The current Framework version Top of page index.
The current version of Framework runs under Windows XP and 2000 as a Windows program yet
preserving the Framework user interface and its unique powers in full. It runs in a window, side
by side with Windows programs, sharing memory and allowing transparent copying and pasting between Framework
and other Windows programs. Adding numerous unique features and tools such as the ability to handle numerous
large JPG pictures in outlines with no speed penalty and index-less disk based database technology.
It provides a new implementation of the FRED language fully compatible with older FRED
programs while adding to it 32 bit memory access, flat memory arrays, The ability to run Windows DLLs
and Framework DLLs in protected mode with unlimited access to the computer memory and an array of
new database, storage and search technologies. It can be installed on a miniature USB flash memory device that can be
plugged into Windows computers to run Framework providing program and portability as well as security.
Framework VII & Windows Top of page index.
Framework VII runs under Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000 and ME allowing multi-tasking
in graphic mode and screen sharing in text mode. A wide range of Import
and Export exchange capabilities with virtually all major Windows applications
including Internet HTML files is included.
Fraemwork VII runs as a DOS program fully compatible with Windows.
Framework can run without Windows on any DOS compatible operating system or an emulation.
(A DOS compatible OS is available from us).
Note that Windows and applications that may run in the background to Framework VII
consumes hardware resources which slows down keyboard response in Framework in comparison
to running under DOS.
If your computer speed is less than 50 megahertz or you have less than 8 megabytes
of RAM we recommend quitting whatever version of Windows you are running to run Framework
VI from DOS.
Specific hardware recommendation are provided to Framework
VI to users who call Framework VII software support.
Internet-ready customized hardware systems configured with Framework VII
and Windows are available directly from Selections & Functions, Inc.
Following are recommendations for buyers.
Contemplating a new system? We recommend Pentium-based Windows 98 systems
with a minimum speed of 300 Megahertz and a minimum of 32 Megabytes of RAM.
The additional investment in Windows 98 and a relatively fast system is
necessary in order to obtain an acceptable access to the Internet.
Framework VII performance as well as any version of Windows will benefit from a fast
hard drive. While a fast 20 gigabyte (20,000 megabyte) hard drive with an
access speed of 9 milliseconds can be obtained for as low as $250.00 (Western
Digital, August 1999) many brand-name as well as no-name computers are sold
with slow drives, sometimes as slow as 14 milliseconds. With computers
speed and memory increasing at an accelerated rate the slowest link in
the performance chain (and correspondingly - reliability) is the hard drive.
Find out all about your drive before selecting a system.
We provide specific and current buying recommendation regarding
laptops to Framework VII users who calls the Framework VII software support
line.
Internet-ready laptops with Framework V and Windows 98 installed are available
directly from us.
The two important issues when buying a laptop that will to run Framework,
as well as other software, are keyboard and screen. Most laptops represent
a compromise in keyboard layout and screen readability resulting in a significant
productivity loss when using Framework. This needn't be the case.
The problem with compromising keyboards may seem less acute in Windows
since its less-direct interface-design rely less on dedicated keys, hence
the difference dew to keyboard layout may be less apparent. On the other
hand, screen-update speed and readability in Windows may represent even
bigger problem.
The best keyboard layout for Framework VII maintains the Ins
and Del keys at their traditional places, at the keyboard bottom
next to the Spacebar. The only keys that should require pressing the combination
function key FN should be the numeric keypad numbers. No other keys
should require pressing the FN. The navigation keys, Arrows,
Home, End, PgUp, and PgDn should be independent
and readily accessible, preferably on the keyboard right edge making them
easy to touch-find. Grouping some of these keys at the keyboard top as
is the case on the IBM laptops slows down navigation in Framework V. An
independent Scroll-Lock key at its traditional location - the keyboard
top, is essential as well as an independent F11 and F12 which
replace the Out (gray -) and In (gray +) keys
respectively.
The Windows 98 Compatible, productivity-subverting Keyboard
Insist on a keyboard with a dedicated PgUp and PgDn (most keyboards are user-exchangeable).
Many current keyboard keeps the redundant Alt and Pipe/BackSlash
but adds two keys causing the loss of the PgUp and PgDn independent keys.
The two new Windows keys are redundant with Ctrl-Esc (opening the Windows start menu)
and an Alt-Key combination key (I forgot which). As a result the all important PgUp
and PgDn require pressing the FN with UpArrow and DnArrow.
Even if you are using only Windows-based applications, the lack of independent PgUp and PgDn
in word-processing, spreadsheets, and databases is a serious drawback which will slow you down significantly.
In Framework V especially it subverts paragraph selections in text (Ctrl-PgUp/Dn).
On the other hand, Windows special keys are not used in applications repeatedly for productivity
related actions such as navigation, and have questionable value.
Seems like just another Productivity Busting(tm) idea, playing to hardware marketers.
However, not all is lost. Toshiba and IBM recently improved their keyboard by eliminating or moving the
Windows keys out of the way to the keyboard top..
A compromising keyboard on Toshiba laptops provides all the primary keys in their
traditional area and may pass master except for the total absent of the
Scroll-Lock key.
If you already fell for this popular laptop, Framework VII provide a
substitution to Scroll-Lock with PgUp
from the desktop level. This means that for a consistent substitute you should
get use to press Ctrl-Out, then PgUp. To complete the Scroll-Lock
full action which maintained selection inside both, cabinets and
frames, you may also want to follow with Ctrl-In.
If your laptop keyboard does not have an independent F11 and F12 it is
probably better to get use to pressing the FN combination key in order to emulate
them than to use Framework VII keys redirection to assign other keys to
In and Out. However, on computers with extra special function keys, as surprisingly
is the case on the HP LX series pocket computers, it make sense to use
Framework to redirect them to specific Framework primary keys which are missing.
This may be the place to mention that laptops should continue to allow entering of
ASCII code in Framework by holding the Alt key while entering the code
on the numeric keypad. On most laptops it is done by holding the FN and Alt
down together and entering the code. On some keyboard it can also be done by holding the Alt
key after turning NumLock on and entering the code. The Ctrl- and top numbers
triggers a repeat of the following key press.
Surprisingly, the Framework VII high resolution display (800 X 600, 1024 X 768, 1280 X 1024)
are more readable on a 10.4 to 14 inches active matrix laptop screen then on a 14 or even 15
inches standard super VGA glass monitors. This is due to the superior intensity and sharpness of
active matrix displays. In contrast, text displayed by a double scan
screen, also known as STN, appears less readable. Double scan
STN monitors also have a narrower viewing angle. The wide engle is
important when the laptop is used for demonstrations or teaching.
Note that a 10.4 inch screen width is almost 8.5 inches which means
that the actual text viewing area is wider than the text area between
a letter size printed page margins. Nevertheless, if you can afford the more
expensive 12 inches active matrix - go for it. The extra workplace is useful
for multitasking with Framework VII Window screen shararing and even more
so with Windows and on the Internet.
In Windows the Active Matrix speedier pixel updating actually shows the mouse pointer
as it moves. A mousses on double scan screens on the other hand
are notorious for there disappearing act every time they are moved and have to be traced
with an artificially enlarged tail. The difference in price is probably justified.