home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search
Text File | 1990-08-07 | 42.9 KB | 1,467 lines |
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- * * * * * * * * *
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Disk Rak
- Diskette Labeling/Cataloging Management System
- (c)opyright 1989,1990 by SOFTreat>_
- ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
- Distributed via SHAREWARE
- Version 3.00
- Users Manual
- User support requested
-
-
- * * * *
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- - - - - N O T I C E - - - -
-
-
-
- This software has been distributed via SHAREWARE and
- subsequently SOFTreat>_ and/or it's employee's assumes NO
- LIABILITY for it's use. The user accepts ALL
- RESPONSIBILITY
- before, during, and after it's use. Disk Rak may be freely
- copied and distributed provided that all associated files
- in their original form are included and that no financial
- gains are incurred over and above legitimate distribution
- costs.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- * * INTRODUCTION * * Page 1
-
- Welcome to Disk Rak! If you have a computer then you also have
- a collection of software for use on the computer, and this
- collection is probably growing at an unmanageable rate. Some
- time along the way all this software is going to become a
- 'burden' to manage, at least in a way that will allow for easy
- access to a particular file/program when it is needed. Disk Rak
- can help you very quickly to organize your software into a
- professional library that allows quick access to information
- about a particular data file/program. Gone is the 'hassle' of
- flipping thru numerous, hand labeled, diskettes every time you
- want your software.
-
- Disk Rak now includes support for AVERY # 4241 2-3/4" x 2-3/4"
- (3.5" disk) label stock as well as AVERY # 4240 4-3/4" x 1-1/4"
- (5-1/4" disk) label stock. These labels may be found at most office
- supply stores. Disk Rak still supports the standard 3-1/2" x
- 15/16" labels that are available everywhere.
-
- Disk Rak manages your software on floppy by dividing your
- programs into 'trays' of diskettes in much the same way that
- you would normally use a diskette tray to store disks. Each
- tray may be assigned any number from 0-999 with each tray's number
- being unique in that no other tray may have the same number. Each
- tray may contain up to 1000 diskettes that are each numbered from
- 0-999. No other diskette in the tray can carry the same
- number as another in the same tray. Each diskette in the trays may
- be labeled with specific information provided by you during the
- cataloging process. If you are labeling the diskettes using either
- of the AVERY disk labels, an alphabetized listing of all the files
- included on the disk will be printed on the label as well.
- The 3.5" disk label will allow up to 66 filenames per label and the
- 5-1/4" disk label will allow up to 35 filenames printed.
-
- To provide as much information to the user as possible, the label
- contains the following data as well....
-
- DISK #......... The numerical position assigned to this disk in
- the current tray.
- TRAY #......... The current tray number this disk is assigned to.
- TITLE ......... User supplied data typically describing the disk
- contents.
- CATEGORY ...... User supplied 'category' assigned to this disk that
- typically describes a 'type' of software.
- SUBJECT ....... User supplied 'subject' assigned to this disk that
- is typically an extension to the category assignment
- that further groups this disk into a sub-category.
- VOLUME ID ..... The volume label of the diskette.
- BYTES USED .... The amount of bytes USED on the diskette.
- BYTES FREE .... The remaining amount of disk storage in bytes.
- DATE .......... The date the diskette was cataloged.
- COMMENT ....... A descriptive line about the disk and/or contents.
-
- All of this data conveniently located on the label provides an
- excellent summary of the diskette contents that is invaluable when
- browsing through the diskettes.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Page 2
-
- To make it easy to locate your software, Disk Rak provides the user
- with comprehensive index reports. These reports reflect a collective
- summary of all the diskettes cataloged in all the trays and provide
- you with a means to locate your software quickly.
-
- The results, are a wonderfully organized software library,
- that is professional looking, is easily updated and maintained
- and providing you with a wealth of information WHEN you need
- it! After all, your software did COST you money, so why
- 'fiddle' with your diskettes the old way and waste your time
- and RISK forgetting about or LOSING pieces of valuable
- software you once had!
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- * * HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS * * Page 3
-
-
-
-
- In order for Disk Rak to operate properly on your system, your
- computer will need to meet the necessary hardware
- requirements.
-
- Minimum Hardware Requirements
-
-
- 1> IBM PC, XT, or AT Compatible computer
- 2> Hard disk drive and 1 floppy disk drive
- 3> 384K DRAM
- 4> Monochrome, CGA, EGA, or VGA Video adapter
- 5> Epson, Toshiba, Brother, or Tandy compatible Printer
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- * * The Disk Rak DISTRIBUTION DISKETTE * * Page 4
-
- The Disk Rak distribution diskette contains the Disk Rak program
- and it's associated files. It is suggested that you install
- Disk Rak on your HARD DRIVE and/or make a backup copy of the program
- diskette to guard against accidental damage or loss.
-
-
-
- Making a BACKUP of Disk Rak
-
- 1> Turn on your computer and obtain the 'DOS' prompt.
- 2> Obtain a BLANK and preferably FORMATTED diskette.
- 3> Insert the BLANK diskette into Drive B:
- 4> At the A> prompt type ...
-
- (2-drive system)
- DISKCOPY A: B: and press <ENTER>
-
- (1-drive system)
- DISKCOPY A: A: and press <ENTER>
-
- Follow the 'DOS' prompts assuming that your Disk Rak
- distribution diskette is the 'SOURCE' diskette and your BLANK
- diskette is the 'TARGET' diskette.
-
- After completion, you will have a working copy of Disk Rak on
- TARGET diskette. Label the diskette as your Disk Rak
- 'working diskette' and use this disk to run Disk Rak. Store
- your original Disk Rak program diskette in a safe place.
-
-
-
-
- Installing Disk Rak to a HARD DRIVE
-
- 1> Turn your computer on and obtain the 'DOS' prompt.
- 2> Insert your Disk Rak program diskette into DRIVE A:
- 3> At the A> prompt type ...
-
- HDINSTAL and press <ENTER>
-
- Disk Rak will begin installation to your hard drive in a sub-
- directory named 'DSKrak'.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Before You Begin .... Page 5
-
- Have your diskettes available that you wish to catalog, and
- understand with some thought, how you wish to organize your
- software. For instance, pre-define various CATEGORIES and
- SUBJECTS that will adequately cover your different software
- types. Try not to have TOO many or be TOO SPECIFIC with a
- category or subject. The goal here is to allow Disk Rak to
- GROUP types of software together that are similar in nature to
- the other software in the same group so that retrieval at a
- later time will be easy. Having too many or making the
- definition too restrictive will counter this effort.
-
- To run Disk Rak ....
-
- At the C> prompt type ...
-
- cd DSKRAK and press <ENTER>
-
- At the C:\DSKRAK> prompt type ...
-
- GO and press <ENTER>
-
- Disk Rak will begin to execute by displaying the title screen.
- To continue, press ANY KEY and the Disk Rak main menu will
- appear.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- * * INITIAL SETTINGS * * Page 6
-
- The first time you run Disk Rak you will need to select your
- printer type and the type of label you intend to use. The current
- printer selected is displayed in the upper left of the screen window
- border along with the current label type. The default printer selected
- is Epson with the default label being 'standard label' (mailing labels).
- If you have a different printer than what is selected, select from the
- main menu 'SETUP'. This selection will bring up another menu where you
- may select either 'printer type' or 'label type'. Selecting the printer
- option will allow you to choose a different printer type. If your
- printer IS NOT shown, then try a selection that is 'CLOSE' to the
- printer type that you have. If this does not work properly and you are
- a REGISTERED user, SOFTreat>_ can install YOUR printer type upon
- request. Selecting the label option will allow you to choose the
- preferred label type from the menu. As you make these selections, you
- will note that the current printer and label information at the top of
- the window is updated to reflect you choices.
-
- Cataloging diskettes requires that the database files be present to do
- so. The first time you try to catalog a diskette Disk Rak will find that
- there is NO database available and will ask you if you want to create
- one. Disk Rak allows you to locate your Disk Rak database anywhere on the
- system you desire. Check the lower left screen border for the 'current
- database path' and decide if this is acceptable or not. If it
- is not, select the 'DATABASE UTILITIES' function from the 'MAIN MENU' to
- set the desired database path. The path displayed will change
- accordingly once a valid pathname has been entered. Disk Rak will use
- this pathname to create the database in the chosen path. Once selected
- Disk Rak will remember this path, until a new one is entered at a later
- time.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- * * ABOUT the Disk Rak SCREENS * * Page 7
-
- The Disk Rak screen is composed mainly of '3' sections.
- They are ....
-
- 1> Information line
-
- Located at the very TOP of the screen, this line
- displays certain information pertaining to the
- database, such as CURRENT MODE, CURRENT DATABASE
- and the number of records in the database. This
- will only be visible during various database
- operations when the database is OPENED.
-
- 2> The main viewing screen ...
-
- This is where most of the work is accomplished
- during the use of Disk Rak and is located beneath the
- Information line . Take particular note to the
- upper border and the lower left border. The
- currently selected printer and label is displayed in the
- upper border and the current DATABASE path is
- displayed in the lower left. Pop-up menus and data
- entry windows are displayed within the border.
-
- 3> The status/command line at the bottom ...
-
- This area provides prompts, error messages, and
- user input. It is important to train yourself to
- keep an eye in this area thru-out the use of
- Disk Rak as important operational information is
- displayed here when and as it is needed.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- * * MAKING SELECTIONS FROM a MENU * * Page 8
-
- Throughout the use of Disk Rak, various 'POP-UP' menus will
- appear that will allow you to make a selection to perform
- various functions, depending upon what you wish to accomplish
- at the particular time. Each menu can be identified by a
- 'highlighted' menu bar with a various number of selections.
- Each selection has a 'letter' of a different 'color' which may
- be used as a 'HOT KEY' selector. Pressing the 'colored
- letter' key will immediately select that function. The menu
- bar may be moved up or down by the use of the 'UParrow' and
- 'DNarrow' keys. Also, the 'HOME' key moves the menu bar to
- the first selection and likewise, the 'END' key moves the menu
- bar to the last selection. Placing the menu bar on an item
- within the menu and pressing the <ENTER> key, will select the
- corresponding function. Selecting RETURN from a menu will
- 'return' you to a previous menu.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- * * DATA ENTRY and the FIELD EDITOR * * Page 9
-
- Fields that accept user input are indicated by the '[' and ']'
- characters displayed to the right of a field 'title'. The
- maximum length of data that may be entered into any field
- is the area shown by a series of '_' characters placed between
- the '[' and ']' characters in the field. Data may be entered
- (left justified) AFTER and BEFORE these characters. Typing
- characters to the end of the field and continuing will result
- in only the 'last' character in the field accepting the new
- character. The '1st' character in each field is automatically
- CAPITALIZED to ease typing constraints and produces uniform
- and well looking output.
-
-
-
-
- Commands Available During Field Entry
-
- <DEL> ...
-
- Pressing this key will delete the entire
- contents of the field and position the cursor to
- the start of the data field.
-
- <BACKSPACE> ...
-
- Provided that data is present in the field,
- pressing this key will delete the character from
- the current cursor position and backspace the
- cursor '1' cursor position. If characters are
- positioned to the right of the cursor, pressing
- backspace will delete the current character and
- 'pull' the remaining string of characters back
- one cursor position.
-
- < <- > ... (Left Arrow)
-
- Positions the cursor to the left '1' character
- position. Non-destructive.
-
- < -> > ... (Right Arrow)
-
- Positions the cursor to the right '1' character
- position up to the last character in the data
- string. Non-destructive.
-
- <TAB> ...
-
- Advances to the NEXT data field. Data entered
- in the field when pressed will be lost.
-
- <UParrow> ...
-
- Advances to the PREVIOUS data field.
-
- <DNarrow> ...
-
- Advances to the NEXT data field.
-
-
-
-
-
-
- <ENTER> ... Page 10
-
- Advances to the NEXT data field and accepts the
- entered data.
-
-
- * * DATABASE UTILITIES * *
-
- Disk Rak 'Database Utilities Rak' menu provides you with '6'
- functions that handle operations directly involved with the
- database files. The following provides information on each of
- these functions. To obtain the 'Database Utilities Rak' menu
- go to the 'DSKrak Main' menu and select 'Database Utilities'.
-
- <Create New Index File> ...
-
- Selecting this function will create a 'NEW' index file provided
- an existing database file exists. Disk Rak maintains a series of
- key fields composed of various data items within the database
- file that allow Disk Rak to function as it does. These 'keys'
- are written and updated 'every time' a new diskette is
- cataloged and therefore is always up-to-date. However, there
- may be times when the index file may have been damaged or even
- lost, and without this file, access to your information would
- be impossible. A new 'index file' may be created as long as
- the dskrak.db file is present. The file 'DSKrak.idx' does not
- have to exist in order for this function to work.
-
- When to use ...
-
- 1> If you receive an error 'INDEX FILE GARBLED'.
- 2> If you receive the message 'DATABASE does not EXIST'
- DO YOU WISH TO CREATE? <Y/N>, but the database file
- is KNOWN to exist.
- 3> If there has been a substantial number of DELETIONS
- throughout the use of Disk Rak.
- 4> If you have 'LOST' the index file.
- NOTE: During the process of creating a new index file, THE
- SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE TURNED OFF. Allow the process to finish
- once it has been started. Creation of the new index file
- generally takes little time.
-
- <Rebuild Data File> ...
-
- This function will 'rebuild' an existing data file and it's
- effect is to compress the datafile into it's smallest form.
- During the process of utilizing Disk Rak, you will undoubtedly
- 'DELETE' previously cataloged records such as in updating a
- diskette that has had it's contents changed from a previous
- cataloging. Deleting records creates 'holes' in the database
- and is natural. Disk Rak does try to minimize the holes by using
-
-
-
-
-
- Page 11
-
- as much of the free space as possible when making new entries
- into the data file, however, it is not always possible to fill
- in all the holes because of the randomness of the new data.
- Therefore, 'Rebuilding' the data file will eliminate these
- holes and thus have the effect of compressing the datafile.
- Also the data in the newly created file will be organized by
- key and thus will aid in record retrieval. Use this function
- when you have had a large number of deletions. NOTE: This
-
-
- function can take some time to complete, depending on the speed
- of your computer and the SIZE of the datafile. Once the
- process has been started, it SHOULD NOT BE INTERRUPTED. Also,
- this function WILL NOT restore a previously LOST datafile. It
- is always IMPORTANT to maintain proper BACKUPS of your
- datafiles as it is with any other database or program. Failure
- to do so can result in a LOSS OF DATA.
-
- <Set new path for Database> ...
-
- This function allows you to enter the 'path' including the
- drive designator where YOU wish the database files to reside.
- The current path to the database is ALWAYS displayed in the
- lower left border of the main viewing screen as a reminder.
- Disk Rak will always remember the LAST path entered from session
- to session. This function should be selected BEFORE you start
- your first cataloging session. As a default, Disk Rak will use
- the default drive and path if not selected.
-
- NOTE: You may select any valid DRIVE and/or pathname. If the
- path DOES NOT EXIST, Disk Rak will CREATE it for you
- automatically, so be careful and sure of what is entered for
- the PATH.
-
- <Create a NEW database> ...
-
- This function allows you to create a NEW database in the
- currently selected database path. If an EXISTING database
- resides in the current database path, it WILL BE DESTROYED!
- Be careful when using this function as you can easily LOSE a
- previous datafile and ALL of it's DATA and it won't be
- recoverable.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- * * PREVIEWING DISK CONTENTS * * Page 12
-
- Disk Rak provides you with the capability to 'preview' a disk and
- it's contents BEFORE the actual cataloging process is
- completed. This gives you the opportunity to examine the disk
- closely and even MODIFY the disk thru the utilization of the
- 'COPY', 'MOVE' and 'DELETE' options. You may also use a
- 'FILTER' for examining ONLY specific file types on the diskette
- or drive. To select this function you must be at the 'Diskette
- Cataloging Information' data entry window. From the 'Disk Rak
- MAIN' menu select 'Catalog a Diskette' and the data window will
- appear. Notice on the 'status/command' line the following ...
-
- "Enter Diskette Label Info .. <CRTL-P>review Disk contents
- <ESC> cancel"
-
- Normally, from within this data window, you would enter
- specific information about the diskette that you are about to
- catalog. However, it is impossible to always KNOW before hand
- what exactly DOES reside on the diskette and therefore it would
- be very helpful to be able to EXAMINE the disk contents at this
- point before continuing on.
-
- To 'preview' a diskette press the CTRL key and hold down while
- pressing the letter 'P' key. Once activated, the
- 'status/command' line will prompt you to enter a 'FILTER'. As
- an example, suppose we have a diskette and all that we are
- interested in viewing on the disk are the files ending in
- 'EXE'. To do this, press the 'DEL' key as the default path and
- filter is always 'A:\*.*'. Now enter the NEW filter, such as
- "A:\*.EXE" and press <ENTER>. Once a FILTER has been selected, Disk Rak
- will ask you to select the type of 'SORT' order preferred. You may have
- the files viewed in order of 'Filename', 'File Extension', 'File Size',
- 'File Date', or 'File Time'. Make the preferred sort selection and
- Disk Rak will prompt you to insert a disk in Drive A:, so be sure that you
- have done this. Press <ENTER> and Disk Rak will read the disk
- utilizing the FILTER that you provided and will display all the
- files found meeting the requirements of the filter in the order of the
- selected 'SORT'. You may change the order of the 'SORT' at anytime by
- simply selecting <ALT-S>. The Sort selection menu will again appear.
- After selection of the new sort order, Disk Rak will read the disk contents
- once again utilizing the FILTER and re-display the contents in the window
- in the new sort order. If you wish to CHANGE the FILTER, simply press
- the <ESC> key and Disk Rak will return you to the 'data entry window' where
- you may re-initiate the process once again utilizing a different
- filter.
-
- Now, that we have a directory listing of the diskette we may
- examine the list by utilizing the following keys ...
-
- <UParrow> ...
-
- Move UP one item in the list.
-
- <DNarrow> ...
-
- Move down on item in the list.
-
- <PGup> ...
-
- Advance the list up ONE page.
-
-
-
-
- Page 13
- <PGdn> ...
-
- Advance the list down ONE page.
-
- <END> ...
-
- Move to the LAST page in the list.
-
- <HOME> ...
-
- Move to the FIRST page in the list.
-
-
- If the disk contains SUB-DIRECTORIES, then the directories will
- be listed as <DIR>. The VOLUME LABEL, if present will be
- indicated by <VOLID>. If you are viewing the contents of a
- SUB-DIRECTORY, then the 'parent' directory will be listed as
- <PARENT> in the listing. To explore the diskette further and
- sub-directories ARE listed in the directory, we may place the
- menu bar on a <DIR> item in the list and press the <ENTER> key.
- Disk Rak will now step INTO the DIR that was selected and read
- it's directory and provide a new listing in the window. To
- step back OUT of a sub-directory, move the menu bar to one of
- the <PARENT> listings and press the <ENTER> key. Disk Rak will
- step to the <PARENT> directory and provide you with a directory
- listing of that parent directory. If NO <PARENT> items are shown
- in the listing, then your are currently viewing the ROOT directory and
- are at the TOP of the TREE. With this capability, you may navigate
- freely around the entire disk to learn all there is about the disk
- contents.
-
- Disk Rak also provides the ability to change the contents of the
- current disk thru the use of the 'DELETE', 'MOVE', and 'COPY'
- commands. The following describes their proper usage.
-
- <DELETE> ...
- To 'Delete' a file listed in the directory, place the menu-bar
- on the desired filename in the list and press the 'F1' function
- key. Disk Rak will prompt you as to whether or not to proceed.
- Answer 'y' if you WANT TO DELETE the file named in the window.
- Press 'n' if you WANT TO ABORT this selection. If you select
- 'y' it WILL BE DELETED so be careful and sure or your
- selection.
-
- <COPY> ...
- You may copy a selected file from one location to another by
- placing the menu bar on the desired file and pressing the 'F2'
- key. Once selected, Disk Rak will prompt you for a new path.
- Enter the new path and press <ENTER>. You may also use this
- function to 'DUPLICATE' a file using a different name by
- entering a NEW FILENAME when prompted to enter the DESTINATION.
-
- <MOVE> ...
- The move function will allow you to take the selected item from
- the list and 'MOVE' it to the desired DESTINATION. You may
- also RENAME it by entering a different filename in the
- destination pathname. NOTE: This is a 'MOVE' function and
- therefore will ERASE the original copy once the new COPY has
- been made.
-
-
-
-
-
- Page 14
-
- Disk Rak provides facilities that allow you to 'Jump to DOS' or to
- temporarily suspend operations and run another program without leaving
- Disk Rak to do so. To access these functions do the following ...
-
-
- <F8> .... Jump to 'DOS'
- Selecting the <F8> key will temporarily halt Disk Rak and place you at
- the system command prompt. You may perform any DOS command function
- or even run another program if desired. This is helpful, if you
- need 'format' floppy diskette or read a .DOC file, etc. To return
- to Disk Rak when finished, simply type EXIT and press <ENTER> and you
- will return to Disk Rak where you had left off.
-
- <F10> ... Execute (Run) program
- You may execute a program directly from within Disk Rak and pass any
- command line arguments to the executable program if desired. This
- is helpful in the case of viewing ARCHIVED file contents by
- executing the appropriate archiving program with the required
- command line arguments. When the executing program has terminated,
- control will be returned to Disk Rak.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- * * CATALOGING a DISKETTE * * Page 15
-
- To start your cataloging process, from the 'DSKrak MAIN' menu,
- select 'Catalog a Diskette'. The 'Diskette Cataloging
- Information' data window will appear. This window contains
- important information that will be stored to the database AND
- printed to the label for the particular diskette and is also
- the beginning step in cataloging a diskette. To RETURN to the
- 'DSKrak MAIN' menu you may press the <ESC> at anytime. Doing
- this ABORTS the cataloging process and any label information that
- may have been entered will be discarded.
-
- The following describes the various fields in the window for
- which data is to be entered.
-
- <This Diskette Number> ...
-
- This field will contain THE number you will assign to this
- particular diskette. Only ONE diskette PER TRAY may carry this
- number. Entering a number that is currently being used in the
- database tells Disk Rak that you are planning to up-date this
- diskette in the catalog and will inform you of this. If you
- wish to up-date this diskette then follow the prompts from the
- 'status/command' line otherwise, if this is a new cataloging,
- then select an UNUSED number of the NEXT sequence in the TRAY.
- Disk Rak, as an aid in sequentially numbering your diskettes,
- AUTO-INCREMENTS this field after every successful cataloging so
- that the NEXT diskette number is READY and already entered for
- you to start off the next cataloging. You may, however,
- override this by pressing the <DEL> key and entering the
- desired number. This field is valid for numbers 0-999 and will
- accept NUMERIC DATA only.
-
- <Tray Number> ...
-
- You may assign this cataloging to any one of 1000 trays (0-999)
- and it also accepts NUMERIC data only. During a normal
- cataloging process, Disk Rak assumes that you will be cataloging
- by TRAY and therefore carries the previously entered TRAY #
- over to the next cataloging session.
-
- <Diskette Title> ...
-
- You may assign a 'title' of your choice to the diskette which
- will inform you at a glance as to the nature of this diskette.
- Use descriptive wording as much as possible so that a 'good'
- image is passed to when read. This field may be entered in one
- of '2' ways. First, If you would like your title to STAND-OUT
- and be easily read, then choose a title that is '16' characters
- or less (indicated by the '^' character symbol in the field).
- Doing this will cause Disk Rak to print the TITLE in DOUBLE WIDTH
- on the label. If this is NOT preferred, simply select a title
- that is longer than '16' characters. NOTE: This field will
- SELF-CENTER when printed to the label.
- <Category> ...
-
- Enter a descriptive 'label' which signifies a type of software
- in this field, such as GAMES, ENTERTAINMENT, HDUTILITIES,
- PROGRAMMING, WORD PROCESS, etc.
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Page 16
- <Subject> ...
-
- Enter a description that further divides the CATEGORY into
- significant groups, such as, ARCADE, DATA, LETTERS, SOURCE
- FILES, etc.
-
- <Comment> ...
-
- Enter a descriptive comment about the diskette up to 50
- characters long.
-
- NOTE: Disk Rak places the SYSTEM DATE in the bottom of the data
- window for reference as this date will be placed into the
- database and on the diskette label as a date stamp. If you
- wish to use a DIFFERENT date or the one shown is incorrect,
- then you must select 'Run DOS shell' from the 'Main Menu'or exit
- Disk Rak to the system prompt where you may change the system date
- on your computer using the DATE command.
-
- Once all of the fields have been entered press the 'F1' key.
- Disk Rak will prompt you for a FILTER for use in collecting the
- desired data from the diskette. Use the FILTER wisely as in
- many cataloging's, there are quite a few program files that
- would not be of interest to you in your library, but will
- consume a tremendous amount of storage space in your database
- causing a large database file. For example, many programs
- utilize *.HLP files and are there to simply support the main
- *.EXE or *.COM program run file and would not be of interest to
- show up in Index listings. Your choice.
-
- After entering the FILTER, Disk Rak will read the diskette and
- summarize the information it has found and the 'DISK
- INFORMATION' window will appear. Study it carefully for correct
- information and answer the prompt in the 'status/command' line
- appropriately. If you answer 'n', you will return to the 'Diskette
- Cataloging Information' data entry window where you may try again or
- ultimately end the session entirely.
-
- Selecting 'y', Disk Rak will provide you with the opportunity to
- print your 'LABEL' now if you like. Selecting <P> will cause
- the label to be printed, <L> to print ONLY an alignment pattern
- for label alignment prior to printing the actual label, or <N>
- to continue WITHOUT printing the label. Be sure that you have
- loaded the printer with the CORRECT label type that has been
- selected for use.
-
-
-
- Disk Rak allows you to save your cataloging information in '1' of
- '2' ways, ie. , SUMMARY or DETAIL. Selecting SUMMARY, is the
- most economical and fastest method, but provides your database
- with the least amount of information about the diskette.
- Selecting DETAIL provides you with the maximum amount of
- diskette information and is the basis for many of the printed
- reports, but the database file size will GROW considerably. A
- proper tradeoff is the proper use of the FILTER. This allows
- you to gather information (files) from the diskette that are of
- most importance, not including the unwanted files in the
- database, yet still providing the database with the information
- that will be useful.
-
-
-
-
-
- Page 17
-
- If selecting DETAIL, Disk Rak also provides you with a means to
- comment each file as it is about to be saved. This provides a
- way to describe EACH disk entry if need be and will appear in many of the
- index reports. Each file contained on the diskette (selected by the
- FILTER chosen) will be displayed in a window as it is being read. During
- the automatic DETAIL cataloging process, information about the file
- is read such as, it's FILE SIZE, CREATION DATE & TIME, and it's
- ATTRIBUTE.
-
- When all selected information has been read and saved, Disk Rak
- informs you ...
- "Cataloging of this diskette has been completed ... Press any
- key to continue"
-
- At which time you will return to the 'Diskette cataloging
- Information' data entry window ready for the NEXT diskette to
- catalog.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- * * THUMBING thru the RAK * * Page 18
-
- To view your database records ON SCREEN, select 'Thumb thru
- Rak' from the 'DSKrak MAIN' menu. The 'Record Selection
- Criteria' menu will appear. You may view your database by one
- of '4' methods. They are ...
-
- <Disk and Tray Number> ...
-
- Allows you to access your library by DISK # and TRAY #. Enter
- desired DISK and TRAY numbers and Disk Rak will search the
- database for a matching entry. If NO match is found, then
- Disk Rak will inform you and ask if you want the 'closest' match.
- Selecting 'y' will call the closest matching record to the
- screen.
-
- <Category of Diskette> ...
-
- Entering a specific 'category' allows you to browse thru the
- file viewing all records that fall into your specified
- 'category'.
-
- <Subject of Diskette> ...
-
- Entering a specific 'Subject' will select only those records
- containing the specified subject.
-
- <Filename> ...
-
- To locate a specific 'file' in your library, enter the desired
- 'filename' and only those that match or come close will be
- viewed.
-
- Once a record has been displayed, you have several options.
- They are ...
-
- <E>dit ...
-
- This will allow you to 'edit' certain fields of the current record
- displayed.
-
- <D>elete ...
-
- Selecting 'D' will DELETE the current record. If this
- was a DETAIL cataloging, then ALL files assigned to this
- record will be deleted as well. This will open the referenced
- DISK # for the shown TRAY for future cataloging.
-
- <N>ext ...
-
- Selecting 'N' will display the NEXT record in the
- database until EOF (end of file) has been reached.
-
-
- <M>atch ...
-
- Selecting 'M' will search for the NEXT match in the
- database up to the EOF.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Page 19
-
- <P>revious ...
-
- Selecting 'P' will callup the PREVIOUS record in the
- database up to the BOF (beginning of file).
-
- p<R>int ...
-
- Selecting 'R' will display a menu that gives you the option
- of either printing the entire record and it's contents, printing
- a label for the diskette, printing an alignment pattern for the
- label, or to cancel the operation.
-
- <Home> ...
-
- Selecting the 'HOME' key will display the FIRST record
- in the database.
-
- <End> ...
-
- Selecting the 'END' key will display the LAST record
- in the database.
-
- <ESC> ...
-
- Pressing the <ESC> key will EXIT you to the 'Record
- Selection Criteria' menu.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- * * LABEL UTILITIES * * Page 20
-
- In addition to the diskette cataloging capabilities, Disk Rak
- provides you with the ability to print your diskette labels all
- at once, only selected labels, or do backup labels.
-
- To enter the 'Print Label Menu', select 'Label Utilities' from
- the 'DSKrak MAIN' menu. The label utilities menu will appear
- with the following selections ...
-
- <Cataloged Diskette Labels by Date> ...
-
- Select this function when you desire to print all labels on a
- specific 'date'. This is useful when you have cataloged a
- series of diskettes in a day's time and you now want to print
- ONLY those labels on that day's date. NOTE: You must enter the
- date specifically, ie., 10/12/89 and not 101289. Disk Rak will
- remind you if need be.
-
- <Cataloged Diskette Labels by TRAY> ...
-
- Select this function if you wish to print ALL the labels for
- the diskettes in a specific TRAY #.
-
- <Backup Diskette Labels> ...
-
- Disk Rak provides a way to provide you with labels for your
- diskettes used in the 'BACKUP' process. Selecting this
- function will display the 'Backup Label Info' data entry
- window. You will be prompted to enter a 'SERIES TITLE' for
- identification of the backup diskettes. This field will print
- DOUBLE-WIDE if you enter 16 or less characters. Provided also
- are fields to describe the 'path' used in the backup and a
- comment up to 50 characters in length to further describe the
- nature of the backup series.
- Disk Rak allow you to enter the 'number' of disks involved in the
- backup and will print exactly that number, EACH labeled as
- diskette 1 of 6, 2 of 6, etc. depending upon the number you
- have entered.
-
- <Print Label Alignment> ...
-
- Selecting this function will print a TEST PATTERN for use in
- aligning your '1' UP mailing label stock in your printer.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- * * INDEX REPORTS * * Page 21
-
- To provide QUICK, EASY and OFFLINE access to your newly created
- Software Library, Disk Rak provides a means for printing a set of
- comprehensive Index reports that may be used for lookup of
- those wanted files when needed. It is suggested that a master
- index be kept up to date with the current database(s) for easy
- and accurate reference. To obtain the printed reports, select
- 'Index Reports' form the 'DSKrak MAIN' menu. The 'Reports
- Menu' will appear with '6' options to choose from.
- They are ...
-
- <Diskette Detail Listing> ...
-
- This report will print ALL of the diskette catalogues in the
- database, include both summary and detail. For use as an
- overall look into the database. This printout is indexed by
- DISK # and TRAY #.
-
- <Tray Index Listing/search> ...
-
- This option will allow an Index to be Printed by TRAY only. If
- you wish a complete Index listing by TRAY # select this option.
- You may also Print ALL trays by leaving the Field blank when
- entering the Tray number.
-
- <Filename Index Listing/search> ...
-
- Use this option when you want an index listing by FILENAME.
- You may leave the field blank to select ALL or you may enter
- the EXACT filename and only those records containing the
- filename will be printed. For instance, if you would like to
- find all DISKs and TRAYs that contain a file starting with the
- letters FR, then simply enter 'FR' in the field. Only those
- files will be printed.
-
- <Category Index Listing/search> ...
-
- To produce an Index by 'CATEGORY' select this function. This
- will show you where all DISKs reside that fall under the
- specified 'category' that you have entered. Leaving the field
- blank, will produce an Index in ASCENDING order by 'CATEGORY'
- of all categories.
-
-
- <Subject Index Listing/search> ...
-
- Selecting this option will provide a means for finding any item
- in the database that was grouped under a specific 'SUBJECT' in
- ascending order. For specific 'subject's, enter only the
- desired subject, otherwise, leaving the field blank will select
- all.
-
-
- <Title Index Listing/search> ...
-
- To produce an Index sorted on disk 'TITLE' use this function.
- All catalogues will be printed in ASCENDING order by TITLE.
- Good if you can only remember the 'title' you gave a diskette
- and want to find it quickly.
-
-
-
-
-
- Page 22
-
- It is hoped that Disk Rak will serve you well and help you in maintaining a
- processional, well maintained library of all your software on diskette.
- User suggestions are welcome and invited. Disk Rak is distributed via
- shareware and our only support is thru your support. Our modest
- registration fee of $24.95 will help us to continue to support Disk Rak and
- to introduce NEW products into the marketplace for all to share.
- Considerable effort went into the production of this software and your
- support will certainly be appreciated. This manual is available in
- typeset upon registration as well as telephone support, the most recent
- version of Disk Rak, along with our continued support toward your
- satisfaction.
-
-
- To register, please include the printed order form available from the
- DSKrak 'Main Menu', include your check or money order and mail to ..
-
- SOFTreat>_
- Rt. 2, Box 67-S
- Youngsville, NC 27596
-
- Thank you .....