version 1.01 changes:   4/30/93

Fixed a bug that made large databases to crash

Fixed up the rule file.  I'm still working on the threshhold value
and scores that are assigned if there is a match.

Added a better status screen while the database is being updated.

Version 1.00:

Howdy, Cousin!                                     April 27, 1993

In about a half hour I'll be ready to upload InstaRel version 1.0
to Compuserve and some other bulletin boards for the first time. 
This is kind of exciting, 'cause I've been working on this program
(off and on) since about 1984, not long after the GEDCOM standard
was established.  (I'm probably off on the 1984 date a little).
 
THANKS

A special THANKS goes to Michael Wise (who designed the first
Personal Computer) who wrote the Daitch-Mokotoff Soundex algorithm
for me.  He also helped with the code that processes the rules
file.

HOW IT WORKS

About a year ago I developed a the prototype to InstaRel. The
minute I finished writing the program I used it on two people that
I had been working with at the Family History Department.  They
both became instant relatives with me!  I also extended my lines
back further. 
 
The program works by taking two or more GEDCOM files (your
genealogy program should be able to make you a GEDCOM file) and
comparing them. It is very sophisticated.  It looks to see if given
names of children are the same as the parents or grandparents.  It
compares dates of birth or christening dates.  It looks at marriage
dates.    You can change the program so that it will report "maybe"
matches or "for-sure" matches. I could go on, but you get the
picture.

SEND ME YOUR GEDCOM

Get the full benefits of InstaRel by registering your copy with me. 
Your benefits include having us compare your GEDCOM file with the
huge database of GEDCOM files that we have.  You will get a report
showing all those who are working on your lines, and how they are
related to you.   You will also meet new friends and start getting
letters from others when we compare their GEDCOM files with yours.

Another benefit you get by registering InstaRel is support.  The
support is limited to the InstaRel bulletin board, which you access
through your modem by calling (801) 466-5374.  You also will get
the next upgrade of the software.

HOW TO REGISTER InstaRel

Non-commercial use of InstaRel can be registered by sending $29.95. 
If you are using InstaRel commercially, please call for
arrangements.  I can accept checks, VISA or Mastercard.  This
support from you will allow  me to continue to enhance your program
and write new genealogy utilities.

I'll include a file that you can use to register your product, or
you can call my BBS (and leave me a message with your VISA number
and expiration date) at (801)466-5374, or leave a message at (801)
575-1910 or call my home at (801) 484-6958.  My address:

Larry Maddocks, Manager
Knowledge Software Systems, L.C.
935 Best Ave.
Salt Lake City, Utah 84106

FUTURE VERSIONS

You may notice some bugs in the program.  For example, at one point
the program asks you if you wish to add to or start a new database. 
If you hit escape at that time, it will go ahead and start adding
(or start over, I can't remember) instead of going back to the
previous menu.  The next version will have a lot of these little
bugs removed.

The program looks like it's "hung" while the database is being
updated.  I'll put in a more animated status screen.

It would be nice to change the threshold from the program, save the
configurations, have InstaRel generate letters to your new-found
cousins, to have a better looking match report.

NOTE:

With this first version, exit the program before running the next
comparison and backup the file (called out.std) which contains the
match report.  The 2nd output report does not get a header on it,
and it overwrites the last output report.

FILES

RULES               This contains the rules that InstaRel uses to
                    determine matches.  This file can be changed
                    by the user, but there is no documentation or
                    support for doing so.  This file also contains
                    a line for changing the threshold.  See the
                    on-line documentation for details.  To get to
                    the on-line doc's, get into InstaRel and press
                    the F1 key.  
SUBMIT              Keeps a lot of submitters of GEDCOM files.
INSTAREL EXE        InstaRel, the executable program.
HR       GRM        A grammar file that is used by InstaRel to
                    store the database.
INSTAREL HLP        The on-line help file
YOURDB   HSH        Created by InstaRel.  Gets deleted when you
                    want to start a new database. Doesn't come
                    with the program.
YOURDB   SRT        ditto
THEIRDB  HSH        ditto
THEIRDB  SRT        ditto
YOURDB   STD        ditto 
THEIRDB  STD        ditto
OUT      STD        Contains the match report.  You may wish to
                    print this out.  I'll see if I can make a
                    print option in the next version.
ORDER    TXT        Order form
WARRANTY TXT        Our warranty.
README   TXT        This file