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Software Vault: The Gold Collection
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MANUAL.DOC
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1993-04-21
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CCCCCC OOOO LLLLLL LLLLLL EEEEEE CCCCCC TT OOOO RR RR
Version 2.3
(c) Copyright 1992,1993 MyLife Software,
- all rights reserved
________
_____|__ | (R)
--| | |-------------------
| ----|-- | Association of
| | |_| Shareware
|__| o | Professionals
-----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
CONTENTS
Introduction .................................................. 1
What is the Collector?
Why use the Collector?
System requirements
Included Files
Getting Started ............................................... 3
Registration card
Installation
Set up
Help
Operation ..................................................... 4
Add card
Edit card
Delete card
List card
Missing card
New database
Manage Files .................................................. 8
Backup
Duplicates
Export
Purge
Restore
Sort
Update
Reports ...................................................... 10
Create
Delete
Print
Statistics ................................................... 12
Compute all
Individual
View
Configure .................................................... 13
Beeps and bells
Colors
Drives and directories
Invested or Worth
Makers of cards
Other Options
Types of cards
Value default
Quit
Wantlist ..................................................... 18
Add
Transfer/Delete
Print
Quit ......................................................... 19
Technical Support ............................................ 21
Index ........................................................ 23
INTRODUCTION
What is the Collector.
The Collector is a card collection management tool. Its design
and operation is tailored to fit the specific needs of beginning
and serious card collectors.
Why use it?
The Collector will save you time by organizing all cards, wax
packs, wax boxes, and sets in your collection. In addition, the
Collector monitors the estimated worth of all records in your
collection. The Collector, with the optional update service, will
maintain the worth of records and provide a statistical analysis
of the data.
System requirements
The following are the minimum requirements for the proper
installation and operation of the Collector.
a. Harddrive.
b. One Floppy Drive.
c. 512k of memory.
d. MS-DOS or PC-DOS Version 3.0 or above.
e. IBM Compatible computer.
f. 400k of harddrive free space.
Included files
The following files are included in the Collector software
package;
a. COLLECT.EXE Main program
b. COLLECT.HLP Collector help file
c. COLLECT.ICO ICON for Windows
d. COLLECT.PIF PIF file for Windows
e. CONFIG.EXE Configures the Collector
f. DESCRIBE.DOC Sample descriptions for catalogs, BBSs, etc.
g. FILE_ID.DIZ Automatic upload description file for BBSs.
h. INSTALL.EXE Program to install these files.
i. LICENSE.DOC Important License and Usage Information
j. MANUAL.TXT User's manual
k. PACKING.LST This text file.
l. READ.ME Important last-minute information.
m. REGISTER.DOC Registration information and order form.
n. REPORT.EXE Report generator for The Collector
o. SHR-WARE.DOC Information about Shareware and the ASP.
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p. SYSOP.DOC Information for Bulletin Board System
distribution.
q. VENDOR.DOC Information and restrictions for disk
vendors, distributors, user groups, and
more.
r. WARRANTY.DOC Important Warranty Information
If any of these files are missing please contact MyLife Software
at the Technical Support number and a disk will be sent to you.
The above files represent all the files contained in the
Shareware version of the Collector. Registered users will only
receive required files applicable to the registered version.
2
GETTING STARTED
Registration Card
We cannot provide a high level of support or ensure you receive
notification of upgrades unless we know how to contact you. Please
take a moment to fill out the Owner Registration Card and mail it
to us.
Installation
The Collector has its own installation program. To install the
Collector do the following:
a. Insert the Collector disk into a floppy drive.
b. Select the floppy drive that contains the Collector disk.
Type either <A>: or <B>: at the DOS prompt.
c. Once at the selected drive. Type <INSTALL> at the DOS
prompt.
d. Once the program has loaded the installation you are asked
if the identified drive currently contains the Collector
program. If it does press <Y> if not, select <N> and press
<ENTER>. The enter the drive containing the Collector
diskette.
e. Next enter the destination drive and press <ENTER>. If the
drive selected is incorrect you will be prompted to provide
the correct drive.
The installation program will create a directory called
'\COLLECT' and copy all required files into that directory.
Set up
Once you have installed the Collector you will most likely want
to start using it. To start the Collector type <COLLECT> from the
'C:\COLLECT' directory. We recommend that you first take a few
minutes to select the configuration options that will serve you
best.
Help
Help is always available when using the Collector. To access the
Collector's help simply press the <F1> key. The Collector has a
context sensitive help system. This means specific information
will be provided for the area you are presently working in.
3
OPERATION
Cards The cards menu is used to conduct management of records.
This includes adding, editing, and deleting individual records.
Add card
The add card option is used to enter a new record in the
database. When you press the <A> key a blank record will appear on
the screen in which to enter data. The following information may
be entered:
Card name: This field is for the name of the player or the title
of the card. If the record is a wax pack, box, set, or case you
may enter any of those entries. The length is limited to 40
characters.
Card Number: The card number field has 4 spaces for entry, the
first three spaces are designed to enter the card's physical
number. The last space is for an identifier, described later
below. If the record is an individual card enter the card number.
The below numbers MUST be used if subscribing to the Collector's
update service:
999 - Common cards. A common card is one of no premium value.
This is based on subject matter, scarcity, demand or an anomaly.
990 - Wax packs. A wax pack is the typical term applied to cards
purchased in either a wax or mylar wrapping.
980 - Wax box. A wax box generally contains 36 wax packs.
970 - Complete set. One each of an entire set of cards produced
by a manufacturer for an entire year. A factory complete set may
have additional cards not issued in the wax packs.
The identified or 4th space may be used to enter any special
codes. Example codes are described below:
E - Error card.
H - Hall of fame card.
M - Most valuable player card.
R - Rookie card.
T - Traded card.
U - Update card.
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EXAMPLE: 233R, 999, 213 , or 23 T
Year: This entry is the year the record was manufactured.
Generally all cards, wax packs, or wax boxes will have the year
clearly printed.
Quantity: This is the number of like items in the record. If you
have 6 wax packs then an entry of 6 is correct. Consider this, if
you have 4 individual cards and two are in mint condition and two
are in excellent condition consider making two entries to track
the two card conditions.
Maker: Enter the card manufacturer. If you elect to use the
default list press the <F5> key and a list will pop-up. Use the up
and down arrow key to move the highlighted bar up or down. Once
the selected maker is highlighted press the <ENTER> key.
Type: Enter the card type. If you elect to use the default list
press the <F5> key and a list will pop-up. Use the up and down
arrow key to move the highlighted bar up or down. Once the
selected type is highlighted press the <ENTER> key.
Purchase Date: Enter the date in which you purchased the item
contained in this record. The format is MM/DD/YY.
EXAMPLE: 12/12/90
Purchase Price: Enter the price that you paid for the item
contained in this record.
Last Update: If you subscribe to the Collector's update service
the date of the last record update will be entered. If you decide
manually to update a record, enter the date you updated the
records present value. The format for the entry is MM/DD/YY.
EXAMPLE: 12/20/91
Update Value: If you subscribe to the update service the book
value of the record will be entered. If you do not subscribe to
the service or the record is not contained in the update then
enter the present value of the record based on the records near
mint condition.
Condition: This is the condition of the card. The characteristics
that identify a card's condition are defined below. It is
possible that a brand new card straight out of a wax pack will not
be a mint condition card.
MINT - This is a card with no defects. A mint card is
characterized by 4 sharp corners, even borders, even gloss across
the entire card surface, and does not contain any printers marks.
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A card in mint condition is valued at approximately 30% higher
than the same card in near mint condition.
NEAR MINT - A near mint card has very minor rounding of the
edges, some loss of the cards gloss, and slight off-center
borders.
EXCELLENT - An excellent card could have possibly two or three of
the following defects: minute rounding of the edges, some loss of
the cards gloss, slight off-center borders, or a little
off-whiteness of the borders. An excellent card is valued at 60%
to 70% of a near mint cards price.
VERY GOOD - A very good card is a card that has been handled but
is not abused. In addition the following criteria identify a card
in very good condition: minor rounding of the corners, scuffing on
two or three corners, borders may be uneven, or light crease(s). A
card in very good condition is worth about 35% of the same card in
near mint condition.
GOOD - This is a well handled card. A good card has rounding of
the corners, scuffing on the card face, borders are uneven and
browning, and some notching on the sides. A card rated in good
condition is valued at about 25% of the cards near mint price.
FAIR - A fair card has round and layering corners, besides brown
or dirty borders. The card also will have medium to heavy creases
and possible a cloudy focus on the card's picture. A fair card is
valued at approximately 10% of the cards near mint price.
POOR - A poor card is an abused card. This is a card with little
or no value. The card has possibly a corner ripped off, torn, or
cut. A poor card is valued at about 5% of the cards near mint
price.
Comment: This 40 character field can contain any information you
desire. A possible use may be further to explain any information
entered previously.
Edit card
Selecting edit will allow you to edit or change data in a record
presently in the database. Once edit is selected a blank record
window will appear to select the record you desire to search. Use
the <ESC> key to move the cursor between fields. Once all the
correct fields are selected press the <F10> key to begin the
search for the record(s).
Once the selected record appears you are asked if you want to
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edit the record or quit. If edit is selected you can edit any
field desired.
Delete card
Delete will erase a record from the database. Once Delete is
selected a blank record window will appear to enter the record
criteria you desire to search. Use the <ESC> key to move the
cursor between fields. Once all the correct fields are selected
press the <F10> key to begin the search for the record(s).
Once the selected record appears you are asked if you want to
delete the record or quit. If delete is selected the record will
be erased.
List
The list function provides a listing of upto 100 records in your
Collector database. If you have less than 100 records then a
window will pop up showing all the records. If more than 100
records are contained in your Collector database you will be asked
to select the beginning record number of the 100 records to list.
Missing
This selection will produce a list of all missing cards in your
collection based on your selections. When this selection is made
you are asked to provide the following information; Highest card
number in which the missing card list will end. The year of the
cards you wish to list. The maker of the card. The type of the
card. Once this is completed a listing will be printed to your
printer.
New database
The Collector can access upto 50 separate card databases. In
order to select a new database use the new database selection.
Once selected a window will pop up providing a list of valid
databases or the selection 'NEW'. If new is selected you are
provided the opportunity to define the new database name. The name
must be less than eight(8) characters in length.
Quit
This option will return you to the main menu to select other main
menu options.
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MANAGE FILES
This menu performs the cleanup, data safety, and update functions
of the Collector The data and directory locations are defined in
the configure portion of the Collector. The following actions can
be completed:
Backup
Copies your data files to a selected backup location. The backup
files will contain the .BAK file extension.
Duplicates
The duplicates area will purge duplicate cards form your
database. The fields; card number, card name, card year, card
maker, and card condition will be verified prior to purging
duplicate records.
Export
Creates an ASCII file of all records in any of the following
database files: data, maker, type, and wantlist. The created files
will have the .TXT file extension. The file will be placed in the
Collector's export directory.
Purge
The purge function will compress the database files by
eliminating the space occupied by deleted records. Use this to
reduce disk space.
Restore
This will replace the current file with the backup file of the
same name.
Sort
Place all records in your database in ascending number sequence.
The number is the card number as entered by you.
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Update
Updates the current value of records in your collection if
subscribing to the Collector's update service. If you desire
information concerning the update service see the section Updates
in the technical support section of this manual.
Quit
This option will return you to the main menu to select other main
menu options.
9
REPORTS
This menu allows you to create a report, delete a report or print
a report. Select the highlited letter.
Create
The create option will create a report to be used by the
Collector. The below options may be used in creating a report.
Header
The header option places information of your choosing at the top
of the report. Three lines are provided.
Page numbers
Enter <Y> to have page numbers printed on the report. Valid
entries are <Y> or <N>.
Top margin
Enter the number of blank lines to print at the top of the
report. Valid entries are 0-9 blank lines.
Blank lines
Enter <Y> to have a blank line inserted between records on a
printed report. Valid entries are <Y> or <N>.
Fields
When selecting the fields options, a window will appear with all
available fields contained in the database. To select a field use
the up and down arrow keys. The very last field option is SPACES.
Enter the number of spaces to insert between fields of a report.
Valid entries are 0-9 spaces.
Quit
This option will return you to the report menu to select other
print menu options. You are given the option to save the present
report, quit without saving, or return.
Delete
The delete option will erase a created report. Use the up or down
arrow keys to select the report to delete. Once you have made the
selection press the <ENTER> key to delete the report.
10
Print
The Print option will print a previously created report. Use the
up or down arrow keys to select the report to print. Once you have
made the selection press the <ENTER> key. Once you have selected
the report you are given the opportunity to print ALL records or
only SOME. If you selected SOME a window will de displayed to
allow you to select your search criteria.
Quit
This option will return you to the main menu to select other main
menu options.
11
STATISTICS
Computes or displays statistical data on records in your
collection. Selections are:
Compute all
Computes statistical information on all records in your
collection.
Individual
Computes statistical information on selected records in your
collection based on your preferences. Once individual is selected
a window will de displayed to allow you to select your search
criteria.
View
Displays the information computed in either of the two above
selections. The option will display the last selection option and
print the information to the screen, disk file, or the printer.
The disk file is called STAT.TXT and is placed in the export
directory.
Quit
This option will return you to the main menu to select other main
menu options.
12
CONFIGURE
This menu is designed to set the various options when using the
Collector. The various options are:
Beeps and bells
This option allows various beeps to come from the computer when
using the program. This helps you greatly when using the
Collector.
Action complete
When the response is 'Y'es the program will beep when a major
action is completed. Enter either a <Y> or <N>.
Errors
When the response is 'Y'es the program will beep when a keyboard
entry error occurs. Enter either a <Y> or <N>.
Key press
When the answer is 'Y'es the program will beep when a key is
pressed on the keyboard. Enter either a <Y> or <N>.
Quit
This option will return you to the main configure menu to select
other configuration options.
Colors
This menu allows for changing the colors of the screen. The below
color options may be selected:
Highlighted letter
Selects the foreground and background colors of the highlighted
letter on all menus.
Help
Selects the main foreground and background colors of the help
window.
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Help highlight
Selects the highlighted foreground color of the help window.
Main
Selects the main foreground and background colors.
Main highlight
Selects the highlighted main foreground color.
Status line
Selects the foreground and background colors of the status line
at the bottom of the screen.
Windows
Selects the main foreground and background colors of the windows.
Windows highlight
Selects the highlighted foreground color of the windows.
Window invalid
If a selection is invalid its color will be determined by this
selection.
Quit
This option will return you to the main configure menu to select
other configuration options.
Drives and directories
Sets the various drives and directories for data, exporting,
updates, backups and restoration.
Backup drive
This is the drive and directory of the backup data location. It
is best that a separate drive\directory be used. The file
extension '.BAK' will be used as the backup file extension.
EXAMPLE: C:\BACKUP
Note: DO NOT USE THE BACKSLASH AFTER THE DIRECTORY NAME.
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Data drive
This is the drive\directory of the area that contains all data
(DBF) files for the program.
EXAMPLE: C:\PROGRAM
Note: DO NOT USE THE BACKSLASH AFTER THE DIRECTORY NAME.
Export drive
This is the drive and directory of the location that will contain
the ASCII text files of the various data (DBF) files.
EXAMPLE: A:
Note: DO NOT USE THE BACKSLASH AFTER THE DIRECTORY NAME.
Update drive
This is the drive\directory of the area that contains the update
file(s). Update files are available monthly, at a nominal fee, and
will automatically update the estimated value of records in your
collection. Updates are available for Baseball, Football,
Basketball, and Hockey.
EXAMPLE: A:
Note: DO NOT USE THE BACKSLASH AFTER THE DIRECTORY NAME.
Quit
This option will return you to the main configure menu to select
other configuration options.
Invested or Worth
If you desire to have the estimated worth of your collection
placed on the status line ensure the 'W' is highlighted. If you
desire to have the amount you have invested ensure the 'I' is
highlighted.
Makers of cards
Enters or deletes card manufacturers of your choosing used in the
Collector's environment.
15
Add
In order to add a card maker press <ESC> when the list of makers
appear. You will be asked if you desire to add a maker or exit.
Select the correct response.
Delete
Select the card manufacturer to delete. Use the up and down arrow
key keys to move the highlighted bar up or down. Once the selected
maker is highlighted press the <ENTER> key. If you need to add a
maker press the <ESC> key and you will be asked if you need to
enter a new maker or exit.
Other Options
The Other Options selection provides an area to modify
miscellaneous options.
Background Selection
The background selection is used to define the background the
Collector uses. Five selections are provided. To make a choice
pick any number from one(1) to five(5). Once the desired type has
been chosen press the <Q> or <ENTER> key. Upon the next starting
of the Collector the background will be displayed.
Filler Space
The filler selection is used to define the input line blank
space. Five selections are provided. To make a choice pick any
number from one(1) to five(5). Once the desired type has been
chosen press the <Q> or <ENTER> key. Upon the next starting of the
Collector the new filler choice will be activated.
Types of cards
Enters or deletes type of cards tracked in the Collector's
database.
Add
In order to add a card type press <ESC> when the list of types
appear. You will be asked if you desire to add a type or exit.
Select the correct response.
16
Delete
Select the card type to delete. Use the up and down arrow key
keys to move the highlighted bar up or down. Once the selected
type is highlighted press the <ENTER> key. If you need to add a
new type press the <ESC> key and you will be asked if you desire
to enter a new type or exit.
Value Default
The value default area accomplishes two purposes;
First - Default percentages are setup to determine estimated
values of cards. Selections are available for MINT, NEAR MINT,
EXCELLENT > $100, EXCELLENT < $100, VERY GOOD, GOOD, FAIR, and
POOR. The default settings are considered to be the standard and
generally should not be changed.
Second - The value default selection will enter a default value
in the purchase price field when entering a new record. An example
of its use would be; if you primarily purchase wax packs at 1.29
each then an entry of 1.29 would be a time saver.
Quit
The configure quit option has three selection they are:
No save, exit
This option will not save configure option made during the
session and return you to the main menu to select other main menu
options.
Return to main
This option will return you to the main configure menu to select
other configure menu options.
Save and exit
This option will save configure option made during the session
and return you to the main menu to select other main menuoptions.
17
WANTLIST
The wantlist is a much needed feature for collectors in helping
them remember wanted cards, wax packs, wax boxes, or sets. The
wantlist area will place cards, wax packs, or wax boxes or other
items wanted by the Collector in a separate database. The below
options are available:
Add
Add a record to your wantlist. The format for data entry is the
same as entering a regular item in the Collector database.
Transfer/Delete
Move the wantlist record to the Collector database. This is
useful to reduce typing requirements. You may also delete the
wantlist record.
Print
Print all records contained in the wantlist database. Use this to
gather a single list of wanted items before going to the next card
shop or show.
Quit
This option will return you to the main menu to select other main
menu options.
18
QUIT
Select the main menu quit option will save all open files and
return you to the DOS prompt.
19
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Occasionally things can go wrong, you read the manual, you try
different methods and things still will not work. If you have
problems, please read the manual first. If you still have problems
and are a registered user you may contact us by mail or phone.
Phone:
You may call MyLife Software at (817) 634-3043. Our hours
9:00a.m. - 7:00p.m. Central Time, Monday - Friday.
a. If phoning please ensure you have completed and mailed your
software registration card.
b. You have a phone next to your computer.
c. Ensure your computer is on and booted with DOS.
Mail:
You may write us at:
MyLife Software
704 Rim Drive
Killeen, TX 76542.
Whether calling or writing please have the following information
available when calling;
a. Write down the exact problem(s).
b. Where in the Collector operation the error occurred.
c. Error number given, if applicable.
d. Computer model and name (IBM PC AT)
e. Operating system version.
Update ordering information:
Updates are available monthly. Presently two updates are
available one for baseball, the other for basketball, football,
and hockey.
Cost for the monthly updates are $12.50 each. The updates are
shipped on your choice of 3.5" or 5.25" disks in an archived
format. To subscribe to the monthly service payment must be
20
submitted in advance. Once payment is received you will receive
the next monthly update.
When requesting an update simply note if you desire Baseball or
other and 3.5" or 5.25" format. Mail a check or money order, drawn
on a U.S. Bank to;
MyLife Software
Attn.: Collector Updates
704 Rim Drive
Killeen, TX 76542.
21
INDEX
Introduction
What is the Collector .................................... 1
Why use the Collector .................................... 1
System Requirements ...................................... 1
Included files ........................................... 1
Getting Started
Registration card ........................................ 3
Installation ............................................. 3
Set up ................................................... 3
Help ..................................................... 3
Cards
Add card ................................................. 4
Edit card ................................................ 6
Delete card .............................................. 7
List ..................................................... 7
Missing card ............................................. 7
New database ............................................. 7
Manage Files
Backup ................................................... 8
Duplicates ............................................... 8
Export ................................................... 8
Purge .................................................... 8
Restore .................................................. 8
Sort ..................................................... 8
Update ................................................... 9
Reports
Create ................................................... 9
Header ................................................... 9
Page numbers ............................................. 9
Top margin ............................................... 9
Blank lines .............................................. 9
Fields .................................................. 10
Delete .................................................. 10
Print ................................................... 11
Statistics
Compute all ............................................. 12
Individual .............................................. 12
View .................................................... 12
22
Configure
Beeps and bells ......................................... 13
Action complete .................................... 13
Errors ............................................. 13
Key press .......................................... 13
Colors .................................................. 13
Highlighted letter ................................. 13
Help ............................................... 13
Help highlight ..................................... 14
Main ............................................... 14
Main highlight ..................................... 14
Status line ........................................ 14
Window ............................................. 14
Window highlight ................................... 14
Window invalid ..................................... 14
Drives and directories .................................. 14
Backup drive ....................................... 14
Data drive ......................................... 15
Export drive ....................................... 15
Update drive ....................................... 15
Invested or Worth ....................................... 15
Makers of cards ......................................... 15
Add ................................................ 16
Delete ............................................. 16
Other Options
Background ......................................... 16
Filler ............................................. 16
Types of cards .......................................... 16
Add ................................................ 16
Delete ............................................. 17
Value Default ........................................... 17
Quit .................................................... 17
No save, exit ...................................... 17
Return to main ..................................... 17
Save and exit ...................................... 17
Wantlist
Add ..................................................... 18
Transfer/Delete ......................................... 18
Print ................................................... 18
Quit ....................................................... 19
23
Technical support
Phone ................................................... 20
Mail .................................................... 20
Updates ................................................. 20
24