The ZX Data-Finder is one of quite a variety of data handling programs now available. Typical uses for such programs include: names & addresses; inventory catalogues; customer/client records; graphic charts; product descriptions; statistics; appointment calendar; personnel files; hobby collection/with cross referencing. ZX Data-Finder does these and more because the flexibility of the program lends itself readily to a wide variety of applications.
Files can be added as needed and are set up simply by assigning names. By assigning the same name to files it is possible to extend each file to the limits of user memory. For example, my “phone” file has eight screens full of numbers. In addition I have a file set up for each of the coming six months. Each file contains appointments, anniversaries, birthdays as well as reminders of upcoming events or obligations for that particular month.
Individual file length is not preset but can expand or contract as items are added or deleted. The maximum length of each file is fourteen lines (the total display area). The remaining lines are devoted to providing the program options available to the user.
Functions include: “ADD” for creating new file headings; “EDIT” for adding, altering, or deleting lines of existing files. The ADD/EDIT mode incorporates a moveable blinking cursor to select the desired line for editing.
The DATA-SEARCH/DISPLAY functions include:
1) “Title search” to find all files with the same title and display them as they were originally set up. This feature allows storage of text and graphics.
2) “Word search” locates files which contain a requested word, symbol, or phrase. A simple procedure can be used when attempting to recover data if you have forgotten the category you entered it under.
After every display you have these options:
1) Continue searching for the next item.
2) Begin a WORDSEARCH and list all appropriate file headings (file indexing).
3) Begin a word search and display complete files.
4) Return to a previous file display of the same title (this feature allows easy back and forth referral between text of files which are longer than one screen in length).
5) Begin a new file search.
The most noticeable shortcoming of other programs that I have seen is that the user is confined to one set format for a file once it is started. For example, if a file is set up as “Inventory” then the entire file would naturally lend itself to data formatted specifically for that purpose. Frequently the file space allowable is more than the user needs yet the remaining space cannot be used for other files.
Then, if data retrieval from a file named “Addresses” is desired, the user must LOAD it from yet another cassette. A few repetitions of this kind would lead to the conclusion that the computer is not geared to serious data retrieval.
In contrast, the ZX Data-Finder allows the user to design each file required to the exact specifications needed.
One LOAD would then give information from any number of different files instantly without constantly reLOADing from different tape files.
The amount of data the ZX Data-Finder can hold in just 16K is surprising. It has a carefully designed system which uses rather sophisticated string manipulation to squeeze the most out of the 16K pack.
The program listing also comes with extensive documentation which is a comprehensive course in how the Sinclair ZX81 or T/S 1000 handles data string manipulations. This provides an understanding of file handling which I have not found anywhere else.
In conclusion, this is the most useful and economical program dedicated to the task of data handling that I have found yet.
SOFTWARE PROFILE
Name: The ZX Data-Finder
Type: Data handling
System: 8K ROM; 16K RAM
Format: Listing
Summary: The most useful and economical data handling program I have yet found.
Price: $9.95
Manufacturer:
Thomas B. Woods
P.O. Box 64
Jefferson, NH 03583