7/28/97
DBGrappler by RC Softworks, Ltd.

This product is released as shareware. It is not free, but rather is
distributed as a functional program to allow you (the user) to determine
it's suitability for your purposes. After a period of 30 days from initial
installation you are required to register or delete the program from your
system.

Installation:
The dbgsetup.exe program is a fully automated installation routine for all
versions of Windows and will allow selection of install directory and
folder creation. The DOS install version should be placed in the desired
directory and executed to extract the needed files. Then run DBGRAP.EXE to
execute the program. In either case, the install file may be deleted after
execution.

IMPORTANT! RC Softworks will select 10 'testimonials' for publishing on our
product page. Send us your thoughts on the program and if we decide to use
them then your copy is free! Send them to rcross@erols.com or via snail mail.

For support and updates: www.rcsoftworks.simplenet.com/dbgrap.htm

1:  How DBgrappler Works
2:  Shareware Restrictions
3:  Selecting Database
4:  Data Model Options
5:  Filter Options
6:  Axis Display Options
7:  The Pencil (Web Page Posting)
8:  The Printer (Viewing and Printing data)
9:  The Pie (Interactive Graphics)
10: Ordering
11: Customization

1: How DBGrappler works

There are many fine graphics programs available
on the market but most require you to organize your data prior to graphing.
Why? Because graphics representations require numbers to interpret as values.
Often, this organization of data into 'instance counts' is where the real
work is. For example, if you are a video rental store and you keep information
on the titles you rent, the stars, the ratings, etc.., how can you graph
data such as how many titles are rated 'R' and how do the reviewers rate them
on average? Obviously you must convert this data into 'instances' that are
represented by numbers in order to create a meaningful graph. You must look
at all of your 'R' rated features and count the various ratings prior to
submitting them to (an often static defined) graphics or charting program.
With DBGrappler there is no such need, nor do you have to define the style
or layout of your graph first. With DBGrappler you simply select the database,
choose the fields of interest (in this example they would be the fields
containing the ratings and the reviews), and then graph it! What kind of graph
is best? Pie? Bar? Histogram? No need to decide in advance because DBGrappler
allows you to choose interactively and instantly make changes. Better yet,
DBGrappler allows you to model all the character fields from your database
and then simply choose what field to use for the X and Y axis when you are
ready to create a graphic. DBGrappler determines every potential instance
for the selected fields and even allows you to choose which values are
included in the graph! For instance, if the database contains the names of
the stars in each picture, DBGrappler will create a list of every star which
occurs throughout the data and allow you to choose which stars to graph.
DBGrappler is industrial strength and will work with all types of xBase
variants regardless of size or complexity. When the boss calls on you for
answers to complex questions you can provide answers in minutes instead of
hours! DBGrappler includes an intuitive filter definition module so that
your queries and graphs are not limited to simple X and Y axis data. The
combination of the query module and the axis selection routines gives you
incredible power to retrieve specific information. The registered version
will allow you to save your filter conditions and models to cut even more
time off your answer cycle!

2:  Shareware Restrictions

The shareware release allows full functionality except with regard to saving
your models and queries. It also posts a shareware notice on web pages
produced and adds 20 seconds to your answer time by nagging you when you
start the program.

3:  Selecting Database

To select a database you simply click on "Select Database". All databases
within the same directory as the program will appear for selection. If a
model has been previously defined you will be given the opportunity to use
it (registered version).

4:  Data Model Options

Data modelling presents a list of all character fields in your database and
allows you to choose all those of interest. Chosen fields will thereafter
be available for selection as the X or Y axis. If a model has already been
created then your options include deletion of the model, reloading, or
recreating. Reload scans your database to record any new values that have
been entered into selected fields since the model was created (or reloaded).
Recreate deletes the current model and allows you to reselect the fields
desired.

5:  Filter Options

All fields in the database are available for filtering and the process is
intuitive. Since the model includes only character fields, and graphing
allows only 2 fields (X and Y axis) the filtering option is the means to
add more complexity to your result. For instance, if we want to graph
the ratings versus the reviews (as in above example) only for movies
released after 10/10/94 we can easily create a filter that restricts
records according to the release date. The filter is included as the graph
header so we know what we are looking at! Filters may be as complex as
desired and require only point and click to define. They may also be saved
(registered version) and they will remember what database they belong to!


6:  Axis Display Options

All of the data fields selected for use in the model are available for
plotting along either the X or Y axis (Note! Certain data fileds may only be
usable along the X axis. See below). After selecting an item for each axis
you may select the individual elements to include in the plot. For instance,
if you choose 'stars' (from our example database), you may then select
which stars to include. The Y axis data is constructed from the actual
contents of the selected field. The field names created to represent this
data consists of the actual value, stripped of illegal characters to ensure
that a data model may be propely built. If the data value has no legitimate
characters then you will be informed and asked to switch the axis basis
(since the X axis does not require field creation will plot any value). For
example, the included database, dbgsamp.dbf, contains a field called
'review'. The contents consists of *'s to represent the reviewers rating
based from 1 to 5 stars. The * symbol is not valid for a field name and
consequently the program is not able to create a 'holding' field based on
the contents. This field may be plotted along the X axis without problem
because the X axis field name would take it's name from the original field
name (REVIEW), rather then the actual value of the field. The bottom line
is that if the application tells you there is a problem with the Y axis
then simply switch that field to plot on the X axis. Once you are in the
interactive graphics mode you may flip the axis if desired.


7:  The Pencil (Web Page Posting)

DBGrappler will automatically create a web page from your modelled data and
prompt you for a title. It will also create an index file (RCTOC.HTM) which
you can use as your start page. It will contain links to all posted pages
using your title as the index entry. You are prompted to update your index
whenever you create a new web page. Any web pages you deleted from the
directory will be removed from the index when it is updated.


8:  The Printer (Viewing and Printing data)

Clicking on the printer icon will create a spreadsheet like browsable window
from either the model data (if you have created a model) or from the entire
database (if you have not created a model). Within the browse window you
may scroll data, print the entire table, search for any values from any
field (just click on the data column desired and then click o-o), count the
records, etc. Just click on the PRT button to send the table to a printer.

9:  The Pie (Interactive Graphics)

If you have created a model and selected the X and Y axis, the pie will
send you into an interactive graphics engine with the specifications you set.
From here you can change chart styles, colors, almost everything! Click on
the element within the chart or the legend to pop up a charactersitics
page that gives you full control. If you have not chosen a model, the entire
database will be sent to the engine and it will use the first data field as
the X axis, all the rest of the fields as the Y axis. Be advised, graphing
without a model may not make much sense! However if you have created data
tables to 'feed' other graphics programs (ie. you have already done the
modelling) then this pass thorugh mode is useful and gives you a degree of
interactivity your other graphing/charting programs probably don't. If you
have created a model but have not selected the X and Y axis, the first model
field will be used as X and the second field as Y axis.

10: Ordering

RC Softworks, Ltd works primarily as a government contractor supporting
specific applications and development. DBGrappler is our first commercial
product and so we have not yet established credit card acceptance. We do
however process company purchase orders and PO information can be submitted
via email to rcross@erols.com for instant processing. Checks or money
orders made out to RC Softworks, Ltd may be sent to RC Softworks at
14280 James Monroe Hwy. Leesburg, VA. 20176. If you email your request
(and or notification of intent to register) then we will process your request
and forward registration codes on the day of receipt. This shareware program
can be made fully functional via email. Contact us if you desire site
licensing arrangements. In September of 1997 RC Softworks will release the
professional version for $249.00 with many extra features, including the
ability to work with related files (ie. databases linked by common data).
Watch our product support web page for details (link is given at top)

11: Customization

RC Softworks is an expert with dBase implementations large and small. Our
rates are extremely competitive. We would be happy to discuss your project
needs and or develop customized implementations using DBGrappler. We have
recently completed a customized implementation for the Departmenatal Office
of Civil Rights within the Department of Transportation that allowed them to
instantly answer questions regarding civil rights complaints for a USA Today
story.

