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                                  Version 1.1



  
      Desktop Information Storage / Retrieval System for Microsoft Windows




                                  Published By

                                   ErgoSoft AG
                                Moosgrabenstrasse
                                 Altnau, TG 8595
                                   Switzerland
                                



      Program and Documentation Copyright 1991, 1992 by ErgoSoft AG, 
      All Rights Reserved. Archon is a trademark of ErgoSoft AG. 
      Other product and company names are trademarks of their respective 
      owners.

                         T a b  l e   o f   C o n t e n  t s


         1. What Is Archon? .........................5
              Highlights ............................5
              Other features ........................6
              About ErgoSoft AG .....................7
              Differences between Archon and Lotus Magellan     7
              Differences between Archon and ZyIndex 8
              How do I best start using Archon? .....8
         2. Introduction ............................9
              Shareware .............................9
              Benefits of registering ...............9
              How to register .......................9
              Typography and naming conventions .....10
              Late-breaking news ....................11
              How to contact ErgoSoft ...............11
         3. Quick Start .............................13
              Necessary equipment ...................13
              Optional equipment ....................13
              Installation ..........................13
              Quick guided tour .....................14
              Where to go from here .................16
         4. General Concepts ........................17
              The challenge .........................17
              Using Archon ..........................17
              The graphical user interface and the desktop 18
              Archives, database, and their functions18
         5. Reference ...............................20
              Getting started .......................20
                   Installing Archon ................20
                   Registering as a customer ........20
              General functions .....................21
                   Help .............................21
                   Mark objects .....................22
                   Erase the selection of all objects22
              Import and export .....................22
                   Import files .....................22
                   Export cbjects ...................23
              Retrieval .............................24
                   Searching the archive ............24
                   Predefined searches ..............25
                   Conduct a predefined search ......25
                   Modifying a predefined search ....26
              Handling objects ......................26
                   Information on objects ...........26
                   Change name and description ......27
                   Edit objects .....................27
                   View objects .....................28
                   Print objects ....................28
                   Remove objects from the desktop ..28
                   Delete objects ...................29
                   Copy objects to the clipboard ....29
                   Copy data from the clipboard .....29


         1.  What Is Archon?                   Page 2





              Desktop appearance ....................30
                   Group objects on the desktop .....30
                   Arrange the desktop ..............30
                   Snap objects to the grid .........30
                   Hide objects .....................30
                   Unhide objects ...................31
              Maintenance ...........................31
                   Customize the desktop ............31
                   Add or change file formats and methods  32
                   Reorganize the data base .........32
         6. Options and Tuning ......................33
              File formats ..........................33
              How format detection works ............34
              General concepts: formats, method and items  35
              Changing an existing format ...........36
              Adding a custom file format ...........37
              Adding a custom method ................38
              Using more than one Archon database ...39
         7. Troubleshooting .........................41
              Some imported files are recognized as "BLOBS"     41
              Function Key labels are too small .....42
              Not enough memory .....................42
              Application execution error ...........42
              Query reports "No object found." ......43
              Incomplete list of keywords ...........43
              No object selected ....................44
              Can't find objects on the desktop. ....44
              Icons overlap .........................45
              Icons still overlap after SNAP. .......45
         8. Appendixes and Glossary .................46
              Appendix A  Method language reference .46
              Appendix B  Uninstalling Archon .......48
              Appendix B  Application Limits ........49
              Glossary ..............................49
         Index ......................................51



                          T a  b l e   o f   F i g u r  e s


         Figure 1.: Archon desktop ..................14
         Figure 2.: Registration dialog .............20
         Figure 3.: Order dialog ....................21
         Figure 4.: Data import dialog ..............22
         Figure 5.: Data export dialog ..............23
         Figure 6.: Object retrieval dialog .........24
         Figure 7.: Object information dialog .......26
         Figure 8.: Name and description dialog .....27
         Figure 9.: Function bar dialog .............31
         Figure 10.: Icon configuration dialog ......32
         Figure 11.: Default methods configuration dialog  32
         Figure 12.: Edit profile dialog ............36
         Figure 13.: Adding custom method dialog ....38


         1.  What Is Archon?                   Page 3







         Last revised: July 23, 1992





















































         1.  What Is Archon?                   Page 4





         1 .  W h  a t   I s   A r c h o n  ?

                         Welcome to the desktop information management
                         revolution. If you want to manage many or large
                         files, Archon is the product for you. Archon is a
                         unique combination of features not offered by any
                         other product we are aware of:

         Fulltext Retrieval  with automatic keyword extraction out of
                         text, spreadsheet and archive files. Locate
                         your data by entering some keywords appearing
                         anywhere in the file.

         Object Database Long file names are just one of the many
                         benefits of the underlying Object Database,
                         which forms the foundation for the hierarchical
                         storage management of Archon.

         Unlimited storage   is offered by the Hierarchical Storage
                         Management System by automatically distributing
                         files over all assigned storage media,
                         including removable disks. Have Archon handle
                         the once tedious task of archiving files to
                         floppy disks.

            Ease of use  was one of the primary development goals in the
                         Archon project. Active files appear on a
                         desktop and may be manipulated directly. Edit
                         files by double-click, or delete files by
                         dropping them into the trash can.

         Proven reliability  The OBJSTORE (object storage and retrieval
                         system) developed for Archon is used in another
                         ErgoSoft product, Amadeus. Amadeus is an
                         acoustic quality assurance system currently
                         used by major german automobile companies like
                         AUDI, GM-OPEL, VW.




         Highlights

         Fulltext retrieval  not only for text documents but also for
                         spreadsheets and archive files. You don't have
                         to enter keywords to be able to find your
                         files. Archon automatically extracts keywords
                         out of your files. Import a letter to Mr.Smith
                         about International Sales and you will find it
                         by just entering the query Smith International
                         Sales. The retrieval system is extremely fast
                         and supports boolean searches and wildcards.




         1.  What Is Archon?                   Page 5





         Supports all files  Archon "knows" a great variety of file for-
                         mats. It uses this knowledge for decoding the
                         internal file structure and for extracting
                         textual information. 64 file formats have
                         built-in support, for example:

                         PKZIP, ARJ, LHARC, ARC

                         WinWord, MS-Word, WordPerfect,

                         Excel, Lotus, Symphony,

                         CorelDraw, Designer, Pagemaker

                         Paintbrush, TIFF
                         to name just some of the most popular file
                         formats. We are constantly adding new formats,
                         and the user may add custom formats.

         Unlimited storage   Removable media (floppy discs, optical
                         discs etc.) may be used by the Hierarchical
                         Storage Management System. When your harddisk
                         fills up, the least recently used files migrate
                         to numbered removable media. When one of these
                         files is accessed again, Archon requests the
                         corresponding disk and moves the file back to
                         the hard disk. This way, you have virtually
                         unlimited storage capacity.




         Other features

            Easy to use  Direct manipulation user interface: Delete
                         files by dropping them to the trash can, start
                         queries with a double-click on the file cabinet
                         etc.

         File descriptions   A file description may be entered manually
                         or pasted from the clipboard. Components of the
                         descriptions become keywords and may be used
                         during retrieval.

         Long file names Once imported into Archon, a file can be given
                         a long, descriptive name.

         Storage management  Archon distributes it's database over all
                         given storage media. It takes care to use
                         available storage space efficiently.






         1.  What Is Archon?                   Page 6





           Customisable  Definition of custom file formats is just a
                         matter of minutes. The Indexer Macro Language
                         (IML) is meant for advanced users and gives
                         access to all features of the automatic
                         indexing engine.




         About ErgoSoft AG

                         ErgoSoft AG was founded in 1980 with the intent of
                         creating software primary for technical
                         applications. ErgoSoft is marketing today

                 ARCHON  Desktop Information Storage/Retrieval. ARCHON
                         is our first low cost, high volume product.
                         Without a marketing organisation in the U.S.A.,
                         we decided to market Archon in north america as
                         Shareware. We will introduce the german retail
                         version with some additional features very
                         soon. ARCHON PLUS with network support will be
                         available by the end of 1992.

                AMADEUS  quality control system. AMADEUS is a quality
                         control system for all acoustic and vibration
                         related goods. By analyzing sound and vibration
                         patterns, the system can isolate and reject bad
                         parts automatically. AMADEUS and the related
                         products are used by some major european
                         companies like AUDI, GM-OPEL, VW.

               POLYSIGN  CAD solution for Signmakers. POLYSIGN is a
                         high-end product for customers with demand for
                         many different production systems like milling
                         cutter (router), waterjet, laser cutter,
                         flatbed- and rollplotter.




         Differences between Archon and Lotus Magellan

           File formats  Archon is a Windows application and supports
                         the file formats used by other Windows
                         programs, while Magellan is geared towards DOS
                         applications.









         1.  What Is Archon?                   Page 7





         Storage Management  Archon manages all the storage you want,
                         automatically. It will migrate files to remov-
                         able media, effectively treating them as an
                         extension of your hard disk. Magellan
                         compresses and indexes files on your hard disks
                         only, it will not offload to removable media.

         Custom File Formats Archon users may add their own formats,
                         complete with automatic indexing using our
                         'Indexer Macro Language'.




         Differences between Archon and ZyIndex

         General purpose Archon is a general purpose information
                         management system, while ZyIndex is geared
                         towards text files.

         Custom file formats Archon users may add their own file for-
                         mats, with full automatic indexing support.
                         ZyIndex treats unknown file formats as ASCII
                         text, giving an unreliable index.

         Object oriented filing   Archon features an object oriented
                         filing system with automatic storage manage-
                         ment, while ZyIndex is limited by the DOS file
                         system.




         How do I best start using Archon?

                         Installing Archon is just a matter of minutes. Ar-
                         chon features a truly intuitive drag-and-drop user
                         interface, making operation so simple you will
                         probably never need the manual.

                           We recommend keeping the files you are currently
                           working on as normal DOS files.

                           Regularly move files you temporarily don't need
                           into Archon. If you have the time, you may extend
                           the file names to something more meaningful.

                           When you need one of these files later, use the
                           QUERY command to retrieve it via keywords. You
                           may edit, view and print without leaving Archon.






         1.  What Is Archon?                   Page 8





         2 .  I n  t r o d u c t i o n




         Shareware

                         If you obtained Archon from a shareware disk
                         vendor, an on-line computer service or bulletin
                         board, a friend or colleague, or another similar
                         source, you have an unregistered (trial) copy. As
                         the copyright holder for Archon, ErgoSoft AG allows
                         and encourages you to use this trial copy without
                         charge for a limited period of time, under the
                         terms of the Archon license agreement (see
                         LICENSE.TXT). After this time is up, you must pur-
                         chase (register and pay for) Archon to continue
                         using it.

                         This method of distribution is known as shareware.
                         It allows you to determine whether Archon meets
                         your needs before you pay for it. The registration
                         fee for a single copy of Archon is $69 (add $8 for
                         shipping outside of Europe).




         Benefits of registering

                   Disk  A disk with the latest release of Archon.

                 Manual  A typeset-quality printed and bound manual.

                Upgrade  A free or low-cost upgrade to our next major
                         release.

                Support  Free technical support by electronic mail, fax,
                         telephone or mail.





         How to register

                         If you regularly use Archon, it starts reminding
                         you to register after a certain time. This
                         registration reminder is not intended to bother you
                         and Archon will continue to function normally. When
                         you decide to register, just enter the relevant
                         information and Archon will print the filled-out
                         order for you:



         2.  Introduction                      Page 9





                           To make the registration reminder go away, select
                           the command Register in the menu Options. A
                           dialog box appears and asks you for some personal
                           data.

                           When you have completed your personal data, press
                           Order to go to the order form.

                           Enter the number of packages you want, disk size
                           and method of payment.

                           To print out the order form for mailing or
                           telefaxing, press Print.

                           To create a file select File. If you have access
                           to electronic mail systems like CompuServe or
                           Internet, you may send this form directly by e-
                           mail to CompuServe ID 100012,147 or Internet
                           100012.147@CompuServe.Com.

                           When we receive your order, we will send you a
                           temporary registration number as quickly as pos-
                           sible. You will receive your permanent
                           registration number with your software package.




         Typography and naming conventions

                         This manual uses special typefaces to distinguish
                         between text that you type, glossary terms, keys
                         you press and file names.

         Monospaced type     This typeface represents text as it appears on
                         screen, as well as anything you type.

                Italics  Italics are used to emphasize certain words and to
                         introduce new terms, which are defined in the
                         Glossary.

                 Keycap  This special typeface represents a key on your
                         keyboard. It often indicates a particular key
                         you should press; for example , "Press DEL to
                         erase the character to the right of the
                         pointer".

               ALL CAPS  All caps is used to represent DOS directories
                         and file names.







         2.  Introduction                     Page 10





         Late-breaking news

                         If there have been any changes or additions to
                         Archon since this manual was printed, you may read
                         about them in the README.TXT file provided with
                         your master disk.

                         To read the file, use a DOS or Windows word
                         processor to open the file on the original
                         distribution disk or in the Archon directory.
                         README.TXT is copied to your Archon directory
                         during installation.

                         You may print the README.TXT file for easy refer-
                         ence.




         How to contact ErgoSoft

             CompuServe  The best way to contact ErgoSoft is through
                         CompuServe. We maintain a regular presence on
                         the Microsoft Windows Advanced Users Forum
                         (Type GO WINADV). Leave your questions or
                         comments there for the support staff to
                         process. If you prefer, you may write a
                         electronic mail message to CompuServe ID
                         100012,147.

               Internet  If you have access to the Internet you may send
                         electronic mail to us at
                         100012.147@CompuServe.Com.

          Fax or Letter  Please send your letter to the address below.

                         ErgoSoft AG
                         Attn: Archon
                         Moosgrabenstrasse
                         Altnau, CH 8595, Switzerland

                         Tel:    +41 72 65 27 57
                         Fax:    +41 72 65 10 64

         Information to provide   Whichever method of contact you
                         choose, you must provide the following
                         information:

                               Product name.

                               Version, from the "Help-About..." dialog.





         2.  Introduction                     Page 11





                               Computer brand and model, and the brands
                               and model numbers of any additional
                               hardware.

                               Contents of your AUTOEXEC.BAT and
                               CONFIG.SYS


















































         2.  Introduction                     Page 12





         3 .  Q u  i c k   S t a r t

                         This chapter is intended for experienced users and
                         will get you up and running in minimal time.




         Necessary equipment

               Computer  Any IBM AT, PS/2, or fully compatible computers
                         using the Intel 286, 386 or higher processor.

         Operating System    Microsoft Windows 3.0 or 3.1, which re-
                         quires DOS 3.1 or later. Only standard or
                         enhanced mode are supported, Archon does not
                         run in real mode.

                 Memory  At least 2MB of random-access memory.

             Disk drive  A hard disk with at least 1MB of free disk
                         space for program files and a minimal database.




         Optional equipment

                  Mouse  We strongly recommend using a mouse with
                         Archon. Any pointing device compatible with
                         Windows will work.

           Floppy Disks  Archon can migrate files by using floppy disks
                         to store files that do not fit on the harddisk.

          Optical Disks  All optical disks accessible as normal DOS
                         devices may be used.





         Installation

                         To install Archon on your system, just copy all the
                         files from the distribution disk into a
                         subdirectory and add the ARCHON.EXE to one of your
                         program manager groups.

                           Change to the root directory of the disk drive
                           where you want to install Archon. We assume this
                           is drive C:, but it may be any drive with enough
                           free disk space.



         3.  Quick Start                      Page 13





                           If you are installing from floppy disk, type
                           A:INSTALL A: C: from the DOS prompt if the in-
                           stallation disk is in drive A:.

                           If you have downloaded or otherwise obtained the
                           selfextracting archive file, extract by entering
                           the command C:\DOWNLOAD\ARCHP if the archive file
                           is in the directory C:\DOWNLOAD. The self-
                           extracting file will ask for confirmation before
                           starting the expansion process.

                           Start windows and add the file
                           C:\ARCHON\ARCHON.EXE to one of your program
                           manager groups or start it from the file manager.

                           Start ARCHON.EXE and you will be presented with
                           the initial configuration screen.




         Quick guided tour

                         When you have successfully installed Archon, you
                         will be presented with the empty Archon desktop
                         with tribar, printer, trash can, file cabinet, and
                         harddisk icons at the right side and a graphical
                         representation of your function keys at the bottom.
                         The following 'Quick tour' guides you through the
                         most important functions of Archon in a few
                         minutes.













                         Figure 1.: Archon desktop

         Import a text file

                           Click on the F3 function key.

                           Change to your Archon directory (C:\ARCHON) and
                           double-click on the file FORMATS.TXT. The file is
                           added to the New objects list box, and Notepad
                           appears in the Format combo box.


         3.  Quick Start                      Page 14





                           Click on the Import button. The import dialog box
                           disappears and FORMATS.TXT is copied into the
                           Archon database. When importing is finished, a
                           new icon appears in the Archon window,
                           'FORMATS.TXT'.

                           NEW! File manager drop and drop!
                           You may also import file(s) into Archon by
                           dragging them from the file manager window into
                           Archon.

                           to move files into Archon, press and hold the the
                           Shift key while dragging files.

         Load the imported file into Notepad

                           Double-click on the FORMATS.TXT icon. The notepad
                           application is started and FORMATS.TXT is loaded.

                           Add something like QUICK BROWN FOX to this text.

                           Save it and leave notepad. The changed text is
                           reloaded into Archon and keywords are updated.

         Remove the file from the desktop

                           Click once on the FORMATS.TXT icon to select it.
                           The color of the icon is reversed.

                           Chose the EDIT RETURN menu entry or drag and drop
                           it to the file cabinet. FORMATS.TXT will dis-
                           appear from the desktop. It has not been deleted,
                           only removed from the desktop.

         Retrieve the file using keywords

                           Double-click the file cabinet icon or press
                           F7=query.

                           Enter any keywords you have seen in FORMATS.TXT,
                           e.g. WinWord Formats FORMATS.TXT will appear in
                           the Object Pool list box.

                           Press ADD to add it to the list of selected
                           objects, Object Selection.

                           Press OK to put FORMATS.TXT back onto the desk-
                           top.








         3.  Quick Start                      Page 15





         Create a long file name, add optional description

                           Click on the icon of FORMATS.TXT once. Color is
                           reversed, indicating selection.

                           Press F6=Description.

                           Change the name to something like FORMATS.TXT
                           Supported formats and press OK. Note that the
                           full file name is now displayed on the desktop.

         Get information about a file

                           Press F2=Info to view information on selected
                           file(s).

         Get global storage information

                           Double-clicking on the tribar (Archon) icon will
                           show you the free and used storage space, and the
                           number of objects in the archive.

         Permanently delete a file from the archive

                           Drag the file FORMATS.TXT over the trash can and
                           release the mouse button.

                           Do not confirm the deletion at this time but
                           press No.

                           Selecting Yes would permanently delete this file
                           from the archive.

                         You may try out some of your own files next. Archon
                         works just as easily with .BMP, .XLS, .DOC and many
                         more. See file FORMATS.TXT for a list of built-in
                         file formats.




         Where to go from here

                         We recommend your reading the following chapters:

              Reference  For learning about specific procedures in
                         detail.

         General concepts    For a general introduction.

         Trouble shooting    For what to do when problems come up.





         3.  Quick Start                      Page 16





         4 .  G e  n e r a l   C o n c e p  t s




         The challenge

                         The limitations of the DOS filing system are well
                         known:

         Short file names    Eight characters are just too short.
                         Experienced users often resort to a strict
                         naming convention which encodes both content
                         and the date of creation into this limited
                         length. This leads to files named like
                         MIS0402.DOC for a memo to international sales
                         of April 2.

         Hierarchical file system The hierarchical files system with
                         it's subdirectories is intended to help in
                         organizing files, but in practice files get
                         lost somewhere in the tree of subdirectories.

              Archiving  Archiving old or outdated files is manual.
                         Sooner or later, your harddisk is full and you
                         don't know which files can be safely deleted or
                         moved to floppy disks.

              Retrieval  There is no support to find a given document by
                         content. So called "file finder" utilities will
                         only help for a limited number of file formats.
                         Furthermore, search through all files is
                         inherently slow.




         Using Archon

                         Archon is designed to take up all those data files
                         that are likely to float around on your harddisk.
                         After installing Archon, you regularly import old
                         files from your working directories into Archon.
                         These files are now out of the way, and you don't
                         have to scroll through endless directory lists to
                         open that letter you wrote yesterday. When you need
                         a file, possibly years later, you will have
                         forgotten its name, but you will remember some
                         words of context. This is enough to conduct a
                         successful Archon query and retrieve the file in
                         seconds.





         4.  General Concepts                 Page 17





         The graphical user interface and the desktop

                         Archon is a Windows application. To start right off
                         with Archon you need some experience with Windows,
                         we assume that you are familiar with the basic
                         operation of Windows.

         The desktop metaphor     To make operation as simple as
                         possible, Archon simulates a normal desktop.
                         Files may be moved around, dropped into the
                         trash can, or put back into the file cabinet
                         when they are no longer needed.

              Usability  Different users have different ways of doing
                         things with computers. We wanted to create an
                         application that does what the user indends to
                         do. Every operation can be accomplished in one
                         of three ways:

                               by using the Pull Down Menus.

                               by direct manipulation, also called "Drag and
                               Drop".

                               by using the Keyboard.




         Archives, database, and their functions

           Import files  To be able to work with a database, you first have
                         to import your files into the Archon database.
                         After this the files are called objects: elements
                         of a database that may be managed without effort.
                         During import the files are indexed, which means
                         that keywords are extracted and placed into a list
                         of words for that particular object. It is thus
                         possible, for instance, to locate individual words
                         in particular objects with the help of a simple
                         search. You only have to give in the words you want
                         to find and the program does the searching for you.

         Storage management  If your hard disk is completely full, you
                         can make use of the advantages of the advanced
                         storage managemen: Archon automatically exports
                         the least recently used objects to an external
                         storage unit. They may be recalled at any time
                         in the course of a search. While the inner
                         workings are quite complicated, the only
                         difference for you is access speed and the need
                         to insert specific disks when prompted to do
                         so.



         4.  General Concepts                 Page 18





         Exporting files Objects may be exported with a simple command.
                         This means that they are copied or moved from
                         the database back to the DOS file system.
                         Archon does never, ever change the contents of
                         a file.



















































         4.  General Concepts                 Page 19





         5 .  R e  f e r e n c e

                         In this chapter you will find quick overviews of
                         the most important operations and procedures for
                         working with Archon. The chapter is specially
                         suited to a reference work for daily usage or for
                         whenever you want quick information on concrete
                         methods.




         Getting started

         Installing Archon

                           Activate file manager.

                           Select the drive for the Archon-diskette.

                           Double-click on the installation file.

                           Archon creates the sub-directory \Archon and
                           installs itself.

                           Finally you should assign the Archon-icon to a
                           group window.

         Registering as a customer

                         You are required to register your use of Archon if
                         you want to use it after the trial period.

                           Select menu Options, command Register.













                         Figure 2.: Registration dialog

                           Enter your name and address and press Order when
                           done. This takes you to the order form:





         5.  Reference                        Page 20

















                         Figure 3.: Order dialog

                           We prefer payment by credit card, but you may pay
                           by cheque as well if it is drawn on a large bank
                           with international presence.

                           To send your order by fax or by postal mail,
                           press Print and the completed order will be
                           printed, ready for mailing.

                           To send your order by electronic mail, select
                           File and you may write a text file with the
                           completed order. Send this file to:
                           CompuServe ID 100012,147 or to
                           Internet 100012.147@CompuServe.Com.




         General functions

         Help

                           Select menu Help
                           or function key F1.

                           The Index gives you an overview on themes for
                           which help is available.

                           Commands gives comments on the different Archon-
                           commands.

                           Procedures gives examples for typical, frequent
                           procedures.

                           Shareware explains the software distribution
                           concept of shareware.

                           Help on Help explains how to use the help system.





         5.  Reference                        Page 21





         Mark objects

                         Most operations work on what is called the
                         "selection", which consists of all objects marked
                         by the user. Selected objects have their color re-
                         versed. Methods to select objects:

                           Click on the object with the mouse
                           or press the CTRL key and then type in the number
                           of the object which appears right next to it.

                           Keep key SHIFT pressed down for selecting more
                           than one object
                           or use the right mouse button to toggle the se-
                           lection state of an object without changing the
                           state of other objects.

                           Open a rubber band rectangle by pressing and
                           holding the left mouse button and pulling up a
                           rectangle. All objects within this rectangle will
                           be selected.

                           Add objects to the selection by opening a rubber
                           band rectangle with the right mouse button.

         Erase the selection of all objects

                           Click on any empty space on the desktop with the
                           mouse, or mark the object once again.




         Import and export

         Import files













                         Figure 4.: Data import dialog

                           Select Menu File, command Data Import...
                           or function key F3
                           or double-click on the hard disk tool.


         5.  Reference                        Page 22





                           Select the files for import from the Files area,
                           on the left side of the dialog box, and activate
                           Add to assign them to the list of New Objects.

                           Remove files from the New Objects list by marking
                           and then activating Remove.

                           Indexing: select full if you want all words of
                           your documents indexed or quick to index only the
                           document header. This setting is only relevant
                           for text files. Quick indexing is recommended for
                           documents containing a very large number of
                           words, e.g. books.

                           Copy or move: select move to delete successfully
                           imported files from the DOS file system. If you
                           select copy, a duplicate of your files will be
                           created in the Archon database.

                           Object Name: you may change the name of the
                           imported file to anything you wish.

                           Format: you may manually change the file type, if
                           Archon does not recognize it. This is intended as
                           an information only.

                           Description: You may describe your files before
                           importing them. Every word in the description may
                           later be searched for.

                           Press Import when you have completed the list of
                           files to be imported.

         Export cbjects

                         You may export an object's data to a DOS file, for
                         example to copy it to another computer.
                         NOTE: You don't have to export an object to be able
                         to edit, view or print it.










                         Figure 5.: Data export dialog

                           Mark the object(s) to export.




         5.  Reference                        Page 23





                           Select menu File, command Data Export...
                           or press F4
                           or drag and drop the object(s) to the harddisk
                           tool.

                           The original DOS file name and path is filled
                           into the fields File Name and Actual directory.

                           Select delete after copy if you want to delete
                           the object after it's data is copied to a DOS
                           file.

                           Press OK to start exporting the file.




         Retrieval

         Searching the archive

                         No matter where your files are stored physically,
                         with a few keywords you may retrieve any file
                         quickly and efficiently.













                         Figure 6.: Object retrieval dialog

                           Select menu Retrieval, command Query
                           or press function key F7
                           or double-click on the file cabinet tool.

                           Enter the keywords into the field Query expres-
                           sion. You may use boolean expressions and
                           wildcards:

                           * matches zero or more arbitrary characters
                           Examples: APPLE* will match Apple and Appletree
                           and Applepie. COLO*R will match both Color and
                           Colour.

                           ? matches exactly one arbitrary character.
                           Example: Appl? will match Apple and Apply.


         5.  Reference                        Page 24





                           Boolean operators are AND, OR. If no operator is
                           specified, AND is assumed. Thus the query APPLE
                           AND PIE is the same as APPLE PIE.

                           Press Search to start the search.

                           The number of matches will be displayed just
                           right of the Search button.

                           The names of all objects found during the query
                           will be filled into the Objectpool list box.
                           Select the objects to put on the desktop by
                           adding them to the Object selection list box.

                           To view the keywords of an object select it and
                           click on Show Keywords.

                           To start a new search just change the Query ex-
                           pression and click on Search.

                           When you have found your objects and added them
                           to the Object selection, press OK and they will
                           be put on the desktop.

         Predefined searches

                         Up to 10 query expressions may be predefined and
                         save for later referral.

                           Select menu Retrieval, sub menu Predefined,
                           command Define.

                           Type in a query expression and the name of the
                           search in the field questionname.

                           OK stores your predefined search.

         Conduct a predefined search

                         Once you have predefined a search expression, you
                         may use it any time, without re-entering all those
                         keywords.

                           Select menu Retrieval, sub-menu Predefined,
                           command Select...

                           Select the name of the desired predefined search.

         Modifying a predefined search

                           Select menu Retrieval, sub menu Predefined, com-
                           mand Modify...
                           or press SHIFT-F7.



         5.  Reference                        Page 25





                           Select the name of the predefined search to be
                           changed and modify.

                           Fill in the field Search strings.




         Handling objects

         Information on objects











                         Figure 7.: Object information dialog

                           Mark the object(s).

                           Select menu File, command Information...
                           or press function key F2.

                           Press Show Keywords to display the keywords as-
                           sociated with this object. If this list of
                           keywords is very large, a progress indicator will
                           open, allowing to cancel the operation.

                           Pressing Show Labels will redisplay the labels of
                           this object. Labels are used to store additional
                           information of an object, like:
                           FNAME  the original file name before it was im-
                           ported
                           NAME   the current name of the object
                           PATH   the DOS path this object was imported
                           from.














         5.  Reference                        Page 26





         Change name and description










                         Figure 8.: Name and description dialog

                           Mark the object.

                           Select menu File, command Description
                           or press the function key F6.

                           The field Objectname in the dialog box allows to
                           write in the new name, which will be displayed
                           when an object is shown on the desktop.

                           The field Description may be used to further
                           describe the object.

                         Note that the object in the figure above will be
                         found by any of the keywords 3dland lzh 3d fractal
                         generates landscapes, because all words contained
                         in the Objectname and Description will be added to
                         the index information of the corresponding object.

         Edit objects

                           Mark the object and select menu Objects, method
                           Edit
                           or press F5
                           or double-click on the object's icon.

                           The application associated with the object's file
                           type is launched and the object is loaded into
                           the application's windows. E.g. if you double-
                           click on a file containing unformatted text, the
                           Notepad application will be started. When the
                           application terminates, Archon will re-index the
                           file if it was changed.

                           You may change the program associated with a
                           given file format using the menu Options-
                           Configure-Profile. Please see the chapter
                           "Options and Tuning" for details.






         5.  Reference                        Page 27





         View objects

                           Mark the object and select menu Objects, method
                           View.

                           The application associated with the object's file
                           type is launched and the object is loaded into
                           the application's windows. E.g. if you use the
                           method View on a file containing unformatted
                           text, the Notepad application will be started.

                           The file loaded into to application is write pro-
                           tected, you will not be able to save any changes
                           you may have made. This is meant to protect you
                           from making accidental changes.

                           You may change the program that is associated
                           with a given file format using the menu Options-
                           Configure-Profile. Please see the chapter
                           "Options and Tuning" for details.

         Print objects

                           Mark the object.

                           Select menu Objects, method Print
                           or drag and drop the object's icon to the printer
                           tool.

                           The application associated with the object's file
                           type is launched and the object is loaded into
                           the application's windows. Then Archon sends the
                           application the command to print out the file.

                           NOTE: It may or may not be necessary to manually
                           close the application after printing has com-
                           pleted.

         Remove objects from the desktop

                         If your desktop becomes cluttered with lots of
                         files, you may remove objects from the desktop by
                         storing them away in the file cabinet. When you
                         need them later, just perform a query.

                           Mark the objects.

                           Drag and drop the objects into the file cabinet
                           or select menu Edit, command Return
                           or press CTRL-A.

                           To retrieve objects later, search the Archive
                           using the query function.



         5.  Reference                        Page 28





         Delete objects

                         If your are absolutely sure you will never need an
                         object again, you may delete it permanently. Please
                         note that Archon let's you keep track of old files
                         very easily. It may be a good idea to keep files
                         just in case you want to reference them later.

                         NOTE: Once deleted, an object can NOT be recovered
                         if it was moved into the archive during file
                         import.

                           Mark the objects.

                           Select menu Edit, command Delete
                           or press the DEL key
                           or drag and drop the object(s) into the trash
                           can.

                           Archon will ask for confirmation before deleting
                           objects.

         Copy objects to the clipboard

                         The clipboard is very useful for transferring text
                         and graphics data from one application to the
                         other. Just switch to another application and se-
                         lect menu Edit-Paste and the contents will be
                         inserted at the current position.

                           Mark the object.

                           Select menu Edit, command Copy.

         Copy data from the clipboard

                         This command may be used to paste text into a
                         marked object as a description or to create a new
                         object within Archon containing the clipboard data.

                         You want to copy a description from the clipboard
                         into one or more objects:

                           Mark the object or objects.

                           Select menu Edit, command Paste
                           or press SHIFT-INS.

                         You want to create a new object from the contents
                         of the clipboard:

                           Deselect all objects, if any are marked, by
                           clicking on the empty desktop.



         5.  Reference                        Page 29





                           Select menu Edit, command Paste
                           or press SHIFT-INS.




         Desktop appearance

         Group objects on the desktop

                           Click on the object with the mouse, drag it any-
                           where you want, then release the mouse button.
                           This is useful for grouping related objects to-
                           gether.

         Arrange the desktop

                         If you find your Archon desktop a mess:

                           Select menu Options, command Rearrange
                           or press SHIFT-F8.

                           Archon will arrange all objects and tools on the
                           grid specified in Options-Configure-Icons.

         Snap objects to the grid

                         If you want to keep the basic arrangement of your
                         desktop, but align icons on the grid:

                           Select menu Options, command Snap
                           or press F8.

                           Archon will move all objects to the nearest free
                           position on the grid specified in Options-
                           Configure-Icons. You can imagine this grid as a
                           rectangular layout of "magnets" that the icons
                           can lock to.

         Hide objects

                           Mark the objects.

                           Select menu Edit, command Hide
                           or press F9.

                           Marked objects on the desktop become invisible.

                           Select Edit-Show to make all hidden objects
                           visible again.






         5.  Reference                        Page 30





         Unhide objects

                         This command is used to reverse the effect of the
                         Hide command, making all objects visible again.

                           Select menu Edit, command Show
                           or press F10.

                           Objects once hidden with Hide reappear on desk-
                           top.




         Maintenance

                         You may change the appearance of the following
                         desktop items to your liking:

         Customize the desktop

           Function bar  You may change the type of keyboard, position, and
                         font size of the labels.

                           Select menu Options, sub menu Configure, command
                           Function bar.














                         Figure 9.: Function bar dialog

                  Icons

                           Select menu Options, sub menu Configure, command
                           Icons.

                           The dialog box that appears allows for changing
                           the size and the position of the object icons:







         5.  Reference                        Page 31












                         Figure 10.: Icon configuration dialog

                Methods  You may specify the function triggered by double-
                         clicking an object.







                         Figure 11.: Default methods configuration dialog

         Add or change file formats and methods

                         Please see the separate Chapter "Options and
                         tuning".

         Reorganize the data base

                         For optimum performance, we recommend reorganizing
                         the database under the following circumstances:

                           After deleting many objects with large indices.
                           Reorganising will optimize efficiency of the re-
                           trieval.

                           If you get the message Recovering database [some
                           file] when you start up Archon. Database files
                           are recovered when they have been left open,
                           either because of a power failure or of an appli-
                           cation error. Reorganizing the database will
                           check and, if necessary, repair the internal
                           consistency of the database.

                           When you get warnings while accessing an object,
                           indicating an inconsistent state of the database.

                           To start the reorganisation, select menu Options,
                           command Reorganize.









         5.  Reference                        Page 32





         6 .  O p  t i o n s   a n d   T u  n i n g

                         In this chapter we will give you an overview on how
                         to adapt Archon to your own personal needs with the
                         help of the command Profile from the sub menu
                         Options, Configure. Archon offers the possibility
                         of configuring your own new methods, of modifying
                         the standard set-ups for Edit, Print and View, or
                         of expanding the already extensive list of formats
                         that Archon automatically recognizes. Please check
                         the file README.TXT for information that did not
                         make it into the printed manual.




         File formats

                         If Archon recognizes a file to be, say, an EXCEL
                         file, then a double-click may call up EXCEL with
                         this auotmatically. Unlike the windows file man-
                         ager, Archon does not limit the association to a
                         single extension.

                         Archon can handle a virtually unlimited number of
                         file formats. Many popular formats have built-in
                         support, and you may add your own formats by
                         supplying the following information in the Options-
                         Configure-Profile menu.

            Data Format  name used within Archon. Examples: WinWord,
                         CorelDraw.

            Application  used for editing, viewing and printing the
                         file. If you get an application execution error
                         when you try to edit a file, you may use this
                         entry to tell Archon exactly where the program
                         is.
                         Examples: WINWORD, Z:\WIN\CORELDRW.

                  Masks  that indicate a file of the given type. A Masks
                         entry is a list of file name patterns,
                         separated by semicolons.
                         Examples:*.DO?;*.TXT
                                  *.XLS;*.XLC;*.XLM;*.XLW or simpler
                         *.XL?

                Tmpfile  defines the name of the temporary file that is
                         created when an object is edited, viewed, or
                         printed.






         6.  Options and Tuning               Page 33





                  Match  patterns are commands written in the Archon
                         Indexer Macro Language (IML). These enable
                         automatic format detection and full text
                         indexing of user defined file formats. Creating
                         a match string with full text indexing for an
                         new file format requires programming
                         experience. We are happy to help you with this.

                         To give you an idea, here is the match string for
                         the Windows Write file format:



                         Warning: extremely technical stuff ahead!


                         Match=B0=$31;B1=$BE;S=$E;LD@;M@-$80;S=$80;PN;

                         B0=$31; Format check: Byte at offset 0 must be $31

                         B1=$BE; Format check: Byte at offset 1 must be $BE

                         S=$E;   Indexer: Move read head to offset $E

                         LD@;    Load Double word into register @

                         M@-$80; Subtract $80 from register @

                         S=$80;  Seek to offset $80

                         PN;     Create full text index of the next N bytes,
                                 N=value of register @




         How format detection works

                         When a file is imported, it's type is matched to
                         one of the known data types using the following
                         procedure:

                           File name match: Build a list of all file types
                           with matching file names, using the Masks entry
                           Example: README.DOC may be of format Notepad,
                           IBM_TEXT, WinWord, MS-WORD.

                           For each of these file types: Check the file
                           format with the Match command, remove it from the
                           list if this test fails.

                           Should more than one file format remain, let the
                           user select the format from the list of remaining
                           formats.


         6.  Options and Tuning               Page 34





                         Please refer to the file FORMATS.TXT for details of
                         the predefined formats.




         General concepts: formats, method and items

                  Items  are stored in the profile file ARCHON.INI in a
                         separate section for each format. They are used
                         to define the program file, file types etc.
                         associated with a given format.
                         Example from an ARCHON.INI file:

                         [Archon.CorelDraw]
                         Application=r:\win\coreldrw\CORELDRW
                         Masks=*.CDR;*.CD

                         The profile item Application was used to specify
                         the full access path to the CorelDraw executable
                         file.

                         The Masks item is used to tell Archon to consider
                         both files with the extension .CDR and .CD as
                         possible CorelDraw files.

           Global items  specify the options that apply to Archon as a
                         whole, and not to specific formats.

                Formats  are the file formats recognized by Archon, e.g.
                         WinWord, WordPerfect etc. Each file format is
                         defined by its name and by the values of the
                         corresponding profile Items and Methods.

                         The format <global> defines the default values
                         of all items and methods. They are used if no
                         special entry is made for a specific profile
                         item of a given format.

                Methods  Methods define the actions that are executed when
                         manipulating objects. Predefined methods are Edit,
                         View and Print. You may use the Options-Configure-
                         Profile menu to see examples of the predefined
                         methods. When a method is activated, the
                         corresponding sequence of commands is executed.
                         Please see Appendix A for the method language
                         command reference.

                         Example: The default Edit command sequence

                         EXPORT #ID TO $TMP;RUN $APPLICATION+''+$TMP; IMPORT
                         $TMP TO #ID;DELFILE $TMP.




         6.  Options and Tuning               Page 35





                         The object #ID is first exported to the temporary
                         file $TMP. Then, the corresponding $APPLICATION
                         program is started, and when this has completed,
                         the file is re-imported into the same object in the
                         database. Then the temporary file is deleted.




         Changing an existing format










                         Figure 12.: Edit profile dialog

                           Select menu Options, menu Configure, command
                           Profile.

                           Select the format to change in the Data format
                           list box or <global> if you want to change a
                           global default value.

                           Use Show Items and Show Methods to toggle between
                           the display of profile items and of Method code.

                           Select the item or method to change, then edit
                           the contents of the value field.

                        Application names the application program assigned
                                    to the format (for example WORD in the
                                    case of MSWord).

                      Clipboard Fmt defines the format for storing the data
                                    in temporary files.

                              Masks are the standard file extensions used by
                                    application programs (such as *.DOC in
                                    WinWord, *.BMP in Paintbrush, etc.).

                              Match designates a series of codes with
                                    specific formats. To work with Match-
                                    set-ups, you should already have some
                                    experience with programming. Further
                                    help may be found in README.DOC and in
                                    FORMATS.TXT. The latter file contains a
                                    listing of Matches for all standard
                                    application programs.


         6.  Options and Tuning               Page 36





                            Tmpfile determines the name of a temporary file
                                    that is created for various Methods.

                           Press Reset Value to revert to the last value.

                           Press Set to Default to clear the format specific
                           value and use the default values instead.

                           Press OK to accept the last changes or Close to
                           discard current changes to the Value field.

                           NOTE: Upon leaving Archon after making changes to
                           the profile, you may either save are discard all
                           changes.




         Adding a custom file format

                         In order to define a custom file format, all you
                         have to do is enter three pieces of information
                         using the Options Configure Profile dialog:

            Data Format  The name of the new file format, e.g.
                         WinWord_20. Keep format names short or they may
                         not show entirely in the dialog fields, making
                         them hard to recognize.

            Application  The program that creates and edits the new file
                         format, e.g. C:\WINWORD\WINWORD.EXE or
                         WINWORD.EXE. You'll have to enter the full path
                         of the program file only if the applications
                         directory is not in the PATH variable. If you
                         donut know what this, just enter the full
                         filename and path and everything will be fine.

                  Masks  The file name templates that will be used as
                         indicators of the new file format, e.g.
                         *.DOC;*.TXT.



         optional: Match Since some file extensions are used by more
                         than one application, e.g. *.DOC, *.PIC etc.,
                         Archon adds a second level of file recognition
                         which will check the internal file structure.
                         Please see the chapter "File formats" for
                         details.

                           NOTE: Upon leaving Archon after making changes to
                           the profile, you may either save are discard all
                           changes.



         6.  Options and Tuning               Page 37








         Adding a custom method

                         Adding custom methods is useful for defining your
                         own actions, like sending a text to a FAX server or
                         duplicating an object.













                         Figure 13.: Adding custom method dialog

                           Select Options-Configure-Profile to get the
                           profile dialog.

                           Select format <global> to define a method that
                           make sense for all formats, or the format you
                           want to use with your new method.

                           If necessary, click on Show Methods to display
                           existing methods.

                           Enter the name of the Method you want to define,
                           e.g. Duplicate into the top of the Methods list
                           box. Press TAB when done and confirm the creation
                           of a new method.

                           Enter the operations to be executed into the
                           value field at the bottom. Be sure to use the
                           correct syntax, as defined in Appendix A: method
                           language reference.

                         Example: Method that duplicates the marked
                         object(s) and prefixes the name of the duplicate(s)
                         with "Copy of ":

           Method code:  LABEL N=#ID NAME;EXPORT #ID TO $TMP;IMPORT
                         $TMP;
                         DELFILE $TMP;RENAME #ID "Copy of "+$N

         LABEL N=#ID NAME;   Assign the label NAME of current object #ID
                         to variable N.



         6.  Options and Tuning               Page 38





         EXPORT #ID TO $TMP; Export object to path $TMP.

           IMPORT $TMP;  Import file $TMP, creating a new object.

          DELFILE $TMP;  Delete temporary file $TMP.

         RENAME #ID "Copy of "+$N Set name of imported object to "Copy
                         of" $N.




         Using more than one Archon database

                         Archon will by default use the file ARCHON.INI in
                         your windows directory for storing configuration
                         information. You can specify another configuration
                         file on the command line, allowing any number of
                         databases.

                         Creating a second database:

                           In program manager, create a new Archon icon with
                           File-New. Use Browse to locate the ARCHON.EXE
                           program file, e.g. C:\ARCHON\ARCHON.EXE.

                           Append the name of the new configuration file to
                           the Command line field. Note that you may include
                           a path.
                           Example: C:\ARCHON\ARCHON.EXE
                           N:\ARCHNET\ARCHON.INI. Archon will automatically
                           create the new file N:\ARCHNET\ARCHON.INI and
                           prompt you for the necessary information when you
                           first start this new program icon.

                         Notes:

                           In the current version of Archon, you can't
                           perform searches over multiple databases. You'll
                           have to remember which database a certain file is
                           in to locate it.

                           Be careful not to mix up the files of two
                           different databases. Make sure that you specify
                           different directories during setup and there will
                           be no problems.










         6.  Options and Tuning               Page 39





                           You may locate Archon databases on a network file
                           server to share information in a work group.
                           However, the current version allows only one
                           active user at any time. While someone is using a
                           particular database, the next user attempting to
                           open the same database will get the message
                           "Database is in use". Please contact ErgoSoft AG
                           for availability and pricing of the network
                           version.















































         6.  Options and Tuning               Page 40





         7 .  T r  o u b l e s h o o t i n  g

                         If difficulties should arise, you can usually
                         eliminate them very quickly, and that is the
                         purpose of this chapter, which will show you in
                         advance some of the typical problems and their
                         solution.

                         The file QUESTIONS.TXT in your Archon directory may
                         contain answers to further questions that were
                         added after the manual went into print.




         Some imported files are recognized as "BLOBS"

                Reason:  Archon did not recognise the files because:

                           The file name does not have one of the expected
                           extension(s).

                           The internal file structure does not match
                           expected values. This may occur when a new
                           version of an application appears which writes
                           files with a different format.

                           The file format is unknown.

            What to do:

                           Use the format combo box to manually select the
                           expected file format. If you can't find it, then
                           you'll have to define your own file format. See
                           chapter "Options and Tuning" for instructions.

                           If you find the expected format in the list,
                           check if one of the extensions that appear in the
                           Filename field matches the extension of your
                           file. If not, you should add the extension of
                           your file to the Masks entry of the respective
                           file format. Use the Options-Configure-Profile.

                           If the internal file format has changed because
                           of a new program version, then the Match string
                           will have to be changed. We are happy to help you
                           with this.









         7.  Troubleshooting                  Page 41





         Function Key labels are too small

                         On my 800*600 screen, the labels on the function
                         keys are almost unreadable. How can i change this?

                Reason:

                           The font size of the function key labels is too
                           small.

            What to do:

                           Use the menu Options-Function bar to increase the
                           font size.




         Not enough memory

                         While starting the program Archon reports: "Not
                         enough memory". Or while trying to edit an object
                         on the screen you read "Application execution
                         error: Not enough memory."

                Reason:

                           Storage space is insufficient. Windows users who
                           only have 2MB in the working storage probably
                           know this report all too well.

            What to do:

                           If you have a lot of other applications running,
                           try closing some of them.

                           Decrease the size of the memory allocated to a
                           cache-storage set up by SMARTDRV.SYS.

                           Extend the RAM on your PC.





         Application execution error

                         You are about to edit or view an object and receive
                         the report "Application execution error: File Not
                         Found".






         7.  Troubleshooting                  Page 42





                Reason:

                           Archon found the object but not the application
                           program corresponding to its format.

            What to do:

                           Put the sub-directory with the particular
                           application program on the path in the
                           AUTOEXEC.BAT file of your PC.

                           Change the application profile that was assigned
                           to the format involved by activating menu
                           Options, sub menu Configure, command Profile and
                           typing in the exact path.




         Query reports "No object found."

                Reason:

                           There is in fact no file which contains all the
                           search strings you typed in.

                           While importing the files involved you didn't
                           make use of the option "full text index" and thus
                           Archon didn't extract all the words of the text.

            What to do:

                           Cut down on the number of words in the search
                           strings and start the search, when necessary,
                           with even just a single word.

                           Make it a habit to import with option "full text
                           index". The exception are very large texts, e.g.
                           Books.




         Incomplete list of keywords

                Reason:

                           You may have turned "full text index" off before
                           starting the import. Thus Archon did not treat
                           the full vocabulary of the text while indexing.






         7.  Troubleshooting                  Page 43





                           Archon was unable to recognize the format of the
                           object and extracted thus only the title, date of
                           creation, and the name of the sub-directory in
                           which the file is located.

            What to do:

                           Import the file again, taking special care that
                           "full text index" is activated.

                           Give a detailed definition of the format by using
                           Options, Configure, Profile.




         No object selected

                Reason:

                           You have selected a command requiring you to
                           first mark an object (this happens, for example,
                           when working with the menu File, command
                           Information...). Marking an object is just as
                           required when you want to operate with "Methods".

            What to do:

                           Click on OK, mark the object and then repeat your
                           previous procedure.




         Can't find objects on the desktop.

                Reason:

                           You have "hidden" the objects with the command
                           Hide. F10 on the function bar being reserved for
                           "Show" indicates that some object(s) are hidden.

                           You have put some objects off into the archive.

            What to do:

                           Press function key F10.

                           An object remains in the archive and doesn't ap-
                           pear on the desktop until it has been retrieved
                           with a search.





         7.  Troubleshooting                  Page 44





         Icons overlap

                Reason:

                           The icons have been grouped together too close.

            What to do:

                           Use command Snap to remove the overlapping. The
                           arrangement remains basically the same. Or:
                           Activate Rearrange and the original appearance of
                           the desktop is shown.




         Icons still overlap after SNAP.

                Reason:

                           You configured the size and the position of the
                           icons in an inappropriate way.

            What to do:

                           Activate Options, Configure, Icons and redefine
                           the size of the icons and the distance between
                           them.




























         7.  Troubleshooting                  Page 45





         8 .  A p  p e n d i x e s   a n d    G l o s s a r y




         Appendix A  Method language reference


         Method language reference as of Fri Jun 26 08:44:40 1992

         CALL string
             Executes a text file <string> containing AQL commands as a
         subprogram

         CHMOD string NUMBER
             Change access permission settings of file <string>
             Codes: 1=write 2=read 3=read/write

         DEL string
             Erase file <string>

         DELETE object
             Removes <object> and any references to it from the system.
             Careful!

         EXIT
             Terminate AQL processing

         EXPORT object TO string
             Exports <object> to file <string>

         IMPORT string
             Imports the file <string> into a new object.
             Checks for attempts to import the same file again and asks for
             confirmation.
             Variable #ID receives the identifier of the new object or NULL
         if
             importing fails.

         IMPORT string TO object
             Imports the file into <object> overwriting the old contents of
         <object>

         IMPORT string TO object '[' element ']'
             Imports the file <string> into field <element> in <object>, and
             generates a full text index.
               field=2       additional keywords (ASCII format)
               field='name'  User data element, by name
                             Example: IMPORT 'C:\TEST\T.TXT' TO #716854 [
         WinWord ]
               fields 1-99 are RESERVED, field number 2 contains additional
         keywords

         LABEL   object string '=' string


         8.  Appendixes and Glossary          Page 46





             Set label <object> <string> to <string>

         LABEL  string '=' object string
             Set variable <string> to value of <object> <label>

         MOVE string TO object
             Moves file <string> into <object>. After a successful copy,
             the file is removed.

         QUERY1 query
              Starts a Query for <query> and returns only after zero or 1
              object has been located.
              Result: Objekt #ID

         QUERYN query
              Returns all object ids that statisfy the <query> string
              Result:   IDLIST
                        Variable RES contains all Object ids, separated by
         the
                        current field separator (Variable "FS", default=\t)

         REDESCRIBE object
             Regenerates the retrieval info of <object>. Useful after
         changing
             the indexer characteristics (changing the 'Match' strings).

         RENAME   object string
             Change name of <object> to <string>

         RUN string
             Execute program <string>

         RUN string string
             Execute program <string> with parameters

         RUN string string string
             Execute program <string> with parameters

         SET STRING '='
             Clear variable
             Loescht die Variable

         SET STRING '=' NUMBER
             Set variable to numeric value

         SET STRING '=' STRING
             Set variable to string value

         VERSION
             Display the current AQL version number






         8.  Appendixes and Glossary          Page 47





         Appendix B  Uninstalling Archon

                         Just in case it makes you feel more at ease about
                         installing a new product on your computer, here is
                         how to completely remove Archon and all of it's
                         files.

                         WARNING: following the steps below will erase all
                         data stored in your Archon database.

                           Don't do it!

                           If you have valuable data stored in the Archon
                           database, be sure to export everything before
                           following the steps below.

                           Remove any .PEP files from directories specified
                           by the entries HotDrive= and HardDisks= in your
                           ARCHON.INI file.

                           Remove the section [Archon] from your WIN.INI
                           file. It contains your address and your
                           registration number, if you have entered them.

                           Remove the file ARCHON.INI from your Windows
                           directory.

                           Remove the subdirectory where you have installed
                           Archon. If you have installed it into your
                           Windows directory, remove all the files listed in
                           fild PACKLIST.TXT.

























         8.  Appendixes and Glossary          Page 48





         Appendix B  Application Limits

                         This appendix lists limits for Archon databases.

                         Element                   Limit

                         Maximum object size       4 Gigabytes or the
                                                   space available for
                                                   temporary files.
                                                   Objects may span
                                                   multiple media

                         Number of objects         16'700'000


                         Number of distinct        10'922
                         keywords per object


                         Total number of keywords  limited only by
                                                   available harddisk
                                                   space

                         Disk drives for remov-    15
                         able media.


                         Maximum number of         835'000
                         removable disks per
                         database.


                         Maximum length of         64 KBytes
                         filename


                         Maximum length of object  64 KBytes
                         description





         Glossary

         Hierarchical storage management    Normally found only in mainframe
                         systems, hierarchical storage systems automate the
                         task of keeping the most frequently used files on
                         the fastest storage media while offloading seldom
                         used files to slower, less expensive media. The
                         user need not know the storage location of a needed
                         file.




         8.  Appendixes and Glossary          Page 49





         information storage and retrieval system     The combination of a
                         hierarchical storage management system with full
                         text retrieval technology.

           file formats  Different application programs use different
                         file formats to store user information. In
                         most, but not all, cases the extension of the
                         file name provides a hint to the format of a
                         file. Some extension, e.g. TXT, are used for
                         storing files of different formats. Archon uses
                         a unique two step process to reliably detect
                         file formats.

           function bar  A series of small boxes that correspond to the
                         form and function of the function keys on the
                         keyboard of your PC.

                  icons  Any kind of symbolic representation within a
                         user interface for graphics.

               keywords  The collection of words by which any given
                         object may be retrieved. Keywords of Archon
                         objects are combined from the file contents,
                         file name and path, manually entered keywords.

                   mark  Icons can be clicked on by the mouse and are
                         thus marked. Marked objects are shown inverted.

                 object  A data file within Archon is called an object
                         as opposed to a file which exists in the DOS
                         filing system. Objects consist of the file's
                         data and of auxiliary information which is
                         maintained by Archon. Auxiliary information,
                         such as long object names, descriptions etc,
                         overcomes most limitations of the DOS filing
                         system.




















         8.  Appendixes and Glossary          Page 50





         I n  d e x

         A
         archive, 18
         asking for help, 21
         automatic export of objects, 19
         C
         cascade storage, 49
         changing the Name of an Object, 27
         clipboard, copy objects onto the clipboard, 29
         clipboard, re-importing data from the clipboard, 29
         conducting a predefined Search, 25
         configuration with "Profile", 33
         D
         data base, 18
         data export, 19; 23
         data import, 18
         data storage and retrieval system, 13; 18
         E
         edit, 27
         Edit, Copy, 29
         Edit, Hide, 30
         Edit, Paste, 30
         Edit, Return, 28
         Edit, Show, 31
         F
         file cabinet tool, 24
         File, Data Export..., 24
         File, Information..., 44
         function bar, 31
         functions bar, 50
         H
         hard disk tool, 24
         Help, 21
         Help, Commands, 21
         Help, Help on Help, 21
         Help, Index, 21
         Help, Procedures, 21
         Help, Shareware, 21
         I
         indexing, 18
         information on Objects, 26
         K
         keywords, 18
         M
         mark, 22
         move, 23
         O
         object, 18; 19
         Object Name, 23
         Options, Configure, Functionbar, 31
         Options, Configure, Profile, 33; 36
         Options, Rearrange, 30
         Options, Register, 10; 20


         Index                                Page 51





         Options, Reorganize, 32
         Options, Snap, 30
         P
         predefined search, 25; 26
         Problem
           "Application execution error: File Not Found", 42
           "Application execution error: Not enough memory", 42
           "Not enough memory", 42
           Error: No object found", 43
           icons overlap, 45
           icons overlap after SNAP, 45
           No object selected, 44
           objects cannot be seen on desktop, 44
         R
         register number, 10
         registering as customer, 20
         removing objects into the archives, 28
         reorganise database, 32
         restoring arrangement of destop, 30
         Retrieval, Predefined, Define..., 25
         Retrieval, Predefined, Select..., 25
         Retrieval, Query, 24
         reverse marking, 22
         S
         search, 18; 19
         searching, 24
         T
         temporary file, 36
         trash can tool, 29
         V
         viewing contents of object, 28

























         Index                                Page 52
