.TOPIC: Contents Click the mouse over one of the topics below for more information. Or press TAB to select a topic and press ENTER to retrieve it. Author Introduction to ComData v.2.1 Opening screen Record fields Sort Label size Password Add new Edit Delete Find Display Print Print All Desktop Hardware requirements What is Shareware How to register Disclaimer of Warranty Copyright and Trade mark notice Catalogue .TOPIC: Author Author: Tomas Martin Address:Compusoft International P.O.Box 411 Kilkenny SA 5009 Australia Telephone and fax: 08-47 7405 or 618-47 7405 if overseas There will be a telephone and a fax number change from September 1996; numbers '84' will be added to our existing local numbers, so 47 7405 will become 8447 7405. Date of release of this product: 15th November 1995 Version: 2.1 .TOPIC: Introduction to ComData v.2.1 Database information system that will store records of just about anything. You give a name to each record field, you decide what to store. There is no limit on number of entries. The database file can contain as many records as your computer memory capacity allows (see Add new). The program also has fast search option (see Find) and allows you to browse through your records (see Display), change the records, (see Edit) have them printed out, (see Print) or delete them (see topic Delete). The program also has several useful desktop utilities (see Desktop) and Password protection (see Password). BEFORE YOUR START please review all information contained in this Help or in file Readme.doc. These files contain important information about the program itself, about system requirements, about Shareware concept and information on conditions of using this program and registering it. For details see Hardware requirements, What is Shareware, and topic How to register. GETTING STARTED. Type "HOLD" and press Enter. .TOPIC: Opening screen The opening screen contains the main menu and automatically displayes your data from the file, sorted by the selected option. The upper menu bar allows you to choose from eleven sort options and make your choice default, and also to set the label size. You can also set displayed date format to either Day/Month/Year format or Month/Day/Year format as well as set displayed time format to either 12 hour format or 24 hour format. Lower command buttons allow you to add new records, find records, display selected record and print record(s). The Main menu can be activated either by pressing the ALT key, or simply click the mouse button over an item. .TOPIC: Record fields Here you decide what to store. This feature allows you to give a name to each record field (except the last four lines, that are intended to be a Note and their name cannot be changed). You can use the program to record any information. Each record field can be given a name up to 14 alphanumeric characters in size. Your choice will become default and the opening screen will automatically respond to your choice by displaying new names in 'Sort records by' dialog boxes. When this is done, you have eleven options to sort your records - see Sort. .TOPIC: Sort The opening screen automatically uploads your data from the file, sorted by the selected option, and the list box will display them. You have eleven sort options to choose from. You can change the sort option whenever you like, the list box will always respond by resorting the displayed data. The selected sort option will become default until a new selection. .TOPIC: Label size This feature is to help you to make a brief list of all record items your file contain. To print a full report see topic Print and Print All. The options for label size are either 4 lines label or 5 lines one. The 4 lines label will contain the first and second record fields on the first line, the third field on the second line, and the fourth field on the third line. The last, fourth line will contain the records of fifth and sixth fields. The 5 line label size will contain the first and second record fields on the first line, the third field on the second line, and the fourth field on the third line. The fourth line will contain the records of fifth and sixth fields and the last, fifth line is reserved for the records of ninth field. .TOPIC: Password This feature will protect you against an unauthorized access to your data. This protection is optional, you can set it at any time and cancel it at any time. But please remember, once set, you must enter the password to cancel it. So, keep this in mind as it is virtually impossible to access your data without entering the right password. The password protection is case sensitive, so, if your password is, say 'Evergreen' it is not the same as 'evergreen' .TOPIC: Add new This feature allows you to enter new record. Built-in editor supports all commands necessary for easy entering. These are as follows: Arrow key Right ... Moves right 1 space Arrow key Left ... Moves left 1 space Arrow key Up ... Moves 1 line up Arrow key Down ... Moves 1 line down Backspace ... Moves and deletes 1 space left left End ... Moves to end of text in line Home ... Moves to beginning of text in line Page Down ... Moves to end of record Page Up ... Moves to beginning of record Insert ... Selects overwrite or insert mode (default is overwrite) Space ... Moves and deletes 1 space right Shift ... Selects uppercase Delete ... Deletes 1 space right Ctrl+F3 ... Deletes line Ctrl+F4 ... Copy line Ctrl+F5 ... Paste line Enter ... Accepts each entry When the job is done, you will be asked whether to add next record or not. If the answer is Yes, the added record will be automatically saved and new blank form displayed. If you opt to leave the editor the added record will also be saved and program will return to the main menu. The number of records you can add to the database is only limited by your computer memory capacity. .TOPIC: Edit If you want to change the displayed record, click the mouse over the Edit option and the program will call up editor. Its supported commands are identical to Add option. Arrow key Right ... Moves right 1 space Arrow key Left ... Moves left 1 space Arrow key Up ... Moves 1 line up Arrow key Down ... Moves 1 line down Backspace ... Moves and deletes 1 space left left End ... Moves to end of text in line Home ... Moves to beginning of text in line Page Down ... Moves to end of record Page Up ... Moves to beginning of record Insert ... Selects overwrite or insert mode (default is overwrite) Space ... Moves and deletes 1 space right Shift ... Selects uppercase Delete ... Deletes 1 space right Ctrl+F3 ... Deletes line Ctrl+F4 ... Copy line Ctrl+F5 ... Paste line Enter ... Accepts each entry Saving the edited record is done automatically when you leave the editor. .TOPIC: Delete This option removes an unwanted record from the list of records. If you want to swap the old record for a new one, you can use Edit and simply overwrite the old record with a new one. The list box will automatically respond to changes (either re- move or rewrite) and will display the updated list (depending on the selected sort option). .TOPIC: Find This option allows you to find any record by entering a search string. Find will search all record fields except the Note, because information quantity in this field could cause an unwanted and unrelated display of records. If there is more than one record with an identical string, the Find option will display the first one for you and a built- in submenu gives you an option to search for the next match. You will be given a message if there is no other match. The found record can be either just displayed, or you can call out editor to make changes to the record. You can also print it all or print the labels only. Searching is very fast. .TOPIC: Display This option will display a record, selected by the highlighted bar from the list box. Again, the displayed record can be also edited and printed. Remember that if you have a record displayed without highlighting it from the list box, the first record from the file will be displayed. The same will happen in case you highlight an empty field. .TOPIC: Print The print option will display a record, selected by the highlighted bar. The built-in submenu allows you to choose from the option to print all record or labels only. This option was already mentioned above, see Label size; if you choose Print record, the full record will be printed out, exactly as it is displayed on the screen. .TOPIC: Print All The Print All option will print all your records from first one to the end of a file. To print selected records, you choose Print record from the submenu, while displaying a record, to print out a label, choose Print label from the submenu. .TOPIC: Desktop Built-in TEXT FILE VIEWER is suitable for easy reading of documentation and other files without using additional file viewer. To navigate through a text file, the following keys are recognized: Page Up ... Pages the view window up; Page Down ... Pages the view window down; Arrow Up ... Scrolls the view window up one line; Arrow Down ... Scrolls the view window down one line; Arrow Left ... Scrolls the view window one character to the left; Arrow Right ... Scrolls the view window one character to the right; Home ... Positions the view window at the beginning of the file; End ... Positions the view window at the end of the file; Esc ... Exit CALCULATOR supports all basic arithmetical functions. Its design imitates simple pocket calculator with commonly known features. ANALOGUE CLOCK will display a clock on your screen. This module requires VGA card, so if you don't have one, you will not see the clock. PRINT CALENDAR will print a calendar for you for any year since the year 1584. .TOPIC: Hardware requirements IBM compatible 286 or better EGA/VGA monitor 450kB free conventional memory DOS 5.0 or better printer optional These are requirements needed for an efficient running of ComData. That does not mean that the program will not satisfactorily run under lower configuration. .TOPIC: What is Shareware Shareware is an exciting marketing method which allows you to try top-quality software before you pay the author. With share- ware, you cannot be disappointed spending money for a program that's not right for you. The small fee you pay to a Shareware distributor does not cover the cost of the program itself. If you continue to use the program, you must send the author an additional payment which may entitle you to technical support, and other benefits. This is termed Registration (see How to register). Each evaluation copy is supplied to you "on approval" for the period of 21 days. After that time you are obliged either to register the program or stop using it. Copying or using the program without paying for it, except as provided above, is a breach of copyright. Each evaluation copy is fully working, it is not limited in any way and no features of the registered version have been omitted. The only difference between evaluation and the registered version are the closing and opening screens that will be removed in registered version. Also see How to register and Disclaimer of Warranty .TOPIC: How to register We accept cash, cheques, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard and Bankcard), or Money Order or International Money Order. All cheques must be drawn on an Australian bank in AU$, US$ or UK pounds. Credit cards will always be billed in AU$ so you can get the latest and best exchange rate. There are two easy ways to register: - Print Order Form using built-in feature under menu item About (or use file Register.doc) and fill it in. Include your credit card details or enclose cash, cheque, money order and post it to us. If you haven't got a printer you can supply all necessary details on a piece of paper. - If you have a fax you can send your order via fax. Make sure all your credit card details and your signature are there, then fax it to us. The registration price is AU$ 30.00 or US$ 24.00 or UKœ 14.00 shipped anywhere in the world. For shipping within Australia add AU$ 3.00, for shipping to other countries add AU$ 6.00 or US$ 4.50 or UKœ 3.00. All registered users will receive: - a copy of the latest version of the program; - a minimum of three months free phone, fax and mail technical support; - 25% discount on any update, when it becomes available; - free evaluation copy of Easy Addresses v.3.0; - the satisfaction you did the right thing. Send the Order form and registration payment to: Compusoft International Phone and fax: P.O.Box 411 08-47 7405 Kilkenny SA 5009 or 618-47 7405 if overseas Australia Note: There will be a telephone and a fax number change from September 1996; numbers '84' will be added to our existing local numbers, so 47 7405 will become 8447 7405. Also see What is Shareware and Disclaimer of Warranty .TOPIC: Copyright and Trade mark notice The following expressions, used anywhere in this software, are Copyright, Trade Mark and/or property as follows: DOS is registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation WINDOWS is trademark of Microsoft Corporation .TOPIC: Disclaimer of Warranty TOMAS MARTIN AND/OR COMPUSOFT INTERNATIONAL DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES RELATING TO THIS SOFTWARE, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHENTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ALL SUCH WARRANTIES ARE EXPRESSLY AND SPECIFICALY DISCLAIMED. NEITHER TOMAS MARTIN NOR ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CREATION, PRODUCTION, OR DELIVERY OF THIS SOFTWARE SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE SUCH SOFTWARE EVEN IF TOMAS MARTIN OR ANYONE ELSE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR CLAIMS. THE PERSON USING THE SOFTWARE BEARS ALL RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE. This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and/or the State of South Australia and shall inure to the benefit of Tomas Martin and any successors, administra- tors, heirs and assigns. Any action or proceeding brought by either party against the other arising out of or related to this agreement shall be brought only in a state or federal court of competent jurisdiction located in Adelaide, South Australia. The parties hereby consent to in personal jurisdiction of said courts. Also see What is Shareware and How to register .TOPIC: Catalogue OTHER SHAREWARE PRODUCTS FROM COMPUSOFT INTERNATIONAL: INFORMATION MANAGER v.1.1 - Combines many features usually found in several separate programs. It includes Address Database, Book Database and CD/Cassettes Database. The Info utility will also show calendar and give you other useful information about date and times. Requires: IBM 286+ or compat.,EGA/VGA, 500kB RAM, DOS 3.1+ Registration: AU$ 30, US$ 24, UK œ 14 Evaluation copy: AU$ 4, US$ 3, UKœ 2 AUSTRALIAN POSTCODES v.1.0 - Easy to use, automatic, fast searching program to match required town/suburb with postcode, and vice versa. No need to know exact spelling of places, just enter partial name or partial postcode and the Find option will find a match for you. The program also comes with print option and shows exact time and date. Requires: IBM 286+ or compatible, EGA/VGA, 300 kB RAM, DOS 3.1+ Registration: AU$ 29, US$ 23, UK œ 14 Evaluation copy: AU$ 4, US$ 3, UKœ 2 EASY ADDRESSES v.3.0 - This product is an updated version of our popular database management system Easy Addresses that help the user keep track of people, their names, addresses, phone and fax numbers, etc. This version No.3 brings new sort options (instead of one you now have 5 sort options to choose from), you can edit and print existing records from anywhere in the program. Easy Addresses now have a full mouse and a keyboard support. We have also responded to our users' demands and added a password protection and new Delete feature. Requires: IBM 286+ or compat., EGA/VGA, 350 kB RAM, DOS 3.1+ Registration: AU$ 30, US$ 24, UK œ 14 Evaluation copy: AU$ 4, US$ 3, UKœ 2 DATA MASTER v.2.5 - is a free-form database system that lets you store, retrieve, sort, and print any kind of information quickly, simply, and safely. Very fast Find option will search for string (word or words) related to your record and you can also find your record by entering Keyword. Browse option lists all records forwards or backwards, Sort feature sorts your records by Keyword. The number of entries is unlimited. Simple to use, no setup. More Requires: IBM 286+ or compat., EGA/VGA, 450 kb RAM, DOS 3.1+ Registration: AU$ 30, US$ 24, UK œ 14 Evaluation copy: AU$ 4, US$ 3, UKœ 2 COMAR v.2.4 - is an archive shell for DOS. Very easy to use, but with a lot of potential. Supports LHA, ZIP, ARC, ARJ and PAK, viewer, all self-extracting archives. Full mouse and keyboard support. The program also contains useful utilities, such as Diskcopy, File attribute, File copy/Delete. Requires: IBM 286+ or compat., DOS 6.0+ Registration: AU$ 30, US$ 24, UK œ 14 Evaluation copy: AU$ 4, US$ 3, UKœ 2 TEST AND STUDY v.1.2 - is both educational program and interactive game. It allows you to test your knowledges in a variety of subject areas and learn new facts from our files. You will be given hundreds of questions about world history, great events, personalities, art and architecture, about world capital cities, population, rivers and mountains, about music, both classic and pop music, etc. Each of your answers will be scored and results will be entered to the Hall of Fame. You can compete with your friends, your children, or just yourself to reach the best possible results. Fully menu driven, full mouse and keyboard support. Requires: IBM 286+ or compat., EGA/VGA, 350 kB RAM, DOS 5.0+ Registration: AU$ 30, US$ 24, UK œ 14 Evaluation copy: AU$ 4, US$ 3, UKœ 2 COMFI, File and Disk Manager v.2.2 - is a collection of utility programs which will increase the power and flexibility of your computer. It includes File attributes, copy and diskcopy, delete, format diskette, system info, and file viewer. Full mouse and keyboard support. Requires: IBM 286+ or compat., DOS 6.0+ Registration: AU$ 30, US$ 24, UK œ 14 Evaluation copy: AU$ 4, US$ 3, UKœ 2 COMINFO v.2.0 - This product is an updated and upgraded version of our original database management system ComInfo v.1.0. It has been re-written, with a new design and new features. It will store records of your contacts, names, addresses, companies, etc. All records can be added, edited, deleted, sorted, printed, displayed and searched for. Moreover, to each record you can add a special file that can contain up to 32 kB of information. These special files don't have to be uploaded separately, on the contrary, when you display a record on the screen and decide to add a special file to it, just one click with your mouse will do it. Editing and printing either the whole record or just the address label can be done from anywhere in the program. Requires: IBM 286+ or compat., EGA/VGA, 400 kB RAM, DOS 5.0+ Registration: AU$ 30, US$ 24, UK œ 14 Evaluation copy: AU$ 4, US$ 3, UKœ 2 QUICK BOOKBASE v.2.0 - is an updated version of our book data- base management system. It has been designed for the home and small businesses to manage their personal, or business library. Version No.2.0 includes new sort options, new edit and print feature. Quick Bookbase includes a full mouse and a keyboard support. Password protection. Requires: IBM 286+, EGA/VGA, 350 kB RAM, DOS 5.0+ Registration: AU$ 30, US$ 24, UK œ 14 Evaluation copy: AU$ 4, US$ 3, UKœ 2 ULTIMATE UTILITIES v.1.2 - high speed utility programs. DESKTOP contains Calendars, Notepad, Conversion utility from and to metric systems, Calculator and you also can have an analogue clock displayed on your screen. FILES utilities offer you text file viewer, file archive and unarchive shell, file sorter and file finder, FLOPPY allows you to make full diskcopy and to format floppies. SYSTEM gives you technical report about your computer, and more. Full mouse and keyboard support. Requires: IBM 286+ or compat., EGA/VGA, 400 kB RAM, DOS 6.0+ Registration: AU$ 30, US$ 24, UK œ 14 Evaluation copy: AU$ 4, US$ 3, UKœ 2 All these programs have been written for DOS users. However, they can also be run from Windows. All these programs are shareware.