This readme file is for the Visual Basic Librarian 2.
OverView
=========
The Librarian 2 will store file objects compressed in an Access Database. It is designed to allow source code, documents, etc to be stored in a central location that can be accessed remotely. All objects stored are full text searchable. Objects are stored using a classification method of Category and Reference Type.
Basic Operations
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Copy the BASE.MDB file to a file of a name of your choosing. Choose a name like LIB.MDB or ARCHIVE.MDB. Make sure this database file is not read-only. Then run the Librarian and at the login screen, navigate the path to the new file. You can double click in the file window, or enter a full path and file name, or single-click a file name and press enter. It will open the database and allow you can begin to customize your library database.
Go to the options button first.
On the options form, you can maintain the tables that allow you to categorize your references, and each type of category. You can also maintain the list of valid object types. This list is file extension driven.
Once you have customized the database the way you want it, go to the references and begin to add references and objects to the database. References have a description, and a category and type. Each reference can have as many objects in it as you like. The objects for a reference appear when you select a reference. You cannot enter objects unless there is a reference currently selected. Object operations always operate on the currently selected reference.
Make as many copies of the BASE.MDB file as you like. Each copy is a seperate library that you can customize the way you wish.
The only limit on object size or database size is the amount of space in your file system.
All objects are compressed before being stored in the librarian. They are automatically decompressed upon retrieval from the database. The compression method is 100% compatible with the PKZIP brand of compression.
Using the Outline Form
==========================
You can navigate the library for browsing, using the Outline view. This view organizes all references by Category and Type. You choose which order is first. This allows you to go straight to certain types of information in one step. By navigating the Outline you can drill down to a reference and do maintenance at that level.
Using the References Form
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You can navigate the References by picking them from the list box, or you can filter using the filter criteria. Selecting a filter Category or Type will automatically invoke the filter. However, entering description text (accepts ACCESS wildcards) does not run the filter until the Run Filter button has been pressed. You can clear the filter using the Clear Filter button.
The Code Librarian will allow directories to be imported as well as exporting all objects for a Reference in one step.
Using the Options Form
=======================
You can add new Categories and Types from the Options form.
Using the Search Form
======================
To search, type a text string (accepts ACCESS wildcards!) into the search box next to the Search button. Press the search button and it will return all objects with the text appearing in them. It searches binaries as well as text files. The object list is returned in the objects grid. Filtering using the filter criteria will refresh this.
VBX Files Required
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THREED.VBX
VBCTL3D.VBX
CURTIME.VBX
MSOUTLIN.VBX
Caveats
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There are none at this time.
Ken Bergmann is not responsible for anything in any way, shape or form, for whatever happens by installation, ownership, or use (incorrect or otherwise) of this application.
