The Education Master 1994 (4th Edition)/EDUCATIONS_MASTER_4TH_EDITION.bin/files/windbase/wcs/wcolls.exe/WCSMAN.DOC

Text File | 1992-04-14 | 15KB | 347 lines

                W I N D O W S
                  C O L L E C T O R
                 S Y S T E M

                 Version 1.00


                Copyright 1992
                  G.L. Alston
                  Alston Software Labs


       This online manual has been put into WCS rather than the usual Win
       Help system: it uses less space for shareware distribution. We also
       think that you'll find WCS easy enough to use that you probably will
       not need this. We have also supplied a number of on-disk examples
       for you to work with; these are better than a manual...


       WHAT IS WCS?

       The Windows Collector System was designed to do cataloguing and light
       inventory work for anyone who has a collection of something. This is
       not to say WCS was designed strictly for collectors; for instance, it
       can be used to create on-line catalogues with pictures and text.
       The text files can be up to 32k in length. This ought to be large
       enough to take a few notes in...

       It can also be used for other purposes. Any possible reason you may
       have to record basic data including text files and pictures, WCS
       will likely work for. Here's a few possibilities:

       Collectibles cataloguing -- record your collection data and include
       snapshots. Use this to supplement insurance records. An example would
       be a collection of rare and expensive baseball cards: you could use
       WCS as a cataloguing system, PLUS you could also supply a copy to your
       insurance agent in case anything were to happen to your collection.
       Of course, the collectible you catalogue is strictly up to you; WCS
       is not limited to any TYPE of collection.

       Household Inventory -- many people take poloroid snapshots of all
       their prized possessions and stuff these in a safety deposit box with
       receipts in case of a fire, burglary, etc. Others have gotten clever
       and recorded everything with a Camcorder. WCS, however, will let you
       go one better: your household inventory can be recorded electronically
       and things can be found instantly. You don't need to shuffle through
       129 pictures to locate Grandma's clock. Just ask WCS for it. You can
       also store images of receipts...

       On-Line Catalogue -- some people would like to supplement their mail
       order business with a better catalogue. Software vendors have trouble
       distributing disk catalogues with screen shots, for instance. With up
       to 32k of text per item to describe it with, you can get in-depth
       information to your customer, plus they can SEE what you have as well.
       See the PROGRAMS database for a sample (and an unabashed sales pitch!)

       Parts Inventory -- WCS can be used in lieu of the standard binder for
       storing data about machine parts, etc. It can show you the part plus
       give you the machining instructions. In our manufacturing business,
       when you wanted to find a simple part, we had a binder that you had to
       go through manually to find the drawing number, which was held in a
       cabinet someplace. The machine instructions were in another. Imagine,
       if you will, the chaos that resulted when a machine would come in for
       repair. The "xxxxx" needs replacement. What's "xxxxx's" part number?
       Customer YYY wants "xxxxx" modified. Where's the drawing? Nowdays we
       use WCS. The part number and a picture of it are stored on disk for
       instant retreival. Not only that, each record is associated with a
       text file (up to 32k) that will allow you to store the machining
       instructions, the designer's notes, installation / painting / greasing
       instructions, and anyhting else that is pertinent. In short, we can
       get more work done since we have everything we need at our disposal.

       Photo/Graphics Catalogue -- If you regularly use DTP software, you may
       have a stock of complex images that YOU put together and therefore
       don't have a 'Clip Art' catalogue for them. You can use WCS to put
       clips of these images into a database format so that you can have
       faster access to them than thumbing through a paper catalogue (do a
       search by category and view THOSE records...) This can also work for
       photographers.


       In summary, WCS is an all-purpose tool used for any application that
       requires light data manipulation coupled with photos and text data.


       INSTALLING WCS:

       Copy the distribution media contents into a subdirectory. WCS does
       not modify any INI files.


       RUNNING WCS:

       WCS uses the concept of TEMPLATES. Each Template is programmable. In
       this manner you can set up WCS to work with the data you require. The
       template allows you to name fields what you need and to change common
       pick list data. For instance, a sports card application may require
       a pick list of player positions, whereas a parts inventory would use
       this list for parts categories, e.g. Brakes/Electric/Exhaust etc.

       The screen information is Windows standard with the exception of the
       icons on screen. The NOTEBOOK Icon is used to access the associated
       text file and the PHOTO icon is used to view/print/import images.

       Each text box can be edited as you would expect. The primary concepts
       used by WCS that you may NOT expect are the SCROLL BAR and the
       ADDENDUM FILENAME field. The scroll bar allows you to access data
       records. Clicking the scrolling area will move by 10% of the file
       size, and the LEFT-RIGHT buttons move one record at a time. The
       Addendum Filename is what is used to store the information that is
       accessed by the Notebook and Photo icons. The LAUNCH icon is explained
       in the ADDENDA file.

       WCS will work with up to 1000 records per file. Don't scoff: that
       represents up to 32.7 MEGS of disk space for TEXT information and
       150 MEGS of photo information PER FILE! You may work with ANY number
       of data FILES or TEMPLATES.

       If you've worked with standard DOS based database products before,
       it may take you a couple of tries before you understand WCS. As you
       cycle through the data records using the scroll bar, you are in a
       default VIEW / EDIT mode of operation. Any change you make in a
       data field is permanent if you SAVE the current file.

       Due to disk size constraints, we only put ONE sample database with
       one sample photo on the disk...


       WCS has the following menu structure:

       FILE       SEARCH     TOOLS                             MANUAL
       NEW                   CREATE NEW TEMPLATE               READ MANUAL
       OPEN                  EDIT EXISTING TEMPLATE            READ ADDENDA
       SAVE                  EDIT CONDITION FILE               ORDER FORM
       SAVE AS
       PRINT --- SETUP
       ABOUT     START
       EXIT

       We will describe each function from LEFT -> RIGHT and TOP -> BOTTOM.

       **********   FILE   ***********

       NEW:

       Create a new data file. You will be asked to enter a filename. After
       entering a name, choose a template (*.DEF). There are some sample
       templates we've supplied for you to help you get started.

       A new data file will be created that is "married" to this template.
       You may not enter a DOS extension since WCS uses *.WDB as a default
       extension.

       You will have 10 empty data records to start with.

       OPEN:

       Choose a data file from the list. (*.WDB) If your data file has less
       than 10 records, WCS will add some so that you are working with at
       least 10.

       SAVE:

       Saves the current data file.

       SAVE AS:

       Save the current data file using a different name. Again, WCS will
       append the proper DOS extension.

       PRINT:

       --- SETUP:

       Allows you to choose what is printed. All checked fields will
       be printed.

       START:

       Starts the printing process.

       ABOUT:

       WCS revision, and the manufacturer.

       EXIT:

       Quit WCS.


       **********   SEARCH   **********

       Pops up a child window. When the SEARCH button is clicked, all data
       fields that are "checked" will be searched for matching data in the
       associated text boxes or lists.

       The scroll bar will allow you to review the matches. The search
       only takes a second or so, by the way... Since a SEARCH takes such
       a short time, you may re-enter data or check/uncheck any category
       and search again. The display shows you how many FOUND records
       there are vs. the total available in the current file.


       **********   TOOLS   **********

       CREATE NEW TEMPLATE:

       Allows creation of a new template type. It uses the same child window
       as EDIT EXISTING TEMPLATE. See EDIT EXISTING TEMPLATE for information.

       EDIT EXISTING TEMPLATE:

       You will be asked to pick a *.DEF template in the file window.

       A series of text fields and a pick list are shown. The text fields
       allow you to change:

         Filename
         Collection Type
         Pick List Name
         User Integer Name

       The pick list has a text box over it, plus two buttons: Add / Remove.
       To remove, pick the item in the pick list. Click REMOVE. To add, enter
       the text you want to add in the text box. Click ADD. The new item will
       be appended to the bottom of the list.

       We suggest that you look at a few of the included sample templates to
       get a feel for how to put one together.

       EDIT CONDITION FILE:

       The child window that pops up has a pick list inside and works like
       the EDIT EXISTING TEMPLATE pick list editing. Please refer to the
       above text on how to edit a pick list.

       *********   MANUAL   **********

       READ/PRINT WCS MANUAL:

       Allows you to read or print this text in a text window on-line. Note
       that you can put the manual window in and out of the background while
       WCS is running, or it can be minimized. This allows you to run and
       read simultaneously. Also note that you are free to REPLACE this
       manual or edit it with a text editor. Heck, you can write your own
       entire manual to fit YOUR procedures. Just be sure to name it
       WCSMAN.DOC, and keep it as straight ASCII text. (No special formatting
       characters. )

       FILL/PRINT ORDER FORM:

       Allows you to print an order form so that you can legally license WCS,
       plus, you can even fill it out while running the program! ( Mighty
       thoughtful of us, no? )

       READ/PRINT ADDENDA:

       Allows you to read WCS related information that does not belong in the
       on-line operating manual, such as technical descriptions, etc. This
       keeps the 'manual' small, and easy to scroll.


       ************************** SHAREWARE **************************

       Shareware is not a TYPE of software, but rather a distribution and
       marketing method. By distributing this program as Shareware, we are
       attempting to keep the cost for you to obtain a copy of this program
       to a minimum. We encourage you to show WCS to your friends and give
       them copies as well. You may NOT sell copies of WCS without first
       obtaining written permission from Alston Software Labs unless you
       are a Professional Shareware Disk Vendor.

       Shareware distribution allows you to evaluate fully functional
       software at your discretion without paying for it beforehand. If
       you like and use WCS, you are obligated to pay for it; legally
       speaking, we are the copyright holder.

       Why should you license WCS? For one thing, you will be on the upgrade
       list. Alston Software Labs policy is to provide FREE upgrades for one
       year from date of purchase. You also will recieve discounts for other
       ASL products. As a bonus, we will also provide you with a RUNTIME copy
       of WCS that can be used for making your own catalogue: the runtime
       version is limited to reading only YOUR data file. You'll also recieve
       a printed manual and the latest copy of the software WITHOUT the
       'Unlicensed Copy' tag.

       How Much?

       WCS can be licensed for $25 / copy. If you are part of a business
       that will need multiple copies, please call / fax us for discount
       and site information.

       We know that you paid SOMETHING to get hold of WCS. Let us reimburse
       you. If you license WCS V 1.0 BEFORE Dec 1993, send us a receipt or
       other proof of purchase from a vendor, and we will discount this
       amount from the licensing fee.

       Please use the PRINT ORDER FORM menu item to fill in and print
       your order today, or you may order with MasterCard, Visa, Amex,
       and Discover by calling us.

       WCS (tm)

       Copyright 1992

       Gary L. Alston
       Alston Software Labs
       1320 Standiford Ave. # 242
       Modesto CA 95350

       Phone (209) 522 - 8666
       FAX   (209) 522 - 8666

       ********************** "Fine Print" Section *******************

       Disclaimer:

       WCS is supplied as-is with no warranty whatsoever with regard to
       merchantability or fitness for purpose. Alston Software Labs
       assumes no responsibility for any consequences of use or misuse
       of this program.


    WCS is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware
    Professionals (ASP).  ASP wants to make sure that the shareware
    principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a
    shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member
    directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you
    resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide
    technical support for members' products.  Please write to the ASP
    Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442 or send a CompuServe
    message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536. The OMB may be
    contacted by FAX by sending to the ASP FAX number: (616) 788 - 2765.
    In communication with the OMB please include a telephone number and /or
    FAX number if available.