
    ----------------------------README.-----------------------------------
                        SmartLog(TM) version 3.0
     A Professional Runtime Error Handler and Recorder for CA-Clipper 5.x
        (c)Copyright 1991-94 MetaGroup Software. All Rights Reserved
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                   ...Get all the bugs ON the record!
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    DEMO QUICK START:

    1. Read this file to get some general background,
    2. Run SLDEMO.EXE to see the benefits of SmartLog's error recording,
    3. Read the Norton Guides for the detailed description of SmartLog,
    4. Link SLDEMO.LIB to your applications and test it,
    5. Go back to SLDEMO and print the order form!

   The SmartLog library is a powerful and very simple to use replacement
   for the default Clipper error handler. Why should you use SmartLog when
   Clipper already has a built-in error handling system? As a software
   developer you've already experienced this problem: an error occurred and
   the user did not write down and does not remember the error message, nor
   could he remember what they were doing when the error occurred. The
   default Clipper error handler is of no help here. The SmartLog library
   is a one-step, "plug-and-go" solution. A single call to SmartLog at the
   top of your main program is all there is to it.

   SmartLog not only provides comprehensive information about the state of
   the host machine at the time of the error and all the details about the
   error, but also saves this information for later analysis. This makes it
   very easy to find the source of the problem and correct the program or
   the computing environment. Additionally, SmartLog presents the info to
   the user in a manner that's useful and intuitive. You need not train
   users in the use of your application, AND the error handler!

   SmartLog saves a complete snapshot of the program, Clipper, hardware and
   network (if you use a network library). SmartLog now supports extended
   class call tracing provided by the Class(y) library. All errors handled
   by the default Clipper handler are automatically re-routed to SmartLog.
   No source code changes are required. No matter what you use Clipper for,
   the SmartLog library is the one that you can not be without. It's an
   unsurpassed utility for remote program diagnostics and for bug reporting
   on complex Clipper systems in a corporate environment. SmartLog will
   surely pay for itself in time and embarrassment (not to mention
   aggravation!) saved after just one call form a desperate user. Advanced
   recovery features will also help during the development stage. For
   example, execution may be continued after a "Variable Not Found" error
   without a need to immediately correct the code and recompile application.

   Unlike the default Clipper error handler, SmartLog traps errors not
   directly related to bugs in the source code but rather problems in the
   computing environment. And remember, some runtime errors are just beyond
   control of the developer (printer errors, many file access errors).
   SmartLog provides a graceful way of handling those errors too.

    * SmartLog has the most comprehensive error recording and recovery
      capabilities.

    * SmartLog is extremely easy to use, needs only a single command to
      install and activate, and a single library file to link in (no .obj
      files).

    * SmartLog DOES NOT require any source code changes whatsoever.

    * SmartLog now has a command-based interface for easier setup and
      use of optional parameters.

    * SmartLog is fully customizable: what gets logged (you may log any
      user-defined info), what options are displayed when the error occurs,
      down even to an error warning tone.

    * SmartLog's many settings provide seamless integration with your
      existing applications.

    * SmartLog is safe! It uses no Clipper internals, it's pure Clipper
      and FUNCky code. That means easy and prompt upgrades to new
      Clipper versions.

    * SmartLog library has virtually no overhead, and is fully overlayable
      and compatible with all popular linkers including .RTLink and Blinker.

    * SmartLog is completely compatible with protected mode linkers,
      including EXOSPACE and BLINKER 3.0, even in "dual" mode.

    * SmartLog's log file includes a complete snapshot of the system: error
      description, call trace, hardware and software setup, network info,
      open tables, Clipper and DOS environment, e.t.c.

    * SmartLog can optionally record the data structure and field values
      of all open database files.

    * SmartLog is fully network-compatible, including separate error logs
      for each user.

    * SmartLog has a built-in support for NetLib and NovLib networking
      libraries, and can interface with other libraries to report the
      network statistics.

    * Built-in support for Class(y) MethodName() extended trace function.

    * Ability to log the error even if the application runs out of the
      available file handles.

    * SmartLog transparently provides default Clipper error handling
      features such as division by zero, network open errors, etc.

    * Display of a two-line custom message on the run-time error menu.
      Useful for providing information on how to contact the developer
      of the application or how to report errors.

    * SmartLog's behavior can be modified at runtime through the use
      of a DOS environment variable.

    * Printing interrupted by a runtime error can now be redirected to a
      user-defined file file.

    * Ability to execute user-defined functions at recovery begin and
      exit. Allows graceful de/installation of interrupt drivers,
      graphic screen drivers, mouse, etc.

    * New Help option to explain available recovery options to the
      end-user.

    * Setup files: autoexec.bat and config.sys can be optionally logged.

    * SmartLog may be used like any other error handler including the
      default Clipper's handler. It can be saved, restored and used with
      local handlers through "chaining", "stacking", etc.

    * Optional "log & brake" recovery option for seamless integration
      with many error handling techniques.

    * SmartLog provides utilities to display the entire log file and to
      request a system profile at runtime.

    * SmartLog makes it easy to view and print the complete error log right
      when it occurs.

    * SmartLog provides a comprehensive and easy to follow Norton Guides
      on-line documentation with many examples.

    * SmartLog requires CA-Clipper compiler version 5.01 or later and
      FUNCky II library.

    * SmartLog's demo is available on CompuServe in CA-Clipper Forum and on
      many fine BBS.

    * SmartLog costs only $79.00 (promotional price of $49 thru Dec 31, 94)
        

    COMMENTS ON SMARTLOG:

    "SmartLog might be the simplest solution to managing all your runtime
    errors. As quickly as you can add one line to the top of your program
    and another library to your link script, you can integrate error
    reporting into your application. [..] SmartLog provides all the
    necessary reporting for most programming assignments at a good price."
          Reference Clipper

    "Nobody's perfect, but SmartLog should help you perfect your
    programming. SmartLog makes handling and logging Clipper 5 application
    errors less problematic."
          Data Based Advisor

    "SmartLog is an excellent support product for many Clipper systems
    we have in the field. We use many 3rd party products and SmartLog is
    one of the easiest to use with a great benefit."
          Mark Richards, Career Search, Boston

    "We've been using SmartLog for months now, and love it! -- it's a
    big help just for debugging! SmartLog has been a super addition to
    our Clipper toolkit. It's been installed in at least four major
    field applications and we'll be using SL in _all_ apps from now on."
          Bill Lazar


    IMPORTANT DEMO NOTES:

     1. SmartLog demo may be started in an extended video mode by typing
        SLDEMO /x where x can be 25, 43 or 50 lines. Check the error log
        for these switches too!

     2. To return to the main DEMO menu after generating an error choose
        the BREAK option. If BREAK has been disabled you must QUIT and
        restart SmartLog DEMO.

     3. GetSecurity() is a sample function (always returns "5") to show
        the use of code blocks in the custom environment section. Select
        [OPTIONS] in DEMO program to see its use.

     4. It would be a great waste if the extensive system profile was
        available only when the runtime error occurs. So we added the
        SlDisplay() function to make it available at any time. Check the
        DISPLAY option on the menu. It may also be assigned to a hot-key
        (F2 in the demo program).

     5. For network-awareness this demo has been compiled with the Novell
        specific NovLib library from Blink Inc., the makers of Blinker linker.
        The demo program may or may not properly recognize other types of
        networks. SmartLog also has a built-in support for the NetLib library
        which supports other types of networks. You may also use any other
        network library with SmartLog.

     6. Demo program has been compiled with Blinker 3.0 in dual mode. It will
        automatically run in protected mode with enough XMS/EMS memory.

     7. For the most recent demo version check the Library 8 area [3rd Party
        Product Demos] in the CA-Clipper Forum on CompuServe (GO CLIPPER).

    LIST OF DEMO DISTRIBUTION FILES:

       README.      -  this file
       ORDER.FRM    -  order form
       SLDEMO.EXE   -  SL demo program
       SLDEMO.OVL   -  SL demo program overlay
       SLDEMO.LIB   -  demo version of SL library
       SMARTLOG.CH  -  header (include) file
       SL.NG        -  Norton Guides documentation
       SAMPLE.PRG   -  sample source code file
       FILE_ID.DIZ  -  signature file for BBS

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          MetaGroup Software                   Tel: (714)843-0345
          12103 S. Brookhurst St.              Fax: (310)495-0889
          Suite E-410                          CompuServe: 72400,2726
          Garden Grove, CA 92642-3065 USA

        For volume discounts, user group discounts, site licenses and
      source code availability call MetaGroup Software at (714)843-0345

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