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Borland / Ashton-Tate dBASE IV Version 1.5 for DOS
Complete Software & Documentation Set – Missing Outer Box Only
Includes dBASE IV Runtime 1.5
All Included Floppy Disks Tested and Working
For sale is an exceptionally complete originaldBASE IV Version 1.5 for DOSsoftware package fromAshton-Tate / Borland, including the primary dBASE IV software, original dBASE IV Runtime components, extensive original documentation, manuals and related paperwork.
Theonly major packaging component missing is the original outer retail box.
Otherwise, this is a remarkably complete surviving package with the original software media, manuals and documentation still together.
Most importantly,all included floppy disks have been tested and are working.
dBASE IV 1.5 SOFTWARE INCLUDED
The primary dBASE IV Version 1.5 software set consists of the original five 3.5-inch floppy disks:
- dBASE IV V1.5 for DOS – Install Disk
- System Disk 1
- System Disk 2
- System Disk 3 & Tutorial
- Samples and Templates Disk
This matches the documented five-disk 3.5-inch distribution of dBASE IV Version 1.5 for DOS.EMSPS
dBASE IV RUNTIME 1.5 INCLUDED
Also included is the originaldBASE IV Runtime Version 1.5 for DOSmaterial.
The photos show:
- dBASE IV V1.5 for DOS Runtime Disk 1
- Runtime Disk 2
- Original Runtime documentation/package material
- Original dBASE IV Runtime Version 1.5 manual
dBASE IV Runtime was intended to allow applications developed with dBASE IV to be distributed and run without requiring users to have the complete development environment installed.
That makes the Runtime material a desirable companion to the full dBASE IV package and is considerably less common than a basic dBASE software set alone.
ALL DISKS TESTED
Every included floppy disk has beentested and is working.
This includes both the primary dBASE IV Version 1.5 software media and the dBASE IV Runtime media.
These are not being sold as untested vintage disks.
ORIGINAL MANUALS INCLUDED
The collection includes an extensive original dBASE IV Version 1.5 documentation set.
Visible manuals include:
- dBASE IV – Getting Started
- dBASE IV – Using dBASE IV
- dBASE IV – Programming in dBASE IV
- dBASE IV – Language Reference
- dBASE IV Runtime Version 1.5 manual
- dBASE IV Version 1.5 Quick Reference Guide
The Programming in dBASE IV manual covers subjects including:
- Using the dBASE language
- Using the template language
- Using SQL
The Using dBASE IV manual covers operation and use of the program, while the Language Reference serves as a detailed command and programming reference.
This is a considerably more useful and collectible package than a disk-only copy because the original documentation was a major part of professional dBASE use.
ADDITIONAL ORIGINAL DOCUMENTATION
Also included is the assortment of original documentation and paperwork shown in the photographs, including items such as:
- Registration/product materials
- Ashton-Tate / Borland literature
- Reference cards
- Keyboard/reference material
- Installation and information sheets
- Advertising/product literature
- Other original inserts and paperwork shown
Please refer to the photos for the exact assortment.
ABOUT dBASE IV
dBASE was one of the most important database-management platforms of the early personal-computer era.
Originally developed by Ashton-Tate, dBASE became extremely influential in business database applications and software development. Borland later acquired Ashton-Tate and continued the dBASE product line.
dBASE IV provided both interactive database-management tools and a full programming language that could be used to build custom database applications.
Typical capabilities included:
- Creating and managing database files
- Entering and editing records
- Searching and querying databases
- Sorting and indexing data
- Creating forms and reports
- Relational database operations
- Programming custom database applications
- Automated data processing
- SQL support
- Application development
- Printing reports and formatted output
dBASE IV Version 1.5 added important enhancements to the earlier releases and became a major DOS-era business database-development environment. Historical descriptions specifically note Version 1.5 features such as mouse support, additional low-level file functions and the ability to keep substantially more data files open simultaneously.Google Groups
ASHTON-TATE / BORLAND ERA
This particular Version 1.5 package is interesting historically because it comes from the period whenAshton-Tate had become a Borland company.
The manuals prominently carry the wording:
Ashton-Tate — a Borland Company
while the floppy labels usedBASE / Borlandbranding.
That makes this a nice example of the transition period in one of the best-known PC software product lines of the era.
CONDITION
Very good vintage condition overall.
The original outer retail box isnot included.
The software media, manuals and documentation have otherwise remained together and present very nicely considering their age.
The manuals show normal light shelf, handling and storage wear.
The floppy labels show normal age and cosmetic wear.
Paper documentation may show minor creasing, aging or handling.
All included floppy disks have been tested and are working.
Please review all photographs closely because they show the exact software, manuals and documentation included in this sale.
INCLUDED IN SALE
- dBASE IV Version 1.5 for DOS Install Disk
- System Disk 1
- System Disk 2
- System Disk 3 & Tutorial
- Samples and Templates Disk
- dBASE IV Runtime Version 1.5 Runtime Disk 1
- dBASE IV Runtime Disk 2
- dBASE IV Getting Started manual
- dBASE IV Using dBASE IV manual
- dBASE IV Programming in dBASE IV manual
- dBASE IV Language Reference
- dBASE IV Runtime Version 1.5 documentation/manual
- dBASE IV Version 1.5 Quick Reference Guide
- Original reference materials
- Original inserts and paperwork shown
- Other original dBASE/Ashton-Tate/Borland documentation pictured
NOT INCLUDED
- Original outer retail operating system
- Additional software not pictured
- Hardware or accessories not shown
ITEM SPECIFICS
Brand:Borland / Ashton-Tate
Product:dBASE IV
Version:1.5
Platform:IBM PC / Compatible
Operating System:DOS / MS-DOS
Type:Database Management / Development Software
Media:3.5" Floppy Disk
Main Program Disks:5
Runtime Disks:2
Total Included Floppy Disks:7
Disk Status:Tested and working
Runtime Included:Yes
Manuals Included:Yes
Quick Reference Guide:Yes
Original Documentation:Yes
Original Retail / Borland
Vintage:Yes
Era:Early 1990s
