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Diskery Express

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Diskery Express: Rock Music Memory. On Demand.

This article is for users of the "Diskery Express" & "Diskery Mobile Express" applications.

Introduction
Installation (Windows)
Installation (Android)
Compatibility (Windows)
Compatibility (Android)
Using Diskery Express & Mobile Express
Legals
Privacy
Downloads

Introduction:
Diskery Express is a lightweight application for MS-Windows and Android, developed as a proof of concept for the Diskery API. It allows users to search Diskery's extensive music artist archives database directly from within the app, without opening a web browser.

This no-frills utility is free to download, distribute, and use, and designed with simplicity and speed in mind. The Windows version is written in C, while the Android version is built using Kotlin--each standing as the first independent programs to utilize the Diskery API.

Because the app connects to the live Diskery server, new content becomes instantly accessible the moment the database is updated. And yes--accessing the Diskery database via this app is completely free and unlimited under special license granted to this application and its users.

Diskery Express & Diskery Mobile Express are ad free.

Diskery Express & Diskery Mobile Express are self-contained and portable between devices.

Version 1 vs. Version 2 (Changelog):
The difference between the two versions is like the difference between color TV and black/white TV.

Better Internet handling
Images & logos can be viewed
Database traversing
Keyboard shortcuts
Random artist selection
Faster processing
Refactored and revised code
Text margins added
'See-also' listing
Statistics listing
...and more...

Installing Diskery Express (Windows Version):
Unzip the package and copy the resulting two files (instruction manual and application itself) into any directory/path on your PC. You may need to turn off virus scanners during installation and allow the application access through your Internet firewall if applicable. Windows Defender might block it because it is an unusually small unsigned program: tell it to "Run it Anyway".

Installing Diskery Mobile Express (Android Version):
If downloading and installing direct from our website you will need to do the following:

Step 1: Before installing the APK, Android requires permission to install apps outside of 'Google Play Store' in a process called 'Enable Installation from Unknown Sources':
- Go to your phone's Settings: Settings > Apps > Menu > Special access > Install unknown apps (also known as Special app access)
- Select the source (e.g., your browser or file manager) from which you'll be installing the APK and toggle it on (if downloaded from browser then select browser, if copied from your computer then select file manager).
- Users of some newer Samsung devices will have a further layer of protection they may have to turn off with the Samsung App Protection. Follow its directions to temporarily disable.
Step 2: Transfer APK to Your Device
- Connect your Android device to your PC via USB cable OR download direct to your device from the website.
- Enable File Transfer Mode on your phone (if using cable)
- Copy the APK to your device's Downloads or Internal Storage folder.
- Navigate to folder you placed the APK and tap the file name by using your file manager app (e.g., "My Files" or "Files by Google") to find the APK file you downloaded. It's often in the "Downloads" folder
Installation Blocked? Double-check 'unknown sources' permission and/or Samsung App Protection.
Step 3: Install the APK:
- Tap on the APK file.
- A prompt may appear asking you to confirm the installation. Review the permissions requested by the app.
- Tap "Install" to proceed.
- Once the installation is complete, you can open the app.

Watch this short video for a demonstration on installing apps for Android devices.

Compatibility (Windows Version):
MS-Windows 2000 SP3 or higher (yes that includes XP, Vista, 7, 8/8.1, 10, 11) 32 (x86) or 64 (x64) bit. It runs on PC desktop & laptop computers, and systems with Windows emulators. At the present time there is no native MAC or Linux version.

Compatibility (Android Version):
Android version 7 or higher with updated Internet security. It runs on Android tablets and phones, and systems with emulators. At the present time there is no native iPhone version. If you are using just about any mobile device NOT made by Microsoft, Blackberry, or Apple then this should work for you.

Using Diskery Express & Mobile Express:
Enter any band name into the search box or use their unique Diskery ID Number. If the band name IS a number, use the ^ (caret [SHIFT]+6) and the name. Bands starting with a number in their name but otherwise have alpha characters need not use this exception. If the name you enter has multiple entries you will be presented with a list along with unique ID numbers: enter the desired number into the search bar. The word 'ALL' is reserved and will generate a list of all artists available to be viewed in Diskery Express but note: Use of the 'ALL' (alternatively '*') may take the application a considerable time to process since it is receiving a lot of data and may make it look like it is not responsive; use this feature with patience. To preserve copyright CUT/PASTE is disabled. Only one image may be viewed at a time.

The following sections only apply to version 2:

Error Messages & Actions:
Unlike in version 1 the error messages will not be listed here since they have been revised and are mostly self-explanatory and most self-recover. In worst case a restart of the application may be needed. Version 1 users, please see the included manual for your error messages.

Keyboard Shortcuts (Windows Version):

[UP-ARROW]	- Move biography text up
[DOWN-ARROW]	- Move biography text down
[CTRL-ARROW-UP]	- Move up one record in database
[CTRL-ARROW-DOWN]	- Move down one record in database
[PG-UP]	- Move discography text up
[PG-DOWN]	- Move discography text down
[CTRL-PG-UP]	- Move links text up
[CTRL-PG-DOWN]	- Move links text down
[CTRL-D]	- Print Discography
[CTRL-H]	- Open Diskery website (Home)
[CTRL-I]	- Show band image
[CTRL-K]	- Show band image credits
[CTRL-L]	- Select latest record
[CTRL-O]	- Show band logo
[CTRL-P]	- Print Biography
[CTRL-Q]	- Quit application
[CTRL-R]	- Select random band

Buttons (Windows Version):

>>	- Move up one record in database
<<	- Move down one record in database
>\|	- Select latest record in database
<>	- Select random record

Testing Connections:
Use the '^TEST' command in the search bar to get the default text record. 0 is not a valid entry.

Warranty:
There is no warranty on this application. You use it as-is and at your own risk. Diskery, its owners, hosts, developers, et. al. accept no liability for your ability to use or not use this application program or any damage to your finances or equipment it may cause. This application may be discontinued or modified by its author at any time without notice.

Copyright:
This program is under Copyright by Derek E. McDonald. It may be distributed freely and without cost so long as it is distributed complete and un-altered, and without charge (free). All text and images accessed by this application are hosted on external servers and not stored or processed locally on your device other than to resize for screen visibility. These resources are used under a variety of licensing terms--including, but not limited to, Creative Commons, Public Domain, Fair Use, and Private Licenses. Users wishing to reproduce or redistribute any media must seek proper licensing independently. CUT/PASTE functionality is not available on the application to help preserve these rights.

The Diskery Express & Diskery Mobile Express applications do not host or locally store any external text or media. The app acts as a visual interface for data provided by the Diskery server. All image attribution and licensing obligations are fulfilled at the source level by Diskery. The application does not broadcast any music.

The Diskery logo and name are used with permission.

Privacy:
This application does not store any data locally on your device beyond the program itself. All information retrieved from the Diskery server is held temporarily in device memory during active use and is cleared thereafter. No personally identifiable information (PII) is collected, stored, or shared. Data transmitted to the server is strictly for facilitating application functionality. Any statistics gathered are anonymized, aggregated, and used solely for performance analytics and product improvement.
The application requires the following permissions:
- Internet Access - to communicate with the Diskery server
- Printer Access (Windows only) - to allow document printing functionality
- Wake Lock (Android only) - to maintain device activity during key operations for battery efficiency
This product is intended for general audiences and is rated 'G'.

Downloads:
Always be sure you have the latest version:
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