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Below is an alphabetic glossary of some terminology used with PTWin products. Click on the letters in the table to jump to that location in the glossary.

 

A

Accounting Code - An account number combo box field that stores codes matching the system used by your accounting department to classify fees.

Activity Reports - Printed output that summarizes many records.

Ad Hoc Reports - An on-the-fly SQL query generator and report writer also known as the Shazam Report Wizard.

Add - The process of creating a detail record associated with the master record that created it. As in, adding a condition to a permit.

Additional Information - A tabbed notebook page that appears on many PTWin32 windows that allows custom field definition by the user.

Alias - The name you assign to a directory path when using the Borland Database Engine (BDE).

Archive – A function that uses a date you provide to locate older, seldom consulted records in your working dataset which are then extracted and stored in a new, historic dataset.  The resulting smaller working dataset speeds execution.

ASCII - American Standard Code II. An engineering standard employed by software manufacturers to ensure compatibility with outside software/hardware.

Assign - The process of creating an attachment between a master record and an existing associated record in a subordinate data table. The record in the associated data table may have attachments to many records in the master data table. As in, assigning a contractor to a permit.

Auto-Calc Fee(s) - Fees in which a user defined calculation is applied to an amount associated with a fee type, a field, or a graduated schedule. As in, a fee equal to a percentage of the total building permit fee.

AUTOEXEC.BAT - An automatically executing DOS/Windows batch file in the root directory of the boot drive that is concerned with system configuration. It is executed directly after the CONFIG.SYS file finishes executing its commands. Some computer configurations do not use this file.

Auto Numbering - A function allowing users to define the format of code fields used to identify records. This function may be turned off for manual entry of code fields.

Auto-Increment - A Paradox data table field type used in very early versions of PTWin.

B

Backup - The process of making copies of your information that can be pressed into duty in the event of irreparable damage to your primary data tables.

BDE - The Borland Database Engine sometimes called IDAPI (Independent Database Application Programming Interface). PTWin32 uses this database engine to access and deliver data. It maintains information about your PC's environment in the IDAPI configuration file (usually called IDAPI.CFG). Use the BDE Configuration Utility to change the settings in this configuration file. This common layer of software is used by many commercial software programs including PTWin32. There are both 16 and 32-bit versions of the BDE.

Bit – (BInary digiT)  The smallest element of computer storage.  It is a single digit in a binary number (0 or 1). A Byte is comprised of 8 Bits. Bits are widely used as a measurement for transmission.  Ten megabits per second means that ten million pulses are transmitted per second.  A 16-bit bus means that there are 16 wires transmitting a bit at the same time. A 32-bit bus means that there are 32 wires transmitting a bit at the same time.

Black Bear Systems, Inc. – A software development company and the authors of PTWin32.

blackbearsystems.com – A World Wide Web site rich in PTWin32 information. The site acts as a hub for PTWin32 users.

BMP - (Bit MaP file) A Windows and OS/2 bitmapped graphics file format. It is the Windows native bitmap format.  BMP files provide formats for 2, 16, 256 or 16 million colors (1-bit, 4-bit, 8-bit and 24-bit color).

Bookmarks - A PTWin32 function that allows each user to maintain a list of selected records which may be navigated quickly.

Boolean Field - A field type that holds a value of either true or false. Synonymous with a Logical Field or a Check Box Field.

Borland - A software corporation responsible for the development of Paradox, Quattro, Delphi , and many other products. In the 1990’s this company was renamed Inprise, and then renamed back to Borland.

Borrow - The automatic population of fields on the Applicant tab of the permit window with information from other records or other sources within the current permit.

Broadcast Email Group – Recipients of email announcements containing the latest information on PTWin32 and Black Bear Systems. Individuals wishing to join this group should do so at blackbearsystems.com.

Browse - The process of viewing certain key fields from many records in a scrolling tabular format. It is used to index the table in various sort orders and search for key field values.

C

Cascade - A Windows desktop function allowing open windows to be resized uniformly and arranged in a fanned stack from upper left to lower right.

Check Box Field - A field type that is either true (checked) or false (unchecked). Synonymous with a Logical Field or a Boolean Field.

Checklist - A group of check box fields associated with a set of user-defined prompts.

Combo Box Field - A field containing a button that displays a list of potential choices for the field value. Also called a Pulldown field

Compatibility - The capacity of software or hardware to work in conjunction with other software or hardware. As in, PTWin32 is compatible with Windows 2000.

CONFIG.SYS - A systems configuration file located in the root directory of the boot drive. This file is the first thing executed after your computer boots. It can contain a variety of settings that determine how your computer will operate. Some computer configurations do not use this file.

Configuration - Variable groups of settings that allow your particular arrangement of hardware and software programs to function in your environment.

Construction Valuation - A method for calculating a fee based on the value of the proposed improvement. PTWin32 can automatically calculate these types of graduated fees.

Corel Corporation - A software company. The current distributors of Paradox software.

Cutting - A Windows desktop function that allows you to remove some information into a temporary buffer area.

D

Data Dictionary – The data model methodology that allows user-defined fields in PTWin32. Field names are stored in a data table that is used to point to an associated field in another data table.

Data Model – The totality of interrelationships between data tables. Many data tables store records related to different records in other data tables. The methods used to associated data in a related table set are referred to as the data model.

Dataset – A group of data tables and associated files required for the execution of PTWin32.

Data Table - A file that contains record and field values arranged in rows and columns for storage on your drive. In the case of PTWin32 it is synonymous with Database.

Database - Fields arranged into records, which are in turn arranged into a file. In the case of PTWin32 it is synonymous with Data Table.

Date Field - A field type formatted for the entry of a date value. It contains a button that displays a calendar for selection of the value, or the value may be entered manually.

Delete - To irrevocably remove a record from a data table. 

Delete Family - To irrevocably remove a record from a data table along with any dependent detail records or assignments that may be associated with the master record.

Delphi - A programming environment developed by Borland which compiles source code into native machine language.

Deposit Accounts – A function that allows contractors to maintain an account from which fees on their various projects are deducted.

Desktop - A Windows term referring to the available working area of your monitor.

Detail Records - Records that are created in subordinate data tables to service the needs of a master record. As in, the inspection records associated with a permit record.

Display Resolution - The number of individual dots of light used to form what is displayed on your monitor. Higher resolutions provide greater work area at the expense of the size of displayed items.

.DLL - A Dynamic-Link Library file. DLL files contain instructions that are executed by application programs to allow communications with Windows. Some DLLs are unique to some applications while others are shared by many applications.

E

Edit Field - An ordinary field that allows the entry and edit of alphabetic and numeric characters.

Encryption – To encode data for security purposes. A formula is used to turn data into secret code. PTWin32 user passwords are encrypted.

Error Log – A diagnostic log of PTWin32 errors. Many errors will present the user with a dialog box that allows comment regarding activities prior to the error. These comments are incorporated into the Error Log.

Exit - To cease execution of the PTWin32 program. Synonymous with Quit.

Export - The process of sending information out to be used by a remote device or program.

F

Fee Estimate Mode – A function that presents the user with an alternate dataset different from the working dataset. Records created in the alternate dataset are not saved to the working dataset. This offers users an environment to experiment and provide answers to speculative questions without altering the working data. Also referred to as Learning Mode.

Fee Groups - The collecting of multiple fees, which are charged as a group through the execution of a single function.

Fields - Discrete pieces of information that are collected into records. As in, the Last Name field, the Address field, etc.

FILE HANDLES - A configuration setting used in the Windows NET.CFG file that is employed by some local area networks to determine the maximum allowable number of concurrently open files. PTWin32 recommends a setting equal to or greater than 125.

Files - Discreet groupings of information stored on your drive. Files can contain instructions on the manipulation of data or they can contain the data itself. As in, Data Table files, Index files, PTWin32 executive files, etc.

FILES= - A configuration setting used in the CONFIG.SYS file that determines the maximum allowable number of concurrently open files. PTWin32 recommends a setting equal to or greater than 125.

File Server - A dedicated computer in a network that is responsible for maintaining the traffic flow and storing information used by other computers in the network.

FILESHIGH - A Windows 95 configuration setting used in the CONFIG.SYS file. It causes reserved memory to be taken out of the Upper Memory Area (UMA).

Find - Allows you to search through a given field’s values in a data table looking for a partial or exact match to a value you provide. As in, find the first permit record with an Applicant Last Name value of Smith. The Find function includes a Find Next function that allows you to jump through a data file looking for all records that match the value you provided.

FSL – A Paradox Form file that displays data from one or more tables. Any change you make to the data in the form is reflected in the table. PTWin32 comes with a set of diagnostic FSL forms that allow for a secondary window into the data using Paradox Runtime.

Full Screen - A function that displays a graphics field across a larger area of the monitor screen.

G

GIF – (Graphics Interchange Format) A bitmapped graphics file format supporting 8-bit color (256 colors) It is widely used on the Web, because the files compress well. GIFs include a color table that includes the most representative 256 colors used.  For example, a picture of the forest would include mostly greens.

GIS - A Geographic Information System. A piece of software that stores detailed maps of a local government’s jurisdiction. PTWin32 can share data with most GIS systems.

Graduated Fees – Scaled fees that are charged based on the value in a specified field. As in, a Construction Valuation Fee.

Graphics - Information stored as a picture. PTWin32 allows you to add graphic images to parcel, permit, and code enforcement records.

H

Hints - Small boxes of text that appear near your cursor when you leave it over a button for a few seconds. The text describes the purpose of the button.

How To Topics - A number of topics in the Learning section of the PTWin32 help file that contain simplified steps for performing PTWin32’s most common functions.

I

IDAPI - Independent Database Application Programming Interface also known as the Borland Database Engine (BDE). PTWin32 uses this database engine to access and deliver data. It maintains information about your PC's environment in the IDAPI configuration file (usually called IDAPI.CFG). Use the BDE Configuration Utility to change the settings in this configuration file. Many commercial software programs including PTWin32 use this common layer of software.

Import - The process of incorporating information entered into a remote device or program into your primary PTWin32 installation.

Inprise - A former name for Borland, a software corporation responsible for the development of Paradox, Quattro, Delphi , and many other products. 

Index - A file that stores sorting information for the records in a data table.

J

JPG – (Joint Photographic Experts Group) A Graphics file format and an ISO/ITU standard for compressing still images. Depending on the image, compression ratios of 10:1 to 20:1 may provide little noticeable loss. The more the loss can be tolerated, the more the image can be compressed.

Jurisdiction – The entity to which PTWin32 is licensed. As in, a city or a county.

K

Key Field - An attribute associated with the data table field(s) used as the primary source of sorting information.

L

LAN - Local Area Network. A group of computers wired together to share information and resources.

.LCK - A dynamic file type that is created and destroyed as a result of using PTWin32 on a network. These files keep track of which user is in which record at any given time.

Learning Mode – A function that presents the user with an alternate dataset different from the working dataset. Records created in the alternate dataset are not saved to the working dataset. This offers users an environment to experiment and provide answers to speculative questions without altering the working data. Also referred to as Fee Estimate Mode.

License Agreement – The rules that govern your use of PTWin32. The license agreement can be found in the manual, in the help file, on the splash screen, or on blackbearsystems.com.

List - A function that allows you to create linkages between records from all across the PTWin32 system. The user defines the theme that connects the records.

Load From Disk - A graphics function that allows you to select an image stored as a file on your disk to be added to a permit or parcel record.

Logical Field - A field type that holds a value of either true or false. Synonymous with a Boolean Field or a Check Box Field.

Logon/Logoff - A security process through which users are permitted customized access to PTWin32. You Logon as a specific user and provide an optional password. When you are finished you may Logoff.

M

Maintenance Release – An improved version of PTWin32 available for free from Black Bear Systems. Maintenance Releases generally do not offer new features. They improve existing feature sets and are sometimes referred to as Dot Releases.

Material Fees – A method for calculating a fee based on the material types used for the permitted project. The Material Grid can be found on the Materials tab of the Fee Tables window of the Options menu.

Maximize - A Windows function that permits you to enlarge the current window to its greatest allowable size.

Memo Fields - A type a data table field with no specified length. The amount of information you can enter into a memo field is limited only by the amount of disk storage available to you. Memo fields are stored as separate files outside the data table file.

Menu - A list of potential selections from which users choose functions. As in, the File Menu, the Edit Menu, the Options Menu, etc.

Microsoft - A software corporation. The developers of the Windows operating system.

Minimize - A Windows function that allows you to reduce the current window to an icon.

Modifications - A PTWin32 function that allows users to customize PTWin32 with any unique fields they may need.

N

NET DIR - A network configuration setting that is part of the BDE Configuration Utility. It contains a path that determines where the PDOXUSRS.NET file is created for each user on the network. All users must point to the same location in order for network file locking to be effective.

Network - A group of computers wired together to share information and resources.

Novell - A software/hardware corporation that produces network operating system software called Netware. Some of their other products have used the Borland Database Engine.

Number Fields - A data table field type containing a button that displays a numeric keypad for the entry of values. Numeric field values may also be entered manually.

O

Object Pascal - A software programming language developed by Borland which compiles native machine language programs from source code. PTWin32 is written in Object Pascal, which is part of the Delphi development environment.

ODBC – (Open DataBase Connectivity) A database programming interface from Microsoft that provides a common language for Windows applications to access databases.  An ODBC driver can allow other software programs to access PTWin32 data and visa-versa. ODBC supports SQL and non-SQL databases.  Although the application always uses SQL to communicate with ODBC, ODBC will communicate with non-SQL databases in its native language.

On-Line Help - A Windows hypertext file of informational topics that can be consulted in real-time as you run a piece of software. PTWin32 comes with a number of Help files. The main PTWin32 user Help file contains over 100,000 words across more than 200 topics.

Options Menu - One of the pulldown menus that can be found on the PTWin32 main menu. It contains many of the functions associated with systems administration.

OUT OF RESOURCES - A Windows message returned when the requested function cannot be executed because it exceeds the current capacity of the computer. The solution involves either freeing up existing resources, or expanding the pool of available resources. 

P

Pack - A data table maintenance function that removes slack space from a data file.

Paradox - A database management program developed by Borland. The Corel Corporation currently distributes Paradox. PTWin32 uses Paradox style SQL data tables. PTWin32 does not use the Paradox programming language (PAL).

Paradox Runtime – A scaled down version of Paradox shipped with PTWin32. This application is used mainly for technical support diagnostics.

Passwords - A private series of alphanumeric symbols that allow access to PTWin32 based on the identity of the user.

Pasting - A Windows desktop function that allows you to place a copy of the information in your temporary buffer area to the current active location on the screen.

PDOXUSRS.NET - A dynamic configuration file used on networks running PTWin32. This file stores the current state of network traffic and is responsible for file locking. It is created in whatever location has been assigned to the NET DIR setting in each user’s BDE Configuration. 

Peer-To-Peer - A network configuration that does not contain a file server. One of the workstations in the group of networked computers must perform double duty and host as well as access the PTWin32 system.

Permit Applicant Sources - The locations from which applicant information in permit records may be automatically populated. You can manually enter the information or choose to place the Current Owner or Primary Contractor in the applicant fields. You can also borrow applicant information from a number of sources in other records.

permitconnect.com - An Optional subscription service that allows you to process your PTWin32 permits on the World Wide Web.

Permit-Track! - A DOS based permitting software system developed by Black Bear Systems, Inc. prior to the popularity of Windows as an operating system. It is an ancestor to PTWin32.

Permit Views - PTWin32 interface alternatives. Management, Plan Review, and Front Desk views are provided with PTWin32.

Primary Contractor - A designation for one of the contractors assigned to a given permit record. This designation selects that contractor for certain reports and other outputs.

Printing Blocks – User definable tests that prevent certain printing functions. As in, prevent the printing of a permit if any unpaid fees exist.

Prompt – The word or words that precede a field and describe its contents.

PTWinformation – A quarterly newsletter provided free of charge to PTWin32 users. PTWininformation contains helpful tips on using PTWin32 and provides updates on PTWin32 products and services. blackbearsystems.com contains an archive of these User Tips.

Pulldown Menu Field - A field containing a button that displays a list of potential choices for the field value. Also called a Combo Box field.

Q

Quattro - A spreadsheet program originally developed by Borland but subsequently sold to a series of owners. Quattro uses the Borland Database Engine.

Query - The process of searching through data and developing a list of results based on complex criteria defined by the user.

Quit - To cease execution of the PTWin32 program. Synonymous with Exit.

R

Record Blocks - User definable tests that prevent the creation of certain records. As in, prevent the creation of an Inspection record for a permit that has unpaid fees.

Records - A collection of fields. Records are collected into data tables. In a data table made up of rows and columns each row represents a new record.

Registry – A database of configuration information associated with a Windows operating system.

Remove - The process of deleting a dependent detail record or the attachment information in assigned detail records.

Report Builder – One of 2 programs included with PTWin32 for the creation of printed reports. Report Builder, or RB Pro can be accessed from the Reports menu. PTWin32 comes with a set of RB Pro reports already defined.

Report Variables - The text and graphics that prints in the first page header of PTWin32 reports. It is designed to contain names, addresses, and logos.

Report - Printed outputs that can either detail information from a single record or summarize information from many records.

Resizing - A Windows function involving altering the dimensions of a window.

Resources - A dynamic measurement of the processing capacity of your particular computer at any given moment. If you request a function for which you have insufficient resources you will receive an OUT OF RESOURCES error from Windows.

Restore - The process of using backup files to recreate your primary data tables in the event of irreparable damage to the working copies.

Restructure – A Tutility (Table Repair) function that attempts to recreate a potentially damaged data table.

Rights - The sections of PTWin32 to which a given user is allowed access. Access can further be defined as read-only.

S

Save - A process through which a record you have just entered or edited is posted from the volatile memory on your motherboard to the relative safety of your disk drive.

Search - A PTWin32 function allowing users to quickly specify a multi-field query and display the results in a browse table. The currently selected record in the resulting table will be the current record in the master window when you close the search window.

Security - A system administrator’s option. The Security function allows the definition of PTWin32 user profiles that detail access rights and passwords.

Selection Values - The lists of choices that appear as a result of pushing the button included as part of a combo box field.

SHARE.EXE - A DOS/Windows configuration program. In older computers it may be necessary to load this program in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file depending on your particular situation.

Shazam Report Wizard - One of 2 programs included with PTWin32 for the creation of printed reports. It’s an on-the-fly SQL query generator and report writer also known as Ad Hoc Reporting.

Slack – Wasted disk drive space generated over time as a result of differences in the lengths of values stored in fields. Data tables bloated with slack space are optimized using a process called Packing. Some PTWin32 tables can be packed in the Table Repair (Tutility) application included with PTWin32.

Source Code - The programming commands that cause PTWin32 to operate. The source code for PTWin32 is not included with the product.

Splash Screen – A window containing Black Bear Systems logos, links, copyright notices, and license agreement information that appears prior to PTWin32 login.

SQL - Structured Query Language. A database standard that allows a variety of programs access to a variety of data sources to gather information and create reports.

STREAM READ ERROR - A Windows error that refers to an insufficient number of remaining file handles to execute the requested function.

Structure - Data table formatting that is broken into header blocks and data blocks. The PTWin32 Tutility (Table Repair) program allows some damaged structures to be rebuilt.

System Messaging – A function that allows the attachment of a PTWin32 record to a message which can be sent to any other PTWin32 user on your network, including yourself. You can set-up one-time, daily, weekly, monthly, or annual reminder messages.

System Requirements - The minimum hardware and software configuration necessary in order to run a program.

System Settings - System administration functions that control the rounding of calculations, record and printing blocks, permit expiration settings, and report variables.

T

Tabbed Notebooks - A fundamental interface element present on many PTWin32 windows. It allows users to switch between pages of categorized fields.

TIF - (Tagged Image File Format) A bitmapped graphics file format that handles monochrome, gray scale, 8-and 24-bit color.  TIFF allows for customization, and several versions have been created, which does not guarantee compatibility between all programs.

Tile - A Windows desktop function allowing open windows to be resized uniformly and arranged into rows and columns.

Toolbar - A row of buttons that provide various functions to the user.

Tutility - A Table Utility program included with PTWin32 that can be used to repair some data table problems.

Tutorials - A series of step-by-step instructions in the use of PTWin32 designed to familiarize new users with the functions of the program. The tutorials can be found in the Learning sections of the manual or the on-line help file.

TWAIN - (Technology Without An Interesting Name)  A programming interface that lets a graphics application, such as an image editing program or desktop publishing program, activate a scanner, frame grabber or other image-capturing device.

U

Upgrade – The acquisition and installation of a newer version of PTWin32 that features an expanded set of functions.

User Logs – A function that tracks changes to PTWin32 records. System Administrators can view information for each user showing what records were added, deleted, or edited and when. You can also see dates and times for log-on and log-off.

User Tips – An archive of articles that have appeared in PTWinformation. User Tips can be accessed from blackbearsystems.com.

Users - Those people who work with PTWin32. The systems administrator defines them with profiles containing rights and passwords.

V

Value - Refers to the characters entered into a field. As in, the value in the Company Name field is <Black Bear Systems, Inc.>.

VCR Buttons - The directional buttons containing arrow icons that move users through the records of a data table

Verify All - A Tutility (Table Repair) function that systematically checks the validity of the PTWin32 data tables.

W

Windows 3.1 – A 16 bit operating system and desktop interface developed by Microsoft. The first major upgrade to Windows 3.0, introduced in 1992.  Windows 3.1 continues to be used, but it cannot run 32-bit applications and is only at work in legacy situations.

Windows 95 - A 32 bit operating system and desktop interface developed by Microsoft. A major upgrade of Windows 3.1 designed to replace Windows 3.11, Windows for Workgroups 3.11 and MS-DOS.  Released in August 1995, it is a 32-bit operating system that requires a 386 or higher.  It is a self-contained operating system that includes a built-in and enhanced version of DOS.

Windows 98 - A 32 bit operating system and desktop interface developed by Microsoft. A major upgrade to Windows 95.  Introduced in June 1998, it includes numerous bug fixes, performance enhancements and support for more hardware, including the Univeral Serial Bus (USB).

Windows 2000 – 32 bit operating system and desktop interface developed by Microsoft with 4 versions, Professional, Server, Advanced Server, and Datacenter Server.

Windows ME – (Millennium Edition) A scaled down version of the 32-bit Windows operating system developed by Microsoft.

Windows NT - (Windows New Technology) An 32-bit operating system developed by Microsoft.  Introduced in 1993, NT does not use DOS, it is a self-contained operating system that runs 16-bit and 32-bit Windows applications as well as DOS applications.

Windows XP – Windows XP, released in 2001 by Microsoft is a 32-bit operating system built on the Windows 2000 kernel. Windows XP comes in a Professional version and a Home Edition version.

WMF – A Windows file format that holds vector graphics, bitmaps and text.  It uses the .WMF file extension for 16-bit Windows and the .EMF extension for 32-bit Windows.  The Windows Metafile is Windows' native vector format. 

Working Dataset – Those data tables that contain your current PTWin32 records.

X

X Axis – The abscissa or the more nearly horizontal axis in a graph or Cartesian coordinate system. Sometimes this numeric value is used in conjunction with the Y Axis to define the location of parcels in a GIS system.

Y

Y Axis - The ordinate or the more nearly vertical axis in a graph or Cartesian coordinate system. Sometimes this numeric value is used in conjunction with the X Axis to define the location of parcels in a GIS system.

Z

Zero Check – A Tutility (Table Repair) function that searches through Parcel and Admin database tables looking for Parcel Key field values that are either blank or set to zero. When the Zero Check command finds a Parcel Key equal to either zero or blank it deletes it. If the program finds an Admin record with a Parcel Key equal to zero it nulls the field. This command should only to be executed under the direction of Black Bear Systems, Inc. technical support staff.

Zip Files – A file or files compressed into a single archive file using the PKZip methodology of compression.