kevin@philmds.UUCP (kevin) (08/23/86)
Recently I read an article in the computing press about VP Info, produced by Paperback Software, which is said to be a low cost compatible for dBase III which can read dBase III files but has a different 'programming' language. The article stated that VP Info would be available from the end of July so I was wondering if anyone else has heard anything about the product, or has even used it. Also I would appreciate it if anyone can send me the address of Paperback Software as I can't seem to find it anywhere. Regards Kevin
kevin@philmds.UUCP (kevin) (09/04/86)
Sorry if you've previously seen this but I didn't get any reply to my previous enquiry so I suspect that it may not have reached the 'right' sites, cos' I know all of you out there in netland are only too happy to help!!! Recently I read an article in the computing press about VP Info, produced by Paperback Software, which is said to be a low cost compatible for dBase III which can read dBase III files but has a different 'programming' language. The article stated that VP Info would be available from the end of July so I was wondering if anyone else has heard anything about the product, or has even used it. Also I would appreciate it if anyone can send me the address of Paperback Software as I can't seem to find it anywhere. Regards Kevin
wtm@neoucom.UUCP (Bill Mayhew) (09/05/86)
Hi, I watched a blurb about VP info a few weeks back on my satellite dish uplined from KSCI in San Diego's "The Computer Show". They had good 'ole Adam himself on giving a demo of VP Info. While the interview was obviously somewhat superficial, given the constraints of television it did indeed look like quite a nice product. The data storage files used by VP Info and dBase III are supposed to have equivalent structures. One nice feature of VP Info is that it has a sort of visual forms compiler that makes setting up entry and report screens very easy (or so it looked!) One merely postions the cursor on the screen where the desired filed is supposed to go, then puches up the attributes. The compiler then generates the data structure accordingly. This looks like it could save tons of time, as building forms has been a real pain in the past. About the closest thing I can think of to VP Info is something like File-it!, although VP Info looked easier. If I remember correctly, pop-up windows can also be added to forms. Like several other of Adam Osborne's software goodies, VP Info has a nice macro system built in. Reportedly, it has a learn mode where you key in an example and it watches; the example can then be played back later as a template for further data entry. VP Info is supposed to be upwardly, but not downwardly compatible with dBase III in that they supply some aids in going from dBase -> VP Info but not vice-versa in terms of converting programming. I can't verify, but someone said that VP Info had the ability to parse sentences for querrying the database. I don't recall seeing that, so you might want to check that out further. VP Info is supposed to have been realased in Canada for about 6 months (maybe more), and thus ought to be relatively stable. The price is supposed to be around $100, so it seems like it would be hard to go too far wrong, even if it turns out you don't like it. Several dealers around where I live have it, so you should be able to find it at a joint near you. If you live in the west, you might want to give Egghead Software a call. Hope this is of some use to you Kevin. I tried to mail to you directly, but it didn't get through. Thought the rest of the net mgiht be interested too any way. No, I don't work for or get money from Adam Osborne, but I do like programs that look nice and are cheap. Bill Mayhew Division of Basic Medical Sciences Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine Rootstown, OH 44272 USA (216) 325-2511 (wtm@neoucom.UUCP)