★ APPLICATIONS ★ DIVERS ★ INDEXER|8000 Plus) ★ |
| Indexer | Applications Divers |
Indexer is not entirely sure what it is. Although it comes from the same stable as Genny (see right) it is not strictly a genealogical program. Rather, it is a database. The first point you should note is that when running Indexer from BASIC, all the files on your M: drive are automatically erased - with no warning. With this in mind it is probably best to run it straight from a start of day disc. That aside. Indexer is no mean program. It will allow you to make use of both drives if your PCW has that capability and is remarkably flexible for a 25k Mallard BASIC program. Unlike many other databases for the PCW, the installation process with this program is a piece of cake (or even brioche). There is none of the changing discs left, right and centre, creating index-discs, data-discs or the rest of the rigmarole which normally accompanies such packages. You simply type BASIC at the A> prompt and once in BASIC you RUN “INDEXER.DCS" (make sure to use the .DCS suffix as Mallard won't recognise it as a compatible file otherwise). Once you've done this, you will find yourself facing the main menu. This menu greets you with several options. The first one you will need to use is [N]ew tile. The maximum file capacity for Indexer is as follows: 360,000 characters on a machine with 512k of memory, 112,000 on the 8256. You have to make four decisions before actually entering data into your new file. Firstly, what you will call It. Indexer assumes a filename suffix of .CEN (presumably for Census as the packing proudly proclaims that it is used for the East Sussex Census Indexes (sic)). You are then prompted for a File Title. This can be up to 255 characters in length and acts as a reminder as to just what you have in the file. Next you are asked for a maximum record length. This can be up to 128 characters in length. Lastly you are given the option of defining tabs. A problem occurs here. Say you've chosen to use six tabs (tab 1 is assumed to be in position 1) and while defining them you make a mistake and get an invalid position ... well, there seems to be no way, other than by re-booting (switching off and on again), to escape from the tab menu. Family fer-youd After making these few definitions you are ready to enter the data. This all goes in upper case and is, technically speaking, easy-peasy. Simply type in the details - Name, dates, children, hobbies, in fact anything you desire - save the file and you're ready to make use of the comprehensive sort and print facilities. One handy feature withing Indexer is its ability to import ASCII files from other software such as LocoScript or Protext. Remember when doing this to save your files with that old .CEN suffix otherwise Indexer will chuck it back at you. All in all. Indexer is a handy database, if a little overpriced. It's sorting functions are quick and detailed even if the manual is none to keen on telling you how to use them (its slimmer than Christie Brinkley on a four day fast!).
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