This is disk 104 of the freely distributable AMIGA software library.
This disk contains a copy of Glenn Everhart's large and powerful
spreadsheet program called AnalytiCalc, submitted to me directly by
Glenn for inclusion in the library. The remainder of this file
is Glenn's "Abstract.txt" file that describes AnalytiCalc.
Source and documentation is included on the disk in arc'd form because
it otherwise would not all fit on the disk.
====================
AnalytiCalc Abstract:
AnalytiCalc is a large and powerful spreadsheet program with
sufficient extra features to have some pretentions of acting as an
"integrated system". It is a virtual memory system supporting up to
18000 columns and 18000 rows, multiple equations per cell, an outlining
system, built-in cell annotation, and datafile access from any cell(s)
of the sheet, plus an array of functions not present in most commercial
spreadsheets. This disk represents the initial Amiga port of AnalytiCalc,
and as such the console interface is somewhat crude and in addition requires
use of a custom keymap (one such is supplied) for sensible operation. This
will be improved upon, but meanwhile the program is released with complete
sources, documents, and executables. The graphics program and the DIF
file access program are not yet ported; these will be released when
they are ready. AnalytiCalc for the Amiga uses files compatible with those
for AnalytiCalc on MS-DOS, VMS, or RSX-11M or IAS. An example project
planner spreadsheet is included in the distribution to show off some of
the things you can do. More example sheets will be forthcoming in the
future. AnalytiCalc also supports matrix math, FFTs, infinite windowing,
linear regression, date arithmetic, internal and external macros, LOTS
of cell addressing modes, goal seeking in up to 8 dimensions, and more.
AnalytiCalc requires perhaps 600K of RAM memory, at least one
360K diskette drive, and AmigaDOS 1.2, plus a larger than default stack.
Display sizes supported can be up to 132 characters wide by up to 76
lines long. Sorry; I don't think AnalytiCalc supports proportional
fonts very well, though it should manage not to be totally brain damaged
with them. The manual requires an 80 column printer.
To see the documentation you need either a printer 80 columns wide
to print it, or an 80 column screen to view it on.
SOME DO-NOT'S
1. DO NOT use AnalytiCalc until you have read the documentation.
2. DO NOT forget to make regular backup copies of your database.
3. DO NOT exit (X) the progam without saving your work if you
want it saved. (You will be asked to confirm you really want
to leave, however.)
GETTING STARTED.
If you haven't already printed the documentation, please do so
before trying to operate AnalytiCalc. Then, READ IT! You should
also make sure that you have placed a "write-protect" tab on your
AnalytiCalc distribution diskettes, so that they can't be
accidentally erased or overwritten.
You should now make a copy of your AnalytiCalc disks. These will
also serve as your "run-time" system diskettes.
De-archive AnalyExe.Arc and AnalyDoc.Arc at least onto a blank
disk and read the document files and release notes. You'll need
a bit of AmigaDos familiarity to set things up (read how to use
the ASSIGN command and the SETMAP command and ASSIGN something as
DK:; also set your stack large with the STACK command.) If you
are using disk file memory, FACC is a good thing to use also. PLEASE
READ THE MANUALS though, to save us all a lot of headaches.
SOME MAXIMUMS AND MINIMUMS.
Minimum RAM Memory required .....................about 600K
Minimum Disk Drives required...............................1
Minimum Disk Storage required...........................880K
Number of Columns......................................18000
Number of Rows.........................................18000
Maximum Length of Formulas (characters)..................109
Number of cells that can be full at once...............18000
Number of simultaneous named areas permitted.............300
Number of scratch cells outside spreadsheet...............60
Precision of calculations (digits; 8 bytes used)..........16
Total maximum storage managed (bytes)..............2,113,020
Maximum depth of document nesting (outline processor)......4
Maximum number of parameters varying to goal seek..........8
Maximum record size for data files accessed as database..128
Maximum number of files namable in one sheet.........>18000
Maximum cell columns displayable on one screen............20
Maximum number of rows displayable in one display.........75
Maximum simultaneous different cell display formats per
sheet (taken from large set)...........................76
Length of format specification (characters)................9
DISCLAIMER.
In no event will the Author be liable to you for any damages,
including any lost profits, lost savings or other incidental or
consequential dmages arising out of the use of or inability to use
these programs, even if the Author has been advised of the
possibility of such damages, or for any claim by any other party.
THE USER-SUPPORTED CONCEPT.
User-Supported Software
You are encouraged to copy and share this program with others.
If after evaluating this program you find it to be useful,
I trust you to send a $10.00 payment.
Glenn C. Everhart
25 Sleigh Ride Rd.
Glen Mills, Pa. 19342
To Be Done:
Future plans for AnalytiCalc:
1. Add TAN, ASIN, ACOS, and 2-argument ATAN (one argument ATAN
is present now). (Done in VAX version; trivial mod.)
2. Interface to raw: device instead of con: device and add more
flexible parsing of keystrokes so custom keymaps can be junked.
3. Allow data files to be on a logical device. (Actually, FACC
may make this need obsolete).
4. Minor cleanups to XQTCMD and a couple other places to clean
up and more thoroughly bullet proof the code.
5. Fix bugs as they are discovered.
6. Allow use on non-interlaced screens by redoing the two command
and display windows as pseudo-requestors.
Auxiliary files:
1. Port DIFDB (DIF to database or AnalytiCalc saved format and
back converter) to Amiga.
2. Port PCGRAF to Amiga.
3. Port some of the BASIC graphics packages to Amiga. Possibly
compile some of them.
4. Supply the Business Expense Report, manpower planner, and
income tax templates as extra examples. Possibly do a game of
LIFE template too, just for fun.
Other programs:
Port the RIM relational DBMS to Amiga as a companion piece. (This
has already been done porting from CDC to VAX to MSDOS (the last
by me), and should be straightforward).
I have found that Absoft Fortran 2.3 is a stable and usable compiler and
would like to acknowledge gratefully its contribution. He who wants to
add to or modify AnalytiCalc needs Absoft Fortran 2.3 (or later, I suppose)
to build it with. Anyone who has Absoft Fortran-020 for the 68020 is
invited to recompile this program to use the faster chips. I didn't have
either money or machine to try a 68020/68881 version, but see no reason
why it would fail.
Glenn Everhart
5 October 1987
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