abort the update.
-
- Quit Function
-
- Finally, pressing [Q] will return you the menu that invoked the
- editor. For more information on the capabilities of this type of
- editor, see Appendix A.
-
-
- Adding a Customer Record
-
-
- Now that you have an idea how the editor works, you can add a
- customer record. Press [A] at the option prompt.
-
- A customer record has a user id, first name, last name, a billing
- address, and a shipping address. There is a date of birth and an
- active date field.
-
- The user id can define a family clan. The last name, first name, and
- date of birth determine a unique record. The active date field is
- updated every time you update the current record.
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- Creating a Mailing List Record
-
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- For our example, press [Enter] for the user id. Type "DENNIS" and
- press [Enter] for the first name. Type "ALLEN" and press [Enter] for
- the last name.
-
- For billing address, type:
-
- P.O Box 1
- 123 Main St
- Big City , MI 48000
-
- ...pressing [Enter] on each address field. When you get to the
- service address, press [Ctrl]-[Home] on each address field. For each
- service address field, the corresponding billing address field will
- be displayed. This "repeat" feature should save you a lot of typing.
- For more information about it, see Appendix A.
-
- Press [Enter] until you see the window titled "Message Memo". This
- is a memo field. A memo field may contain any amount of text. Type
- text as desired. Then, press [F10] to complete the memo (not the
- record).
-
- Notice the three check boxes. These are user-definable boxes. Press
- [Space] to toggle a check box. Press [F10], or press [Enter] until
- the cursor moves past the last input field, to complete the record.
- You will be prompted for another customer record.
-
- Note: If you need to change the description of these boxes, use
- option 'S' of the main menu. See System Setup.
-
- Add other customers, if you wish. Afterward, press [Esc] to abort
- the add function. Since we do not need to update any more customers,
- press [Q] to return to the edit menu.
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- Creating a User Record
-
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- At the edit menu, we also can edit the user database. The user
- database ensures that only valid user IDs are typed in the customer
- editor. At the edit menu, press [2]. You should see the following
- screen:
-
-
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
- Mailing List, Version 03.05.00
- (c) 1987 Dennis Allen, All rights reserved
- | |
- ------------------------ User ID Editor ---------------------------
- | |
- User ID:
- | |
- | |
- |--------------------------------------------------------------------|
- Toggle Order (Ascending)
- Add Browse Delete Find Goto Help Update Quit
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
-
-
- The edit functions are exactly the same as in the mailing list
- editor. Use this editor to add a user id. Since we do not, press
- [Q] to return to the edit menu.
-
-
- Quit
-
-
- Well, that's all you need to know about the edit menu. Later, you
- can experiment with finding, deleting, and updating records. For
- now, simply press [Q] to return to the main menu.
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- Print Mailing List
-
-
- In the first half of this manual we learned how to create a mailing
- list record. Now we are going to learn how to print mailing labels.
-
- From the previous examples, you should now be at the main menu. We
- will be printing a record, so make sure your printer is connected and
- on-line. If not, you may wish to skip this section. If your printer
- is ready, press [P]. You should see the following screen:
-
-
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
- Mailing List, Version 03.05.00
- (c) 1987 Dennis Allen, All rights reserved
- | |
- ------------------------- P R I N T M E N U --------------------
- | |
- 1 - Print Mailing Labels
- 2 - Print 132 Column Report
- 3 - Print Phone Listing
- | |
- Q - Return to main menu
- | |
- | |
- |--------------------------------------------------------------------|
- Your selection:
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
-
-
- The menu is simple and self-explanatory. Option '1' allows you to
- print mailing labels up to 5 addresses across. Option '2' will print
- a standard 132 column report. Option '3' will print a standard 80
- column report. Option 'Q' will return you to the main menu.
-
-
- Printing Mailing Labels
-
-
- Option '1', of the print menu, introduces the concept of the option
- grid. At the print menu, press [1]. You should see the following
- screen:
-
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- Print Mailing List
-
-
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
- Mailing List, Version 03.05.00
- (c) 1987 Dennis Allen, All rights reserved
- | |
- ---------------------- Mailing Labels --------------------------
- | |
- User ID:
- First Name: Last:
- | |
- Address 1 : Address Type:
- Address 2 :
- City/State:
- Zip Code :
- Sex: Status: Head of HouseHold:
- Home: ( ) - Birth : / / / /
- Work: ( ) - Wedding : / / / /
- Soc.Sec. #: - - Active Date: / / / /
- [ ] MS-DOS +------------ Message Memo -------------+
- [ ] CP/M | |
- [ ] TRSDOS | |
- +---------------------------------------+
- Index File: Order:
- |--------------------------------------------------------------------|
- Print Screen Help Update Quit
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
-
-
- You are given an option grid. The option grid will look like the
- dMAIL4 edit window. The option grid prompts will determine what
- records will be printed and in what order. For example, specifying
- "MI" for state will print all customers within the state of Michigan.
-
- Most fields provide this wild-carding technique. Exceptions are the
- date fields. The date fields provide beginning and/or ending dates.
-
- For example: An active date of "01/01/91" will print only those
- customers that have been active since January 1, 1991. An active
- date range of "01/01/91" to "12/31/93" will print those customers
- that have been active in the years 1991, 1992, and 1993.
-
- The address type field is useful for those reports that can print
- either the billing or the shipping addres, but not both. Specifying
- an address type of "S", for example, prints only shipping addresses.
-
- The message window can be very useful. This is not a memo window,
- but allows you to search the memo window. For example, typing "Hi
- there" and pressing [Enter] will search all records for a memo that
- contains "Hi there". To continue, typing "Hello" and pressing
- [Enter] will include "hi there" or "hello" in the search.
-
- Note: In a text window, you need to use [Tab] or [Shift]-[Tab] to
- exit.
-
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- - Page 15 -
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- Print Mailing List
-
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- From this option grid, you are also allowed to select the index file
- and index order. These field are the push button equivalent to the
- toggle index/toggle order found in the mailing list editor.
-
- Press [F10] to complete the option grid. You will be given a menu of
- choices, depending on the report. You can press [U] to update the
- option grid. You can press [H] for help, or press [Q] to quit to the
- print menu.
-
- Pressing [S] for screen mode, or [P] for print mode, will start
- creating a print file. During this operation, you can abort by
- pressing [Esc].
-
- If you pressed [S], you will see the report displayed upon the
- screen. Press [Pgup] or [Pgdn] to view the report. Press [Esc] or
- [F10] to return to the option grid.
-
- Pressing [P] will copy the report to the printer. When you are
- finished, press [Q] to return to the print menu.
-
- Note: If you need to adjust the printer device, printer controls,
- label widths, or label lengths, use option S of the main menu. See
- System setup.
-
-
- Quit
-
-
- Options '2' and '3' of the print menu all provide the same prompts as
- option '1'. When you have experimented enough, press [Q] at the
- print menu to return to the main menu.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- - Page 16 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- System Setup
-
-
- Option 'S' of the main menu offers several facilities. Among them,
- the ability to change printer control codes. Upon pressing [S] at
- the main menu, you should see the following:
-
-
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
- Mailing List, Version 03.05.00
- (c) 1987 Dennis Allen, All rights reserved
- | |
- ------------------- S Y S T E M S E T U P ---------------------
- | |
- 1 - Edit Expression Builder
- 2 - Edit Printer Control Codes
- 3 - Change Color Set
- 4 - Problems & Suggestions
- 5 - All about...
- 6 - Edit User Descriptions
- | |
- M - Display/Print Manual
- | |
- Q - Quit this Menu
- | |
- |--------------------------------------------------------------------|
- Your selection:
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
-
-
- Option '1' will invoke the expression builder. The expression
- builder creates a record filter. A record filter defines those
- records that can be viewed, edited, and printed.
-
- Option '2' allows you to change printer control codes. It also
- allows you to change mailing label dimensions.
-
- Option '3' will allow you to change the current color set. If you
- don't like the colors used by dMAIL4, this option lets you change
- them.
-
- Option '4' will allow you to leave a message to the application
- author. Messages can point out a problem or can offer a suggestion.
-
- Option '5' will display status information about this application.
- What version of Foxpro is running and about much memory is available.
-
- Option '6' allows you to define the check boxes used in the mailing
- list editor.
-
- Option 'M' allows you to display and/or print the user manual.
- Option 'Q' returns you to the main menu.
-
-
-
-
-
-
- - Page 17 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- System Setup
-
-
- Expression Builder
-
-
- The expression builder allows you to select a record filter from a
- list of record filters. A record filter defines those records in a
- database that can be viewed, edited, or printed. The record filter
- is in effect only while your application is running. Filters can be
- redefined as often as desired.
-
- At the system setup menu, press [1]. Upon entry, you are given a
- list of existing record filters. Chose an existing filter. For
- example, move the cursor to the filter named "Head of Household".
- Press [Enter]. The filter "Head of Household" is now active and will
- allow you to view only people having been marked "Y" as head of
- household.
-
- You also might want to create a record filter. At the system setup
- menu, press [1]. Press [F10] for the menu and press "N" to create an
- expression. Enter "Singles" for the name of your expression. You
- will be given a choice of the custom expression builder, or the
- Foxpro expression builder. Unless you know how to use the Foxpro
- expression builder, select the custom builder.
-
- You will be given a popup list of available field names. Select the
- field "Status". The next popup will display the action that can be
- taken on "Status". Select the popup "Contains". Now you will be
- prompted for a character string. Type "S" and press [Enter].
-
- The record filter is displayed. You may add, delete, or edit phrases
- in the expression. But just press [F10] to accept the current one.
-
- That's all there is to it! You've created a filter that views only
- single people. Press [Enter] to select the filter. You will be
- returned to the system setup menu. If you don't want to use this
- filter, simply return to the expression builder and press [Esc] to
- abort.
-
- Note: If you are running on a network, see Appendix D: Record
- filters.
-
-
- Printer Control Codes
-
-
- At the setup menu, press [2]. The following screen will be
- displayed:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- - Page 18 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- System Setup
-
-
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
- Mailing List, Version 03.05.00
- (c) 1987 Dennis Allen, All rights reserved
- | |
- --------------------- S Y S T E M S E T U P ---------------------
- | |
- Printer Name : Default
- Printer Device : PRN
- Printer Default : CHR(27)+"@"
- Printer 10 cpi :
- Printer 12 cpi :
- Printer Condense On :
- Printer Bold On :
- Printer Bold Off:
- Printer Underline On :
- Printer Underline Off:
- | |
- Number of Straight Lines/Page:
- Number of Sideways Lines/Page:
- | |
- Print in Draft mode?
- |--------------------------------------------------------------------|
- Press [ESC] to abort and return to main menu...
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
-
- Printer Name
-
-
- The printer name is simply identifies the current configuration. If
- the database P_CODES.DBF is available, you may press [F1] for a list
- of all available printers. A selection changes all printer codes to
- the selected printer. Press [F10] to complete the screen.
-
- Printer Device
-
- The printer device defines where output is to be sent. Typically,
- you would use LPT1 or LPT2. In the Multi-user environment, this
- option also allows you to define the network spooler.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- - Page 19 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- System Setup
-
-
- Printer Codes
-
- If you have an 80 column printer, define the control codes required
- by your printer to invoke compressed printing. These control codes
- are sometimes referred to as 16.7 or 17 characters per inch. Also
- define the control codes required to cancel condensed printing.
- These control codes are sometimes referred to as the default. dMAIL4
- will use these codes for reports normally requiring a 132 column
- printer. Printer control codes are specified with dBASE expressions
- such as:
-
- CHR(27) + CHR(64)
-
- or:
-
-
- CHR(27) + '@'
-
- In general, most printer manuals give printer control strings as
- BASIC programming statements using the BASIC function CHR$(). The
- dBASE CHR() function is identical, so simply removing the "$" sign
- from the examples in your printer manual should do the job.
-
- Note: If you press [F1], you will see a browse popup of available
- printers. Simply select your printer and press [Enter]. All printer
- codes will be converted to the selected printer.
-
- Straight lines per page
-
- To this day, there are some printers that do not accept form feeds.
- So rather than asking for form feed code, dMAIL4 asks for the number
- of lines per page. Most printers use 66 lines. Laser printers
- usually need 57 lines.
-
- Sideways
-
- It is sometimes necessary to print large reports using a sideways
- print utility. So in case it is ever needed, the system setup
- prompts for the number of lines to print sideways. For an 80 column
- printer, use 53 lines. For a 132 column printer, use 90 lines.
-
- Draft mode
-
- A report option grid creates a report file. From the option grid,
- there are two ways to print this file: Regular mode and draft mode.
- In regular mode the report file is read and printed, one line at a
- time. The user may press [Esc] to abort. If the printer becomes
- off-line, the user can usually restart at the point of interruption.
-
- In draft mode, the report file is copied directly to the print
- device. In MS-DOS windows, draft mode will bypass the print spooler.
- Draft mode, however, does not allow the user to press [Esc] or nor
- does it allow the user to restart a print job.
-
-
- - Page 20 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- System Setup
-
-
- The mode you use depend on your needs. Regular mode is the most
- reliable method. Under MS-DOS windows, draft mode is the quickest.
-
- Mailing Labels
-
- Press [F10]. After the initial setup screen, you are prompted for
- Mailing Label information. That is, label width, number of columns
- between labels, and number of rows between labels. The column width
- determines the number of characters allowed for each label. Pressing
- [F10] completes the screen and returns you to the system menu.
-
-
- Change Color Set
-
-
- A Foxpro color set defines all color attributes used by this
- application. Upon pressing [3] at the system setup, a popup menu
- will display all the different color sets available. These color
- sets reside within the Foxpro resource file (FOXUSER.DBF). Use the
- cursor keys to highlight the desired color set. Then, select by
- pressing [Enter].
-
- Customizing Color Sets
-
-
- A new feature has been added to the color selector. The user now has
- the ability to customize colors. Once a color has been selected, the
- color selector will search for a second Foxpro resource file
- (FOXUSER2.DBF). In this file, color sets are stored in ASCII text
- format.
-
- If you are a system administrator, you will be prompted whether to
- edit the ASCII text of your selected color set. The text layout is
- simple. Twelve lines for the twelve color schemes used by this
- application. Each line contain ten color pairs. A color pair
- "W*/B+", for example, would denote a white foreground, blue
- background ("*" denotes blinking and "+" denotes intensity). For a
- description of color pairs used within a scheme, check the color
- picker portion of the Foxpro manual.
-
- Experiment with different color sets. Note that the top of the
- screen may not change color until you exit and reenter the
- application. Be warned, however. The color set becomes permanent
- until the next time you select a different color.
-
- Note: The second Foxpro resource file can only be created and edited
- by the system administrator.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- - Page 21 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- System Setup
-
-
- Problems & Suggestions
-
-
- Upon pressing [4], you will be presented with a memo window. Type
- any message you wish to leave the application programmer. Press
- [F10] to complete the message, or [Esc] to abort. Your message will
- be placed in the Foxpro error file (FOXERR.DBF).
-
- If you have already created messages, you may wish to modify them. A
- browse, indicating the date and time of each message, will be
- displayed. Select the desired message record. Then, press [Ctrl]-
- [Pgdn] to expand the message window.
-
-
- All About...
-
-
- Option '5', of the system menu, will display status information about
- this application. What version of Foxpro is running, about much
- memory is available, and the different kinds of application modes
- (Multi-user, debug, system administration). This option will also
- tell you how the various data paths are defined.
-
-
- Edit User Descriptions
-
-
-
- Option '6', of the system menu, allows you to define the check boxes
- that appear in the mailing list editor and the mailing list option
- grids. You may also define the message text that appears when you
- update a check box.
-
-
- Display/Print Manual
-
-
-
- Option 'M', of the system menu, will display the user manual. You
- may use [PgUp] or [PgDn] to view various pages. You may print the
- entire user manual by pressing [Alt]-P]. Press [Esc] to return to
- the system setup menu.
-
-
- Quit
-
-
- Before leaving the system setup menu, a reminder. Record filters
- remain in effect only for the duration of the application. Color
- sets and printer control codes, on the other hand, are permanent.
- When you have experimented enough, press [Q] at the system setup menu
- to return to the main menu.
-
-
-
- - Page 22 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Utilities
-
-
- Option 'U' of the main menu provides the miscellaneous options needed
- to maintain the mailing list system. Upon pressing [U] at the main
- menu, you should see the following:
-
-
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
- Mailing List, Version 03.05.00
- (c) 1987 Dennis Allen, All rights reserved
- | |
- ------------------- U T I L I T Y M E N U ---------------------
- | |
- 1 - Export Mailing List
- 2 - Import Mailing List
- | |
- A - Rebuild indices
- B - Initialize Databases
- C - Purging Mailing List
- | |
- Q - Quit this Menu
- | |
- |--------------------------------------------------------------------|
- Your selection:
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
-
-
- Option '1' will export mailing list records to a variety of file
- formats. Option '2' will import mailing list records from a variety
- of file formats, including any created by option '1'.
-
- Option 'A' reconstructs all system indices in the event of a crash or
- other strange system behavior. Option 'A' also removes deleted
- records, thereby reclaiming disk space.
-
- Option 'B' will allow you to reset any or all database files in the
- dMAIL4 system. Option 'C' will allow you to delete specified records
- from the mailing list database. Option 'Q' will return you to the
- main menu.
-
- Note: Options 'A', 'B', and 'C' are available only in single-user
- mode. Options 'B' and 'C' are only available to the system
- administrator. See Appendix D.
-
-
- Export Mailing List
-
-
- We will discuss how to transfer records between two single-user
- computers. Once you understand it, the process is simple. Say, for
- example, we wish to transfer our mailing list to another computer.
- Assuming the other computer is also running the dMAIL4 system, press
- [1] at the utility menu. You will be given a selection of file
- formats. For our example, select '1' for the foxbase plus format.
-
-
-
- - Page 23 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Utilities
-
-
- You will be given the option grid. The same option grid available in
- option "1" of the print menu. Complete the grid and press [F10].
- You will be given several choices. You can press [U] to update the
- option grid, [Q] to quit, or [C] to continue. For our sample, press
- [C] to continue.
-
- A temporary file is created, containing our selected records. You
- will then be prompted for the export file name. Type 'A:TEMP.DBF'
- and press [Enter]. Since the file name contains 'A:' (or 'B:'), you
- will be prompted whether to format the floppy. Insert your disk into
- 'A' drive, and press 'Y'. It takes a few moments to format the
- floppy and transfer the mailing list records onto it. You will be
- returned to the utility menu.
-
- Note: Be careful. The size of the floppy disk limits us to how many
- records can be transferred at one time.
-
-
- Exporting Different Data Structures
-
-
- Recently, I've added the ability to export files with different data
- structures. Select 'Foxpro DBF File' from the list of export file
- formats.
-
- After entering the option grid and the export file name, you will be
- given a popup of all the field names in the export database. Select
- the one you need and press [Enter]. You may then enter the correct
- field or field phrase from the mailing list file. You may repeat
- these prompts as often as desired, until you select the empty field.
-
- For example, I used the following to convert the mailing list to my
- local astronomy club database:
-
-
- REPLACE: FIRST_NAME WITH: FIRST
- REPLACE: LAST_NAME WITH: LAST
- REPLACE: ADDRESS WITH: ADDR_1
- REPLACE: PHONE WITH: SUBSTR(HOME,7)
- REPLACE: COMMENTS WITH: MESS
- REPLACE: STATUS WITH: IIF(BOL_1,'m','')+IIF(BOL_2,'i','')
-
-
- Please note that all common field names, such as 'CITY' or 'ZIP', did
- not need to be specified.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- - Page 24 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Utilities
-
-
- Import Mailing List
-
-
- Once the diskette is made, remove it from 'A' drive and take it to
- the other computer. Insert the floppy in the other computer's drive
- A and close the door. Make sure the dMAIL4 system is running on that
- machine and that you are at the utility menu. To read that database
- off the diskette, simply press [2] at the utility menu. You will be
- given a selection of file formats. For our example, select '1' for
- the Foxbase Plus.
-
- You will be prompted for the file name. Type 'A:TEMP.DBF' and press
- [Enter]. A temporary file is created. It takes a few moments to
- transfer records from the floppy to the temporary file.
-
- You will be given the option grid. The same option grid available in
- option "1" of the print menu. Complete the grid and press [F10].
- You will be given several choices. You can press [U] to update the
- option grid, [Q] to quit, or [C] to continue. For our sample, press
- [C] to continue.
-
- Only those records, meeting the option grid, will be transferred from
- the temporary file. If there are any duplicate records, only the
- most recent records will be appended. You will be returned to the
- utility menu.
-
- Note: When all records have been transferred, remove the floppy
- disk. It is always a good practice to remove the floppy diskette
- when not in use.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- - Page 25 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Utilities
-
-
- Importing Different Data Structures
-
-
- Recently, I've added the ability to import files with different data
- structures. Select 'Foxpro DBF File' from the list of import file
- formats.
-
- After entering the import file name, you will be given a popup of all
- the field names in the mailing list database. Select the one you
- need and press [Enter]. You may then enter the correct field or
- field phrase from the import file. You may repeat these prompts as
- often as desired, until you select the empty field.
-
- For example, the import file may have a first name field called
- 'FNAME'. You would, therefore, select the dMAIL4 field 'FIRST'.
- Then you type the field phrase 'FNAME'. The field phrase can be a
- combination of field names or dbase expressions. I, myself, used the
- following to convert my local astronomy club database to dMAIL4:
-
-
- REPLACE: FIRST WITH: FIRST_NAME
- REPLACE: LAST WITH: LAST_NAME
- REPLACE: ADDR_1 WITH: ADDRESS
- REPLACE: MESS WITH: COMMENTS
- REPLACE: HOME WITH: '(616) '+PHONE
- REPLACE ACT_DATE WITH: DATE()
- REPLACE BOL_1 WITH: 'm'$STATUS
- REPLACE BOL_2 WITH: 'i'$STATUS
- REPLACE: STATUS WITH: ''
-
-
- Please note that all common field names, such as 'CITY' or 'ZIP', did
- not need to be specified. Also note that I converted the import
- field 'STATUS' to the dMAIL4 check boxes. Yet, I kept the dMAIL4
- 'STATUS' field from obtaining values from the import field 'STATUS'.
-
-
- Importing SBT Records
-
-
- The import procedure now has the ability to import customer records
- from SBT Receivables. If any check boxes are defined as 'Employee',
- then any imported employee record will have it's check box marked.
-
- The import procedure has the ability to import vendor records from
- SBT Payables. If any check boxes are defined as 'Vendor', then any
- imported vendor record will have it's check box marked.
-
- This procedure also has the ability to import employee records from
- SBT Payroll. If any check boxes are defined as 'Employee', then any
- imported employee record will have it's check box marked. Only
- active employees are imported.
-
-
-
- - Page 26 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Utilities
-
-
- Rebuilding Indices
-
-
- Option 'A' of the utility menu will reconstruct all system indices in
- the event of a crash or other strange system behavior. You will be
- prompted whether to continue. Upon pressing [Y], all indices will be
- rebuilt. Option 'A' also removes deleted records, thereby reclaiming
- disk space. You will then be returned to the utility menu1.
-
-
- Initializing Databases
-
-
- Option 'B' of the utility menu will allow you to "reset" any or all
- database files in the dMAIL4 system by removing all data from them.
- You probably will want to use this option after completing the sample
- entries and exercises in this manual, so you can begin fresh with
- "real" data.
-
- Upon press [B] at the utility menu, you will be prompted whether to
- reset each database file, one at a time. You will then be returned
- to the utility menu2.
-
-
- Purging Mailing List
-
-
- Option 'C' of the utility menu allows you to delete specified mailing
- list records. You will be given the option grid. The same option
- grid available in option "1" of the utility menu. Complete the grid
- and press [F10]. You will be given several choices. You can press
- [U] to update the option grid, [Q] to quit, or [C] to continue.
-
- If you were to press [C], then all specified records will be deleted
- from the mailing list database. You would be returned to the utility
- menu3. Since, however, we do not wish to delete any records, press
- [Q] to return to the utility menu. When you have experimented
- enough, press [Q] at the utility menu to return to the main menu.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- ____________________
- 1 Not available in Multi-user mode. See Appendix D.
- 2 System Administration function only. See Appendix D.
- 3 System Administration function only. See Appendix D.
-
- - Page 27 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Quit to DOS
-
-
- Once you have returned to the main menu, press [Q] to return to the
- DOS ready. It is VERY important that you do not leave the dMAIL4
- System without returning to DOS. NEVER turn off the machine while in
- the dMAIL4 system. Doing so may result in file corruption and lots
- of headaches to us developers.
-
- This concludes the system overview. If you wish to know more about
- the mailing list editor, or any other editor in the dMAIL4 system,
- see Appendix A. If you wish to know about the file layouts, see
- Appendix B. If you ever see the infamous error message "Ignore,
- Retry, Suspend, or Quit", see Appendix C. If you wish to install the
- multi-user mode, see Appendix D.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- - Page 28 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Appendix A
-
-
- This section describes all characteristics, in detail, of the generic
- editor used in this type of Foxpro application. While this editor
- may be customized for many applications, all share common functions.
- Thus, to learn one version is to know another version.
-
- This type of Foxpro application usually has an edit menu. This menu
- allows the user to invoke one or more editors. The following is an
- example of the edit menu used in the dMAIL4 System:
-
-
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
- Mailing List, Version 03.05.00
- (c) 1987 Dennis Allen, All rights reserved
- | |
- ---------------------- E D I T M E N U ------------------------
- | |
- 1 - Edit Mailing List
- 2 - Edit User IDs
- | |
- Q - Return to main menu
- | |
- |--------------------------------------------------------------------|
- Your selection:
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
-
-
- In this edit menu, the user has the option to use two editors. Each
- editor allows the user to maintain separate, but related, databases
- in the dMAIL4 System. While we really don't need to go any further,
- but it is good to know where most editors are invoked.
-
- Once a generic editor is invoked, its window will be displayed. The
- window consists of a window title, field descriptions, and all fields
- of the database record that happens to be current. A menu window is
- also displayed. The menu window contains all the one-character
- options available to the user. The following is a sample screen of
- the mailing list editor used in the dMAIL4 System:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- - Page 29 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Appendix A
-
-
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
- Mailing List, Version 03.05.00
- (c) 1987 Dennis Allen, All rights reserved
- | |
- --------------------------- Mailing List --------------------------
- User ID:
- First Name: Last:
- Billing Shipping
- Address 1 :
- Address 2 :
- City/State:
- Zip Code :
- Sex: Status: Head of HouseHold:
- Home: ( ) - Birth:
- Work: ( ) - Wedding:
- Soc.Sec. #: - - Active Date:
- [ ] MS-DOS +------------ Message Memo -------------+
- [ ] CP/M | |
- [ ] TRSDOS | |
- +---------------------------------------+
- |--------------------------------------------------------------------|
- Toggle Index (Last Name) Toggle Order (Ascending)
- Add Browse Delete Find Goto Help Update Quit
- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
-
-
- All editors have the same basic functions. Before continuing, we
- will describe each function in detail.
-
- Add Function
-
- Pressing [A] will allow you to add a record to the current database.
- The cursor will be positioned on the first field in the record. Now
- whether adding or updating a record, there only a few keystrokes you
- need to know.
-
- You can move the cursor from field to field using the arrow keys.
- For instance, the Right arrow, the Down arrow, and the [Enter] key,
- moves the cursor forward one field at a time. The left arrow and up
- arrow will move the cursor back one field.
-
- Note: If you have a mouse, you also can move from field to field.
- Simply move the mouse cursor to the desired field and press the left
- mouse button.
-
- The [Home] key will move the cursor to the beginning of a field. If
- the cursor is already there, [Home] will move the cursor to the first
- field in the screen. The [End] key will move the cursor to the end
- of the field. If the cursor is already there, [End] will move the
- cursor to the last field in the screen.
-
- If you need more information on any field, press [F1]. If there is
- help information, a help window will be displayed. The help window
- will remain until you press either [Esc] or [F10].
-
- - Page 30 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Appendix A
-
-
-
- Note: By pressing [F1] (then [F10] if there is help text), you may
- invoke another Foxpro editor. If the current input field is
- validated against another file, the editor of that file will appear.
- Use the Goto option to display the desired record. Then press [Q] to
- quit. Your input field will be filled with the corresponding field
- in the chosen record.
-
- Pressing [Ctrl]-[Home] will repeat the last text that was displayed
- in the current field. This function provides a convenient means of
- adding many records with similar field descriptions.
-
- Once you have entered your data, moving the cursor beyond the last
- field on the screen tells the editor to accept the record. Pressing
- [F10] also will tell the editor to accept the record. You would then
- be prompted to add another record. The [Esc] key will abort the add
- function, returning the screen to its original condition.
-
- Browse Function
-
- Pressing [B] will invoke the Foxpro browse function. The browse
- function will display as many database records as will fit in one
- window. You can use the left arrow, right arrow, [Tab], and [Shift]-
- [Tab] keys to move the cursor from field to field. You can move from
- record to record with the up and down arrow keys. You use the page
- up/down keys to display the next/previous window of records in the
- current database.
-
- If you have a mouse, you also can use the characters located on the
- right side of the window. Place the mouse cursor on the up/down
- arrow characters and press the left button to move one record at a
- time. The diamond character show where you're located in relation to
- the rest of the database. Place the mouse cursor on the diamond and
- press the left button. Dragging the diamond will re-position you in
- the database.
-
- Mouse Note: After you found the record you want, place the mouse
- cursor on the record and press the left button. Otherwise, the first
- time you try to update a record will put you back to the last record
- displayed before using the mouse.
-
- If there are more fields than can be displayed in one window,
- pressing [TAB] will scroll to the next field. Pressing [Shift]-[TAB]
- will scroll back one field.
-
- If you have a mouse, you also may use the characters located across
- the bottom of the window. Place the mouse cursor on the left/right
- arrow characters and press the left button to move one field at a
- time. The diamond character show where you're located in relation to
- the rest of the database. Place the mouse cursor on the diamond and
- press the left button. Dragging the diamond will re-position the
- fields displayed in the database.
-
-
-
- - Page 31 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Appendix A
-
-
- Mouse Note: After you found the field you want, place the mouse
- cursor on the field and press the left button. Otherwise, the first
- time you try to update a field will put you back to the last field
- displayed before using the mouse.
-
- In the browse function you may edit any field as desired. Press
- [Ctrl]-[N] to add a record from the browse. Press [Ctrl]-[T] to
- delete the current record from the browse. When finished, press
- [F10] to return to the edit menu. Pressing [Esc] also will return
- you to the edit menu, but it will abort any change to the current
- record.
-
- Note: The JKEY incremental search has recently been added to the
- browse command. When performing a browse, press [Ctrl]-[J] to
- activate JKEY. A search will begin on the current index. Each new
- keystroke will be added to the search string and the record, closest
- matching to the current string, will be displayed. You may press
- [BackSpace] to revise the search string, or press [Ctrl]-[Y] to clear
- it. To abort JKEY, simply press [Ctrl]-[J] once again (or [Esc] to
- abort the browse).
-
- Delete Function
-
- Pressing [D] will allow you to delete the currently displayed record.
- You will be prompted whether you are sure. Pressing [Y] deletes the
- record from the database.
-
- Find Function
-
- Pressing [F] will invoke the find function. This option is only
- available if a database is indexed.
-
- If invoked, you would type the key of the desired record, and press
- [Enter]. If found, the record would be displayed. You could then
- delete it, or update it.
-
-
- Note: The key doesn't have to be a complete description. For
- incomplete keys, the find function will try to find the record with
- the closet matching key.
-
- Recently, wild-carding has been introduced into the [F]ind function.
- For example, suppose we have a customer file. It has an index by
- last name. When the find function prompts us, we could type:
-
- Last Name: ..ll..
-
- In this example, we are searching for a customer whose last name
- contain a "ll". In another example:
-
- Last Name: ..en
-
- We are searching for a customer whose last name ends with "en". In
- one more example:
-
- - Page 32 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Appendix A
-
-
-
- Last Name: al..
-
- We are searching for a customer whose last name begins with "al".
-
- Here's where wild-carding get interesting. Let's use the first
- example. Say we find a customer whose last name contains a "ll". If
- we use the [G]oto function, we get an extra option. This option,
- called [C]ontinue, will allow us to find the next customer whose last
- name contains a "ll".
-
- The continue option will remain in effect until you perform another
- find. It will search for the next wild-card occurrence no matter
- where you are in the database. In that sense, think of wild-carding
- as an implicit record filter.
-
- Oh, a new feature has been added to wild-carding: The triple period
- "...". Like the double period "..", the triple period denotes wild-
- carding. Using the triple, however, will also disable the current
- index during the search.
-
- You see, wild-card searches are a LOT faster when done on an
- unordered database. So if you are looking for just one record or two
- records, don't care about viewing order, and are using a huge
- database, the triple period might save you valuable time.
-
- Goto Function
-
- Pressing [G] will create a pop-up menu. This popup menu allows the
- user to display different records in the current database. Press [F]
- for the first record in the database. Press [L] for the last record.
- Press [N] for the next record. Press [P] for the previous record.
- The goto window remains active until you press [Esc] or [Q] to quit.
-
- If the current database is indexed, order is defined by the toggle
- order function. For example, if the current record is customer 5,
- pressing [N] will display customer 6. If the index order is
- descending, however, pressing [N] will display customer 4. See
- toggle index order.
-
- A new option, [W] for window, has been added. Pressing [W] activates
- the goto window. The user may then move the goto window to any
- location on the screen. That location remains in effect for the
- duration of the editor.
-
- To move the window, press [Ctrl]-[F7]. The goto window border will
- flash. Press any cursor key to move the window. Press [Ctrl]-[F7]
- to stop the window from flashing. Then press [Esc] to resume the
- normal goto prompts.
-
- Note: You also may use a mouse to move the goto window. Press [W].
- Place the mouse cursor on the border of the goto window. Press the
- left button. Drag the mouse cursor (and window) to the desired
- location. Then, press the right button to resume the goto prompts.
-
- - Page 33 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Appendix A
-
-
-
- Help Function
-
- Pressing [H] will display a summary of commands used in the edit menu
- as in the following screen. Pressing any key after that returns you
- to the edit menu.
-
-
- Command prompt
-
- [T]oggle Index - Change Index used by [F]ind command
- Toggle [O]rder - Current Index in Ascending/Descending Order
-
- [A]dd - Add a record to the current database
- [B]rowse - List all records a page at a time
- [D]elete - Delete the currently displayed record
- [F]ind - Search database for record with specified key
- [G]oto - Display the First, Last, Next, or Previous record
- [H]elp - Display help information
- [R]ecall - Recall Deleted Records
- [U]pdate - Update the currently displayed record
- [Q]uit - Return to calling program
-
- Common full screen keystrokes
-
- [ESC] - Abort operation, return to prompt/menu
- [HOME] - move cursor to beginning field
- [END] - move cursor to ending field
- [CTRL][HOME] - repeat last input field completed
- [CTRL][END] - Complete operation, return to prompt/menu
- [F1] - Display Help text/call another editor
- [F10] - Complete operation, return to prompt/menu
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- - Page 34 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Appendix A
-
-
-
- Recall Function
-
- Pressing [R] allows you to recall a deleted record. You will be
- presented with a browse window of all deleted records. Simply locate
- the record to be recalled and press [Enter].
-
- Note: If the current database has no deleted() index, you will be
- prompted for the record key (just like the find function). Type the
- key of the record to be recalled and press [Enter]. If the deleted
- record is found, it is made active again.
-
-
- Toggle Index Function
-
- For databases with multiple indices, the toggle option will be
- displayed. The toggle option allows the user to change what index
- will be used with the [F]ind option. The current index is displayed
- in parenthesis.
-
- Toggle Order Function
-
- This option toggles the order of the current index. The current
- order is displayed in parenthesis.
-
- For example, if the current order is ascending, pressing [O] will
- toggle the order to descending. If the current index is by last
- name, then 'ALPHA' will come after 'BETA' Pressing [O] again will
- change the current index back to ascending.
-
- Update Function
-
- Pressing [U] allows you to update the currently displayed record.
- Like the add function, moving the cursor past the last field will
- complete the updating. Pressing [Esc] will abort any update.
-
- Quit Function
-
- Finally, pressing [Q] will quit the editor. You will be returned to
- the menu that invoked the editor.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- - Page 35 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Appendix A-1
-
-
-
-
- If you ever been on an input field, you may have noticed that
- pressing [Alt] displays a menu at the very top of the screen. This
- is called the system menu, or sysmenu for short. The system menu
- displayed is a customized version of the Foxpro sysmenu. It contains
- a variety of functions and is available to all users. The following
- describes only a few features available through the sysmenu. For
- more information, see the Foxpro users manual.
-
-
- Sysmenu edit
-
-
- The sysmenu edit popup is very powerful. It gives any input field a
- variety of edit functions. For example, highlighting a section of
- text ([Shift] and cursor key) and pressing [Del] will delete this
- text. But [Ctrl]-[C] would have copied this text into the clipboard.
- You would then use [Ctrl]-[V] to paste this text.
-
- Note: The sysmenu edit popup provides a [Ctrl]-[U] option to undo a
- deletion, copy, cut, or paste.
-
- Another example: Suppose you are editing a memo field. The sysmenu
- edit popup provides a [Ctrl]-[F] option to find specified text. This
- popup also provides a [Ctrl]-[G] option to repeat the last find.
-
- There are other functions in the sysmenu edit popup. See the Foxpro
- users manual for details.
-
-
- Foxpro Calculator
-
-
- Simply enter a numeric value on any input field. Press [Alt]-[F4] to
- activate the Foxpro calculator. The Foxpro calculator will display
- your numeric value.
-
- When you have a new calculated value, press [Ctrl]-[F4] to deactivate
- the calculator. Your new numeric value will be placed into the
- current input field.
-
- Note: If you just want the calculator, press [F4]. But you must be
- on an input field to invoke [F4].
-
- Foxpro Calendar
-
-
- Simply enter a date on any input field. Press [Alt]-[F5] to invoke
- the Foxpro calendar. The Foxpro calendar will display the year,
- month, and day of the specified date.
-
-
-
-
- - Page 36 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Appendix A-1
-
-
- Select any desired date. When you have a new date, press [Ctrl]-[F5]
- will deactivate the calendar. Your new date will be placed into the
- current input field.
-
- Note: If you just want the calendar, press [F5]. But you must be on
- an input field to invoke [F5].
-
-
- Foxpro DOS Shell
-
-
- In Foxpro for DOS, the system pulldown menu provides a DOS shell. If
- you are a system administrator, pressing [Alt]-[S] [O] brings up the
- DOS command window. Type any desired DOS command. Type 'EXIT' and
- press [Enter] to leave the DOS shell.
-
-
- Printer Eject
-
-
- Press [F7] for a page eject. A form feed will be sent to the printer
- device, specified in the System Setup. Very useful for people with
- Laser Printers.
-
- Video Mode
-
-
- Press [Alt]-[V] for the video mode. In Foxpro for DOS, a VGA screen
- will toggle between 25 and 43 line modes. All subsequent windows
- will conform to the specified mode. Very useful in displaying
- reports.
-
- In Foxpro for windows, [Alt]-[V] will display a font selector. All
- sub-windows, to the current window, will conform to the specified
- font. If you change the main menu window, the font becomes permanent
- to your application.
-
-
- Print Mode
-
-
- In Foxpro for windows, you can print a report with the current font.
- Send the report to the screen and use the 'Print' option of the
- 'File' popup in sysmenu. 'Print' will print the entire contents of
- the current window, fonts and all. Remember, however, that 'Print'
- will not use your printer codes.
-
- Note: 'Print' may not be available with the Foxpro for windows
- runtime unit. To print font reports, obtain the developers copy of
- Foxpro for windows.
-
-
-
-
-
- - Page 37 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- GLOSSARY
-
-
- ANSI - American National Standards Institute. A standard for both
- screen output and keyboard input.
-
- Arrow Keys - Equivalent to cursor keys. Those keys on the keyboard
- labeled with arrows.
-
- ASCII - American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A
- standard 7 bit code used to represent data.
-
- Batch File - A file containing multiple DOS commands. These
- commands are executed by DOS, one at a time, as if typed by the
- user.
-
- Byte - A unit of information. In text form, equivalent to an ASCII
- character.
-
- Code - Program code. Another way of saying program instructions.
-
- Compiler - A program that converts program code from one form to
- another, usually more primitive, form. The converted code is
- then ready for execution.
-
- CONFIG.FP - The Foxpro configuration file. This file tells Foxpro
- where is find the resource file. On a network, there is a one
- copy for each Foxpro user.
-
- CONFIG.FPM - The Foxpro for Macintosh configuration file.
-
- CONFIG.FPW - The Foxpro for windows configuration file.
-
- Cursor - A flashing character on the screen. It indicates where
- typed text will be next placed.
-
- Cursor Keys - Equivalent to arrow keys. Those keys on the keyboard
- labeled with arrows.
-
- Data Dictionary - A database file that defines the input/output to
- database files in an application.
-
- dBASE - Popular database management language. The software package
- dBASE III+ is an interpreter for dBASE code.
-
- Disk - A unit where information is stored. There are two major
- types: hard disk, and floppy disk.
-
- Disk Error - An error occurring when a program is unable to read or
- write properly to a disk.
-
- Diskspace - A unit of how much room is available on a drive. It is
- usually measured in bytes.
-
- DOS - Disk Operating System.
-
-
-
- - Page 53 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- GLOSSARY
-
-
- EMS - Refers to expanded memory. Most 80286 computers have
- expanded memory. 80386 computers have extended memory. There
- are, however, 80386 software drivers (QEMM for example), that
- can offer either extended or expanded memory.
-
- Extended - Extended memory. 80386 (or better) computers have
- extended memory. The extended version of Foxpro needs at least
- three megabytes of extended memory. The standard version of
- Foxpro requires expanded memory.
-
- Filespec - any DOS filename.ext including catalog names, passwords,
- etc.
-
- Floppy Disk - A self contained unit where information is stored.
- Depending on the type, floppy disks are easily transportable.
- Sometimes called a diskette.
-
- Foxbase - A dBASE III plus compatible language.
-
- Foxpro - A dBASE IV compatible language.
-
- FOXERR.DBF - The Foxpro error file. Every major error event is
- recorded in this file.
-
- FOXUSER.DBF - The Foxpro resource file. This file stores all the
- attributes of the user. It also stores all the color sets
- available to Foxpro. On a network, there is a one copy for each
- Foxpro user.
-
- Hard Disk - A self contained unit where information is stored.
- Usually not removable.
-
- HELP - A facility that provides on-line assistance in the use of a
- given program.
-
- Highlight - A form of a cursor, where an entire field is considered
- the cursor.
-
- Interpreter - A program that executes language code. Whereas a
- compiler translates program code to executable code, an
- interpreter translates a single line of program code before
- executing it.
-
- Kilobyte - One kilobyte of memory equals 1,024 bytes.
-
- Megabyte - One megabyte of memory equals 1,024,000 bytes.
-
- Multi-user - When more one than one person is capable of
- accessing/updating the same database at the same time.
-
- MS-DOS - Microsoft Disk Operating System.
-
- Sideways - A DOS Utility that will print text up and down instead
- of across the paper.
-
- - Page 54 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- GLOSSARY
-
-
-
- Source Code - What a translator/compiler takes in as input.
-
- Syntax - The rules for the arrangement of statements in a
- programming language
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- - Page 55 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Index
-
-
- *.ESL 42 Creating a Mailing List Record
- *.ESO 42 9
- .BAT 38 Creating a User Record 13
- .CDX 38 Creating Sample Records 8
- .DBF 38 Cursor 30, 53
- .FPT 38 Cursor Keys 53
- .FXP 38 Customer 26
- .PRG 38 Customizing Color Sets 21
- [Alt]-[F4] 36 DATA 46
- [Alt]-[F5] 36 Data dictionary 38, 49, 53
- [Alt]-[V] 37 DBASE 53
- [Ctrl]-[F4] 36 DBASE IV 1
- [Ctrl]-[F5] 37 Delete Function 10, 32
- [Ctrl]-[Home] 12, 31 Disk 53
- [Ctrl]-[J] 32 Disk Error 53
- [Ctrl]-[N] 32 Disk Space 40
- [Ctrl]-[T] 32 Diskspace 53
- [Ctrl]-[Y] 32 Display/Print Manual 22
- [End] 30 DMAIL4 1, 5
- [Esc] 31 DOS 5, 53
- [F1] 30 Draft mode 20
- [F10] 32 Edit User Descriptions 22
- [F4] 36 Editor 5
- [F5] 37 Employee 26
- [F7] 37 EMS 42, 44, 54
- [Home] 30 Expanded 44
- [Shift]-[TAB] 31 Export Mailing List 23
- [TAB] 31 Exporting Different Data
- Add Function 9, 30 Structures 24
- Adding a Customer Record 11 Expression builder 5, 18
- All About... 22 Extended 1, 44, 54
- ANSI 50, 53 Filespec 54
- Appendix A 29 Filter 17, 18
- Appendix A-1 36 Find Function 10, 32
- Appendix B 38 Floppy Disk 54
- Appendix C 40 FONTNAME 47
- Appendix D 42 FONTSIZE 47
- Arrow Keys 53 FONTSTYLE 47
- ASCII 53 Foxbase 54
- BACK 39 FOXERR.DBF 22, 38, 41, 54
- Backup/Restore Data Files 39 Foxpro 1, 5, 54
- Batch File 53 Foxpro Calculator 36
- Browse Function 10, 31 Foxpro Calendar 36
- Byte 53 Foxpro DOS Shell 37
- Change Color Set 21 Foxpro for DOS 37
- Check boxes 12, 17, 22, 26 Foxpro for windows 37, 44, 46,
- Code 53 47
- Compiler 53 Foxpro runtime unit 7, 42
- CONFIG.FP 42, 43, 53 Foxpro runtime unit directory
- CONFIG.FPM 53 42
- CONFIG.FPW 43, 44, 53 FOXPRO.INI 46
- Configuring Sideways 52 FOXR.EXE 42
- Copyright/License/Warranty 2 FOXRUN 42
- FOXRW.EXE 43
-
- - Page 56 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Index
-
-
- FOXSWAP.COM 42 PROGWORK 44
- FOXUSER.DBF 21, 38, 51, 54 Purging Mailing List 27
- FOXUSER2.DBF 21, 51 Q*.* 38
- GLOSSARY 53 Quit 13, 16, 22
- Goto Function 10, 33 Quit Function 11, 35
- Hard Disk 54 Quit to DOS 28
- HELP 54 Ramdisk 50
- Help Function 11, 34 Rebuilding Indices 27
- Highlight 54 RECALL 49
- Import Mailing List 25 Recall Function 35
- Importing Different Data Record filter 5, 17, 18
- Structures 26 Record Filters 52
- Importing SBT Records 26 Regular mode 20
- Index 56 RESOURCE 45
- INIT 48 Resource directory 42
- Initializing Databases 27 SBT 26
- Interpreter 54 SCR.DBF 38
- Introduction 5 Sideways 20, 54
- Invoking dMAIL4 System 7 SIDEWAYS.COM 52
- JKEY 32 SIDEWAYS.DFT 52
- Kilobyte 54 Source Code 55
- Laser Printers 37 Straight lines per page 20
- LAST 48 SWSETUP.COM 52
- LIM 4.0 44 Syntax 55
- Macintosh 6 Syntax Error 41
- MAIL.DBF 38 Sysmenu 36, 49
- Mailing Labels 21 Sysmenu edit 36
- MAL 7 System administration 48
- MALSYS.MEM 38 System administrator 21, 37, 40
- MANUAL 38 System Setup 17
- Megabyte 54 TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
- Megabytes 1 TEMP 50
- MEMLIMIT 44 TERM 50
- Memo 12, 22, 38 TIME 45
- MODE 40 Toggle Index Function 11, 35
- MS-DOS 1, 54 Toggle Order Function 11, 35
- MULT 48 UNBACK 39
- Multi-user 19, 54 Update Function 11, 35
- Multi-User Errors 41 USER.DBF 38
- Network 19, 42, 48 Utilities 23
- Notation Conventions 6 Vendor 26
- P_CODES.DBF 19 Video Mode 37
- Preface 1 Wild-carding 32
- Print Mailing List 14 Window 5
- Print Mode 37
- Printer Codes 20, 38, 52
- Printer Control Codes 18
- Printer Device 19
- Printer Eject 37
- Printer Name 19
- Printer not Ready 40
- Printing Mailing Labels 14
- Problems & Suggestions 22
- PROG 49
-
- - Page 57 -
-
-
-
-