FILE CARD DATABASE by Thomas R. Mierau 454 Carver N.W. Massillon, Ohio 44646 Copyright Thomas Mierau January 1985 Object Code Compiled With Turbo-Pascal (tm) Documentation by Rebecca Mierau This READ.ME file accompanied the origional version of the program. It may or may not reflect the the 1986 revision. INTRODUCTION File Card Database (FCD) combines the convenience of a text editor, a data base and hard copy on 4-by-6 file cards. It's perfect for storing recipes, quotes, and notes. The user has the choice of flipping through his file box for a card or retrieving the information from any of four tags (key words or headings) stored in his computer. Want to find Aunt Jane's recipe for tuna noodle? Call up tuna, noodle, casserole or Jane. Want any old casserole? Type in the word, and you have your choice of tuna noodle or goulash. Perhaps you're self-employed, a fix-it person. You want to know when you repaired Mr. Smith's drive but can't remember how you filed the information. You may have filed it under Jones, drive, concrete or patch. With FCD you can file it under all four tags and type any of these to recall the data. from the main menu prints an alphabetized list of key words to the screen or printer. FCD is a free-form data base. Instead of questions with space for 10-character answers, a "file card" is displayed on the screen. There are four lines for your key words and 10 for your text. Each line is 55 characters long. You enter and edit your data with a simple text editor. You'll find many applications for FCD. Because the program is on one disk and your data on another, you can maintain a separate disk for each project. This allows for maximum storage space. Use and enjoy -- T.R.M. DOCUMENTATION (1.) Using PIP or your favorite file-transfer program, copy the following programs from your master disk to your working disk: (a.) MENU.COM (b.) NEWFILE.CHN (c.) MAINBODY.CHN (d.) RETRIEVE.CHN (e.) SORTFILE.CHN Label this disk, "File Card Database," and insert in the A: drive. (2.) Label a blank, formatted disk with the name of your data, place in the B: drive. (2.a.) Code used in this documentation: ^ = control <> = when typing a command or making an entry, type characters given between brackets. = return = escape (3.) Type to start program. (4.) The following menu should appear on your screen: : Create a new database : Add records to database : Access existing records : Display key words :Quit (5.) To initialize your disk, type option . This erases all previous data and creates a new data base. IMPORTANT If you use this once you have begun to collect data, you will lose your data. (6.) Type to enter new data. On the screen is a replica of a file card. Your cursor is on the first key word. You must work your way through the key words before writing text. It's a good idea to fill in all four key words for quick retrieval. (a.) Type key words (up to 55 characters) (b.) Backspace erases to the left (c.) When the word or phrase is as you want it, type (d.) Type the next word. You cannot back up to the previous key word, but there is an option at the end of editing that allows you to make corrections. (7.) When you have reached the rectangular "card," you have 10 lines of 55 characters for your text. You can write anywhere on the "card" that you desire by using the following commands: (a.) Arrow Keys: moves cursor in direction of arrow (b.) ^S: moves cursor left. (c.) ^D: moves cursor right (d.) ^E: moves cursor up (e.) ^X: moves cursor down (f.) ^A: moves cursor to left end of line (g.) ^F: moves cursor to right end of line (h.) ^R: moves cursor to beginning of file card (i.) ^C: moves cursor to end of file card (j.) ^I: or inserts a character (a blank space that moves all text to right one space). This allows you to insert letters and words. (k.) ^N: Insert a line at cursor and move text down one line. Cursor remains in original position. (If you have text on the bottom line of the card, it will be shoved off the "card" and deleted.) (8.) You can delete text by typing over it or using the following commands: (a.) : Deletes character to the left of cursor. Characters to right of cursor move left one space. (b.) ^Q: Deletes from cursor to end of line, leaving a blank line to right of cursor. (c.) ^Y: Deletes entire line, right and left of cursor. Cursor moves to left of line, and all text below moves up one line. A blank line is inserted at the bottom of the "card". (d.) ^Z: Wipe Out! This command erases card. (e.) < >, a blank space followed by , erases a keyword and leaves line blank (9.) When you are done making entries, type . In the lower right corner of the screen is the question, "Correct? (Y/N)" If you wish to correct key words or text type . (a.) Retype the ENTIRE key word that you wish to correct. (b.) Type return at any key word you don't want corrected. (c.) Correct text with commands given above. (10.) When your entries are correct type followed by a in response to "Correct?" (11.) On your screen is the question, "Enter another record? (Y/N)." For now, answer and enter the following exercise: (a.) Enter these four phrases on the four tag lines: File Card Database, Text Editor, Commands, Write (b.) Now on the "card" enter the editing commands listed above. (When printed this will be a handy reference card.) (c.) When all is entered type (d.) If correct, type . (If not follow instructions in item (9.)) (e.) Answer to "Enter another record?" (12.) You should be back at the main menu. We will continue this exercise by demonstrating reediting and printing. (13.) Type . The program will ask that you "Enter keyword for search." Type and your File Card Database card should appear on the screen. (Before continuing, the following facts about option should be noted. You can retrieve a record by typing anything from the first character to every character of a key word(s). The number of characters isn't a factor, nor is upper or lower case. Placing your characters in the right order is. For instance, if you type or or you'll find your record. But if you type or or you'll read the message, "No keyword found.") (14.) You'll note that when your "card" came to the screen this time, your cursor wasn't positioned at the first keyword. (a.) Type <^W> (b.) Move through the keywords by typing until your cursor is in the "card." (c.) To complete your command card, find a space and enter: ^W: write ^P: print : quit (d.) Type and if you are satisfied. (e.) If you have another record with the same keyword, this will be displayed on the screen. Type to return to the main menu. (f.) If you have no other records with the same keyword, you'll read the message, "That's all folks. Type any key to continue." Do so and you'll return to the menu. (15.) A few words about records sharing the same keyword: (a.) Typing any character, except , moves you from record to record. (b.) Typing returns you to the main menu. (16.) To print your FCD command card, type option from the main menu. (a.) Type in one of your four keywords. (b.) If you retrieve another record with the same keyword, type any character until your find "File Card Database." (c.) When you have the correct record, load your printer with paper or a 4-by-6 card. (d.) Type <^P> and your commands will be printed. (e.) You'll either be returned to the main menu or given another record with the same keyword. (17.) If you are unhappy with the positioning of the record on your file card, reposition the card and try again. Margins have been figured into the print program, but where you place the card determines the results. (18.) As mentioned in the introduction, option on the main menu displays a list of keywords. You may have these listed to the screen or printer. When listing to the screen, you may stop and start the printing by typing <^S>. As always, returns you to the main menu, and a final returns you to C.P.M. # If you have any questions or problems, feel free to write. A self-addressed, stamped envelope for return mail is appreciated. T.R.M./R.M.