MobileDB Lite Instructions

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             MobileDB Lite v1.31
           for the Palm Computing(R) Platform
             from Mobile Generation Software
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MobileDB(TM) and MobileDB Lite(TM)
Copyright (C) 1997, 1998, 1999 Mobile Generation Software
All Rights Reserved

MobileDB Lite is the read only, freeware version of MobileDB. MobileDB Lite allows any PalmOS users to freely access the hundreds of available MobileDB databases. If you are interested in creating and editing simple databases on your PalmOS device, please download a trial version of MobileDB at www.mobilegeneration.com.

MobileDB Lite Instructions
1. MobileDB Lite Overview
        Features
        Limitations
        Known Bugs
        Possible Future Upgrades
    MobileDB Lite System Requirements
    How to install MobileDB Lite and and MobileDB databases
    Differences between MobileDB and MobileDB Lite
    MobileDB Converters
    Where to Find Existing MobileDB Databases

2. Usage
        Start Up
        Database List
        Record List
        Record View
        Menu Items
           Application Preferences
           Database Preferences
           Sort Records
           Filter Records
           Find Records
           Top of Database
           Bottom of Database

3. Version Modifications

Other Information

4. Registration

5. License

6. How to become a MobileDB Content Partner

7. Company Information

MobileDB Lite Overview

The MobileDB solution enables users to easily convert table information from an HTML table or comma-separated file using the MobileDB Converter for Windows(tm) and view them on any Palm Computing Platform device. MGS is dedicated to providing useful and interesting MobileDB databases through partnerships with content providers and contests for the most useful users-submitted databases.

Features

Store up to 20 databases to view on the PalmOS device
Allows for up to 20 fields for each record
Up to 200 characters per field
Sort, filter, and search commands
Record indicator to show where you are located in the database
Pop-up entry fields to expand each field into a memo pad-like view
Single-handed navigation around the entire database in a single view
Windows MobileDB converter for HTML tables and comma-separted files
Huge support for MobileDB databases

Limitations

Maximum of 200 characters for each data field.
Maximum of 20 fields per database
Maximum of 20 databases

Known Bugs

none

Possible Future Upgrades

Please see the Version Modifications section for further information on the modifications for each release.

MobileDB System Requirements

To utilize MobileDB Lite, you may use any Palm Computing (R) Platform device. This includes the Use Reobotics Pilot 1000 and 5000, 3Com PalmPilot (TM) Personal or Professional, Palm III (TM), Palm IIIx(TM), Palm V (TM), IBM Workpad (TM), or Symbol Technologies Palm Computing Device. Mobile Generation Software has not fully tested MobileDB Lite with any 3rd party memory boards, accessories, or operating system altering hacks. Therefore, use these in conjunction with MobileDB Lite at your own risk.

How to Install MobileDB Lite and MobileDB databases

Use the Palm Computing Installation tool to install mobiledblite.prc. Likewise, use your Palm Computing Installation tool to install MobileDB databases (databasename.pdb). For more information on using your Palm Computing Installation tool, consult your Palm Computing Device instructions.

Differences between MobileDB and MobileDB Lite

MobileDB is a full read/write database application that will allow the user to create, view, update, and delete databases on any Palm Computing (R) Platform device. MobileDB Lite is the freeware, read only version which does not allow the user to create or update databases or record records on the Palm Computing Platform device. Therefore ot utilize MobileDB Lite, you must utilize one of the MobileDB converter to create the MobileDB databases or download existing MobileDB database from the internet (See Where to find MobileDB databases). MobileDB Lite is intended for the occasional databaseuser that needs only to view a database on the PalmPilot and not update it. We believe that there is no reason to pay extra for functionality that you do not need. Note: MobileDB and MobileDB Lite databases are exactly the same - it is the MobileDB Lite application that does not allow the user to modify the information. To download a trial version of MobileDB, see http://www.mobilegeneration.com.

MobileDB Converters

The number of MobileDB database converters for Windows, Mac, and Unix are too numerous to mention here. There are mutiple converters that will allow you to create MobileDB databases from comma seperated files, MS Access databases, Filemaker Pro databases, etc.. Please check out our MobileDB Converters web page on our site for all the details on the freeware and shareware converters.

Where to Find Existing MobileDB Databases

There already are hundreds of MobileDB databases available for your use. Before you create a database, check out the Mobile Generation Software archive to see if it may already have been created. The archive is available at http://www.mobilegeneration.com/databases. You will also find MobileDB databases at Memoware (www.memoware.com), PilotGear H.Q. (www.pilotgear.com), Eurocool (www.eurocool.com).

Remember - if you have created a database that others may be interested in, please email it to info@mobilegeneration.com in for inclusion into the MobileDB Database Archive. Please zip the file and include a completed ReadMeDB.txt file available at http://www.mobilegeneration.com/downloads/DBReadMe.txt. This will help reduce the number of new PalmOS users that download databases and do not know what to do with them. For more information on submitting databases, please see our web site at http://www.mobilegeneration.com/databases/submit.htm.

Usage

Start up

The MobileDB Lite application will launch into the database list. If you exited the application while in a database, the same database will be opened automatically on the next startup. This allows you to access the same database repeatedly without requiring the selection of the database.

Database List

The database list view allows the you to select the database to view. To select a database, simply tap the database name in the database list. This will launch the database and you will see the 'Record List' view with the database name at the top of the window.

You may select the MobileDB Lite application preferences by tapping the menu button soft key at the bottom left of the grafitti area and selecting 'MobileDB Lite Prefs.' For more information on the application preferences, see the application preferences section of this document.

Record List

The 'Record List' view allows you to view up to 10 records in the database at any one time. Using the soft key navigation arrows at the bottom right of the window, you can navigate the fields in the second column left and right and scroll the records in the database up and down. Note that these buttons are only showing if there is a possibility for navigation in that direction. You may also use the hard up/down keys to page up and down in the record list. If the 'Use Hard Keys for Scrolling' preference is set in the MobileDB application preferences, you can use the 'Address Book' and 'To Do' hard keys to navigate fields left and right in the second column. This allows for single hand navigation of the entire database.

The number of columns available in the record list view depends on the settings you have set using the MobileDB converter for windows. For more information see the MobileDB Converter for windows instructions.

You will notice that the bottom of the window contains a current record indicator which is shown as 'x of x'. This will indicates your location in the database by the record number at the top of the screen as the first number and the total number of records in the database as the second number.

To select a record for further viewing, simply tap the record to view. This will bring up the record in the 'Record View' mode.

To go back to the 'Database List' view, tap the 'Done' button.

Record View

The 'Record View' window allows the user to view the detailed information for the record selected from the record list.

If your database contains more than 10 fields, you will be able to scroll the fields up and down by using the soft arrows at the bottom right corner of the form. You make also use the hard scroll buttons to page up or page down the record field lists.

You may use the popup entry fields to display the entire field data by tapping on the up arrow next to the field. You will then be able to view the entire 200 characters for the field.

When completed viewing the record, tap the 'Done' button to go back to the 'Record List' view.

MobileDB Application Preferences

You can access the application preferences as 'MobileDB Lite Prefs' through the 'Options' drop down menu in either the 'Database List' view or the 'Record List' view. Once the 'MobileDB Lite Prefs' menu item has been selected, you can set or unset the following options:

'Use Hard Keys For Scrolling' - if set, the 'Address Book' and 'To Do" hard keys at the bottom of the Palm Computing device will act as left and right scroll navigation buttons in the 'Database List' view. This will allow for single-handed navigation of the entire database.

"Confirm Database Delete' - if set, this will cause the application to pop up the 'Are You Sure' dialog after the user selected to delete a database. This may be un selected for quickly deleting databases.

Database Preferences

You can access the database preferences as 'DB Preferences' through the 'Options' drop down menu in the 'Record List' view. Once the database preferences has been selected, you can set or unset the following options:

'Backup Database at Hotsync' - if set this will create a backup of the database and place it in your backup directory in your pilot user directory on your PC or Mac. You can then use this backup to convert to a comma separated file for further editing on the PC or Mac.

Sort Records

To sort records, select 'Sort Records' from the 'Tools' menu in the 'Record List' view. This will pop-up the 'Sort Records' form. Select the primary, secondary, and tertiary sort criteria by selecting the field to sort. Select the type of sort either Numeric or Alphabetic using the selection buttons and select the Ascending or Descending selection buttons if you would like that field to be sorted in ascending or descending order. Once the sort criteria has been set, select the 'OK' button to begin the sort.. This may take a few seconds depending on the number of records and complexity of the sort. Press 'Cancel' to cancel the sort form.

Filter Records

Filtering the records will allow you to view only the records that contain a specified set of text. To filter records, select 'Filter Records' from the 'Tools' menu in the 'Record List' view. This will pop-up the 'Filter Records' form. Type in the text and select the field to filter on. You may select up to three seperate filter criteria. Tap the 'OK' button to start the filter and the 'Cancel' button to cancel the filter.

Once the filter has been completed in the 'Record List' form, a small reverse 'F' will appear in the top right of the 'Record List' view to show that a filter is set. To turn off the filter, simply tap the 'f' and the filter will be turned off. You may also select the 'Show all Records' from the 'Tools' menu to turn the filter off and show all the records.

Find Record

To find a record with a specified string of text, use the Find text feature. Select 'Find Record' from the 'Tools' menu in the 'Record List' view to find a record. The 'Find Record' form will pop-up when you can enter the find text and select the field of which to search for the text. Press the 'Ok' button and the application will return to the 'Record List' and highlight the record with the text. To repeat the find, tap the small reverse 'R' at the top right of the screen. The application will continue to search for the text until it reaches the end of the database and it will prompt you to start from the beginning of the database.

Top of Database

To quickly jump ot the top of the database, select the 'Top of Database' in the 'Tools' menu or use the shortcut stroke '/T'.

Bottom of Database

To quickly jump ot the bottom of the database, select the 'Bottom of Database' in the 'Tools' menu or use the shortcut stroke '/B'.

Release Information

Version 1.31

Made changes ensure compatibility with PalmIIIx and PalmV

Version 1.3

Increased the speed of the find, filter, and sort by 70%-90%

Version 1.21

Fixed the 1000 record bug which caused a fatal error with databases over 1000 records.

Version 1.2

Changed MobileDB Lite to freeware, reduced the size of app by removing all registration features and edit column widths. Also fixed the 20th field bug which caused an error when sorting, filtering, or searching a database with 20 fields.

Version 1.1

These are the frst public releases of the MobileDB and MobileDB Lite registered/unreigstered versions. The software will work as an unregistered, 2 database limited, trial version until the user registers the software and enters the registration code based on the PalmOS user name of the device.

Version 1.0

First public release. This release is a full version of MobileDB, set to expire July 1, 1998. At this time, the 2 database trial versions of MobileDB and MobileDB Lite will be available. Users will also be able to register full versions of MobileDB and MobileDB Lite.

Registration

Mobile Generation Software has released MobileDB Lite as FREEWARE for general distribution. Therefore, this application is free to distrubute in any for as long as all the files in the zip file remain in tact. Please see the license.txt file fore more information license and distribution of MobileDB Lite.

MobileDB, the editable version of MobileDB Lite is shareware. The trial version of MobileDB will allow you to install or create up to 2 databases, however, there is no expiration.. Once registered, the application will remove the two database limitation and allow you to create up to 20 databases. The evaluation versions also have a 'bug' screen at each startup to remind you that you are using an evaluation version. MobileDB can be registered at URL below for $14.95.

As always, Mobile Generation Software will supply you with free upgrades to each of the MGS products that you register.

On-line Registration
Register MobileDB securely on the internet from the link provided at the MobileDB product page at Mobile Generation Software. Your MobileDB registration code will be emailed to you within 1 working day after receipt.

Registration by Phone
You can also register MobileDB through PalmPilotGear H.Q. at 1-800-741-9070. Your MobileDB registration code will be emailed to you within 1 working day after receipt.

Registration by Mail
You can register MobileDB by sending a check for $14.95 made out to Mobile Generation Software to the address blow. Also include the name of the software you are registering, your PalmOS username, and your email address. Your MobileDB registration code will be emailed to you within 1 working after receipt.

Mobile Generation Software
5023 W. 120th Suite #112
Broomfield, CO. 80020

License

For registration procedure information, see the registration procedures section

License Agreement

You should carefully read the following terms and conditions before using this software. Unless you have a different license agreement signed by Mobile Generation Software, your use of this software indicates your acceptance of this license agreement and warranty.

Governing Law

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Colorado.

Disclaimer of Warranty

THIS SOFTWARE AND THE ACCOMPANYING FILES ARE SOLD "AS IS" AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES AS TO PERFORMANCE OR MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. Because of the various hardware and software environments in which MobileDB or MobileDB Lite may be utilized, NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS OFFERED.

Good data processing procedure dictates that any program be thoroughly tested with non-critical data before relying on it. The user must assume the entire risk of using the program. ANY LIABILITY OF THE SELLER WILL BE LIMITED EXCLUSIVELY TO PRODUCT REPLACEMENT OR REFUND OF PURCHASE PRICE.

Evaluation and Registration
MobileDB Lite is free software for general distribution. Please see the distribution information below in the 'distribution' section.

MobileDB is not free software. Subject to the terms below, you are hereby licensed to use MobileDB software for evaluation purposes for 30 days only. If you use this software after the 30 day evaluation period, a registration fee of $14.95 is required. Please see the registration process section for more information on registering MobileDB. This will also remove the 2 database limit on the unregistered versions of MobileDB. Unregistered use of MobileDB after the 30 day evaluation period is in violation of U.S. and international copyright laws.

Distribution

You are hereby licensed to make as many copies of the this software and documentation as you wish; give exact copies of the original version to anyone; and distribute the software and documentation in its unmodified form via electronic means. All the original documents and files must remain intact and unchanged. There is no charge for any of the above.

You are specifically prohibited from charging, or requesting donations, for any such copies, however made; and from distributing the software and/or documentation with other products (commercial or otherwise) without prior written permission.

Registered Version

One registered copy of MobileDB may only be used by a single person on one Palm Computing Platform Device. Since the registration code is derived from the PalmOS user name, a new registration code is required for each Palm Computing Platform device.

Send comments and requests about this information to info@mobilegeneration.com or visit the Mobile Generation Site at: http://www.mobilegeneration.com

How To become a MobileDB Content Partner

Mobile Generation Software is interested in partnering with web content providers or anyone interested in developing and maintaining any MobileDB content databases. Mobile Generation Software will promote the MobileDB databases and the content sites in MobileDB Press Releases and long descriptions. For more information on the MobileDB content partner program, please point your browser to http://www.mobilegeneration.com/databases