The PC-SIG Library 10

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Text File | 1987-01-12 | 41KB | 1,095 lines

@CB PC-CONVERT A Program to Convert ASCII Files into VisiCalc(tm) File Format For Importation into VisiCalc, Lotus 1-2-3 and other Visicalc Compatible Programs For the IBM Personal Computer and Compatibles (1986) by George L. Sirois Version 3.0 George L. Sirois 127 Lorann Drive Naugatuck, Ct. 06770 PC-CONVERT Table of Contents General Information.........................................1 Start-up Information........................................3 Getting Started.............................................3 Reformat a File or Report into VisiCalc(tm) Format..........4 Print File or Report from Diskette..........................11 Erase File or Report from Diskette..........................13 Limited License Notice......................................14 Disclaimer..................................................14 The User Supported Software Concept.........................14 GENERAL INFORMATION: PC-CONVERT is a flexible formatting program which was designed to allow the user to convert a file downloaded from a host computer into VisiCalc(tm) cells so that the data can immediately be used in several spreadsheet programs currently on the market which are compatible with, or can directly use, a file in the VisiCalc (tm) format. Its use, however, is not limited to just communications files downloaded from another computer, since it will work just fine with most any sequential ASCII file created on your PC or elsewhere. Files are typically downloaded from a host computer (a host computer can be any other computer, even another PC) via an Asynchronous Communications program or via a hardware device such as the IRMA board, to cite just two ways. PC-CONVERT does not contain the communications program to download files. There are many good ones on the market today, so I'll leave the choice to you. In general terms, the process for creating a VisiCalc(tm) file from a host computer would be accomplished as follows: 1. The file to be downloaded must exist on the host computer as a disk data set (file) with a specific file name. In general, the file should be relatively small (no 3000 page reports...Please!). The reason for this is that programs such as VisiCalc(tm) have definite limitations in terms of how many rows and columns they can accept, and these limitations can be quite small by mainframe standards. 2. Disk data sets (files) can be created on the host in a number of ways. For example, usually there are existing reports being produced which contain the data you want. These can be easily modified, usually just a JCL change, to produce a "report" on disk as opposed to printed on paper. This disk version of the "report" can then be downloaded onto your PC's diskette or hard disk for conversion. There are many other ways to extract the data you need and I couldn't possibly cover them all here, so unless you're very familiar with your particular host computer's systems and files, I would recommend you seek assistance from the DP department at the host site. 3. If the host computer is a large mainframe variety such as an IBM 370 or 30XX series chances are that access can be gained through a host communications program such as TSO or CMS. If not, we suggest you contact your local friendly Data Processing Department for assistance. In either event, you'll probably require their assistance to obtain passwords and LOGON procedures. Don't hesitate to ask, as I'm sure they'll be more than happy to assist you. 3 4. Once you've established communications between your PC and the host and downloaded a file according to the procedures required by the particular combination of software you have used, you're now ready to use PC-CONVERT. 5. PC-CONVERT will allow you to select data fields of any length from your downloaded file in any sequence, identify them as a label or value and then reformat the entire report or data file into a VisiCalc(tm) file ready for immediate use in a spreadsheet. You can even select the same data field several times if you wish it to appear in more than one location in your spreadsheet. 6. PC-CONVERT's file can be read directly into VisiCalc(tm) and into Lotus 1-2-3 via its file transfer utility. I've used it with both of these programs successfully and there may be others with which I'm not familiar. If a program can read and process a VisiCalc(tm) file, then it will read a PC-CONVERT file. Once you've stored your data in either Visi-calc or Lotus you can then further convert your data to the D.I.F. format for availability to an even broader range of application software packages. For more information on D.I.F. please refer to your VisiCalc(tm) or Lotus reference manuals. 7. I've tried to make PC-CONVERT as simple to use as possible so that you can benefit from its use as quickly as possible. Before going on to the more specific instructions for using PC-CONVERT just a word or two about what it WON'T do: 1. PC-CONVERT will not transfer headings from printed reports which were converted into disk data sets on the host. In most cases this will be a blessing, since I've worked in a large DP environment for about 20 years and I haven't yet seen one worth contaminating my PC with. It will transfer any number of field labels that occur on the same line as your numeric data. See example below: EXAMPLE: Heading ---> MONTHLY SUMMARY OF WIDGETS SOLD DATE 09/11/83 Heading ---> BY SALES DISTRICT PAGE 000001 The above headings will not be transferred. Data line ---> WIDGET MOD 1 5,000 7,245 18,000 3,788 Data line ---> WIDGET MOD 2 12,750 4,890 22,500 8,700 The above data lines, including their labels, can be transferred. 4 START-UP INFORMATION Insert your DOS diskette in Drive A (the left hand drive) and turn on your computer to "boot up" the Operating System. If your computer is already on, "reboot" the system by simultaneously depressing the CTRL, ALT and DEL keys. Once you have the DOS prompt "A>" on the screen then insert a blank diskette in Drive B and type... FORMAT B:/S<enter> Be sure that the diskette you insert in Drive B is blank or that it does not contain valuable data, as it will be erased once it is formatted. The above command will also copy the Operating System files to the new diskette. Once you've formatted a diskette, remove your DOS diskette from Drive A and place the diskette containing the PC-CONVERT files into Drive A. Then enter the following command to copy the PC-CONVERT programs to your newly formatted diskette. COPY A:*.* B:<enter> To start PC-CONVERT place the PC-CONVERT diskette in Drive A. If your computer is already turned on, "reboot" the system by simultaneously depressing the CTRL, ALT and DEL keys. If your computer is turned off, simply turn it on after inserting the diskette in Drive A. GETTING STARTED After the two initial screens have been brought up and dispensed with by striking any key, the Primary Menu screen will be displayed as follows: _____________________________________________________________________ < 1 > REFORMAT A FILE OR REPORT INTO VISI-CALC FORMAT < 2 > PRINT FILE OR REPORT FROM DISKETTE < 3 > ERASE FILE OR REPORT FROM DISKETTE < 4 > END PROCESSING (RETURN TO DOS) < 5 > PRINT PC-CONVERT DOCUMENTATION ENTER SELECTION NUMBER _____________________________________________________________________ 5 You may perform any of the functions on the menu by pressing the number key printed to the left of the menu entry. The following pages will explain each of the entries in detail. MENU ITEM #1: REFORMAT A FILE OR REPORT INTO VISI-CALC FORMAT This is the option that PC-CONVERT is all about. When you select this option, the following screen will be displayed: ______________________________________________________________________ ENTER DATA FILE DRIVE (A,B,C, etc.): ______________________________________________________________________ Enter the Drive letter for the drive that contains your data file that you wish to convert. The file must be in the root directory if you're using DOS 2.0 or later as the program does not yet support sub directories. The limitation appears to be in the Basic Compiler since I have the logic in the program to handle sub directories and it works just fine in Interpreter mode. Once you have entered the drive letter, the program will list all the files on that drive on your screen as follows: ______________________________________________________________________ B:\ TESTFILE.TST DOWNLOAD.DWN TESTRECS MAINFRAM.RPT SMALL .RPT LARGE .RPT FINANCE .QTR 69632 Bytes free USE CURSOR KEYS TO HIGHLIGHT FILE TO BE SELECTED...THEN PRESS <ENTER> <ESC> KEY TO RETURN TO PRIMARY MENU ______________________________________________________________________ The upper left file name will be highlighted in reverse video. Use the cursor keys to move the highlight area to the file you wish to select. Once selected, press the <Enter> key 6 The screen will clear and the first 11 records in your file will be listed on the middle of the screen similar to the sample screen printed below: ______________________________________________________________________ Sample record #1 500.00 1650.65 34,123.44 (4367.00) 32 Sample record #2 1432.55 345.78 12,453.61 9844.34 2 Sample record #3 546.99 5499.00 3,555.00 445.78 126 Sample record #4 4434.55 767.87 34,523.95 (455.91) ->Sample record #5 (347.00) 56.65 8,347.34 12873.76 5<- Sample record #6 5455.67 5288.61 581.44 2938.46 54 Sample record #7 443.23 729.01 2,366.24 998.00 Sample record #8 1544.00 6302.00 561.78 23452.55 765 Sample record #9 238.66 45.34 45,720.00 747.98 1 Sample record #10 665.00 438.88 (4,874.98) 5639.00 (7 Sample record #11 23.54 12657.87 435.76 2345.34 65 ^........^.........^.........^.........^.........^.........^........ --1-------10--------20--------30--------40--------50--------60------ -- VIEWING MODE: SELECT RECORD FOR FORMATTING.....PLACE IT BETWEEN ARROWS USE CURSOR KEYS TO SCROLL UP,DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT IN DATA FILE <F>FIELD SELECTION MODE <T>TAG REC FOR OMMISSION <ESC>PRIMARY MENU ______________________________________________________________________ VIEWING MODE: The purpose of this screen is to allow you to view the records in your file to select a representative record to be used in the conversion process. It is important to select a record that represents the typical field layout of the entire file so that when you identify the spreadsheet cells to be created in the next step they will represent all the fields you want to appear in the VisiCalc file. Typically, the best record to select is a record which has the longest number values in each column, such as the totals line of a report. In this way when you identify cells you'll be guided by the length of these long fields. To get the hang of it I suggest you try going through the entire process with a small file the first time. This way you'll see the results of the selection process and the resulting VisiCalc file. Use either the record viewing mode of this screen or a printed copy of the report to pick the representative record. 7 76 characters of the first 11 records are initially displayed on the screen. As the instructions on the bottom of the screen indicate, use the cursor keys to position the representative record onto the line which has the arrows on the left and right side of the screen. If your record is longer than the 76 characters shown on the screen you can scroll left or right to view the remainder of the record. The screen will shift to the left or right each time you hit the left or right cursor keys and you will know where you are in the record by looking at the ruler on the line just below the last data record. The ruler is marked off in increments of 10 character positions. You may also page forward or backward in the file by using the "PgUp" and "PgDn" keys. The file will be advanced or retarded by 75 records each time you hit these keys. Please note that the bottom line of the screen also has three other options. The following is a brief explanation of each: <T> TAG REC FOR OMMISION As you are scrolling through the file to select a representative record, you may come across some records you don't wish to have in you spreadsheet, such as headings or totals. You may omit these records by them on the line with the arrows and then striking the letter "T". A message will be displayed indicating the record number of the record omitted. Please note that the record is not, repeat not, being deleted from your file. It is only being tagged for exclusion from your spreadsheet file. <ESC> PRIMARY MENU As with all other screens in this program, this option allows you to exit any process at any time by striking the "ESC" key. So if you have really muddled yourself up along the way, just strike this key and return to the Primary Menu where you can start all over again. <F> FIELD SELECTION MODE Use this option by striking the letter "F" when you are finished selecting the representative record you are going to use to format the file. Be sure the record you are planning to use is positioned between the arrows before striking "F". When you strike the letter "F" the screen will change as follows: 8 _____________________________________________________________________ Do you wish to use a predefined format? (Y) or (N) If you respond (N)o to the prompt then proceed to the next page in these instructions. Responding (Y)es produces a listing of previously created and saved format files (with a file extension of DFN) in the same manner as text files were selected at the beginning of the program. ______________________________________________________________________ B:\ MONTHLY1.DFN WEEKLTOT.DFN MONTHLY2.DFN SUMMARY7.DFN 1QUARTER.DFN 2QUARTER.DFN 3QUARTER.DFN 23454 Bytes free USE CURSOR KEYS TO HIGHLIGHT FILE TO BE SELECTED...THEN PRESS <ENTER> <ESC> KEY TO RETURN TO PRIMARY MENU ______________________________________________________________________ Once again select the format to use by highlighting the filename to be used. Once you press the enter key the program will load the previously stored definition and immediately start processing it. Please go to page 10 of these instructions. If you are not selecting a predefined format you will be prompted at the end of the Field Selection Mode to with the following: ______________________________________________________________________ Do you wish to save the format just completed? (Y) or (N) If you respond (N)o proceed to page 10 of the instructions. If you answer (Y)es, you will be prompted to enter a filename. After doing so continue on page 10. 9 _____________________________________________________________________ POSITION ARROW AT START OF FIELD 1 WHEN FINISHED, PRESS (S) V ACCOUNTS PAYABLE 58,030.55 67,000.00 27,444.23 4500 2,700.00 :FLD STRT END:FLD STRT END:FLD STRT END: FIELD SELECTION MODE : : : : : : : : (ESC)RETURN TO PRIMARY MENU : : : : : : : : (P)REDO THE PRIOR FIELD : : : : : : : : (R)RETURN TO VIEWING MODE : : : : : : : : (E)PROCEED TO PROCESSING MODE: : : : _____________________________________________________________________ The above screen now gets us to the meat of the matter, dividing the "template" record up into cells. You will notice that just above the letter "A" in the words "ACCOUNTS PAYABLE" on the above screen there is the letter "V". This letter "V" is there because I can't think of any way to print an arrow pointing downward with the Word Processor I'm using to write this documentation. The "V" is supposed to be a downward pointing arrow, so please use your imagination and bear with me for the next few paragraphs. Whenever I use the word "arrow" I'll be referring to that letter "V" up there. The "arrow" is an important part of this process because it will be used to identify the fields to be converted to VisiCalc (tm) cells. The arrow is moved from left to right using the standard left and right cursor move keys located on the numeric keypad. If the record is longer than 80 characters, moving the cursor beyond position 80 will cause the record to automatically scroll to the left revealing the characters beyond position 80. Similarly, when you move the arrow to the left edge of the screen the record will scroll to the right until position 1 is once again at the left edge of the screen. The process of dividing up the record is really quite simple from here on because the screen will prompt you for each move of the arrow. Let's start with the first prompt that's showing on the screen above....POSITION ARROW AT START OF FIELD 1 WHEN FINISHED, PRESS (S) 10 As the prompt says, move the arrow to the start of the first field you want to have in your VisiCalc (tm)file. This will become the leftmost cell in your spreadsheet. You do not have to identify cells in the same sequence that the data appears in your data record. For example, if you want positions 51 to 60 to be your first cell then move the arrow to position 51 and then strike the letter (S). As soon as you've done this the screen prompt will change to: POSITION ARROW AT END OF FIELD 1 WHEN FINISHED, PRESS (F) Now move the arrow to position 60 and strike the letter (F). You have just identified the first field, and its starting and ending positions have been posted in the column just to the right of the screen prompts. Now the program wants to know if this is to be a "label" or "value" cell. The screen prompt changes to: IS FIELD 1 A (L)ABEL OR (V)ALUE ? If the field just identified is completely numeric, then it can be identified as either a label (if you don't plan to do any calculations with this field) or as a value (if you DO plan to use this field in calculations in your spreadsheet). If the field is a combination of letters and numbers (alphanumeric) then it can ONLY be identified as a label and if you try to identify it as a value, the program will identify this condition as an error. You have now completed the process for identifying a cell. Continue to identify the remaining fields by repeating the above process. It is not necessary to identify all fields on the "template" record as cells....only those that you want in your spreadsheet. Now lets review the other screen prompts: (ESC) RETURN TO PRIMARY MENU As I mentioned earlier, if you've had a bad day, kicked the cat, or whatever, and decide to call it quits, just hit the (ESC) key and you'll be returned to the primary menu. (P) REDO THE PRIOR FIELD While identifying cells, if you should make a mistake, you can go back and redo a field or group of fields by pressing the letter (P). Selecting this command will erase the field settings for the field just defined and you can then move the arrow to the desired positions for redefinition of the field. (R) RETURN TO VIEWING MODE Let's suppose that as you are defining fields you suddenly realize that the record you're using is not representative of the entire file and therefore the field selection process will not yield the correct cell designations you desire for your spreadsheet. You can return to the viewing mode and re-scan the input file to select a more appropriate record by hitting the (R) key. 11 (E) PROCEED TO PROCESSING MODE Please don't ask me why I selected the letter "E" as the keystroke command to... PROCEED TO PROCESSING MODE. It certainly doesn't make any sense, does it? Well, you see, this command was named "Exit to Processing Mode" at one time and the letter "E" made a lot of sense then. Even though it doesn't make sense it does work, however, and when you are finished identifying all the fields to be used in your spreadsheet, select this command to proceed with the creation of the VisiCalc (tm) cells. If you selected (E) above you are now proceeding to the processing mode where your input file will be used to create a Visi-calc file subdivided into cells as you defined them in the preceeding step. The screen will display the following message at this time: PC-CONVERT requires some temporary workspace in order to convert your file. The space required is about twice the size of your data file. Please select a drive which will provide sufficient space. Better still, if you have a RAM-DISK select it to measurably improve processing speed. Strike any key when ready to proceed with drive selection. As indicated in the above message, workspace to construct the Visi- Calc file is required and if the file to be converted is quite large, select a drive or portion of memory(via a Ram-Disk) which will be sufficient to hold a work file which is usually as large as your input file and can at times be slightly larger, depending upon how many fields you have selected to be placed in your Visi-Calc file. After the temporary work file has been created, you will be prompted to identify a drive for the final output file. At this time, you can use the drive which contained the original input file as it is no longer needed at this point. Naturally, if you have a hard disk, this will all be a waste of time to you, however if you are working with floppies, take the time at this point to plan your drive selections to insure that there will be sufficient space so that the process will go smoothly. Since the program disk is not required to be in a drive at this time, you may use that drive for either the workfile or the final output file.....or both, if they'll fit. Once you have struck a key, the next prompt will ask for a drive letter. Upon entering a valid drive letter, the program will commence to build the temporary work file. 12 When completed, the following prompt will appear on the screen: ENTER A FILE-NAME FOR YOUR VISI-CALC FILE Once a valid file name has been entered, the next prompt will ask for a destination drive letter. Please enter a drive letter. Please note that the diskette containing the temporary work file must be in one of your drives at this time. It will be used to build the final output file. It can be on the same drive as the output file, or a different drive, but it must be in the same drive as when it was created. Also note that the temporary file is erased upon completion of the process. Depending upon the size of your input file, the pause at this point could be just a second or two for a small file to "coffee break" time if it's a large file, for at this time your entire input file is being separated into cells per the definition you have just completed on the prior screen. The final screen prompt will be displayed when the Visi-Calc file has been created. It will ask you to strike a key to return to the Primary Menu. You have now completed the process, and can immediately use this file as input to Visi-Calc or Lotus 1-2-3, etc. 13 MENU ITEM #2: PRINT FILE OR REPORT FROM DISKETTE This menu entry was added to the set of PC-CONVERT'S programs after I had used the reformatting program at my office for a while and found that it would be very helpful at times to see a printed copy of the file I was working with. It is a general purpose print utility useful for any number of printing chores. When you select this entry the following screen will be displayed: ______________________________________________________________________ ENTER DATA FILE DRIVE (A,B,C, etc.): ______________________________________________________________________ Enter the Drive letter for the drive that contains your data file that you wish to print. As mentioned earlier, the file must be in the root directory if you're using DOS 2.0 or later. Once you have entered the drive letter, the program will list all the files on that drive on your screen as follows: ______________________________________________________________________ B:\ TESTFILE.TST DOWNLOAD.DWN TESTRECS MAINFRAM.RPT SMALL .RPT LARGE .RPT FINANCE .QTR 69632 Bytes free USE CURSOR KEYS TO HIGHLIGHT FILE TO BE SELECTED...THEN PRESS <ENTER> <ESC> KEY TO RETURN TO PRIMARY MENU ______________________________________________________________________ The upper left file name will be highlighted in reverse video. Use the cursor keys to move the highlight area to the file you wish to select. Once selected, press the <Enter> key Once a valid file name has been selected you will be asked ..... _____________________________________________________________________ DO YOU WANT REPORT PRINTED IN COMPRESSED MODE...(Y) OR (N)? <ESC> KEY TO RETURN TO PRIMARY MENU ____________________________________________________________________ 14 IF YOU ANSWER YES: Answering (Y)es to this question will switch your printer into compressed mode, if you have an Epson or Epson compatible printer. The following message will then be printed at the bottom of the screen: ENTER MAX. NUMBER OF CHARACTERS YOUR PRINTER PRINTS IN COMPRESSED MODE Depending upon the type of printer you have, and it's capability to print compressed characters, enter the number of characters the printer can print on a line in compressed mode. The IBM or Epson MX- 80 will print 132 characters and the Epson MX/FX-100's will print 218 characters. If you have one of the above printers use the above numbers. If not, check your printer manual and enter the appropriate number. Once you have entered a number, the following prompts will be displayed: MAKE SURE YOUR PRINTER IS TURNED ON AND READY STRIKE ANY KEY WHEN READY Check your printer and paper supply and strike a key. Printing will then commence. IF YOU ANSWER NO: Answering (N)o to the above question will bypass the above message and printing will commence in your printer's normal mode. The ability to print in compressed mode is useful if the file you've downloaded is longer than your printer's standard print mode capability. Upon completion of printing, you can select the name of another file for printing or press the <ESC> key. Pressing <ESC> will return you to the Primary Menu. 15 MENU ITEM #3: ERASE FILE OR REPORT FROM DISKETTE This entry was also added to PC-CONVERT'S menu after some non- technical users of the reformatting program had a diskette full of files and didn't know what to do to remove unwanted files. So I added this handy, general purpose utility to ease the process. When you select this option, the following screen will be displayed: ______________________________________________________________________ ENTER DATA FILE DRIVE (A,B,C, etc.): ______________________________________________________________________ Enter the Drive letter for the drive that contains your data file that you wish to erase. As mentioned earlier, the file must be in the root directory if you're using DOS 2.0 or later. Once you have entered the drive letter, the program will list all the files on that drive on your screen as follows: ______________________________________________________________________ B:\ TESTFILE.TST DOWNLOAD.DWN TESTRECS MAINFRAM.RPT SMALL .RPT LARGE .RPT FINANCE .QTR 69632 Bytes free USE CURSOR KEYS TO HIGHLIGHT FILE TO BE SELECTED...THEN PRESS <ENTER> <ESC> KEY TO RETURN TO PRIMARY MENU ______________________________________________________________________ The upper left file name will be highlighted in reverse video. As previously mentioned, use the cursor keys to move the highlight area to the file you wish to select. Once selected, press the <Enter> key Once a file name is selected , you will be asked.... ARE YOU SURE?.....(Y)es or (N)o If, at this point, you decide this is all a big mistake, answer <N>o and the command will be cancelled. If you answer <Y>es, say "Goodbye"to that file as it will be deleted. At this point you can either select the name of another file to be deleted or press the <ESC> key to be returned to the Primary Menu. 16 NOTICE - - - NOTICE - - - NOTICE - - - NOTICE - - - NOTICE ______________________________________________________________________ A limited license is granted to all users of this program, to make copies of this program and distribute them to other users, only under the following conditions: 1. The program is not to be distributed to others in modified form. 2. No fee (or other consideration) is to be charged for copying or distributing the program without an express, written agreement with George L. Sirois. 3. The notice displayed at program start-up is not to be bypassed, altered, or removed. Copyright (c) 1986 George L. Sirois _______________________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER In no event will the Author be liable to you for any damages, including any lost profits, lost savings or other incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use of or inability to use these programs, even if the Author has been advised of the possibility of such damages, or for any claim by any other party. THE USER SUPPORTED SOFTWARE CONCEPT If you are using this program and find it to be of value your $15 contribution will be appreciated. George L. Sirois 127 Lorann Drive Naugatuck, Ct. 06770 Regardless of whether you make a contribution, you are encouraged to copy and share this program. For a contribution of $20, instead of $15, the author will notify you of updates to PC-CONVERT for 1 year after payment and furnish the update(s) to you, free of charge, if you send a blank, formatted diskette along with an addressed, postage-paid return mailer. 17 User-supported software is an experiment in distributing computer programs, based on three principles: 1. The value and utility of software is best assessed by the user on his/her own computer system. Only after using a program can one really determine whether it serves personal applications, needs and tastes. 2. The creation of independent personal computer software can and should be supported by the computing community. 3. Copying and networking of programs should be encouraged, rather than restricted. The ease with which software can be distributed outside traditional commercial channels reflects the strength, rather than the weakness, of electronic information. The User-Supported Concept: Anyone may request a copy of a user-supported program by sending a blank, formatted disk to the author of the program. An addressed, postage-paid return mailer must accompany the disk (no exceptions, please). A copy of the program, with documentation, will be sent by return mail. The program will carry a notice suggesting a contribution to the program's author. Making a contribution is completely voluntary on the part of the user. Regardless of whether a contribution is made, the user is encouraged to share the program with others. Payment for use is discretionary on the part of the subsequent user. Will the concept work? Up to now, distribution of software has relied either on restricting access (and charging for the cost of doing so), or anonymously casting programs into the public domain. The user- supported concept might -- just might -- be a way for the computing community to support and encourage creative work outside the traditional marketplace. This is an experiment in economics more than altruism. Free distribution of software and voluntary payment for its use would eliminate the need for money to be spent on marketing, advertising and copy protection schemes. Users could obtain quality software at reduced cost, while still supporting program authors. And the most useful programs would survive, based purely on their usefulness. 18