Application:  Compare

Version: 3.2

Author:  Gregory Archer

Contact/support: app_arent@yahoo.com

Program Status:  Shareware

Price: $65.00

Distribution Status:  No limitation on distribution, no time limit

Purpose: Manipulate data in databases.

Description:  
Compare gives you the ability to view/query/edit/update files which are currently in use by other applications, and the flexibility of scheduling when such tasks as data transfers and file updates take place. 

Compare allows you to write and execute SQL queries on any local dBASE or Paradox database, and, via a LAN or established Internet (TCP/IP) connection, execute SQL commands on remote (or local, 127.0.0.1) MS Access, SQL Server, or other SQL databases, to insert, update or retrieve data. You may also retrieve data from remote spreadsheets or text files, and save the data as a table in Compare's Access database.  Then, from within Compare, you can open, edit, re-save, or delete tables.  You can also use the SQL 'INTO' clause to create new tables in Compare's database.  Save the SQL statements you write, and re-use them at a later time.

Compare lets you easily manipulate data in local (or remote, via a mapped drive) dBASE, or Paradox databases, whether two fields in one database or one field in two databases.  Compare gives you the ability to specify various criteria, and processes fields based on those criteria.  For example: If data in File A is equal/not equal/greater than/less than/before/after data in File B/entered data, delete data in File B/A; replace data in <any field> with data from <any field> (or entered data); or export fields in File A/B to a file you select.  

If files to be exported from have field names in common, and the fields are selected from both files, Compare can re-create a table in its database with the fields you selected to export from, and additional fields to hold data that is to be exported from the duplicate field(s).  You will then be able to VIEW/Edit the table, save it as a name of your choice, and re-open it for editing or delete it at a later time.  Alternatively, Compare can create a new record, in the file you open to export to, each time data from a duplicate field must be written.  You can view and edit exported data, or any file you open, and add and delete records: all from within Compare.

Since spreadsheet applications, such as Lotus 1-2-3 or Microsoft Excel, make it easy to save a spreadsheet as a .dbf file, Compare can, in effect, work on your spreadsheet data!

Compare Features:
- The ability to open and view/query/edit/update databases which are in use by other apps.
- The flexibility of scheduling data transfers and file updates.
- The flexibility of allowing you to specify multiple criteria  for file comparisons.
- The ability to transfer data between .dbf and/or .db databases.
- The ability to move data from any field in one ROW (record) to any field in ANOTHER row.
- The ability to replace data in ANY field with data from ANY field (or entered data), based on a criteria you specify.
- Retrieval of remote data from MS Access, SQL Server, other SQL database, spreadsheet, or text file, via an Internet (TCP/IP) connection.
- Write, execute, and save SQL queries for local, or remote databases.
- Open .dbf or .db file, specify your criteria, and hit a button to process files based on your specifications.
- Eliminate duplicate records from databases.
- Swap data between fields, or between databases.
- Export fields/records from one database to another if they meet the criteria you specify.
- View file(s) opened for processing.  You may also edit, add, or delete records.
- Sort file(s) by any column by simply double-clicking the column heading.
- Filter file(s) based on any number of criteria.
- Transfer data from as many as three files into Compare's Export TABLE (Data-meld: Compare's version of the Vulcan mind-meld).  This data may be viewed and edited from within Compare.

Requirements:  
- To access external database/file systems, Compare's server, called CompServ, downloadable from: http://www.winsite.com/bin/Info?12500000037731
- Windows 95/98/Me/2000/NT/XP system

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CompServ's User name/password: 
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- The default user name is: me
- The default password is blank


Installation:  Run setup.exe

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NOTE: If, during installation, you get a message telling you that a file is already present in a folder (e.g. the system folder) simply click ignore/yes, and continue with the installation.  The message means that the file is probably a shared file that's already on your system.
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De-installation:  Select the Add/Remove Programs icon in Control Panel

Restrictions on the demo version are as follows:
- Compare will NOT work on your original files, i.e. the files on your hard-drive will not be affected.  Rather, Compare will make a copy of your files, and process them internally.  Thus, two things are accomplished: 1.  You get a chance to witness that Compare will actually process your files according to your criteria; 2. You get incentive to buy the full version.
- When you close Compare, all data that you save will be deleted; also, you will not be able to open Compare's Microsoft Access database (unless you know the password, of course).  Not so in the full version.  For a fully functional copy of Compare, for the price of $65.00 (U.S.), please go to this URL: https://www.swreg.org/soft_shop/716/

Contact/support: app_arent@yahoo.com