                ==================================
                SS-File Database Manager for Linux
                ==================================

Introduction
============

SS-File from Southwest Software is a flat-file database manager
program for Unix designed to provide simple data storage without
having to load large, expensive, complicated RDBMS or SQL packages.
With SS-File you are up and running immediately upon downloading the
SS-File program file.

In SS-File you can define the fields of your file, open your file
for editing, list records from your file to the screen or printer
and import or export your data file to and from comma-delimited ASCII
files. With SS-File you can add new records, edit existing data,
delete records. You can find a data record based on lookup indexes and 
even scan forwards and backwards through your data records within your file.

When you define your own data file, you specify field names, sizes
and locations on the screen. You can also select what fields to index
and sort on. SS-File uses b-tree indexes to provide rapid record retreival.
Each SS-File database you create, has the definitions, data and indexes all 
in the same file, to make backups and copying simpler.

SS-File is perfect for the first time Unix computer user or the expert
who needs a database for simple non-relational data. System
administrators may want to provide SS-File for those users who don't
need the power of a large package and just need to be able to use
their Unix workstation for simple data entry. SS-File does not try to 
compete with the large major RDBMS programs out there, but rather 
fill a need for a simple, ready to run, flat file database manager.
Sort of the "PC-File" of the Unix computer.


Shareware Version
=================

A limited version of SS-File is initially being introduced as shareware,
while the full version contains more features. You may try out the
shareware version and when you decide to register, you will receive
the full version. The registered version will give you more fields to
index on and more versatility and options with most commands.

The shareware version has a limit of 200 records per datafile and a
limit of only 3 indexed fields. The registered version removes these
limits of course. Other versions of SS-File include multi-user record 
locking and site licenses.


Sample Datafiles
================

To load sample datafiles, start SS-File normally by typing ssfile at
the shell prompt. Use the OPEN command and enter one of the following
datafile names.

music -- Music Library datafile for CDs, cassettes, etc.

library -- Book Library datafile for your book collection.

addrbook -- Name and Addresses datafile for your rolodex.

todo -- Project To Do datafile for project management.

Feel free to modify and enhance these sample to make your own custom
datafile. NOTE: Always start with an empty file before making changes.
If any records are entered in the OLD format, they will not be
retrievable after making file format changes.

Registration
============

To register SS-File, send the small registration fee of $29, with your
name, address and E-Mail address to:

                Southwest Software
                  757 N  22nd St
                  Mesa, AZ 85213

You will be notified where and how to download your fully registered
version. You may contact Southwest Software through E-Mail at:

                keithr@primenet.com

Regtistered users will have priority technical support, through
E-mail, and receive notice of updates.

Initially versions are available for Linux. Once it is
determined that future markets on other platforms are receptive to our
product, we will provide versions for those. Contact us if you have a
platform available for us to port SS-File onto.

Copyright (c) 1995 Southwest Software
All rights reserved.

