CD ROM Paradise Collection 4/CD ROM Paradise Collection 4 1995 Nov.iso/hobby/ast286_3.zip/ASTRO.MAN

Text File | 1994-09-14 | 174KB | 4,183 lines

                  A  S    T  R  O




                 The Program For

                  Astrological Analysis








               For IBM PC and Compatibles







                   User Manual







               Effective Date: September 14, 1994








          (C) Copyright 1985, 1988-1993 By Christopher J. Noyes







            T A B L E  O F    C O N T E N T S :


          License For Use........................3
          Warranty...............................6
          Support................................6
          New To Astrology?......................7
          Introduction to ASTRO..................8
          System Requirements to Run ASTRO......11
          Notation Used in This Manual..........13
          Installing ASTRO......................14
          Starting Up ASTRO.....................18
          Installing ASTRO......................18
          Using Screens & Menus.................21
          Installing ASTRO......................21
          Quick Reference Guide.................28
          Installing ASTRO......................28
          Entering and Editing Data.............30
          Viewing and Printing the Results......36
          ASTRO Utilities.......................40
          ASTRO Graphics........................42
          Using Options.........................48
          Handling Errors.......................58
          Glossary of Astrological Terms........61
          Glossary of Computer Terms............66
          Bibliography..........................69






















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             L I C E N S E     F O R     U S E :
                Shareware Trial Edition.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------
    WARNING! THIS IS NOT FREE OR PUBLIC DOMAIN SOFTWARE. THIS IS A
    COPYRIGHTED COMMERCIALLY PUBLISHED PROGRAM.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------
                   WHAT IS SHAREWARE?
         Shareware is a means of      register and upgrade. Running a
    marketing Software at a       small business costs money. If
    reasonable price. Developers of   you enjoy using a shareware
    Software use Shareware to      product, either register it or
    distribute their products using   tell the developer what they
    Shareware because it provides a   can do to provide a product
    minimal advertising cost.      that you will register. If you
    Advertising costs money. In      don't register remove the
    order to market a program on a      product from your system and
    retail basis, a developer      don't use it. Shareware is not
    typically needs to sell a      Free or Public Domain Software.
    minimum of 5000 copies a month.   You can't expect timely
    Shareware circumvents this      upgrades and fixes from Free or
    somewhat and helps provide you      Public Domain Software. With a
    the customer with a good value      Product like ASTRO, if you
    at a much lower price than you      register, and you find there
    would receive from a commercial   are problems I will do
    source.               everything I can to see that
         In order for shareware to      the product works well for you.
    work, If users are actually      I will provide you as much
    using a product, they must      assistance as I can. This
    register. Developers can't        unfortunately costs money. I
    continue to develop and improve   can't do it without your
    products if customers don't       registration.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------
         This software is provided      minimal level of technical
    for Trial Purposes Only! The      support to any caller who calls
    purpose of this is to give you      asking for help without
    the user the opportunity to try   registration.
    out ASTRO without having to buy        When you register this
    it in order to try it.          program, I will send you the
         This version allows you to   latest version of ASTRO, free
    use all features of this      of limitations and reminders,
    version unimpaired. You are      complete with all utilities.
    Entitled to Use this Shareware           Since this package is
    Version for Up to 30 days from      provided for trial purposes,
    purchase without Obligation.      you may copy the original .ZIP
    You may not use this version      or .LZH files or disks you
    for any Commercial Purpose. I      received as many times as you
    will attempt to provide a


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    wish, and upload, download it           The only thing I ask is to
    to your heart's content.          upload or copy the entire
         This version is provided      package intact, in the original
    in two different versions  One      ZIP file (provided you got this
    shipped in .ZIP format files      package on a BBS) or disk form,
    compatible with PKZIP/PKUNZIP,      and not change the program or
    this version is preferred for      any of the documentation.
    BBSs. The other is shipped with        Unauthorized alterations
    a proprietary install program      versions to this package will
    which works with LHA.EXE uses      be considered "Pirated" or
    .LZH compressed files. These      hacked. This is to protect you
    files can be decompressed using   the user from receiving a
    LHA as well. If you wish to      damaged files that may damage
    upload the .LZH version, you      your system or disk. The disks
    should create an archive called   I send you once you register
    AST271-0.LZH containing       this program may not be copied,
    INSTALL.EXE, INSTALL.DAT, and      except for archival or backup
    INSTALL.3.              purposes only.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------
    NOTICE: If you wish to use this program for Commercial purposes,
    Please print out two copies of COMAGRE.DOC, sign and return with
    the Registration form.    Please contact me if you have any
    questions about this.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------
         By registering you will be entitled to technical support and
    future upgrades at reasonable prices. If You are in a rush I can
    notify you of the password for your program till your Updated
    copy arrives.
                      _____
    Payment of $29.95 or budget registration gets you a password which
    will turn off the registration screens and disclaimer a the top
    of reports. It also entitles you to notification of additional
    products and upgrades, and 90 days technical support.
                      ____
    Payment of $39.95 or Lite Registration gets you a fresh copy of
    ASTRO Lite, complete with a set of disks and printed manual. The
    Lite version includes a 1200 Location database and additional
    birth information for a number of famous people.
                      ____
    Additional Non-Shareware versions are available. Please see the
    file VERSIONS.DOC for additional versions.
                      ____
    Windows 3.1 versions of ASTRO are now available as well. When
    you register, specify Windows 3.1 and a Windows versions will
    be shipped.
                      ____


                     Page 4




    To Register, Print out the file README.DOC or REGISTER.DOC.
    These files have a registration form in them. Fill in an send
    to with a check or money order:
        Christopher J. Noyes Software at
        144 Union Street, Store A
        Brooklyn, NY 11231

    Or FAX to [phone] if using a credit card.

    Or E-Mail to compuserve 71570,3055 or CJNoyesSW on
    AOL or [e-mail] from the internet if you
    are using a credit card.

    Or call [phone] if you are using a credit card.

         You may distribute the Shareware version of ASTRO as long
    as you do not charge more than $5.00 per disk. A lot of hard
    work went into ASTRO. In order to continue improving ASTRO and
    providing extensions to it, you must register it. Without
    your support, I cannot afford to justify the expense and energy
    necessary, if you will not register and support this product.

                         Thanks in Advance,

                        Christopher J. Noyes


    This program is produced by a member of the Association of
    Shareware Professionals (ASP).    ASP wants to make sure that
    the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to
    resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by
    contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help.
    The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem
    with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for
    members' products.  Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545
    Grover Road, Muskegon, MI USA 49442-9427, Fax [phone],
    or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP
    Ombudsman 70007,3536.

                     Page 5







                W A R R A N T Y :



         If I am unable to resolve any problems you have with ASTRO,
    once you register it, I will refund your money provided you
    return all disks and this manual that I shipped you when you
    register.
         While every attempt has been made to assure that ASTRO will
    work properly, I will not be held responsible for any damage,
    loss of profit, or other losses caused by ASTRO.



                  S U P P O R T


         If you did not purchase ASTRO Directly from Me, I suggest
    first trying to get support from the company you bought ASTRO
    from. If they are unable to solve your problem, I will be happy
    to help you.
         For technical support on ASTRO:
    * Call me at [phone] between the hours of 10:30 A.M. and
      4:30 P.M. (EST), any day. If I am not available, please leave a
      message, I will call you back as soon as I can.
    * Contact me on Compuserve Mail using the ID 71570,3055.
    * Contact me on America On-Line using the ID CJNoyesSW.
    * Contact me on The Internet using [e-mail] or
      [e-mail].
    * Contact me on ILINK bulletin board systems using the name
      Chris  Noyes.
    * FAX Me At [phone].
    * Contact me by Mail at the address below.

                 CHRISTOPHER J. NOYES SOFTWARE
                 144 Union Street--Store A
                 Brooklyn, NY 11231.











                     Page 6






            N E W    T O   A S T R O L O G Y ?

    To get the most out of this program you will need some
    understanding of astrology. ASTRO does provide some help in this
    area via the ASTRO-Helper found in the Utilities menu, and the
    "Astrological Glossary" in the back of this manual, you will be
    more able to make use of this program if you do some background
    reading. I suggest the following reading material:

    Instant Astrology. By Mort Gale. Published by Warner Books, New
         York, 1980.
    Compendium of Astrology. By Rose Lineman and Jan Popelka.
         Published by Para Research, West Chester PA, 1984.
    The New Compleat Astrologer. By Derek and Julia Parker. Published
         in the United States by Harmony Books, a division of Crown
         Publishers, Inc. Current edition published 1984.
    The New A To Z Horoscope Maker and Delineator. By Llewellyn
         George. Revised and Expanded, Revised and Edited by Marylee
         Bytheriver. Published by Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul,
         Minnesota, Current version Copyright 1981.

    These Are a few more books that may be good for users with any
    degree of experience with astrology or with ASTRO.

    The Houses: Power Places of the Horoscope. Edited by Joan
         McEvers. Published by Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul,
         Minnesota, Copyright 1989.
    Planets in Combination. By Lynne Burmyn. Published by ACS
         Publications, San Diego CA, Copyright 1985.
    Progressions Directions and Rectification, or the Great Guessing
         Game...What Time Where You Born? By Zipporah Pottenger
         Dobyns. Published by T.I.A. Publications, Copyright 1975.
    The Rising Sign--Your Astrological Mask. By Jeanne Avery. A
         Dolphin Book, Published by Doubleday, New York, Copyright
         1982.
    Astrological Assistance. By Saul P. Larner. Published By Prentice
         Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, Copyright 1972.
    The International Atlas, Second Edtion, World latitude,
         Longitudes and Time Changes. Compiled and Programmed by
         Thomas G. Shanks. Published by ACS Publications, San Diego,
         CA, Copyright 1985, 1988.
    The American Atlas, Revised, US Latitudes and Longitudes. Time
         Changes and Time Zones. Compiled and Programmed by Thomas G.
         Shanks. Published by ACS Publications, San Diego, CA,
         Copyright 1978, 1987




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           I N T R O D U C T I O N   T O   A S T R O :

    BACKGROUND.              many improvements over earlier
    ASTRO was conceived of in 1985,   versions. Many new features
    back when I was programming on      have been introduced and many
    a Commodore 128 computer. I      other fine spots have been
    started working on ASTRO out of   ironed out.
    curiosity mostly, and soon got
    deeply involved. I soon ported      WHY USE ASTRO?
    it over to the IBM PC when I      ASTRO The Program for
    discovered I couldn't get ASTRO   Astrological Analysis, or ASTRO
    to do what I wanted on the      for short is a powerful
    Commodore due to limited tools      computer program. Where many
    available, and the limited      astrological computer programs
    capabilities of the computer.      produce accurate results, they
         The original Version of      mostly produce just the numbers
    ASTRO that appeared on the IBM      and the facts. They tell you
    PC in early 1987 was good at      very little about yourself or
    some things, particularly its      others without doing a whole
    simplicity, speed, and ease of      lot of research into the
    use. It did have some problems      'delineation' or interpretation
    though. It particularly had      of the numbers and the signs.
    problems for advanced               ASTRO is different. ASTRO
    astrologers and those people      is designed to produce a
    who were very new to computers.   textual type of output,
    It also had problems, primarily   consisting of the numbers, text
    in lack of accuracy and       interpreting the results into
    problems due to not following      significant terms. ASTRO also
    common astrological standards.      provides a graphics cartwheel
    It was good though for people      printout as well that helps in
    who were really only casually      understanding the individual's
    interested in astrology.      chart.
         I got so much feedback           ASTRO is excellent for the
    from more advanced astrologers      new astrologer who really
    that I decided to rebuild ASTRO   doesn't understand all the
    from scratch and resolve the      details in interpretation, and
    majority of their problems.      is seeking to learn more, more
    This version of ASTRO is for      about others, more about
    all intensive purposes a brand      themselves. ASTRO provides an
    new program. The only things      excellent learning aide in the
    kept were some of the text that   ASTRO-Helper. I am not
    was generated, the "ASTRO         suggesting though that ASTRO
    Helper" text, and some of the     can totally replace an
    modes used.              excellent astrologers'
         This release is the third      delineation of a highly
    major release of ASTRO. It      accurate chart, it can though
    breaks major ground and makes


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    provide an excellent starting      called the Pro version will be
    point.                  released. This will offer many
         ASTRO is also excellent      advanced features that only
    for the experienced astrologer.   advanced astrologers will make
    It can provide charts that      use of or will understand.
    rival those provided by hand or
    other computer systems.       NEW AND ENHANCED CAPABILITIES.
                      There are many improvements in
    TWO VERSIONS.              the deluxe version of this
    This release of ASTRO is      release, as well as the Lite
    provided in two different      version.
    versions. Both have equal           ASTRO has an easy-to-use
    accuracy and performance.      intuitive user interface. It is
    The Lite version is a limited      easy to use, and is much more
    version that provides most of      powerful. This version also
    the major functions but leaves      features support for Microsoft,
    out many of the advanced and      Mouse Systems and mice whose
    new features that a novice      drivers are compatible with
    won't understand or be able to    these.
    use. This version also will           ASTRO has several built in
    work on a two 360k 5-1/4"         databases. One for people's
    floppy disk system.          birth dates, time and places.
    The Deluxe version provides      The other is a database of
    many new features that the      locations, giving all the
    advanced astrologer may       necessary data for
    understand and make use of. The   approximately 100 U.S. cities
    beginner may have difficulty      and approximately 100 foreign
    with these, or may not need      cities. A 1200 city database of
    them. If you bought the Lite      locations (primarily US and
    version you will be able to      Canadian cities) is also
    upgrade to the Deluxe version      available. It can be used to
    when you are ready.          store the locations of your own
         These are the features      birth date, your birth
    left out of the Lite version      location, locations and births
    and present in the deluxe      of all your friends, associates
    version: midpoints,          and other people you do charts
    progressions, solar and lunar      for regularly.
    returns, relocated charts,           This version of ASTRO uses
    composite charts and enhanced      Highly accurate routines to
    birth rectification. A few      generate the planet positions,
    minor features under utilities      house cusps, and aspects.
    have also been omitted as well.   Planetary positions are
         Each major feature that is   accurate to no more than 5
    present only in the Deluxe      Minutes in Arc.
    version will be marked in this           House cusps can be
    manual as such.           generated using Equal House, M-
         At some point in the      House, Placidus, Companus, and
    future, a third version, to be      Regiomontanus house systems.


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    ASTRO also provides the       processing formats retain all
    following: midpoints, and      formatting information.
    aspects to midpoints, along           Also introduced in this
    with decans, midheaven, Moon's    version are enhanced printing
    Nodes, Part of Fortune, Vertex      capabilities. This version
    and East-Point, and other      creates reports that utilize
    important calculations and      bold and underscore
    determinations. Also provided      capabilities of your printer,
    is Birth Rectification, by      and screen, along with a
    which basic houses can be      numeric only report format, in
    roughly determined, even if you   case you only want the numbers.
    don't know a person's exact           In the old version your
    time of birth, and optional day   horoscope was only stored in
    for a year progressions.      memory until you chose to view
         The graphics cartwheel      it or print it and it was over-
    display can be used with any of   written when you chose to do
    many standard graphics adapter      another. This version produces
    and monitor combinations. The      all files directly to the disk
    graphics cartwheel printed on      in a special compressed format.
    the screen can also be printed           The names of the files
    to the printer with built in      generated to the disk are kept
    printer support.          in a file list stored on disk
    ASTRO directly supports       and in memory. You can select
    IBM/Epson compatible printers      from many different charts that
    (9 and 24 pin, B&W and Color)      you may have calculated and
    or HP LaserJet, DeskJet and      kept on disk. These charts can
    compatible printers, but the      be marked with comments when
    setup file can be altered to      compiling, that can aid you in
    support many others as well.      determining which chart to look
    This version also allows you to   at, print, convert, or view as
    convert your horoscope to an      a graphics-cartwheel.
    ASCII text file, or convert           If you have a math co-
    your horoscope to the format      processor chip either an 8087,
    used by WordStar 3.x or 4.x,      80287 or 80387, ASTRO supports
    WordPerfect 4.x or 5.x, or      this chip and producing a
    XYWrite. The Deluxe Program      faster chart, and faster
    also provides support for      graphics drawing when doing the
    converting to an Microsoft Word   graphics cartwheel. If you do
    RTF type file.              not have the math coprocessor,
         Many word processors are      ASTRO will emulate the
    compatible with at least one of   coprocessor.
    these file formats. Word








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              S Y S T E M   R E Q U I R E M E N T S

                T O   R U N   A S T R O:

    Though ASTRO is a flexible system and can be run on a number of
    different type of system setups, it does have some requirements
    for hardware.
                      1. Hard Disk and One Floppy
    COMPUTER AND DOS.             disk any capacity. This is
    ASTRO requires at least an IBM-      recommended for the Deluxe
    PC or at least a close             Version.
    compatible or BIOS Compatible
    computer running either MS-DOS      2. Two or More floppy disk
    or PC-DOS version 2.0 or later.      drives, either 360k, 5-1/4"
    Memory.                  or 720k 3-1/2". Two 360k
         ASTRO will work on as         diskettes are not
    little as 300k of Free Memory.         recommended, and the Deluxe
    You can determine the amount of      version cannot be installed
    free memory by using the dos         on this type of system.
    program chkdsk. If ASTRO has
    more memory it will run better      3. One High capacity floppy
    and faster. ASTRO will take         disk drive either 1.2Mb,
    advantage of any LIM EMS 3.2+         5-1/4" or 1.44Mb 3-1/2".
    Expanded memory on a system and      These are usually found
    will use Extended memory (not         on either IBM PC-AT or
    to be confused with LIM EMS or         compatibles, or IBM- PC PS2
    Expanded memory) as well as LIM      models 50-80 systems, or
    EMS for caching of overlays to         other compatibles. There may
    improve speed                 be some difficulty in
                         installing the deluxe
    DISK SETUP.                 version on the 1.2MB floppy
    Though ASTRO does not 'Require'      as it may not leave much
    a Hard disk, one is Strongly         working room.
    Recommended though, as it will           If you choose to use a 2
    enhance performance and speed      floppy 360k disk setup, you
    up operations. Using ASTRO with   will only be able to store a
    two 360k floppy disk drives      limited amount of information
    will be rather difficult and is   on a given disk before you have
    not recommended because of the      to erase files. Second you will
    degree of disk swapping       have to swap disks when ASTRO
    required and charts on disk      needs different files.
    take up a considerable amount
    of free space. ASTRO requires
    at least one of the following
    three possible setups:




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    -------------------------------   compatible with the above
    NOTE: You should be able to      standards, though some will not
    install a limited capacity Hard   operate such as the ATI EGA
    drive (10MB or 20MB) on most      Wonder card. The program is
    any system for under $350,      compatible with AT&T graphics
    though one with more capacity      adapters, made by Olivetti,
    or speed. will cost more.      which are generally enhanced
    -------------------------------   versions of the above
    VIDEO.                  standards.
    To use the graphics capability           In order to print the
    that ASTRO provides, you will      graphics cartwheel properly to
    need one of the following:      some printers and EGA or VGA
                      should be "register compatible"
    1. VGA (or compatible) graphics   with the IBM VGA standard.
       adapter and digital or      There are some that are not
       analog monitor, either B&W      compatible enough.
       or color.                   If you are using a 9 pin
    2. EGA (or compatible) graphics   B&W printer there is a special
       adapter and enhanced color      compatibility "BIOS" mode, that
       or TTL monochrome monitor.      will make use of the code built
       For Full 640 pixel x 350      into your graphics board, to
       pixel graphics, that ASTRO      get the image from the screen.
       is capable of supporting you   This is code not fast enough
       will need at least 128K of      though for the other printer
       video memory, some early EGA   drivers.
       cards had only 64k).       Printer.
    3. Hercules graphics card (HGC)   ASTRO directly supports many
       or mono-chrome  graphics      different printers, as most
       adapter capable of emulating   printers are compatible with
       the HGC completely (Many      either the Epson/IBM dot matrix
       Monochrome cards do this      printer standard, or are
       well) and a monochrome      compatible with the Hewlett
       monitor. An IBM Monochrome      Packard PCL Standard.
       Display Printer Adapter           ASTRO supports both 9 and
       (MDPA) will allow ASTRO to      24 pin Epson/IBM compatible
       run, but won't work with the   printers, both B&W and Color.
       graphics display. A Hercules        ASTRO also supports
       compatible adapter can be      Hewlett Packard LaserJet,
       installed in most systems      DeskJet, PaintJet  and
       for under $100.          compatible printers, as well as
    4. CGA, MCGA (or compatible)      the Canon Laser printers.
       graphics adapter and color           Other printers are
       monitor or monochrome      indirectly supported, by the
       monitor.              user typing in codes into data
         ASTRO is compatible with      screens or the graphics setup
    most compatible graphics      file.
    adapter cards that are



                     Page 12





        N O T A T I O N   U S E D    I N   T H I S    M A N U A L :

    This section describes the notation that is used in this manual
    for your clarification.

         Words typed in ALL CAPS indicate a file, directory or system
    command. An ALL CAPS word followed by a colon such as A:
    indicates a disk drive or output device. A 'Path', is a series of
    directory names separated by '\' marks and may begin with a
    drive, or the symbols '..' meaning the previous directory, or '.'
    meaning the current directory. A path beginning with a '\'
    indicates a path that starts at the root directory or at the
    start of the disk. A file you will notice is usually constructed
    with a 'Name' of up to 8 letters or numbers, a '.' and an up to 3
    letter 'Extension'.
         A key on the keyboard will either be signified by
    surrounding it with ' and ' such as 'c'. or surrounded by { and }
    such as {ALT} signifying the  ALT key on your keyboard. {Fn}
    refers the  function keys at the top or left of your keyboard,
    where n indicates a number from 1 to 10 or 12 depending on your
    system such as {F1} for the F1 key.
         Notation such as {ALT}+'A' indicates that you hold down the
    ALT key while pressing the 'A' key.



























                     Page 13






            I N S T A L L I N G   A S T R O :

    Most people will probably be able to run the install program and
    go. Though, if you wish to, you can easily change the
    configuration using the setup function found under the options
    menu.
    #################################################################
                   I M P O R T A N T !

            YOU MUST RUN THE INSTALL PROGRAM!
    Before you start using ASTRO, I suggest that you make backup
    copies so the original master diskettes are not destroyed or
    harmed in any way. This way you can make additional copies if the
    original is damaged.
         This is particularly important to floppy disk users, though
    hard disk users will probably want to make a backup as well, and
    put the original away in a safe place after copying the master
    diskettes to your hard disk.
         You should check to see that your CONFIG.SYS file has the
    following two entries in it. This file is usually found in your
    root directory or your startup floppy disk.
         This file can be edited with any editor that will edit and
    produce a straight ASCII file. The two values should be
    considered minimum. On most systems you may be able to use more,
    though check your DOS manual just to be sure.
    You should have a line in the CONFIG.SYS has the entry FILES=12
    and BUFFERS=10. The numbers are not important as long as you have
    more than these numbers in the file. If these are not present in
    your file, you should add them or alter them so you have at least
    these values. If you are using MS-DOS or PC-DOS 2.1 or less you
    will only be able to set FILES=20 and no more. If you are in the
    main directory on your startup disk you can see the CONFIG.SYS
    file by typing TYPE CONFIG.SYS {ENTER}
    ###############################################################

    FLOPPY DISK BASICS.          second side has not been
    Floppy disks come in several      tested.
    different varieties, so it is           Before any of the
    important to buy the right type   following operations, make sure
    for your computer, though the      the diskette is securely in the
    brand doesn't really matter as    drive before closing the latch.
    long as you buy a high quality      The label on the disk should be
    diskette. You should usually      facing up when you insert the
    buy "Double Sided" diskettes.      disk in the drive.
    Single sided diskettes are
    actually two sided, but the



                     Page 14





    -------------------------------   FILE COPYING.
    IMPORTANT: Handle Floppy disks      This function allows you to
    with care, they are easily      copy only one file or a few
    damaged. Never write on a      like named files to a disk. You
    floppy disk with a ball point      can also use this function to
    pen as that can damage the      copy all the files on this disk
    disk. Keep the disk away from      to a different type of disk
    magnetic fields such a TV sets,        The general format for the
    motors, telephones, etc., as      copy command is COPY source
    the disk may be erased by them.   [destination] {ENTER}, where
    Also do not put your finger on      source and destination are the
    the disk area itself and keep      source diskette and file name,
    cigarettes and food away from      and destination is the
    your disks.              destination diskette or disk
    -------------------------------   drive and path. Destination is
                      optional in that if you were
    DISK FORMATTING.          using the A: drive and wanted
    This function initializes a      to copy the file MYCHART.TXT
    blank disk ready for use by      from the B: drive to the A:
    your computer.              drive you would just type COPY
         To format a floppy disk:      B:MYCHART.TXT {ENTER} or COPY
    At the DOS prompt ("A>" or any      B:MYCHART.TXT{ENTER} would be
    other letter followed by the      equivalent.
    '>' mark. Type FORMAT               If you wanted to copy all
    A:{ENTER}.              the files on one diskette to
                      another you would type COPY
    DISK COPYING.              A:*.* B:{ENTER}. You could copy
    This function will make an      all the files with the .EXE
    exact copy of a floppy disk      extension with COPY A:*.EXE
    that you can use as you would      B:{ENTER}, etc. You can also
    the master.              copy all the files beginning
         To Copy a Disk. At the      with the letter 'A' like this
    prompt with the DOS disk in the   COPY A:A*.* B:{ENTER}.
    drive, type DISKCOPY A: B:
    {ENTER}. will work even if you      INSTALLING.
    only have one floppy disk, as      If you are installing ASTRO on
    DOS will simulate the use of      a floppy disk type system and
    two disks by using swapping.      don't have a hard disk to
    This function will tell you to      install ASTRO on, the following
    put the source or master into      tells you how many disks you
    the A: drive and the          require. If your computer will
    destination into the B: drive.      take the higher capacity disks,
    If you only have one drive. you   I suggest using them.
    will swap disks later on in the        If you are installing
    process.              ASTRO on floppy disks, you
                      should very carefully label the
                      disks Exactly as the install
                      program tells you to.


                     Page 15





     DISK SIZE    # NEEDED      Com-pilers. If You did not
    *360kb     5-1/4"    5              receive a disk marked "Text
     720kb     3-1/2"    3              Source and Compilers", don't
     1.2mb     5-1/4"    1              answer Yes. This is an optional
     1.44mb  3-1/2"    1              item and is not required. You
         You will want to backup      can purchase this later to
    both the original Master Disks      customize the text and install
    and your copies particularly if   it separately.
    you are using Floppy Disks.           The install program will
         If you had the shareware      ask you if you want to install
    version of ASTRO, or an earlier   the Extended Database. There
    version of ASTRO on that disk      are two databases supplied with
    or directory delete the setup      ASTRO. One is 200 locations and
    data files by typing ERASE      another is 1200 locations. If
    ASTRO*.DAT {ENTER}.          you only have 360k floppies,
         Insert the disk Marked      don't answer yes.
    "ASTRO Main Program Disk" Into           If you already have a copy
    your disk drive.          of ASTRO installed and you want
         If you inserted the disk      to install this copy of ASTRO
    into your A: Drive you can      over that copy the install
    either log onto that drive by      program will ask you if you
    typing A:, and then typing      want to overwrite several
    INSTALL{ENTER}, and following      files. If you have made
    the instructions. You can also      additions to these files and
    type A:INSTALL{ENTER}.          you haven't backed these files
         If you inserted the disk      up, you should not answer yes.
    into your B: Drive you can      If you have chosen to install
    either log onto that drive by      the Extended Database, this
    typing B:, and then typing      process will occur twice as
    INSTALL{ENTER}, and following      ASTRO installs the small
    the instructions. You can also      database system first and
    type B:INSTALL{ENTER}.          overwrites it with the Extended
         The install program will      Database.
    ask you what type of system you        The install program will
    want to install it on. This      ask you if you want to install
    refers to the number of disk      the Documentation. This is a
    drives you want to install      disk version of this manual.
    ASTRO on. If you are installing   -------------------------------
    ASTRO on a system with a hard      NOTE: If another company's
    disk, choose 4. You will also      install program starts up it is
    have to choose between two      usally because you don't have
    different installation          the right disk in the drive you
    approaches. The First, Install      specified when you type
    in One Directory is simpler and   install, or you haven't logged
    is suggested.              onto the drive before typing
         The install program will      INSTALL.
    also ask you if you want to      -------------------------------
    install the Text Source and


                     Page 16





         At the end of the install      DISK CONFIGURATION.
    program, you will be asked to      If ASTRO finds your current
    check your CONFIG.SYS file for      disk is a High density disk
    FILES= and BUFFERS=. This is      then ASTRO will set you up for
    not an error. Nothing is wrong.   one floppy disk operation that
    This is just a reminder to      will not require swapping.
    check. If you don't understand         If ASTRO finds 3-1/2" 720k
    this, check with the person who   floppies it will setup two
    installed your system, or      disks that may not require disk
    consult a computer book.      swapping. Otherwise it you are
                      using floppies ASTRO will set
    VIDEO ADAPTER/MONITOR AND COLOR   you up to use two 360k floppies
    CONFIGURATION.              that will need to be swapped to
    When ASTRO starts up it       get access to all the files
    automatically configures itself   needed. Because of the complex
    for the type of video adapter      swapping needed ASTRO shouldn't
    and mon-itor configuration that   be run on a single 360k floppy
    you are using and sets the      drive system.
    screen colors to appropriate           If You are using a hard
    default values.           disk, ASTRO will look for
         ASTRO automatically sets      itself, first in the current
    itself up to use a fast RAM      directory, then following the
    video driver that updates the      DOS path variable. If it can't
    screen in the fastest way      find itself it will set you up
    possible. Some computers will      to use the current directory.
    not operate properly with this
    configuration. For those      KEEPING SAVED FILES.
    systems, you can change ASTRO      If you want to keep reports you
    to use BIOS compatible routines   have generated, you can store
    for its video.              them off-line on floppy disks
         This can be configured on      and copy them back to your User
    the command line and using the      disk or directory when you need
    Setup screen on the Options      them. Use the Scan For Files
    sub-menu. Default screen colors   Not in List to read the files
    are assigned for your current      into the list once they have
    screen configuration though you   been copied, or erase the file
    can reconfigure the screen      ASTFILE.LST from your user disk
    colors using the Setup Screen      or directory and one will be
    accessed using the Options sub-   created.
    menu. These colors are saved to
    the setup file ASTROSYS.DAT.









                     Page 17





               S T A R T I N G     U P   A S T R O :

    You are now ready to start using ASTRO. When you start ASTRO, you
    will need to be in the directory and logged into the disk that
    the ASTRO.EXE file is stored on, or have the DOS PATH variable
    set to that disk and directory. If you are using a hard disk and
    ASTRO is in the C:\ASTRO directory, and you are in the C: drive,
    you can do this by typing CD \ASTRO.


         You would set that       BIOS COMPATIBILITY.
    directory using the command      If you are using a computer
    PATH C:\BIN;C:\ASTRO{ENTER},      that is not closely compatible
    assuming that your DOS files      with the PC-DOS standard for
    are stored in the directory      video displays (e.g. using
    C:\BIN, and ASTRO is stored in      standard MDA, Hercules, CGA,
    the C:\ASTRO directory. You can   EGA, MCGA, VGA or compatible
    start ASTRO from the DOS      type display), you may have to
    command line prompt by typing      use the BIOS compatibility
    ASTRO {ENTER} and ASTRO start      mode. ASTRO will attempt to do
    up.                  quick RAM screen writing, when-
         I don't suggest that you     ever possible but this may
    start up ASTRO using a command      cause problems on incompatible
    line such as C:\ASTRO\ASTRO      systems. If you have difficulty
    {ENTER} as ASTRO may not be      with your screen, start ASTRO
    able to find the setup file      with the following command line
    (ASTROSYS.DAT) if one existed      ASTRO -BIOS {ENTER}.
    at this time. If you are in           You can also select this
    that directory in which case      mode from the Setup Screen in
    you wouldn't need to restate      the Options sub-menu. Once you
    the directory by using the full   have started ASTRO once in BIOS
    path, or if the path variable      mode, it will stay in that mode
    contains the directory that      and will use it whenever it
    ASTRO, and the ASTROSYS.DAT is      starts up as long as the ASTRO-
    in which case you don't need to   SYS.DAT file can be found in
    use the full path as well.      the same directory as the
         I suggest typing CD \ASTRO   ASTRO.EXE file, or until it is
    {ENTER} ASTRO {ENTER} to start      changed using the setup screen.
    ASTRO assuming astro is in your   EMS Memory.
    ASTRO directory. Laptop LCD           If you have LIM EMS that
    Screens. If you are using a      you don't wish to use or that
    laptop computer that uses and      is not working correctly, you
    LCD type screen that does not      can tell ASTRO to ignore it by
    support the normal and bright      using the option -NOEMS. If you
    attributes, you should start      have EMS it will help ASTRO's
    ASTRO in LCD mode using the      performance. You may need to
    -LCD flag.              use this if your EMS causes
                      compatibility problems.


                     Page 18






    OVERLAY CACHING.          CUSTOMIZING THE SETUP.
    Overlays are portions of ASTRO      If you wish to view or
    which can't all fit into ASTRO    customize this information for
    at once and are kept on disk.      your own unique and special
    ASTRO attempts to keep fre-      needs use the Setup Screen on
    quently used overlays in EMS or   the Options sub-menu. If an
    XMS memory, that saves accesses   ASTROSYS.DAT file is found that
    to disk.              is configured for a color
         You may not be able to use   screen and the system is now
    this feature if your EMS or      running on a monochrome mode or
    Extended memory is          monochrome adap-ter card, ASTRO
    malfunctioning or you are      will reconfigure it for mono-
    currently using extended memory   chrome and adjust the screen
    and you are not using XMS. In      colors accordingly. The ASTRO-
    this case you may get errors      SYS.DAT file will then be
    from ASTRO when you start it      saved.
    up.
         If for some reason you do      FINDING OTHER IMPORTANT FILES.
    not wish ASTRO to cache over-      When ASTRO starts up, it will
    lays in EMS or Extended memory      attempt to find the help file
    (ASTRO Will only cache overlays   ASTROHLP.HLP that is stored
    in EMS if there is enough free      either on the help disk in a
    memory for it's own use first,    floppy disk system, or in the
    ASTRO's EMS needs take            help directory in a hard disk
    priority) use the option -      system. On a 720k floppy type
    NOCACHE.              system this will be on the Main
                      Program Disk. If that file
    THE SETUP INFORMATION FILE.      can't be found, ASTRO will
    If the setup information file,      display an error message
    called ASTROSYS.DAT can't be      telling you that you won't have
    found (ASTRO searches first in      access to the help system.
    the current directory then the           If you get this error, you
    directories pointed to by the      should check as to where the
    DOS PATH variable), ASTRO will      help files were saved and make
    create it, intelligently      sure the setup screen in the
    setting up for your system as      options directory is set
    it is best able to do from the      properly.
    hardware it finds.               For example if you had
         ASTRO looks for sub-      created a multi-directory setup
    directories called HELP, USER,      with the install program and
    DB and DATA when creating the      called the help directory
    initial setup and uses them      C:\ASTRO\HLP, you would need to
    when possible. If it does not      update the setup screen to
    find these subdirectories, the      this.
    setup defaults to the basic
    directory and you will have to
    setup ASTRO.


                     Page 19





         When ASTRO is creating its        You may also load a mouse
    default setup, ASTRO looks for      driver by loading a program,
    a directory called HELP other-      called MOUSE.COM, (or your
    wise it sets it to be the same      mouse driver's name) either
    as the main directory.          before you start ASTRO or in
         ASTRO will next attempt to   your AUTOEXEC.BAT file on your
    read the list of compiled chart   startup disk in your main or
    files on disk into memory. This   root directory.
    file is a list of all the files   USING HERCULES GRAPHICS
    created the last session. This      ADAPTERS.
    file is called ASTFILE.LST and      If you plan to display graphics
    is stored on the data disk in a   using A Hercules type graphics
    floppy type system or in the      adapter or compatible graphics
    user directory in a hard disk      board, you will need to start
    type system. If this file can't   the program MSHERC.COM before
    be found it is assumed to have      starting ASTRO. To start this
    been erased by ASTRO, or never      program type MSHERC {ENTER}.
    existed before.           Then start ASTRO.
         ASTRO then reads the file           I suggest putting the
    ASTRODAT .HIS (if it exists).      command to start MSHERC either
    This is the History file, data      in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file or
    that was in the Enter/Edit      create a batch file to start
    screens at the time that ASTRO      MSHERC and then ASTRO. The
    quit last. Then ASTRO reads the   batch file I suggest is:
    file ASTRODAT.DEF (if it      COPY CON: AS.BAT
    exists). This is the default      ECHO OFF
    data. This is loaded every time   MSHERC
    ASTRO starts up. If you want      ASTRO
    certain chart information      ECHO ON
    loaded every time ASTRO starts      {F6} (^Z appears on the screen)
    up save that information to the   Then you would type AS{ENTER}
    file ASTRODAT .DEF, using the      to start ASTRO.
    Save Data To Disk function.

    USING A MOUSE.
    If You wish mouse support, your
    mouse driver must be loaded
    when you start ASTRO. You may
    do this using a file called
    MOUSE.SYS (or your mouse
    driver's name) that must be in
    your CONFIG.SYS with a line
    that reads DEVICE= MOUSE.SYS.







                     Page 20





    8087 MATH COPROCESSOR CHIPS.      COPY CON: AS.BAT
    If you are using a computer      ECHO OFF
    with a 8087, 80287, or 80387      SET NO87=1
    chip in it and do not wish to      ASTRO
    use it perhaps because of      ECHO ON
    malfunction or other problem      {F6} (^Z appears on the screen)
    you should set the following      Then you would type AS{ENTER}
    option before starting up. At      to start ASTRO. If you have a
    the dos command line type SET      math coprocessor and ASTRO
    NO87=1 {ENTER}. I suggest      freezes while compiling a
    putting this and starting ASTRO   chart, this may solve your
    in a batch file if this is a      problem.
    problem by typing:





































                     Page 21





           U S I N G   S C R E E N S   &   M E N U S :

    The user interface of a program basically deals with the screens
    and menus that you deal with as you use ASTRO.
         ASTRO features an easy-to-use intuitive user interface. All
    the menus are structured in a logical way and should be easy to
    follow. ASTRO works similarly to other programs used on the IBM
    PC and a person with even some experience using a computer should
    find it relatively simple to use.
         This version of ASTRO features support for mice, Mouse
    Systems, Microsoft and all compatible mice.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------
           I M P O R T A N T   I N F O R M A T I O N .
    Should you have any trouble at any time with this program, there
    are several things you should remember.
         In any menu or data screen, you can get help by pressing the
    {F1} key on your keyboard. The {F1} key is found at the top left
    of the keyboard on most keyboards.
         You can back out of any screen or series of screens by
    pressing the {ESC} or Escape key. The {ESC} key is found at the
    right side of usual 84 key keyboard to the left of the "NUM LOCK"
    key and to the right of the {BACKSPACE} or {<-} key. On 101 key
    keyboards the {ESC} key is usually found at the top left of the
    keyboard. Pressing this key will get you back to the main menu.
         If you are in a data screen, you can use the cursor keys
    ({UP}, {DOWN}, {TAB}, {SHIFT} + {TAB}, and {ENTER}) to move
    through the fields on a screen. When you want to complete that
    screen and continue, you have several approaches.
         If you want to get back to the menu system press the {ESC}
    key. This cancels your earlier choice. If you ready to continue,
    either press the {F10} key, or press the {ENTER} key on the last
    field on the screen. You can at any time print the screen to the
    standard printer by pressing the {PRINT SCREEN} key on your
    keyboard.
         If you are in a field that asks for a Yes/No choice,
    pressing the word space key will toggle that choice, or pressing
    Y or N can select one choice or the other.
         If you are in a field that accepts multiple choices. Press
    the word space key and you will see a list of choices presented
    on the screen. You can move the cursor to the correct choice and
    accept that choice by pressing {ENTER} or {ESCAPE} to keep the
    choice you had before using the list.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------





                     Page 22





    MOUSE SUPPORT.              validates the data in the
    If You are using a mouse, you      screen and does final
    will see a mouse cursor on the      calculations.
    screen. This is a rectangular
    block, that will appear in the      MOVING TO A FIELD..
    opposite of whatever the      As long as you are in a spe-
    screen's color is. If You move    cific screen, you can move to
    the mouse, you will see it move   any other field in a screen by
    around the screen.          moving the mouse cursor to a
         I am assuming that your      field and pressing the Left
    mouse has at least two buttons      Mouse Cursor on that field. The
    on it. If you have more than      Highlight will move to that
    two buttons such as Mouse      screen.
    Systems, Genius, and Some other
    mice do, you can ignore the      USING A MOUSE IN A MENU.
    center button. ASTRO will use      If You are in a menu screen,
    the left button and the right      you can move to a choice by
    button.               pressing the Left Mouse Button.
         You must have a mouse      Once you are on that choice and
    driver loaded before starting      the choice is highlighted, you
    astro, see information in the      can choose a choice by pressing
    previous section for more      the Left Mouse button. If You
    information on this.          are not on a choice, you can
    -------------------------------   move the choice around by
    NOTE: Do not use a mouse menu      pressing the Left Button down
    program. This is unnecessary as   and moving the mouse. The
    ASTRO has full mouse support,      highlighted choice will follow
    and may be easier to use.      the mouse movement where
    -------------------------------   possible.
    EXITING A SCREEN.
    You can exit a screen as though   USING A MOUSE IN A YES/NO OR
    you had pressed {ESC}, by      SELECTION FIELD.
    pressing the Right hand mouse      In a Yes/No field, you can
    button. This records a screen      toggle a choice from Yes to No
    as incomplete and does not      or No to Yes by pressing the
    validate and does not do final      Left Mouse button on the field.
    calculations done when pressing        In a Multiple Selection
    {F10} or pressing {ENTER} on      field, you can press the left
    the last line of a screen or on   mouse button. This will cause a
    a menu.               menu of choices to be presented
         If You want to exit a      on the screen. Then use the
    screen as though you had      Mouse as you would in a menu
    pressed {F10}, you can place      screen.
    the mouse cursor over any of
    the boxes surrounding any      USING A MOUSE IN A VIEW SCREEN.
    screen, and press the Left Hand   If you are in a text view
    Mouse button. This records the      screen and you can see one of
    screen as complete. It          the scroll Light arrows at the


                     Page 23





    left side of the screen,      corresponds to that selection's
    pressing the Left Mouse button      first letter. You will notice
    on an up-arrow causes the      that the highlighted bar moves
    screen to page up. Pressing the   to the next choice along with
    Left Mouse button on a down-      the sub-menu revealing that
    arrow, causes the screen to      main menu selection's sub-menu.
    page down. You can scroll the      -------------------------------
    screen, by pressing the Left      NOTE: You need to be aware of
    Mouse button down anywhere on      the level of the menu that you
    the screen but on the borders      are on. There are two menu
    or arrows and moving the mouse      levels. The Top level, and the
    up or down.              Bottom Level. When you are in
                      the Top Level, you will need to
    THE MAIN MENU SYSTEM.          select an entry before being
    Once the title screen is      able to choose a Bottom Level
    cleared you will see the main      Entry. Press {ESC} to access
    menu screen. This screen is      the Top Level Menu.
    composed of a horizontal box      -------------------------------
    with words inside it connected           To choose that main menu
    to a box beneath.          choice and entering the sub-
         The horizontal bar is the      menu, press the {ENTER}, or the
    main menu. The box beneath is      {DOWN} cursor key.
    the sub-menu. At the bottom of           You will notice that the
    the screen is a prompt line      highlight has moved to the sub-
    that is used to remind you of      menu. You can only get to a
    frequently used keystrokes that   sub-menu by selecting a main-
    you can use at this time.      menu choice. The highlight will
    -------------------------------   move to the last sub-menu
    NOTE: You should also notice      choice you used last, making
    that the choices on the main      repeated choices easier.
    menu are arranged primarily in           You can select the sub-
    a logical progression, i.e.      menu choice you wish by using
    you will need to "Enter Data"      the cursor keys ({UP}, {DOWN},
    before you "Compile Chart",      {HOME}, {END}), or by pressing
    and you will need to "Compile     the key corresponding to that
    Chart" before you print one,      choice. If you want to move to
    etc. The exceptions to this      another main menu choice and
    rule is the "Options" and      its corresponding sub-menu, use
    "Utility" menu choices. these      the left or right cursor keys.
    are placed near the end since           If you chose to use the
    they are used less often than      first key method, the system
    the others.              will automatically accept your
    -------------------------------   choice and start that oper-
         You can select any main      ation. Though if you use the
    menu topic by either selecting      cursor keys you will need to
    it using a cursor key ({LEFT},      press the {ENTER} key to select
    {RIGHT}, {HOME} or {END}), or      your choice and start the
    by pressing the key that      operation in question. At any


                     Page 24





    point in the main menu and sub-   learn some basic information
    menu system, you can get help      about astrology. This is
    by pressing the {F1} key.      accessed through the "Utility"
    -------------------------------   main menu.
    -
    GETTING HELP.              VIEW ASTRO-HELPER FILE.
    As was stated earlier, you can      This option allows you to
    get help at any time while you      select a topic to view and view
    are entering or editing data or   that information. You will see
    you are in a menu system by      a menu that you can use to
    pressing the {F1} key. This      select from a list of topics to
    will search the help database      view. Select your choice using
    for information on that topic      the cursor keys ({UP}, {DOWN},
    and show it on the screen.      {HOME}, and {END}) or press the
         The help screen shows you      key corresponding to the first
    the purpose, and meaning of a      character of a choice.
    data entry field or menu choice        Press the {ENTER} key to
    and can give you suggestions as   accept that choice and a view
    far as its intended use. At the   screen is drawn on the screen
    bottom of the help screen you      showing you information about
    will see a one or more          this topic. You can scroll
    highlighted choice.          through this text as you would
         The choice that has black      with a word processor using the
    letters on a gray or white      cursor keys ({UP}, {DOWN},
    background is usually your      {PGUP}, {PGDN}, {HOME} and
    "Cursor" (that can be changed      {END}). Press {ESC} to exit
    however), and indicates the      this selection.
    choice you have selected.
         You can see help          PRINT ASTRO-HELPER FILE.
    associated with that choice by      This option allows you to
    pressing the {ENTER} key. You      select a topic and print it out
    can move the "Cursor" around      to your printer or a file for
    using the cursor keys ({UP},      future printing. You will see a
    {DOWN}, {LEFT}, {RIGHT}, {HOME}   menu on which you can select
    and {END}). If you want to go      from a list of topics to view.
    back to a screen you viewed      Select a choice using the
    earlier press the {BACKSPACE}      cursor keys ({UP}, {DOWN},
    or {<-} key on your keyboard.      {HOME}, and {END}) or press the
         You exit the help system      key corresponding to the first
    by pressing the {ESC} key,      character of a choice.
    which returns you to either the        Press the {ENTER} key to
    main menu or the screen that      accept that choice and a print
    you were working on.          screen is presented.
                           Leave the first field
    ASTRO-HELPER ASTROLOGICAL HELP      blank if you want to print out
    SYSTEM.               to your printer, otherwise type
    ASTRO is equipped with a helper   the name of the file to save
    that the beginner can use to      to.


                     Page 25





         Change the width and left           You will notice that one
    indent fields if you want to.      field on the screen is high-
    Normally every page but the      lighted. This is where the
    first has a header, you can      cursor is located, but in
    though select to put a header      certain types of fields the
    on the first page also. If you      cursor is not visible. If you
    are printing to the printer,      are using a color display you
    you can ignore the last field      will notice that the fields on
    and just press {F10} to       the screen are differentiated
    continue. The last field is      from the rest of the screen, so
    used for printing to files,      you can see where the fields
    where you might want to create      are. If you are using a
    one big file on disk to print      monochrome monitor, the fields
    later.                  will not be differentiated, but
         If you change the values      the field the cursor is no will
    on this screen your new values      be in reverse video.
    will be saved to the setup file
    for future use, though if you      MOVING AROUND
    entered a file name it will not        You can move from field to
    be saved, though a LPT1:,      field using the keys ({UP},
    LPT2:, LPT3:, COM1:, etc.      {DOWN}, {TAB}, {SHIFT} + {TAB},
    designation will be saved.      and {ENTER}). In addition these
                      keys can help you navigate your
    DATA ENTRY SCREENS.          way around a larger screen:
    ASTRO uses data entry screens      {CNTRL}+{HOME} Left-Most Field
    to get information about the      {CNTRL}+{END}  Right-Most Field
    person, or the horoscope you      {CNTRL}+{PGUP} First Field
    are working on, or other      {CNTRL}+{PGDN} Last Field
    information. Most of these
    screens are consistent in      FIELDS.
    format and operation.               If you are in a field that
                      accepts a limited range of
         Each screen has a title at   numeric or character values,
    the top left that indicates the   such as date and time fields,
    type of information that the      you won't be allowed to leave
    screen is asking for. You will      that field till you satisfy
    notice at the bottom of the      that field's requirements. When
    screen a line of text. This is      you are in most field types,
    a prompt. This will give you      you can move around in that
    valuable information as to what   field using the cursor keys
    ASTRO expects in each field,      ({LEFT}, {RIGHT}).
    and the limits of that data.           In insert mode in which
    This changes as you move from      you will see the 1/2 block
    field to field. It also       cursor, characters you type are
    displays an error if you enter      inserted, otherwise they are
    the wrong information or your      overwritten. You can delete
    information is invalid.       characters with the {DEL} key
                      and the {BACKSPACE} or {<-}


                     Page 26





    key, that also could be marked      the key corresponding to the
    {BS}.                  first letter of your choice.
         There are also fields that        Repeated pressing of that
    accept a range of answers.      key will cycle through all the
    First Press the Space Bar. Then   possible choices available. If
    a list of choices will be shown   you see an up arrow or down
    on the screen. You can now move   arrow at the left side of the
    the highlite with the cursor      screen then you can scroll
    keys or select one using the      through the list. These are
    first letter. Use the Enter Key   called "Scroll Lights". These
    to select an entry.          indicate if there are any more
         In fields that accept a      choices off the screen. Press
    "Yes" or "No" answer you can      the {ENTER} key to select your
    select the answer by pressing      entry and that data is read
    either 'Y', 'N' or the space      from the database.
    bar (caps or lower case).           In the case of the
                      location fields, the data will
    DATABASE FIELDS.          only be read from the database
    In the "Info" type of field      once you have used the popup
    such as "Birth Info", several      screen on the location field
    fields have databases attached.   itself. The location fields are
    The first field (Person's Name)   "Hierarchal" meaning that first
    has a database of birth dates      you select a country, then you
    attached to that field.       will see all the states or
         Through that database, you   regions available from that
    can save the entire contents of   country, and after you select
    this screen, by name, for      that state or region, you can
    whoever you wish to enter. The      see all the locations in that
    birth location (Country, State      region.
    of Region and Location) fields      -------------------------------
    also have a database attached      NOTE: In order for a name or
    to them, this only one having      location to be in the popup
    the location related data such      screen, it must be first added
    as longitude, latitude, and      to the database, using the
    time zone. You can instantly      database menus  and  the "Make
    access these database by using      Popup" function from the
    the 'Popup Screen'.          "Utility" menu must have been
                      run to update the popup list.
    POPUP SCREEN.                   If an entry has not been
    Where a popup screen is       added to the popup list, you
    available (see the prompt at      can still make use of that
    the bottom of the screen for      record in the database by
    availability), you can press      entering the name in the proper
    the {F2} key to call it up. You   field and calling the proper
    can select an entry from this      database menu. When you receive
    list by using the cursor keys      ASTRO, default popup files have
    ({UP}, {DOWN}, {PGDN}, {PGUP},      already been created for you.
    {HOME}, {END}), or by pressing      -------------------------------


                     Page 27





    FINDING INFORMATION IN THE      -------------------------------
    DATABASE.                   To access the birth
    When the database finds       database, either press the {F3}
    information it ignores case, so   key or press {ALT} + B. This
    you can type the name ALL CAPS      database uses the person's name
    or all lower case or anything      field as the key to the data-
    in between and you will have no   base. A key is used to find the
    trouble finding the data you      information you want.
    want.                       To access the location
         You can also find partial      database, either press the {F4}
    data in the database by       key or press {ALT}+L. This
    entering just part of it. If      database uses a combined key
    you were looking for a person's   made up of the country, state
    birth-data and didn't quite       and location fields.
    remember the spelling of their      -------------------------------
    last name you could enter what      NOTE: Serious users will want
    you remembered of the last      to consult a serious reference
    name. Suppose you had "John       such as The American Atlas or
    MacNeil" in your database and     The International Atlas
    wanted to find his data you      published by ACS Publications
    could enter "John", "John M",      of San Diego, CA, for exact
    or "John Mac" and might find      birth location and applicable
    the information depending on      time zone data.
    how many other entries were in      -------------------------------
    the database that were similar.   LEAVING/FINISHING A SCREEN.
    -------------------------------   At some point you will want to
    NOTE: These databases do not      either escape from a screen or
    allow more than one identical      finish and continue. If you
    entry with the same key field.      want to escape from the screen
    -------------------------------   that you are working with,
    DATABASE MENUS.           press the {ESC} or the escape
    The databases have menus that      key on your keyboard.
    you can use to access, infor-      -------------------------------
    mation, add records, update      NOTE: If you press {ESC} in one
    records, and delete records.      of the birth or date data
    There is a database menu for      related screens, you will have
    the birth database and there is   to complete that screen before
    a menu for the location       ASTRO will allow you to compile
    database.              that chart. When you want to
    -------------------------------   complete a screen and continue,
    NOTE: These databases have no      you have several approaches.
    connection to the file list      Either press the {F10} key, or
    that files that you compile      press the {ENTER} key on the
    turn up in. In order for      last field on the screen.
    information to be added to      -------------------------------
    these databased,  you must add           Pressing {F10} or pressing
    them to the databases and run      {ENTER} on the last field
    the Make Popups utility       signifies to ASTRO that the


                     Page 28





    screen is complete. That tells      List Entry choice in the
    ASTRO that your data is       Utility Menu. You use this
    accurate and ready to go. If      screen to select a chart to
    you have just completed a date      display. This operates like a
    data screen, ASTRO will check      menu and you can use the normal
    the data that you have entered      cursor keys to move around this
    to verify that the date and      screen. You will note that the
    time you have entered are      prompt displays in long form
    valid. It will look to see if      the type of file the cursor is
    you have entered a valid date,      currently on. If you see the
    checking for a date such as      "Scroll Lights" then there are
    2/30/1980 which would be      more entries than this screen
    illegal since February never      can show at once, and you can
    has a 30th. It also knows about   scroll through them.
    leap years and can determine if        You can also access a
    the year given is a leap year      choice using the first char-
    or not. If your data is       acter of the entry. Repeated
    incorrect, ASTRO will give you      pressing that character cycles
    a warning message, and will put   you through all the possible
    you back at the first illegal      choices available. Select a
    entry in the date screen.      choice by pressing the {ENTER}
                      key.
    FILE LISTING.
    This screen will show you all      TEXT VIEW SCREEN.
    the files that you have created   This type of screen allows you
    this session or have kept from      to view text as though you had
    a previous session. It contains   it in a word processing
    the person's name that you        program, though you can't edit
    assigned to it, contents and      this text. You can scroll
    type of chart created. This      through this text using the
    information prints in the      cursor keys ({UP}, {DOWN},
    headers on printouts, but is      {PGUP}, and {PGDN}) keys. You
    mainly for your information to      can instantly reach the end of
    help you keep track of all your   the file by pressing the
    files. Having these files handy   {CNTRL}+ {PGDN} keys or reach
    are useful for you so that you      the beginning by pressing the
    can see other people with      {CNTRL}+ {PGUP} keys. Exit this
    similar charts and make       screen by pressing the {ESC}
    comparisons.              key.
         You can edit any of these
    entries using the Edit File









                     Page 29





            Q U I C K    R E F E R E N C E   G U I D E

    This is a quick step-by-step guide to how to produce the charts
    that ASTRO is capable of producing.

    HOW TO DO A BIRTH (NATAL)           Now repeat the first two
    CHART.                  steps using the Compatibility
    Choose the Enter/Edit Main      Information Screen and the Com-
    Menu. Choose the menu choice      patibility Birth Rectification
    "Birth Info". Fill in the      Screen for the second person.
    information on the screen. Use           Move over to the Compile
    the Location or birth database,   Menu. Choose "Compatibility",
    see below for information, when   or choose "Composite" Fill in
    finished, press {F10} to      the information about the
    Complete.              chart.
         Choose the menu choice
    "Birth *Rectification". If you      HOW TO DO TRANSITS CHARTS.
    know the person's birth, answer   For example we want to know how
    "Yes" to the First Question,      the coming week will be for us.
    then press {F10}. the rest of           Choose the Enter/Edit Main
    the information on this screen      Menu. Choose the menu choice
    is applicable only if you don't   "Birth Info". Fill in the
    know the birth time.          information on the screen. Use
         Move over to the Compile      the Location or birth database,
    Menu. Choose one of the charts.   see below for information, when
    For Example, choose "Birth        finished, press {F10} to
    Signs, Houses & Aspects." Fill    Complete.
    in the information about the           Choose the menu choice
    chart                  "Birth Rectification". If you
    How To Do A Compatibility or      know the person's birth, answer
    Composite Chart.          "Yes" to the First Question,
    Choose the Enter/Edit Main      then press {F10}. the rest of
    Menu. Choose the menu choice      the information on this screen
    "Birth Info". Fill in the      is applicable only if you don't
    information on the screen about   know the birth time.
    the first person. Use the Loca-        Choose the menu choice
    tion or birth database, see      "Transits Info". Fill in the
    below for information, when      information about the first
    finished, press {F10} to      date you wish to analyze. Rough
    Complete.              location and time of day help
         Choose the menu choice      to localize the chart and make
    "Birth Rectification". If you      it more exact. For this example
    know the first person's birth,    we enter Monday's date and our
    answer "Yes" to the First      present location.
    Question, then press {F10}. the        Choose the menu choice
    rest of the information on this   "Transits Data". Fill in the
    screen is applicable only if      number of charts to do. For
    you don't know the birth time.    this example we want to do 7


                     Page 30





    charts, one for each day of      When in the Birth Info, Compat-
    this week. Choose the Starting      ibility Info, Transits Info
    Planet to include. I suggest      screen, or Relocation Data
    the Sun. Choose the Ending      screen, move to the Country
    Planet to include, since the      field. Press {F2}. Select a
    outer planets don't move very     Country. Press {ENTER}. Press
    often, don't include them. I      {F2}. Select a State or Region
    suggest using Venus or Mars as      (all the states or regions on
    the ending planet. Enter the      file within the country are
    period between charts. In this      shown).Press {F2}. Select a
    example, we would enter 0      Location (all the locations
    months and 1 day, which will do   within the State or region
    7 charts each one day apart.      within the selected country are
         Move over to the Compile      shown). All the information
    Menu. Choose "Transits." Fill      about the country will be
    in the information about the      filled in.
    chart.
                      HOW TO ADD LOCATION INFORMATION
    HOW TO GET A PERSON'S             TO THE DATABASE.
    INFORMATION FROM THE DATABASE.      When in the Birth Info,
    When in the Birth Info,       Compatibility Info,  Transits
    Compatibility Info or Transits      Info screen, or Relocation Data
    Info screen, and on the "Name"      screen,  fill in the infor-
    field, Press {F2} and select.      mation for the location. Press
    How to Add A Person's Birth       {F4}. A Menu will appear.
    Information to the database.      Select "Add". Once complete, go
    When in the Birth Info, Com-      to the Utilities menu and pick
    patibility Info or Transits      "Make Popups"
    Info screen, fill in the infor-
    mation in the birth screen.      HOW TO GET INFORMATION FROM AN
    Press {F3}. A Menu will appear.   EARLIER COMPILED CHART.
    Select "Add". Once complete, go   Go to the Utilities Menu.
    to the Utilities menu and pick      Choose "Read File into Birth
    "Make Popups"              Data". The information will be
                      put back into the screens that
    HOW TO GET A LOCATION FROM THE      the information came from
    LOCATION DATABASE.          originally.













                     Page 31





         E N T E R I N G   &   E D I T I N G   D A T A :

    You will use the main menu option "ENTER/ EDIT DATA" to enter
    information on the dates in question and other data for transits,
    progressions, returns, etc. Most of the questions asked and
    information you will need to enter is pretty self-explanatory,
    you can get information for each field by pressing {F1} or from
    the prompt at the bottom of the screen. This is how to use these
    screens:

    BIRTH INFO.              NOTE: Beware entering times
    Use this screen to enter the      around Noon and Midnight!
    main birth data needed for      Serious users will want to
    doing a birth or Natal          consult a serious reference
    horoscope. Enter the data on      such as The American Atlas or
    this screen that indicates      The International Atlas
    person, birth date and time,      published by ACS Publications
    place and geographic latitude      of San Diego, CA, for exact
    and longitude as well as time      birth location and applicable
    zone and adjustment.          time zone data.
         This field has two       -------------------------------
    powerful databases attached to           Use the Time Zone field to
    the Name, Country, State or      set the proper time zone for
    Region, and Location fields. If   the person in question. Try to
    you press {F2} you will call up   be certain as possible because
    a list of available choices in      this is crucial and some
    the database. If you wish to      locations differed from one
    add information to the data-      year to another, and in some
    bases, fill in the information      locations, time zones change
    on the screen and press {F3}      between town and county lines.
    for the birth database menu and   If You don't know the time zone
    {F4} for the location database      but do know the offset from GMT
    menu. You can use these menu to   select Other.
    add, delete and replace            Use the Special Code Field
    information in the databases.      to set the proper special time
    In order for the lists that you   code field. Try to be certain
    see when you press {F2} to be      as daylight time changes from
    updated, you need to run "Make    year to year, and is different
    Popups" in the Utility Menu.      between towns, counties and
         It is important to know as   states. If You don't know this
    much information about the      zone but you know how the time
    person who you are going to      is affected, choose Other.
    analyze as far as birth time,           If you did not select
    date and place of birth as well   Other in the Time Zone and
    as the prevailing time zones      Special Code fields, the GMT
    being used at the time.       field will be filled in for
    -------------------------------   you. You won't be able to
                      override this field unless you


                     Page 32





    had set the other two fields to
    Other. The adjustment for War
    Time, Daylight Savings Time,
    etc. is added to the basic
    GMT offset. Locations West of
    Greenwich are have positive GMT
    offsets, East, negative GMT
    offsets.










































                     Page 33





    -------------------------------        Use this screen to enter
    NOTE: Enter only the normal      the date for your transits
    clock offset from GMT, such as      computation. This operation
    Eastern Standard time is 5      uses your the birth info and
    hours from GMT. ASTRO makes the   this screen to do the transits
    minor fine adjustments to GMT      along with the next screen.
    for you.              Enter the data on this screen
    -------------------------------   that indicates place, date and
    MOUSE USERS.When the          time, place and geographic
    highlighted field is the Name      latitude and longitude as well
    field, the Country field, State   as time zone and adjustment.
    or Region field, or the Loca-      The information entered into
    tion field and the mouse cursor   this screen does not need to be
    is on that field. Pressing the      as exact as for the above
    Left Mouse button will bring up   screens.
    the scrolling list as though           See the Birth Info screen
    you had pressed {F2}.          for more information on this
                      screen.
    COMPATIBILITY INFO.          -------------------------------
    Use this screen to enter the      NOTE: This screen indicates a
    data for your partner. The      starting point for a series of
    compatibility operation uses      transits. ASTRO calculates
    the birth info screen as well      transits as a series of charts,
    as this screen to get the      a certain period apart.
    information needed to do your      ------------------------------
    compatibility chart. Enter the      TRANSITS DATA.
    data on this screen that      This screen is used with the
    indicates person, birth date      "Transits Info" screen and the
    and time, place and geographic      Birth Info screen to do
    latitude and longitude as well      transits chart. This screen
    as time zone and adjustment. It   allows the program to calculate
    is important to know as much      a series of transit charts at
    information about the person      one time for a specific period
    who you are going to analyze as   of time and a specific interval
    far as birth time, date and      period. This will allow ASTRO
    place of birth as well as the      to work with only a specific
    prevailing time zones being      range of planets.
    used at the time. See the Birth        If you are doing transits
    Info Screen for more          one day apart, you will want to
    information.              narrow your planet selection to
                      Sun - Mars. If you are doing
    TRANSITS INFO.              transits one week apart, you
    Transits compares the planet      will want your planet range to
    positions for a series of      be Sun - Mars and you will want
    future dates to your birth      to more or less ignore the Moon
    planet positions, and tells you   as the moon makes significant
    about the events at hand.      changes every day. The outer
                      planets change houses and


                     Page 34





    change transiting aspects much           You can choose Flat Chart
    more slowly.              which sets your Ascendant and
                      first house cusp to be 0
    BIRTH RECTIFICATION.          degrees Aries. You can also try
    Use this screen if you do not      Sunrise Birth time, and enter
    know the exact birth time of      the best guess of the
    the person you are using for      appropriate sunrise time. This
    primary birth data. Enter what      is similar to Trial and Error.
    you do know, or select how to      This frequently works since
    calculate the chart to get the      many people are born near
    best results, even though you      sunrise.
    don't have the exact              NOTE: If you are using Flat
    information. If you know the      Chart or Solar Chart, you
    exact birth time you don't need   should use 12:00 AM for the
    this chart, so answer Yes and      Trial Birth time.
    exit the screen by pressing
    {F10}.                  COMPATIBILITY BIRTH
         If You don't know the        RECTIFICATION.
    exact birth time, you have      If you do not know the exact
    several different choices. You      birth time of the person you
    can choose Trial and error,      are using for compatibility
    which means you try a given      birth data, use this screen to
    time and see how it fits the      enter what you do know or how
    individual and you try it again   to calculate the chart to get
    till you get what you want.      the best results even though
         You can choose Solar Chart   you don't have the exact
    which sets your Ascendant and      information. See the above
    first house cusp to be the same   material for more information.
    as your sun sign.





















                     Page 35






            C O M P I L I N G    C H A R T S :


    Now that you have entered your data into the data screens, you
    are ready to compile a horoscope. With exception of the first
    choice, (Default Chart) they are grouped from simpler to more
    difficult in terms of data. The later charts produce more data
    and more text (with exception of the Compatibility, Transits, and
    Progressions, Returns, Relocations or Composite options). The
    simpler ones may be better for a person with less experience in
    understanding astrology, though with some practice and learning,
    most of the information on the charts will be useful.
         The Progressions, Returns,   were options in the previous
    Relocations, and Composite      mode are now standard in the
    charts may be more useful for      next mode.
    users who have more astro-
    logical background.          DEFAULT CHART.
         Certain aspects of these      This mode produces a chart that
    charts will be based on the      directly reflects the contents
    Options screens in the Options      of the options data. The chart
    sub-menu. There is an option      that this mode produces is a
    screen for each of the major      rather complete one, and is
    chart types, though most of the   suggested that it be used only
    information will be adequate      for advanced astrologers. You
    without changing the data in      can customize this mode by
    these screens.              changing the options screen.
         With all these options,      The most powerful aspect of
    you will be asked to fill in      this mode is that you can
    information to mark the file      practically create a custom
    entry with for this chart. This   horoscope setup as your default
    information will help you      treatment and use it as a
    identify this chart in the file   default all the time if you
    listing. You may edit or change   wish.
    this information as you wish,      -------------------------------
    with exception for the type      NOTE: For this type of chart,
    field which is for your       you need to fill in the Birth
    information only, and not to be   Info Screen and the Birth
    changed.              Rectification Screen.
         Once you have compiled a      -------------------------------
    chart you can change the name
    and comment lines as well. This   BIRTH SIGNS ONLY.
    information will help you keep      This is the least complex mode
    track of what you have on file.   available. It provides only
         You will notice that in      information on the individual
    most of these modes each mode      planets locations in the zodiac
    add one or more options to it.      at a given point in time, along
    One or more of the items which      with descriptive text about


                     Page 36





    them (this can be turned off      -------------------------------
    from the options screen). You      NOTE: For this type of chart,
    will also find a summary which      you need to fill in Both the
    you can turn off from the      Birth Info Screen and the Birth
    options screen also.          Rectification Screen.
    -------------------------------   -------------------------------
    NOTE: For this type of chart,
    you need to fill in the Birth      COMPLETE CHART.
    Info Screen and the Birth      This mode adds the miscel-
    Rectification Screen.          laneous calculations that are
    -------------------------------   optional in the last section.
                      In this selection, if midpoints
    BIRTH SIGNS & HOUSES.          are activated using the options
    This mode provides all the      screen, they will be used. Note
    information as does the previ-      no text is generated for the
    ous one does, but adds the      midpoints and midpoint aspects.
    house information. This pro-      -------------------------------
    vides the houses that each      NOTE: For this type of chart,
    planet falls, and descriptive      you need to fill in Both the
    text about each one. This also      Birth Info Screen and the Birth
    provides the coordinates of      Rectification Screen.
    each house cusp for your infor-   -------------------------------
    mation. Also provided is in-
    formation on which signs the      COMPATIBILITY CHART.
    various house cusps fall in,      This mode calculates a compati-
    and text describing what each      bility chart.
    means to you.                   The compatibility chart
    -------------------------------   is calculated from the compar-
    NOTE: For this type of chart,      ison of two full charts. Basi-
    you need to fill in Both the      cally this mode calculates
    Birth Info Screen and the Birth   aspects between the two charts,
    Rectification Screen.          and which house of one partner,
    -------------------------------   the other's planets are located
                      in, and vice versa.
    BIRTH SIGNS, HOUSES & ASPECTS.           It also calculates a
    Use this mode if you want to      special summary comparing the
    add aspects to your chart. This   two individuals based on the
    will produce aspects between      summary. As with  all the other
    all major points and produce      modes, ASTRO produces text
    text about each. You can also      describing the influences of
    add other miscellaneous calcu-      all the information described.
    lations into this type of
    printout from the options
    screen. This information is on
    top of all the information
    provided by the other two
    options.



                     Page 37





    -------------------------------   interval between that date and
    NOTE: For this type of chart,      the next date. The dates and
    you need to fill in the Birth      times in the Transit Info
    Info Screen and the Birth      screen don't have to be as
    Rectification Screen for the      exact as the birth screens
    main subject and Compatibility      require, and time and exact
    Info Screen and Compatibility      latitude and longitude are
    Rectification Screen for the      optional, but they do help
    subject's partner.                refine the data.
    -------------------------------   -------------------------------
                      NOTE: For this type of chart,
    TRANSITS CHART.           you need to fill in the Birth
    This mode calculates a series      Info Screen and the Birth
    of transit charts. The transit      Rectification Screen for the
    charts are calculated from the      subject along With the Transits
    comparison of a birth chart and   Info Screen for the first date
    a transit chart. ASTRO calcu-      and Transits Data Screen.
    lates a series of charts based      -------------------------------
    on a starting date and a date































                     Page 38






      V I E W I N G   &   P R I N T I N G    T H E    R E S U L T S :

    ASTRO has several different ways of printing or viewing the
    results which are available through the "VIEW/PRINT" main menu
    selection. All of these procedures rely on the file list that was
    described in the User Interface section. The file list is a list
    of files created by ASTRO in this session or kept from another
    session. This can be erased when ASTRO ends or can be saved.
    Every time you compile a chart a new file is added to this list.
    This list is limited only by disk space, and memory, and
    available space on disk to keep the reports until they are
    erased.
                      -------------------------------
    VIEWING CHART.              NOTE: This function can only
    This selection allows you to      display a file with a maximum
    view a chart in text form on      expanded size of 65,530 bytes.
    your computer display monitor.      If a file is too long the file
    To use this selection, pick the   will be clipped to 65,530 bytes
    file you want to from the file      in length. Some midpoint with
    list and press the {ENTER} key      aspects displays may cause
    to view that choice.          problems with this limitation.
         ASTRO will then read that      Note that this limitation is
    file into memory and decompress   also dependent on your system's
    it (ASTRO charts are stored in      available memory. If you don't
    a special compressed format to      have 128k bytes left when you
    save space on disk).          want to display a large chart,
         The text is wrapped to the   you will get an Out-of-Memory
    width of the display box and      error. You are limited to
    displayed. Text is displayed      displaying a file that
    with attributes similar to how      (expanded) takes up 1/2 your
    they would be printed on a      available free memory or 65,530
    printer.              bytes whichever comes first.
         This function allows you      Mouse Users. You can scroll
    to view the text as though you      this screen by pressing down
    were using a word processing      the Left Mouse button and
    program, though you can't edit    moving the mouse up to scroll
    this text. You can scroll      up and down to scroll down. If
    through this text using the      you wish to page up and down
    cursor keys ({UP}, {DOWN},      through the file, you can do
    {PGUP}, and {PGDN}) keys. You      this by positioning the mouse
    can instantly reach the end of      cursor over the Scroll Light
    the file by pressing the      Arrows at the left of the
    {CNTRL}+{PGDN} keys or reach      screen and pressing the Left
    the beginning by pressing the      Mouse button. The up pointing
    {CNTRL}+{PGUP} keys. Exit this      arrow causes a page up and the
    screen by pressing the {ESC}      down pointing arrow causes a
    key.                  page down to happen.


                     Page 39





    -------------------------------   output at the start of the
    PRINT REPORT.              printout to initialize the
    This selection lets you print      printer for such options as
    out the text report to your      print quality, page depth, and
    printer or to a disk file for      font, line spacing and other
    later printing. ASTRO formats      important data.
    the text for output, giving you        Also defined in the Setup
    a variable left margin (that      screen is the page depth. this
    you can set) and wraps the text   is the maximum number of text
    to whatever width you like. A      lines that can be printed on
    header is printed from the file   one page. Usually you take the
    list information on every page      maximum printable lines on the
    but the first.              paper and subtract five lines
         You should setup your      for the top of the top and
    printer in the Printer Setup      bottom margin.
    Screen before choosing this           To use this selection,
    option.               pick the file from the file
         If you want the header      list that you want to printout.
    printer on the first page, you      Press the {ENTER} key to print
    can select that option on the      the file. You will see a screen
    print screen. The output is      asking you for information on
    printed Using text attributes      how you want the report
    such as underline and bold      printed.
    (double-strike) etc, and is           If you want to print the
    directly compatible with Epson      file to your main default
    and IBM Printers, or HP       printer, just leave the first
    LaserJet or DeskJet but is      field blank. The output will be
    configurable for any type      directed to your system's
    printer.              current default printer. If you
         If you are using a HP      wanted to print to your second
    LaserJet or DeskJet Printer or      printer or LPT2:, you would
    compatible ASTRO can take      enter LPT2. You can enter any
    advantage of many cartridge or      valid DOS device currently
    internal fonts you own.       used.
         The pages are               You can also direct the
    intelligently broken. If a      printout to a disk file. To
    paragraph would spill over onto   direct it to a disk file or
    a new page then the entire      device, enter the file or
    paragraph is printed on the new   device name. If you just enter
    page, making the printout      the disk file without the
    easier to follow. The resulting   directory, the file will be
    printout can be printed to any      saved to the user directory. If
    legal DOS device. You can also      you enter the full file name
    print to a file for later      starting with the disk name or
    printing.              the initial '\' root path, the
         In the Printer Setup      file will be directed to that
    screen you can define a printer   directory and file name. If you
    control string which will be      entered a device name such as


                     Page 40





    LPT2:, you would not enter the      saved to the setup file for
    colon at the end.          future use, though if you
         You can select whatever      entered a file name it will not
    text width and left margin you      be saved, though a LPT1:,
    want to. The text width field      lPT2:, LPT3:,  COM1:, etc.
    can range from 40 to 160      designation will be saved.
    columns wide. This is just the
    text width, not including the      CONVERT REPORT TO TEXT.
    left or right margin. The left      This selection allows you to
    margin can vary from zero to 40   convert an ASTRO file to many
    columns wide.              different types files that most
    -------------------------------   any text editor or word
    NOTE: The Left Margin and Text      processing program can operate
    Width (for proportional spacing   on. This will allow you to edit
    fonts such as are used on the      the converted file and make
    HP LaserJet, refer to a 10      whatever changes you wish to
    character per inch column.      before printing or whatever you
    -------------------------------   wish to use it for.
         Normally ASTRO prints a           You can convert a file to
    header on every page but the      either ASCII, WordStar 3.x or
    first. Most of the information      4.x, WordPerfect 4.x or 5.x,
    that the header reflects is      XYWrite, or if you are using
    printed on the first page      the Deluxe version, Microsoft
    anyway. You can change this to      Word RTF (Rich Text) format.
    print the header to the first      ASCII and XYWrite files can
    page if you want.          also be saved without any soft
         If you are printing to the   line breaks you can rebreak the
    printer, you can ignore the      file easier when you read it
    last field on the screen, and      into your word processor, since
    just press the {ENTER} key on      soft and hard line breaks are
    the last field or {F10} to      the same. These files are saved
    print the file. If you are      with all attributes intact.
    printing to a disk file the      -------------------------------
    last field is important. ASTRO      NOTE: Files saved in
    will either append this       WordPerfect format will not
    printout to an existing file or   have their column width, left
    open a new file with this name.   margin, printer, default font,
    If this file already exists and   or other document or default
    the file is opened, then the      specific information saved to
    existing file is overwritten.      the file. These will be written
    Select either choice and      to the file when you save it
    continue.              from WordPerfect.
         You can press the {ESC}           Files saved in WordStar
    key at any time while the      format will not have any font
    printout is being printed, and      or printer setup information
    the printout will stop. Note if   encoded in them. They will be
    you change the values on this      formatted as though for a
    screen your new values will be      default dot matrix printer.


                     Page 41





    This will be saved to the file      graphics display. To use this
    when you save from WordStar.      function, you will select a
         Files saved in XYWrite      file from a file screen, as you
    format have no printer, font,      would if you want to view a
    or setup information encoded in   file or print out a file.
    them. You may need to read a           When you view a graphics
    Insert a file into your default   cartwheel for a compatibility,
    document to use it in XYWRITE.      transits or progression, The
    -------------------------------   first
         The files saved using this   person's chart will be seen in
    function are entirely          the outer circle, and the
    unformatted without page breaks   second person or date will be
    or headers. This file is though   seen in the inner circle.
    wrapped to whatever text width           You can exit the graphics
    you wish, and has a left      by pressing {ESC}. If you press
    margin, making it easier for      any other key you will select a
    your word processing program to   menu from which you can chose
    work with.              options.
         If you are converting to           Use the "Setup Graphic
    ASCII, The Text Attributes are      Display" screen to configure
    translated into strings that      and customize the appearance of
    your can change from the "Word    this graphics screen.
    Processing Conversion Screen".
         This function operates      PRINT GRAPHICS CARTWHEEL.
    almost exactly like the Print      This is similar to the previous
    Report function with a few      choice, though this one goes
    minor exceptions. The first      directly from drawing the
    being that you will need to      screen to printing it out on
    enter a file name in the file      your printer. You must have
    name field. It won't operate      setup your printer in the
    without a file name. The second   "Setup Graphics Modes & Print-
    is that one the printout has      ing" screen in order to do
    begun, you can't stop it by       this.
    pressing the {ESC} key. The
    conversion takes very little      -------------------------------
    time so shouldn't pose a          NOTE: This option draws the
    problem.              screen as indicated by the
    -------------------------------   Information you enter in the
    NOTE: If you change the Width,      "Setup Graphics Display"
    Left Margin or Conversion on      screen. You won't have an
    his screen your new values will   opportunity to change the
    be saved to the setup file for      screen.
    future use.              -------------------------------
    -------------------------------
                      KILL FILE IN FILE LIST.
    VIEW GRAPHICS CARTWHEEL.      This selection allows you to
    This selection will display      kill an ASTRO text output file
    a graphics cartwheel on a      or an ASTRO graphics data file.


                     Page 42





    You would use this function to      respond 'Yes', and press
    erase files on your disk, so      return. If you don't want to
    you can have room on your disk      delete the file, either respond
    for more files, particularly if   'No' or press {ESC} to exit.
    you are using floppy disk      Note you see the files name.
    drives. This is important as
    well if you wish to leave files   EDIT FILE IN FILE LIST.
    standing in your file list when   This option will allow you to
    you shut down ASTRO, but do not   edit the information in the
    wish to save all the files.      file list, if for example you
         To use this function, you      forgot to enter a comment and
    would select a file from the      later wanted to put one in or
    file list. ASTRO will show you      change the comment. Note that
    a description of the file you      the file's actual file name is
    selected. This screen asks if      displayed on the screen as
    you want to delete the file. If   well.
    you want to delete the file,

































                     Page 43






             A S T R O   U T I L I T I E S :

    These are functions and utilities, that you can use to help you
    with ASTRO.
    VIEW ASTRO-HELPER FILES.      you reboot before leaving the
    The Astro-Helper files are      Birth Info Screens you may need
    reference files on disk which      to re-index.
    you can use to learn basic           When you select this
    astrological concepts.          option, you will see a small
         If you select this       menu screen asking you which
    utility, you will be asked to      files to re-index. Choose the
    choose a file to view from a      index or indexes to reindex,
    list of topics. If you choose a   and the utility will be called.
    topic it will be displayed on      If there are duplicate entries
    the screen.              in your database, you may see
                      an error, but those can be
    PRINT ASTRO-HELPER FILES.      ignored, as they won't harm
    This allows you to print out      your database.
    the Astro-Helper files to your
    printer. This will allow you to   MAKE POPUPS.
    print copies of these files to      When you add locations to your
    give to people you create      Location database or Births to
    charts for.              your birth database, you will
         If you select this       need to use this function to
    utility, you will be asked to      add the new records to the
    choose a file to print from a      popup files. You may also need
    list of topics. If you choose a   to use this function if you've
    topic, you can print the file.      had to Re-Index the databases
                           When you select this
    DOS SHELL.              option, you will see a small
     This function allows you to      menu screen asking you which
    get access to the DOS command      files to make popups for.
    line from within ASTRO. Note:      Choose the file to Make Popups
    you will need enough memory for   for, and the utility will be
    the program you wish to run and   run.
    the DOS command interpreter
    COMMAND.COM. To get back to      SCAN FOR FILES NOT IN LIST.
    ASTRO type EXIT {ENTER}.      If you have archived files off
                      to other disks and now wish to
    RE-INDEX DATABASES.          use them again and have copied
    Normally when you are using      them to your directory, you can
    ASTRO, the database indexes are   use this function to add the
    continually kept up to date,      files to the file list. This
    and normally do not need to be      function will scan for ASTRO
    reindexed. If the index is      version 2.25+ file headers in
    damaged, erased, or power is      all files in the User
    shut off to your computer or      directory.


                     Page 44





                      birth information back into the
    READ FILE INTO BIRTH DATA.      data screens. Note this func-
    This function allows you to      tion brings the information
    read one of ASTRO's compiled      back into the screens that they
    files and get the original      were earlier associated with.













































                     Page 45






              A S T R O   G R A P H I C S :

    ASTRO produces the graphics cartwheel that is produced by reading
    the .GRA file that is produced by ASTRO and displays it on the
    screen.
         Depending on the type of file displayed, ASTRO will either
    display one or two concentric circles with the data in question
    displayed.
         You can exit the graphics program at any time by pressing
    {ESC}. If you press any other key, a menu will be displayed from
    which you can select several different options. Press either the
    number corresponding to your choice or the number in Parentheses.
    Press any other key to clear the menu.

    SETTING UP.              mode that is setup in the
    You can customize the way that      startup data file won't work
    the graphics screen is dis-      properly, ASTRO will adjust
    played by using the Graphics      itself to use the best possible
    Setup Screen, and the Graphics      mode available on that adapter/
    Options Screen so that if you      monitor combination.
    want your file displayed a           This program will set
    certain way all the time, you      itself up to print the graphics
    can do that. This is essential      screen to any EPSON FX/MX or
    if you wish to use the Print      IBM Proprinter or compatible
    Graphics Cartwheel function      printer on startup. You can
    from the main menu as you will      select other printers from the
    have no opportunity to fine      Graphics Setup screen, includ-
    tune the display.          ing HP LaserJet, DeskJet and
         ASTRO will adapt itself to   Compatibles, 9 and 24 pin dot
    many different types of gra-      matrix printers including color
    phics adapters and graphics      printers when using a color
    modes. ASTRO is compatible with   adapter and color mode.If you
    CGA, EGA, MCGA, VGA, Hercules      move ASTRO from one computer to
    graphics adapters and most      another, or add a different
    compatible adapters. It will      graphics adapter to it, or
    adapt to the best available      upgrade, you may need to erase
    graphics mode on that adapter      the file ASTROGRA.DAT. this
    board, maximizing the capa-      file is the setup information.
    bility of that adapter. It will   Otherwise you won't be able to
    also run on the Olivetti      setup the graphics for your
    graphics boards which are      adapter.
    supplied with the AT&T PC's,      -------------------------------
    which are a superset of the      NOTE: When you first start up
    standard IBM style adapters.      ASTRO.EXE on your compute the
         It configures itself      first time, you will see a
    automatically on startup the      warning "Can't Find ASTROGRA
    first time, and if a graphics      .DAT file will Create!", this


                     Page 46





    is just a warning and is normal   GRAPHICS ADAPTER SPECIFIC
    for this program to do this.      DIFFERENCES.
    When you start up it will auto-   This program is not compatible
    matically create this file, and   with the ATI EGA Wonder Card
    save it for future use.       and other non-standard graphic
    -------------------------------   adapters. It will try to use a
                      mode which seems to be correct
    SCREEN AND PRINTER FONTS.      but the display or printing
    ASTRO uses special custom      won't work.
    screen and printer fonts to           ASTRO on a CGA or MCGA
    provide the glyphs that you can   type graphics adapter defaults
    use on the screen. It also uses   to use the 200 x 640 pixel
    custom printer fonts which give   Black and White Graphics mode,
    you high printer resolution.      but you can use 200 x 320 pixel
    There are Three sets of screen/   4-color modes as well. ASTRO
    printer fonts, one for each      can make use of either of four
    type of printer. ASTROEP9 .FON      different screen palettes by
    is used for              changing the information in the
     9-pin Epson/IBM compatible      Graphics Setup Screen.
    printers. ASTRO24P.FON is used           I suggest that you use the
    for 24-pin Epson/IBM compatible   200 x 640 pixel mode because it
    printers, and ASTROHPL.FON is      will be easier to view and
    used for HP LaserJet, DeskJet      read.
    and compatible printers.      On a EGA type adapter with
         If You are using the Lite      appropriate type monitor,
    Version of ASTRO the install      provided you have 256k memory,
    program will install One      ASTRO will use the 640 x 350
    Printer font set and one      pixel mode using 16 colors. If
    printer driver each time you      you only have 64k on an early
    set it up.              EGA type adapter you will be
    -------------------------------   able either to use the 320 x
    NOTE: These fonts must be (if      200 pixel mode or the 640 x 200
    you are using a hard disk) in      pixel mode using 16 colors. On
    the data directory. See the      a VGA ASTRO will use the 480
    Setup Screen to determine which   pixel x 640 pixel 16 color
    is the data directory.          mode.
          If you are using a floppy
    disk drive system, these fonts      COLORS.
    must be on the same disk drive      You can change any of these
    as the data files (.TXT and      colors using the Graphics Setup
    corresponding .NDX files) and      screen and a utility described
    temp or user files (.GRA and      later called PALTEST.EXE,
    corresponding .OUT files). You      allows you to preview colors.
    can though change the location      ASTRO makes use of a total of
    of this file as well from the      10 different colors, and where
    Setup Screen.              enough do not exist due to the
    -------------------------------   system's hardware, the program
                      will compensate for this by


                     Page 47





    using dashed lines where      5. SHOW/HIDE 0, 30, 60, 90,
    applicable.                 120... This displays or
                         hides the displays showing
    THE GRAPHICS MENU OPTIONS.         the true, total degree
    While the graphics display is         values around the cartwheel.
    on the screen you can change         Zero Degrees Cancer corre-
    the display by pressing any         sponds to 60 degrees, Zero
    key. This will call up a         Degrees Pisces corresponds
    Graphics options menu. This is         to 330 degrees. This is
    a summary of what happens with         Rarely Used.
    each option.
                      6. SHOW/HIDE ASPECTS. In a
    1. PRINT SCREEN. This option         Natal chart which was
       does as it says. It Prints         compiled using Compile Natal
       the graphics screen to your         Chart Signs, Houses and
       printer. This works by         Aspects or Greater, or you
       printing the screen on its         compiled a default chart
       side in many sections. This         with aspects turned on,
       improves the resolution. You      lines showing the aspects
       can press any key to stop         will be drawn in the middle
       printing.                 of the screen. These are
                         useful for seeing the types
    2. SHOW/HIDE SIGN NAMES. This         of aspects involved.
       turns on or off display of
       the sign Names around the      7. USE/DON'T USE GLYPHS. This
       screen. When glyphs are used      switches between the use of
       these are displayed as         the Classical Astrological
       glyphs. This is more useful         Glyphs and two and three
       for beginners, particularly         letter abbreviations for the
       if only the signs are         signs and planets. The
       displayed.                 glyphs display more neatly
                         and cleanly, and once you
    3. SHOW/HIDE HOUSE NUMBERS.         know all the signs, this is
       This turns on or off display      the way to display charts. A
       of the house numbers. These         novice can use the abbrevi-
       are placed midway between         ations until they are com-
       each pair of house cusp.         fortable and switch over to
       This is useful and one of         the glyphs.
       the more used options.        If you are using a CGA
                         type adapter, the display of
    4. SHOW/HIDE HOUSE DEGREES.         glyphs is hard to read so
       This turns on or off display      you may want to use the
       of the degrees of each house      abbreviations. If you are
       cusp. These are placed at         using the 200 x 320 pixel
       each house cusp. This will         mode you will only be able
       be useful for most people         to use the abbreviations
       knowledgeable about             since the glyphs are unable
       astrology.                 to display in this mode. You


                     Page 48





       can though select this mode           You can print the screen
       and print using glyphs.      that ASTRO produces to the
                      printer by selecting it from
    8. SHOW/HIDE SIGN LINES. This      the menu. You can stop the
       option shows or hides the      printer at any time by pressing
       display of the sign divi-      any key.
       sions on the screen. If a      -------------------------------
       novice and you are only      NOTE: You will notice while the
       displaying the planets in      screen is printing, that the
       the signs you will want this   screen is printed in large
       option.              chunks. This is normal. This
                      allows the screen to be printed
    9. USE INNER/OUTER HOUSE CUSPS.   at the highest resolution your
       This option is only used for   printer can use. You will also
       compatibility, though it      hear periodic beeps. This is
       might be used for transits.      also normal and tells you the
       This allows you to switch      screen is printing.
       which set of house cusps is      -------------------------------
       being used to draw the house        ASTRO is compatible with
       cusp lines, place the      EPSON, IBM Graphics printers (9
       ascendant and generally      and 24 pins color and B&W) and
       organize where everything      any dot matrix printer
       falls.              compatible with these printers.
                      ASTRO can also print to a HP
    USING ASTRO WITH A HERCULES OR      LaserJet, DeskJet or compatible
    COMPATIBLE              printer. Unless ASTRO is not
         TYPE GRAPHICS ADAPTER.      compatible with your printer,
    If you use ASTRO with a Hercu-      do not use GRAPHICS.COM or an
    les type graphics adapter, you      equivalent program in your
    must load the program MSHERC      system when you start up ASTRO,
    .COM before starting ASTRO. You   as it has all the necessary
    may not start MSHERC.COM from      logic to print the screen to
    within the ASTRO DOS shell.      the printer for any
    Don't use an emulator such as     graphics mode.
    MGA.EXE or IBMHGC.COM in your           ASTRO will always try to
    system, the results with MSHERC   print out the best and most
    will be much higher quality and   efficient printout it can but
    resolution than either one of      the print mode can be changed,
    these can produce.          dependent though on the
         I suggest putting the      capabilities of the printer or
    commands to start MSHERC and      the driver. In the case of the
    ASTRO together in a batch file,   HP LaserJet and DeskJet, only
    call it AST.BAT. Then all you      one mode is used (150 dpi).
    have to do to start ASTRO is
    type AST{ENTER}.
    Printing A Graphics Cartwheel
    on Your Printer.



                     Page 49





    -------------------------------   Graphics Setup Screen and
    NOTE: If you are using either a   Graphics Options Screen to read
    non-standard printer you may      about customizing the graphics.
    need to setup the printer
    strings used by your printer.      USING PALTEST.EXE TO DETERMINE
    See the Graphics setup screen      PALETTE SETTINGS.
    for more information.               PALTEST.EXE is a utility
         These strings are only      program which you can use to
    applicable for dot matrix      play with all the available
    printers.              color values, palette numbers,
    -------------------------------   etc for your graphics adapter.
                      This program will tell you the
    USING A SYSTEM WITH TWO DISPLAY   information you need to
    ADAPTERS.              customize ASTRO's graphics from
         ASTRO are only designed to   the graphics setup screen.
    be used with a single graphics           To start PALTEST.EXE type
    adapter. If you use a system      on the DOS command line.
    with more than one video board      PALTEST {ENTER}. If you are
    and monitor, you should set up      using a VGA graphics adapter
    and use only one of them. This      and want to start it in EGA
    program must run on the same      mode you would type PALTEST -E
    video adapter/monitor          {ENTER}, This will force it
    combination all the time, and      into the best EGA mode
    the Graphics Setup screen must      available. If you are using a
    be setup for this adapter      VGA, MCGA, or EGA graphics
    monitor combination, and astro      adapter or equivalent and want
    must be using a video mode      to start in CGA mode, you would
    appropriate for the setup.      type
         For example if you have a      PALTEST {ENTER}, this forces it
    monochrome adapter and a VGA,      into the CGA 200 x 320 pixel
    you must setup ASTRO or run it      mode.
    on one adapter or the other,           Once you have arrived at
    and if you wish to switch, the      colors that you like write down
    graphics setup screen must be      the color values so your
    erased.               remember when you go back to
                      ASTRO. Once you have finished
    MODIFYING THE STARTUP DATA      with this program press {ESC}
    FILE.                  to exit the program.
         In earlier versions of
    ASTRO, the graphics setup file      USING CGA MODE. In this mode
    could be edited with any editor   you will see a display of the
    which could edit an ASCII file.   current background color and a
    This is no longer true, but      display of the three available
    there is now a screen which      foreground colors. To Change
    allows you to easier set up the   the background color press 'B'
    information that you used to be   or 'b', this will cycle you
    able to edit. See the section      through all the available
    of this manual under Options,      background colors, you will


                     Page 50





    note that in some cases where      mode press {BS}, {<-} or the
    the foreground colors are the      Backspace key on your keyboard.
    same as the background colors,      Using VGA Mode. This mode
    that foreground color won't be    allows you to set each color
    visible. To see the available      used to be any of the 262,144
    color selection for the       available colors. In this mode
    foreground press 'P' or 'p'. In   you can basically edit each
    CGA mode you can't set each       color by changing the Red, Blue
    color but you can pick from      and Green components of the
    several palettes or groups of      color.
    colors. This command will cycle        To Change the Red, press
    you through these palettes.      'R' or 'r', this will increase
                      the red part of the color. To
    USING EGA MODE. This mode      Change the Blue, press 'B' or
    allows you to set each color      'b', this will increase the
    used to be any of the 64      Blue part of the color. To
    available colors. In this mode      change the Green part press 'G'
    you can basically edit each      or 'g'. In EGA mode each
    color by changing the Red, Blue   component may have any value
    and Green components of the      from 0 to 63. If the value of a
    color.                  color component is 63 and you
         To Change the Red, press      increase it again it will turn
    'R' or 'r', this will increase      over to 0.
    the red part of the color. To           Since each component has
    Change the Blue, press 'B' or      64 steps in this mode, there is
    'b', this will increase the      a shortcut in this mode. To
    Blue part of the color. To      speed up the steps, press the
    change the Green part press 'G'   '+' key on your keyboard, now
    or 'g'. In EGA mode each      the steps will be in 10's
    component may have 4 different      instead of 1's. To go back to
    values 0, 21, 42, or 63. If the   steps of 1, press '-'.
    value of a color component is           When you enter this mode
    63 and you increase it again it   you will start in Background
    will turn over to 0.          Mode, and you will be making
         When you enter this mode      changes to the Background
    you will start in Background      color. Once you have set this
    Mode, and you will be making      press {ENTER}, and you will
    changes to the Background      move to Foreground Mode. You
    color. Once you have set this      will now see a display of
    press {ENTER}, and you will      shapes and lines so you can see
    move to Foreground Mode. You      how this color might be used in
    will now see a display of      contrast with the background
    shapes and lines so you can see   color. If at any time you want
    how this color might be used in   to get back to the Background
    contrast with the background      mode press {BS}, {<-} or the
    color. If at any time you want      Backspace key on your keyboard.
    to get back to the Background



                     Page 51






               U S I N G   O P T I O N S :

    Use these screens to change the setup and defaults that ASTRO
    uses when horoscopes are created. You can also use the setup
    function to change screen colors, disk and directory choices,
    page length, screen driver, and printer string.
         You can setup options for each major type of horoscope
    independently. You can setup many different types of
    characteristics to customize or setup a default type of setup.

    SETUP SCREEN.              a directory for each type of
    This screen allows you to      file.
    customize screen colors, disk      Note: the swap attribute tells
    and directory usages, printer      ASTRO that it will need to swap
    page length, screen driver and      disks on a floppy disk drive.
    special printer output string.      On a hard disk system or a
                      single high density floppy 1.2M
    SCREEN COLORS.              or 1.44M, or two 720k drives
    The first section allows you to   you would turn all these fields
    setup the screen colors. You      off, but with two 360k drives
    select each of the four compo-      all these fields should be
    nents of each screen attribute:   turned on.
    background color, foreground           The Program Directory is
    color, the bright attribute,      where ASTRO itself, the utility
    and blink for blinking color.      programs, and the overlays
    There are seven different      (files ending with .OVL) are
    screen types used by ASTRO.      found. These files end with
         If you are using a       .COM or .EXE.
    monochrome adapter you will           The Help Directory is
    only be able to use the fore-      where the help file and the
    ground and background colors      Astro-Helper files are found.
    white and black, though you can   These files end with .HLP.
    use the bright and blink      The Database directory is where
    attributes. If you are using an   the database files are located.
    LCD type system, you won't be     These are files for the Birth
    able to use the bright          and Location database. These
    attribute and may not be able      files end with .DAT, .NDX and
    to use the blink attribute      .LST.
    depending on the capability of           The Data Directory is
    your system.              where the files that produce
                      ASTRO's text is found as well
    DISK DIRECTORIES.          as the screen and printer fonts
    This section allows you to      for the graphics. These files
    setup the drives you wish to      end with .TXT, .NDX, and .FON.
    use for ASTRO, this will be      Note there is one .NDX file for
    useful if you are using a hard      every .TXT file of the same
    disk system and want to create      main name.


                     Page 52





    The User Directory is where the   TROPICAL OR SIDEREAL ZODIAC.
    charts that astro compiles are         You will probably not use
    written. If you convert a file         this option. Some European
    to a text file, or print to a         astrologers tend to use the
    disk file, ASTRO writes that         'Sidereal' zodiac, in which
    file to the user directory         the first point of Aries
    unless you say otherwise. When         corresponds to the star
    You save and load the birth         constellation, instead of
    data, you save and load from         the 'Tropical' zodiac where
    this directory unless you say         the first point of Aries
    otherwise.                 corresponds to the Vernal
                         Equinox or the first point
    FAST SCREEN WRITES. If you         of spring. Currently these
       started ASTRO up with the         two systems are off by about
       -BIOS flag this would be set      24 degrees and it is always
       to 'No', otherwise it would         changing. ASTRO uses
       be set to 'Yes', but you can      "Fagan's Ayanasma" in
       change it. If you answer         calculating this option.
       'No' ASTRO will direct all      -------------------------------
       disk activity through your      NOTE:  Don't select Sidereal
       computer's BIOS which is       unless you know that you want
       slower than direct RAM      this option. EXPERT ONLY
       access, but necessary for      -------------------------------
       some non- standard computer
       systems.              HOUSE PROCEDURE. There are many
                         different ways of calcu-
         CHART OPTION SCREENS         lating your house cusps.
                         This option allows you to
                         select one of the more
    BIRTH OPTION SCREEN.             popular systems. ASTRO sup-
    Use this screen to setup the         ports Equal House, Placidus,
    options used by the Compile         Koch, Regiomontanus, Cam-
    Default Birth Chart selection.         panus, and M-House systems.
    This selection also affects         Placidus is the most popular
    various aspects of other Birth         for general purpose astro-
    charts. For the most part         logy, but fails at high
    though you won't have to change      latitudes, where you may
    any of these options except to         want to use another. The
    setup a default chart. You may         Equal House system is the
    wish to change some of these         simplest, and often used,
    once you have experience with         but may not produce accurate
    ASTRO to customize it to your         results. See an Astrology
    personal preferences. These are      text for more information on
    a few of the more important         house division techniques.
    options and what they mean to
    you.                  FIND HOUSES. Self explanatory.
                         Determines if ASTRO will
                         determine house cusps.


                     Page 53






    FIND ASPECTS. Self explanatory.        For More Information About
       Determines if ASTRO will      These Options. See the section
       determine planetary aspects.   "Compiling a Chart" for more
                      information. You can get more
    FIND EXTENDED ASPECTS. When      information on each option from
       this is 'No', ASTRO will      the help system.
       only find Conjunct, Sextile,
       Trine, Squared, and Oppos-      COMPATIBILITY OPTION SCREEN.
       ition aspects. When 'Yes'      Use this screen to setup the
       ASTRO will find Semi-Sex-      options used by the Compile
       tile, Semi- Square, and      Compatibility Chart selection.
       Semi-Sesquiquadrate and      The options operate as they do
       aspects to house cusps as      in the birth options screen.
       well. Though these aspects
       are found, there is no text      TRANSITS OPTION SCREEN.
       available for them at this      Use this screen to setup the
       time.              options used by the Compile
                      Transits Chart selection. The
    SUMMARY AT END OF REPORT. If      options operate as they do in
       this is 'Yes' a report is      the birth options screen.
       placed at the end of the
       report, summarizing numbers
       of different trends and        O U T P U T   O P T I O N S
       tells you what they mean.
    MISCELLANEOUS CALCS. If this is
       'Yes', ASTRO will calculate           PRINTER SETUP SCREEN.
       several different miscel-
       laneous values such as Dec-           Use this screen to change
       anates of signs, Critical      printing and conversion data.
       Degrees, and Anaretic      Included in this screen are
       Degrees.              translation information for
                      translating attributes in the
    VERTEX AND EAST POINT. If this      output files to printers and
       is 'Yes', ASTRO will cal-      ASCII file conversion.
       culate the 'Vertex' and
       'East Point' for the chart      PRINTER TYPE. This is either
       in question. These angles         "Epson or Compatible Dot
       are highly theoretical in         Matrix", "HP LaserJet,
       nature. No text on these is         DeskJet or Compatible", or
       available.                 "Generic Printer". This will
                         update all the control
                         Strings Below to Default
    GENERATE GRAPHICS DATA. If set         values for the specific
       to 'Yes' this option pro-         printers. If You use a
       duces graphics data to run         printer that is for example
       using the graphics cartwheel      90% compatible with
       option.                 Epson/IBM, you can choose


                     Page 54





       that printer and edit the         language report version, You
       string chosen. The "Generic       must be using a font which
       Printer" driver allows you        supports the PC-8 Symbol set
       to use printers which might         or the Characters or Accents
       not normally be supported         will be incorrect. This does
       such as daisy-wheel prin-         not apply to dot matrix
       ters, or other non-compa-         printers.
       tible printers. This type of
       a printer must only be able      SYMBOL SET NAME. This is the
       to Backspace, have an         technical name for the
       underscore character (_),         symbol set referred to
       and do a form feed.             above. When you select the
                         "Other Specify -->" symbol
    -------------------------------      set choice, use this field
    NOTE:  The following three         to specify the actual symbol
    fields applies only to HP         set code. It must end in a
    LaserJet, HP DeskJet Laser         Capital Letter.
    drivers
    -------------------------------   USE ITALICS OR UNDERSCORE. If
    HP Printer Font. If you are         you are using a HP LaserJet
       Using a HP LaserJet, DeskJet      or DeskJet compatible, and
       or Compatible, you can         your font supports an
       select the font you wish to         italic, you can use Italics
       use for your printout. Note,      by selecting this option,
       you must have this font         otherwise key phrases will
       loaded, either as a soft         be underscored. Selecting
       font, Cartridge or Internal         this option will change the
       font before Printing. The         applicable printer strings.
       Printout uses the Regular         This doesn't apply to dot
       and Bold font as well as         matrix printers.
       Italics if you wish. This
       doesn't apply to dot matrix    PRINTER CONVERSION STRINGS.
       printers.              In these strings enter the
    -------------------------------   commands that your printer uses
    SYMBOL SET TO USE. If you are      for these attributes as
       using a HP LaserJet, DeskJet   described above in Printer
       or compatible, this field      Control String. If you are
       allows you to select the      using a standard printer you
       symbol set for the HP font      don't need to change these.
       Chosen above. When you chose   -------------------------------
       a font the default symbol      NOTE:  Non-typeable codes can
       set is selected. The Symbol      be entered by typing their
       set must be supported by the   ASCII decimal codes in between
       font Cartridge or font      '<' and '>'. for the escape
       loaded. If you have modified   character which is ASCII
       the text source for foreign      decimal code 27, you would
       languages with accents, or      enter <27>.
       are using the Spanish      -------------------------------


                     Page 55





    PRINTER CONTROL STRING. This         margin and the text to be 6-
       string provides basic         1/2 inch wide, you would set
       parameters that the printer         these two fields as
       requires to start printing         suggested here. This will
       your report. These include         give you a one inch right
       justification, line spacing,      margin.
       basic font, print quality,
       etc.               LINES PER PAGE. This is the
                         total number of lines avail-
    BOLD ON STRING. This string         able on your page. This
       turns on the printer's bold       includes top and bottom
       face or double strike. With         margin. A value of 66 is
       some printers this is called      appropriate with dot matrix
       "emphasized text".             printers printing six lines
                         per inch. A value of 60 is
    BOLD OFF STRING. This string         appropriate with laser
       turns off the printer's bold      printers.
       face, double strike or
       emphasized text. This must      PRINT HEAD ON PAGE 1. If This
       turn off what the previous         option is turned on, a
       command turned on.             header is printed on page
                         one. If this is turned off,
    UNDERSCORE ON STRING. This         there is no header printed
       string turns on the             on page one.
       printer's underscore
       function.              PRINTING DEVICE. If you wish to
                         print to your default
    UNDERSCORE OFF STRING. This         printer leave this field
       string turns off the          blank. For most people this
       printer's underscore              will be sufficient. If you
       function.                 want to print to your second
                         printer, enter "LPT2". If
    COLUMN WIDTH. This is the         you want to print to a
       width, based on 10 char-         specific device driver enter
       acters per inch, of the         the device here.
       text. A 6-1/2 inch width
       would be entered as 60.      END LINE WITH. This field
                         indicates how lines on your
        OTHER OPTIONS.             printer must be ended with.
                         On a laser printer, ignore
    LEFT MARGIN WIDTH. This is the         this field, this will be set
       width, based on 10             by the program. Try to use
       characters per inch, of the         the field the way the
       left margin. A 1 inch left         program sets it.
       margin would be entered as
       10.
          If you have 8-1/2" wide
       paper, and want a one inch


                     Page 56





    -------------------------------   -------------------------------
    NOTE: If when you print a      NOTE: The file conversion does
    report, the lines end and start   not concern itself with fonts.
    erratically, at strange places,   If You are using a laser
    choose "Line Feed + Carriage      printer you will have to set
    Return". If your pages wind up    the font, provide settings and
    with always more than one line      reformat the document once you
    space between lines, choose      are in your word processing
    "Carriage Return Only".       program.
    -------------------------------   -------------------------------
                      LEFT INDENT. This is the width,
       WORD PROCESSOR CONVERSION         based on 10 characters per
            SETUP.             inch, of the left margin. A
                         1 inch left margin would be
    This screen allows your to cus-      entered as 10.
    tomize the way ASTRO converts        If you have 8-1/2" wide
    files to word processing and         paper, and want a one inch
    ASCII. The following strings         margin and the text to be 6-
    don't have any effect on word        1/2 inch wide, you would set
    processing conversion other         these two fields as sug-
    than ASCII conversions.          gested here. This will give
                         you a one inch right margin.
    BOLD ON STRING. This string
       marks the start of bold face   CONVERSION. This is your
       in the file.              default standard word
                         processing conversion. Pick
    BOLD OFF STRING. This string         one that your favorite word
       marks the end of bold face         processor supports. This
       in the file. This must turn         will most likely either be
       off what the previous         one of the two WordStar
       command turned on.             types, one of the two Word
                         Perfect Choices, or ASCII.
    Underscore On String. This        If you are using ASCII,
       string marks the beginning         you can eliminate the soft
       of underscore or italics.         line breaks and only have
                         the paragraph/hard line
    UNDERSCORE OFF STRING. This         breaks in the file. This may
       string marks the end of         make reformatting more easy
       underscore or italic started      once it gets into your word
       above function.             processor.

    COLUMN WIDTH. This is the          SETUP GRAPHICS MODES &
       width, based on 10 char-             PRINTING.
       acters per inch, of the
       text. A 6-1/2 inch width      This screen will allow you to
       would be entered as 60.      change the graphics
                      configuration, and customize it
                      to your needs. You can change


                     Page 57





    graphics mode, screen colors         font name to be used. This
    and printer configurations.         version of ASTRO uses
    This screen will allow you to         special screen and printer
    support printers other than         font combinations to provide
    Epson/IBM or HP LaserJet and         the high graphics resolution
    DeskJets for a graphics          and the glyphs displayed on
    printout, by allowing you to         the screen. There is a font
    enter the specific printer         file for each major printer
    codes for your printer, if         driver. This field will be
    needed.                  set by the program when
         If a graphics setup file         setting the printer.
    (ASTROGRA.DAT) has not been           For 9 pin printers, the
    created already, you will see a      font name is ASTROEP9. For
    message to the effect that one         24 pin printers, the font
    will be created. ASTRO does         name is ASTRO24P. For HP
    this if it can't find the setup      LaserJet and DeskJet
    data or the setup data is         printers the font name is
    invalid. If the file ASTROGRA         ASTROHPL.
    .DAT already exists you should
    erase it before starting ASTRO.   FONT FILE NAME AND PATH. This
                         is the font file's full file
    GRAPHICS MODE. This field will         name and directory path
       allow you to select from any      locating where it can be
       of the valid Graphics Modes         found. This is usually the
       that you have available for         same place where the Data
       your hardware configuration.      files are kept, but it can
       Press the space bar or the         be changed. On a floppy disk
       first letter of an adapter         system it would be where the
       to select from the choices.         .OUT and .GRA files are
       The first choice that is         written.
       displayed is the highest
       resolution screen mode      PRINTER TYPE. This is the
       available and will probably         printer driver type. This
       be the one you want unless         will update all the control
       there is a problem with your      Strings Below to Default
       graphics adapter, in which         values for the specific
       case you can try one of the         printers.
       other modes. The choice you           ASTRO in this version
       make will also update other         supports Epson/IBM &
       key fields on this screen         compatible 9 pin dot matrix
       with applicable values.         printers (both B&W and
       Frequently the choice that         Color), Epson/IBM &
       ASTRO starts out with will         compatible 24 pin dot matrix
       be the best general choice         printers (both B&W and
       available to you.             Color), and HP LaserJet,
                         DeskJets and Compatibles.
    FONT NAME. This field allows
       you to specify the name of a


                     Page 58





    -------------------------------   isn't quite compatible enough
    NOTE: If you are using a 9 pin      but still operates the same,
    printer and are using a EGA or      you can change these.
    VGA and are having difficulty      -------------------------------
    getting a printout on your      NOTE: The strings below don't
    printer, select "Epson &          have any effect on laser
    compat. 9pin--BIOS Driver".       printer drivers.
    This gets the image from the      -------------------------------
    screen using the bios. For      GRAPHICS INITIALIZATION STRING.
    other printers this is too slow      This field allows you to
    to be practical.             customize the string sent to
    -------------------------------      the printer which sets up
         This version of ASTRO uses      the graphics mode and line
    a more compatible way of         spacing. If you want to
    obtaining the graphics data         enter an ASCII value which
    from the screen and should be         can't be typed on the
    more compatible. If You use a         keyboard enter it as a
    printer that is for example 90%      number in between < and >
    compatible with Epson/IBM, you         such as the Escape char
    can choose that printer and         number 27 is represented by
    edit the string chosen.          <27>.
                           Generally speaking, on
    PRINTING MODE. Use this field         most dot matrix printers
       to customize the printing         this string sets the line
       mode, to either get a faster      spacing to 7/72" or 21/216"
       draft quality printout or         whatever the printers normal
       get a higher quality          graphics line spacing will
       printout.                 be. If your printer leaves
    -------------------------------      excessive white space
    NOTE: If You are using a 24 pin      between rows, this is the
    printer, this selection          field to edit.
    supports the 360 dpi mode. this
    should not be necessary. The      TEXT RESET STRING. This field
    180 dpi mode is efficient and         allows you to enter the code
    very sharp, actually sharper         for resetting the printer to
    than the HP LaserJet driver,         text mode and text line
    but less dense.              spacing.
         For 9 pin printers, 120
    dpi slow speed is usually the      GRAPHICS LINE HEADER STRING.
    best choice, though 240 dpi is         This field allows you to
    definitely sharper but it takes      enter the code which tells
    longer to print.             the printer that the next
    -------------------------------      chunk of data coming is for
    PRINTER SETUP STRINGS.             graphics and for which
    These are the actual control         graphics setup. Normally
    strings that are being used by         this code is set up setting
    the printing drivers. If you         the graphics mode and
    want to use a printer which         telling it two ASCII codes


                     Page 59





       following telling it how           You can also enter
       many printer columns are to         <27>$<0><0> which will just
       follow with the graphics         return the printer carriage.
       data.                 In some printers you may
         For dot matrix Printers         need to enter
       ASTRO supports a screen mode      <27>$<0><0><27>J<1>, which
       independent way of             will home the cursor and
       expressing this. In this         step the head down one unit.
       field you will probably see         The extra spacing allows the
       <27>(a Letter) <%></> where         printing to fill in the
       (a Letter) is either 'L',         space between the dots on
       'Y' or 'Z' depending on the         the paper. You will also
       graphics hardware and         want to answer yes to "Print
       printer mode. <%> represents      Two Passes" below. This is
       the remainder when the         only applicable for 9 pin
       Screen pixels vertically         Dot Matrix B&W Printers.
       (either 200, 348, 350, or
       480) depending on screen      PRINTER PORT. If You have more
       mode is divided by 256. </>         than one printer you may
       represents the pixels         need to set this field to
       vertically divided by 256.         your proper printer.
         If your printer requires         Normally "PRN:/LPT1: is
       these to be in the opposite         normal and is used for your
       order, i.e. </><%>, ASTRO         first printer port. LPT2:
       will deal with this, though         would be used for your
       these two parameters must be      second printer.
       right next to each other in
       the string.              PRINT TWO PASSES. If you want
                         to enhance print quality by
    END OF FIRST PASS STRING. In         using a second pass, answer
       order to get a real sharp         yes to this. This unfortu-
       crisp dark printout, you may      nately slows down the print-
       want all the graphics image         ing process by a factor of
       printed twice, similar to         two. This is only applicable
       NLQ printing, which will         only to 9 pin B&W Dot Matrix
       make the printout a little         Printers.
       sharper and definitely
       blacker. In that case this      CGA PARAMETERS.
       field holds the string which   These two fields apply only to
       will tell the printer to go         CGA color modes only (200 x
       back to the left margin and         320 pixels 4 colors). Use
       go down it's smallest spac-       the Paltest program to
       ing increment. On an Epson/         arrive at these values.
       IBM printer this is 1/216",       NOTE: This graphics mode is
       which also moves the print         not suggested.
       head back to the left
       margin.



                     Page 60





    PALETTE NUMBER. This field         house division lines, are
       allows you to select a         drawn in.
       palette when displayed on a
       This allows you to change      PLANETS COLOR. LIGHT GREY. This
       the colors that are used.         is the darker color for the
       are basically four choices         planets. This is not used at
       in the regular mode and two         this time.
       in the no color mode.
                      CIRCLES COLOR. DARK GREY. This
    BACKGROUND COLOR. This field         is the color used for the
       allows you to set the         circles themselves.
       background color for CGA
       color screens.          BRIGHT SIGNS COLOR. BRIGHT
                         GREEN. This is the bright
    EGA/VGA PALETTES.             color for the sign division
     These fields only apply to EGA      lines. This is the color
    and VGA modes. These fields         that the sign names are
    allow you to specify the exact         printed in.
    color valid for your adapter
    allowing you to customize the      BRIGHT HOUSES. BRIGHT RED. This
    colors used. Use the PALTEST         is the color that house
    program to arrive at these         numbers and house data when
    values. When using an EGA mode         displayed are printed in.
    the final values are rounded to
    the previous 21 multiple, i.e.      ASCENDANT COLOR. YELLOW AND
    0, 21, 42, and 63. VGA modes         DOT-DASHED. This is the
    have no such restriction. These      color that the Ascendant/
    values are entered in their         Descendant line is displayed
    red, green and blue component         in and the data for the
    parts. Underlined are the         Ascendant is printed in.

    EGA/VGA COLORS USED.          BRIGHT PLANETS. WHITE. This is
    BACKGROUND COLOR. BLUE. This is      the color that the indivi-
       for the general background         dual planet glyphs and their
       color and is on color         accompanying positions are
       screens normally blue. You         displayed with.
       can change this to black by
       entering 0 in all three          SETUP GRAPHICS DISPLAY.
       fields .
                      This screen sets up how a
                      default cartwheel is displayed.
    SIGN COLOR. GREEN OR DASHED.      It also sets up how a cartwheel
       This is the color which the      is printed when you choose
       actual sign division lines      "Print Graphics Cartwheel" on
       are drawn in.          the View/Print menu.
                           In these fields, respond
    HOUSES COLOR. RED OR DOTTED.      Yes or No depending on how you
       This is the color which the      want these options dealt with.


                     Page 61





                         These are useful for seeing
    SHOW SIGN NAMES. This turns on         the types of aspects
       or off display of the sign         involved.
       Names around the screen.           If the chart does not have
       When glyphs are used these         any aspects, the inner
       are displayed as glyphs.         aspect circle won't be drawn
       This is more useful for         and no aspects will be
       beginners, particularly if         drawn.
       only the signs are
       displayed.              USE GLYPHS. This switches
         This option may also not         between the use of the
       want to be used because it         Classical Astrological
       clutters up the screen when         Glyphs and two and three
       combined with the house cusp      letter abbreviations for the
       number and house cusp         signs and planets. The
       degrees.                 glyphs display more neatly
                         and cleanly, and once you
    SHOW HOUSE CUSP DEGREES. This         know all the signs, this is
       turns on or off display of         the way to display charts. A
       the degrees of each house         novice can use the abbrevi-
       cusp. These are placed at         ations until they are com-
       each house cusp. This will         fortable and switch over to
       be useful for most people         the glyphs.
       knowledgeable about          -------------------------------
       astrology.              NOTE: If you are using a CGA
                      type adapter, the display of
    SHOW HOUSE CUSP NUMBERS. This      glyphs is hard to read so you
       turns on or off display of      may want to use the abbrevi-
       the house numbers. These are   ations. If you are using the
       placed midway between each      200 x 320 pixel mode you will
       pair of house cusp. This is      only be able to use the abbrev-
       useful and one of the more      iations since the glyphs are
       used options.          unable to display in this mode.
                      You can though select this mode
    SHOW ASPECT LINES. In a Natal      and print using glyphs.
       chart which was compiled      -------------------------------
       using Compile Natal Chart      SHOW SIGN LINES. This option
       Signs, Houses and Aspects or      shows or hides the display
       Greater, or you compiled         of the sign divisions on the
       default chart with aspects         screen. If a novice and you
       turned on, lines  showing         are only displaying the
       the aspects will be drawn in      planets in the signs you
       the middle of the screen.         will want this option.







                     Page 62






             H A N D L I N G   E R R O R S :


    There are several different levels of errors that may occur when
    using ASTRO. There are several internal errors, such as 'Screen
    Errors' that may occur. If these occur, you will be asked to
    report them to 'Technical Support'.
                      3.0 or later you may see
    MINOR DATA ENTRY ERRORS.      '(F)ail' in which case you will
    If you make an error when      be able to just fail the DOS
    entering data, the system will      operation that caused the
    beep and you will see a message   problem. Though If you see
    in the prompt area which will      '(A)bort' and select it ASTRO
    tell you about the error.      itself will end, without
                      properly shutting down.  When
    OTHER ERRORS AND WARNINGS.      You see one of these, correct
    If a minor error occurs while      the situation, and make a
    you are using ASTRO, a box will   choice. Make a choice by
    popup on the screen and will      pressing the letter
    describe it for you. You will      corresponding to the choice.
    be asked to press any key to      -------------------------------
    continue. You will see at the      NOTE: you can also press any
    top left of that box a title      other key to continue.  If you
    saying either 'A Note From        use this option you may need to
    ASTRO...' which is an extremely   repeat this several times. Then
    minor situation, 'Warning!' is      you will see an error alert box
    a minor situation that you may      which you can ignore and you
    need to be warned about, and      will return to the screen or
    'Error!!' is an error situation   menu system.
    of a more serious nature.      -------------------------------
                           If you are in the graphics
    DOS CRITICAL ERRORS.          program and are attempting to
    If a serious system error      printout the screen to the
    occurs, you will hear a beep,      printer, and your printer is
    and an error will be displayed      off, or the program is unable
    at the bottom row of the      to write to the printer, you
    screen. You may be asked to do      will hear several beeps. No
    one or more of the following      message will be displayed
    "(I)gnore (R)etry (F)ail          because it would disrupt the
    (A)bort".                         screen. Once you have checked
         If you see '(I)nore, you     your printer and it is on and
    may be able to ignore the      operating, press 'R' to Retry,
    situation and continue. If you      or press 'A' to Abort the
    see '(R)etry', you will be able   graphics program.
    to correct the situation and
    retry the operation that caused
    the error. If you are using DOS


                     Page 63





    MEMORY ERRORS.              happen due to memory
                      limitations, and are minor.
    If you run out of memory there      These are never due to the
    are two kinds of errors that      user.
    may occur. The first is a           Here are some of the more
    'Fatal' error. A fatal error      common errors that may occur
    will cause ASTRO to shut down      and what may cause them to
    immediately. A 'Non-Fatal'      happen:
    error is an error that ASTRO
    can recover from, though you          SYSTEM ERRORS.
    will not be able to complete or
    repeat that operation without      FILE OR DIRECTORY DOES NOT
    additional memory. This type of      EXIST!  Check to make sure
    an error is displayed at the         that the directories and
    bottom of the screen much as a         files that this message
    'Critical Error', in this case         concerns exists, copy them
    you will be asked to just press      from your master diskette,
    any key to continue.             or verify that the infor-
         Sometimes these happen         mation on the setup screen
    because the system's memory has      is accurate. Check the setup
    been fragmented, which means it      screen.
    has been broken into too many
    little pieces to be used. This      NO SPACE LEFT ON DRIVE! Delete
    can be solved by quitting ASTRO      files on that drive to make
    and restarting the program or         room or switch to a new disk
    rebooting your system.             or drive.

    SCREEN ERRORS.              NOT ENOUGH FILES IN CONFIG.SYS,
         If something goes wrong in      NEED AT LEAST 12! Check the
    one of the screens that ASTRO         Installation information.
    uses, an error may occur. You         This program requires a
    will not be able to do anything      minimum of 12 files in the
    about these errors. These         CONFIG.SYS, but 20 is
    errors are always fatal and         suggested. You can find this
    should be reported to the ASTRO      file on your boot disk in
    Technical Support at your         the root or '\' directory.
    soonest convenience, along with      This file can be edited with
    your system configuration and         a word processor that can
    the situation that caused it to      work with ascii files.
    happen.
         Many of these type of           DOS CRITICAL ERRORS.
    situations are minor. The prog-
    ram exits at that time to pre-      DATA CORRUPTED! The disk is
    vent a problem from continuing         trying to read a disk that
    to corrupt the system or dos.         has been corrupted, perhaps
         I suggest that you restart      by a magnetic field or other
    the program after that error         damage.  Recopy the disk
    occurs. Many of these errors         from a master and try again.


                     Page 64





                         disk or device. Try it
    DEVICE OR PRINTER OUT OF PAPER         again, reboot, try again, or
       OR NOT READY! This error         see a competent repair
       indicates that your printer         technician. This may suggest
       may not be turned on, is out      a bad disk, or a disk which
       of paper, or the device you         is not formatted.
       are printing or writing to
       such as a modem or communi-      TRYING TO WRITE TO WRITE
       cation port is not ready to         PROTECTED DISK! Remove the
       be used, and may be off-line      disk from the drive and
       or turned off.             remove the write protect tab
                         from the disk if you are
    DRIVE NOT READY! The drive door      using a 5-1/4" disk or check
       is not closed. Close it and         the write protect tab on a
       choose retry.             3-1/2" diskette.

    ERROR READING DATA! Your drive      UNKNOWN DRIVE OR UNIT! ASTRO is
       is reporting errors as it         trying to write to a disk or
       reads the data. You will         device that does not exist.
       need to either reformat this      A system error may have
       disk or start with another         clobbered a device or a part
       one. In any case the data         of DOS that you are trying
       you are trying to read may         to use. If you are sure the
       not be usable.             disk or device is present,
                         reboot your system and try
    ERROR WRITING DATA! Your drive         again. If it still is a
       is reporting errors as it         problem, see a repair
       writes the data. You will         technician. Make sure of the
       need to either reformat this      drive or device you are
       disk or start with another         trying to use.
       one.
       This may as well be an error   UNKNOWN DISK TYPE! You are
       with a printer if you are         trying to use a diskette
       printing at the time the         that your system does not
       error happened. Check to         recognize. Such as trying to
       make sure the printer you         use a 1.2M floppy on a 360k
       have selected is plugged         system. Or trying to use a
       into your computer.             diskette from another
                         computer system that uses
    GENERAL FAILURE! There has been      another operating system.
       a general failure on this









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      G L O S S A R Y   O F   A S T R O L O G I C A L   T E R M S :

    AFFLICTION. An outdated term
         that describes either a      ASPECT. An angular relationship
         difficult aspect (i.e.           between two planets,
         Squared or Opposition), or        angles, etc. These rela-
         a placement of a planet or        tionships are based on
         angle in a sign that does           harmonics or multiples.
         not suit it, (i.e. Mars in        The major aspects are
         Pisces). Also describes a           Conjunct, Trine, Sextile
         relationship with a           Squared, and Opposition,
         "Malefic", such as Saturn.        though there are many
                           intermediate minor
    AIR SIGNS. Aquarius, Gemini, or        aspects. The first three
         Libra. These signs are           aspects are generally
         generally associated with           considered to be bene-
         the air. The air signs are        ficial and the last two
         usually connected with           considered to be dif-
         communication and the           ficult, though the more
         intellect.                difficult aspects can act
                           as teachers and help you
    ANGLES. Refers to the Major           to learn and grow.
         angles in a chart.
         Includes: the Ascendant      ASTROLOGER. A professional who
         or Rising Sign, the Des-           practices astrology.
         cendant, which is opposite
         the Ascendant, the Med      BENEFIC. Planets and aspects
         Coeli or Midheaven, and           that were thought to give
         Immum Coeli, which is           positive influences.
         opposite the Med Coeli.           Traditionally Jupiter and
                           Venus are the two Major
    ANGULAR HOUSES. The first,           Benefics in that order,
         fourth, seventh, and tenth        though Mercury and the
         houses. These houses are           Moon are also considered
         generally connected with           Benefic. Conjunct, Sex-
         the Cardinal signs and           tile, and Trine aspects
         Cardinal Qualities.           are also considered
                           Benefic.
    ASCENDANT. The point of the
         zodiac that falls on the      CADENT. The third, sixth, ninth
         eastern horizon at the           and twelfth houses. These
         time of your birth. This           are ruled by Mutable
         is the same as the first           Signs, and are generally
         house cusp and describes           associated with the
         your personality and           Mutable Qualities.
         character and how you
         relate to your world.


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    CAMPANUS. Thirteenth century      CUSP. A line dividing the
         mathematician and astro-           houses or signs. When
         loger who devised the           dealing with signs it
         Campanus House System.           represents a gray area
                           where the individual may
    CARDINAL SIGNS. The signs           be affected by both signs.
         Aries, Cancer, Libra and
         Capricorn. These fall at      DECAN, DECANATES. A division of
         the Cardinal Points of the        the signs into 10 degrees
         Zodiac, with Aries begin-           each of which is subtly
         ning at the "Vernal Equi-         different from one another
         nox" or first point of            due to the different
         Spring, or the beginning           rulers involved.
         of the Zodiac. These signs
         are generally associated      DESCENDANT. The angle that is
         with action and begin-           exactly across from the
         nings. They are also asso-        Ascendant. It is the cusp
         ciated with initiatory and        of the seventh house. Your
         dynamic actions.               descendant relates to your
                           marriage and partnership
    COMPOSITE CHART.  A Chart for           and interaction with
         two people which is           others. This is also the
         created by taking their           Seventh House Cusp.
         planet positions and
         taking the midpoints      EARTH SIGNS. The signs Taurus,
         between. Represents the           Virgo and Capricorn. These
         relationship.               signs represent "Earthly"
                           qualities such as sta-
    CONJUNCTION. An aspect formed           bility, responsibility,
         when two angles or planets        and practicality.
         are at roughly the same
         angle (usually within 8      EAST POINT. The angle which is
         degrees).                   rising over the eastern
                           horizon at the earth's
    CRITICAL DEGREES. 13, and 26           equator at any time.
         degrees of Aries, Cancer,           Occasionally used for
         Libra and Capricorn. 9,           Compatibility analysis.
         and 21 degrees in Taurus,
         Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius.   EASY ASPECT. A harmonious
         Also 4 and 17 degrees in           aspect such as Conjunct,
         Gemini, Virgo, Sagit-           Trine, or Sextile.
         tarius, and Pisces. Comes
         from the Hindus. Thought      ECLIPTIC. The apparent path
         to be a sensitive point           that the sun would take if
         that strengthens the power        it actually rotated around
         of the sign.               the earth.




                     Page 67





    ELEMENTS. Air, Water, Earth and   HARD ASPECTS. Inharmonious
         Fire.                   aspects. Generally
                           considered to be Squared,
    EQUAL HOUSE SYSTEM. The system           and Opposition, and
         that takes the first house        others. Aspects when the
         being the Ascendant and           energies do not always
         dividing the remaining 11           help.
         houses into equal 30
         degree slices. The M-House   HARMONIOUS ASPECTS. Conjunct,
         system starts with the Med        Sextile, and Trine. Also
         Coeli or Midheaven being           referred to as Easy
         the cusp of the 10th house        aspects.
         and dividing the other 11
         houses as equal 30 degree      HOUSE. A section of the zodiac,
         slices.                   mathematically defined,
                           which represents a
    FEMININE SIGNS. Earth and water        particular area of life.
         signs. Feminine refers to
         receptivity, not gender.      IMMUM COELI. The bottom of the
                           heavens. The fourth house
    FIRE SIGNS. Aries, Leo, and           cusp in non-equal or
         Sagittarius. These signs           Quadrant house system.
         are considered fiery,           Represents The family
         passionate, and               relations and home life.
         spontaneous.
                      INTERCEPTED SIGN. A sign that
    FIXED SIGNS. Taurus, Leo,           falls between two adjacent
         Scorpio, and Aquarius.           house cusps, but neither
         These signs are associated        of those house cusps are
         with fixed and stable           in that sign.
         emotional characteristics.
                      KOCH. Dr. Walter Koch, a German
    FLAT CHART. A chart in which           astrologer who founded the
         the first house is set at           Koch House System or
         degrees Aries. Frequently           Birthplace House System.
         used when the birth time
         and therefore the          LOCALITY CHART. See Relocation
         Ascendant is not known.           Chart.

    GREATER BENEFIC. Jupiter.      MALEFIC. An old term used to
         Assumed to bring your           refer to planets or
         major blessings.               aspects thought to cause
                           harm. It usually refers to
    GREATER MALEFIC. Saturn.           the planet Saturn and
         Assumed to be the cause of        Mars. Minor Malefics are
         evil in your life.            also Uranus, Neptune and
                           Pluto.



                     Page 68





    MASCULINE SIGNS. Air and Fire           from the sum of Ascendant
         Signs. Those signs are           and Moon positions in
         suggested to manifest           degrees. Suggests
         aggressiveness, sometimes           fortunate circumstances.
         referred to as Positive
         signs.              PLACIDUS. Spanish Monk,
                           Placidus de Tito, 17th
    MEDIUM COELI, Med. Coeli, MC.           century. Creator of the
         The Midheaven. Taken to be        Placidus House System.
         the point directly over-           Most commonly used house
         head in the chart. In an           system today.
         unequal chart it is the
         cusp of the tenth house.      PLANET. From Greek "Planetes"
         This describes your career        or the wanderer. Describes
         and public ambitions           any body that appears,
         andyour relations with           from the Earth, to move.
         superiors.
                      PROGRESSIONS. Term used for
    MUTABLE SIGNS. The Signs           advancing planets and
         Gemini, Virgo,               house cusps from birth to
         Sagittarius, and Pisces.           a second point in time.
         Signs associated with           Usually 1 day for each
         adaptability and               year of life.
         flexibility.
                      RECTIFICATION. Correction for
    NODE. The point of interception        inexact birth-time.
         between a planet's orbit
         and the ecliptic.          REGIOMONTANUS. German Astrol-
                           oger 15th century who
    OPPOSITION. An aspect               devised the Regiomontanus
         representing an angular           House System.
         difference of 180 degrees
         or a situation where two      RELATIVE HOUSES. Houses 3, 7,
         planets are directly           and 11. Associated with
         across a chart from each           the Air Signs.
         other. Generally causes
         difficulty and discord.      RELOCATION CHART. A Chart for
    ORB. The difference between an           which the house cusps have
         exact aspect and the           been changed to be where
         actual aspect. It also           they would be if the
         describes the maximum           individual had been born
         difference where an aspect        in another location. See
         still takes place.            Locality Chart.

    PART OF FORTUNE. Arabian part      RETROGRADE MOTION. Apparent
         most commonly used by           Backward Motion, thought
         astrologers. Found by           to cause difficulty in a
         subtracting Sun's position        person's chart.


                     Page 69






    RETURN CHART. A Chart Which      TERMINAL HOUSES. Houses 4, 8,
         shows the time that a           and 12. Associated with
         particular body returns to        the Water Signs.
         the position where it was
         when you were born.      TRANSIT. Aspects or angles
                           between, the position on
    RISING SIGN. Another word for           any given day and the
         Ascendant.                positions on a person's
                           birth chart.
    SEXTILE. An aspect with a
         difference of 60 degrees.      TRINE. An aspect with a
         A generally helpful and           difference of 120 degrees.
         'Positive' aspect.            A generally helpful and
                           positive aspect.
    SIDEREAL TIME. Time in relation
         to the fixed stars, rather   TROPICAL ZODIAC. Zodiac that
         than clock time.               follows the path of the
                           Sun. The First point of
    SIDEREAL ZODIAC. A zodiac based        Aries corresponds to the
         on the placement of the           Vernal Equinox, not an
         stars, not the Vernal           actual star position.
         Equinox.
                      VERTEX. A point in the Western
    SIGNS. Division of the zodiac           section of the Zodiac that
         into twelve equal               indicates the intersection
         divisions, related to the           of the Prime Vertical and
         constellations.               the Ecliptic. Sometimes
                           associated with fate and
    SQUARE. Aspect with a               wish fulfillment.
         difference of 90 degrees.
         Generally causes          WATER SIGNS. Signs Cancer,
         difficulty and discord.           Scorpio, and Pisces. Signs
                           which represent recep-
    SUCCEDENT HOUSES. Houses 2, 5,           tivity, sensitivity, and
         8 and 11. Associated with           the emotions.
         the Fixed Signs.
                      ZODIAC. From the Greek "Zodia-
    TEMPORAL HOUSES. Houses 2, 6,           kos", meaning circle of
         10. Usually associated           animals.
         with the Earth Signs.









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          G L O S S A R Y    O F   C O M P U T E R    T E R M S :

    ASCII. An anacronym repre-           about the files that are
         senting a Standard of de-           stored on that disk.
         fining which codes repre-
         sent what characters.      DOS/PC-DOS/MS-DOS. Literally
         ASCII code number 64           "Disk Operating System". A
         represents 'A'.               set of programs stored in
                           invisible files on your
    ASCII FILE. A File containing           disk. Handles many of the
         only characters from the           basic operations of your
         ASCII character set. Also           computer. Usable versions
         referred to as "Generic"           may range from 2.1 - 5.0.
         and "Text Only". A text           Avoid versions 3.0, 3.1 or
         file containing no control        3.20 as they may have
         characters.               problems.

    BIOS. A Set of ROM chips in      EGA, Enhanced Graphics Adapter.
         your computer storing           A board that you may have
         instructions on how to do           in your computer capable
         basic operations. Means           of displaying a minimum of
         literally "Basic Input            16 of 64 possible colors,
         Output System".                   and 16 color text. If you
                           have 128k or 256k of
    BIT. Smallest Unit of storage           memory on that board you
         in a computer. Capable of           should be able to display
         recording only 1 or 0.           350x640 graphics.
                             If you have 64k of
    BYTE. Unit of Storage in a           memory you will only be
         computer. Generally 8 bits        able to display 200x640 or
         wide. Capable of recording        200x320 graphics. This
         a character, or a number           board is usually used with
         from 0 to 255, or -128 to           an Enhanced Color Monitor.
         128.                   It also can be used with a
                           TTL onochrome monitor for
    CGA, Color Graphics Adapter. An        350x 640 monochrome
         electronic board that may           graphics and mono-chrome
         be in your computer           text.
         capable of displaying
         200x320 graphics in four      ENVIRONMENT VARIABLE. A part of
         possible colors. Also can           memory used by DOS to
         display text in 16 colors           store information used by
         as well. Used with a Color        your program. You can view
         Display Monitor.               these variables or set
                           them by using the DOS
    DIRECTORY. An area of a disk           command SET{ENTER}.
         that stores information


                     Page 71





          You can set a            databases in the birth
         variable by the command           screens.
         line SET VAR=AAA; BBB
         {ENTER}, where var is the      HARD DISK. An extremely high
         variable you wanted to set        density disk that may be
         and AAA and BBB were           permanently located in
         directories, which can be           your computer. Stores from
         combined using ';'.           10 million bytes up to 40
                           million bytes in most
    ESCAPE KEY. Key on your            commonly used computers.
         keyboard used to back out
         or "Escape" out of a      HGC, Hercules Graphics Card. A
         section of a program.           card that may be in your
         Usually marked "ESC".           computer that is used to
                           display monochrome text
    EXTENDED MEMORY. Memory above           and monochrome graphics.
         the 640k limit of DOS,           Many generic monochrome
         available only on AT and           graphics cards are capable
         compatible computers in a           of emulating Hercules
         special mode that is           Cards. It is usually
         accessed by special           connected to a TTL
         software such as RAM-           monochrome monitor. You
         Disks. ASTRO can make use           Must run MSHERC.COM to use
         of this memory for caching        this type of adapter.
         of overlays.
                      KEY. A Field used by a database
    FILE. A collection of bytes           to find information.
         stored on your disk.
                      KILOBYTE, Kbyte or K. 1024
    FLOPPY DISK. The type of disk           bytes. The closest
         that this program is           measurement used to one
         supplied on. Currently           thousand bytes. From Kilo
         used in two major sizes 3-        meaning thousand.
         1/2" and 5-1/4". Comes in
         two major densities high      LIM EMS Expanded Memory.
         density capable of storing        Special type of memory
         many more bytes, and a           usable on PC, XT and AT
         regular density.               and compatible computers
                           with special boards. These
    FUNCTION KEY. The keys on your           boards map portions of
         keyboard marked "F1" to           this memory into an unused
         "F10" or "F12". The F1 key        memory space in high
         is used for help, F10 for           memory.
         completing screens, and F2         ASTRO can make use of
         calls up popup screens           this type of memory for
         where available. Keys F3           Overlays as well as
         and F4 are used for           storing different types of
                           other information.


                     Page 72





    MCGA, Multicolor Graphics      PATH ENVIRONMENT VARIABLE. The
         Array. An advanced video           DOS environment variable
         adapter used in the IBM           used by DOS to find an
         PS2-25 and 30 Series of           executable program. You
         computers. Similar in           can set this one by
         capabilities to  the CGA.           entering the command line
                           PATH C:\DIR; C:\DIR\PATH,
    MDA, Monochrome Display            using whatever directories
         Adapter. A card that may           you were using separating
         be in your computer that           different directory paths
         is used to display mono-           using the ';' mark.
         chrome text, and possibly
         graphics if it is Hercules   RAM. Rapid Access Memory. The
         Compatible.               chips in your computer
                           used to store this program
    MEGABYTE or MB. 1024 Kilobytes.        while it operates.
         Approximately one million
         bytes. From Mega meaning      RAM-DISK. Using memory instead
         million.                   of a magnetic disk such as
                           a floppy or hard disk for
    MEMORY. The chips in your           storage. This requires a
         computer used to store           special driver such as is
         this program and the data           supplied with MS-DOS 3.3.
         that is uses when in           This type of storage is
         operation. This program           much faster than disk
         needs at least 348k of           storage, but the contents
         memory for basic operation        are forgotten when your
         and works best with 512k           computer is turned off.
         to 640k of memory.
                      ROM. Read Only Memory. The
    OVERLAYS. Parts of the program           chips used in your
         that are not currently in           computer used for the
         memory. Of the ASTRO.EXE           BIOS. Information in these
         file only about 200k is           chips is permanent and
         kept in memory all the           can't be reprogrammed.
         time. The rest is kept on
         your disk and is loaded      TTL. The logic used in most
         when needed.               computers. Usually in
                           display monitors used for
    PATH. Your disk may be setup           computers as well. Usually
         with different levels of           only able to respond to
         directories. The path is           digital on or off levels,
         the direction that the           rather than the smooth
         disk takes to find your           progression of levels that
         file in a given directory.        your home television set
         Different levels of           responds to.
         directories are separated
         with '\' marks.


                     Page 73





    VGA, Video Gate Array. An            Able to show 640x480
         advanced video adapter           and better graphics in 256
         used in the IBM PS2 Series        of approximately 100,000
         of computers. Now               available colors. Usually
         available for other IBM           attached to an Analog
         compatible computers as           Monitor that is capable of
         well.                   displaying these colors.











































                     Page 74






                B I B L I O G R A P H Y :

    Duffett-Smith, Peter, Practical Astronomy With Your Calculator.
         Cambridge, UK: Press Syndicate of the University of
         Cambridge, 1979, 1981.

    Duffett-Smith, Peter, Astronomy With Your Personal Computer.
         Cambridge, UK: Press Syndicate of the University of
         Cambridge, 1985.

    Erlewine, Michael, Manual of Computer Programming for
         Astrologers. Tempe, AZ: American Federation of Astrologers,
         Inc., 1980.

    Filby, John and Filby Peter, The Astrologer's Companion.
         Wellingsborough, Northhamptonshire England: The Aquarian
         Press, 1986.

    Gale, Mort, Instant Astrology. New York, NY: Warner Books, Inc.,
         1980.

    George, Llewellyn, Revised and edited by Marylee Bytheriver, The
         New A To Z Horoscope Maker and Delineator. St. Paul, MN:
         Llewellyn Publications, 1981.

    Lineman, Rose and Popelka, Jan, Compendium of Astrology. West
         Chester PA: Para Research, Inc., 1984.

    Michelson, Neil F., The Koch Book of Tables. San Diego, CA: ACS
         Publications, Inc., 1985.

    Michelson, Neil F., The American Book of Tables. San Diego, CA:
         ACS Publications, Inc., 1976.

    Parker, Derek and Julia, The New Compleat Astrologer. London,
         England: Mitchell Beazley International Ltd., Harmony Books
         a division of Crown Publishing, New York, 1971, 1975, 1981,
         1984.

    Quigley, Joan, Astrology for Adults. New York, NY: Holt,
         Rhinehart & Winston, Inc., 1969.

    Pottenger Dobyns, Zipporah,  Progressions Directions and
         Rectification, or the Great Guessing Game...What Time Where
         You Born?    T.I.A. Publications, 1975.




                     Page 75