ZX-DATA FINDER is a storage and retrieval program with some very advanced title and word search features. It is unique because you don’t have to set file sizes before you begin. Any length of file can be stored in the same program with no loss of precious memory.
Computer magazines advertise quite a few different data file systems for the Timex Sinclair machine. I have sent for some and, frankly, haven’t been very satisfied. For instance there’s one called “The Organizer.” It works fine — up to a point. The file format has too many limitations. I think a data system needs more latitude.
My business is writing television shows (Happy Days, Mash, and others). Originally I was looking for a data system that would keep my writing files straight: which MASH script had what story line, when it was written, who was in it, what date it was filmed, and so on. Until I found ZXData Finder I thought all that information had to be put into one file on one cassette. Not so. Now with one LOAD of my ZX Data Finder cassette I have, in addition to my script information, a running list of all the items that have been repaired on my car, how much they cost, the date they were fixed, a list of magazine and book articles together with their page numbers for research, a file that tells me when I wrote letters and if they have been answered, the dates I’ve sent for mail-order items and how much they cost, a list of phone numbers, an appointment calendar, and so on. Thanks to the ability to change formats I even have some files with complete calendars for different months with graphic numbers to remind me of important dates! A pretty versatile program. Here’s how it works.
Once the cassette is loaded a MENU automatically pops up on the screen and offers you four choices: TYPE A TITLE; ADD a new file; EDIT an old file; or SAVE the new and old data on tape. A quick punch of the “A” key and you’re ready to ADD a file. I called one of mine CAR REPAIR. Once this file is setup I have a whole, page of 14 lines to write what I want about my car’s history: what I did to fix it, how much it cost, the date I repaired it, and so on. (Those garage mechanics aren’t going to get me again!) Let’s say I enter information that a new muffler was installed on 6/22/83 and it cost $88. I add these facts to the rest of my CAR REPAIR file. Meanwhile, as the days go by, I update my other files as I use them. Now let’s say it’s been a while since I’ve needed to access my CAR REPAIR file — (probably not true, there’s always something wrong with my car) — but for the sake of this review, let’s say I’ve forgotten the file name. All I remember is I did put a muffler on my car a month or two ago. What do I do? I simply go to the main MENU and answer the question, TYPE A TITLE with the word MUFFLER. I know I don’t have a file for MUFFLER but I ask it to SEARCH and FIND the file with the word MUFFLER. The screen goes blank for a few seconds and there it is! My entire CAR REPAIR file. A very handy feature.
With 16K it’s amazing how much information I’ve stuffed into the memory of this terrific little program. In fact, Mr. Woods, the inventor of ZX Data Finder, has even explained how to increase the memory if you have a 32K or 64K RAM. Actually, you only have to change two program lines. I should think, with the additional memory, this data system could be used in some small businesses.
Personally, I’ve not been able to fill up my 16K. If I do get close to filling the memory, a WARNING will tell me to clean out the unused parts of my file while there’s still time, another nice touch to this system.
For the technically minded there is a complete listing of the program that comes with each cassette.
Mr. Woods goes step by step through his program and tells you how and why everything works. I should think this feature alone would make a great learning tool. My ZX Data Finder has saved me a lot of time and I’ve had fun doing it. It certainly has expanded the use of my T/S1000.