AD-Vantage Marketing

The most widely used method of transferring data from one computer to another is as a text-delimited file (also known as an ASCII delimited file). The conversion is often a simple process for most software programs, whether Macintosh or PC. The program inserts a "delimiter" or separator character (usually a comma or tab) between each field of data. This allows the receiving computer program to know where one field ends and another begins. If you were to view a text file it would look like this:

Comma Separated (Most PC programs)

"Jim", "Johnson", "ABC Company", "123 Main St # 223", "Anytown", "CA", "95401"

"Sally", "Smith", "Acme Construction", "999 1st Street", "Anytown", "NV", "89101"

"George", "Jones", "101 Computers", "101 Central Ave", "Anytown", "NY", "10011"

Tab Separated (Most Macintosh programs)

Jim

Johnson

ABC Company

123 Main St # 223

Anytown

95401

Sally

Smith

Acme Construction

999 1st Street

Anytown

89101

George

Jones

101 Computers

101 Central Ave

Anytown

10011

How To Make The Conversion:
Since software programs vary greatly, it's difficult to explain exactly how yours will work. Here are some things to look for when extracting a mailing list from your database manager:

Usually under the "File" menu you will find a selection for either "Save As" or "Import/Export". Upon selecting one of these options, you will likely be presented with "Save file as Type" option. Look for "Comma Delimited Text" or "Tab Separated Text" or "Text Only."

You will also need to specify where you will save the new file you create.

	If you are going to transfer the data by disk, select your floppy disk drive, put in a formatted/initialized disk, name the new file and you're all set. We can read a PC or Macintosh formatted diskette.
	If you are going to transfer the data over the Internet, select a temporary holding folder or your desktop. Later, attach the file to your e-mail to AD-Vantage Marketing. Visit our website and read "How Do I Transfer My Mailing List Via The Internet."

Note: Do not format the data into "labels." It usually doesn't work and requires us to undo the format... plus, it costs you $$$. If you're having trouble converting your file to the above format, we can also use the following PC program files: Dbase, Rbase, Paradox, FileMaker Pro, Excel, and some word processing documents.