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Digita Datastore 1.0 - Copyright © 1994 - Digita International Limited
------------------------------------------------------------------------
© TYPED BY SHARD - N&B ©
Copyright Notices
Digita®, the Digita® logo, Wordworth® and the Wordworth® logo are
registered trademarks, and Datastore, HIP, Human Interface Protocol,
DigiSense and Auto-Date are trademarks of Digita Holdings Ltd.
Amiga® is a registered trademark, and Amigados, Kickstart, Intuition and
Workbench are trademarks of Commodore-Amiga, Inc.
All other trademarks and their owners are acknowledged.
LHX decompression software is ©Copyright 1991,92 by Stefan Boberg.
How To Use Help
You can receive help in several ways:
Help key - Press the Help key to see the Help contents.
Help menu - Choose one of the topics from the Help menu.
Menu Help - To receive Help with a menu or menu command, hold down
the Right Mouse key over the menu or menu command and
press the Help key.
Help Commands
Choose the Contents command from the Help menu to display the Table of
Contents.
Choose "How Do I...?" command to display a list of explanatory functions
(for example, Create a new document, Change the colour of text).
Choose Index command to display all Datastore menu commands.
Getting Technical Support
Before contacting the Digita Technical Support, please read the
Troubleshooting section.
To contact Digita Technical Support in the UK:
Call: 0891 616 944 weekdays from 11am to 5pm.
Calls are charged at 36p per minute cheap
rate and 48p per minutes at all other
times. Be sure to ask the permission of
the telephone owner before calling.
Fax: 01 395 268 893.
Write: Datastore Technical Support Department
Digita International Limited
Black Horse House
Exmouth
Devon EX8 1JL
CIX: digita@cix
Conferences - `digita' for general chat
- `digita.tech' for technical
support. Mail `digita@cix'
for access to this closed
conference.
CIS: 100031,3032 (or 100031.3032@compuserve.com)
If you are outside the UK, contact your local Digita representative.
When phoning, please have ready the following
1 Datastore version number (Refer About command, Project menu)
2 Description of your computer system
3 Detailed description of your problem
When writing, please provide the following
1 A stamped addressed padded envelope when enclosing disks for replacing
or testing.
2 Datastore version number (Refer About command, Project menu)
3 Description of your computer system
4 Detailed description of your problem, with example files and/or
printouts.
IMPORTANT
Unfortunately, under no circumstances can Digita provide either
telephone or written support to unregistered users.
What's New In 1.0?
As this is version 1.0 of Datastore, there is nothing new.
However, if you have any ideas or suggestions of new features or
improvements that you would like to see in the next version then please
let us know at the Digita technical support address.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are used to speed up your productivity with Datastore
by providing keyboard alternatives to using the mouse.
Key Does Which Mode
Right Amiga A Save As Either
Right Amiga C Copy Either
Right Amiga D Duplicate Edit Records
Right Amiga F Find Edit Records
Right Amiga G Find Again Edit Records
Right Amiga I Information Change Design
Right Amiga J Go To Edit Records
Right Amiga K Close database/report Either
Right Amiga L Lock Change Design
Right Amiga N New database Either
Right Amiga O Open database Either
Right Amiga P Print Viewing Report
Right Amiga Q Quit Wordworth Either
Right Amiga R Insert Record Edit Records
Right Amiga S Save database Either
Right Amiga T Report Edit Records
Right Amiga U Unlock Change Design
Right Amiga V Paste Either
Right Amiga X Cut Either
Right Amiga Y Query Edit Records
Right Amiga 1 Create Field Change Design
Right Amiga 2 Create Caption Change Design
Right Amiga 3 Create Box Change Design
Right Amiga 4 Create Picture Change Design
Right Amiga ? About Either
Right Amiga , Previous record Edit Records
Right Amiga . Next record Edit Records
Right Amiga < First record Edit Records
Right Amiga > Last record Edit Records
Cursor Movement In "Edit Records" Mode
KEY DOES
Tab Move to next field
Shift-Tab Move to previous field
Up Arrow Move up a line
Down Arrow Move down a line
Left Arrow Move left one character
Right Arrow Move right one character
Del Delete character to right
Backspace Delete character to left
Datastore Basics
This section of the help covers the basics on databases and Datastore.
There is information on:
What Is A Database?
How To Use Datastore Requesters
How To Use Requester Gadgets
How To Use File Requesters
Datastore Tool Types
What Is A Database?
A database is a software program which lets you store and organise
information on a computer. The main advantage is that once added, the
information can be easily accessed and manipulated.
To use a database like Datastore effectively, it is important to
understand some of the basic computer terminology:
File
This is the container which holds the data (information). In a file,
the data is divided into sections, or records.
Record
This is one section of the file (usually one page). A record is divided
into elements, or fields.
Field
This is an element (usually one line) within the record.
For example, a file would contain all of the people, a record contains
one person, and each field contains one part of the person's details.
With Datastore, you can easily open, save and close any number of files
from the Project menu. When you open a file, the first record appears
on the screen and you scroll through the other records using the Record
Browser palette (the icons work like the controls on a VCR).
Datastore Requesters
Requesters are special windows that Datastore uses to request
information. This normally occurs after you have chosen a menu command.
To exit a requester, using the default button (which normally executes
the command), press the Enter key or Ctrl-Return key. The default
button is displayed in bold type.
To cancel a requester press the Esc key.
Requester Gadgets
Requesters consist of the different types of gadget.
Gadgets are part of the Amiga operating system. They are standard items
which appear on screen, like buttons, lists, check boxes or scroll bars.
When you select gadgets with the mouse, it is unnecessary to position
the arrow pointer precisely, you can click the gadget or its title.
Buttons
Click these pushbutton-like gadgets to confirm or cancel an action.
On a requester, one of these buttons may appear in a bold font, this is
the default. You can select the default by clicking it, or pressing the
Enter key (or Ctrl-Return key).
Here are a few example buttons:
Button Does
OK Accepts changes and closes requester
Use Accepts changes and performs the Use command
Options... Reveals Options requester
Apply Accepts changes, requester stays open
Done Closes requester
Cancel Disregards changes and closes requester
You can also cancel a requester by pressing the Esc key. However, you
cannot cancel any requester changes once you have clicked Apply.
Text Gadget
Boxes into which you type information. Del and Backspace are used as
normal along with the left and right arrow keys.
When editing:
Key Press Does
Right Amiga-X Deletes contents
Shift-Right Arrow Move to end of box
Shift-Left Arrow Move to beginning of box
Right Amiga-Q Restore box contents
Tab Move to next box
Shift-Tab Move to previous box
Return key OK's contents and exits box
Enter or Finish editing box and quit requester
Ctrl-Return key
If you are editing a text gadget, you can jump to another gadget using a
keyboard shortcut. Hold down the Ctrl key and press the underline
letter of the gadget title to which you wish to jump.
Radio Buttons
Groups of buttons where only one may be selected. Selecting another
radio button will deselect the previous one, similar to the buttons on
some radios, hence their name.
They are used for presenting a variety of options only one of which may
be selected.
Check Box
Small, square box which can be turned on or off by clicking. Their
status being shown by a check mark (tick) in the box.
Scrolling List Gadget
Large boxes which present a list from which a selection is made by
clicking one item. If the list contains more items than can be shown,
you can scroll through the list using the scroll bars and scroll arrows
on the right of the list box.
Slider Gadget
Drag the bar in the gadget to select a value. As you move the slider
bar, different values are displayed. You can also click either side of
the bar.
Pop-up Gadget
These are buttons which display the selection, and when clicked, reveal
a list of options. Drag the mouse through the list to change the
selection. To cancel a selection release the Selection button with
Arrow pointer away from the list.
Datastore places an inactive scroll bar next to large lists to indicate
that more options are available. You can display these extra options by
dragging the mouse beyond the top or bottom of the list (not clicking
the inactive scroll bar).
Pop-up Text Gadget
The same as pop-up gadgets, except you can also type and edit in the
same way as text gadgets. To scroll through the list of options, use
the Up and Down Arrow keys when editing the text.
Read Only Gadget
For displaying information and cannot be edited.
File Requesters
There are two types of file requester: The Open requester which appears
with a grey background to the File list, and a Save requester which
appears with a black background.
A menu can be displayed by holding down the menu-button (right mouse
key), this menu is called the Control menu.
Control Menu
To Open or Save a file, select the file from the File list and click
either the Open or Save button, alternatively choose OK from the Control
menu.
In the case of Open, you may double-click the file from the list to Open
it.
You can delete a file by selecting it from the list and choosing Delete
(Control menu).
A new drawer can be created by typing the name into the Drawer text
gadget and pressing Return. A confirmation requester will then appear.
The default path for the contents of the File List can be specified by
changing a tool type on the Datastore program icon.
Keyboard
The Up or Down cursor keys will move the selection bar up and down the
list.
Alt-Up/Down will move the selection bar up or down a page at a time.
Shift-Up/Down will move to the top or bottom of the list.
Tool Types
Tool types are parameters used by the program. Tool types are usually
in the form of `KEYWORD=argument'. Case differences do not matter when
entering the information and spaces should not be typed.
Tool types can be commented, or disabled, so that the program ignores
them on loading. Commented tool types are enclosed in parenthesis of
preceded by a semi-colon (;).
Datastore Tool Types
Default Files Drawer
The tool type "DEFFILES=<path>" specifies the default drawer for Open,
Save and New (templates).
Replace `<path>' with the default drawer path.
Default Picture Drawer
The tool type "DEFPICTURES=<path>" specifies the default drawer for
Picture Fields and Picture Items.
Replace `<path>' with the default drawer path.
Help Drawer
The tool type "HELP=<path>" specifies the Help files drawer. This is
useful if you wish to make room on the `DS-Files' disk for more database
files.
Just move the Help drawer onto another disk and replace `<path>' with
the new Help destination.
Windows
The tool type "SIMPLEREFRESH" specifies that all of the windows used by
Datastore are redrawn by the program instead of the operating system.
Simple Refresh windows use less memory but are slower.
To make the windows smart refresh (redrawn by the operating system) just
disable this tool type.
Miscellaneous
The tool type "LANGUAGE=<country>" specifies which language files
Datastore should use and the value of certain program defaults.
For example, the default Currency format (Number Field Options
requester) is changed depending on the language specified.
Supported Languages:
English
German
Australian
American
Project Menu Contents
The Project menu contains commands relating to the Project. For
example, items that provide functions to create or change a Datastore
database file:
New command
Open command
Save command
`Save As' command
`Import Data' command
`Export Data' command
Print command
Close command
About command
`Quit Datastore' command
Other items are also covered here that are not actual menu commands:
Templates
New Database Disk
Opening Files From a Separate Disk
Saving Files To a Separate Disk
Deleting Database Files
New
Choose New to create a new `untitled' Database window. Alternatively,
press Right Amiga-`N' or use the toolbar.
A new Database will use the current preferences if you select the `Blank
Record' template from the requester.
Instead of using a blank record and designing your own database from
scratch, you can use a pre-designed template.
A pre-designed template will open the design of an existing database,
but not the data.
When the `Blank Record' template is selected, you will be placed in
Change Design mode. Any other template will place you into Edit Records
mode.
Template Descriptions
The description that appears in the box when a template is selected can
be specified from the Database File icon.
This is how you add description text to a file that you have saved:
1 From the Workbench screen, select your Database File icon and choose
Information from the Icons menu.
2 Type into the Comments text gadget the description you wish to give to
the file.
3 Press the Return key and click Save.
The next time you select this file from the Templates requester, a
description about the file will appear below the list.
Templates
You can use any previously saved Database file as a template by choosing
the New command and selecting the template from the list.
A template is just the design from a normal database file (it has no
data) which opens into Edit Records mode as an `untitled' file.
New Database Disk
To create a separate disk for storing your Database files, you will need
to `format' a blank disk for use with the Amiga.
Place a blank disk into the internal drive and select the `DF0:????'
icon that appears on the Workbench screen (the `DF0' means `device
floppy 0' or internal drive, and the `????' means that the Amiga does
not understand the disk).
Once the disk icon has been selected, choose the "Format Disk" command
from the Workbench Icons menu.
A requester will appear asking you several things-
Workbench 2.0:
OK:
Formats the disk for use with the Amiga.
OK Quick:
Formats a previously formatted Amiga disk. This option is much quicker
if you have already performed a full format.
Cancel:
Cancels requester.
Workbench 2.1 and above will have additional items:
Volume Name:
This is the name given to the disk (for example, `MyFiles')
Put Trashcan:
This adds a trashcan icon to the disk. Deselect this checkbox.
Fast File System:
This makes Opening and Saving to the disk much quicker. It also gives
you 80Kb more space. Select this checkbox.
International Mode:
This is for foreign languages where accented characters are used in
filenames. Select this checkbox.
Directory Cache:
Speeds up disk access by remembering the directory contents. Wastes
memory, therefore deselect this checkbox.
Once formatted, the disk can be accessed from any file requester by
typing the name of the disk into the Drawer text gadget followed by a
colon (:). This tells the Amiga to ask for a disk of the specified
name.
For example, typing `MyFiles:' into the Drawer gadget will display a
requester asking you to `Insert Volume MyFiles in any drive'.
Open
Choose Open to display the "Open Database" file requester.
Alternatively, press Right Amiga-`O' or use the toolbar.
From this requester you can select the file you wish to open.
The contents of the default path will be displayed in the File List.
When a file is opened, you will be placed in Edit Records mode from
which you can:
Apply a Query
Browse Through The Records
Change a Record
Delete a Record
Duplicate a Record
Insert a Record
Produce a Report
Sort the Records
See also:
New Database Disk
Opening Files From a Separate Disk
Deleting Database Files
Opening Files From a Separate Disk
Open displays a file requester from which you can select both the
Database file name and disk that you wish to open.
To view the contents of a separate disk, type the disk name into the
Drawer text gadget followed by a colon `:'. (The disk name is displayed
under the disk icon on the Workbench screen when the disk is inserted
into a disk drive.)
Press the Return key and you will be prompted to insert this disk after
which its contents will be displayed in the File List.
For example, if you have a disk that was named `MyFiles' you would need
to type `MyFiles:' into the Drawer text gadget on the "Open Database"
file requester before pressing the Return key.
Save
Choose Save to save the current database design and records (if any).
Alternatively, press Right Amiga-`S' or use the toolbar.
If the database was untitled, the Save Database file requester will
appear for you to type a name and destination for the file.
Save As
Choose "Save As" to display the "Save Database" file requester.
Alternatively, press Right Amiga-`A'.
From this requester you can type the name with which you wish to save
your file. You can also choose the destination of the file.
The contents of the default path will be displayed in the File List.
See also:
New Database Disk
Saving Files To a Separate Disk
Deleting Database Files
Saving Files To a Separate Disk
Save displays a file requester from which you can select both the
Database file name and location where you wish to save.
To view the contents of a separate disk, type the disk name into the
Drawer text gadget followed by a colon `:'. (The disk name is displayed
under the disk icon on the Workbench screen when the disk is inserted
into a disk drive.)
Press the Return key and you will be prompted to insert this disk after
which its contents will be displayed in the File List.
For example, if you have a disk that was named `MyFiles' you would need
to type `MyFiles:' into the Drawer text gadget on the "Save Database"
file requester before pressing the Return key.
Deleting Database Files
Documents can be deleted from either the Open or Save As commands
(Project menu).
To delete a Database, select the file from the File List in the file
requester and choose the Delete command from the Control menu.
Import Data
Choose "Import Data" to display the "Import Data" file requester.
From this requester you can select the file you wish to import into
Datastore.
This command will import ASCII record data from a file and place it into
the current database. The format of the file can be specified from the
File Settings requester ("Change Settings-File" command, Settings menu).
Datastore can import data from any program that can export record data
as an ASCII file (such as Digita Wordworth, Digita Mailshot Plus,
Superbase and so on).
When importing, Datastore will try and insert the imported data into the
current database, you may therefore lose some data if a different number
of fields are used in the import file.
Datastore, however, will automatically create a record with the right
number and type of fields if the file is Imported into a blank record
when in Change Design mode.
The file should include a `header record' for this to work. (A `header
record' is a record at the top of the ASCII file that contains the field
names.)
See also:
New Database Disk
Opening Files From a Separate Disk
Deleting Database Files
Export Data
Choose "Export Data" to display the "Export Data" requester. From this
requester, you can choose whether to export the current subset of
records as a "Datastore File" or as an "ASCII Data File".
Only the current records will be exported into a file. For example, if
a Query was performed on the database to display a selection of records,
only the selection of records will be exported.
If you wish to export all of the records you should select "Show All
Records" from the list on the Query requester (Query command (Record
menu) before continuing.
Exporting ASCII Files
Select the "ASCII Data File" radio button from the "Export Data"
requester and click Export to display the "Export Data File" file
requester.
From this requester you can type the name of the file with which you
wish to export your records. You can also select the destination of the
file.
This command will export record data from the current database file and
place it in an ASCII file. The format of the file can be specified from
the File Settings requester ("Change Settings-File" command, Settings
menu)
Creating New Datastore Files
Select the "Datastore File" radio button from the "Export Data"
requester and click Export to display the "Export Data File" file
requester.
From this requester you type the name of the file you wish to export.
You can also select the destination of the file.
This command will export record data from the current database file and
create a new Datastore database file. The current subset of records and
the record design is saved with the file.
See also:
New Database Disk
Saving Files To a Separate Disk
Deleting Database Files
Print
Choose Print to display the Print requester. Alternatively, press Right
Amiga-`P'.
This command is only available when viewing a Report.
The Print requester will allow you to select the pages you wish to print
and the number of copies.
If you wish to print the report to an ASCII file so that it can be used
in another program, select the "Print To File" checkbox and type the
file name and path into the text gadget. Alternatively, click Select to
display a file requester from which to select a file name and path.
Stopping A Print
To stop a printout at the next page, press the Escape key.
Alternatively, press Ctrl-`C'.
See also:
Workbench Printer Preferences
Close
This command will close the current database file. Before closing,
Datastore will ask if you wish to save any changes.
However, when viewing a report, the command is called "Close Report",
which closes the current "Report Window" and returns you back to the
database file.
Alternatively, press Right Amiga-`K' or click the window close gadget
(the small white box in the top left hand corner of the Database
window).
Quit Datastore
Choose "Quit Datastore" to end a Datastore session and return to the
Workbench screen. Alternatively, press Right Amiga-`Q'.
If you quit without saving changes, Datastore will ask if you wish to
save before exiting.
Workbench Printer Preferences
The Printer preferences control the set up of the printer connected to
your Amiga.
The Workbench Printer Preferences program can be found: Workbench 2.04
floppy disk users In the Prefs drawer on the Workbench2.0 disk.
Workbench 2.1 floppy disk users
In the Prefs drawer on the Extras2.1 disk.
Workbench 3.0 floppy disk users
In the Prefs drawer on the Extras3.0 disk.
Hard Disk users
In the Prefs drawer in the System or Workbench partition.
Before Printing, ensure that the following are set correctly:
° The paper size (eg. A4, US Letter) with the "Paper Format" cycle
gadget.
° The paper type (Continuous or Single Sheet) with the "Paper Type"
cycle gadget.
° The number of characters on a line with the "Print Pitch" cycle
gadget. For example, an A4 page (approx. 8 inches wide) would give
you about 80 characters on a line with the "10 cpi (Pica)" option (8
inches x 10 cpi).
° The right margin. This value is set from the left edge. With an A4
page with 10 cpi pitch, set the right margin to about 78.
° The line spacing with the cycle gadget "Line Spacing", either 6 or 8
lines per inch (lpi). This is best set to "6 lpi".
° The number of lines on a page. Multiply the line spacing by the
height of the page in inches.
° The printer driver. Choose the appropriate driver for your printer,
most printers will emulate at least one of the listed printers.
As a guide:
Most 9 pin printers use `EpsonX'
Most 24 pin printers use `EpsonQ'
Canon bubblejets use `CanonBJ10'
Hewlett Packard DeskJets use `HPDeskJet'
Hewlett Packard LaserJets use `HPLaserJet'
Click Save to save these settings permanently, or Use to just use them
until you next re-boot your machine.
Refer to your Workbench User Guide for any further information on
printing and Printer preferences.
Design Menu Contents
The Design menu is only available in Change Design mode as all of the
commands are only used in the creation or amendment of a record layout:
`Create Field' command
`Create Other'-Caption command
`Create Other'-Box command
`Create Other'-Picture command
Information command
`Move Forward' command
`Move Backward' command
`Bring To Front' command
`Send To Back' command
Lock command
Unlock command
`Record Dimensions' command
Other items are covered here that are not actual menu commands:
Deleting Record Items
Moving Record Items
Resizing Record Items
Selecting Record Items
Create Field
Choose "Create Field" to change the mouse pointer into a cross-hair so
that a field can be created on the record. Alternatively, press Right
Amiga-`1'.
Once the pointer has changed to a cross-hair, click on the record and
drag out (keeping the mouse selection button down) an outline that
covers the size needed for the field.
If a field is created which is too small or, in cross-hair mode, the
record was clicked (without a drag), a field will be created using
default sizes at the position of the mouse.
When a field has been created, an Information requester will appear
where certain attributes of the field can be changed, such as format or
justification.
After a field has been created, it can later be:
Altered
Deleted
Moved
Resized
Create Caption
Choose "Create Other - Caption" to change the mouse pointer into a
cross-hair so that a caption (or text frame) can be created on the
record. Alternatively, press Right Amiga-`2'.
Once the pointer has changed to a cross-hair, click on the record and
drag out (keeping the mouse selection button down) an outline that
covers the size needed for the caption.
If a caption is created too small or, when in cross-hair mode, the
record was clicked (without a drag), a caption will be created in the
default size at the position of the mouse.
When a caption has been created, an Information requester will be
displayed where the text for the caption can be specified.
After a caption has been created, it can later be:
Altered
Deleted
Moved
Resized
Create Box
Choose "Create Other - Box" to change the mouse pointer into a
cross-hair so that a box can be created on the record. Alternatively,
press Right Amiga-`3'.
Once the pointer has changed to a cross-hair, click on the record and
drag out (keeping the mouse selection button down) an outline that
covers the size needed for the box.
If a box is created too small or, when in cross-hair mode, the record
was clicked (without a drag), a box will be created in the default size
at the position of the mouse.
When a box has been created, an Information requester will be displayed
where certain attributes of the field can be changed; such as the
colour, or border of the box.
After a box has been created, it can later be:
Altered
Deleted
Moved
Resized
Create Picture
Choose "Create Other - Picture" to change the mouse pointer into a
cross-hair so that a picture frame can be created on the record.
Alternatively, press Right Amiga-`4'.
Once the pointer has changed to a cross-hair, click on the record and
drag out (keeping the mouse selection button down) an outline that
covers the size needed for the picture.
If a picture frame is created too small or, when in cross-hair mode, the
record was clicked (without a drag), a picture frame will be created in
the default size at the position of the mouse.
When a picture frame has been created, an Information requester will be
displayed where you can specify the picture to be displayed in the
frame.
After a picture frame has been created, it can later be:
Altered
Deleted
Moved
Resized
Important
Datastore uses Workbench 3.0 Datatypes for picture handling.
This means that new datatypes can be installed onto either the Datastore
disk or your hard disk so that other graphic formats such as TIF, GIF,
JPEG can be used.
There are several formats available in public domain libraries that can
be easily installed and used.
Consult your Workbench User Guide or the documentation that came with
the Datatype for information on how to install it onto your system.
Workbench 2 Users (including 2.1) do not have Datatypes and therefore
only IFF pictures can be used in Datastore.
Information
Choose Information to display the Information requester of the selected
record item. Alternatively, press Right Amiga-`I'.
If no item is selected, this command is unavailable.
The Field Information requester displays many options that can be
changed for the formatting of the selected field.
The Caption Information requester displays options that can be changed
for the formatting and content of the selected caption.
The Box Information requester displays many options that can be changed
for the formatting of the selected box.
The Picture Information requester displays options that can be changed
for the formatting and content of the selected picture frame.
Field Information Requester
The `Field Information' requester displays many options that can be
changed for the formatting of the selected field.
Position
From Left:
Distance between field and left edge of page
From Top:
Distance between field and top edge of page
Width:
Width of field and field title
Height:
Height of field
Field Settings
Name:
The name of the field used by Datastore for sorting or search criteria.
It is also the title of the field, displayed to the left if the
`Show Name' checkbox is selected.
It is advisable to use an original field name that relates to the
contents of the field.
Type:
This popup gadget specifies the type of data that will be entered into
the field :-
Text - Any character
Number - Only numbers
Date - Only dates
Time - Only times
True/False - Booleans (Yes/No, Male/Female etc)
Picture - Any picture
Preset List - List of entries from which to select
Condition:
This will display the Condition requester from which validation criteria
can be constructed to allow specific entries into the field.
Type Options:
Click this button to display a field type Options requester :-
Text Options
Number Options
Date Options
Time Options
True/False Options
Picture Options
Preset List Options
Show Name:
Select this checkbox to display the contents of the Name text gadget as
a field title. The title will be displayed to the left of the field
data entry area.
Show Box:
Select this checkbox to display a box outline around the field data
entry area.
Mandatory:
Select this checkbox to enforce data entry into the field. When
entering record data, this field cannot be left blank.
Buttons
OK
Confirms requester entries and closes requester.
Apply
Applies requester entries and leaves requester displayed.
Cancel
Cancels all changes made to the requester and closes requester. If
Apply has been clicked, Cancel will just close requester.
Field Condition Requester
The `Field Condition' requester is used to define validation criteria
for the data entered into the field.
For example, you may only wish to allow data that matches the criteria:
greater than 10 AND less than 50.
First Condition
1st Popup:
Shows current field name.
2nd Popup:
The Comparison popup gadget displays all of the conditions that can be
used for the current field.
Text, Boolean, Picture or Preset List fields only:-
Contains
If contents of current field contains any of the text in the following
text gadget. Case Sensitive.
Contains Like
As above but case insensitive. For example, the text gadget contents do
not have to match exactly (upper and lower case).
Begins With
If contents of current field begins with the contents of following text
gadget.
Begins With Like
As above but case insensitive.
All types of field:-
Is Equal To
If the contents of the current field is the same as the text in the text
gadget.
Does Not Equal
If the contents of the field specified in Field popup is not the same as
the text in the text gadget.
Less Than
If the contents of the current field is less than the text in the text
gadget.
Greater Than
If the contents of the current field is greater than the text in the
text gadget.
Less Than or Equals
If the contents of the current field is less than or equal to the text
in the text gadget.
Greater Than or Equals
If the contents of the current field is greater than or equal to the
text in the text gadget.
Text gadget: Type the text to compare with the current field.
Operator
The `First Condition' and the `Second Condition' can be combined
together to create a more complex condition by using And or Or in this
popup.
And:
This will AND the two conditions together. For example, AGE `is greater
than' 10 And AGE is less than 50 - will allow any number from 11 to 49.
Or:
This will OR the two conditions together. For example, AGE `is less
than' 10 Or AGE is greater than 50 - will allow numbers 0 - 9 or numbers
51 onwards.
Second Condition
This group is only available if the And or Or Operator is selected.
1st popup: As `First Condition'
2nd popup: As `First Condition'
Text gadget: As `First Condition'
Text Options Requester
From this requester, you specify the format of the text typed into the
field.
Type
As Entered:
The text typed into the field will be left unformatted.
Convert to Lower Case
The text that is typed into the field will be converted to lower case
(a..z).
Convert to Upper Case
The text that is typed into the field will be converted to upper case
(A..Z).
Justify
The text will be justified (aligned) to the Left side, Centred or to the
Right side of the field data entry area.
Default
The text that is typed into this gadget will appear in the field, as a
default, on every record. The default text can be overridden when
typing data.
Number Options Requester
From this requester, you specify the format of the numbers typed into
the field.
Type
As Entered:
The numbers that are typed into the field will be left unformatted.
Whole Numbers:
Numbers will be formatted to only show whole numbers or integers (1234).
One Decimal Place
Numbers will be formatted to one decimal place (1234.0).
Two Decimal Places
Numbers will be formatted to two decimal places (1234.00).
Currency,Whole Numbers
Numbers will be formatted to show whole numbers and will appear as a
currency value (£12,345).
Currency, Two Decimals
Numbers will be formatted to two decimal places and will appear as a
currency value (£12,345.00).
Percentage, Whole Numbers
Numbers will be formatted to show whole numbers and will appear as a
percentage value (123%).
Percentage, Two Decimals
Numbers will be formatted to two decimal places and will appear as a
percentage value (123.00%).
Currency
This gadget specifies how a currency value type will be formatted:
° English will be formatted into Pounds (£) with large units being
separated by commas. A full-point separates decimals.
° American will be formatted into Dollars ($) with large units being
separated by commas. A full-point separates decimals.
° German will be formatted into Marks (DM) with large units being
separated by full-points. A comma separates decimals.
Justify
The number will be justified (aligned) to either the Left side, Centred
or to the Right side of the field data entry area.
Compute
Type a formula to compute a value for the field. For example,
`(SubTotal + 17.5)/100' will place the result of this computation into
the current field. Formula in parenthesis are evaluated first.
Date Options Requester
From this requester, you specify the format of the date typed into the
field.
Type
As Entered:
The date typed into the field will be left unformatted.
The other `Type Options' in the list are examples of the date format
style.
Justify
The date will be justified (aligned) to either the Left side, Centred or
to the Right side of the field data entry area.
Default
The date typed into this gadget will appear in the field, as a default,
on every record. The default text can be overridden when typing data.
The `Current Date' option on the popup gadget will insert the current
date as a default on each record.
Time Options Requester
From this requester, you specify the format of the time typed into the
field.
Type
As Entered:
The time typed into the field will be left unformatted.
The other `Type Options' in the list are examples of the time format
style.
Justify
The time will be justified (aligned) to either the Left side, Centred or
to the Right side of the field data entry area.
Default
The time typed into this gadget will appear in the field, as a default,
on every record. The default text can be overridden when typing data.
The `Current Time' option on the popup gadget will insert the current
time as a default on each record.
True/False Options Requester
A boolean is a value that only has two states. For example, True and
False; 1 and 0; Male and Female.
When moving into a boolean field and inserting record data, a "Booleans"
requester appears showing the two boolean values defined from the Type
list gadget.
Type
Y or N
Only show Y (yes) or N (no) options
Yes or No
Only show Yes or No options
T or F
Only show T (true) or F (false) options
True or False
Only show True or False options
M or F
Only show M (male) or F (female) options
Male or Female
Only show Male or Female options
On or Off
Only show On or Off options
1 or 0
Only show 1 or 0 options
Justify
The boolean value will be justified (aligned) to either the Left side,
Centred or to the Right side of the field data entry area.
Default
The popup lets you select the default boolean value.
Picture Options Requester
The "Picture Options" requester specifies the picture that appears in
the field by default on each record.
The default picture can be selected from a file requester by clicking
the Select button. Alternatively, just type the picture filename and
path into the "Default Picture" text gadget.
List Options Requester
The "List Options" requester is used to define the items available in
the Preset List.
When moving into a preset list field and inserting record data, a
requester appears showing the items defined in the "List Options"
requester.
Inserting, Amending and Deleting List Items
Click New to insert an item. Type the item into the text gadget and
press the Return key to insert it into the list.
To amend an item, select it and change the contents of the text gadget.
Press the Return key to update the list.
Select an item and click Del to delete it.
Justify
The preset list item will be justified (aligned) to the Left side,
Centred or to the Right side of the field data entry area.
Caption Information Requester
The `Caption Information' requester displays options for the formatting
and content of the selected caption.
Position
From Left:
Distance between caption and left edge of page
From Top:
Distance between caption and top edge of page
Style Font:
Displays the font, size and style selected from the font requester.
Select:
Displays the font requester from which a font, size and style can be
chosen.
Colour:
Select the text colour from the popup gadget.
The type the text you wish to appear in the "Caption Text" gadget.
Buttons
OK
Confirms requester entries and closes requester.
Apply
Applies requester entries and leaves requester displayed.
Cancel
Cancels all changes made to the requester and closes requester. If
Apply has been clicked, Cancel will just close requester.
Box Information Requester
The `Box Information' requester displays many options for formatting a
selected box.
Position From Left:
Distance between box and left edge of page.
From Top:
Distance between box and top edge of page.
Width:
Width of box.
Height:
Height of box.
Style
Fill Colour:
Select the fill colour from this popup
Border Colour:
Select the border colour from this popup (providing the Thickness is not
set to None).
Thickness:
To give the box a border, select Hairline. Select None to turn off the
border.
Buttons
OK
Confirms requester entries and closes requester.
Apply
Applies requester entries and leaves requester displayed.
Cancel
Cancels all changes made to the requester and closes requester. If
Apply has been clicked, Cancel will just close requester.
Picture Information Requester
The `Picture Information' requester displays options for the formatting
and content of the selected picture frame.
The picture within this picture frame will appear on every record. If
you wish each record to have a different picture, then define a Picture
Field.
Position
From Left:
Distance between picture and left edge of page.
From Top:
Distance between picture and top edge of page.
Width:
Width of picture frame.
Height:
Height of picture frame.
Picture
Picture:
Type the picture filename and path into this text gadget.
Select:
Select the picture from the file requester.
Buttons
OK
Confirms requester entries and closes requester.
Apply
Applies requester entries and leaves requester displayed.
Cancel
Cancels all changes made to the requester and closes requester. If
Apply has been clicked, Cancel will just close requester.
Move Forward
Every item drawn onto the record design is drawn onto a `layer'. This
layer can be moved forward or backward so that it is on top of, or
beneath other `layers'.
Use the "Move Forward" command to move the selected item(s) forward a
layer.
See also:
`Move Backward' command
`Bring To Front' command
`Send To Back' command
Move Backward
Every item drawn onto the record design is drawn onto a `layer'. This
layer can be moved forward or backward so that it is on top of, or
beneath other `layers'.
Use the "Move Backward" command to move the selected item(s) backward a
layer.
See also:
`Move Forward' command
`Bring To Front' command
`Send To Back' command
Bring To Front
Every item drawn onto the record design is drawn onto a `layer'. This
layer can be moved forward or backward so that it is on top of, or
beneath other `layers'.
Use the "Bring To Front" command to move the selected item(s) to the
very top layer, and therefore in front of all other items.
See also:
`Move Forward' command
`Move Backward' command
`Send To Back' command
Send To Back
Every item drawn onto the record design is drawn onto a `layer'. This
layer can be moved forward or backward so that it is on top of, or
beneath other `layers'.
Use the "Send To Back" command to move the selected item(s) to the very
back layer and therefore behind all other items.
See also:
`Move Forward' command
`Move Backward' command
`Bring To Front' command
Lock
Choose the Lock command to lock the selected item(s) to the record so it
cannot be moved or altered. Alternatively, press Right Amiga-`L'.
See also:
Unlock command
Unlock
Choose the Unlock command to unlock any previously `locked' items from
the record so that they can be moved and altered. Alternatively, press
Right Amiga-`U'.
See also:
Lock command
Record Dimensions
Choose "Record Dimensions" to change the size of the `Working Record
Area'.
Values can be typed in the following formats:
in for inches
cm for centimetres
Deleting Record Items
To delete a record item(s) select it and then choose "Erase" (Edit
menu), or press the `Del' key.
NOTE: If a field is deleted, any data typed into the field may be lost.
Moving Record Items
Any item on the record, a field, box, caption or picture, can be moved
around in two different ways:
° Through an Information requester.
° Using the mouse.
Using The Mouse
Select the item with the Arrow pointer and, with the Selection button
(left mouse button) still held down, drag the outline of the item to the
desired position. When the Selection button is released, the item will
be moved.
Layering Record Items
An item on the record layout can be layered so that it is in front of
some items, yet behind others. This `layering' can be performed using
four commands from the Design menu:
`Move Forward' command
`Move Backward' command
`Bring To Front' command
`Send To Back' command
Locking Record Items
Items can be locked into position so that they cannot be moved or
altered:
Lock command
Unlock command
Resizing Record Items
To resize a record item, first select it and then move the Arrow Pointer
over one of the eight handles that appear around the item.
When the Arrow Pointer is moved over a handle, it changes into a
double-ended pointer. This shows that the item is ready to be re-sized.
Click on the handle with the Selection button (left mouse button) and,
with the button still held down, drag the pointer to change the size.
As you are sizing, an outline of the item is displayed giving an
indication of the new size.
Release the Selection button to resize the item.
The four corner handles will allow sizing in any direction.
The handles half way down each vertical edge will only size the item
horizontally.
The handles half way along each horizontal edge will only size the item
vertically.
Selecting Record Items
To select an item on the record design, move the Arrow Pointer over the
item and press the Selection button (left mouse button).
Once selected, eight small boxes or handles appear along the edges of
the item. These are used for resizing.
Several items can be selected by holding down the Shift key whilst
selecting each one.
Selected items can then be:
Deleted
Moved
Resized
Edit Menu Contents
The Edit menu contains commands relating to the editing of database file
contents:
Cut command
Copy command
Paste command
Erase command
Find command
`Find Again' command
`Go To' command
Librarian command
`Edit Records' command
`Change Design' command
Cut
The Cut command can be used in either of the two Datastore `modes':
Edit Records Mode
If the cursor is within a field, choose Cut to delete the field contents
and store it on the clipboard. Alternatively, press Right Amiga-`X'.
If the cursor is not within a field, choose Cut to delete the record and
store it on the clipboard.
Change Design Mode
This command will only be available if an item on the record is
selected.
Choose Cut to delete the selected item from the record and store it on
the clipboard. Alternatively, press Right Amiga-`X'.
Multiple items can be cut from the record by selecting each item while
holding the Shift key and then choosing Cut.
Unfortunately, pictures cannot be copied from the record data or record
design.
NOTE: Datastore uses the Workbench Clipboard, and therefore text and
pictures can be freely copied between Datastore and other supporting
applications.
Copy
The Copy command can be used in either of the two Datastore `modes':
Edit Records Mode
If the cursor is within a field, choose Copy to copy the field contents
and store it on the clipboard. Alternatively, press Right Amiga-`C'.
If the cursor is not within any field, choose Copy to copy the record
and store it on the clipboard.
Change Design Mode
This command will only be available if an item on the record is
selected.
Choose Copy to copy the selected item from the record and store it on
the clipboard. Alternatively, press Right Amiga-`C'.
Multiple items can be Copied from the record by selecting each item
while holding the Shift key and then choosing Copy.
Unfortunately, pictures cannot be copied from the record data or record
design.
NOTE: Datastore uses the Workbench Clipboard, and therefore text and
pictures can be freely copied between Datastore and other supporting
applications.
Paste
If there is nothing in the clipboard, this command will be disabled
(dimmed).
The Paste command can be used in either of the two Datastore `modes':
Edit Records Mode
If the cursor is within a field, choose Paste to copy the contents of
the clipboard into the field. Alternatively, press Right Amiga-`V'.
If a record has been copied onto the clipboard, Paste will copy the
record data into the database.
Change Design Mode
Choose Paste to copy the contents of the clipboard onto the record
design. Alternatively, press Right Amiga-`V'.
NOTE: Datastore uses the Workbench Clipboard, and therefore text and
pictures can be freely copied between Datastore and other supporting
applications.
Erase
Edit Records Mode
If the cursor is within a field, choose Erase to delete the contents of
the field. Alternatively, press the Del key.
If the cursor is not within any field, choose Erase to delete the record
from the database.
Change Design Mode
This command will only be available if an item on the record is
selected.
Choose Erase to delete the item from the record design. Alternatively,
press the Del key.
Multiple items can be Erased from the record by selecting each item
while holding the Shift key and then choosing Erase.
Finding And Replacing Text
Choose Find to display the Find requester where you can search for and,
if required, replaced it with different text. Alternatively, press
Right Amiga-`F' or use the toolbar.
This command will only be available in Edit Records mode.
To the left of the Find and "Replace With" text gadgets, there are popup
buttons (a button with a triangle in it) which display all the previous
entries. The item you select from the popup list will be placed into
the text gadget for editing.
The `In' popup gadget contains a list of all the fields in the record.
Using this gadget, you can specify whether you wish to just search for
text in one field or in `All Fields'. (Searching is much quicker when
confined to one field.)
Special Features
Datastore can use wildcards to find and replace similar text within the
database:
? Matches any character
c* Matches zero or more occurrences of the character c
c+ Matches one or more occurrences of the character c
For example, Find Ho??e will find both Horse and House.
To search for the above characters as text and not as a command, place a
slash before the character, as follows:
\? Searches for a question mark
\* Searches for an asterisk
\+ Searches for a plus sign
NOTE: Find only works on the first occurrence of the text within a
field.
Find Again
Choose "Find Again" to find the next occurrence of the text that you
specified using the Find command. Alternatively, press Right Amiga-`G'.
This command will only be available when in Edit Records mode.
Go To
Choose "Go To" to display the "Go To Record" requester. Alternatively,
press Right Amiga-`J' or use the toolbar.
From this requester you can specify the record that you wish to edit.
This command is only available when in Edit Records mode.
Librarian
Choose Librarian, or use the toolbar icon, to save common phrases and
then quickly insert them into any fields.
This command will only be available when in Edit Records mode.
To insert a Librarian entry, select the text from the list and click
Insert to place the text into the current field and close the requester.
Alternatively, double-click the list entry to insert the text and leave
the requester on the screen.
The Librarian is a modeless requester, which means it can be left on the
screen whilst editing records. Just click the requester zoom gadget to
shrink the requester to its title bar and carry on editing the database.
Creating A Librarian Entry
Click New and type the text that you wish to add to the Librarian in the
Text text gadget. Then press the Return key to add the entry to the
list.
You can also use these special codes within Librarian:
¶ Insert a new line (to type the character ¶, press Right Alt-`P')
\\ Insert the character `\'
Deleting A Librarian Entry
Select the entry to be deleted from the list and click Del. This will
permanently delete the entry from Librarian when the requester is closed
(unless you click Cancel).
Amending A Librarian Entry
Select the entry to be amended from the list and change the text in the
text gadget. Then press the Return key to update the entry in the list.
Edit Records
Choose "Edit Records" to change to `Edit Records' mode.
This mode is only for creating and altering record data. The record
layout can be altered only in Change Design mode.
The record data can be manipulated in one of several ways:
Applying A Query
Browsing Through The Records
Changing A Record
Deleting A Record
Duplicating A Record
Inserting A Record
Manoeuvring Around A Record
Producing A Report
Sorting the Records
NOTE: This menu command will change to `Change Design' after the command
has been chosen.
Change Design
Choose "Change Design" to change to `Change Design' mode.
This mode is only for creating and altering the design and layout of the
records. Record data can only be altered in Edit Records mode.
The record layout can be manipulated in several ways:
Changing A Field or Items Attributes
Changing The Record Dimensions
Deleting Existing Fields or Items
Inserting A New Field
Inserting A New Caption
Inserting A New Box
Inserting A New Picture
Moving Fields or Items
Resizing Fields or Items
NOTE: This menu command will change to `Edit Records' after the command
has been chosen.
Record Menu Contents
The Record menu is only available when in Edit Record mode as all of the
commands are only used for manipulating record data:
`Insert Record' command
Delete command
Duplicate command
Previous command
Next command
First command
Last command
Query command
Report command
Sort command
Other tasks are also discussed in this section:
Browsing Through The Records
Changing A Record
Manoeuvring Around A Record
Insert Record
Choose "Insert Record" to insert a blank record at the end of the
database. Alternatively, press Right Amiga-`R'.
This command is only available in Edit Records mode.
You can also use the Record Browser floating palette to insert records
using an icon.
The `Insertion Cursor' will appear in the first field ready for data
input.
To manoeuvre through the fields on the record use the Tab key or click
in the appropriate field with the mouse.
Delete Record
Choose "Delete" to delete the current on-screen record from the
database.
Beware, this command cannot be undone.
Duplicate Record
Choose the "Duplicate" command to duplicate the data within the current
record.
The new record data will be inserted into a blank record at the end of
the database.
Previous Record
Choose Previous to move to the previous record in the database.
Alternatively, press Right Amiga-`,' (Right Amiga-comma).
This command will not be available if the first record is on-screen.
Use the Record Browser floating palette to manoeuvre through the records
using icons.
Next Record
Choose Next to move to the next record in the database. Alternatively,
press Right Amiga-`.' (Right Amiga-full point).
This command will not be available if the last record is on-screen.
Use the Record Browser floating palette to manoeuvre through the records
using icons.
First Record
Choose First to move to the first record in the database.
Alternatively, press Right Amiga-`<' (Right Amiga Shift-comma).
This command will not be available if the first record is on-screen.
Use the Record Browser floating palette to manoeuvre through the records
using icons.
Last Record
Choose Last to move to the last record in the database. Alternatively,
press Right Amiga-`>' (Right Amiga Shift-full point).
This command will not be available if the last record is on-screen.
Use the Record Browser floating palette to manoeuvre through the records
using icons.
Query
Choose Query to display the Query requester. Alternatively, press Right
Amiga-`Y' or use the toolbar.
Use a Query to create a subset of records matching defined search
criteria. For example, just people who have not paid all of their
account, or all of the people living in a particular town.
The Query requester displays a list of previously created queries with
the default query "Show All Records" at the top. The default query
cannot be Edited, Deleted or Duplicated.
Use the query "Show All Records" to come out of a subset of records and
return back to view the full database.
When a subset of records is being viewed, you can export the subset of
records as an ASCII file or create a new Datastore file.
Buttons
New
Creates a new query and displays the New Query requester.
Edit
Displays the New Query requester for the selected query.
Delete
Deletes the selected query from the list.
Duplicate
Duplicates the selected query.
Exit Buttons
Use
Applies the selected query and creates a subset of records matching the
query criteria.
Done
Closes the requester without applying a query.
New Query Requester
The "New Query" requester is used for creating the search criteria for
the query.
For example, the following criteria would only show records of people
who lived in Exmouth and were not called Smith: Town contains like
Exmouth AND Surname does not equal Smith
If the New button is clicked from the Query requester, no search
criteria appears and a default Query name will be shown.
If the Edit button is clicked from the Query requester, the search
criteria for the selected query is displayed in the requester.
Query Name:
Type the name for the query into this gadget.
First Condition
1st Popup:
The Field popup gadget displays a list of all the fields in the record.
2nd Popup:
The Comparison popup gadget displays all of the conditions that can be
used for the selected field.
Text, Boolean, Contains
Picture or Preset List fields only:-
If contents of field specified in Field popup contains any of the text
in the following text gadget. Case Sensitive.
Contains Like
As above but case insensitive. For example, the text gadget contents do
not have to match exactly (upper and lower case).
Begins With
If contents of Field begins with the contents of following text gadget.
Begins With Like
As above but case insensitive.
All types of field:-
Is Equal To
If the contents of the field specified in Field popup is the same as the
text in the text gadget.
Does Not Equal
If the contents of the field specified in Field popup is not the same as
the text in the text gadget.
Less Than
If the contents of the field specified in Field popup is less than the
text in the text gadget.
Greater Than
If the contents of the field specified in Field popup is greater than
the text in the text gadget.
Less Than or Equals
If the contents of the field specified in Field popup is less than or
equal to the text in the text gadget.
Greater Than or Equals
If the contents of the field specified in Field popup is greater than or
equal to the text in the text gadget.
Text gadget: Type the text to compare with the selected field.
Operator
The `First Condition' and the `Second Condition' can be combined
together to create a more complex condition by using And or Or in this
popup.
And:
This will AND the two conditions together. For example, AGE `is greater
than' 10 And AGE is less than 50 - will allow any number from 11 to 49.
Or:
This will OR the two conditions together. For example, AGE `is less
than' 10 Or AGE is greater than 50 - will allow numbers 0 - 9 or numbers
51 onwards.
Second Condition
This group is only available if an Operator is selected.
1st popup:
As `First Condition'
2nd popup:
As `First Condition'
Text gadget:
As `First Condition'
Report
Choose Report to display the Report requester. Alternatively, press
Right Amiga-`T' or use the toolbar.
Use a Report to display the current subset of records. You can attach a
query to the report. For example, you may wish to only view particular
fields for one subset of records and different fields for another
subset.
The Report requester displays a list of previously created reports with
the default report "Database Statistics" at the top. The default report
cannot be Edited, Deleted or Duplicated.
The report "Database Statistics" lists useful information about the
current database file:
° The date and time that the report was viewed
° The database name
° The field names and types
° The number of records in the current subset
° The number of records in the database
Once created, a report can be displayed on screen and then, either
printed to a printer, or output to a file.
A report file can be useful for importing into a word processor, like
Digita Wordworth.
Stopping The Creation Of A Report
To stop a report while it is being created, press the Escape key.
Alternatively, press Ctrl-`C'.
Buttons
New
Creates a new report and displays the New Report requester.
Edit
Displays the New Report requester for the selected report.
Delete
Deletes the selected report from the list.
Duplicate
Duplicates the selected report.
Exit Buttons
View
Views the selected report in a report window which can be printed, or
closed like any other window.
Done
Closes the requester without viewing a report.
New Report Requester
The "New Report" requester is used for creating the report which you
wish to view.
You can define what fields are used in the report, what query to apply
before the report and what page headings should be used.
The number of characters that can be displayed on each line of a report,
and the number of lines on each page are defined in the Workbench
Printer Preferences program.
Report Name:
The name given to the report for the Report requester list should be
typed into this text gadget.
Available Fields:
Select a field and click the >> button to move it into the "Chosen
Fields" list.
Chosen Fields:
All fields in this list will appear in the report. Select a field and
click the << button to remove it from the list.
Move Before:
Select a field in the "Chosen Fields" list and click this button to move
it before the previous field.
Move After:
Select a field in the "Chosen Fields" list and click this button to move
it after the next field.
Include Field Headings:
Shows the field names above each column in the report.
Spaces Between:
Specify the number of spaces between each field column in the report.
Buttons
OK
Closes the requester, remembering any changes.
Query
Displays the Query requester for choosing a query to link with the
report. This query is applied on the database before the report is
compiled.
Titles
Displays the Report Titles requester for specifying the page headers and
footers.
Cancel
Closes the requester and cancels any changes.
Report Titles Requester
Specify the text to be used at the top and bottom of each report page
from this requester.
Page Header
Text:
Type the text to be placed at the top of each report page into this
gadget.
Special Codes:
Some special codes can be inserted into the header text for certain
items:-
Page Number Alternatively, type "\pn"
Page Count Alternatively, type "\pc"
Current Date Alternatively, type "\cd"
Current Time Alternatively, type "\ct"
New Line Alternatively, type "\n"
Justify:
Select the justification of the text on the page, either aligned to the
Left, to the Right or Centred.
Page Footer
Text:
Type the text to be placed at the bottom of each report page into this
gadget.
Special Codes:
Some special codes can be inserted into the footer text for certain
items:-
Page Number Alternatively, type "\pn"
Page Count Alternatively, type "\pc"
Current Date Alternatively, type "\cd"
Current Time Alternatively, type "\ct"
New Line Alternatively, type "\n"
Justify:
Select the justification of the text, either aligned to the Left of the
page, to the Right or Centred.
Sort Record
Choose Sort to display the Sort requester. Alternatively, click the
icon in the toolbar.
The Sort requester can sort up to three levels. This means that if you
have several entries the same, these entries are sorted on the next
level.
For example:
Name Town/City Country
Smith Portland US
Blogs Newcastle England
Smith Exmouth England
Smith New York US
Smith Portland England
Jones Geneva Switzerland
Smith London England
Sorted on Name, then Town/City then Country (three levels):
Sort on first level
Blogs Newcastle England
Jones Geneva Switzerland
Many Smiths so sort on second level
Smith Exmouth England
Smith London England
Two Smiths in Portland, so sort on third level
Smith Portland England
Smith Portland US
For each level
Field:
Select the field to be sorted from the popup
Ascend:
Select the order to sort the field. Either Ascend (A..Z) or Descend
(Z..A).
Browsing Through The Records
Use the `Record Browser' floating palette to move forward and backward
through the records in the database using icons.
Alternatively, use the menu commands:
Previous command
Next command
First command
Last command
Changing A Record
To change a record, first display the record you wish to amend by either
using the Go To or Find commands from the Edit menu.
Then move the cursor into the field you wish to change and ammend the
contents.
The record data in the database will be amended automatically.
Manoeuvring Around A Record
There are two ways to move from field to field on a record:
Using Keyboard
Press the Tab key to move onto the next field and Shift-Tab to move back
to the previous field.
If you press Tab in the last field, the Insertion Cursor will move back
to the first field. Shift-Tabbing from the first field will move you to
the last field.
Tabbing around the record moves the cursor horizontally from top to
bottom, like a book.
Using Mouse
Click in the field you wish to edit by moving the Arrow Pointer over the
field data entry area (you will notice the pointer changes to an I-Beam)
and press the Selection button (left mouse button).
View Menu Contents
The View menu contains commands for turning On or Off certain parts of
the screen display:
Toolbar command
`Design Tools' command
`Record Browser' command
`Show Pictures' command
Toolbar
Choose Toolbar to toggle On or Off the fixed toolbar on the left side of
the screen.
The commands available on the toolbar are as follows:
New
Open
Save
Cut
Copy
Paste
Find
Go To
Librarian
Query
Report
Sort
Design Tools
Choose "Design Tools" to toggle On or Off the floating Design Tools
palette.
This command is only available in Change Design mode.
The commands available on the floating palette are, from left to right:
Pointer
Field
Caption
Box
Picture
Record Browser
Choose "Record Browser" to toggle On or Off the floating Record Browser
palette. The "Record Browser" is used for moving forward and backward
through the records in the database.
This command is only available in Edit Records mode.
The commands available on the floating palette are, from left to right:
First Record
Previous Record
Insert Record
Next Record
Last Record
Show Pictures
Choose "Show Pictures" to toggle On or Off the display of pictures in
picture fields.
This command is only available in Edit Records mode.
Settings Menu Contents
The Settings menu contains Datastore Preference commands:
`Snap To Grid?' command
`Create Icons?' command
Workbench-Open/Close command
Change Settings-File command
Change Settings-Screen command
`Load Settings' command
`Save Settings' command
`Save Settings As' command
Snap To Grid?
Choose "Snap To Grid?" to turn on the grid display and allow items in
Design mode to snap to it. This allows easy positioning and alignment
of items on the record layout.
This command is only available in Change Design mode.
Create Icons?
Choose the "Create Icons" command to save icons with any project
(database) or settings file.
Workbench-Open/Close Workbench
You can save about 40k of memory by choosing the Workbench-"Close
Workbench" command.
The Workbench can be re-opened by choosing the
Workbench-"Open Workbench" command.
The Workbench can only be closed if you do not have any tools or open
windows running on the Workbench screen.
Change Settings-File
The File Settings requester displays preferences that are file related.
File
Create Document
Backups:
If this option is selected, Datastore will rename the previous version
on disk with the suffix `.bak' before saving the new version. This
maintains a backup of the last revision just in case the database is
corrupted.
Save Password With File
Select this option if you wish to protect your files with a password.
If selected, you will be asked to type a password when you next Save the
file. Upon subsequent opening of this file, you have to type the
correct password before you will be allowed access.
To change a password, choose Save As command.
ASCII File Format
Format:
Before using the Export Data command (ASCII option) or the Import Data
command you will need to select the format of the ASCII file from this
popup.
ASCII Field Separator
Type an ASCII character value if you have selected the Custom format, or
choose a separator character from the popup.
A field separator is the character used between each field in the file.
ASCII Record Separator
Type an ASCII character value if you have selected the Custom format, or
choose a separator character from the popup.
A record separator is the character used between each record in the
file.
Change Settings-Screen
Various Screen Settings can be specified from this requester.
Screen
Public Screen:
Select from the popup if you wish Datastore to use the `Workbench
screen' or Datastores's own `Custom Screen'.
Screen Mode:
Click this button to display the "Screen Mode" requester from which the
`Custom Screen' mode (type and number of colours) can be specified.
Fonts
Screen Text:
Set the font for Datastore menus and window titles. Click Select to
reveal the font requester.
Requester Headings:
Set the font for Datastore to use in the gadget group headings in
requesters. Click Select to reveal the font requester.
Requester Gadgets:
Set the font for Datastore to use in the gadget titles in requesters.
Click Select to reveal the font requester.
Load Settings
Choose "Load Settings" to load a settings file into Datastore.
Any settings file saved using the Save Settings As command can be loaded
using "Load Settings".
Save Settings
When you choose "Save Settings" all the current settings are saved to
the default settings file which is used each time you start Datastore.
If you wish to save the settings using a different name, choose Save
Settings As.
Any settings files saved, using Save Settings As can be reloaded again
at any time.
Save Settings As
Choose "Save Settings As" to save the settings file under a different
name and not as the default Datastore settings.
Type the settings filename into the File text gadget on the
file requester.
If you wish to save the current settings as the default so that they are
used each time Datastore is loaded, choose Save Settings.
Troubleshooting Contents
This section will help you find a solution to a problem so that you can
solve it yourself.
Printing Problems
Problem 1 When I print a report, each line of data seems to wrap over
the right hand edge of the page onto the next line. The report was okay
when I viewed it on-screen.
Problem 2 When I print a report, there seems to be a lot of garbage
printed at the top of the page.
Problem 3 There does not seem to be a proper printer driver for my
printer in the Workbench Printer Preferences list. I am running
Datastore from floppy disk on an Amiga 1200.
General Problems
Problem 1 When I create a report and view it, each line of data seems to
wrap over the right hand edge of the page onto the next line. This
makes my report unreadable.
Problem 2 After I quit Datastore, the amount of memory available seems
to have decreased.
Problem 3 When I try and Save my database to floppy disk, I get the
message `DS-Files disk full'. I am running from floppy disks.
Problem 4 When I try and place a picture which is in PCX format (or
indeed BMP, or JPEG), the screen flashes and the picture is not opened.
Problem 5 I am running Datastore from floppy disk and I cannot import a
database ASCII file that I saved from my PC at work.
If a solution to your problem does not appear in any section, then
contact Technical Support.
When I print a report, each line of data seems to wrap over the right
hand edge of the page onto the next line. The report appeared okay when
I viewed it on-screen.
----------------------------------------------------------------
If you have already changed the character Pitch and Margins in the
Workbench Printer Preferences, then you may find that the selected
Printer Driver is set to "Generic".
Select the appropriate driver for your printer and click Save. You
should now find that your reports print out the same as they appear
on-screen.
As a guide, the following type of printers use the shown Workbench
Printer Driver:
Most 9 pin printers use `EpsonX'
Most 24 pin printers use `EpsonQ'
Canon bubblejets use `CanonBJ10'
Hewlett Packard DeskJets use `HPDeskJet'
Hewlett Packard LaserJets use `HPLaserJet'
When I print a report, there seems to be a lot of garbage printed at the
top of the page.
----------------------------------------------------------------
You may find that you have the wrong printer driver selected in your
Workbench Printer Preferences.
Select the appropriate driver for your printer and click Save. You
should now find that your reports print out without any spurious
characters.
As a guide, the following type of printers use the shown Workbench
Printer Driver:
Most 9 pin printers use `EpsonX'
Most 24 pin printers use `EpsonQ'
Canon bubblejets use `CanonBJ10'
Hewlett Packard DeskJets use `HPDeskJet'
Hewlett Packard LaserJets use `HPLaserJet'
If none of the available Workbench Printer Drivers work properly with
your printer, you will need to find a suitable driver from the printer
manufacturers themselves or through a Public Domain Library.
There does not seem to be a proper printer driver for my printer in the
Workbench Printer Preferences list. I am running Datastore from floppy
disk on an Amiga 1200.
----------------------------------------------------------------
As a guide, the following type of printers use the shown Workbench
Printer Driver:
Most 9 pin printers use `EpsonX'
Most 24 pin printers use `EpsonQ'
Canon bubblejets use `CanonBJ10'
Hewlett Packard DeskJets use `HPDeskJet'
Hewlett Packard LaserJets use `HPLaserJet'
First you will need to copy a suitable printer driver from your
Workbench disk onto the Datastore disk.
Turn your machine on with the Workbench disk in the internal drive,
double-click the disk icon and then double-click the System drawer icon.
Open up a shell by double-clicking the Shell tool and type the
following: copy Storage3.0:Printers/<driver> Datastore:Devs/Printers
Replace <driver> with the name of the Printer Driver you wish to copy.
If none of the Workbench Printer Drivers work properly with your
printer, you will need to find a suitable driver from the printer
manufacturers themselves or through a Public Domain Library.
Next you will need to set the Workbench Printer Preferences to use this
driver.
When I create a report and view it, each line of data seems to wrap over
the right hand edge of the page onto the next line. This makes my
report unreadable.
----------------------------------------------------------------
The width of the report page is determined by settings in your Workbench
Printer Preferences. You will need to change the Pitch and Right
Margins to allow more characters to fit on the page.
If, after changing the pitch and margins the report still does not fit
on the page, it will need to be modified by either removing some fields
and/or decreasing the `Spaces Between'.
To edit a report, choose Report (Record menu), select the report from
the list and click Edit.
After I quit Datastore, the amount of memory available seems to have
decreased.
----------------------------------------------------------------
When Datastore quits, it returns as much of the memory to the system as
it can.
However, Datastore uses many system libraries which are kept in memory
until such a time as more memory is needed, they are then flushed out.
You can flush out the libraries manually by opening up a Shell tool
(Workbench System drawer) and typing `avail flush'.
When I try and Save my database to floppy disk, I get the message
`DS-Files disk full'. I am running from floppy disks.
----------------------------------------------------------------
By default, Datastore saves all database files to a drawer called
Databases on the DS-Files disk.
If this message appears, the disk has been filled up with your documents
and there is no space left to save another.
You will therefore need to create a separate disk which can be used for
any further documents.
Please refer to the sections:
New Database Disk
Opening Files From a Separate Disk
Saving Files To a Separate Disk
Deleting Database Files
When I try and place a picture which is in PCX format (or indeed BMP, or
JPEG), the screen flashes and the picture is not opened.
----------------------------------------------------------------
This often occurs when the graphic file is not understood by Datastore
for one of two reasons:
° The picture is corrupt in some way, due to a faulty disk or
incorrectly saved file.
° The picture format is not understood by Datastore.
Workbench 3 Users
Datastore uses a Workbench 3.0 facility called Datatypes for its
graphics handling.
By default, Datastore only ships with one Datatype which it uses to
understand the standard amiga IFF graphic format.
If you wish to use any other type of graphic, you will need to have a
datatype for that file format copied into the Datatypes drawer (refer to
your Workbench manual, or the Read.me file supplied with the Datatype).
There are many different types of datatype in the Public Domain which
are can be used with Datastore.
Workbench 2 Users
Unfortunately, Workbench 2 users do not have Datatypes as part of the
operating system and therefore you will only be able to use standard IFF
pictures.
If you try and use any other type of picture. Datastore will not
understand it.
I am running Datastore from floppy disk and I cannot import a database
ASCII file that I saved from my PC at work.
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Amiga can only understand a floppy disk that was formatted by the
Amiga.
If you try and insert a PC disk into your Amiga, you will only see a
disk icon with the following beneath it, "DF0:????".
To enable the Amiga to understand a PC disk, you will need a program
called CrossDOS (Workbench 3 users have this program, as part of the
operating system).
Install and enable the CrossDOS program and PC disks will have "PC0:
<diskname>" beneath them.
Digita Datastore 1.0 Additional Notes - 16th December 1994
Please Note:
1 When the Install Datastore icon is double-clicked, you will experience
a delay before you are asked to choose your experience level. This is
normal as the install script is quite large.
2 Single Floppy Disk Users - The first time a database that contains
graphics, is opened from floppy disk, there will be a couple of extra
disk swaps. This is because Datastore needs to open up libraries
that exist on the other disk.
Common Startup Problems
Q I get half way through the installation process, and a message appears
telling me that I have a Checksum error.
------------------------------------------------------------------
A It seems that the install disk you are using has an error on it. Make
a new backup of the faulty disk from your Master set and try again.
If the problem persists then send the disk back to Digita Technical
Support with a stamped, addressed jiffy bag and a covering letter so
that we may exchange it with a tested one immediately.
Please press the Return key to continue.
Q When I install Datastore onto my hard disk, it tells me that there is
not enough disk space on my System partition to install. I have 60MB
free!
------------------------------------------------------------------
A Hard disks are usually split up into several areas or partitions.
Commonly there is a Work and a Workbench (sometimes called a System or
Boot partition).
Datastore needs to copy several items (fonts and drivers) to your System
partition in order to work correctly. When there is not enough disk
space on this partition, this error message is displayed.
Please press the Return key to exit.
Index
Project menu
New
Open
Save
Save As
Import Data
Export Data
Print
Close
About
Quit
Edit menu
Cut
Copy
Paste
Erase
Find
Find Again
Go To
Librarian
Edit Records
Change Design
View menu
Toolbar
Design Tools
Record Browser
Show Pictures
Design menu
Create Field
Create Other-Caption
Create Other-Box
Create Other-Picture
Information
Move Forward
Move Backward
Bring To Front
Send To Back
Lock
Unlock
Record Dimensions
Record menu
Insert Record
Delete
Duplicate
Previous
Next
First
Last
Query
Report
Sort
Settings menu
Snap To Grid?
Create Icons?
Workbench-Open/Close
Change Settings-File
Change Settings-Screen
Load Settings
Save Settings
Save Settings As
Help menu
How Do I...?
How To Use Help
Contents
Shortcuts
What's New In 1.0
Index
Troubleshooting
Digita Datastore 1.0
©Copyright 1994 Digita International Ltd
By T.Titchmarsh and the Datastore team.
Warning: This computer program is protected by copyright law and
international treaties. Unauthorised reproduction or distribution of
this program, or any portion of it, may result in severe civil and
criminal penalties, and will be prosecuted to the maximum extent
possible under the law.
All trademarks and their owners are acknowledged.
LHA decompression software used in the Datastore installer is ©Copyright
by Stefan Boberg 1991, 92.
NOTE: If memory is low and the About command is chosen, any cached
(stored) pictures or data are flushed out to regain some memory.