Welcome to the askSam Viewer

Welcome to the askSam Viewer. The askSam Viewer is a Read-Only version of askSam, the award-winning free-form database. The askSam Viewer lets you open, browse and search through any askSam database. You can also navigate through the database by using the hypertext links present in the database. You can also be given the ability by the developer of your application to print, export and copy information from the askSam Viewer. You cannot edit or add information to the database with the askSam Viewer. To edit or add information to the database, you will need a copy of askSam.

See Also

Create your Own Databases with askSam


Create Your Own Databases with askSam

askSam makes it easy to organize your information. Turn anything into a searchable database: archived email messages, notes, reports, memos, Web pages, names, addresses, and more. Import, paste, or type information into askSam and INSTANTLY search it.

askSam is:

Flexible - askSam is versatile enough to manage structured data, free-form texts, or both. Easily organize information that won't fit into traditional databases.

Fast - askSam can instantly search through huge amounts of information. An askSam database can contain up to 16 Terabytes of information!

Easy - askSam makes using a database as easy as using a word processor. Anyone can do it: no programming is necessary; You don't need to understand data structures or to define field lengths. Simply enter or import your information and search. It's that easy.

Collect Information from Anywhere

You are now able to access more information than ever before - on the Internet, via email, on CD-ROMS, or in files on your hard drive. askSam lets you turn this information into searchable databases.

You can type information directly into askSam, or you can import information from a wide variety of sources including:

Adobe PDF Files

Text files

RTF files

HTML files

Word processing documents (Microsoft Word and WordPerfect)

Email messages (Microsoft Outlook, Eudora, PocoMail, Netscape etc.)

Databases (Microsoft Access, dBASE, Paradox, ODBC)

Spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel)

Comma-delimited, Tab-delimited, and Fixed-position data

askSam can also import documents scanned using an OCR application.

Lightning Fast Searches

Once your information is in askSam, you're ready to search. Not only can you search on the contents of fields, but you can search on free-form text. askSam offers a wider variety of searches than any other database program and some of the fastest and most powerful searches you'll find anywhere.

askSam supports the following types of searches:

Full-text searches for any word or phrase

Wildcard searches with * and ?

Boolean searches (AND, OR, and NOT)

Proximity searches

Numeric searches (>, <, >=, <=, <>)

Date searches

Fuzzy searches

Search through multiple askSam databases

Case sensitive searches

Full-text searches for any word or phrase

Wildcard searches with * and ?

Boolean searches (AND, OR, and NOT)

Proximity searches

Numeric searches (>, <, >=, <=, <>)

Date searches

Fuzzy searches

Search through multiple askSam databases

Case sensitive searches

Turn Texts into Databases

askSam's Automatic Field Recognition enables you to turn information into an instant database. askSam can automatically identify words that provide structure in your information and use these words as fields. For example, email messages often contains words like "To:", "From:", "Date:", and "Subject:" askSam lets you automatically use these words as fields. You can search, sort, and even create reports using these words as fields.

Easy to Design Databases Forms

Setting up structured database is a breeze with askSam. You simply use the Entry Form Wizard to set up your form. askSam Entry Forms are flexible and easy. Type in names for your fields and you're ready to go.

When you add a document simply fill out the fields. askSam fields can automatically expand making room for all your information. It doesn't matter whether you enter an extra word, sentence, paragraph, or 100 pages of text. askSam can easily handle it. This makes askSam ideal for storing notes, transcripts, and other textual information. Just type (or import) the information, and you can search for anything.

Organize Information with Hypertext

Use Hypertext Links to turn your information into a fully searchable, easily navigable database. Hypertext lets you link a word or phrase to information in another location. By simply clicking on a Hypertext Link you can jump from one Document to another; jump from one file to another, run reports, execute any menu command, or go anywhere on the Internet. It's a great way to publish information on a network, a CD ROM (using the askSam Electronic Publisher), or the Internet (using the askSam Web Publisher).

Creating Your Own Reports

No programming is necessary to create great looking reports. Simply use askSam's built in Report Writer to drag and drop field names to the desired position on the screen. An askSam report can be as simple as a sorted list of names and telephone numbers, or it can contain grouped fields, field totals, and summaries. You can even include memo fields in a report.

Publishing Databases on the Internet

The askSam Web Publisher makes it easy to publish your askSam databases on the Web. The Web Publisher lets users view, search, and navigate through your askSam databases using a Web browser. No need to convert information to HTML, the Web Publisher automatically makes your information available on the Internet.

Sharing Databases on a Network

The network version of askSam allows multiple users to simultaneously add, edit, and search in askSam databases. With the network version you can make information available to all users on a network - customer databases, marketing information, policy manuals, phone messages, and more.

askSam Professional - The Fastest

askSam is available in two versions: the Standard version and the Professional version. askSam Professional includes all the features of the Standard version and adds full-text indexing to give you lightning-fast searches. askSam Professional is ideal for large databases - it lets you instantly search through hundreds of megabytes and thousands of documents.

The askSam Difference

askSam is not a traditional database. It's a whole new way to manage information. Traditional databases are designed to handle structured data. They require you to pre-define a structure and force you to shoe-horn your information into this structure.

askSam requires no predefined structure or field lengths.

askSam is easy to use. You can search without learning a query language. You can create reports without programming.

askSam is flexible. You can combine both free-form and fielded information in the database.

For more information visit: http://www.askSam.com

Try askSam today and see how easy it is to organize your information.


The Help Menu

Help Topics

Just click on Help Topics menu item on the Help Menu. To type a question in the Help window, click the Search tab. To scroll through a table of contents for Help, click the Contents tab. When you want to search for specific words or phrases, click the Index tab.

askSam Viewer Version

To find out the version of askSam Viewer you are running, just click  HELP -> VERSION…

Links to the askSam Web site

Purchase askSam will take you to our online shopping store.

Discover askSam will take you to the askSam brochure page.

askSam Web site will take you to the askSam home page.

See Also

The askSam Web site


The Help Button

	The Help Button on the Toolbar lets you browse and search through the Help Topics.

See Also

The Help Menu

The F1 Key

Help in Dialog Boxes


The F1 Key

Pressing F1 will access context sensitive Help. From a dialog box, pressing F1 displays information about that dialog box. Pressing F1 in a pull-down menu displays information about the selected menu command.

See Also

The Help Menu

The F1 Key

Help in Dialog Boxes


Help in Dialog Boxes

Nearly every Dialog Box contains a Help Button at the right corner. After clicking on this Button, you can select any part of the current Dialog Box, and askSam displays a help text for this item.

See Also

The Help Menu

The F1 Key


The askSam Web Site

Our Web site contains Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), Product Tips, Online Documentation, askSam Templates , Product Updates, Beta Downloads and much more.

Visit our Web site at: http://www.askSam.com


Installing the askSam Viewer

Run the askSam Viewer Setup program and follow the instructions on the screen. If you have any questions or need any assistance, call our Technical Support Department at 850-584-6590, visit our Web site http://www.askSam.com or email us at tech@askSam.com.

Below is a description of several screens you’ll encounter during the installation:

License Agreement – This screen contains license agreement for using the askSam Viewer.

Choose Destination Location – By default the askSam Viewer is installed in a directory called \Viewer. This screen lets you modify the directory where you install the askSam Viewer

During installation, the askSam Viewer files will be copied to the appropriate directories. When the installation is complete a message will appear, asking if you wish to launch the askSam Viewer.


Removing the askSam Viewer

You can remove askSam by selecting ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS in the Windows Control Panel. Choose START -> SETTINGS -> CONTROL PANEL -> ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS. Select askSam Viewer and choose the ADD/REMOVE button. The askSam database files are not removed automatically. These will have to be removed manually.


The askSam Viewer Screen

The basic elements of the askSam Viewer screen are shown below.

The first line on the screen is the TITLE BAR. It contains the name of the active application (in this case askSam) and the name of the active file (when a file is opened).

The second line on your screen is the MENU BAR. From here you can access askSam Viewer's Pull-Down menus.

The third line is the TOOL BAR. It contains Buttons (the little pictures sometimes called Icons). These Buttons give you quick access to askSam Viewer’s functions.

The line beginning with the Search button is the SEARCH LINE. Here you can directly type requests for searches. You move to the Search Line by pressing the ESC key or CLICKING on the Search Line. After you enter a search, press ENTER or CLICK on the Search Button. askSam will search for your request. The Search Line also contains two buttons that affect searches. The Case Sensitive button toggles the Search from Case Sensitive to Non-Case Sensitive. The Fuzzy Search button turns on and off askSam's Fuzzy Search feature.

Underneath the Ruler is your TEXT AREA.

Horizontal and Vertical Scroll Bars are located at the bottom of your Text Area and on the right hand side of your screen. With these bars you can scroll through your Document using a mouse. The Horizontal Scroll Bar also contains Buttons that let you move to the First, Previous, Next, or Last Document in the active askSam file.

The SEARCH RESULTS Window appears underneath the Text Area – after you’ve entered a search. The Search Results Window displays a list of the Documents found by a search. Click on any item in the Search Results Window to display it in the Work Space.

The bottom line on the screen is the STATUS BAR. Here askSam provides you with messages and information about your location on screen, as well as a Document Counter.


Opening an Existing File

To open an askSam file:

1.	Choose FILE -> OPEN (or press CTRL+O).

2.	The OPEN Dialog Box will appear.

3.	Choose the desired file name from the list of askSam files in the current directory or select a different Drive or Directory.

4.	Choose OK.

askSam will open the file you selected.

See Also

Closing a File

Indexing an askSam File


Closing a File

Choose FILE -> CLOSE (or press CTRL+F4).

See Also

Closing a File

Indexing an askSam File


Indexing an askSam File

If the askSam file you open is equal to or greater than 10 MB in size, then askSam Viewer gives you an option to index the file. A dialog box pops up as soon as you open the askSam file. Indexing greatly speeds up searching in askSam files, especially in large files. With indexing, you can search through a several hundred-megabyte askSam file in a matter of seconds.


To Copy Information to the Clipboard

The Windows Clipboard provides a temporary storage area for information that you want to transfer to another location. You can COPY information from a Document to the Clipboard, and then transfer that information to Another Application To copy information choose EDIT -> COPY or CTRL+C Key on your keyboard.


The Zoom Function

You can use the Zoom functions to enlarge or reduce the Document on your screen. Choose VIEW -> ZOOM to access the Zoom Dialog Box.

The Zoom Dialog Box contains various levels of magnification and also allows you to enter a customized magnification level. To bring the screen back to its original or default size, choose a magnification level of 100%.


Moving Through Your Documents

You can move through a file Document-by-Document, or you can move directly to a specific Document.

With Menu Commands:

VIEW -> NEXT - Brings the NEXT Document.

VIEW -> PREVIOUS - Brings the PREVIOUS Document.

VIEW -> FIRST - Brings the very FIRST Document.

VIEW -> LAST - Brings the very LAST Document.

With the Keyboard:

ALT+PgDn - Brings the NEXT Document.

ALT+PgUp - Brings the PREVIOUS Document.

ALT+Home - Brings the very FIRST Document.

ALT+End - Brings the very LAST Document.

With the Video Buttons:

	Brings the NEXT Document.
	Brings the PREVIOUS Document.
	Brings the very FIRST Document.
	Brings the very LAST Document.

See Also

Moving with the History Command

Moving with the Go To Command

Moving Around Within a Single Document


Moving with the History Command

When you search and navigate through Documents and files, there are times when you will want to return to a previous Document. The History functions were designed for this purpose. The History List of the previous Documents you’ve accessed in askSam. The Back and Forward commands let you move back and forth between previous Documents (similar to the Back and Forward functions in a Web browser).

To List the Previously Displayed Documents (History):

1.Choose VIEW -> HISTORY -> LIST

The History Dialog Box will appear. This dialog contains a list of the Documents you've visited during this session with the askSam Viewer.

2.Select the Document you wish to view and choose OK.

You will return to the Document you selected.

To Return to the Previous Document (Back):

Choose VIEW -> HISTORY -> BACK (or press ALT+Left Arrow)

You will return the previous Document. If you choose the Back command multiple times, you will continue to return to the previous Documents you visited.

To Move to the Next Document (Next):

If you’ve moved Back in the History List, the Next function will take you to the next Document.

Choose VIEW -> HISTORY -> NEXT (or press ALT+Right Arrow)

You will move to the next Document.

See Also

Moving with the Go To Command

Moving Around Within a Single Document


Moving with the Go To Command

The Go To Command lets you jump to a specific Document, Bookmark, or line.

Choose VIEW -> GO TO.

The Go To Document Dialog Box will appear.

Select from the following options:

Bookmark	Goes to a Bookmark name that you select.
Document Name	Goes to the Document with the name you select.
Document Number	Goes to the Document number that you enter. The Status Bar shows the current Document number (for example 32 of 2000).
Line Number	Jumps in the current Document to the line number that you specify.
Page Number	Goes to the specified Page Number in the current Document.

Choose the GO TO Button.

See Also

Moving with the History Command

Moving Around Within a Single Document


Moving Around Within a Single Document

You can use either the mouse or the keyboard to move around in a Document.

Moving with a Mouse

1.	With the mouse you can use the Vertical and Horizontal Scroll Bars to scroll through the Document. These Scroll Bars function the same as those found in other Windows' applications.

2.	To reposition the cursor in a screen, move to the desired position and click the Left Mouse Button.

Moving with the Keyboard

Since inputting information is a keyboard intensive task, askSam includes a number of Key Combinations for moving quickly around a Document. These Key Combinations include:

PRESSING	MOVES THE CURSOR TO
LEFT ARROW	Previous Character
RIGHT ARROW	Next Character
UP ARROW	Previous Line
DOWN ARROW	Next Line
HOME	Beginning of the Current Line
END	End of the Current Line
PAGE UP	Previous Screen
PAGE DOWN	Next Screen
CTRL+LEFT ARROW	Previous Word
CTRL + RIGHT ARROW	Next Word
CTRL + HOME	Beginning of Document
CTRL + END	End of Document
CTRL + PgUp	Scrolls Screen Left
CTRL + PgDn	Scrolls Screen Right
CTRL + UP ARROW	Scrolls Screen Up
CTRL + DOWN ARROW	Scrolls Screen Down

See Also

Moving with the History Command

Moving with the Go To Command


Searching

Although askSam Viewer offers a wide variety of search commands, you’ll find searching fast and easy. askSam Viewer does not require you to learn a complicated query language in order to search. Searching is as simply as entering the word your looking for into the Search Line or using the Actions menu to select one of askSam Viewer’s search options.

To Search:

1.	Enter your search request in the Search Line or choose the ACTIONS menu and select the appropriate search command.

2.	After you enter your search, askSam will open the Search Results Window.

As you scroll through the items listed in the Search Results Window, the content of the retrieved Documents is displayed in the top part of your screen.

See Also

Searching from the Search Line

Using the Search Dialog

Global vs. Local Searching

Local Searching

The Search Results Window

Executing a Search

Editing a Multiple Search Request

Searching Multiple Files

Search Example


Searching from the Search Line

The Search Line offers a direct and quicker way to search through the askSam database. Simply type a name, company, date or any other word, and askSam will find it.

Searching from the Search Line:

1.	Open the askSam file you want to search through.

2.	Click inside the Search Line or press ESC to move to the Search Line.

3.	Type the word or phrase for the search and press ENTER.

askSam Viewer searches from the beginning of the active file. The Search Results Window will open at the bottom of the screen. The Documents containing the word or phrase you entered will be listed in the Search Results Window. The first retrieved Document will be displayed in the top portion of your screen.

NOTE: The Search Line also contains two buttons that affect searches. The Case Sensitive button toggles the search from Case Sensitive to Non-case Sensitive. The Fuzzy Search button turns on and off askSam's Fuzzy Search.

Searching for Phrases

To Search for a phrase from the Search Line, the phrase must be enclosed in square brackets [ ]. Entering multiple words that are not enclosed in square brackets results in a search for Documents containing all the requested words, but the words do not have to appear together as a phrase.

For Example,

World Bank

Any Document containing the word "world" and the word "bank". This means that a Document containing the sentence, “In today's world, the bank is an important institution” would be selected.

[ World Bank ]

Finds only Documents where the actual phrase "world bank" appears.

NOTE: Phrases must only be enclosed in brackets when they are entered in the Search Line. When using the search commands in the Actions Menu, make sure you do NOT use brackets.

Entering Commands in the Search Line

It is possible to conduct more than simple Searches from askSam Viewer's Search Line. More complex requests usually involve the use of askSam commands. For certain searches or lists, you may find it is faster to enter the requests from the Search Line.

EXAMPLE: To search for all documents containing Ireland or England, you can enter the following request in the Search Line:

Ireland or England

The "or" in the example above is an askSam command.

You can also turn on the "Show Commands from Dialogs" option in the TOOLS -> OPTIONS Menu. This option activates a command message box that displays the commands to enter in the Search Line to perform the function of any askSam search. The message box is displayed after executing any command from the Actions Menu or when running a report.

Entering Field Names in the Search Line

If you enter a field name in the Search Line, the contents of that field will be output to a new window when you press ENTER. For example entering City[  outputs a list of cities.

If you need to search for a field name, type in the field name followed by an asterisk ( * ). For example:    City[*

Editing the Search Line

askSam Viewer saves a list of the last items you entered in the Search Line. Click the arrow to the right of the Search Line to display the drop down list of the last entries. You can select any item in this list and:

•	Press ENTER to re-execute the Request.

•	Type any character to delete the Request.

•	Press HOME, END, or an ARROW key to edit your Request.

NOTE: When the cursor is in the Search Line, pressing the UP and DOWN ARROW KEYS, displays the items previously entered in the Search Line. Pressing ALT+DOWN ARROW displays the drop down list of the last entries.

See Also

Using the Search Dialog

Global vs. Local Searching

Local Searching

The Search Results Window

Executing a Search

Editing a Multiple Search Request

Searching Multiple Files

Search Example


Using the Search Dialog

The Search Dialog allows you to combine all of askSam Viewer’s search functions into a single request. The Search Dialog links the various searches together with Boolean logic. For example, using the Multiple Search Request, you can construct a search to locate all Documents:

•	with a date from August to November 1963

•	containing the words "Cuba" or "Soviet Union" in the field Title

•	and containing the words "Castro" and "Khrushchev" in the same sentence.

The Search Dialog is a very powerful querying tool.  It appears at various places in askSam - places where it is necessary to select Documents for an operation:

•	Printing selected Documents

•	Exporting selected Documents

•	Deleting selected Documents

•	Selecting Documents in the Report Writer.

The Search Dialog can also be accessed by choosing ACTION -> SEARCH.

NOTE: An explanation of Boolean Operators and their implementation in askSam can be found earlier in the help files.

See Also

Searching from the Search Line

Global vs. Local Searching

Local Searching

The Search Results Window

Executing a Search

Editing a Multiple Search Request

Searching Multiple Files

Search Example


Global vs. Local Searching

Because askSam allows files that conceivably could span 16 Terabytes, finding the information you want in the minimum amount of time calls for defining the scope of search that fits your needs. Basically, there are two methods of looking for information:

GLOBAL:

Most of the askSam Viewer's searches are conducted at the global level - a global search is conducted through ALL the Documents in the current askSam file. The Search Line and the various searches in the Actions menu are all global.

LOCAL:

When a file contains long Documents, it is possible to restrict a search to a SINGLE Document. This local search is called a FIND and searches only for a text string. You can access the FIND command through the EDIT Menu. EDIT -> FIND.

See Also

Searching from the Search Line

Using the Search Dialog

Local Searching

The Search Results Window

Executing a Search

Editing a Multiple Search Request

Searching Multiple Files

Search Example


Local Searching

Confining a search to the current Document calls for askSam Viewer's local search (called a FIND). The FIND command works very much like the Find command in a Word Processor. It is particularly useful when you are working with long, multi-page Documents.

1.	Choose EDIT -> FIND (or press CTRL+F).

2.	The Find Dialog Box will appear.

3.	Enter the word or phrase you wish to find.

4.	Choose the Find Next button.

askSam Viewer searches the current Document for the word or phrase you entered and highlights it. You can now:

a.	Choose FIND NEXT to continue your Search.

b.	Choose CANCEL to halt the Find in the current position.

c.	After canceling the FIND Menu, press F3 to execute the last Search.

NOTES:

1.	If the Find Dialog Box covers the word that is located, cancel the Dialog Box to view the word. After canceling, you can press F3 to resume your search.

2.	No Wildcards are allowed in FIND.  FIND is a character-string oriented search, and therefore does not require (or allow) wildcards. For example, entering the word German would find German, Germans, and Germany. Entering German* would find German* (the word German followed immediately by a star).

3.	When checked, the Match Case option makes the FIND Case Sensitive.

4.	When checked, the Find Whole Words Only option will only locate complete words. For example: if this option is selected, a search for “Phil” would not find “Philadelphia”, “Philippines” or “Philip”. It would only find “Phil”

5.	FIND searches from the cursor position to the end of the Document.

See Also

Searching from the Search Line

Using the Search Dialog

Global vs. Local Searching

The Search Results Window

Executing a Search

Editing a Multiple Search Request

Searching Multiple Files

Search Example


The Search Results Window

After any search is executed, the Search Results Window will appear. The Search Results Window displays a list of the Documents retrieved by your search. Clicking on a document listed in the Search Results Window displays that document in the top Window of the screen.

From the Search Results Window you can:

•	Scroll through Documents retrieved by your search.

•	Edit retrieved Documents.

•	Delete Documents retrieved by your search (by pressing the DEL key).

•	See the number of retrieved Documents.

•	See the number of hits in each Document.

•	See the context of the hits.

•	Jump from hit to hit in the Documents.

•	Customize the field or fields listed in the Search Results.

NOTES:

The Search Results Window remains open at the bottom of your screen until you close it. You can close the Search Results Window by choosing VIEW -> SEARCH RESULTS or by click on the Close icon in the Search Results Toolbar.

Pressing the ESC key will rotate you between the Search Results Window, the Search Line, and the window containing the retrieved Document.

See Also

Searching from the Search Line

Using the Search Dialog

Global vs. Local Searching

Local Searching

Executing a Search

Editing a Multiple Search Request

Searching Multiple Files

Search Example


Executing a Search

1.	Choose ACTIONS -> SEARCH.

The Search Dialog Box will appear.

The Search Buttons on the left correspond to the search options described earlier in the help file. Choosing a Selection Button accesses the dialog box for that search.

2.	Choose the Search button for the search type you require (Word, Field, Date, Numeric, or Proximity).

The dialog box for the search type you selected will appear.

3.	Enter your search request in the dialog box.

4.	Choose OK.

You will return to the Search Dialog. The search you entered will appear in the Search List.

5.	The Operator field lets you select a Boolean Operator for each item in the Search List.  You can choose either AND, OR, or NOT.

If no Boolean operator is selected, an AND is understood and used to connect the search requests.

6.	Repeat steps 2 through 5 until your search request is complete.

7.	In the box marked “Search Logic” add parenthesis to group the request and set the proper priority. (See the previous help section on Priority in Boolean Searches for details.)

8.	Choose OK.

askSam Viewer will execute the search and open the Search Results Window at the bottom of the screen. The Documents retrieved by the search will be listed in the Search Results Window. The first retrieved Document will be displayed in the top portion of the screen.

NOTE: To store frequently used searches, use the Stored Searches command in the Actions menu. You can save a group of selected Documents to a new askSam file. Choose EXPORT -> SELECT DOCUMENTS. (See Exporting a Subset of Documents in the section of the help file on Importing and Exporting.)

See Also

Searching from the Search Line

Using the Search Dialog

Global vs. Local Searching

Local Searching

The Search Results Window

Editing a Multiple Search Request

Searching Multiple Files

Search Example


Editing a Multiple Search Request

After executing a Multiple Search Request, you can edit the request.

1.	Choose ACTIONS -> SEARCH.

The Search Dialog will appear. The Search List contains the last request that was entered.

2.	By double clicking on any item in the Search List, you can edit its contents. You can also change the Boolean operator or modify the parenthesis in the Search Logic. Use the following Buttons to modify the Search List:

EDIT - Edits the selected line in the Search List.

CLEAR - Removes the selected line from the Search List.

CLEAR ALL - Removes all entries from the Search List.

3.	Choose OK when your changes are complete.

See Also

Searching from the Search Line

Using the Search Dialog

Global vs. Local Searching

Local Searching

The Search Results Window

Executing a Search

Searching Multiple Files

Search Example


Searching Multiple Files

When you search from the Command Line, or when you choose ACTIONS and one of the search commands, askSam Viewer searches in the active file. To search through a group of askSam files:

1.	Choose ACTIONS -> SEARCH MULTIPLE FILES

The Search Multiple Files Dialog will appear.

2.	Type the name of the Search and choose the Create Button.

3.	Choose the Add Files button to select the files you wish to include in your search.

Use the mouse to click on the files you want to search (use the cursor keys and the space key if you're not using a mouse). You can select multiple files. If you wish to select all the files in a directory choose the Select All option.

4.	Choose the Open button after you've selected the files.

The files you selected are added to the Search List. If you wish to select more files, repeat steps 2 through 4.

5.	Choose the Search button to start your search.

The Search dialog will appear.

6.	Enter your search request in the Search dialog and choose OK.

askSam Viewer will search through the files in you selected and open the File List. This File List displays the files that contained hits from your search.

7.	Double click on a file name in the file list. askSam Viewer will open the Search Results Window at the bottom of the screen. The Documents retrieved by the search will be listed in the Search Results Window. The first retrieved Document will be displayed in the top portion of the screen.

You can double click on other files in the file list to see the Documents retrieved in these files. Close the File List when you are finished with the search.

See Also

Searching from the Search Line

Using the Search Dialog

Global vs. Local Searching

Local Searching

The Search Results Window

Executing a Search

Editing a Multiple Search Request

Search Example


Stored Searches

The Stored Searches command lets you save frequently used search requests and reuse them. You can use a Stored Search in places where it is necessary to select Documents for an operation:

•	Printing Selected Documents and

•	Exporting Selected Documents.

See Also

Searching from the Search Line

Using the Search Dialog

Global vs. Local Searching

Local Searching

The Search Results Window

Executing a Search

Editing a Multiple Search Request

Searching Multiple Files

Search Example


Search Example

The following is an example of a search for Documents with:

•	FL or CA in the State field

•	and 3000 or more in the Amount field.

1.	Choose ACTIONS -> SEARCH.

2.	Choose the FIELD button and enter FL in the Word or Phrase field and enter State[ in the second field.

3.	Choose OK.

4.	"FL" in “State[“ will be inserted in the Search List.

5.	Choose the FIELD button again and enter CA in the Word or Phrase field.

6.	Choose OK.

7.	"CA" in “State[“ will be inserted in the Search List.

8.	Set the Boolean operator to OR.

9.	Choose the NUMERIC button and enter Amount[ in the first field, >= in the second field, and 3000 in the third field.

10.	Choose OK.

11.	“Amount[ >= 3000” is included in the Search List.

12.	In the Search Logic field, please parenthesis around items 1 and 2. This sets the priority for the Boolean logic.

13.	Choose OK.

askSam Viewer will execute the search request.

See Also

Searching from the Search Line

Using the Search Dialog

Global vs. Local Searching

Local Searching

The Search Results Window

Executing a Search

Editing a Multiple Search Request

Searching Multiple Files


Searching for Selected Text

Any text contained within a Document can be Selected and used to find other Documents which contain that word or phrase.  There are three ways in which you can search for selected texts:

a.	Search only in the current Document.

b.	Search in the current askSam file

c.	Search in another askSam file.

Searching for selected texts is extremely useful when your Documents contain legal, medical, or other long terms.  You can search for these terms without retyping them.

See Also

Search for Selected Text in the Current Document

Search for Selected Text in the Current File

Search for Selected Text in Another File


Search for Selected Text in the Current Document

This search allows you to select a text string and search in the current Document.

1.	Select/Highlight the Text you wish to find.

2.	Choose ACTIONS -> SEARCH FOR SELECTED TEXT -> IN CURRENT DOCUMENT (or press F3).

askSam Viewer begins searching in the current Document at the cursor position and searches for the selected text. If a matching text is found, the matching text is highlighted and displayed on the screen.

NOTE: You can also access the Search for Selected Text commands in the Mouse Menu. Right click in your Document and choose Search for Selected Text.

See Also

Search for Selected Text in the Current File

Search for Selected Text in Another File


Search for Selected Text in the Current File

This search allows you to select a text string and search for this string in the current file.

1.	Select the text you wish to find.

2.	Choose ACTIONS -> SEARCH FOR SELECTED TEXT -> IN CURRENT FILE (or press CTRL+Y).

askSam Viewer searches in current file for the selected text. The Search Results Window will open at the bottom of the screen. The Documents retrieved by the search will be listed in the Search Results Window. The first retrieved Document will be displayed in the top portion of the screen.

NOTES:

1.	You can also access the Search for Selected Text commands in the Mouse Menu. Right click in your Document and choose Search for Selected Text.

2.	When multiple words are selected, they act as multiple words and not as a phrase. For example, Hypertext Searching for the text "U.S., Europe, and Japan" will find a document containing the sentence "Some wonder if a united Europe will push the U.S. and Japan closer together."

See Also

Search for Selected Text in the Current Document

Search for Selected Text in Another File


Search for Selected Text in Another File

This search allows you to select a text string and search for this string in any open file.

1.	Select the text you wish to find.

2.	Choose ACTIONS -> SEARCH FOR SELECTED TEXT -> IN OTHER FILE.

The Search Other File Dialog Box will appear.

Select the file you want to search and choose the Search button.

askSam Viewer opens the file you chose and searches it for the selected text. The Search Results Window will open at the bottom of the screen. The Documents retrieved by the search will be listed in the Search Results Window. The first retrieved Document will be displayed in the top portion of the screen.

NOTES:

1.	You can also access the Search for Selected Text commands in the Mouse Menu. Right click in your Document and choose Search for Selected Text.

2.	When multiple words are selected, they act as multiple words and not as a phrase. For example, Hypertext Searching for the text "U.S., Europe, and Japan" will find a document containing the sentence "Some wonder if a united Europe will push the U.S. and Japan closer together."

See Also

Search for Selected Text in the Current Document

Search for Selected Text in the Current File


The Different Search Types

The askSam Viewer provides different types of searches.

	Search Type	Function
1	Wildcard Searches	Allows you to use wildcard symbols to search for unknowns (Example: German* or German?)
2	Case Sensitive Searches	Allows askSam Viewer to notice the difference between Upper Case and Lower Case words.
3	Fuzzy Searches	Fuzzy Searching helps you locate information when you're not sure of the spelling. (Example: If you were looking for Documents containing the name "Kathy". You could use the fuzzy search and find Documents with "Kathy", "Kathi", or "Cathy")
4	Index Searches	Index Searches are searches that go through the Index instead of through the entire file. This decreases search times greatly for large files.
5	The Word List	When an askSam file is indexed, askSam Viewer creates a list of the words in that file. You can search the file for specific words using this Word List.
6	Field Searches	Allows you to search for information in a specified field or fields.
7	Numeric Searches	With the numeric search you can search for documents based on a numeric comparison. Note: In order to conduct a numeric search, the numbers in the documents must be contained in fields.
8	Proximity Searches	A proximity search allows you to search for two words or phrases occurring within a specified proximity of one another.
9	Date Searches	The date search finds information according to a date contained in a field.
9a	Simple Date Search	Example: “find all documents earlier than..."
9b	Date Range	Example: "find all documents from 1970 to 1980"
9c	Date Comparison	Example: "find all documents where the date due is greater than 30 days from today"
10	Boolean Searches	Allows the use of the AND, OR, and NOT commands within searches. NOTE: The Boolean operators can be entered in the Search Line. For more information, see the Boolean Searches section of the Help.
10a	AND Search	Selects Documents that meet two or more search criteria. (Example: A search to find resorts with: Golf AND Tennis AND Beach*)
10b	OR Search	Defines multiple criteria for selecting Documents. (Example: a search to find resorts in: Florida OR Hawaii OR California)
10c	NOT Search	Selects Documents that do not meet the criteria immediately following the Boolean operator NOT. (Example: find resorts that are: NOT expensive AND NOT crowded)


Wildcard Searches

askSam Viewer allows you to use the wildcard symbols * and ? in searches. The * character represents multiple characters (up to eighty). The ? character takes the place of a single character.

Examples:

Entering German* will find: German, Germans, Germany, Germanic, German-made.

Entering German? will find: Germans and Germany - but not German, Germanic, or German-made.

See Also

Case Sensitive Searches

Fuzzy Searches

The Word List

Search in Field

Numeric Searches

Proximity Searches

Boolean Searches


Case Sensitive Searches

Normally, when the askSam Viewer searches for a word, the case of the letters comprising the word is irrelevant. For example, searching for WHO finds "Who", "who" and "WHO".

To Turn on Case Sensitive Searching in a File:

1.	Choose FILE -> PROPERTIES.

2.	The File Properties Dialog Box will appear.

3.	Turn on the Case Sensitive Search option.

4.	Choose OK.

All searches in this file will be case sensitive until this option is turned off.

To Turn on Case Sensitive Searching in the Search Line:

Click on the Case Sensitive button [image] in the Search Toolbar.

Searches entered in the Search Line are case sensitive until you click the Case Sensitive button a second time, or until you close and reopen the file.

See Also

Fuzzy Searches

The Word List

Search in Field

Numeric Searches

Proximity Searches

Boolean Searches


Fuzzy Searches

Fuzzy Searching helps you locate information when you're not sure of the spelling, for example, if you were looking for Documents containing the name "Kathy". You could use askSam Viewer's fuzzy search and find Documents with "Kathy", "Kathi", or "Cathy".

To Use the Fuzzy Search from the Search Line:

Click on the Fuzzy Search button [image] in the Search Toolbar.

Searches entered in the Search Line are fuzzy until you click the Fuzzy button a second time, or until you close and reopen the file.

To Use the Fuzzy Search from the Actions Menu:

1.	Choose ACTIONS.

2.	Select the type of search you wish to execute.

3.	Enter your search.

4.	Select the Fuzzy option in the dialog.

5.	Choose OK.

askSam Viewer will retrieve the first document containing the words or a fuzzy equivalent of the words you entered.

NOTES:

1.	The Numeric and Date searches in the Actions menu do not offer Fuzzy Search capabilities.

2.	The Fuzzy Search overlooks a single error in a word. An error can be a missing letter, an extra letter, an incorrect letter, or a transposition (two neighboring letters in reverse order).

See Also

Case Sensitive Searches

The Word List

Search in Field

Numeric Searches

Proximity Searches

Boolean Searches


The Word List

When you index an askSam file, askSam Viewer creates a list of the words in that file. You can search using this Word List:

1.	Choose ACTIONS -> WORD LIST

2.	The Word List dialog box will appear.

3.	Start typing the word you wish to find.

4.	The Word List will scroll as you type.

5.	Choose the Go To button when the word you want to find is selected.

The Search Results Window will open at the bottom of the screen. The Documents containing the word you selected will be listed in the Search Results Window. The first Document containing the selected word will be displayed in the top portion of your screen.

NOTES:

1.	The number of hits displayed in the Word List indicates the number of Documents containing a Word. It does not count the total occurrences of the Word in your file. Use the ACTIONS -> COUNT WORD OR PHRASE command to count the total occurrences of a word or phrase in your file.

2.	After a file is indexed, a Word List button will appear in the Boolean, Search In Field, and Proximity Search dialogs. If you select this button, the Word List will appear.

See Also

Case Sensitive Searches

Fuzzy Searches

Search in Field

Numeric Searches

Proximity Searches

Boolean Searches


Search in Field

The Search in Field Command allows you to search for a word or phrase in a specific Field. For example: to find a Document containing "White" in the Name Field, use the Search In Field Command. Simply doing a search for "White" from the Command Line or the Boolean Search Dialog Box would find "White" anywhere in the Document, not just in the Name Field.

Using the Search in Field Command:

1.	Chose ACTIONS -> OTHER SEARCHES -> FIELD.

2.	In the Find Word or Phrase, specify what search term you are looking for.

3.	Then you will need to specify which field you will want to search in.

4.	There are four options that you can choose when searching in a field:

a. Empty - Find documents where the field is empty

b. Not Empty - Find documents where the field is not empty.

c. Fuzzy - See Fuzzy Searches for more information.

d. Multi-line Field - This specifies if a field has more than one line of information.

5.	If you have multiple date fields of the same name within your documents, you can set whether you want to match only the first occurrence of the date field, any occurrence of the date field, or all occurrences of the date field.

See Also

Case Sensitive Searches

Fuzzy Searches

The Word List

Numeric Searches

Proximity Searches

Boolean Searches


Numeric Searches

You can use this command to search for documents based on a numeric comparison of fielded information.

1.	Choose ACTIONS -> OTHER SEARCHES -> NUMERIC.

2.	In the Numeric Search Dialog, you will need to specify which field you are searching in.

3.	To the right of the field, you can set the connecting statement. The available options are:

a. Less Than ( < )

b. Less Than or Equal To ( <= )

c. Equal To ( = )

d. Greater Than ( > )

e. Greater Than or Equal To ( => )

f. Not Equal To ( <> )

4.	You will then need to set the numeric value you are searching on.

5.	If you have multiple date fields of the same name within your documents, you can set whether you want to match only the first occurrence of the date field, any occurrence of the date field, or all occurrences of the date field.

See Also

Case Sensitive Searches

Fuzzy Searches

The Word List

Search in Field

Proximity Searches

Boolean Searches


Proximity Searches

A proximity search allows you to search for two words or phrases occurring within a specified proximity of one another.  This enables you to use the natural elements contained within blocks of normal text (words, lines, sentences and paragraphs) to tailor a search.

EXAMPLES:

You can find all Documents where "Gore" and "Bush" appear in the same paragraph. Or you could locate the Documents containing "GM" and "Ford" within 5 words of one another.

Executing a Proximity Search:

1.	Choose ACTIONS -> OTHER SEARCHES ->PROXIMITY and the Proximity Search Dialog Box will appear.

2.	Enter the first word or phrase of the proximity search.

3.	Enter a number in the quantity field - or leave it blank if the words are to appear in the same sentence, line, or paragraph. If, for example, you wanted GM and Ford within 5 words of one another, you would enter "5".

4.	Choose a structural unit for the search (either words, sentences, lines or paragraphs).

5.	Choose a direction for the search. Your choices are:

Before

On Either Side of

After

In the Same

This selection defines the proximity of the search. If you select IN THE SAME, both words must occur in the same structure (sentence, paragraph, or line).

6.	Enter the second word or phrase.

7.	Choose OK.

askSam Viewer will execute the proximity search, open the Search Results Window, and display the Documents retrieved. The first retrieved Document will be displayed in the top portion of the screen.

NOTES:

1.	The Output Hits option opens a new window and outputs the hits from your proximity search in this window.

2.	The Fuzzy option uses fuzzy logic when searching for the word or phrase.

3.	In an indexed file, the Proximity dialog displays the maximum number of hits for the request. The actual number is displayed when the Documents are retrieved in the Search Results Window.

4.	The Proximity Type setting enables you to determine the extent of the proximity search. You can choose either:

Word or Phrase - Searches the entire text of every Document in the file. (Default)

First Structure of Each Document - limits the search to a word or phrase in the first word, sentence, line, or paragraph of a Document.

See Also

Case Sensitive Searches

Fuzzy Searches

The Word List

Search in Field

Numeric Searches

Boolean Searches


Prompt Search

Prompt Search lets you input your search queries in a prompt dialog. Prompt Search has to be added in the original askSam files. You cannot add new prompt searches with the askSam Viewer.


Attachments Search

In the Search dialog, you'll find a new search option "Attachments". This allows you to search your database for documents with attachments (or documents without attachments).

1.	Choose Actions -> Search. The Search Dialog will appear.

2.	Choose Attachments.

The Find Documents with Attachments Dialog will appear.

3.	Choose Find documents that contain attachments and choose OK.

The search will find all the documents that contain attachments.


Boolean Searches

askSam Viewer lets you search using the Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT.

EXAMPLE:

You could conduct a Boolean Search in a file containing business letters to find all those sent to Illinois but NOT to Chicago.

There are two askSam Viewer search dialogs that use Boolean logic:

1.	Boolean Search Dialog (links words and phrases with Boolean logic).

2.	Search Dialog (combines askSam search commands with Boolean logic).

See Also

Case Sensitive Searches

Fuzzy Searches

The Word List

Search in Field

Numeric Searches

Proximity Searches


Boolean Operators

askSam Viewer allows the use of three Boolean operators to combine the elements in a search. These operators are:

AND - Selects Documents that meet two or more search criteria. For example a search to find resorts with:Golf AND Tennis AND Beach*

OR - Defines multiple criteria for selecting Documents. For example a search to find resorts in:Florida OR Hawaii OR California

NOT- Selects Documents that do not meet the criteria immediately following the Boolean operator NOT. For example find resorts that are:NOT expensive AND NOT crowded

NOTE: The Boolean operators can be entered in the Search Line.

EXAMPLE: Entering Miller or Davis in the Search Line retrieves Documents containing the word "Miller" or the word "Davis."


Using the Boolean Search Dialog

1.	Choose ACTIONS -> OTHER SEARCHES -> BOOLEAN.

The Boolean Search Dialog Box will appear.

2.	Enter the word or phrase that you wish to locate and press ENTER (or choose ADD).

The word or phrase will be added to the Search Term list, and you move to the next line of the Dialog Box.

3.	Choose a Boolean operator - either AND, OR, or NOT. Press the SPACE key to see a list of the operators.

If no Boolean operator is selected, askSam Viewer defaults to the Boolean operator AND.

4.	Move to the Search Term field and add the word or phrase.

5.	Continue steps 3 and until the search request is complete.

6.	In the box marked “Search Logic” add parenthesis to group the request and set the proper priority. (See the previous section on Priority in Boolean Searches for details.)

7.	Choose OK to start the search.


Priority in Boolean Searches

Complex searches (searches containing AND and OR operators) at times require a way to denote priority. In askSam Viewer you define how items in a search are grouped and prioritized by using parenthesis.

Boolean Request	Retrieves
Red and White or Blue Red White or Blue (Red and White) or Blue	These three requests will act identically in askSam Viewer. They will retrieve Documents containing “Red and White” or Documents containing “Blue”.
Red and (White or Blue)	Retrieves Documents containing “Red” and “White” or Documents containing “Red” and “Blue”.
(Black and White) or (Red and White and Blue)	Retrieves Documents containing “Black” and “White” or Documents containing “Red”, “White”, and “Blue”.
Flag and ((Red and Blue)or (Black and White))	Retrieves Documents containing “Flag” and “Red” and “Blue” or Documents containing “Flag” and “Black” and “White”.


Example Boolean Search

1.	Choose ACTIONS -> OTHER SEARCHES -> BOOLEAN.

2.	Choose the CLEAR ALL Button to delete any entries from the Search Term list.

3.	Type: Thomas Jefferson

4.	Choose ADD or press ENTER.

5.	Choose the Boolean operator AND.

6.	Type:   Benjamin Franklin

7.	Choose ADD or press ENTER.

8.	Choose OK.

askSam Viewer will execute the search request.

To Search for Documents containing Thomas Jefferson and Virginia or Documents with Benjamin Franklin and Philadelphia:

1.	Choose ACTIONS -> OTHER SEARCHES -> BOOLEAN.

2.	Choose the CLEAR ALL Button to delete any entries from the Search Term list.

3.	Type: Thomas Jefferson

4.	Choose ADD or press ENTER.

5.	Choose the Boolean operator AND.

6.	Type: Virginia

7.	Choose ADD or press ENTER.

8.	Choose the Boolean operator OR.

9.	Type: Benjamin Franklin

10.	Choose ADD or press ENTER.

11.	Choose the Boolean operator AND.

12.	Type: Philadelphia

13.	Choose ADD or press ENTER.

14.	Add parenthesis in the Search Logic field.

(Thomas Jefferson AND Virginia) or (Benjamin Franklin AND Philadelphia)


Date Searches

Within askSam Viewer, there are three different types of Date Searches:

1.	Simple Date Search

2.	Date Range

3.	Date Comparison

Date Search allows you to search for a single date within a field. (Example: January 12, 2000 in the Date[ field)

Date Range allows you to search for documents in which the date field is within a range of dates. (Example: Find all documents in which the date field is less than February 2, 1999 and greater than or equal to December 25, 1998)

See Also

Date Search

Date Range

Date Comparison


Date Search

The Date Search allows you to search for a single date within a field.

1.	Choose ACTIONS -> OTHER SEARCHES -> DATE.

2.	When the Date Search dialog appears, you will need to specify your Date Field in the supplied box.

3.	To the right of the date field, you can set the connecting statement. The available options are:

a. Less Than ( < )

b. Less Than or Equal To ( <= )

c. Equal To ( = )

d. Greater Than ( > )

e. Greater Than or Equal To ( => )

f. Not Equal To ( <> )

4.	You can then set which date you wish to search. This can be a second date field, a specified date, or the current date.

5.	If you have multiple date fields of the same name within your documents, you can set whether you want to match only the first occurrence of the date field, any occurrence of the date field, or all occurrences of the date field.

See Also

Date Range

Date Comparison


Date Range

The Date Range allows you to search for documents in which the date field is within a range of dates.

1.	Choose ACTIONS -> OTHER SEARCHES -> DATE.

2.	When the Date Search Dialog appears, click on the Date Range Tab at the top of the dialog.

3.	You will then need to specify your Date Field in the supplied box.

4.	To the right of the date field, you can set the connecting statement. The available options are:

a. Less Than ( < )

b. Less Than or Equal To ( <= )

c. Equal To ( = )

d. Greater Than ( > )

e. Greater Than or Equal To ( => )

f. Not Equal To ( <> )

5.	You can then set the first date in the range. This can be a specified date or the current date.

6.	You will then need to set the second connecting statement. As an example, you could set the search to have the date field greater than the first date and less than the second date specified.

7.	You will then need to set the second date in the range. This can be a specified date or the current date.

8.	If you have multiple date fields of the same name within your documents, you can set whether you want to match only the first occurrence of the date field, any occurrence of the date field, or all occurrences of the date field.

See Also

Date Search

Date Comparison


Date Comparison

The Date Comparison Dialog Box allows you to search using an amount of time (days, months, or years) as your criteria. It allows you to compare a Date field to a date or another Date field and search on the time difference.

1.	Choose ACTIONS -> OTHER SEARCHES -> DATE.

2.	When the Date Search Dialog appears, you will need to click on the Date Comparison Tab at the top of the dialog.

3.	You will need to specify your Date Field in the supplied box.

4.	You can then set which date you wish to search. This can be a second date field, a specified date, or the current date.

5.	Beneath the date field, you can set the connecting statement. The available options are:

a. Less Than ( < )

b. Less Than or Equal To ( <= )

c. Equal To ( = )

d. Greater Than ( > )

e. Greater Than or Equal To ( => )

f. Not Equal To ( <> )

6.	To the right of the connecting statement, you will need to set the quantity with which to do the comparison.

7.	To the right of the quantity, you will need to set which date unit you wish to use. The available options are Days, Months, and Years.

8.	If you have multiple date fields of the same name within your documents, you can set whether you want to match only the first occurrence of the date field, any occurrence of the date field, or all occurrences of the date field.

See Also

Date Search

Date Range


Running a Report

Once you have defined a Report, you can run it at any time.

To Run A Report:

1.	Choose TOOLS -> REPORTS (or press CTRL+R).

2.	Choose the name of the Report you want to run.

3.	Choose the RUN button.

The Report you selected will be run and one of three things will happen:

The Report Output window will open and the Report will be displayed in this window. If you double click on any line in the Report, you return to the Document containing the information in that line. By choosing the “Switch Back to Original File” button (or pressing CTRL+TAB), you can move between the Report and your askSam file. You can also Print, Edit, and Save the contents of the Report.

If you created a Report with a Search or Sort request but without a layout:

The Search Results Window will open at the bottom of the screen. The Documents selected by the Report are listed in the Search Results Window. The first selected Document will be displayed in the top portion of your screen.

If askSam Viewer does not find any Documents that meet your search criteria:

A Message Box will appear informing you that no matches were found. If this happens, check your selection criteria.

See Also

Exporting a Report

Printing a Report


Exporting a Report

You can export Reports output in various formats.

To Export a Report:

1.	Choose FILE -> EXPORT.

2.	A menu containing five options will appear.

3.	Choose REPORT.

4.	The Run Report Dialog Box will appear containing a list of Reports.

5.	Select the Report you want to Export and choose RUN.

6.	The Export Dialog Box will appear. (See the section on Exporting for detailed instructions on using this dialog box.)

7.	Enter a name for the file you are exporting.

8.	Set “Export Type” to the file format you want for the Report.

9.	Choose SAVE.

The Report will be exported.

See Also

Printing a Report


Printing a Report

There are two ways to print a Report. You can print it directly, or you can run a Report and print the Report after it is output.

See Also

To Send a Report Directly to the Printer

Printing After a Report Has Run


To Send a Report Directly to the Printer

1.	Choose FILE -> PRINT OTHER -> REPORT.

The Run Report Dialog Box will appear.

2.	Select the Report you want to print and choose the RUN button.

The Print Dialog Box will appear.

3.	Set any options and choose OK to start printing.

See Also

Printing After a Report Has Run


Printing After a Report Has Run

Any Report in which a layout is defined will create a new window when it is run. The contents of this window can be formatted, edited, and printed.

To Print the Report Output:

1.	From the Report Output window, Choose FILE -> PRINT (or press CTRL+P).

The Print Dialog Box will appear.

2.	Set any options and choose OK to start printing.

See Also

To Send a Report Directly to the Printer


Exporting from askSam

askSam Viewer lets you export in a variety of formats. Unstructured information can be exported as text, Word, WordPerfect, HTML, or RTF files. Structured information can be exported for use with other databases or for mail merge with word processors (using the Text Delimited format).

Export Formats

Text (*.txt): ASCII text file.

askSam 5 (*.ask): Creates a new .ASK file from the exported information. Allows you to easily exchange information between askSam databases. This format retains the document boundaries between askSam Documents.

askSam DOS (*.txt): Format for exchanging data between the DOS and Windows versions of askSam.

HTML (*.htm. *.html): Creates an HTML document. The HTML export supports most formats: fonts, font sizes, colors, indents and more. Graphics are not exported with the file.

RTF Files (*.RTF): RTF files can be used to exchange formatted information (including graphics). This is a useful format when you need to transfer information from askSam to any word processor.

Text Delimited (*.csv, *.dat, *.prn, *.txt): The Text Delimited format can be used to export data for Mail Merge with a word processor, or to import into a spreadsheet or another database program.


To Export From askSam

Open the file containing the information you want to export.

1.	Choose FILE -> EXPORT.

A Menu will appear containing the following options:

CURRENT DOCUMENT: Exports the Document displayed on the screen.

ENTIRE FILE: Exports all Documents in the current file.

SELECT DOCUMENTS: Allows you to export a selected group of Documents.  This option accesses the Search Dialog. Enter a Selection and only the selected Documents are exported.

STORED SEARCH: Exports the Documents selected by the stored you select.

REPORT: Exports the output of a Report. Selecting this option will display the Run Report Dialog Box. Select the Report you wish to export and choose RUN.

2.	Choose one of the options listed above.

The EXPORT Dialog Box will appear.

3.	Enter a name for the file you are exporting.

4.	Choose the Export Type Option and select the appropriate file type.

5.	Choose SAVE.

The Export Status Message Box will appear showing how many Documents have been exported and the size of the exported file.

6.	Choose CLOSE when the export is complete.

NOTES:

1.	If you want to retain formatting information when exporting (such as tabs, fonts, colors, etc.), choose RTF as your export File Type.

2.	Checking the Append Box in the EXPORT Dialog Box allows you to append the Exported information onto the end of an existing file. The Append option is only available for certain export types.

3.	The Delimiters Button in the Export Dialog Box allows you to define a delimiter that is output between Documents when more than one Document is exported.

4.	When you export in askSam 5 (*.ask) format, the Entry Forms, Reports, and File Settings from the original file are transferred to the new file.

See Also

The Export Dialog

Exporting A Text Delimited File

Export Formats


The Export Dialog

The Export Dialog Box controls how and where your files are exported. The Export Dialog offers a variety of options that affect the way your information will be exported.

In the Export Dialog select a drive, path, and enter a name for the file you will export. In addition, you can set the following options:

EXPORT TYPE: Selects the type of file you will export (for example text, RTF etc.). The file types are listed above in the Export Formats section.

APPEND FILE: Checking the Append Box allows you to append the exported information onto the end of an existing file. The “Append File” option is only available for certain export types.

OEM FORMAT: Windows and DOS use different character sets for extended characters. If you export a text written in another language, you may notice that certain accented characters do not appear correctly in your other application. The “OEM format” check box lets you export information without encountering this problem. If you are exporting information to another Windows application, make sure that the “OEM format” check box is not selected. If you are exporting text to a DOS application, the “OEM format” option should be checked. This option is not available for all File Types.

DELIMITERS: The Delimiters Button allows you to define a delimiter that is output between Documents when more than one Document is exported. You can set the delimiter to “No Delimiter”,  a “Blank Line”, a “Page Break”, or any “Text String”.

See Also

Exporting A Text Delimited File

Export Formats


Exporting A Text Delimited File

The Text Delimited format is a convenient way to transfer data between applications. Data exported in this format can be used as a merge file in most word processors. Delimited data can also be imported into spreadsheets or other databases applications.

To export structured data into Text Delimited file:

1.	Choose FILE -> EXPORT.

A Menu will appear containing five options.

2.	Choose ENTIRE FILE if you wish to export all the data contained in the file. Choose SELECT DOCUMENTS and enter a request if you wish to export a subset of data.

The EXPORT Dialog Box will appear.

3.	Enter a name for the file you are exporting.

4.	Choose the “Export Type” option and select Text Delimited.

5.	Choose the SAVE button.

The SELECT FIELDS Dialog Box will appear.

The Select Fields Dialog contains the following options:

FIELD LIST: Contains a list of all the fields in your file (this list comes from the fields listed in your Entry Forms). Select the fields you want to export and choose ADD.

EXPORT FIELDS LIST: Contains a list of the fields that you’ve selected to export.

DELIMITER: Sets the delimiter that will be output between the fields. You can choose “Comma”, “Semicolon”, “Space”, or “Tab”.

TEXT QUALIFIER: Sets a character that will surround the fields you output. You can set this to a single quote or double quote.

OUTPUT CARRIAGE RETURNS IN MULTIPLE LINE FIELD: This option affects the way that multiple line fields are output. If checked, carriage returns are output in multiple line fields. If this option is not checked, carriage returns are stripped from multiple line fields.

SINGLE LINE FIELD / MULTIPLE LINE FIELD: This option lets you set whether the fields you are exporting are single or multiple line. The default value is “single line”. After you select the fields you want to export, go through the list, select and multiple line fields, and click on the “Multiple line.

6.	Check the fields you want to export (in the Field List), and choose ADD.

The fields will be added to the “Export Fields List”.

7.	If any field in the “Export Fields List” is a multiple line field, select this field and click on the “Multiple line field” option.

8.	Choose OK.

A Message Box will appear and your data will be exported.

9.	Choose CLOSE when your export is complete.

See Also

The Export Dialog

Export Formats


Sorting

askSam Viewer can Sort Documents alphabetically, numerically, or by date.

To Sort Documents in a File:

1.	Choose ACTIONS -> SORT.

The Sort Dialog Box will appear.

2.	Select the name of the field to use for the Sort. (See Note 3.)

3.	Select the Field Type. You can choose from:

TEXT: Sorts in alphanumeric order.

DATE: Sorts by date.

NUMERIC: Sorts numerically.

4.	Select additional Modifiers for your Sort. The Modifiers are:

ORDER: Determines whether to sort in ascending or descending order.

SORT ON: Determines whether to sort on: the entire field, last word in field, first word in field, or the first word in the Document.

IGNORE CASE: When turned on, sort ignores case.

IGNORE ARTICLES: When turned on, sort ignores the articles “A”, “An”, and “The”.

5.	Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 for each field you want included in the Sort List.

6.	Choose OK to sort.

The Search Results Window will open in the bottom part of the screen. The Documents in the file will be listed in the Search Results Window in the order specified in the Sort command.

NOTES:

1.	The Sort Command does not change the physical order of the Documents in your file. They are just displayed in a sorted order on the screen.

2.	Dates of varying formats can be mixed in a file and will still be understood. For example, askSam Viewer can compare, sort and evaluate a file with dates such as July 30th, 2000, 30 JUL. 2000, Sun, 30 Jul 2000, and 07-30-2000 mixed throughout the file.

3.	askSam Viewer can properly sort dates from multiple centuries.

4.	The “Last Word in Field” setting in the SORT ON column is useful when you have a name field containing first and last name (for example: Name[ Vincent Verges).

See Also

Using the Total Field Command

Using the Count Word or Phrase Command


Using the Total Field Command

askSam Viewer can quickly determine the sum of a field.

To Total Values In A Field:

1.	Choose ACTIONS -> FIELD -> TOTAL.

2.	The Total Dialog Box will appear.

3.	Enter the name of the numeric field.

To choose from a Drop Down List of fields, click on the arrow to the right of the Entry Area or press ALT+DOWN ARROW.

4.	Set the Total modifiers:

LIST AMOUNTS: When this modifier is checked, askSam outputs not just the total, but also lists the numbers from each field used in the total.

FIRST VALUE ONLY: When the specified field occurs several times in a single Document, askSam uses all the values in the calculation.  With this modifier is selected, only the first occurrence in each Document is used.

5.	Choose OK.

askSam Viewer totals the contents of the specified field throughout the entire file and displays the sum.

NOTE: If a list of field names does not appear in your drop down Menu, check two things:

a. An Entry Form must be defined containing the field names.

b. The Field Character setting in the FILE -> PROPERTIES Dialog Box must contain the proper Field Character.

See Also

Using the Total Field Command


Using the Count Word or Phrase Command

The Count Word or Phrase Command serves two purposes:

By default askSam Viewer counts all the occurrences of a Word or Phrase in an askSam file (even if they occur several times in individual Documents).

askSam Viewer can also count the number of Documents that contain a word or phrase in an askSam file.

To Count Words or Phrases

1.	Choose ACTIONS -> COUNT WORD OR PHRASE.

2.	The Count Word Dialog Box will appear.

3.	Enter the word or phrase you wish to count.

4.	Choose either:

Count All occurrences of word/phrase” or

Count # of Documents with word/phrase”

5.	Choose OK.

askSam Viewer counts according to the option you’ve selected. A new window is open, and the resulting number is displayed.

See Also

Using the Total Field Command


Outputting the Contents of a Field

askSam Viewer allows you to quickly output the contents of any Field contained within a file:

1.	Choose ACTIONS -> FIELD -> OUTPUT.

The Output Field Dialog Box will appear.

2.	Enter the name of a field (or select it from the field list). If the field is longer than a single line, check the "Long Field" option.

3.	Choose OK.

askSam Viewer will open a new window containing the contents of the field you selected. If you double click on any line in this list, you return to the Document containing the information in that line. You can print, edit, and save this list as a normal askSam file.

NOTE:

You can also output the contents of a field by typing the field name in the Search Line and pressing ENTER.


Outputting information with the Show Command

Like the proximity search, the SHOW command enables you to output using the natural elements contained within blocks of text.  With the SHOW Command, it is possible to output sentences, lines, or paragraphs which contain specific words or phrases. For example, you could search through the complete testimony of the Iran-Contra hearings for every line containing the phrase "Oliver North".

To use the SHOW Command:

1.	Choose ACTIONS -> SHOW.

2.	The Show Dialog Box will appear.

3.	Enter the word or phrase you wish to locate.

askSam uses this word or phrase to locate specific elements to output for each Document.

4.	Enter a number in the quantity field.

This number determines how many words, sentences, lines, or paragraphs will be output.

5.	Choose Words, Sentences, Lines or Paragraphs for the Structure.

6.	Choose a Direction.

The choices are: Before, After, On Either Side Of, or Containing. This selection defines how much text will be output.

7.	If you select CONTAINING, only the sentence, line, or paragraph containing the specified word or phrase will be output.

8.	Set the following options:

TYPE OF SHOW: Defines what will be output in the show command. "Word or Phrase" outputs the sentence, line, or paragraph containing the word or phrase you enter. The "First Structure" outputs the first word, sentence, line, or paragraph from Documents containing the word or phrase you enter.

OUTPUT ALL OCCURRENCES: Outputs all occurrences of the word or phrase in a Document, or outputs only the first occurrence of the word or phrase in a Document.

RETAIN LINE BREAKS: Retains the line breaks from the original Document, or re-wraps the text when it’s output.

9.	Choose OK.

askSam Viewer will output the information to a new window. If you double click on any line in this window, you return to the Document containing the information in that line. You can print, edit, and save this list as another askSam file.

Example:

To search your information and output all paragraphs containing the phrase "illegal search":

1.	Choose ACTIONS -> SHOW.

2.	Enter: illegal search.

3.	Choose the option "Paragraphs" and the option "Containing word or phrase".

4.	Choose OK.

Paragraphs containing the phrase "illegal search" are output to a new window.

NOTE:

You can define how the information output by the SHOW command is separated. The "Search Line Output Separator" option in the FILE PROPERTIES menu defines how information from different Documents is separated.


Outputting Printed Information

askSam Viewer offers you a variety of ways to print your information. These printing options fall into two categories depending on how you want your printed output to appear:

AS ENTERED: The contents of a single Document, selected Documents, selected text, or all Documents in a file can be printed as you entered them.

AS A REPORT: Print a Report when you want to print a particular view of your information that can include totals or summaries.

See Also

Outputting Printed Information

Preparing to Print - The Page Layout

The Print Dialog

Printing a Single Document

Printing All of the Documents in a File

Printing Selected Documents

Printing Documents Selected By A Stored Search

Printing Reports


Preparing to Print - The Page Layout

askSam Viewer prints Documents as they appear on the screen. Fonts, alignment, and attributes will all be printed as you see them. The command FILE -> PAGE SETUP lets you define page size, page orientation, and margins for your Documents.

To define the Page Layout:

1.	Choose FILE -> PAGE SETUP.

The Page Setup Dialog Box will appear.

2.	Set the following options:

PAPER: Sets the paper size and the source. The source specifies where the paper you want to use is located in the printer.

ORIENTATION: Specifies how the Document is positioned on the printed page. You can choose either portrait or landscape

MARGINS: Sets the top, bottom, left and right print margins for all the Documents in an askSam file.

PRINTER BUTTON: Changes printers or specific settings for the selected printer.

3.	Choose OK.

NOTE: To see how your Document will be broken into pages before you print, turn on “Background Pagination” in the TOOLS -> OPTIONS menu.

See Also

Outputting Printed Information

The Print Dialog

Printing a Single Document

Printing All of the Documents in a File

Printing Selected Documents

Printing Documents Selected By A Stored Search

Printing Reports


The Print Dialog

The Print Dialog Box controls printing in the askSam Viewer. It appears whenever you select one of the Print commands in the File Menu – Printing A Single Document, Printing All Documents, Printing Selected Documents, Printing Reports, Printing Mail Merge Documents.

The settings in the Print Dialog include:

NAME LISTS: The printers installed on your computer. Lets you select another printer.

PROPERTIES BUTTON: Displays a menu of settings for the currently selected printer.

PRINT TO FILE: Saves the Document or Documents you print as a printer file.

PRINT RANGE: Prints all pages, specific pages, or a selected text passage.

COPIES: Print multiple copies of the print job. The default setting is 1.

See Also

Outputting Printed Information

Preparing to Print - The Page Layout

Printing a Single Document

Printing All of the Documents in a File

Printing Selected Documents

Printing Documents Selected By A Stored Search

Printing Reports


Printing a Single Document

Whenever an askSam Document displays on your screen, it can be printed:

1.	Choose FILE -> PRINT (or press CTRL+P)

The Print Dialog Box will appear.

2.	Choose OK.

A Dialog Box will appear telling you that askSam Viewer is printing the document.

NOTE: You can also access the Print Dialog Box by clicking on the Print Button in the Tool Bar.

See Also

Outputting Printed Information

Preparing to Print - The Page Layout

The Print Dialog

Printing All of the Documents in a File

Printing Selected Documents

Printing Documents Selected By A Stored Search

Printing Reports


Printing All of the Documents in a File

To print all Documents in an askSam file:

1.	Choose FILE -> PRINT OTHER -> ALL DOCUMENTS.

The Print Dialog Box will appear.

2.	Choose OK.

A Dialog Box will appear, telling you that askSam is printing. Documents are printed in the order in which they occur in the file.

See Also

Outputting Printed Information

Preparing to Print - The Page Layout

The Print Dialog

Printing a Single Document

Printing Selected Documents

Printing Documents Selected By A Stored Search

Printing Reports


Printing Selected Documents

askSam Viewer allows you to search your file for specific Documents and print only these Documents.

1.	Choose FILE -> PRINT OTHER -> SELECTED DOCUMENTS.

The Search Dialog Box will appear. This dialog allows you to combine askSam Viewer's search functions to search for a specific group of Documents.

EXAMPLE: You could select Documents with dates from September 1, 2000 to October 31, 2000 where the words "Gore" and "Bush" appear in the same paragraph. Click here for more information on the Search Dialog Box.

2.	Enter your search criteria and choose OK.

The Print Dialog Box will appear.

3.	Choose OK

A Dialog Box will appear, telling you that askSam Viewer is printing. Documents are printed in the order in which they occur in the file.

See Also

Outputting Printed Information

Preparing to Print - The Page Layout

The Print Dialog

Printing a Single Document

Printing All of the Documents in a File

Printing Documents Selected By A Stored Search

Printing Reports


Printing Documents Selected By A Stored Search

askSam Viewer allows you to print the Documents selected by a stored search request.

1.	Choose FILE -> PRINT OTHER -> STORED SEARCH.

The Stored Search Dialog Box will appear.

2.	Select the Stored Search you want to run and choose the Run button.

3.	The Print Dialog Box will appear.

4.	Choose OK.

A Dialog Box will appear, telling you that askSam is printing. Documents are printed in the order in which they occur in the file.

See Also

Outputting Printed Information

Preparing to Print - The Page Layout

The Print Dialog

Printing a Single Document

Printing All of the Documents in a File

Printing Selected Documents

Printing Reports


Printing Reports

askSam Viewer allows you to print the Documents selected by a Stored Search request.

1.	Choose FILE -> PRINT OTHER -> STORED SEARCH.

2.	The Stored Search Dialog Box will appear.

3.	Select the Stored Search you want to run and choose the Run button

4.	The Print Dialog Box will appear.

5.	Choose OK.

A Dialog Box will appear, telling you that askSam Viewer is printing. Documents are printed in the order in which they occur in the file.

See Also

Outputting Printed Information

Preparing to Print - The Page Layout

The Print Dialog

Printing a Single Document

Printing All of the Documents in a File

Printing Selected Documents

Printing Documents Selected By A Stored Search


Canceling a Print Job

If you wish to cancel printing, press ESC or chose the Abort Printing button in the dialog box that appears during printing.

See Also

Changing Printers


Changing Printers

askSam Viewer prints using the default printer which is defined in the Windows Printer Setup. If you want to use another installed printer:

1.	Choose FILE -> PRINT.

2.	The Print Dialog Box will appear.

3.	Select the “Name” field and choose from the list of installed printers.

4.	Choose OK.

askSam Viewer now prints to the newly selected printer.

NOTES:

1.	If the printer you wish to install is not listed, you must use the Windows Printer Setup to install a new printer driver.

2.	If you have trouble printing please check the following:

Is your printer turned on and on-line?

Are the printer and port information displayed in the Print Dialog correct? If not, choose Printer Setup and select the correct printer.

Is Windows printing properly? Try printing from another Windows application (such as WordPad)

If you cannot print from this application, use the Windows Printer Setup to install the proper printer and port.

See Also

Canceling a Print Job


Executing a Hypertext Link

To Execute A Hypertext Link Using A Mouse:

1.	Move the mouse cursor onto the linked text or graphic (by default Hypertext Links are displayed as bold, blue, underlined text).

2.	When you point the mouse cursor at a Hypertext Link, the mouse pointer changes to a pointing finger, and the Status Bar displays a message telling you what clicking on the Hypertext Link will do.

3.	Click the left mouse button.

To Execute a Hypertext Link using the Keyboard:

1.	Move the cursor onto the linked text or graphic (by default Hypertext Links are displayed as bold, blue, underlined text).

2.	Press CTRL+ENTER (or choose VIEW -> HYPERTEXT LINK).

When you execute a Hypertext Link one of the following things will happen depending on the type of link that was defined:

Bookmark in the Current Document: Jumps to another position in the current Document.

Bookmarks in File: Jumps to another Document in the current file (to the line containing the bookmark).

Another askSam File: Jumps to the first Document of the selected askSam file.

Document Name: Jumps to the first line of the named Document.

Reports: Runs the report.

Stored Search: Executes the search.

Menu Commands: Executes the menu command.

External Application: Starts the application and passes any parameters you define.

HTML URL: Opens your Web browser and displays the Web page (assuming you are connected to the Internet).

Attachments: Opens the application associated with the attachment and displays the attachment in this application.

Line Number in Current Document: Jumps to the specified line number in the current askSam Document.

Search Current Document: Searches for the linked text and jumps to the next occurrence of this for Link Text in the current Document.

Search File for Link Text: Searches the current askSam file (or another askSam file) for the linked text. The Search Results window opens and the first Document containing the text is displayed.

NOTE: When you click on a Hypertext Link to another file, askSam Viewer tries to open the file in the directory where the file was located when you set the link. If the file, directory, or drive is not found, askSam Viewer looks for the file in the directory of the active file.

See Also

Returning to a Previous Link (Back and Forward)


Returning to a Previous Link (Back and Forward)

When you navigate through files with Hypertext, there are times when you will want to return to a previous Hypertext Link. The Back and Forward commands were designed for this purpose. The Back command returns you directly to the previously viewed Document. The Forward command lets you move forward after using the Back command.

To Display the Previously Viewed Document (Back command):

Choose VIEW -> HISTORY -> BACK (or press ALT+LEFT ARROW)

You will return the previous Document.

To Move Forward (Forward command):

VIEW -> HISTORY -> FORWARD (or press ALT+RIGHT ARROW)

NOTE: The History command displays a list of Documents you’ve accessed during your current session in the askSam Viewer From the History List, you can return to any of these Documents.

See Also

Executing a Hypertext Link


The askSam Phone Dialer

If you have a modem, askSam Viewer can automatically dial phone numbers from your Documents or from your Report output.

To dial a phone number:

1.	Select or highlight the Phone Number (using either the mouse or cursor keys).

2.	Choose TOOLS -> DIAL PHONE NUMBER.

3.	The Active Call Dialog Box is displayed, and your number is dialed.

4.	As the number is dialed, the Call Status dialog will automatically appear.

5.	Lift the phone receiver and choose the TALK button.

NOTES:

askSam Viewer uses the Microsoft Phone Dialer that is included with Windows to dial phone numbers. In order for dialing to work properly from the askSam Viewer, the Microsoft Phone Dialer must be properly installed. Clicking the Phone Button in the Tool Bar dials a selected phone number.