Category : Databases and related files
Archive   : PROFILE2.ZIP
Filename : PF-READ.ME

ProFile

Professional Filing System


Read-Me File


Version 1.3

















Copyright (c) 1986, 1987 by Lee Raesly
All Rights Reserved

This Readme file covers the following items:

o Shareware Registration
o Software Support- COMPUSERVE and NEW SUPPORT TELEPHONE NUMBER
o Getting Started
o Printing the documentation
o How to recover a database from the backup files
o New ProFile features not in the Manual
o dBase II/III+ conversion program
o Version history and enhancements
o List of files on the distribution disks
o Coorections to the printed manual


SHAREWARE REGISTRATION
----------------------

Shareware is a new concept in the distribution and marketing of programs. It
allows you to use the software first and then make a decision to purchase the
program.

ProFile is distributed and marketed through the shareware concept. You may
copy the program and give it to a friend or colleague for evaluation. Or,
you may purchase an evaluation copy of the program directly from us, National
Software Design, for $10.00. You are encouraged to copy the program and
share it with others. Once you have evaluated the package and find it to your
liking, please register with us, as outlined below.

A ProFile registration licenses you to use the product on a regular basis.
A registered user receives mailed notification of updates and free technical
support via CompuServe. Users need register only one version of ProFile;
registration includes licensed use of all upgrades.

PROFILE MANUAL

There is a complete, printed manual available to ProFile users. The manual
covers all of ProFile's features in detail and provides clear, concise
examples on the program's different functions. Over 200 pages, this bound
manual includes pictures, diagrams and a comprehensive index. A must for
any serious user, the manual, registration, and latest version of the
program are available for only $49.95 (for registered users the latest
manual and distribution disks are available for only $15).

IF YOU USE THE PROGRAM ON A REGULAR BASIS, YOU MUST REGISTER. WE OFFER
TWO ALTERNATIVES:

Registration Options Fee
-------------------- ---

1) Registration, Manual and Disk $49.95

BEST VALUE!
Use this option if you'd like the latest version of the program,
a printed manual, software support and notification of program updates.

2) Registration and Disk $39.95

With this option you receive two disketttes that contain the latest
version of the software, the disk-based manual, software support via
CompuServe, and notification of program updates.

As noted above, evaluation disks are available at any time for $10. These
disks do not include registration. The fee covers diskettes, postage and
handling.


SOFTWARE SUPPORT
----------------

Software Support is available for all users, at no charge, through
CompuServe. For assistance, simply send an EMail, along with your name
and program serial number to User ID #76464,303 (Lee Raesly). Your
questions will be answered promptly.

NEW SUPPORT LINE!

In addition to CompuServe, we now have a hotline for support. To reach
us, please call 301 963-3977 from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM EST weekdays. If
we are not available, you may leave a name, telephone number and message,
plus time of day/night to call. Due to the high cost of today's
telephone service, ALL CALLS WILL BE RETURNED COLLECT.

ProFile Registration Form
-------------------------

To register, send in the following form and your registration fee to:

National Software Design
12505 Fostoria Way
Darnestown, MD 20878
Attn: Registrations

Please send me:

Qty Product Ext. Cost
--- ------- ---------

___ PROFILE REGISTRATION, MANUAL, AND DISK . . . @ $49.95 ea ________
Registration, current program and manual, on two disks plus
printed copy of latest manual (illustrations, hints, index;
over 200 pages; much more than the disk-based manual)

___ PROFILE REGISTRATION AND DISK . . . . . . @ $39.95 ea ________
Current program and manual, on two disks, WITH Registration

___ UPDATE PACKAGE FOR REGISTERED USERS ONLY . . @ $15.00 ea _________
Latest version of the program (2 diskettes) plus the complete,
printed, bound manual. When ordering, include your diskette
serial number.

___ PROFILE EVALUATION DISKS . . . . . . . . @ $10.00 ea _________
Current program and manual, on two disks, no registration.


Subtotal $ ___________

(Maryland Residents please add 5% sales tax) Tax ________

Total $ ____________


Name _________________________________________

Company ______________________________________

Address ______________________________________

City/State/Zip ___________________________________

Serial and version number of current disk _________________
(Displayed on opening screen)

How did you learn about ProFile and where did you first obtain
your copy?

____________________________________________________________________

What new features would you like to see in ProFile?

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________



THREE EASY STEPS TO GETTING STARTED
-----------------------------------

Here's how to get started.

o Make working copies of the ProFile Distribution diskettes and
optionally use the program HARDINST to install ProFile on your
hard disk (see the manual for more details on hard disks).

o Print out the documentation.

o Check to see that the program works properly with your con-
figuration.


MAKING WORKING COPIES
---------------------

Making the working copies is simple. To prepare, format two new
diskettes . Then copy the files from the ProFile master disks to the
newly formatted disks. Here are the details:

1) Make certain that the ProFile master disks are write protected to
prevent accidental erasure. You can check this by looking to see if
the write-protect notch on the right side of the disk is covered by a
tab. If it isn't, cover it now.

2) Insert your DOS system disk in drive A: and turn on the system.

3) When the A> prompt appears, put a new diskette in drive B:. Then
type:

Format B:
and then press [ENTER]

Do this twice. Label the first disk - PROFILE PROGRAM DISK. Label the
second disk - PROFILE DOCUCUMENTATION DISK.

When DOS asks if you would like to format another disk answer No.

4) Insert the orginal PROFILE PROGRAM DISK in drive A: and the newly
formatted disk in drive B:. Type COPY A:*.* B: and then press
[ENTER]. After all of the files have been copied remove the
disks. Repeat this procedure with the PROFILE DOCUMENTATION DISK.




PRINTING THE DOCUMENTATION
--------------------------

The manual and printing program are contained on the disk labeled
PROFILE DOCUMENTATION DISK. To effectively use ProFile, you should
print the manual and then store it in a binder. Here's how:

1) With the computer turned on, put the disk labeled PROFILE
DOCUMENTATION DISK in drive A:. Type A: [ENTER] to make it the
active drive.

3) Next, type PRINTDOC and then press [ENTER].

4) Follow the onscreen instructions for entering the file to print.

5) At the prompt to enter in the left margin, enter in a number from 0 to
255. The left margin controls where on the page the documentation
starts to print. For instance, a left margin of 0 will cause the
documentation to be printed starting the first position on the left
side of the paper.

6) You may interrupt printing by pressing any key. Re-start printing by
entering Yes at the prompt. Any other key will cancel the print
documentation function.


Notes:

ProFile Version 1.2 Report and Label Formats-

This version of ProFile includes an enhanced report writer (outlined below).
Since many more options are available, reports and labels created with
Version 1.0 of ProFile will not work and must be recreated. If you try to
use an old report format, ProFile will display an error message (illegal
format).

Recovering Backup Files-

As of Version 1.2d, ProFile now appends an exclamation point (!) to the
extension of the database file names. For example, a database called
MAILLIST would consist of three files; MAILLIST.FRM, and MAILLIST.DTA,
MAILLIST.NDX. When you use the Backup function, ProFile will copy
these files to; MAILLIST.FR!, MAILLIST.DT! and MAILLIST.ND!.

If you wish to use a previous version of a database that has been
backed-up using ProFile Backup Function, simply rename the backup copy
to the original names. Using our previous example, you'd issue the
following commands (note that if the database name already exists, you
will have to erase the active name first).

To rename the backup files created from database MAILLIST, type the
following:

RENAME MAILLIST.FR! MAILLIST.FRM {rename the form}
RENAME MAILLIST.??! MAILLIST.??X {rename the data and index files}

If you get a duplicate filename error, first copy the duplicate files
to another disk, delete the duplicate files and then issue the above
commands. See your DOS manual for more information on deleting and
renaming files.

New Version 1.2g Features-

The following features are not documented in the manual.

Force Black and White Display Mode- For those users with a
monographics card or laptop, you may now force ProFile to use a black
and white display mode. This should make the screen easier to see,
especially the menus.

To force black and white display, invoke ProFile by typing:

PF -M [ENTER]


Default Database Directory- Typically, when ProFile is started, it
selects the current directory and disk as the default database
directory. ProFile may now be started with a different default
database directory. This eliminates the need to press F2 to select a
different directory or disk when choosing a new or existing database.

To start with a different directory or disk drive, invoke ProFile by
typing:

PF {directory name}

Examples:

Invoke ProFile and select B: as the default database drive-

PF B:\

Invoke ProFile from the hard disk and select C:\MYDATA as the default-

PF C:\MYDATA

Invoke ProFile and force black and white display, and select B: as the
default drive-

PF -M B:\

The order of the two options does not matter.

dBase II/III+ Conversion-

The program DBF-PF.COM is contained on the PROFILE DOCUMENTATION DISK.

DBF-PF will convert a dBase II/III+ database file into a ProFile database.
It examines the structure of the dBase database and creates the form, data
and index files in a ProFile format. The form that it creates is quite
simple, putting one field on each line in the form. It indexes the database
on the first field of the database.

The conversion program is a handy, quick way to convert data files in a
dBase format. Once created, the form may be changed to a more pleasing
and logical format. Read the section in the manual that covers changing the
database for more information.

The DBF-PF program is self-prompting. The only information needed is the
dBase file name and the new file name for the ProFile database.

If the dBase file contains fields that are too large for ProFile, you will
be warned and the data automatically truncated. Both the data and the field
name must fit on one line in the ProFile form. DBF-PF will not process
dBase III note fields or dBase files with greater than 100 fields per
record.


Sample Databases-

A number of sample databases have been included on the diskette labeled
PROFILE DOCUMENTATION DISK. These files should help you get up and
running with ProFile. They make use of many of ProFile's advanced features
including keyed access, easy to read forms and help for critical fields.
Modify them to fit your specific needs.

Please write us with descriptions of new or unique applications which you
have designed from which other users might benefit. Include a note
stating if we can release the details in future releases.

The BUSINESS and RESIDENT databases contain sample data that may be used to
practive creating reports and labels. The other databases contain only
a blank form. When you first use them you will be prompted to create
the data and index files. Information may be added to them or the
forms changed as needed.

Database Descriptions-

BOOKS FRM - Use this form to track your presonal library.

BROKER FRM - Database for stock brokers to track prospective clients.

BUSINESS FRM - Generic business mailing list for clients or customers.
Contains 12 sample records.

BUSI_EXP FRM - Keep track of your business expenses with this database.
Great for salespeople, the self-employed, frequent
travelers, etc.

BUSI_INV FRM - A database for storing your business' property, belongings,
etc.

CHURCH FRM - A handy church membership database to track members and
pledges.

CLUB FRM - A general form for clubs. Good starting point.

HOME_INV FRM - Keep an inventory of all household items then store the disk
at the office. Great for insurance purposes.

MAGAZINE FRM - With this database you'll be able to track all of your
magazines and find the articles you want. (You know you saw
it in one of them, right?)

MUSIC FRM - Have you got an extensive record or music collection? This
database is a good starting point for managing it.

REAL_EST FRM - Designed for real estate agents who want to efficiently manage
their prospects and keep them happy. Once you've found the
right house, this will help you target the right prospect.

RESIDENT FRM - Generic residential mailing list. Contains 12 sample records.

XMAS FRM - A christmas list. Be sure to send an evaluation copy of
ProFile to all of your friends that have PCs!


Version History-


Version 1.0 First commercial release November 10, 1987

Version 1.0a Internal version
Report menu enhancements
Added dBase conversion program (see above)
Corrected instruction for left margin in PRINTDOC.EXE

Version 1.0b Released December 5, 1987
Fixed report print to disk problem
Changed backup to allow backups on one-drive systems
Expanded sample applications

Verison 1.1 Internal Release
Added auto-erase for default fields
^D adds space at end of input prompt or field
New parameter passing on startup for overlay files and
initial directory

Verson 1.2 Released February 25,1988
Jump to next word in text editor

Added Header/Footer to Report plus keyword support

Enhanced column report function:
o Report structure easier to use
o Word wrap
o Numeric formatting
o Subtotal by multiple field
o 3 line column headings
o Print repeat data Y/N
o Default blank text function
o Variable column spacing
o Heading and data justification
o Enhanced report error reporting

Sort function expanded
o Descending/ascending sort by field
o Page and line breaks by field
o Improved error handling of missing data

Too many files open (error #243) fixed

Version 1.2d
Free-form Label now saves the label length as set by the user

Backup Function now appends an exclamation mark (!) to
the file extension. This prevents copying over existing,
active database files.

Version 1.2g
Report Subtotal error with totals fixed
Force Black and White mode added
Default database directory added

Version 1.3 Added support for multiple total, subtotal functions in Report

1.3b ProFile now supports record sizes up to 3000 characters

ProFile Distribution Files

Program Disk

PF COM ProFile command file. {Type PF to start program}
PF HLP Online help file.
PF 000 Overlay file 0.
PF 001 Overlay file 1.
PF 002 Overlay file 2.
PF 003 Overlay file 3.
PFCHN CHN Overlay file 4.
HARDINST BAT Hard disk installation program.
PFBATCH TXT Batch file used by HARDINST.
KEYPRESS COM Keypress program used by HARDINST.


Documentation Disk

PF-READ ME This file.
PF-INTRO TXT Technical description.
PROFILE DOC ProFile documentation.
PRINTDOC EXE Documentation printing program.
*.FRM Sample databse form files.
*.DTA Sample database data files.
*.NDX Sample database index files.
SAMPLE LAB Example label for Resident database.
SAMPLE RPT Example report for Resident database.
DBF-PF COM Dbase II/III+ conversion program.


Updates to the Printed Manual

Page 102 under labels lists the Description field. This field is no longer
supported (or available).