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USING dbMAX WITH SHOPKEEPER PLUS Supplimental Documentaion to DBX October 1 1993 This Documentaion is Public Domain and may be used in anyway to promote the use of standard .DBF data base programming. INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 RUNNING dbMAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 GETTING STARTED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 EDITING A STORE .DBF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 GETTING TO KNOW dbMAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 DISPLAY STRUCTURE:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 MODIFY STRUCTURE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 PRINT:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 COPY: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 SET FILTER: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 APPEND: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 PACK: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 ZAP:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 GO: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 LOCATE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 CONDITIONALS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 SHARE TOGGLE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 COPY RECORD:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 PASTE RECORD: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 COPY FIELD: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 PASTE FIELD:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 CREATE NEW INDEX: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 CONDITIONAL INDEXES:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 OPEN INDEX FILE:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 CLOSE ALL INDEXES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 REINDEX:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 UNIQUE TOGGLE INDEX:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 INDEX ORDER:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 SEEK: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 SOFTSEEK TOGGLE:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 SWITCH WINDOW:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 SIZE/MOVE WINDOW: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 MAXIMIZE WINDOW:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 MINIMIZE WINDOW:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 JUMP: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 WINDOW COLUMNS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 DELETE COLUMN:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 INSERT COLUMN:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 RESTORE COLUMNS:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 FREEZE COLUMNS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 COLUMN HEADING: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 MULTI-USER TOGGLE:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 SHOW DELETED RECORDS TOGGLE:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 DATA DRIVER:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 SET FILTER: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 SET RELATION: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 EDIT PARAMETERS:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 SAVE PARAMETERS:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 LOAD PARAMETERS:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 ENVIRONMENT:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 HELP: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 SOME DATA BASE TERMS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 NETWORKS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 TIPS & TRICKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 KNOWN PROBLEMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 ETC.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 "FREEWARE"/"SHAREWARE" LICENSE AGREEMENT. . . . . . . . . 20 dbMAX(tm) Version 1.31 Copyright (c) 1991-1993 All rights reserved. INTRODUCTION ============ dbMAX is an xBASE utility that will allow complete multi-user access to the SHOPKEEPER PLUS databases. The program uses a menu bar type menu system with Brief(R)-style hot keys and can browse databases in up to 250 moveable, sizable windows. dbMAX was written by David A. Kennedy and is included with SHOPKEEPER PLUS for your convenience, it is not a product of Smith & Morton. dbMAX was created using a Clipper programming library by David Kennedy for the purpose of promoting his library. dbMAX is freeware. dbMAX is a powerful data base program that can perform functions that go far beyond SHOPKEEPER PLUS. Despite it's power dbMAX is one of the simplest data base programs you can use. SHOPKEEPER PLUS holds much of its merchandise, customer, and supplier information in database files which have the extensions of .DBF. SHOPKEEPER PLUS uses the .DBF format because it is a standard format for storing data. When the decision to use this format was made, we did not expect that so many Sysops were not familiar with the .DBF format. See the README.DOC for legal and technical stuff from David Kennedy. RUNNING dbMAX ============= The only file you need to run the program is DBX.EXE. All other files are optional. A missing DBX.INI file will cause a warning message to appear. Select Options|Save to make this warning go away. To run dbMAX, type DBX at the DOS prompt. DBX /? will list all the command line parameters that can be used. Whatever SHOPKEEPER PLUS files you want to edit should be placed in the same directory as dbMAX, you can place the DBX program in your SHOPKEEPER PLUS directory if that is where you keep your .DBF files. REMEMBER: Most of the SHOPKEEPER PLUS .DBF files have a companion file with the extension .DBT. These files must be kept together, if you move a .DBF file, be sure to move it's .DBT file with it. Syntax: DBX [database] [index] [switches] where: database = name of database, extension not required. Switches: /C<n> = columns to display (default=80) There are many other switches and option available, however they are not needed for the simple operation of editing, viewing or creating SHOPKEEPER PLUS .DBF & .DBT files. GETTING STARTED ================ As you should know from the SHOPKEEPER PLUS instruction manual, the first thing that must be edited to use SHOPKEEPER PLUS is the SUPPLIER.DBF file. Record #1 should be edited to reflect your name and information. To edit the SUPPLIER.DBF, type DBX from your DOS prompt. Press ATL-F to bring up the FILES menu, select OPEN by moving the highlight bar, or by selecting the highlighted letter choice. This will bring up a directory of files, select SUPPLIER.DBF be moving the highlight bar using the arrow keys of your keyboard, hitting enter selects. This will open a window and bring up the suppliers listings (registered version includes supplier's names and addresses, demo does not have this info entered). The red highlight bar will be positioned on the NAME field of the first record and the cursor will be positioned on the first character. In the border at the top of the screen the FIELD name is displayed. First field in this data base is COMPANY. You are now in the edit mode and may begin typing your name, as your company is the first supplier. The first supplier is recognized by SHOPKEEPER PLUS as the Sysop. To move to the next field, use the right arrow key. If you have a one line street address, leave the field ADDRESS1 blank and go to the ADDRESS2 field. A complete explanation of what information goes in what field is detailed in the SHOPKEEPER PLUS manual. As you move the highlight bar down you'll notice the record number in the upper left hand corner of the window changes to tell you which record you are in, and how many total records there are in the data base. To add a new supplier to the data base just move the highlight bar down past the last entered record. The next field will come up blank, ready for you to fill in. After you are done editing/adding the records in your data base, press ESC and select SAVE, or press ALT-F and select CLOSE. Your changes have now been saved and you can now bring up another file, or exit the program. EDITING A STORE .DBF ==================== This works just like editing the suppliers .DBF. You bring up the file and navigate through the program with the menu bar, hitting enter to continue to the next field. he descriptions of the merchandise are stored in a MEMO field. When you get to that field, and "<MEMO>" is highlighted, hit enter. The will take you into the .DBT file where the description for this item is stored. You may type whatever information you want displayed in this window. When you are done, press CTRL-W to save the description, pressing ESC will exit WITHOUT SAVING. That's all there is to it, just keep entering your items and hitting enter to continue to the next record. GETTING TO KNOW dbMAX ====================== dbMAX includes a hypertext help system, Help! Hypertext Viewer, Version 4.16. This program can guide you through all the menu options in dbMAX. Most of these features are not needed for the operation of you online shopping system, learning these other features can increase the power of SHOPKEEPER PLUS. This section uses terms that should be familiar to those with data base experience. If you need to know more about data bases, check out your local library. There are many books on the subject, the book you need depends on what you want to do with your DBFs. It is not necessary to learn any of this to operate SHOPKEEPER PLUS. Also, while you read the following documentation, please keep in mind that dbMAX was written with a VERY powerful clipper library that was designed to be used by multiple users in a network environment. Therefore many of the references to shared files do not apply to your use of the program. DISPLAY STRUCTURE: The Display function not only displays but allows you to edit, so be careful! dbMAX creates a temporary file on the designated temporary drive. This file ends with the extension .STR (structure data bases). The structure data-base can be browsed and edited like any other. If the Delete .STR file option is set, then the file will automatically be deleted by dbMAX when you quit the program. If the Exit with Save option is used and the .STR file is deleted, the restore environment process will not work since the .STR file can not be opened again. MODIFY STRUCTURE: From the FILES menu you can Modify Structure, ALT-M. This function allows you to change the structure of the database. Making changes to some of the fields used by SHOPKEEPER PLUS can cause the program to abort, or cause a loss of the data SHOPKEEPER PLUS has collected. You can however, safely add addition fields to the SHOPKEEPER PLUS data bases. By adding such fields you can create your own applications, create reports and much more. dbMAX allows you to modify the field name, field type (Character, Numeric, Date, Logical, Memo), and length. The decimal places for numeric fields can also be specified. Fields are deleted by pressing <Del> and inserted by pressing <Ins>. Fields are moved by pressing <Ctrl-Up> or <Ctrl-Dn> (or <+>/<->). A backup file contains the original data (databases saved as .BAK, memo files as .TBK). Changing a field type without revising the name will cause an error (the old data will be saved in the backup). If you need to change only a field type, copy the data to an SDF text file, revise the structure, then append the text file back in. This window cannot be tabbed out of like other browse windows. Pressing <Esc> aborts the modify process. Modifying will cause any filters and relations to be lost. REMEMBER: Do not change the structure of fields used by SHOPKEEPER PLUS. If you do not understand what you are doing, do not try it with out first backing up your files. PRINT: Prints out all the records in the database, based on currently active filters, indexes, and column layout. Any visible deleted records will be marked with an asterisk to show that the record is deleted. When the Print option is selected a menu will appear listing all available printer ports and a file redirection option. If the output is sent to a file that already exists, the data will be appended onto the end of the file. COPY: Copies records to another file based on currently set filters, indexes, and/or a specified condition. If an SDF (SDF files are plain ASCII text files that can be appended into database files or created from database files) or Delimited option is selected, the records will be copied to a text file; otherwise, the records are copied to a database file. If the file already exists, dbMAX will ask if the file should be overwritten. To copy records, select either the Copy All or the Copy Browse options. All copies all database fields while Browse copies only the fields that are included in the browse window. Copy can accept FOR, WHILE, and NEXT parameters to specify the records that are to be copied. If the WHILE or NEXT clauses are used, copying starts from the current cursor location and moves down through the database; otherwise, all records are affected. SET FILTER: Sets a filter for the database, such that only records matching the condition will be shown. The filter expression is retained so it can be edited at a later time to change the expression. If <Esc> is pressed, the filter condition will be removed and the database will return to normal. When scrolling through filtered records a severe performance degradation may be noticed, especially when scrolling new records onto the screen. Pressing a key repeatedly in this case will cause your computer to seem to lock up, although it is actually re-reading data over and over. Be patient. APPEND: You can append records from another database into the current active database. This is especially useful for adding two .DBF together, such as when a supplement of new products .DBF is released and you want to add the items to an existing .DBF. Three types of appends can be selected: DBF - appends from one database to another. dbMAX can append records from the active database. SDF - appends from a text file into the database. Delimited - appends from a comma-delimited text file into the database. Append can accept FOR, WHILE, and NEXT parameters to specify the records that are to be appended. PACK: It is most important to understand that SHOPKEEPER PLUS *WILL* display deleted records to the caller unless the .DBF is "packed". Packing permanently removes all deleted records from an exclusive database file. If the database is shared, dbMAX will allow you to attempt to pack the file anyway. If you do want to pack a shared data-base, dbMAX will try to use the file exclusively, perform the pack, and re-use the file in shared mode. If this cannot be done (usually when another person is using the file), then packing will not be performed. If the database has an associated memo file, dbMAX will ask you if you want to pack the database only, the memo file only, or both. Your product descriptions are contained in the memo fields. ZAP: Permanently removes all records from an exclusive database file. If the database is shared, dbMAX will allow you to attempt to zap the file anyway. If you do want to zap a shared database, dbMAX will try to use the file exclusively, zap the file, and then re-use the file in shared mode. If this cannot be done (usually if another person is using the file), then zapping will not be performed. GO: This command will open a small window allowing you to enter the record number to go to. LOCATE: Locate will find the next record in the database matching the expression you enter. Additional conditions can be specified with the FOR, WHILE, and NEXT clauses. When Locate is selected again, the last condition entered will be retained, so that the next record matching the condition can be located. Locate starts from the current cursor location and moves down through the database. CONDITIONALS: FOR - a logical expression that restricts the function to acting on only the records meeting the condition. WHILE - a logical expression that restricts the function to acting on each record while the condition is met, and stopping as soon as it is not. NEXT - restricts the function to acting on only the next "n" records. SHARE TOGGLE: This command will switch the database open mode. A file that is opened exclusively will be re-opened in shared mode, while a shared file will be re-opened in exclusive mode. When using certain commands like Append, Pack, Zap, Insert blank, or Modify, dbMAX temporarily switches shared files to exclusive mode automatically to perform the command, so use of this toggle is generally not required. Any filters or relations that have been set will be lost. Files opened in a network environment will be "faster" when opened exclusively, but no one else will be able to use the file. COPY RECORD: This command will copy an entire record into the clipboard. Once copied, the record can be pasted over another record in the data-base or even into a different database, with the Paste Record command. PASTE RECORD: This command will paste the contents of the clipboard into the active database. When pasting into a different database than was copied into the clipboard, only the fields with the same name will get data pasted into them. Pasting does not insert records into the database (unless you are adding a new record), but overwrites existing records instead. COPY FIELD: This command copies the contents on the highlighted field into clipboard. Once copied, the data can be pasted into any other field or database by using the Paste Field command. The function is very useful when you have many similar items to add to a store .DBF. It allows you to copy the descriptions over to the next record, then you only need to edit in the differences. PASTE FIELD: This command will paste data from the clipboard into any database field. Pasting character data into a date or numeric field will be allowed but not accepted unless the character data is composed of numbers. CREATE NEW INDEX: It is highly recommended that you not index your data bases. SHOPKEEPER PLUS does not use the dbMAX indexes and can cause confusion as to how the merchandise will be displayed within SHOPKEEPER PLUS. When this option is selected, a window will pop up containing a list of all fields in the database, including related fields. Another window will contain an input field for the index expression. Selecting a field from the Field window will place the field into the Expression window. <Tab> flips between the two windows. Once a valid expression is entered, the new index file can be named and the index will be created. Any other index file in use will be retained. If available, specifying indexing conditions will create a special conditional index file. CONDITIONAL INDEXES: Whenever any of the conditional input fields are filled in, dbMAX will create an index which will contain only those records which match the condition. In this way, use of filters can be reduced or eliminated. Conditional indexes are not compatible with the normal index format. Programs that are not written to take advantage of conditional indexes will not be able to access these files properly. OPEN INDEX FILE: Pops up a directory list so another index can be selected. To specify a new path and file skeleton, press the <Tab> key to move to the input field. Selecting a drive letter will switch you to the default directory in that drive. dbMAX will warn you if the selected index file has an invalid key (doesn't match the active database) and will not open the file. Other open indexes will be retained while the new index is activated. CLOSE ALL INDEXES When this option is selected, all open indexes for the active database will be closed and the database returned to natural order. REINDEX: The Reindex option will re-create all the open index files for the active database. Please note: any indexes created with a while condition or with the descending order or unique options set, if applicable, will not be reindexed properly! These options are not saved as part of the index and therefore will be lost. Also, if you reindex with the Unique toggle set, all indexes will contain only unique keys. Care should be used when reindexing on a network. If another user has opened the index file being recreated, errors can occur. UNIQUE TOGGLE INDEX: This option is toggled on and off (a check mark means on) by pressing <Enter>. When on, any indexes created with the Create New Index function will only include unique index keys. When the index is created, if two or more records have identical keys, only the first is included in the index. INDEX ORDER: This option will pop up a list of all the index files associated with the active database. Highlight the index order to be made active (or "Natural Order" for no index) and press <Enter>. Note: if using a data driver that supports multiple orders within a single index file, each order will be displayed and can be selected as the active order. To delete an order from a multiple order index, select the order and then press the <Del> key. The index file should be rebuilt using the reindex function to reclaim disk space. SEEK: Searches for a specific record based on the index key, if any. This search is nearly instantaneous. If the search key is only partially filled out, then the first occurrence of the portion of specified key will be found. SOFTSEEK TOGGLE: This option is toggled on and off (a check mark means on) by pressing <Enter>. When on, the Seek command will position the cursor at the record that most closely matches the data you are seeking. If an exact match is not found, dbMAX will beep as a warning. When softseek is off, the cursor will be moved only if an exact match is found. SWITCH WINDOW: The <Tab> and <Sh-Tab> keys cycle forward or backward through the browse windows. The <Tab> key is also frequently used to flip between dialogue boxes and between input fields. SIZE/MOVE WINDOW: When this command is invoked, the browse window will be moveable and sizeable. The following keys are used in this mode: <LeftArrow> shrink window to the left <RightArrow> expand window to the right <UpArrow> shrink window up <DownArrow> expand window down <Ctrl-UpArrow> or <Ctrl-Home> move window up <Ctrl-DownArrow> or <Ctrl-End> move window down <Ctrl-LeftArrow> move window left <Ctrl-RightArrow> move window right <Enter> quit and save window <Esc> quit and restore window MAXIMIZE WINDOW: The Maximize command expands the browse window to its maximum size (same as initial startup size). This window can be made even larger if desired by using the Size/Move Window command. MINIMIZE WINDOW: Minimize shrinks the browse window to its smallest size, based on the width of the first column in the browse window. This window can be made even smaller if desired by using the Size/Move Window command. JUMP: The Jump command opens a window containing a list of all the columns currently being browsed. Highlighting a field and then pressing <Enter> will cause the browse cursor to jump to the selected column. WINDOW COLUMNS: Window Columns allows modification of the browse columns. While Delete Column and Insert Column work only on one column at a time, this command allows complete modification of any or all columns. When selected, two windows will appear, one listing all the possible database fields (including related database fields) and the other listing all current browse columns. The Browse Columns window can be modified by pressing <Del> to delete a column or <Ins> to insert a column. Pressing <Enter> allows a column to be edited. Please note that when entering a column, any valid expression can be entered, such as a field name, a function, or both. For example, "RECNO()" is valid, as is "DIAMETER*LENGTH". Use the <Tab> key to flip between windows. Pressing <Ctrl-Up> and <Ctrl-Down> (or <LeftArrow> and <RightArrow>) will move a field up and down in the Browse Columns list. Pressing <Enter> in the Available Fields window will paste the field into the current input field in the Browse Columns window. DELETE COLUMN: Deletes the currently highlighted column in the browse window. To retrieve the column later, the Insert Column, Window Columns, or Restore Columns function must be used. INSERT COLUMN: Inserts a column into the browse window to the left of the highlighted column position. Insert pops up a list of all available database fields and a window allowing any valid expression to be entered. A valid expression can be a field name, and xBASE function, or both. xBASE expressions entered into a browse column cannot be edited in the browse mode. The <Tab> key switches between windows. RESTORE COLUMNS: If columns have been deleted, inserted, or changed in any way, the restore option will return the browse window columns back to their original contents. Restore will not modify the window dimensions, only the columns. FREEZE COLUMNS: The freeze command allows you to have a number of browse columns present in the window at all times. When selected, a input window will appear allowing you to enter the number of columns to freeze. Entering a number larger than the number of columns that can fit on the screen will be ignored, otherwise the leftmost "n" columns will remain in the window while all other columns scroll normally. Entering 0 will turn off any frozen columns. COLUMN HEADING: This command allows revision of the column heading and width. Entering semi-colons into the heading will cause the heading to contain multiple lines. The column width defaults to 0, meaning the column is as wide as the heading or the data requires. Setting the column width will force the column to be displayed in the specified width, possibly truncating data or column headings. Truncated data will scroll in the edit mode. MULTI-USER TOGGLE: Pressing <Enter> turns this option on and off (a check mark means on). When on, databases are opened in shared mode; otherwise, they are opened in exclusive mode. Toggling this option will not change the mode of databases that have already been opened! SHOW DELETED RECORDS TOGGLE: This option is toggled on and off by pressing the <Enter> key (a check mark means on). When on, deleted records can be seen in the databases being browsed (a "deleted" message will appear in the top right corner of the browse window). When off, deleted records are hidden from view and cannot be browsed or printed. If a filter is set and Show Deleted Records is off, the browse window may act unpredictably, although the data will not be affected. DATA DRIVER: To select the data driver, press <Enter> until the desired driver appears. The possible available data drivers include: DRIVER: DATABASE TYPES SUPPORTED: INDEX TYPES: DBFNTX dBASE/Clipper/FoxPro Clipper .NTX DBFNDX dBASE/Clipper/FoxPro dBASE III .NDX DBFCDX dBASE/Clipper/FoxPro FoxPro .IDX and .CDX DBFMDX dBASE/Clipper/FoxPro dBASE IV .MDX DBFSIX dBASE/Clipper/FoxPro FoxPro .IDX and .CDX Once selected, the driver is used from that point on when opening databases; in other words, opening a database using the DBFNTX driver and then selecting the DBFNDX driver will not allow use of .NDX files for the previously selected database, only subsequent data bases. SET FILTER: Sets a filter for the database, such that only records matching the condition will be shown. The filter expression is retained so it can be edited at a later time to change the expression. If <Esc> is pressed, the filter condition will be removed and the database will return to normal. When scrolling through filtered records a severe performance degradation may be noticed, especially when scrolling new records onto the screen. Pressing a key repeatedly in this case will cause your computer to seem to lock up, although it is actually re-reading data over and over. Be patient. SET RELATION: Selecting this option displays a list of all currently set relations for the database, if any. Relations can then be added, edited, or deleted. When Add is selected, two windows will open allowing the relation expression to be entered. Use <Tab> to switch between windows. Once entered, a list of available child databases will pop up so the currently active parent database can be related to the child database. Edit allows the relation expression to be revised, while Delete removes the relation from the list of established relations. EDIT PARAMETERS: This option allows you to change most of the dbMAX operating parameters and screen colors for the current session. Unless the parameters are saved with the Save Parameters option, they will be lost when dbMAX is exited. SAVE PARAMETERS: This option saves all the current operating parameters to the default .INI file. You can save the changes to a different file if desired, so that various configurations can be maintained. LOAD PARAMETERS: This option loads all the dbMAX parameters from the selected .INI file. This is often used when a bad set of parameters were entered in the Edit Parameters window. ENVIRONMENT: The dbMAX environment refers to the current set of opened data-bases and indexes, well as filters, relations, and window size and locations, but excluding the configuration parameters. The dbMAX program has the ability to save the environment so that previous sessions can be restored without having to resize windows, reset filters and relations, etc. By default, a file named DBX.ENV is saved in the dbMAX directory whenever the Exit with Save option (<F10>) or Save Environment command (<Sh-F10>) is used. The environment file name can be changed so that many different environments can be saved. To resume a dbMAX session use the Load Environment command, or run dbMAX without any command line parameters or with the /V parameter. If a parameter other than /V is used, dbMAX will assume you want a new environment. A saved environment can be loaded any number of times, and can be deleted by saving with no databases open. HELP: The dbMAX Hypertext Help system is called by selecting the Help options on the menu. It can also be called on the command line by typing HELP in the directory where the dbMAX files reside. Pressing <F1> will pop-up a help screen showing the available keys that can be used within the Help system. All hypertext words and phrases highlighted in red or shown in cyan are "hyperlinks". Pressing <Enter> (or clicking the mouse) when a hyperlink is highlighted will call up a help screen for that topic. Returning back to the previous screen can be done by pressing <Esc> or selecting the "Previous" hyperlink. Pressing <F10> or selecting the "Quit" hyperlink will quit the Help system and return to DOS or to dbMAX. SOME DATA BASE TERMS: "Shared": In a network environment, databases that are shared can be accessed by any number of users. Any user can change data, add and delete records, etc. Index files are always opened in shared mode. Exclusive - databases that are exclusively opened can only be accessed by one person at a time. If another user tries to open the file, they will get an error. "Char/text": This field will hold text and numbers. Another type of field is "numeric", it will only allow you to enter numbers in this field. "Logic": The logic field is a field that works like a marker, you can "tag" it on or off. "Date": The date format field that can hold a date you enter, or you can set most data base programs to automatically insert today's date. "Memo": the memo field allows you to enter a block of text up to 512 characters. This text is actually stored in a separate file with the same filename as the .DBF except the extension is .DBT. "Structure": The size of the fields, type of field and the way you arrange them forms the STRUCTURE of your data base. dbMAX can access all your SHOPKEEPER PLUS .DBF files, allowing you to create reports address labels and just about any other kind of report you could want. If you change your mind about tracking your inventory, you can use your data base program to globally replace the contents of the field with the character that you desire. Global replacements can also be used set the DISCount field to discount all merchandise in a particular store. When the sale is over you just replace the numbers in the field with "00". NETWORKS ======== When running dbMAX in a network environment, BE SURE to set the temporary files drive to a LOCAL DRIVE or your personal drive/directory! The temporary files drive is not the same as the one specified by //SWAPPATH and //TEMPPATH above. Having these three parameters point to a RAM disk will provide the best performance. Installing dbMAX on a network is not recommended since other users can overwrite your initialization and environment files. This can be worked around by running dbMAX from a batch file as follows: DBX /U<userdrive:\DBX.INI> /V<userdrive:\DBX.ENV> /TC:\ %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 TIPS & TRICKS ============= - When entering expressions into dbMAX that contain references to a related database, you MUST use the work area number instead of the alias name. The area number is displayed after the file name on the help line. - Since dbMAX does not use report form (.FRM) files, users who want to print a "canned" report can use the Window|Heading (F3), Window|Column, and environment functions to set up a dbMAX session and then save it to an environment file (.ENV). The file can be reloaded (Ctrl-F10) and the database printed when required. Grouping is not possible. Subtotals will be calculated for all numeric columns automatically; to prevent totals, convert the column to a character type by using Window|Heading and the STR() function. - Opening database files in exclusive mode on networks will noticeably improve performance when browsing, indexing, filtering, etc. F4 toggles the open mode. - The About option (on the Help menu) will indicate the amount of RAM available to dbMAX on the help bar. - To run dbMAX under Windows(tm), add a DBX.PIF file that runs dbMAX using the following recommended parameters: Program Filename: dbx.exe Optional Parameters: /r25 /uc:\dbmax\windows.ini Video Memory: Text Memory Requirements: KB Required: 640 KB Desired: -1 EMS Memory: KB Required: 256 KB Limit: -1 XMS Memory: KB Required: 256 KB Limit: 256 Display Usage: Windowed Execution: Background Close Window on Exit If you want, set the Multitasking Foreground Priority to 1000+. A dbMAX icon, DBMAX.ICO, is supplied for use with Windows. If using Blinker 2.00 or earlier make sure you set BLINKER OVERLAY PAGEFRAME OFF and BLINKER CACHE EMS 0,100%. Alternatively, the Program Filename in the dbMAX .PIF should be changed to reference the following batch file: @echo off set blinker=/op0 /ce0,100 dbx %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9 set blinker= KNOWN PROBLEMS ============== The software is intended to be used by knowledgeable xBASE users/programmers and as a result error handling has been minimized to reduce the size of the .EXE file and speed up the program. 1) Use of BOTH dBASE(R) and any Clipper(R)-based program such as dbMAX to edit databases can lead to corrupted files! DO NOT use dBASE to edit, append, or pack records. dBASE places end-of-file markers at the end of database files while Clipper does not: this can lead to files that will contain records that cannot be accessed by SHOPKEEPER PLUS. Also, .NTX index files and record-locking schemes are not compatible between the two systems and not used by SHOPKEEPER PLUS. To be safe, do not use dBASE to change any database that is used by dbMAX (or any other Clipper system). 2) Changing files in a network environment may cause other users to experience problems. For example, revising a database with an index active while someone else is revising it without the index will cause the index file to become corrupted and, as a result, may cause the database to become corrupted also. For best results when editing a database on a network, each user must be sure to open all indexes associated with that file before making any changes. 3) Entering an illegal filename or pathname will cause a run-time error. Opening a corrupted database or index may cause a run-time error. 4) Browsing the same database in two windows can lead to problems if you do something like ZAP the database in one window and then try to browse the other (can only happen on local drives). 5) Entering invalid color settings may cause menu items to be invisible. Quitting dbMAX and re-running the program may restore the original colors if they were not saved; otherwise, you will have to delete the DBX.INI file to restore the default settings. 6) Using DOS versions earlier than 3.30 may cause multi-user problems on networks due to lack of support for COMMIT and is not supported. 7) Some users have reported that their PCs lock-up occasionally during swapping (swaps occur when shelling to DOS and calling hyperhelp). This appears to be due to an EMS conflict between QEMM and Overlay(). Using the BADEMS switch in the DBX.INI file will fix the problem; use of the //X switch may also be required. 8) Environment (.ENV) files created with versions of dbMAX prior to 1.25 are not compatible with this version! 9) The Utils|Copy command will allow you to copy a database over another open database. This will definitely corrupt the target file. ETC. ==== If you have any comments/suggestions/fixes for dbMAX, send them to David Kennedy, via CompuServe Mail (76300,2164) or regular mail ONLY (no phone calls, please!) and I'll gladly consider them. Please keep in mind that the main goal for dbMAX is maximum performance with minimum bells/whistles/crap (I hope I've done this). "FREEWARE"/"SHAREWARE" LICENSE AGREEMENT ======================================= = FREEWARE - the dbMAX program is considered to be free, in that as long as the distribution of the program is performed as detailed below, no payments or other licensing agreements need to be made. If you would like to register your copy of dbMAX, send US$20 and in return I will send you a master diskette with a compiled and linked .EXE (capable of accessing Clipper, dBASE III/IV, and FoxPro indexes) and automated installation program, so that dbMAX can be used by people without the Clipper compiler or even knowledge of what a compiler is. This disk also includes the Clipper 5.01 and 5.2 .OBJs. Also included is automatic notification via CompuServe e-mail/postcard when the next version of dbMAX is available. SHAREWARE - By sending a check or money order for US$35, I will send you a disk containing a linked .EXE (capable of accessing Clipper, dBASE III/IV, and FoxPro indexes), the INSTALL.EXE file along with the Builder source code, and the source code for dbMAX and the hyperhelp text. You will also receive notification via e-mail or postcard when the next version of dbMAX is available. The source generally conforms to Computer Associates' coding guidelines and is fully commented where necessary, exactly like FIXUP.PRG and MYFUNC.PRG. Recipients of the source are asked not to distribute the code or modified executables to any other person. * * * This software is an original work by David A. Kennedy and is released into the public domain with restrictions. The software, with the exception of the source code, can be USED, COPIED, and DISTRIBUTED on an UNLIMITED BASIS, as long as no fee is charged for its use, copying, or distribution. All rights to the program worldwide are reserved by David A. Kennedy. Unauthorized duplication, distribution, modification, or decompilation of this software is expressly prohibited. You are encouraged to copy and share dbMAX with others. PLEASE distribute all the files in the original .ZIP. This is this a REQUIREMENT for distribution as SHAREWARE. THE SOFTWARE AND ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. THE ENTIRE RISK TO THE RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE IS ASSUMED BY YOU. David A. Kennedy will not be liable for any special, incidental, consequential, indirect or similar damages due to the loss of data, loss of business profits, business interruption or any other reason, even if David A. Kennedy has been advised of the possibility of such damages. This is a legal agreement between you, the end user, and David A. Kennedy. By using or distributing this package, you are agreeing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement. If you do not agree to the terms of this agreement promptly destroy (erase) all copies of the software. The Help! Engine (HELP.EXE) is property of Flambeaux Software, Inc. and specifically IS NOT placed into the public domain. All rights worldwide are reserved by Flambeaux Software, Inc. Modifications to the Help! Engine are prohibited.