Cardfile is a very simple database. It allows information to be saved on the computer and then found by performing a simple search. Cardfile is designed to be very easy to use and as such does not provide many of the facilities of more powerful databases. Each record in the database takes the form of a 'card' similar to those that are used in a normal card index. Each card is made up of two parts, a title and the main text. The title is shown at the top of each 'card' (in inverse) and the main text occupies the remainder of the 'card'. To start cardfile enter the command CARDFILE [return] into the computer and the program is then ready to use. The commands for running the program are all displayed at the top of the screen. For example to open a new file press 'F' for file and then a menu appears giving the options of a Directory od the disk or New file etc. Each command is selected by pressing the first key of the command. When opening a new file the computer asks for a name for this file. It will only accept letters (a-z) for this name up to a maximum pf seven letters. Every cardfile database is stored with the extension .CRD but you shouldn't type this part in as the name. All options work on the front card, the one displayed at the front of the pack. For example DELETE will remove the front card from the file, print etc. work in the same way.
Searching :
There are two options for searching for a particular card. By Title or by Keyword. A search for a title will only compare the string that you are asking for with the title (the top line) of each card, wheras a keyword search only looks at the main text. The search pattern that you are asked to enter does not take account of the case of characters. For example if you search for "FRED" then this will match with all of FRED Fred FrEd fred etc. Spaces are important in the search string and " cyril " will not match "cyril.smith" but will match with " cyril smith"
Warning : the print option will lock the computer if there is no printer connected or switched on. You must either turn on the printer or reset the computer with [ctrl alt del].
You can use a command such as CARDFILE NAMES to automatically load the program and start using the file NAMES.CRD from the A: prompt. The .CRD extension is optional. If the file you ask for isn't found then the program will report an error and return to the system prompt.
