vhc@Abacus.hgs.se (Mikael Larsson) (05/22/91)
Since there have been a lots of discussion about the VSUM format/size, I
asked my friend to write a explanation of VSUMBROW.
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I have followed the discussion about the increasing size of the VSUM document.
It is true that the size is becoming a problem, but I feel that there is no
better way to distribute this document than as a pure ASCII-file.
When it comes to accessing the information on the other hand, there I have a
good solution. I am currently developing a program for PC-compatibles called
VSUMBROW, short for 'Virus Summary Database Browser'. What this program does
is offering the user to access the VSUM document as a database file. And it
does this fast as well. It is currently only in early (but working) beta-
testing, but the few functions I have put in really works like a charm. And I
have plans for more functions as well. The hard work has already been done,
what I am currently working on is the new functions.
To date VSUMBROW has the following functions:
* Browse the virus listing, virus by virus.
* Search for a given virus.
* Display and choose from a hitlist of matching virusnames.
* Support for the alias in the virusdescription as well as in the X-ref part.
* Printing of information about a virus.
* Support for 43/50 rows on EGA/VGA graphic cards.
Functions that are to be implemented before final version:
* Search on virus type code.
* Search on virus status (New is a good candidate).
* Search on origin.
* Search on effective length. (A bit harder due to the format of VSUM)
* Export to file of a hitlist that matches a search..
* Printing of a hitlist that matches a search.
* Freetext search, for searching on any word.
* Suggestions anyone?
VSUMBROW is to be released as ShareWare, and as such can be used freely for
non-commercial use. Some of the above functions will only be active for
registered users though, to reward those who rewards hard work.
I dare not promise any release date, but it will be released as fast as
possibible. :-)
Virus Help Centre will be the registrator and distributor for VSUMBROW, and
if You have any questions, please contact Mikael Larsson at the address below.
Jonny Bergdahl
New Age Productions
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End of description of VSUMBROW;
Rgds,
MiL
Virus Help Centre Phone : +46-26 100518
Box 7018 Fax : +46-26 275720
S-81107 SANDVIKEN BBS : +46-26 275710 (HST)
SWEDEN FidoNet : 2:205/204
VirNet : 9:461/101
SigNet : 27:5346/108
Email : vhc@abacus.hgs.se