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Boston Computer News Network                                       March, 1994
A Service of the Boston Computer Society, USA                      Vol.3  No.3
Sponsored by the Xbase Language Group                          Clipper Version
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Call for Participation:  UDF Showcase.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ReplyTo:   Les Squires bcnn@world.std.com  [73020,3435]
    ReplySubj: BCNN@UDF@Showcase.
    Deadline:  March 15, 1994

    Clever code is pouring in.  The deadline is approaching.  As described
    last month, we'd like to see your 1 to 20 line Clipper function.  One
    you use VERY often.  Email your code.  Choose your best.  Make sure
    it's well documented.  Format it to resemble a BCNN paragraph.

    Check PadSpecial() submitted by Gunther 'Goonie' Popp [100014,3646]:

    // PadSpec() - Shortens a string to a given length. In the middle of
    //             the str '...'  is inserted, to indicate the user that
    //             something is missing. Very useful for screen-IO.
    // Syntax      cNew := PadSpecial( cOld, nMaxLen )
    // Requires    Funcky II
    // Author      Gunther 'Goonie' Popp [100014, 3646]
    // ------------------------------------------------

    FUNCTION PadSpecial( cString, nMaxlen )
    LOCAL cNewStr AS STRING
    cString := trim( cString )

    IF len( cString ) > nMaxlen
       nMaxlen := nMaxlen - 5
       cNewStr := left(cString, nMaxlen/2 )
       cNewStr := cNewStr + " ... "
       cNewStr := cNewStr + right(cString, int( (nMaxlen/2+0.5) ) )
    ELSE
       cNewStr := untrim( cString, nMaxlen )
    ENDIF
    return(cNewStr)


 2. User Group Meeting:  Windows in 60 Minutes  (*New Meeting Place*)
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ReplyTo:  Les Squires 73020,3435  or >INTERNET:LSquires@world.std.com
    Meeting:  March 15, 1994, 6:30 p.m.
    Place:    101 First Avenue, Suite 2, Waltham, MA 02154

    We'll pass out a 500 record DBF at our meeting.  Any developer who
    wants to participate is invited to MAKE SOMETHING WINDOWS.  Any
    software (dbFAST, Microsoft Access, Paradox, Fox, Gupta SQL Windows,
    Visual Basic, even Visual Objects for Clipper).  See earlier issues of
    BCNN for more details.


 3. The Transition From Clipper To Visual Objects:  Learn OOPs Concepts.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ReplyTo: Chris Pels [73777,3562]
    Date:    April 19, 1994, 6:30 p.m.

    "Visual Objects promises to be the object-oriented Clipper that
    programmers have been waiting and clamoring for the last couple of
    years.  Users of OOPs extensions to Clipper like SuperClass and
    Class(y) will find the transition easier.  Get hold of one of these
    products and begin designing objects now." (Clipper Advisor,
    March/April 1994, p.48).

    Whether you intend to use the upcoming CA-Visual Objects for Windows
    development or another product, it will be vital to understand the
    basic concepts of Object Oriented Programming (OOP).  The object
    paradigm will transcend almost all aspects of computing in the years to
    come, from programming to data storage.

    For our April meeting I will present a practical, example based
    introduction to doing OOP with Clipper 5.2c and Class(y) 2.0d. The
    goals will be to learn the basic concepts of OOP, realize the
    advantages of OOP over procedural programming, and go home ready to
    incorporate some OOP into existing applications. I will show and
    distribute several classes that I am currently using in production
    applications. The emphasis of the evening will be on when and how to
    use objects. Class design and the mechanics of constructing a class
    will be covered in the context of practical examples.

    The session will be highly interactive, oriented towards both new and
    experienced object oriented programmers. Knowing more about OOP
    concepts will make you a better programmer no matter what language you
    use for programming!

    SPECIAL DEAL ON CLASS(Y)!

    As an incentive to go home and start using OOP with Clipper to prepare
    for the future, today, AppSolutions will offer attendees of our April
    meeting a special deal on Class(y) Version 2.0d.

    PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY SO THIS GOES
    SMOOTHLY FOR ME<G>!

    Anyone attending the April 19, 1994 meeting can pre-order Class(y) for
    $139 (includes shipping/delivery for pickup at April meeting only), 30%
    off the $199 list price.  This price is contingent upon me placing one
    bulk order.  Anyone providing an Email address will receive a
    confirmation of their order on 4/2/94.

    WAYS TO ORDER:

    1.	In person at our 3/15/94 meeting (check or credit card).
    2.	Electronically (credit card only).
    3.	By mail (check or credit card).

	Chris Pels
	Greenwich Bay Technologies
	54 West St.
	East Greenwich, RI 02818-3319

    ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 4/1/94 SO I CAN HAVE THE SOFTWARE AT OUR
    APRIL MEETING! NO SOFTWARE WILL BE SHIPPED, YOU MUST COME TO THE
    MEETING TO PICK IT UP.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ORDER FORM (Class(y) 2.0):
           Name:
        Address:
          Phone:
          EMail:
    Credit Card:                                Expiration:

    MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO AppSolutions, Inc. ($139 US).

    Finally, If you really need to call me:  401-885-2815.


 4. *NEW SERVICE* Announcement of Local User Group News World-Wide.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ReplyTo:     Les Squires bcnn@world.std.com  [73020,3435]

    Email your selection of one UGID (103537, 103888, 101658, etc.) from
    the following list to receive monthly announcements of what's happening
    in your city (every month your President emails an announcement).  For
    example, say '103537-Yes' in the SUBJECT:  or the body of your email.

    UGID   Participating Group Name/President/IDs                  Location
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    103863 Clipper Club Hamburg                             Hamburg/Germany
           Max Bressel           100112,3401 fido:2:240/5300 +49-40-7661290
    103864 Clipper Developers' Association of Toronto       Toronto, Canada
           John Ball                                           [72060,3716]
    100051 Clipper Expert Group                  Johannesburg, South Africa
           Russel Stromin                     [70334,2353]  +27 11 442 4550
    103873 Clipper Meeting Frankfurt                      Frankfurt/Germany
           Ronald B. Knecht                     [71307,1624] +49-6103-53278
    101669 Clipper User Group (Melbourne)              Melbourne, Australia
           Steve Forbes                          [100033,2073] +613-5530938
    103537 Connecticut CA-Clipper Users Group           Manchester, CT, USA
           George L. Smith                      [71155,2543] (203) 645-8962
    103888 Detroit Area Clipper Users Group (D.A.C.U.G.)    Detroit, MI USA
           Leo Benchich                                        [70451,3613]
    101658 Houston Clipper User Group                       Houston, TX USA
           David Vukovic                                       [71520,1310]
    100483 Mobile Software User Group                        Mobile, AL USA
           George Rae                             [71760,3562] 205-342-8360
    102689 North Carolina Clipper User Group  Research Triangle Park,NC USA
    100494 San Francisco Bay Area Clipper Dev. Assn.  San Francisco, CA USA
           Yau-Man Chan  ymchan@uclink.berkeley.edu 510-229-3277 70731,3523
    102691 SFDDG CA-Clipper/CA-VO SIG                         Miami, FL USA
           Willy Esteban           72740,1440 W:305-599-9609 F:305-599-9610
    103532 SouthEast Clipper Developers Association     Montgomery, Alabama
           Brian Abbott                         [73304,2663] (205) 244-7840
    101612 Washington Area Clipper Users Group       Washington DC Area USA
           Gerald E. Nelson                        76467,3030  703-471-7919


 5. Position Available: Technical Support/Application Consultant.     * $ *
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ReplyTo:   Advocate Software/ASG
               92 Montvale Avenue
               Stoneham, MA 02180
    Fax:       617-279-1009
    Email:     73234,2301
    Code:      TSAC

    Advocate Software provides Fund Raising and Membership Management
    software to prestigious nonprofits through the United States and
    Canada.  Advocate is written in Clipper, using object-based technology
    and the Xbase file system running in a PC network environment.  The
    company was started in 1986 and was acquired by Applications Systems
    Group in 1992.

    The Application Consultant position provides implementation support
    including project management, conversion of programming and software
    configuration on new and upgrading installations.  This position works
    with other staff and clients to accomplish these tasks.  Position acts
    as backup telephone support.  Some travel and significant Clipper
    experience required.

    Please indicate the job code, and mail, e-mail, or FAX your resume.


 6. Clipper Developers Guide to Windows (Special Report from BCS).
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ReplyTo:   Darren J. Forcier  >INTERNET:djf@world.std.com
    Download:  BCFORC.ZIP, GO CLIPPER, Lib 17
    Available: March 15-20th

    The BCS group has published the results of its February meeting, a
    'white paper' presentation by Darren Forcier on programming solutions
    available to us as Clipper developers.  The paper surveys 1) Clip4Win
    1.2 from Skelton Software/Grumpfish's Clipper->Windows library, 2)
    Dolce Vita (With Craig Yellick's La Strada programming guide), and 3)
    From DOS - A cool library for integrating Windows services into DOS
    applications.  Sample programs are included in the ZIP.


 7. Developer Tip:  Microsoft and More 1.1.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ReplyTo:   Erik J. Thomas  73124.2160@CompuServe.COM

    I have received over thirty responses to the letter you published in
    last month's xBase newsletter regarding my switching from Clipper to
    FoxPro.  Most of them were to ask for my opinion on what the best
    Windows package between FoxPro, Access, Visual Basic, and Paradox.

    You might want to let your readers know there is a company called CD
    Select (1-800-446-1185) which will send a free CD-ROM that contains
    over 64 software packages for test driving. These applications are
    fully functional and can be unlocked and installed onto your system
    with a password from CD Select, should you decide to buy.

    Included on the "Microsoft and More 1.1" CD:

       Microsoft FoxPro 2.5 for Windows
       Microsoft FoxPro 2.5 Library Construction Kit
       Microsoft Access for Windows
       Microsoft Visual Basic for Windows Professional and Standard Edition
       Microsoft Visual C++ for Windows Professional and Standard Edition

    Your readers can find out for themselves which is the better package
    for their needs--with no risk! Unfortunately, you need a CD-ROM drive--
    but heck, just about everyone has one nowadays I'm told!


 8. ODBC and Client Server: A New Standard for Database Connectivity.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ReplyTo: Chris Pels [73777,3562]
    ReplyTo: Les Squires bcnn@world.std.com  [73020,3435]

       Editor's Note.  In May, Les Squires plans to make a major
       presentation on this subject.  He will use Microsoft Access 2.0 to
       demonstrate critical changes for the development process.

    How will we interact with our data in the future?

    Client/server architecture is being used more widely today than ever
    before and will most likely become the norm for much of our application
    development in the not to distant future.  Developing applications with
    a database server is a very different world from our DBF tables.  A new
    standard is being touted/pushed by Microsoft for accessing data in
    relational and non-relational DBMS systems called Open Database
    Connectivity (ODBC).

    ODBC uses its own SQL dialect as well as any SQL dialect supported by
    the target DBMS.  Because of Microsoft's clout in the industry you will
    be dealing with ODBC in the near future, if you have not already.  A
    very nice introductory article on ODBC was published in the February
    22, 1994 edition of PC Magazine (p. 261-263). It provides a good
    overview of ODBC from the developer's perspective and I highly
    recommend reading it.

    It is vital for our future survival as application developer's to learn
    to use ODBC/SQL/client server data access in our applications.
    Fortunately, there are several products that will allow you to "try
    out" ODBC/SQL/client server without having to take out a second
    mortgage.  All of these are Windows products so you will need a
    reasonably powerful computer.  Microsoft Access database engine uses
    ODBC/SQL calls which is a gently introduction into the ODBC world using
    either Microsoft Access or Visual Basic 3.0.  If you want to go to a
    full featured SQL engine Watcom is currently running a great deal on
    it's single user version of SQL for Windows.

    The PC Magazine review of Client Server/SQL (10/12/93) said "Watcom SQL
    is an especially good choice for those new to client/server databases".
    The list price special $395 directly from Watcomm (800-265-4555) and
    Programmer's Shop (800-544-8732) has been running a special of $295.
    Either price is a bargain for having a real client server environment
    as a learning tool. Even if you do not use it for any production
    applications it's the cheapest and probably best way to learn a real
    client server environment. Beware, it is addictive and it may be hard
    to go back to the simple DBF tables <g>.

 9. Technicon'93 Notes:  A Communications Tip.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ReplyTo:   Steve Gray [70650,2005].

    Ira Emus of Extrasensory and author of Telepathy say's don't use
    XON/XOFF, use RTS/CTS if possible.  Use Zmodem or if machine to machine
    or using compression modems ymodem/g may be the best. A 286/8 will
    support higher transmission speeds that an 386/25 with Qemm loaded
    because Qemm (et.al.) takes interrupts. I purchased Telepathy (and
    their PS/error product as well).


10. Technicon'93 Notes:  Tip on Advanced Network Programming.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ReplyTo:   Steve Gray [70650,2005].

    Duplicate key search takes a long time.  By adding a string made up of
    the RECNO() it will speed up.  For example, index on Company +
    STR(RECNO(),7) instead of just Company.


11. Technicon'93 Notes:  BandIT - Report Generator.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ReplyTo:  Mark Bolzern [GCS&WGS] <71630.3505@CompuServe.COM>

    BandIT is a superset of R&R Report Writer, comes with complete Clipper
    Source code, Reads R&R files, and is linkable into applications.  It
    neatly overcomes most of R&R's shortcomings.  What a neat third party
    add-on.  This can relieve you from all sorts of coding headaches, and
    it seems that no user can ever have enough reports.  Now you have an
    easy way to satisfy these users.


12. Technicon'93 Notes:  Improving Application Performance by Mark Elias.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ReplyTo:   Richard Simon [71141,2515]

    Improve performance for network applications by using local EXEs.
    Using Novell's WSUPDATE command in the login script can be made to
    update the user's local C drive with the most up to date program EXEs
    stored in a file server application directory.  Here's the syntax:

    WSUPDATE <<masterfilespec>>  <<localfilespec>> /C


13. Technicon'93 Notes:  Licensing and Contracting Software.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ReplyTo:   Jay Forrest <73707.2010@CompuServe.COM>

    The presentation by CA's VP of Legal Affairs was almost worth the price
    of Technicon.  Key concepts were NEVER, EVER SELL software or code as
    software is an intellectual property and not a commodity. This is
    important and the software lawyers have fought for that designation. As
    a result the code can be sold only once, and once sold you have no
    right to use any portion of the code you sold. As one person said,
    "Isn't this just minor semantics?" to which he replied, "Semantically
    the difference is minor. Legally it is enormous!"  Strive he suggested
    for unlimited perpetual license to replace sale (where sale is
    demanded), but if you supply code be sure to get reasonable
    confidentiality clauses to protect you from their giving your code to
    your competitor.

    He also suggested offering to people who demand "sale" the concept that
    your programs use proven routines you developed and to sell them the
    program would deprive you of the right to use the tools that give you
    your position in the business and effectively put you out of business,


14. Technicon'93 Notes:  Optimizing Your Execution Environment
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ReplyTo:  Mike Herrick [100116,444]

    o  Avoid loading ANSI.SYS and SETVER
    o  Avoid SET COMSPEC=.....
    o  Problems with SHARE.EXE generally stem from insufficiently high
       values for the /F and /L parameters.
    o  Don't use the NOIDLE switch
    o  Increasing no of files is minimal overhead
    o  Enabling BADCACHE is likely to correct unpredictable errors
       stemming from corrupt page frame.


15. Opportunities for Developers in Russia.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ReplyTo: Steve Kerr <stkerr@u.washington.edu>
    ReplyTo: Alexander Iu. Uvarov  auvarov@glas.apc.org
             ul. Chkalova, 12/7, kv. 11
             Moscow 103064
             7-095-227-8634 (home)
             7-095-193-7090 (office)
             7-095-943-0040 (fax)

    One of my contacts in Russia is a fellow named Alexander Uvarov.  He's
    a computer scientist and specialist in networks, formerly affiliated
    with one of the Biology research institutes and now a member of the
    Scientific Council on Cybernetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
    Very bright guy, and very energetic.

    Alexander has started, on his own, to move into the area of computer
    training and development of software for same.  He's done some modest
    packages, and sold some of them in Spain.  He'd be interested in
    collaborating with Americans who might want to try a foray into the
    Russian market, but who might not be confidant of their ability to
    discern the "lay of the land."  My estimate, by the way, is that the
    market is large and growing.  There are a good many computers around
    now -- mostly IBM clones, but a growing number of Macs -- and a lot of
    software, but also a lack of people trained to use it.  I saw an
    amazing number of very sophisticated (in other ways) users who were
    completely unaware of how to use basic application programs.

    Uvarov is on e-mail, and uses it regularly.  His English is fine.
    I have worked with him for five years and can vouch for his honesty and
    integrity, as well as his general smarts and management acumen.


16. Letter to the Editor:  Flagship and Clipper.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ReplyTo: Glen Webster [70754,2612]
             Robert G. Freeman
             Mark Blomberg
             C.R. Anthony, Inc.
             Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

    We are a Clipper/Flagship developer as well as a subscriber to BCNN. We
    would be interested in following any news relating to Flagship.

    We have used Flagship to convert our existing Clipper code from a DOS
    environment to a SCO Xenix environment. We found it to be the only
    product that would do the conversion, with few changes to the original
    source.

    Mark and Robert developed the new software in only a few months. This
    was after Mark had messed around with another package for months, just
    trying to get it to work.

    Flagship has allowed us to create software accross platforms (DOS,
    Xenix) and has allowed us to remove the DOS PC's from our retail
    outlets (190 stores in the midwest). This allows for easier
    maintenance, polling of transactional data from the general office host
    system and also allowed us to get out of a rather expensive service
    contract arrangement.

    We support FlagShip, and hope to see BCNN do the same.


17. Opportunities for Developers to Make Money:  NT versu OS/2.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ReplyTo: Ron Dennis <76247.2606@CompuServe.COM>

    Thanks for the great BCNN Newsletter, Les.  I was very interested in
    your comments re: NT versu OS/2.  I'm doing a project for MS Solution
    Providers about NT and what opportunities are available to application
    integrators to be successful with it.  Mostly I've found "Rightsizing
    Downward" opportunities, like replacing AS/400 solutions with micros
    and client server applications.

    Do you have any thoughts about opportunities for developers to make
    money installing Win NT and Advanced Server?

    Lots of people seem to think that "A year from now" NT will be a big
    player in the server and client server markets.  Any way consultants
    can get a client in on the ground floor of this phenomenon and still
    deliver a cost effective and dependable application?

    Editor's Note.  That's a question for everybody.  Feel free, Ron, to
    share people's answers in a future BCNN.


18. Technicon'93 Notes:  .CH Files.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ReplyTo: "Dave Rolston 72160,2475" <72160.2475@CompuServe.COM>

    Did you know .CH files work from the bottom up?  Put you most specific
    information at the bottom and the most general at the top of your .CH
    files (or modifications of an existing one).


19. UART Follow-up
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ReplyTo:    Wilfried A Faulkner, 71670,2050
    ResponseTo: Chris Pels, 73777,3562 (BCNN, February, 1994).

    I read your contribution in BCNN about the UART 16550 chip and the BOCA
    card.  I can only sustain your findings.  I myself have a BOCA 2x4 with
    four serial and two parallel ports and noticed a significant increase
    in speed.  However, unless you also replace the standard Windows
    COMM.DRV with something that takes advantage of the UART chip, you
    still don't realize the full benefits of the chip.

    You can use TurboCom/2 from Pacific Comm-Ware which will blow your
    socks off.  Or you can try KingCOM which I hear also has a replacement
    for the standard COMM.DRV.  The latter is second hand information and I
    don't vouch for its correctness.


20. BCNN Statement of Ownership, Copyright, and Responsibility.
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    The BCNN Newsletter is sponsored by the xBASE User Group of the Boston
    Computer Society.  BCNN is dedicated to keeping professional database
    developers (both consultants and corporate employees) informed about
    educational events, meetings, job openings, world events, notable
    articles, technical tips, new and 'must have' products, etc.

    As an electronic network BCNN is also a hub where developers can
    address world class issues to fellow developers around the world.
    Recipients agree to respond via Email to periodic polls of their
    directions, opinions, and needs. For those who do not have User Groups
    in their areas, BCNN is a vehicle where individuals can volunteer and
    contribute to something larger than themselves.  Over 5,400 persons
    world-wide participate with CA-Clipper and Microsoft Access.

    The newsletter is distributed monthly by electronic mail via CompuServe,
    Internet, FidoNet, and other electronic gateways.  It is free of charge
    to individual developers.  Modest fees are charged to corporations for
    job placement and third-party announcements.  Opinions expressed are
    solely expressed by the authors or by the Xbase Language Group of the
    Boston Computer Society, even in cases where 'Xbase Language Group'
    is abbreviated to 'BCS'.  All materials are copyrighted by the BCS,
    unless otherwise indicated, and free for any user group to
    redistribute on their own BBS on the condition that a by-line
    referencing the BCNN and the individual author are included.

    Les Squires, Director
    Xbase User Group
    c/o Word Jenny, Incorporated
    P. O. Box 126
    29 Brick Kiln Road, Kilnwood
    Center Harbor, New Hampshire 03226-0126 USA
    603-253-6109                  //-Primary Phone & Messages 24 hours
    603-253-7214                  //-Messages Only 24 hours
    603-253-9864                  //-Fax 24 hours a day
    INTERENT:bcnn@World.Std.Com   //-First choice for Email.
    CIS:73020,3435                //-Second choice for Email.

    Boston Computer Society, Inc.
    101 First Avenue, Suite 2
    Waltham, MA 02154
    617-290-5700  General Number
    617-290-5700  Ext. 432 for up-to-date meeting information.

    Add Subscribers:        @BCNN@ClipperYes to bcnn@World.Std.Com.
    Delete Subscribers:     @BCNN@ClipperNo  to bcnn@World.Std.Com.
    Back Issues:            CompuServe CLIPPER Forum, LIBS 1 and 17.
                            FTP samba.iss.uw.edu.pl (CD pub/clipper/bcnn)

    BCNN Email Services donated by Word Jenny, Inc. LSquires@World.Std.Com

    (c) 1994 Boston Computer Society, Inc.
