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1989-02-18
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*.* Wildcard Software *.*
Presents
FONEBOOK
Version 3.0
Written by Ron Blessing
Copyright (C) 1988, 1989 Ron Blessing, Elkhart, IN
All rights reserved
INTRODUCTION page 1
============
Fonebook arose out of both an idea, given to me by my wonderful wife and
friend, and the frustration of having recently acquired my BS in CS and not
being able to find a job.
If you're like most people I know, you probably have names and addresses
scribbled on little bits and pieces of paper all over the place. Fonebook is a
tool to help you organize all those bits and pieces into a single database of
names, addresses and phone numbers.
With Fonebook you can:
1) Easily create and add names, addresses and phone numbers
to your database.
2) Browse thru the database.
3) Search thru the database, on any field.
4) Quickly find and dial (with modem) any phone number.
5) Print out the entire database or only selected records
in one of 3 possible formats, to a printer or to a disk
file.
I hope you find Fonebook useful and encourage you to register it for $10.00,
if you do. You'll find a pre-printed form at the end of this documentation for
easy registration.
FBCONVER.EXE page 2
============
If you have been using version 1.0 of Fonebook, you will need to run this
program first. It will convert the records in your files to the new format.
There are two ways you can run this program. Either you can type its name
followed by a space and the name of the file to be converted. In which case,
you will be asked if you want phone numbers put in the home or business field.
For example:
A> FBCONVER BOOK1.FON
Or you can just type "FBCONVER" and press return. In which case, you will
be prompted for both a filename and asked which field to put the phone numbers
in (home or business).
I suggest you make a back-up of your files, just in case, before you
convert them to the new format.
FBCONFIG.EXE
============
This program will allow you to customize Fonebook. If you have a modem, you
can set the serial port that the modem is attached to and the commands that are
sent to the modem. The "Dial Prefix" should be those characters that command
your modem to dial, usually "ATDT" for touch tone or "ATDP" for pulse dial.
The "Dial suffix" should be the characters that reset your modem, usually "Z".
The proper entries in the prefix and suffix fields will allow you to use the
autodial feature of the program. If you have a color system, you can select
the foreground and background colors that the program uses and if you wish to
use BIOS calls for screen writes, to prevent "snow" on a CGA monitor, you can
select this option too. The program is pretty self-explanatory. Some of the
selections can be toggled by pressing the space bar and some need to be typed
in. The color selections will clear the screen and redraw it in the new colors
as they are toggled, so you can see what you're selecting. When you are happy
with the selections, press "F1" and a file named "FONEBOOK.CFG" will be created
containing all the configuration information. This file needs to be kept in
the same directory as the Fonebook main program so that the program can find it
when it starts up each time. If this file can't be found during start-up, the
program will default to NOT CGA, Com port 1, gray letters, black background
and "AT" type modem commands.
START-UP page 3
========
There are two ways in which you can initially start running Fonebook. First,
you can simply type:
A> FONEBOOK <ENTER>
In this case, the program tries to load your database from a file called
"BOOK1.FON". If this file isn't present in the current directory or if this is
the first time you have run the program, the program will inform you that it
can't find the file and ask if you wish to create it. By responding "y" to
this question, a new database will be created and you will be presented with
Fonebook's main menu. Any other response will abort the program and return you
to DOS.
The second way to start Fonebook is to again type the program name but to
follow it with the name of the database you wish to load.
A> FONEBOOK "filename" <ENTER>
This time the program will try to load your database from the drive
(optional), directory (optional) and file specified in "filename". As
mentioned above, if the file can't be found, the program will ask you if you
wish to create it.
MAIN MENU
=========
Selections are made from the main menu by highlighting the letter of the
selection you want and then pressing the <ENTER> key. You can change
selections by either using the up/down arrow keys or typing the letter of the
selection, followed by the <ENTER> key.
The main menu also displays the name of the database file that is currently
loaded, the last time that file was updated and the total number of records in
that file.
ADD MODE page 4
========
This selection allows you to add new names to your database. It will call up
a display of a blank form and positions the cursor at the first field of that
form. You will also notice that the top line of the display is used to remind
you what mode you are in and any assigned functions of function keys. The name
of the database (filename) that you are working with is also displayed at the
top center of the screen. The bottom line of the display is used to list
functions of any other special keys. The current number of records in the
database is displayed at the bottom center of the screen. You can now
start entering information into the record. Each time you press the <ENTER>
key, the cursor will advance to the next field. You also have some limited
editing functions by using the <Delete>, <Backspace> and arrow keys.
Something to keep in mind is that if you are using the autodialer, be sure to
limit the characters in the phone number fields to numbers and characters that
your modem can handle. My own modem will allow me to use the characters "-",
"/", and ",". Any improper characters may cause problems with the modem.
The following is a list of keys and their functions:
Key Function
===============================================================================
F1 - Saves any new records added, including the current one, and returns
you to the main menu.
F2 - Saves any new records added, including the current one, and
presents you with a blank form. This allows you to continue adding
records.
F3 - Saves the current record to the list in memory and presents you
with a blank form. The new record doesn't get saved to disk until
you exit the add function or press F1 or F2. This will allow you
to enter several names quickly without having to wait after each
entry for a disk save. BE SURE TO SAVE THE LIST EVERY SO OFTEN! If
you don't and power goes out, get ready to retype everything.
F4 - If you have entered a record already and need to create a second
with many of the same entries, in several of the fields, you can
press this key and it will duplicate the last record. Then you
can go to the fields that need changes and enter those changes.
This key should make similar entries alot faster to do.
Up/Down
Arrows - You can move between fields by using these keys. The <ENTER> key
will also move you thru the fields.
Left/Right
Arrows - Allows you to move back and forth between entered characters of a
single field.
Delete - This key will delete the character immediately under the cursor and
pull any characters to the right back one space left.
Backspace - This key will delete the character immediately to the left of the
cursor and pull any characters to the right of the deleted
character left one space.
ESC - This key will abort editing of the current record, save records
added with F4 and return you to the main menu. The currently
displayed record WILL NOT BE SAVED.
BROWSE MODE page 5
===========
This selection allows you to browse thru the names you have entered in your
database. It displays the data for each record using the same format used to
enter the data.
The following is a list of keys and their functions:
Key Function
===============================================================================
F1 - Puts you in an edit mode, similar to Add mode, and allows you to
make changes to the currently displayed record.
F7 - This key will activate the autodial feature. The program will prompt
you, on the bottom line of the display, to select the home number
or business number (H or B) and then dial whichever you choose, if
it exists. Once the dialing has started, you can pick-up the phone
and once it has stopped, press any key to return connection to the
phone. This feature has been tested on a Prometheus, CTS 2424ADH
and a Hayes 2400 and works perfectly. You must make sure you have
set up the command to dial ("ATDT" or "ATDP" for most modems) in
the "Dial Prefix" field with the program FBCONFIG.
F10 - This key will delete the currently displayed record from the
database. You are then returned to browse and the previous record
is displayed.
Space Bar - The space bar will select the currently displayed record for
possible printing from the print menu. The upper right corner of
the display indicates the status of the print flag for each record.
This status can be toggled ON and OFF with the space bar.
Up/Down
Arrows - You can move between records by using these keys. The system will
beep if the up arrow is pressed at the top of the list or if the
down arrow is pressed at the bottom of the list.
Page
Up/Down - Page Down will advance the displayed record to the first occurrence
of a record whose last name starts with the next available letter.
In other words, if the first letter of the last name of the record
you are viewing is "A" and you press <Page Down>, if there are any
last names starting with "B", the next displayed record will be the
first of the "B"s or the first of whatever letter occurs next. The
Page Up key works the same way but in reverse alphabetical order.
This will allow you to page thru your database by first letters of
the last name.
Home - This key will advance the display to the first record of the
database.
End - This key will advance the display to the last record of the
database.
ESC - This key will return you to the main menu and save the file to
disk if any editing changes have been made or any records have
been deleted.
BROWSE - EDIT page 6
=============
This selection is accessed by typing the <F1> key from Browse mode. It
allows you to make changes to the currently displayed record. The editing
features are almost identical to those of the Add mode.
The following is a list of keys and their functions:
Key Function
===============================================================================
F1 - Saves any changes to the current record (to memory) and returns you
to the Browse mode display.
Up/Down
Arrows - You can move between fields by using these keys. The <ENTER> key
will also move you thru the fields.
Left/Right
Arrows - Allows you to move back and forth between entered characters of a
single field.
Delete - This key will delete the character immediately under the cursor and
pull any characters to the right back one space left.
Backspace - This key will delete the character immediately to the left of the
cursor and pull any characters to the right of the deleted
character left one space.
ESC - This key will abort editing of the current record and return you
to the Browse mode display. ANY CHANGES WILL NOT BE SAVED.
LOAD FILE MODE page 7
==============
The load selection offers you two options, load a new file or merge another
file. The load a new file option will clear what is currently in memory and
load a new file. It will prompt you for a file name, try to open the file and
give you the option of creating a file by that name if none already exists.
The file name can consist of:
[Drive identifier] [Path] "File name"
The drive identifier and path are optional. The total specification can't
exceed 50 characters in length.
The merge option will combine a second file with the current file. First,
you'll be prompted for a file name, this name will follow the same format as
above for the load new file option. Next, you'll be asked if you wish to
combine duplicate names. If you reply "no" to this, any names already in the
current list will be rejected in the new list, i.e. if a John Smith already
exists in the file and a second John Smith is in the merge file, it will be
ignored. If, on the other hand, you answer "yes" to merge duplicate names,
even though a name may already exist in the current file, if another record of
the same name is found in the merge file, it will still be added to the current
file. However, the program will not combine "identical" records. If two
records are found and all fields are exactly the same, the program will not
combine the second copy. This should make it fairly easy to update a list that
is given to several people who are separately adding to the list. You will
also be given the option of listing any duplicate names to the screen or to the
printer so that you can go through the list and check to see if they are
actually different records for the same person.
PRINT MODE page 8
==========
This selection presents you with 4 possible selections. The first 3
selections will allow you to either print names and phone numbers only,
addresses or all information contained in each record. By the way, selection
#2 will only print records that contain enough information for an address
label. The fourth selection will go thru the database and reset all print
flags to OFF.
--If you select #1 (Print phone numbers), the program will display a menu with
the following options:
Print: - If you choose Selected, only those records which
were selected using the space bar from the Browse
mode will be printed. You can change this selection
with the space bar.
Double Column: - If selected, it prints the names in two columns on
each sheet. You can change this selection with the
space bar.
Company Names: - If selected, it will print the company name under the
person's name. You can change this selection with the
space bar.
Work Numbers: - If selected, the phone numbers listed in the business
phone fields will be printed. You can change this
selection with the space bar.
Home Numbers: - If selected, the phone numbers listed in the home
phone fields will be printed. You can change this
selection with the space bar.
Header for printout: - Anything entered here will get printed at the top of
each sheet.
Lines per page: - The number of lines that can be printed on each page.
(defaults to 58)
Characters per line: - The number of characters wide that the printer is
set to handle. This will allow you to set your
printer to condensed mode or print the phone number
list out to a wide carriage printer and not have
any information truncated because of lack of space.
Number of copies: - Set the number of copies you want printed out.
Print to: - This option can be toggled between "Printer" and
"Disk". If set to "Disk", the program will prompt
you, on the bottom line, for a file name. (this can
include a path also). The program will then print
the output to an ASCII file, which can be edited
anyway you would like with an editor.
PRINT MODE (Continued) page 9
==========
--If you select #2 (Print addresses), the program will display a menu with
the following options:
Print: - If you choose Selected, only those records which
were selected using the space bar from the Browse
mode will be printed. You can change this selection
with the space bar.
Labels: - If you are printing continuous labels, select "YES"
for this option. This will turn off the formfeeds at
the end of each page. You will also notice it sets
the lines per page to 0. You can change this selection
with the space bar.
F9-Align Labels - When the "Labels" option is set to YES, this option
will appear on the top line. It is meant to help you
align your labels in the printer properly. When F9 is
pressed, a message asking you to set the printer up
properly will appear. Set the first label where you
think the first line should be printed and press a
key. The program will print out a block the size of
the largest possible label and then advance to the
first line of the next label. The printed block
should be centered top to bottom on the label. If
not, you need to adjust the starting position of the
label. If the block is centered but the print head
doesn't stop at the same starting position on the
next label, you need to adjust the "Skip lines"
value. Once things look good, start the actual
printing with the F8 key.
Header for printout: - Anything entered here will get printed at the top of
each sheet. This option will disappear if the print
labels option is selected.
Lines per page: - The number of lines that can be printed on each page.
(defaults to 58)
Skip lines: - The number of lines to skip between each address
printed. (defaults to 3)
Number of copies: - Set the number of copies you want printed out.
Print to: - This option can be toggled between "Printer" and
"Disk". If set to "Disk", the program will prompt
you, on the bottom line, for a file name. (this can
include a path also). The program will then print
the output to an ASCII file, which can be edited
anyway you would like with an editor.
PRINT MODE (Continued) page 10
==========
Note: The skip lines setting for the print addresses selection is the minimum
number of lines that will be skipped between addresses. The number of
lines printed per address varies from 3 to 5 lines and since the program
tries to maintain a constant spacing from top of one label to top of the
next label, the spacing between the bottom of one label and the top of
the next may differ.
--If you select #3 (Print all fields), the program will display a menu with
the following options:
Print: - If you choose Selected, only those records which
were selected using the space bar from the Browse
mode will be printed. You can change this selection
with the space bar.
Header for printout: - Anything entered here will get printed at the top of
each sheet.
Lines per page: - The number of lines that can be printed on each page.
(defaults to 58)
Skip lines: - The number of lines to skip between each record
printed. (defaults to 3)
Number of copies: - Set the number of copies you want printed out.
Print to: - This option can be toggled between "Printer" and
"Disk". If set to "Disk", the program will prompt
you, on the bottom line, for a file name. (this can
include a path also). The program will then print
the output to an ASCII file, which can be edited
anyway you would like with an editor.
--If you select #4 (Clear all print flags), the program will examine each
record and set all the print flags to "OFF". It will display a count of each
record as it goes thru the list.
**Remember you can always use the "Print Screen" button to print an
individual record.
The up and down arrows or "Enter" key will let you move between fields in the
print menus and function key F8 will actually start the printing when you have
all options set to your liking. When F8 is pressed in the print addresses menu
and the print labels option is selected, the program will prompt you to make
sure that the printer is positioned correctly on the first label and you must
press another key to start the printing. Press the "ESC" key to exit any of
the print menus and return to the main menu.
SEARCH MODE page 11
===========
This selection allows you to search the names in the database using any or
all of the fields in the record. The initial screen and key functions are very
similar to those of the Add mode and Edit mode. To search for a particular
pattern in any field, just type that pattern in the field and initiate the
search with either the F5 or F6 function key.
For example, if you wanted to search for all records that have addresses in
Indiana, just enter "IN" or "in" (not case sensitive) in the state field and
press the function key. If, on the other hand, you wanted all addresses in
Indiana of people with the last name of Smith, as before, just type "IN" in
the state field and "Smith" in the last name field and press the function key.
Once you have entered the strings to search for in their proper fields, you
have a choice of two ways in which to perform the search.
If you press the F5 function key and any matching records are found, you will
be placed in Browse mode with the first matching record displayed on the screen.
However, if you look at the top line of the display, you'll notice that F5 is
now listed as the "Search" key. With each press of F5, the search will
continue stopping at the next matching record, and finally return you to the
search screen. This is a great way to search for a particular group of records
and use the space bar to flag them for later printing.
If you press the F6 function key to start the search, you will get a listing
of names and phone numbers only, a screen at a time. This search is a quick
way to call up those forgotten numbers to make a quick phone call. If you have
a modem attached to your system you can also have the program automatically
dial the number for you. You'll notice that the first line of the displayed
names and numbers is highlighted. Just use the up and down arrow keys to move
this highlighted bar to the phone number you wish to dial, make sure your modem
is turned on and press function key F7. You can pick up the phone and press
any key when the dialing is complete and the modem will turn the connection
over to the handset.
SEARCH MODE (Continued) page 12
===========
The following is a list of keys and their functions:
Key Function
===============================================================================
F5 - Begins the record search and turns control over to Browse mode if
any matching records are found. This key also allows you to
continue the search from Browse mode.
F6 - Begins the phone number search. This search displays only the names
and phone numbers of any matching records.
F7 - This key will activate the autodial feature. The program will ask
if you wish to dial the home number or business number (H or B)
and then dial whichever you choose, if it exists. Once the
dialing has started, you can pick-up the phone and once it has
stopped, press any key to return connection to the phone. This
feature has been tested on a Prometheus, CTS 2424ADH and a Hayes
2400 and works perfectly.
Up/Down
Arrows - You can move between fields by using these keys. The <ENTER> key
will also move you thru the fields. These keys also allow you to
move the highlighted bar to select a number to call if the F6 key
has been pressed.
Left/Right
Arrows - Allows you to move back and forth between entered characters of a
single field.
Delete - This key will delete the character immediately under the cursor and
pull any characters to the right back one space left.
Backspace - This key will delete the character immediately to the left of the
cursor and pull any characters to the right of the deleted
character left one space.
ESC - This key will return you to the main menu.
CLOSING COMMENTS page 13
================
Since the program uses the name fields to maintain the order of the database,
first by last name and then first name, a good way to enter any records which
only have a company name, is to enter that name in the first name field. That
way the program keeps those records sorted separately at the start of the
list. As for the number of records the program will support, it appears that
500K of memory will support approximately 600 - 650 records. BE SURE TO MAKE A
BACKUP OF YOUR DATABASE!!!
USER SUPPORTED SOFTWARE
=======================
This program is copyrighted material written for private use. It was not
intended specifically for commercial use. You may freely distribute this
software as long as:
1) No fee is charged for such distribution, other than the cost of
duplication and mailing.
2) The entire package is distributed as a whole without modification of any
kind.
No claims are made as to the program's suitability for any specific purpose.
The author disavows responsibility for any damages resulting from the use of
this program.
If, after a reasonable evaluation period, you find this program useful please
send a check or money order for $10.00 to the address below. If you don't wish
to use the program, please pass it on to someone who may want to use it.
COMMERCIAL page 14
==========
If you like FONEBOOK, you might also like our program DISK_TAG. DISK_TAG
allows you to print a custom directory listing that will tuck nicely inside
the disk sleeve and if you need the sleeve, it will print out a custom sleeve
for your disk. You can choose to print out just the root directory or the
contents of all directories, and choose to print out the contents of archived
files found on the disk or just the archived file name. The listings and
sleeves contain space for a comment line and a disk number. The program
creates sleeves and directory listings for both the 5 1/4" and 3 1/2" disks.
The sleeves will fit in standard disk holders.
==============================================================================
[ REGISTRATION FORM ]
[ FONEBOOK Version 3.0 ]
[ ]
[ Date: ____/____/____ TO: Wildcard Software ]
[ 28480 C.R. 4 West ]
[ Elkhart, IN 46514 ]
[ ]
[ FROM: ]
[ Name: __________________________________________________ ]
[ ]
[ Address: __________________________________________________ ]
[ ]
[ City: __________________________ State: ___ Zip: _______ ]
[ ]
[ Area Code (______) Phone: _________________________________ ]
[ ]
[ Comments: __________________________________________________ ]
[ ]
[ __________________________________________________ ]
[ ]
[ __________________________________________________ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ___ Enclosed is $10.00 for a single registration of FONEBOOK. ]
[ ]
[ ___ Enclosed is $15.00 please mail me a registered copy of FONEBOOK. ]
[ ]
[ ___ Enclosed is $15.00 please mail me a registered copy of DISK_TAG. ]
[ ]
==============================================================================
