Graf97-FX Version 97.2  is a shareware application written entirely in Microsoft Access 97
======================

   It is designed to provide tools to explore your databases with graphs and queries
   using a technique called Data Mining.  It is also a quick way to generate/prototype 
   Access Graphs without running the Wizards and queries without using the QBE interface.  

   The most positive feature of this product is that if you are an Access/Office User,  
   you don't need to learn how to use another data mining products.  All you have 
   to do is attach your tables to any Access/ODBC database and then start exploring 
   your data.  If you wish, you can then write your own queries to join tables or constrain 
   data and drilldown on these. The software imports table and query filters to add 
   intial flexibilty to the drilldowns without the need to write queries.  This enables
   you to use filter by example and filter by form. 


Features Include
----------------

   Fast Access graphs from any one of 15 graph templates or use your preferred layout
   Drilldown on any table or query
   View up to 8 elements at any time
   Use any of the graf formats provided or create your own layout
   Drilldowns can be either using group by amalgamations or pivot/crosstabs
   Crosstab/pivots can be viewed using a number of 3D graph styles
   View the sql or save the query from any of the drilldown exercise
   Import filters from tables and queries as starting constraint for the grafs
   Drilldowns can also be shown as pivot/crosstab tables 
   Save your grafs as forms for later reuse in your own application.
   Replay your grafs as snapshots.
   Batching utility for any access macros, printing grafs or consolidating data overnight

   The application is designed as an open front end application.
   Any drilldown query or graf/form can be exported into other Access databases or 
   you can build your application in this database.  All tables - queries and forms 
   have labled with a "z_" prefix so that they do not get in your way.

Installation
------------

   First you must have Microsoft Access 97   
   If you have version 2 or 95 of Access, then head to our web pages at
         
                  http://www.gr-fx.com/ 

   and look for Graf2-FX or Graf95-FX download facilites.

   Secondly you must install Microsoft Graph 5 or 8 with this version of Access.  

   Then unzip the file graf97-fx.mde into any directory that you like.  You can 
   then double click on the file using the file manager in Windows 95 
   or simply open Access and point to the file.  Full size of Graf97-fx.mdb is 1.9mb

   Copy the file grafhelp.hlp into the same directory as graf8-fx.mdb.  You will be
   able to see suitable help by hitting the F1 key when in any field/button.

   A MDE file is a new Access format that is compressed and compiled for greater
   efficiency. This format does not allow you to develop your own forms, reports
   or code in the database. When you register the software, we will send you a
   MDB format version of the software so that you can customise you environment.

Upgrade From Access 97 Version 1
--------------------------------

Updated help file, smart graphs and more freedom for shareware users.


Upgrade From Previous Access 95 Version
---------------------------------------

This upgrade includes the abilty to import the user defined filters (filter by example
and filter by form) that are stored with each table or query.  This greatly improves the
flexibilty that can be found in the drilldowns.  It applies to the initial level 1 or 
level 0 graf.  Tools tips have been added to all the forms, a couple of new example 
tables have been added and a bug for table names with spaces has been fixed.  The software
has now been tested using Microsoft Graph Version 8 that comes with Access '97. 

Upgrade From Version 8.1
------------------------

Now you can drilldown as before but look at the results using pivot/crosstab queries both 
grafs and in queries.  The 3D graphs of pivot queries are very useful.

The help has been improved.

Upgrade From Version 8.2
------------------------

Database size reduced by 30%.  Registration easier.  Module naming conventions 
standardised for sharing with users.  

Upgrade From Version 8.3
------------------------

Pivot/crosstab query support enhanced to include support for Access functions.
Shortcut menus added to the form making the software faster to use.
Libraries fully documented.
Internal tips forms upgraded.
Graf form layouts improved for better printing.

This version of the software is syncronised with the Access 95 version 7.7 of Graf-fx.
The access 2 version 2.5 has the same features except for some of the library calls, 
inclusion of table and query filter properties and the short menus.

Upgrade From Version 8.4
========================

Added the Microsoft Windows Help Files.

Upgrade From Version 8.41
========================

Added VGA/SVGA screen size toggles
Added Normal/Easy mode toggles
Added callable methods to the Launchpad drilldown form
Added a command line processor so that you can startup graf-fx from another 
application and make open with your preferences.

Costs
-----

   To register this product, use the orders.txt that is included in the zip file.  
   If you don't have this file then email us at  access@gr-fx.com for a new version.
   Alternatively try
   
   Mail:   PO Box 2121,  Clovelly, NSW, 2031, Australia
   Phone:  +61 2 9665 2871 Australia
   Fax:    +61 2 9665 8448 Australia 
 
   This software can be used free for upto 15 days.  The file orders.txt contains 
   all the pricing information for the product.  

After registering, We will then email you the registration ID and a new MDB format
database so that you can happily continue on with your data mining and grafing.  
This registration entitles you to run all the current versions of Graf-FX and 
upgrades for 1 year. 

The product is available for Access Version 2 upwards. 

Other Options
-------------

Additional support can be purchased with the product.  Billing is charged for the 
actual time spent on a job (to nearest 6 minutes) and the time credits will remain 
in place for 1 year after the order.  Currently we have developed and support 40 
Access applications via internet email.

If you wish to find out more about the graf-fx libraries, you can order the 
documentation.  The source code contents for the libraries are protected 
but can be utilised in any Access application.  You can use the libraries anywhere
royalty free (without registering Graf-FX).


Licensing, Registration and Distribution
----------------------------------------

   Graf-fx registrations are by the database rather than the user.
   If you wish to set up your datamining/fast grafs database on a network
   drive and access it as one file for multiple users, then you only have 
   to register the product once.  If you want to maintain individual views
   of your data on separate client PC's, then a licence is required for each 
   client database.  You can have multiple client databases on an individual PC
   with one registration.

   By installing the SHAREWARE version of this software the user implicitly agrees 
   with the utilization rules described in this file.

Disclaimer
----------

   You are granted the right to use and to make an unlimited number of copies of 
   the SHAREWARE version of this software database.  You may not disassemble, 
   decompose, reverse engineer, or alter any of the files in the package. This includes,
   but is not limited to modifying any icons, menus, or displays associated with 
   the software.

   This software is provided as SHAREWARE and cannot be sold.  This restriction does 
   not apply to connect time charges, or flat rate connection/download fees for 
   electronic bulletin board services. This software can not be bundled with any 
   commercial package or distributed by itself or accompanying books or magazines 
   without express written permission from the developers.

   The author of this program accepts no responsibility for damages resulting from 
   the use of this product and makes no warranty or representation, either express 
   or implied, including but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability or 
   fitness for a particular purpose. This software is provided "AS IS", and you, 
   its user, assume all risks when using it.

Acknowledgements
----------------

   Windows, Win32s, Windows NT, Microsoft Access and Microsoft Graph are all
   trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.



Enjoy your Graffing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Garry Robinson
Software Consultant working for GR-FX P/L
access@gr-fx.com
Sydney - Australia

visit us @ http://www.gr-fx.com/   for info on

... How to set up and test ODBC 
... Problems with upgrading to Access 97 graphs
... Links to other Access sites on the Web
... Details on our other Access Software Projects 

  