Psion 3a Series - Entering a database

Printing graphs: .PIC files
As the Series 3a does not have graphics-based printer drivers, you cannot print graphs
directly. You can, however, save graphs as "industry-standard" .PIC files, and then use
spreadsheets, word processors, or print utilities on other computers to print them.
|Eg= The .PIC files mentioned here have no connection with OPL bitmaps, which also use
.PIC as the default file extension.
Use the 'Create .PIC file' option on the 'Special' menu. The 'Colour' line of the dialog
controls whether areas are saved as filled blocks ('Yes') or as shading patterns ('No').
If
you intend to use a black and white printer, set 'Colour' to 'No'. You can change the
shading pattern used for a set of figures bv entering it in a different graph range
('A' to 'F').
In fact, colour information is always saved, but will only be used if you print to a
colour printer.
The .PIC file format stores information on the items which make up the graph. It is not
a pixel-by-pixel format; the resolution and precise detail of the printed graph depend on
the resolution of your printer, and of the program which prints the .PIC file. Note,
however:
• All bar graphs are stored as 2D. Only pie charts can be 3D.
• Titles are always shown, if set — even if they are not shown on screen.
• A guide to the different graph ranges is always included. This performs the same
function as the box shown by the 'View legends' option, which is itself not included
in the .PIC file.
H35= .PIC files are by default kept in a \SPR directory - the same as worksheet files
themselves.
Entering a database
A database is a table of information which you can sort and search by various criteria.
For example, here is a database of contractors working for an agency;
BHARUEST
BHUMPHREY
EjllUSSI IN
Eualker
Em: i
Each row is a
record
Each column is a
field
Each column must have afield name in the first row.
To define it, highlight the whole range, including the field headers. In this example, the
range is A1:F6. Then use the 'Set database'option on the 'Database' menu.
lEg
3
Setting the database simply creates a named range called database . (Each
worksheet can only have one database.) You can check or change this at any time
with the 'Edit ranges'dialog. You can also use 'Jump to', and select the database
range; this highlights the whole range.
156 8: The Spreadsheet
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