Basic features of IDNV systems
The right tool is essential for any job, especially when working with large databases. Therefore, we deliver the IDNV with
special software that is perfectly suited for its purpose.
In the following section, you will find information about the basic features of all systems within the IDNV software family:
Installation
Installation is initiated automatically after insertion of the CD-ROM, or can be requested using the program "setup.exe".
Attention: installation must not change or "update" anything within the existing operating system. The included IDNV program,
databases and program support are merely copied onto the hard disk, making sure absolutely no problems can arise
for your operating system or the operation of other software. If necessary, the IDNV can be completely removed from your computer.
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Working with IDNV databases
Representation of database information has been granted the adequate room for this most essential of features.
Moreover, special functions facilitate the quick and optimised representation of clearly arranged search results.
Lists can be compiled in a flexible manner: sequence and display of columns (fade in/out) can be arranged as required for each
individual search profile; adjusted settings can also be stored.
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Searching by "closing in"
A search field is available corresponding to every single data field. This means you can search according to all
available criteria, either separately or in combination with several search fields and items.
The search function is initiated as soon as just one character is inserted into one of the search fields. Once you
start typing in a term, matching results will appear in the search result list.
This enables you to use all data in a very comfortable way that we call "closing in":
First, you can try just loosely related and imprecise search keys and, accordingly, get vast amounts of results.
The information gathered in this results list indicates possible directions of your investigation. The more precise any added
search keys become, the sooner you will hit the target.
This swift and flexible "closing in" can be very helpful, especially when you are not sure precisely what you are searching for.
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Sorting
Sorting is as simple as searching and is also applicable to every single data field.
The collating sequence is adjustable by clicking on a column heading: you can choose ascending (A-Z / 1-9999) or descending
(Z-A / 9999-1) sort, or even use different criteria simultaneously.
Sorting information is of great use for clearly arranging your results, for example when comparing various offered items
by publisher or price. Sorting also facilitates corrections and data improvement in our editorial programs
for catalogue maintenance.
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Storage requirement
Even with today´s large hard disk capacities, storage remains a limited property.
Therefore, IDNV databases use compaction techniques that reduce data volume of large databases considerably.
Only when being viewed, search results are unpacked, which is imperceptible for the user and happens "on the fly".
Compaction offers another advantage: Installation and data application in the computer´s working memory take place
faster and more efficiently.
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Performance
Performance is obviously of great importance, particularly when working with large databases.
We always try to make the most of the available computer hardware. For this reason, all IDNV systems are
completely generated in C++, a programming language working very "close to the hardware", giving our
developers ideal conditions for using a system´s resources.
We also developed all database systems for the IDNV ourselves. These are specifically designed and suitable
for searching large databases. Specific index procedures ensure a smooth operation.
After working a little while with the IDNV, the program will increase speed as the databases are taken over by the
computer´s working memory ("caching"). We also use this feature for server applications, for example for our web servers,
where the initial loading of databases into the server´s working memory ensures high operating performance straight
after starting the server.
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Security and data communication
For all IDNV data communication processes we employ our own high-quality transmission in combination with security techniques.
The medium for data communication is the Internet, which after considering all advantages, should still be treated
with respectful caution. Security techniques can prevent possible problems.
In addition to the use of authentication and encryption technologies, all data will be compressed before transmission, making all
information as compact as possible and keeping data transfer rates (and costs) to a minimum. The IDNV is therefore accessible
without any further investments even for users with very basic Internet access.
Last but not least, our data communication technique offers several practical features, for example the automatic restart
of an interrupted transmission at the right spot, or additional check-sum control to guarantee absolute data integrity
in addition to regular protocol processes.
Operation of all these data communication features - namely: transmission, compression and security techniques - takes place
with just one button to press for the user, which means extremely easy-to-use functional efficiency combined with highest
possible security...
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Quality and quality assurance (QA)
Every version and edition published for the IDNV goes through an extensive quality-assurance control
before release. We have thereby achieved very high product standards.
Because of the complex nature of IDNV software and also its particularly large systems´ scope, this has
proven to be no easy job but a very time-consuming task, demanding intense work. We still think it is worth the effort to save
you work and trouble and make the best possible operational features available to you. It works both ways: Our support area
can be run with minimum effort.
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Learning, help
The detailed help document included in all programs is designed to be instructive for beginners as well as for advanced users.
However, the basic functions of IDNV programs are relatively easy to grasp anyway, as we know from long experience and
contact with users. This also results from our permanent efforts to find easily comprehensible and comfortable solutions
even for more complicated operational features. After a short initial learning stage, advanced users will find many practical
details and get to appreciate the systems´ flexibility.
For more complex tasks, e.g. catalogue maintenance, we offer additional seminars. These seminars can be useful and
time saving when accustoming oneself to the program. They also offer an opportunity of getting to know how to use
the systems in an advanced way.
If you are interested, please contact us.
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System requirements
In the users´ interest, we are trying to keep system requirements as low as possible. Depending on the type of IDNV
software, requirements vary slightly. The standard size is approximately as follows:
Hardware & operating system
- Pentium 80 or higher (166 recommended) or compatible processors with similar performance
- at least 16 MByte RAM working memory (32 MByte recommended)
- graphic display adaptor with 800 x 600 pixel
- CD-ROM drive
- hard disk capacity 20 MByte or higher (120-150 MByte recommended for installing main databases on hard disk
for maximum performance)
- optional: Internet access (for data communication, detailed information)
operating system
- Windows 95 and higher / NT 4.0 (and any more recent Windows versions)
The more up-to-date and powerful your computer, the faster the programs will run.
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