SGML: IADS 2.0 README
[IADS 2.0 README]
Interactive Authoring and Display System (IADS)
This software is supplied "as is". The usual disclaimers apply
regarding the use of the software. Users should also pay special
attention to the licensing information on the IADS opening screen.
IADS was developed as a Department of Defense (DoD) Continuous
Acquisition and Life-cycle Support (CALS) initiative. The purpose
of this initiative, as it relates to this project, is to eliminate
the mass duplication of paper inherent in the maintenance of DoD
weapon systems. It also provides a means to develop a common
repository of weapon system data, better known as an Interactive
Electronic Technical Manual (IETM). IADS was proposed to provide
a means of both authoring these manuals and allowing DoD personnel
in the field to view the data electronically, eliminating the need
for paper manuals.
IADS has been chosen as one of the mechanisms to replace the current
DoD Technical Manual process - from the authoring of the IETM's to the
use of the IETM's in the field. IADS version 1.0 was released in
December 1992. IADS 2.0 was officially released in March 1994.:w
IADS was not only designed with IETM's in mind, but any SGML-tagged
electronic document can be read with IADS. This provides the flexibility
needed to meet the needs of customers from many different arenas.
Specifically, IADS will allow users to
o Author electronic documents from paper manuals by using
Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML). IADS uses
SGML-tagged text for all its documents.
o Embed graphics in text and go from text to text, text
to graphics, graphics to text and graphics to graphics.
o Create hyperlinks on graphics using the Viewimage module.
These hyperlinks can be programmed to perform a number of
actions. The graphics can also be scaled as needed.
o Use the Stylesheet module to give the document the desired
look and feel.
o Invoke the Sgmls public domain parser to validate an
authored document against the applicable Document Type
Definition (DTD).
o Set bookmarks while reviewing a document.
o Write multiple public and private notes for each frame.
These notes can then be transferred from PC to PC on floppy
disk.
o Query for information with the search engine, which allows
for primary and secondary searches on current frame,
current file, or document domain.
o Zoom in and out on large graphics to pinpoint and clarify
different regions on the drawing, using the Zoomview module.
The IADS process improvement benefits include
o Cost effective delivery of electronic documents.
o Up-to-date and accurate information on demand.
o Enhanced productivity and effectiveness of both document
authoring personnel and end users.
Some critical points to consider about IADS include
o IADS is being constantly modified to meet the needs of
both the author and user.
o IADS is being used throughout the U.S. government, as well
as contractors worldwide.
* Remember to use the binary option when ftp-ing these files!
Documentation
-------------
IADS comes with an on-line help system. For details of how to obtain
copies of the original disks and/or customer support, contact:
Commander US Army MICOM
Attn: AMSMI-MMC-LS-SA (Susan Pape, Building 5301)
Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898-5238
Phone: 010 +1 205 876-4024
Fax: 010 +1 205 842-6782
Email: spape@redstone-emh1.army.mil (Internet)
Current Contents
----------------
NAME SIZE TYPE CONTENTS
disk1.zip 1073159 BINARY Zipped version of disk1
of the original
distribution for v2.0
disk2.zip 147744 BINARY Zipped version of disk2
of the original
distribution for v2.0
disk3.zip 1360897 BINARY Zipped version of disk3
of the original
distribution for v2.0
Installing IADS
---------------
Get the files onto a suitably configured PC. You will need 10+Mb of
free disk space to install IADS plus its accompanying sample files.
* Ensure that you always use the binary mode when ftp-ing/copying the
disk*.zip files.
* The approach most likely to be successful involves the following steps:
1) Create three directories on your hard disk called
disk1, disk2, and disk3, all at the same level.
2) Unzip all three of the disk*.zip distribution files into
the corresponding directory.
3) Launch Windows, and use File Manager to run the
file SETUP.EXE
4) Let the installation software install IADS in the
drive C: (as suggested in the dialogue box).
5) You should get a message telling you that the IADS
application has been successfully installed and
added to Program Manager.
6) In Program Manager, you should see a new group called
IADS. It should contain 8 icons labelled: IADS Author,
IADS Reader, ViewImage Author, ViewImage Reader,
Stylesheet, Link Verifier, Zoomview and Graphic Conversion.
7) If you can't see the new group, check that it isn't hidden
behind another group. You could also try re-launching
Windows, and/or using the Windows setup options to add
the IADS applications by hand.
8) When you start an IADS application, login as "guest" as
this requires no password.
* If you want to recreate the original distribution disks:
1) Get three blank floppy disks (double sided, high density)
2) Unzip disk1.zip onto floppy disk #1 (pkunzip disk1.zip A:).
Do the same for disk2.zip and disk3.zip.
3) Cross your fingers.
4) Put the first floppy into your floppy disk
drive (eg. A:)
5) Make your hard drive (C:) the current active drive.
6) Type in "win A:\setup" and press the enter key.
7) With luck, this will start Windows, and a dialogue box
will appear and tell you the default drive into which
IADS will be installed (C:).
If Windows doesn't start up, you could always try launching
Windows manually, and using File Manager to run A:\SETUP.EXE
8) Click on "Ok", and the installation should begin. When
you are prompted to supply the second disk, insert the
floppy disk #2 and do the same for disk #3. If all goes
well, you should then be able to proceed as from step 5
shown in the other approach to installing IADS (above).
To start playing with your new software, startup something like the
IADS Author, read the license information, and login as "guest" or
"demo".
(It is possible to set up login/passwords for users to have different
default documents loaded at startup. Consult the on-line help for
more information).