Q: What is DBL and why do I need it?

A: DBL is the programming language that was used to create the SIM Business Package. In order to use the Business Package you must have a copy of the DBL Runtime on your computer. (When you install the runtime it normally includes the entire package including the compiler, linker, etc).

Q: Where can I get it?

A: You can download the DBL runtime by clicking on one of the links below. NOTICE: This software is property of SIM under license from the vendor. It is only for use within the SIM organization. All of the following are for DOS/Windows systems:

Download DBL Version 4.30 dbl430.zip 366,281 bytes
Download DBL Version 4.31 dbl431.zip 413,224 bytes
Download DBL Version 4.40 dbl440.zip 517,968 bytes
Download DBL Version 4.41 dbl441.zip 520,296 bytes

Q: What version do I need?

A: The SIM Business Package runs well on all these versions versions of DBL. If you are installing it new or migrating to a network, I recommend version 4.41. If you are using version 4.19c or 4.21 you should definitely upgrade. Remember that upgrading an existing system to a higher version may require conversion of data files.

Q: How do I install DBL?

A: DBL is installed by unzipping the downloaded file into a folder on a hard drive. In a single-user installation that folder should be named c:\dbl. On a network it should be a folder named \dbl on a network drive mapped to a machine which acts as a server for the Business Package. It can be mapped using any drive letter.

It is recommended to add the path to the DBL folder to your system path in autoexec.bat. A typical path on a Windows machine is:

 path=c:\windows\command;c:\windows;\c:\dbl