For the most part, Z88’s PipeDream is fairly simple to use. However, the use of columns and the TAB key seems to be a regular cause of confusion, as was brought to my attention by a reader’s recent letter.
The problem arises from the fact that PipeDream is an integrated program as Len discussed in his column this month. But this is potentially a very powerful combination.
The spreadsheet application requires a simple key sequence to move between columns. However, the arrow keys are reserved for cursor movement through text lines and numerical entries. Therefore the logical choice of the TAB key was made.
Yes, the TAB key does “tab” to the next column. Note the use of the word “column” here. The letters on the screen top do not represent traditional tabs. Instead they show actual column placement.
To clarify, when you type text starting in any column, it may extend beyond the end of the column, overlapping other columns. However, the text still belongs to the column it started in. When the text wraps around to the next line (controlled by ◇ H), it continues in the column it started in.
For example, use the TAB key to position the cursor into column C (the column between the letters “B” and “C”). Type text until the line wraps around. It will restart in column C.
Now move the cursor down a line and back to column A by hitting SHIFT-TAB twice or ◇ TAB. Type a few lines and you’ll see that the text wraps in A.
To get a better feel for this, on the last line that starts in column A, use TAB to move to column B. You will notice that the text that started in column A is now “hidden” under an empty column B. Now move the cursor back to column A. You will see that your full line starting in A did not disappear.
Now move the cursor to the end of the A column. Keep trying to move the cursor past that point. The cursor will not move into column B as the text in column B is blocking it and the cursor can not move “under” column B’s text. However, the text is still there as shown by its scrolling by in the now narrow column A.
If on rare occasion you can’t seem to get the text back to the start in column A and the cursor is sitting in column A, just move the cursor to a different line or type ◇ ←. Things should then be correct.
Now all of this can be useful if you’re doing some special layout tricks on your page or combining spreadsheet data in a letter. Or if you’re trying to set up a data base. But if you are just typing a letter or paper, it can be annoying.
If they need to indent one line only (as in the start of a paragraph), most people resort to manually inserting spaces. This works fine most of the time and is nearly as fast as using the traditional TAB.
However, occasionally on the Z88 and commonly on printers when using microspacing, the extra spaces will confuse things.If this happens, use the “ghost space” (a dotted underscore) achieved by pressing ◇ SPACE instead of SPACE. This character will not show up on printouts but will guarantee the space’s position.
By the way: You can also use this “ghost space” to keep the line from splitting between two words (ex. “Mr. Smith” or “Z88 Fax News”).
There are a multitude of examples on how to take advantage of the tab and column features of PipeDream. Two books I use for examples are “Using Your Z88” and “Z88 Real Power Computing.”
In upcoming issues I will review Z88 resources on bulletin board systems including THE CLUB Forum on Compuserve and several local boards. I will also be investigating adding a graphics header on your letters.
Keep the letters coming to me care of Z88 Fax News.