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1994-02-06
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L E T T E R E X P R E S S
Version 1.0
Documentation
LETTER EXPRESS Copyright 1994 Chang Ping Lee ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
LETTER EXPRESS Copyright 1994 Chang Ping Lee page 1
Table Of Contents
Disclaimer of warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Terms of distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Acknowledgements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Trademark Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2. Main Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3. System requirements and compatibility. . . . . . . . . . 9
4. How to install and run LETTER EXPRESS. . . . . . . . . . 10
5. Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
6. Command line arguments and examples. . . . . . . . . . . 12
7. Configuration file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
8. Interactive menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
9. How to overlay a letterhead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
10. Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
11. Support and suggestions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
12. Benefits of registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
ORDER FORM
LETTER EXPRESS Copyright 1994 Chang Ping Lee page 2
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
THIS SOFTWARE AND MANUAL ARE SUPPLIED "AS IS". THE AUTHOR HEREBY
DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES RELATING TO THIS SOFTWARE AND ITS
DOCUMENTATION FILE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO DAMAGE TO HARDWARE, SOFTWARE AND/OR DATA FROM USE OF THIS
PRODUCT. IN NO EVENT WILL THE AUTHOR OF THIS SOFTWARE BE LIABLE
TO YOU OR ANY OTHER PARTY FOR ANY DAMAGES. YOUR USE OF THIS
SOFTWARE INDICATES THAT YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO THESE AND
OTHER TERMS INCLUDED IN THIS DOCUMENTATION FILE.
DUE TO THE NATURE OF EVOLVING PROGRAMMING AND THE VARIOUS
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE ENVIRONMENTS IN WHICH THIS SOFTWARE MAY
BE USED, IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT OCCASIONAL "BUGS" OR UNFITNESS
MAY ARISE. THE USER SHOULD ALWAYS TEST THIS SOFTWARE THOROUGHLY
WITH NON-CRITICAL DATA BEFORE RELYING ON IT.
LETTER EXPRESS Copyright 1994 Chang Ping Lee page 3
LICENSE
LETTER EXPRESS v1.0 is neither free software nor is it in the
public domain. The software and its documentation, this file, are
property of the author and may not be sold without written
permission from the author.
LETTER EXPRESS v1.0 is distributed as shareware. This means that
you are granted a limited license to use it for a period of 30
days. If you find it useful and decide to continue using it after
the trial period, registration is required.
Registered users will be granted a just-like-a-book license which
means a registered version of the software can be used by more
than one person and can be moved from one computer to another so
long as there is NO POSSIBILITY of it being used by two different
persons on two different computers at the same time, just like a
book can not be read by two different persons in two different
places at the same time.
Site licenses for use of LETTER EXPRESS on multiple computers are
also available upon request at a reduced fee.
LETTER EXPRESS Copyright 1994 Chang Ping Lee page 4
TERMS OF DISTRIBUTION :
Redistribution of LETTER EXPRESS must include the software, its
documentation file, order form and all supplemental files (see
FILES.TXT) as a single unit without any modification AND subject
to the following conditions :
1. Any individual is welcome to make copies for his/her friends
and/or colleagues if NO FEE is charged.
2. Electronic bulletin boards, whether they charge or do not
charge their users subscription fee, are welcome to post the
program for down loading as long as they do not charge any fee
in particular for the distribution of LETTER EXPRESS.
3. Computer information services such as CompuServe (CIS), Genie,
etc., may post this software for their subscribers.
4. Non-commercial user groups and computer clubs may distribute
the program to their members if the fee charged for the
diskette containing LETTER EXPRESS does not exceed $10.
5. Disk vendors approved by the Association of Shareware
Professionals or disk vendors who explain the concept of
shareware in their ads that quote a price may distribute the
shareware version of LETTER EXPRESS.
6. Other commercial enterprises wishing to distribute LETTER
EXPRESS either alone or in combination with other hardware,
software, books or materials must obtain permission in writing
from the author.
LETTER EXPRESS Copyright 1994 Chang Ping Lee page 5
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The author of LETTER EXPRESS sincerely wishes to thank Joe Warjas,
CoSysop of the PIE BBS, he helped beta test the program, proofread
the DOC and TXT files and distributed the program to many BBSes.
LETTER EXPRESS Copyright 1994 Chang Ping Lee page 6
TRADEMARK CREDITS
LaserJet and PCL are U.S. registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard
Company. CG Times is a product of Agfa Corporation. Windows is U.S.
registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. PostScript is U.S.
registered trademark of Adobe Systems, Inc. Other brand and product
names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.
LETTER EXPRESS Copyright 1994 Chang Ping Lee page 7
1. INTRODUCTION:
LETTER EXPRESS is a utility which prints letters on Hewlett
Packard LaserJet and DeskJet printers using the CG Times font.
Usually, when you write a letter as an ASCII text file you can
only print it using fixed pitch fonts such as Courier which do
not look as good as proportional spacing fonts such as CG Times.
On the other hand, to use proportional fonts, usually some kind
of word processor is required. The process of using a word
processor to print a letter is slow and the resulting file can
not be edited as easily as a text file.
LETTER EXPRESS prints text file letters using CG Times. In
addition, it has options to select printer port, set print
media, paper margin, line spacing, justification and font size.
One of the program's advanced features is the ability to overlay
pages. You can use a word processor, desk top publishing or
drawing program to produce letterhead and save it in a file.
When the file is found, LETTER EXPRESS will print it together
with the text file which contains the letter body.
Once you have created your letterhead and LETTER EXPRESS is
configured, printing letter is easy and straightforward. LETTER
EXPRESS increases your productivity without sacrificing print
quality.
LETTER EXPRESS Copyright 1994 Chang Ping Lee page 8
2. MAIN FEATURES
*** Print letters using CG Times on Hewlett Packard LaserJet
and DeskJet printers.
*** Overlay letterhead.
*** Preview before printing.
*** Retrieve the date from your system or file and print it
before the letter body.
*** Change the font size (NOT available on DeskJet.) Given a
range of font sizes it can automatically find the largest
font size that fits the letter on one page, creating better
result for short letters.
*** Right margin justification with inter-word compaction and
inter-letter relaxation.
*** Line spacing alteration.
*** Top margin specification.
*** Left margin specification.
*** Select the print media.
*** Select the printer port.
LETTER EXPRESS Copyright 1994 Chang Ping Lee page 9
3. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS AND COMPATIBILITY
To run LETTER EXPRESS you need at least 128K Bytes of free
conventional memory and a EGA/VGA display. You also need an HP
LaserJet or DeskJet printer. Due to the differences in font
design, the output of an HP compatible laser printer may not be
as exact or precise.
LETTER EXPRESS Copyright 1994 Chang Ping Lee page 10
4. HOW TO INSTALL AND RUN LETTER EXPRESS
It's easy! Just copy all the files in the archive to a directory
created for LETTER EXPRESS. In order to run the program anywhere
you like, you need to include the directory in the PATH defined
in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file or create a one-line batch file
containing the path of LXB.EXE.
Edit a letter using your text editor then save in a text file.
This file should contain receiver's address, salutation, letter
body and complimentary close. The program looks for a ':' or ','
followed by two line feed as the line of salutation. Text before
this line will not be wrapped.
To run the program type "LXB fn" where fn is the file name of
the text file that contains the letter you want to print.
Please see the following sections for information about options
and how to overlay letterheads.
LETTER EXPRESS Copyright 1994 Chang Ping Lee page 11
5. CONFIGURATION
There are three ways to set option values: command line
arguments, configuration file, and interactive menu.
Command line options override the options set in the
configuration file. Basically, the configuration file is used to
store information which you don't expect to change often, while
command line arguments are used for specifying more dynamic
parameters.
The interactive menu is shown with the preview screen on the
left-hand side of the display. Thus, you can immediately see the
effect of changing an option. Before exit, the program asks for
permission to save the changes in the configuration file,
CONFIG.LXB.
When you type "LXB fn" followed by the Enter key, the preview
display appears. If you press the F10 function key the display
on the right-hand side of the screen changes to an interactive
menu while the left-hand side remains the preview of the first
page. Whatever settings you change using the menu are updated
immediately on the left-hand side of the display.
LETTER EXPRESS Copyright 1994 Chang Ping Lee page 12
6. COMMAND LINE ARGUMENTS AND EXAMPLES
The following options are available on the command line.
Note: The '=' sign after any option can be omitted.
/c= followed by LPT1, LPT2, LPT3, LPT4, COM1 or COM2. Sets the
printer connection. Default is LPT1.
/m= followed by LETTER, LEGAL, EXEC, A4 or number 1 to 4. Sets
print media. Default is LETTER.
/t= followed by a number. Sets the top margin. The range of
valid numbers is from 0.50 inch to 7.00 inches. If "CM" is
specified at the end, the number will be interpreted in
centimeters instead of inches. Default is 1.50 inches.
Input of two places to the right of the decimal point is
allowed.
/x= followed by a number. Sets extra spacing between lines.
Minimum is 0 inches and maximum 1.00 inches. You can
specify the unit in centimeters by appending "CM" at the
end of the number. Default is 0 inches. Input of two places
to the right of the decimal point is allowed.
/j= followed 1 or 0. Sets right margin justification ON/OFF.
/f= followed by typeface number. For later models of LaserJet
and DeskJet printers the typeface number should be 4101. For
older models and some compatibles the typeface number may
need to be set to 5. Default is 4101.
/d= followed by NONE, FILE or SYSTEM. Choose NONE if you enter
the date in the text. Use FILE if you want the program to
use the date of the text file as the letter date and print
it before the letter body. Choose SYSTEM if you want the
program to add the system date as the letter date. Default
is NONE.
LETTER EXPRESS Copyright 1994 Chang Ping Lee page 13
/p= followed by font size in points. Sets the font size. One
point equals 1/72 inch. You can specify a range instead of
a single value. For example, if you set /p=12-20 the
program will use larger font size for short letter. Please
note that on DeskJet only two sizes are available, 6 and
12. Default is 12 points.
/v= followed by 1 or 0. Sets preview ON/OFF. If set to off, the
program will print letter immediately without going through
the preview.
EXAMPLES:
LXB /m=4 /t=3.00cm fn
Sets the print media to A4 and the top margin to 3
centimeters.
LXB /m4 /t3cm fn
Same as the last example. The '=' can be and is omitted.
LXB /j1 /x.01 fn
Sets right margin justification ON and adds 1/100 of an inch
additional spacing between lines.
LETTER EXPRESS Copyright 1994 Chang Ping Lee page 14
7. CONFIGURATION FILE
If you change options using the interactive menu, the program
will ask for your permission to save it to the configuration
file before exiting. You can also edit the configuration file
manually using a text editor.
The file name of the configuration file is CONFIG.LXB. The
format on each line is as follows.
<option description> option value
or
<option character> option value.
Where "option description" is the description shown for each
item on the interactive menu and "option character" is the
letter that you use on the command line.
LETTER EXPRESS Copyright 1994 Chang Ping Lee page 15
8. INTERACTIVE MENU
When you type "LXB fn" followed by the Enter key, the preview
display appears. If you press the F10 function key the display
on the right-hand side of the screen changes to an interactive
menu while the left-hand side remains the preview of the first
page. Whatever settings you change using the menu are updated
immediately on the left-hand side of the display.
The keys that you use are the same as the letters used on the
command line and are highlighted in RED. Option descriptions are
shown to the left of the letters and option values are shown to
the right. Press any key to change the corresponding option.
LETTER EXPRESS Copyright 1994 Chang Ping Lee page 16
9. HOW TO OVERLAY A LETTERHEAD
You need to use a word processor, desk top publishing program,
or drawing program to produce a letterhead then print the result
to a file instead of a printer. This file will then be in PCL
format.
For example, if you are using Word for Window to create the
letterhead, select File|Print command then click on the "Print
to file" option before you click on the OK button. When it asks
for output file name, type the complete path that includes the
directory of LXB.EXE and the file name PAGE1.LXB.
Make sure you have proper LaserJet or DeskJet drivers installed
so that the output file will be in PCL format.
LETTER EXPRESS will overlay PAGE1.LXB to the first page of the
letter body, PAGE2.LXB to the second page, etc.
If you are printing with a LaserJet instead of DeskJet, you can
also include a footer in your overlay files.
Depending on the size of the letterhead, you may need to adjust
the top margin by pressing t at the interactive menu or by the
/t command line option. The default of top margin, 1.5 inch, is
for printing letters without letterhead.
LETTER EXPRESS Copyright 1994 Chang Ping Lee page 17
10. TROUBLESHOOTING
1. It won't print.
If your printer is not connected to port LPT1, you need to
use option /c or interactive menu to specify the
connection. You also need to make sure that your printer is
in LaserJet mode instead of PostScript mode.
2. I received the message that says, "Can not find salutation".
The program looks for a ':' or ',' followed by two line
feeds as the line of salutation. Text before this line will
not be wrapped.
3. The "wrap around" does not start where I want it to be.
See 2. above.
4. I change the font size but it still print in 12 points.
If you are printing with a DeskJet, you can only set the
font size to 6 or 12.
5. Justification doesn't seem to work.
If you are using an HP LaserJet or DeskJet, set typeface to
4101. If you are printing with an HP compatible or an older
HP LaserJet try setting typeface to 5.
If it still doesn't work, your compatible may not be
compatible enough.
6. Overlay doesn't seem to work.
Overlay files need to be in PCL format. The printer driver
for your application needs to be a LaserJet or DeskJet
driver so that the output will be in PCL format. See
section 9 for more information or send a copy of your
overlay files on disk to the author.
LETTER EXPRESS Copyright 1994 Chang Ping Lee page 18
11. SUPPORT AND SUGGESTIONS
If you need support or you have comments, suggestions, or you
believe there is a bug in the program, feel free to contact me,
whether you are a registered user or not.
You can contact me in four ways, listed below according to
their timeliness. Registered users do have priority but I will
try to help anyone in need.
1. PIE BBS in Sunnyvale, CA, U.S.A. (408) 733-4670 3 nodes with
14,400 HST Dual Standards.
I check my mail almost daily on the PIE BBS. For the fastest
response please send your message to CHANG LEE in the
Shareware Authors Conference, PIE conference 10.
The Programming and Interfacing Enthusiasts allow me to
use the PIE BBS as the main distribution point for LETTER
EXPRESS (LXB) and other DCF Software programs. I will
personally upload the most current version of LXB here
first.
-----> LXB is a free download to all callers on the PIE BBS.
It is located in File Area 3, PIE Shareware Authors.
2. Shareware conferences on ILink, INTELEC and RIME.
I monitor these conferences almost daily. If your local BBS
carries one of them you are welcome to send your message to
CHANG LEE via one of these conferences.
3. CompuServe Information Service (CIS)
I check my mail at least once a week on CIS and will get
back to you as soon as I receive your mail. Please send your
mail to 71053,3517.
The most current version of LXB can also be downloaded from
CIS.
4. You can also send your suggestions, questions and/or
registration to the following address.
Chang Ping Lee
DCF Software
P.O. Box 60064
Palo Alto, CA 94306
LETTER EXPRESS Copyright 1994 Chang Ping Lee page 19
12. BENEFITS OF REGISTRATION
If you find LETTER EXPRESS useful and would like to continue
using the program please register. The fee is only US $25.00
for USA users, $26 Canada/Mexico and $28 for other countries.
In return, you will receive the following benefits.
1. In addition to Full Block Form, you can print letters in
Modified Block Form or Semi-Block Form in which the sender's
address, complimentary close and the beginning of each
paragraph can be indented.
2. If you prefer not using letterhead, the registered version
can save the sender's address and print it automatically
before the letter body.
3. Options to set different top/bottom margins for the first
and subsequent pages.
4. An option to set right margin.
5. An option to specify overlay file names.
6. The ability to specify different configuration files.
7. Telephone support.
------------------------- < ORDER FORM > -------------------------
I have read and agree to the terms in LXB10.DOC file and would like
to order the following:
price quantity total
LETTER EXPRESS version 1.0 $20 ____ $______
Shipping & handling (U.S.A. $5) $______
(Canada/Mexico $6)
(other countries $8)
CA residents please add 7.25% sales tax $______
TOTAL $______
NOTE: Prices valid through June 30, 1994.
Disk type : ( ) 3.5" 720KB ( ) 5.25" 360KB ( ) 5.25" 1.2MB
Payment: ( ) money order ( ) check ( ) cash ( ) VISA ( ) Master card
Credit card orders:
Name as shown on the credit card: _______________________________
Credit card number: _____________________________________________
Expiration date: ________________________________________________
Total amount in U.S. dollars: $__________________________________
Signature: _______________________________ Date:________________
* All credit card orders are mailed on the following Monday after
they are received.
Name : _____________________________________
Address : _____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
Comments : Any comment or suggestion is highly welcome. Please
write on the back side of this order form. Thanks.
Please mail this form with payment to the following address.
DCF Software
P.O. Box 60064
Palo Alto, CA 94306
U. S. A.