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Definitions & Concepts |
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Definitions: Pathagorizing ('neutering') a document)
'Document assembly' is the process by which an operator creates an entire document from a variety of component parts and then personalizes that document to meet the needs of the intended recipient. Included within the scope of the term 'document assembly' are the means by which the source clauses are:
Pathagoras has adopted a ‘library’ and ‘books’ metaphor to describe the manner in which it organizes documents and forms. Library: A ‘library’ is the top-most level. It is a collection of up to 10 'books,' along with rules and settings that control the assembly process. You can create and save an unlimited number of libraries. Click here for more information. Book: A 'book' contains the 'source text' used for assembling documents. A book is actually just a pointer to the location where those clauses are stored. A book can be one of two types: a ‘folder’ or a ‘glossary.’
Clause: A ‘clause’ is anything – a single word, a phrase, a group of sentences, paragraphs, pages, pictures, charts, etc. A clause can even be a complete document.
Variable: A 'variable' is a place holder for personal data. You will strategically place variables within your source clauses where you want that data to appear. Consequently, those variables will also appear in the first draft of any newly assembled document.
Source clause: A 'source' clause is simply the original version of the clause. It is the actual text stored within the books discussed above.
'Pathagorizing' (more accurately: 'neutering') is the process by which an existing document, form or clause is prepared for use within the Pathagoras System.
Document management deals with quick and efficient storage and retrieval of documents. Pathagoras’ document management module is reflected in the PathSmart and SaveSmart modules. They shed the 'library/books’ metaphor used in the document assembly module, and adopt the terms 'Profiles’ and 'SmartPaths' to describe the groupings. A ‘SmartPath’ is a pointer to a specific folder on your computer or network. Each SmartPath is assigned a number and a nickname. The program can access the SmartPath by 'clicking' on the desired SmartPath or, mouselessly, by simply typing the SmartPath number to the screen and pressing <Alt-G>. (The module is called PathSmart, but each pointer is called a SmartPath.) See separate topic called SmartPaths. A ‘profile’ is a collection of up to 10 ‘SmartPaths.’ A profile groups the folders ('paths') that a particular user is likely to go for non-document assembly purposes. Since it reflects the usage pattern of a particular user, a profile is typically given the name of the current user or the name of an office section. See Also: Settings A ‘SuperSmartPath’ is a regular SmartPath with one additional, but very powerful, feature. A SuperSmartPath allows you not only instant access to the folder to which it points, but to all sub-folders beneath it. See Also: SuperSmartPaths. |