SecurityArgus security controls fields, menu items, and processes by individual passwords. Security controls govern read, create, write, and delete capabilities for individual fields as well as records. The underlying structure of the security system is one of locks and keys, with each field, menu item, or process having an appropriate lock and the user having the matching key. If the user's keys match or exceed the locks, then the item in question is available. This system may be modified by adding new locks or by increasing key levels for any lock. Security is set by the system administrator without Questor intervention.
Network security is handled by network software. Argus will not allow an action to be performed if the security requirements are not met; therefore security violation reports for the application are not required. The Argus audit trail can record all users' actions if the system administrator wishes to conduct regular reviews of database activities.
Argus integrates digital images with collection data without additional configuration. Almost all image types are supported, but the most common are TIFF, TGA, JPG, BMP, and GIF. Argus records may have one or many images linked to Object, Activity, Lexicon, or Site windows. Images are stored as independent data files that are widely supported by third-party software. This allows the images to be used by software other than Argus. In addition to integrated viewing capabilities, Questor offers the add-on module QScan, which manages image acquisition and integration. This product works with all forms of image retrieval schemes including Kodak Photo CD, scanners, digital cameras, and video cameras. QScan automates the complicated processes of image acquisition and integration.
(For more on digital imaging see QScan)
Argus contains built-in calculation fields to enhance processes such as conversion of inches to centimeters, and of text date-ranges to numerical dates. Calculation ability can also be built into reports.
Exporting and sharing data - As a Windows-based product, Argus supports many options for exporting data. Simple copy, cut, and paste functions apply to small tasks. For more complex needs, data may be exported as ASCII files to other applications. Since Argus is a fully SQL-compliant open system, other applications may query the data tables.
Validation - or control during data entry ensures quality, and is critical to the success of any system. Each Argus field can be validated using a variety of different database features. The client may determine what form of validation or control will be used for any SuperField. Most system fields or "predefined" fields are also validated or controlled. When an incorrect value is entered, field validation will produce a prompt or trigger another action.
Argus's key validation and control methods include: · drop-down lists · indexed text · controlled vocabulary · multiple values · date and date-range controls.
Indexing - Automatic text indexing allows for for rapid search and retrieval. System indexes are self-supporting and automatically update when new terms are entered so that the content of free-text fields is always retrievable.
Argus includes a spellchecker. This may be used on any field, but is most helpful in free-text and indexed-text fields.
When terms are entered in a controlled vocabulary field they are validated against the Lexicon. If the term is new to the Lexicon, the user is prompted with a choice to perform a lookup, enter the term as new, or cancel and enter a different term in the field.. If the term is already in the Lexicon then it is accepted as valid and data entry continues. If, however, there are identical terms in the Lexicon (homonyms), then all the matching terms are displayed with their differentiators so that the user may choose the proper term. Multiple-value validation allows a field to hold more than one value and check each value independently against the Lexicon. For example, the subjects of a photograph can be validated and organized in different sections. Each term can then be searched independently.
(For more on the Lexicon see Applying Argus to Collections Management)
Dates
In addition to precise date values, Argus is able to recognize predefined terms such as "circa" and time periods, and to assign numeric values automatically to non-numeric dates . The default dates can be overridden as necessary to narrow the date range further.
Referential integrity
"Referential integrity" is the level of validation invoked for linked information (for instance, an object and its acquisition record). The goal of referential integrity is to avoid making changes to the database that are not applied to all appropriate areas. Referential integrity plays an important role in item description; for example, Argus does not allow users to delete lexicon terms if the terms themselves, or a term organized under them in the tree, are in use. Argus's ability to detect such dependencies and notify the user makes data management easier and more effective.
Argus supports query by example or Query by Form (QBF), the standard query methodology for structured query language SQL) databases. In QBF the following qualities are supported: Boolean searching · range searching · wildcard searching · string searching
Argus can also save searches as "dynamic lists" so that a search can be run again and again to retrieve updated results automatically.
Reports
Argus includes more than 150 standard reports. Standard reports are maintained in order to reflect changing institutional standards and needs and new reports are added frequently.
Questor will assist institutions in creating additional custom reports for a fee, and offers workshops in report-writing. Clients who wish to create their own reports (or modify standard reports) must purchase PowerBuilder report-writing software. Although any user (at any workstation) may generate and print standard reports, only workstations that have PowerBuilder may modify or create reports. Please see the PowerBuilder Support Policy for more information.
Although several third-party report generators can be used with Argus, PowerBuilder is Questor's preferred report generator because it allows users to perform functions unavailable in other applications. In addition to its ability to handle graphics, multiple fonts, and images, and to report on repeating values such as locations or conditions, PowerBuilder offers direct access to reports from within records without exiting the database. Using this unusual feature, a user can search, retrieve, and edit a record in a single seamless operation. ARGUS also works with Crystal Report Writer.
Argus automatically supports the 256 extended ASCII character set without additional programming. This character set includes all special characters of Western European languages. Argus is also developed to support UNICODE, the international standard that is now being implemented by hardware and software developers. Without any other software, UNICODE-compliant systems are able to display a default system character for almost all characters. There will still be the need for specialized software to augment data entry (e.g., looking-up the Chinese character for "horse"), but the ability of a system to display special characters will be greatly enhanced. As with the current 256 characters, institutions may wish to load additional fonts to allow support for diacritics in different fonts.
applying argus to collections
