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Text File | 1991-08-28 | 61KB | 1,342 lines

ROBERT F. KEBER JR 336 Swain Blvd. Greenacres, Florida 33463-3342 (407) 969-3643 SOFTWARE SALES TRACKER "Software Sales Tracker" is a feature packed program designed for the use of software authors who sell and distribute their own products directly to the "PC User". It's purpose is to assist with the sometimes complicated tasks of keeping track of the "Who, What, When, Where, Why and How Much" involved in the sale of most products. It will also help you to get the most mileage out of your "Program Distribution Dollar". To make this text easier to read, we will refer to "Software Sales Tracker" simply as "SST" from this point forward. SST has "a ton" of features which are very useful to every program author who distributes software (especially Shareware). It's "best" and most powerful feature will be especially useful to those who spend a lot of time and money "promoting" their own software products. With many Shareware authors, their entire effort at program distri- bution consists of uploading their latest creation to a few BBSs and "Pay Nets". Then they simply sit back and wait for the "Mail Man" to bring them thousands of orders, each one stuffed with a check. They might as well save themselves the time and trouble and go buy a "LOTTO" ticket instead, because it's very rare to get the kind of results they hope for without a little more effort than that. To get anywhere in this "crazy" market, you have to constantly "sell", "Sell" and "RE-SELL" your product with more "dedication" and "persistence" than it may have taken to "write" it. If you are the kind of author who "pushes" one or more products..., who has spent many sleepless nights on long distance, uploading programs to far off BBSs..., who has spent lots of time and money preparing, packaging and mailing countless disks to User Groups and Distributors..., if you produce updates and revisions on a regular basis to keep your software "up to date" and "active"..., if you try to keep Users informed about updates, revisions and support programs..., and above all, if you're NOT doing all of this just for "fun"..., and you expect to "make a buck" for all of your efforts, then SST is written especially with you in mind. If used properly, SST can save you a great deal of time, effort and money, as it will allow you to organize your sales and program distribution into a "tracking system" that is much more intelligent, mechanized and productive than simply using a "Shot Gun" approach. Aside from simply keeping track of registered users, you will come to know "Who" is producing sales for you..., and "Who" is not. SST will allow you to organize your sales into separate files for each different product, and then switch from file to file with ease through the use of "Directory Pop-up Windows". As new entries are made, SST will automatically issue a unique product Serial Number for each item sold. SST will then keep track of quantities sold, customer addresses, telephone numbers, product serial numbers, product versions or models, prices charged, shipping charges, sales tax, and the dates sold and paid (as well as any Purchase Order & Check numbers). SST offers you the ability to automatically "patch" or modify your sold "EXE" programs with a Customer Name, Date of Sale, and assigned Serial Number. This feature is primarily designed to work with "EXE" files which were Compiled & Linked with MICROSOFT Compilers & Linkers. It will print customer statements for all unpaid records, or print a single statement for any record which you select. SST has a wide variety of other "print" options as well. - Customer Address Book - Customer Telephone Book - Address & Telephone Book - Complete Information Book - Index & Rolodex Cards - Labels (1, 2, 3 across) - "Pick & Choose" Records For Mailing Labels - Shipping Labels & Envelopes - Print To a Disk File In addition, SST will provide "gross income" information for each file, and will give a wide variety of totals, sub totals and averages. Beyond this, SST will get these figures for either the entire file, or for any range of dates you select (last week, last month, last year, etc.). REGISTRATION "SOFTWARE SALES TRACKER" ("SST") is sold and packaged as a "Shareware" software package. The term "Shareware" means that we provide you with a copy of the program for you to "try out" for a short evaluation time. After a few weeks of use, you are required to either dispose of the program or send us the purchase price for registration. Extended use without proper registration is a violation of our rights under the Copyright Laws of the United States. WARNING: "Shareware" versions of any TypeRight program are, and will remain, fully functional. But any of several safeguards may exist to encourage User Registration and to help detect and expose unauthorized retailing of any version which may have been "Doctored" or "Altered". USER SUPPORT: While "User Support" is usually intended for "Registered Users", we NEVER "turn our backs" on anyone who needs help or information with any of our products. Because we produce and support MANY different software packages, and each package usually has several updated releases and revisions, please have the following information available whenever you contact us for any reason: - Program's Full Name, Version Number, and Serial Number (even if NOT a Registered Program) (Example: "SST Version 3.0 - Serial# 12151990261") (Serial Numbers are listed on the bottom of the Main Menu screen). <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> BONUS FOR REGISTERING <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> All Users who register will receive the latest updated, improved and "Debugged" version of this program. They are also kept advised of any "Support Programs", as well as our new programs, and many times, Registered Users are offered special discounts toward (or Demos of) our new programs. HOW DO I REGISTER? Print out the enclosed file named "REGISTER.DOC" with the following DOS Command.... COPY REGISTER.DOC LPT1 <...hit 'Enter'> When the printing is complete, you will have a "Form" to be filled in and mailed along with your payment. The "Form" helps to insure that all of the necessary information is included with your order. Please take the time to fill it out completely. PROGRAM PRICE - $39 (In US Funds) When you have completed the Registration Form, Mail it to us with your Payment (or Paid Receipt). Make all checks payable to "R. KEBER JR.". (All Prices & Features Are Subject To Change Without Notice) FILES INCLUDED WITH SST SST .EXE - Main program SST .DOC - These instructions REG .DAT - Registration File - User Name & Number SST-SCR .OVL - Overlay - display screens SAMPLE .RAN - Sample Work File SSTPATCH.EXE - Auto-Patcher for your programs SSTPATCH.DOC - Instructions for SSTPATCH SAMPLE .BAS - Example - how to patch source code SAMPLE .EXE - Sample.Bas - Compiled BRUN45 .EXE - Microsoft Run-Time Module DO .DAT - Sample Command File For SSTPATCH INSTALL .EXE - Prints User Manual & Sets Up Hard Drive REGISTER.DOC - Registration Form Other files that will be created through using SST: FILENAME.RAN - Work Files - Random Format FILENAME.SEQ - Work Files - Sequential Format FILENAME.KON - Files For Storing "Constant" Field Entries SORTED .RAN - The Output File From The Sorting Routine SST-HDG .DAT - Your Name & Address For Statement Headings FILENAME.LST - Assorted "Print To Disk" Files WHO .DAT - Hidden Customer Name File For Floppy Disks Hardware Requirements: - PC/XT/AT or Clone - DOS/MS-DOS 3.0 or newer - 512k RAM Minimum - 640k Recommended - 360k Floppy - Hard Drive Recommended - 25x80 Monitor - B&W/MONO/COLOR - Dot Matrix Parallel Printer - IBM/EPSON Compatible GETTING STARTED Print this Instruction Manual. The easiest way to do this is to run the "INSTALL.EXE" program (included). When run, a menu will appear containing the "PRINT USER MANUAL" option. Next, copy all the SST files to whatever disk, drive or directory you wish to use it on. If you have a Hard Drive, the easiest and fastest way to get started is to run the SST INSTALL program (which will set up all the SST programs in C:\SST). Then, to run the SST program, enter.... SST <... hit enter> OPENING SCREEN: The first screen is the "Opening" screen. It contains information such as our address and the name and version number of the program. On a registered copy, your name and assigned serial number will also appear at the bottom of this screen. To get past this screen, just hit "any" key. YES/NO QUESTIONS: Many times SST will ask a question which requires a "Y" or "N" (yes/no) response from the user. In almost every case, hitting the "Enter" key will have the same effect as hitting the "Y" (yes) key. There are only two exceptions to this rule, "DELETE THIS RECORD?" and "PRINT A CUSTOMER STATEMENT?". In those two cases, hitting the "Enter" key is the same as entering an "N" (no). CHOOSE OR CREATE A FILE: If you wish to create a NEW file, just type in file name you wish to use (maximum 8 characters). Since ALL work files must be in "random" file format, the program will append an extension of ".RAN" to your file name. If it is a new file (does not yet exist), the program will ask for your confirmation (in case of typing errors) before it creates the new file on your disk. If you wish to edit an existing file, you have two choices. Either enter the file name (the same as above), or hit the "F2" key. When the "F2" key is pressed, a "Window" will appear on screen containing a list of all the "*.RAN" files in your default directory. Use your "arrow" keys to move the highlighted bar in the window to the file that you want, and then hit the "Enter" key to select that file. If you hit the "F2" key by accident, or want to exit from the window without choosing a file, just hit the "Esc" key. "THE TRACKING SYSTEM" As a suggestion on how to set up the names for your work files, we offer the following system which "we" use and which seems to work best for our needs. AC.RAN ------- Product Sales file SST.RAN ------ Another Product Sales file KNAP.RAN ----- Another Product Sales file GIST.RAN ----- Another Product Sales file GP.RAN ------- Another Product Sales file CLUB.RAN ----- List of User Groups to whom we send copies DISTRIB.RAN -- List of Distributors to whom we send copies BBS.RAN ------ List of BBSs to whom we upload/send copies DEADWOOD.RAN - List of Non-Productive Clubs/Distributors/BBSs The "product" files are used to keep information on our registered users. By keeping separate files for each product, it's easier and faster to send updates and notices about support programs, and you can use different serial number ranges for each product. The User's registered serial numbers are kept in those files (and also on several of the various printouts for backup). The last four files are "Distribution" files. They are used in a slightly different manner. In those files we assign the unique Serial Number to each "organization" in the file, rather than to the software product itself. Then, whenever we send programs to those distributors, we use "SSTPATCH" (included with SST) to patch the organization's serial number into each and every copy of any of software product sent to them. The organization's serial number never changes, no matter how many updates or new products we may send to them. We then "edit" the records in the distribution files, and insert information in the "Date & Comment" fields about our latest transaction with each organization. By doing this we will always be able to tell "To Whom" any of our programs were originally sent to (even years later). Knowing that information enables us to track where our best distribution points are, or which methods of distribution are working best for us. This method also saves us time and money by eliminating the mailing of "duplicate" copies to the same Distributors. We get this "Tracking" information by requesting any User who contacts us (for any reason) to provide the "serial number" from the Shareware copy that they already have. We ask for this information on our order forms, during phone calls and in correspondence. Once enough information has been gathered, it will begin to form a pattern. The information gathered from just one or two releases of the "same" program will begin to form a pattern, but only for "That" particular kind of program. This kind of information is very useful (especially if you only market one program). But it would be a mistake to reach final conclusions based on such data and then apply it to all other kinds of software. At any organization, a "Game" might attract more interest than a "Spread Sheet". It's only after several releases with different kinds of programs, that you begin to really "get a feel" for what's happening in general, and you can then begin to see "Who" isn't doing much of anything no matter what you send to them. If you keep accurate records (and insist upon getting serial numbers from your users..., which is tougher than it sounds), patterns will become evident. Then it's just a matter of eliminating the "Dead Wood" from the appropriate file. "We" even take it a step further by keeping track of unproductive distributors in yet another SST file ("DEADWOOD.RAN") so that we won't re- enter those same accounts again the next time we add some new records to our "distribution" files. FILE CONFIRMATION SCREEN: The third screen simply shows the name of the file you have selected, shows how many records are in that file, and asks if this is the correct file. If you answer "N" (for "NO"), you will be returned to the second screen again (file selection). MAIN MENU SCREEN: The fourth screen presents the "Main Menu" to you. Everything the program does starts from this screen, and usually returns to it again when any menu choice has been completed. As you progress into the various features of the program, you will notice that in the lower left corner of most screens "F1 = Main Menu" will appear. That simply means that to "quit" what you are doing and return to the main menu, just hit the "F1" key. There are two other "Fn" keys that have special meaning. From the main menu, the "F2" key will present a window containing a directory of ALL (*.*) files in your default directory. If there are more files than will fit inside of the window, you can scroll the list of files with your "arrow" keys. This directory is only for observation and information. You can't change to (or select) another file from inside of this window. To "quit" from the window, just hit the "Esc" key. The "F10" key (like the "F1" key) will appear at the bottom right corner of most screens in the program. Pressing that key will instantly "Exit" (quit) from the SST program and return you to System Command mode. MAIN MENU - SELECTION "A" - ADD A NEW RECORD This menu selection lets you enter a new entry into your record file. But the program checks for a couple of items before displaying the Data Entry Screen. First, it checks to see if the selected file is a brand new (empty) file which has just been created. If it is, you will then be presented with a "Serial Number" screen. This feature allows you to "start" your numbering range anywhere from "1000" to "96,000". But be cautious! Once you set a starting serial number for a file, and then enter some records, you WILL NOT be able to change the numbering range for that file again. Once a record in a file has been issued a serial number (to avoid duplicate numbers) that serial number range is "locked" in and can't ever be changed from within the SST program. Once you have assigned a "starting" serial number, the next screen to appear will be the "Data Entry Screen". But if the program finds that this is NOT a brand new file, and that it already contains some records, still another screen will appear while SST calculates the next higher serial number for this file. This screen simply requires you to wait until it's done with it's calculating, and then the "Data Entry Screen" will appear automatically. This Serial Number Calculating routine will only be activated the first time that you try to add a new record to a newly selected file. After it has calculated the next higher serial number, it will remember that number until you exit from the program, or edit/create another work file. DATA ENTRY SCREEN: The Data Entry Screen contains 27 separate fields and can store up to 393 characters per record. The next few pages explain how to make your entries in the various fields on the "Data Entry Screen". There are many features you will miss unless you read these instructions. FIELD EDITING & CURSOR MOVEMENT: To move the cursor around the screen... From field to field FORWARD -----: Enter or Down Arrow Keys From field to field REVERSE -----: UP Arrow or LEFT Arrow or "<" To the TOP DATE field -----------: Page Up Key To the LAST (COMMENT) field -----: Page Down Key To move the cursor within an "existing" field entry.... To END of "existing" field entry --: End Key To START of "existing" field entry : Home Key To move RIGHT one space -----------: Right Arrow Key To move LEFT one space ------------: Left Arrow Key To edit or change an "existing" field entry.... To DELETE the entire field entry -------: CTRL + Y To DELETE character at cursor position -: DEL Key To DELETE character to left of cursor --: BACKSPACE To INSERT character at cursor position -: Just type the character Each field will hold a predetermined maximum number of characters. The number of dash's ("-") shown in each of the various fields is the maximum length allotted for each field. When you finish entering a field entry, and it hasn't completely filled up the field, hit the Enter key to move onto the next field. If you do completely fill up a field, the cursor will automatically move to the next field for you. If you fill up a field while "inserting" characters into an "existing" field entry, and then try to enter more, the program will BEEP, and a small window will appear near the top of the screen warning that "The Field Is Full". You will then have to delete some of the characters in the field before you can insert any more replacement characters. COMMAS & QUOTES: This program has the ability to convert your Random work files into much more compact "Comma Delineated" Sequential files. The reasons for this file conversion feature is to allow making backups of very large files onto small floppy disks, and for easier adaptation of work files to other program formats (WordStar, DBASE, 123, etc.). Because we wanted to convert to the smallest possible Sequential files, we used a format that will NOT allow the use of "commas" or "quote marks" in any of the file records. As a result, a filter has been installed which will not accept a comma or quote as an entry character. SST will simply "beep" if you try to enter one of those characters. In place of a "comma", a "space" or "dash" will usually do the job. In place of a "quote", and apostrophe (') works quite well (see sample records in SAMPLE.RAN). ID# FIELD: The top left field is the ID# field. Each new record will automatically be issued and ID# by the SST program. The ID# is actually the number of the record's position in the file (+1000). DATE FIELDS: The top right field is the "DATE" field. If you have your system date set properly, today's date will already be filled in for you. If you change or edit the date, the date must be entered in a format of MM/DD/YY. ShortCut-Dates can be entered as 021691 (for 02/16/91). Make sure you use zero's with single digit numbers ("01/08/90" not "1/8/90"). All dates are checked for validity before being accepted by SST. NAME FIELDS: There are two fields reserved for names. The combined length of both name fields is 50 characters. For reasons of spacing on paper and labels, only the first 30 characters will be printed on your printouts. If your two name entries exceed 30 characters, a warning message will appear on the screen. If you ignore the warning, all the characters will be saved in your file, but your printouts will only show the first 30 characters of the names. Caution! Each record MUST have some kind of entry in the "Last Name" field. If you leave this field blank, the entire record will be treated as a "blank" record and will be deleted during the sorting routine. ATTENTION FIELD: This field can be used for "ATTN: OF" information, or can be used as part of a two line street address. If this field is left "blank" (no entry) it will simply be ignored during the various printing routines. In other words, it won't leave a blank line on a label, statement, etc.. STREET, CITY & STATE FIELDS: Self explanatory. ZIP CODE FIELD: Room has been provided for the nine digit Zip Codes with a space or dash between the two groups of numbers. TELEPHONE NUMBER FIELDS: The two telephone number fields will be saved in a "right justified" manner. If you enter a number (without an area code) such as "999-9999", it will be saved in the file as "(---) 999-9999" (even if you enter the number in the first eight spaces). TELEPHONE EXTENSION FIELDS: These two fields can be used for telephone extension numbers, or can be used to designate the category of it's companion telephone number (Home, Work, Fax, Telex, Sales, Data, Voice, etc.). See our sample entries in "SAMPLE.RAN" included with this package for examples. PRODUCT FIELD: Intended to contain the name of your software product. VERSION FIELD: Intended to contain the version number of your software product. We suggest that you make your entries something like "Version 1.0" rather than simply "1.0". Making entries in this manner will look better on the various printouts. QUANTITY FIELD: Intended to contain the number of items sold to this customer, in this transaction, on this date. If you enter more than "1" as the quantity, then more than one serial number will be issued. In other words, if you enter "10", then ten serial numbers (in sequential order) will be issued for this sale. We suggest that you enter something in this field anytime one of your software packages leaves your possession, even if it's a gift to a friend, uploaded to a BBS, or a demo to a Shareware Distributor. By doing this, each and every item distributed will have a serial number assigned to it for tracking purposes. Then, if you go a step further, and take the time and trouble to "patch" the assigned serial numbers into each and every copy of the software that leaves your hands, you will always be able to tell exactly "Who, What When & Where" any copy was originally sent to. In cases of copyright violations, this can be a most valuable aid (See SSTPATCH.EXE and SAMPLE.BAS for help on patching your files). In addition, SST has a routine for getting "totals" and "averages" on the sales and distribution performance of your product. If you leave the "quantity" field blank, then that record will not be calculated in those totals. Once a record has been "saved" (recorded in the disk file), you will NOT be able to change your entries in the "Quantity" or the "Serial Number" fields. This is necessary to avoid issuing duplicate serial numbers. The only way to correct an error in this field is to either delete the record and enter it again, or enter a second record for the same customer. PRICE EACH FIELD: Intended to contain the price charged to this customer, in this transaction, on this date. If there is "no charge" for the item, then enter a zero (0) or "Enter" for this entry. PRICE TOTAL FIELD: This field is a "calculated" field, which means that it is filled in automatically by your computer based upon the information you entered in the "quantity" and "price each" fields. SALES TAX FIELD: Intended to calculate and store the Sales Tax (or any other type of tax) that you may be required to charge to your customers. There are TWO methods for entering data in this field. If you already know the amount of the tax, you can enter it in the same manner as any other field. Or, you can have the computer calculate the tax and make the entry for you. To use this method, instead of entering the dollar amount of the tax, enter the sales tax rate followed by a percent sign ("%"). For example, if your tax rate is .06 percent, just enter ".O6%" and then hit the Enter key. Or, for a rate of .0735 percent, enter ".0735%". Whenever you "end" a Sales Tax entry with a "percent sign" (%), the amount will be calculated for you and entered in the field. NOTE: Because Sales Tax is an "unusual" field, it may sometimes be a bit stubborn about being edited after an entry has been made. If you have trouble changing the Sales Tax entry, or with moving the cursor past the Sales Tax field, hit the "PAGE UP" key. This will move the cursor up to the top date field. Then approach the Sales Tax field from the top of the screen instead of the bottom. That will reset all of the numeric values which the Sales Tax field needs to do it's calculations and should clear up any problems. SHIPPING & HANDLING FIELD: Intended to contain the dollar amount of any shipping and handling charges (or any other sales tax exempt charges). SALE TOTAL FIELD: This field is a "calculated" field, which means that it is filled in automatically by your computer based upon the information you entered in the previous numeric fields. PURCHASE ORDER FIELD: Purchase orders are issued by many companies and government agencies. This field is included for keeping track of these numbers. PAID DATE FIELD: If you have your system date set properly, today's date will already be filled in for you. If you change or edit the date, the date must be entered in a format of "MM/DD/YY" or "MM-DD-YY". Also, make sure you use zero's with single digit numbers ("01/08/90" not "1/8/90"). If any other date format is used, certain other routines in SST may not work as they should. If this record is an "unpaid" or "charged" (not paid) account, then enter the date in this field as "00/00/00" or "00-00-00". To make things a little easier, if you simply DELETE the entire existing date (Control + Y" keys) it will be automatically replaced with "00-00-00". SST will then print a customer statement for that record when you run the "Print Customer Statements" routine. CHECK NUMBER FIELD: Intended for keeping track of customer's check numbers. SERIAL NUMBER FIELDS: There are two fields for serial numbers, "From" and "To". The quantity of serial numbers issued by SST is determined by the number that you entered into the "Quantity" field. If you entered a zero (0) in that field, then no serial numbers are issued. Both of the serial number fields will be left "blank". If you entered a "1" in the quantity field, then one serial number will be issued by SST. It will appear in the Serial Number "From" field, and the "To" field will be left blank. If you entered more than 1 in the "Quantity" field, then the beginning serial number will appear in the "From" field, and the ending serial number will appear in the "To" field. The numbers displayed are "inclusive" (part of) the range of serial numbers issued. In other words, if the fields show "5234" and "5238" then five serial numbers have been issued (5234, 5235, 5236, 5237, 5238). Both Serial Number fields are calculated fields. As a result, you cannot directly enter or change any serial number entry (to avoid duplicate numbers). We suggest that you "make use" of these serial numbers anytime one of your software packages leaves your possession, even if it's a gift to a friend, uploaded to a BBS, or a demo to a Shareware Distributor. By "make use" we mean that you should take the time to "patch" the assigned serial number into each and every copy of the software that you sell or distribute. By doing this, you will always be able to tell exactly "Who, What When & Where" any copy was originally sent to. In cases of copyright violations, this can be a most valuable asset. There are lots of programs (Binary Editors) on good BBSs (and in commercial packages) to make patching a serial number into a compiled program very easy. To use such programs, just enter a few DATA STATEMENTS or PRINT STRING STATEMENTS into your uncompiled source code which consist of unique, easily recognizable "English Words/Phrases". Then compile the source code, and "View" the "EXE" file with a Binary Editor and locate those statements. Then substitute your customer's Name & Number (or anything else) for those same DATA STATEMENTS (NO extra or missing characters allowed). But to make things a bit easier for you, we have included a file called "SSTPATCH.EXE" which will allow you to patch any of your Microsoft's Quick Basic "EXE" programs with extreme ease (and possibly "other" brands of EXE's too). The instructions for using "SSTPATCH" are in the included file called "SAMPLE.BAS" which is saved in ASCII and can be displayed the same as any other "DOC" file. "SSTPATCH" will easily patch your customer's name, today's date and the product serial number into your programs. It stands to reason that if you went to all the trouble to write and distribute your software, that you must think it's "worth something". And if that's true, then why not take just a little more time to protect your creation? COMMENT FIELD: The comment field is a very useful field. It is intended to be used for entering comments, information, explanations, arrangements, etc., about the record. The comment field is 65 characters in length. MAIN MENU SELECTION B: - EDIT A RECORD This menu selection will bring you back to the Data Entry Screen, with the cursor located in the ID# field. If you enter the ID# of the record you wish to edit, it will be found and displayed on the screen for editing. The ID# of each record can be found in several of the printout routines printed output of the records. If you don't know the ID#, then use the Main Menu routines for "Browse" or "Search" to find the record you want. You can then "edit" the record directly from either of those two routines. MAIN MENU SELECTION C: - BROWSE The "browse" routine lets you skim through the record list with extreme ease and speed. Pressing the Down Arrow key will move you one record at a time, toward the end of the file, displaying each record on the screen as it moves through the file. Pressing The Up Arrow key does the same thing, but in the opposite direction (back toward the beginning of the file). Pressing the Page Down key, will move you toward the end of the file in jumps of 25 records at a time. Pressing the Page Up key takes you back toward the beginning of the file in jumps of 25 records at a time. The "Home" key will take you all the way back to the first record, while the "End" key will take you to the last record in the file. If you have the records in sorted order, finding a record is quick and easy. Once you find the record you wanted, you can either "edit" the record or "print" the address by entering either an "E" (for edit) or a "P" (for print). If the record you are looking for has been recently entered, and the file has not been sorted, you will always find the newest entries at the end of the file in unsorted order. Using "Browse" allows you to print multiple mailing labels, shipping labels or envelopes to the same address. Beyond that, if you put a roll of mailing labels in your printer, you can then browse through the records and "Pick & Choose" who to print a label for, and who to skip over. This is very handy when doing a mailout to users about an update that has been developed. MAIN MENU SELECTION D: - SWITCH TO ANOTHER FILE Use of this selection takes you back to the "File Selection" screen where you can select another work file to edit or create. MAIN MENU SELECTION E: - GO TO PRINTING MENU This selection will take you to the Printing Menu. MAIN MENU SELECTION F: - GO TO CONVERSION MENU This selection will take you to the "File Conversion" menu. MAIN MENU SELECTION G: - SEARCH FOR A RECORD Search will present you with a screen which lets you choose which field to search, and a "Key String" to search for. The "Key String" can be one or more characters long, consisting of the first few letters of the entry in the field you're searching for. For instance, suppose you wanted to find a record with someone's name that you can't remember. But you think the last name started with a "POS". Choose the "Last Name" field as the one to be screened, and enter "POS" as your "Key String". SST will search all the records in the file and present every one which has a last name that "begins" with "POS" (Post, Post Office, Posh, etc.). Understand that the "Key String" will match only the "first" characters (beginning) of the screened field. In the above examples, "U. S. Post Office" would NOT have been selected. Once the correct record is found, you can then edit the record or print the address or a customer statement using the same method as in "Browse". MAIN MENU SELECTION H: - SORTING WORKFILES Sorting is automatic, and begins as soon as you hit the "H" key from the Main Menu. Your default work file is always the one being sorted. The sorting routine performs three different tasks as it sorts your file. The first task performed is to check your file for any "Deleted" records, or "Blank" records. This routine considers any with a "Blank" Last Name field as being a "Blank" record. These types of records will NOT be copied to the sorting array, in effect eliminating them. The second task is to sort the remaining records. And the third and longest task is to rewrite your workfile's records in sorted order to a new file called "SORTED.RAN", creating new ID#'s for each record at the same time. After the sort has been completed, you will be presented with a screen which gives a breakdown of the "Records In", "Records Deleted", and "Records Out". The next screen offers the option of replacing your default work file with "SORTED.RAN". If you answer "Y" for yes, then your work file is deleted, and "SORTED.RAN" is renamed as your work file. If you answer "N" for no, then both your work file and "SORTED.RAN" are left as separate files on your disk, and no changes are made to your original file. During the sorting routine your "Fn" keys are disabled to avoid possible damage to the files through abrupt and unexpected interruptions during Read/Write operations. MAIN MENU SELECTION I: CONSTANT FIELD ENTRIES The term "Constant" means to "Lock" a predefined field entry into any field. This feature is very helpful when you have many new records to enter, and much of the same information is needed on each record. Things such as the "Product Name", "Version", "Price", "Sales Tax", "Dates", and so on. The "Constant" selection takes you to another menu screen, which gives you three options. Create a Constant File for this workfile, use an existing Constant file for new entries, or stop using a Constant File for new entries. If you choose to create a Constant File, the Data Entry Screen will then be presented for you to enter your Constants in any of the fields. When you are finished making your entries, a disk file will be created with the same name as your work file, but with an extension of ".KON". If a file with the same name already exists, it will be overwritten. If it does not exist, it will be created. Once activated, when you use Main Menu selection "A" to add new records, the fields you just entered will already be filled in for you (saving you all those error free keystrokes on each record). Of course, SST will allow you to delete (CTRL+Y) any of these entries, or edit them the same as any other field entry. When entering many records, the SST "Constant" feature can be a BIG time and error saver. MAIN MENU SELECTION J: - SYNOPSIS - TOTALS FOR THE FILE This selection offers the option of getting information on the entire file, or just for the records which fall within a chosen date range (last month, last year, etc.). After SST does some "number crunching", it will display a screen which is designed to give you a breakdown on this file's sales performance. While not intended to be a "bookkeeping" routine, it should give you a better idea about how you're doing than simply "Guesstimating". The totals and averages presented will only be as accurate as your record entries were. But if you followed these instructions closely as far as making your "numeric" and "date" field entries properly, the figures should be pretty close to accurate. If you need a copy of this screen for any reason, then just hit your "Shift + Print Screen" keys. MAIN MENU SELECTION S: - SHELL TO SYSTEM Allows a temporary exit from SST back to the "System Command Line". This allows you to make or get backup copies of files, and so on. To return to SST, just type the command "EXIT". If you get the old "Out Of Memory" message on your screen, then you're trying to do too much with too little RAM memory. Sorry about that. MAIN MENU SELECTION X: EXIT TO SYSTEM Quits using the SST program and returns to "System". The "F10" key will perform the same task from most places in the SST program without having to return to the Main Menu. THE PRINTING MENU PRINT MENU SELECTION "A": PRINT ONE SINGLE ADDRESS This selection is intended for users who have the ability to put an envelope into their printer. In such cases, the program can then print the selected address directly onto your envelope without the use of a label or a typewriter. The record ID Number is required for this selection. To print an address without knowing the ID number, use Main Menu selection for either "Browse" of "Search" This feature is also useful when you have a need for several address labels to the same address for the shipping of several separate packages. PRINTING TO A DISK FILE The next seven Print Menu Selections (B,C,D,E,F,G,H) have a special feature attached to them. Each of them gives the User the option of sending the output intended for the printer to a disk file instead. Each of the seven disk files that this feature can create will have a different first name, but with a common extension name of ".LST" (short for "LIST"). LABEL.LST ADDPHONE.LST STATEMNT.LST PHONE.LST COMPLETE.LST ADDRESS.LST CARD.LST This feature can be a real time and money saver in several ways, starting with the fact that it will only take a fraction of the normal printing time to print a disk file. The User can then use the DOS or MS-DOS file called "PRINT.COM" to print the file "in the background". Printing the file in this manner will free up the computer to do other tasks at the same time as the file is being printed. In other words, YOUR COMPUTER CAN DO TWO THINGS AT ONCE, and NOT make you sit around waiting until the printing is finished. See your DOS or MS- DOS manual for instructions on how to use PRINT.COM. But even if you don't have "PRINT.COM" you (or anyone else) can still print these files with the command "COPY PHONE.LST LPT1:". Using this method won't print "in the background" as PRINT.COM does, but it WILL print the file without any need for the SST programs to be present. Another benefit is that you can run these printing routines on a computer with NO PRINTER, and then send a disk containing the output files to another computer (with a printer) for printing at a later time. Or, in the case of one printer being shared between several computers, it is usually faster to send the printer a disk file to be added to the "PRINT QUEUE" than to sit around idly waiting for "your turn up at bat". Another benefit! You can send the print files by telephone modem, or mail a disk instead of many heavy pages of printed material, saving postage, paper and printing time. Others can then print out the file themselves, using the same commands we explained above. And finally, you can sell or share the address lists with other Authors or Users without allowing them to have access to your registered copy of this program. This option (print to file or printer) will appear on the screen on each of the next seven menu selections. You can choose which way the output goes by entering either an "F" (for file) or a "P" (for printer). PRINT MENU SELECTION "B": PRINTING OF MAILING LABELS Print Menu Selection "B" prints your mailing labels. The size of the labels that you use is very important. This program was designed for use with 2 1/2 inch by 15/16 inch labels. We chose this size of label for our program because (in a 3 across format) they will fit in most of the smaller 80 column printers. If you use this size of label (and position them in your printer properly) you should have no problems. And again, it is recommended that you SORT your workfile BEFORE proceeding with this menu selection. After confirmation of the correct workfile for printout, you will be asked if you wish to print ALL of the address in the current workfile. If you answer "Y", you will proceed directly to the printing part of the program. But if you answer "N", you will then go to the "Discrimination" menu. This menu allows you to print only certain groups of addresses that fall within your chosen parameters. ================================================================= SELECTION BY DISCRIMINATION #1 = ID NUMBER #7 = CITY #2 = DATE #8 = STATE #3 = COMPANY NAME #9 = ZIP CODE #4 = FIRST NAME #10 = TELEPHONE 1ST #5 = ATTENTION #12 = TELEPHONE 2ND #6 = STREET #14 = PRODUCT #15 = VERSION Enter The NUMBER Of The Discriminating Field: 9 Enter The LOWEST Field Value To Be Accepted: 33460 Enter The HIGHEST Field Value To Be Accepted: 33469 ================================================================== For instance, suppose you just wanted to print addresses that had a DATE of "01/15/90". First you would choose selection #2 (Date field) as the discriminating field. Then you would enter "01/15/90" for the lowest value you wish to print, and then "01/15/90" (again) for the highest value you wish to print. If you wanted to print only the addresses with LAST NAMES that started with an "F", then you would choose selection #3 (Last Name Field) as the discriminating field, and enter "F" for both the high and low value questions. To print all addresses with last names starting with "A" through "F", then enter "A" for the low value and "F" for the high value. In the example listed in the above display, all addresses with Zip Codes ranging from "33460" through "33469" will be selected. Before starting to print any of the address labels, the program will ask if you want to print some TEST LABELS. The purpose of this is to help you obtain proper label alignment in your printer. You may keep printing TEST LABELS over and over, and adjusting your printer and labels both left and right, and up and down, until the printing on the labels is centered and acceptable to you. PRINT MENU SELECTION "C": PRINT NAME & PHONE DIRECTORY This selection will produce a directory containing only the Name fields, both Telephone Number fields, and both Telephone Extension fields. (Names & Telephone Numbers - NO Addresses) The print out will have one record per line and be in 10 pitch type. Enough space has been provided that, with proper paper placement in the printer, there is room to use a report cover or binder without covering up the ends of the records. PRINT MENU SELECTION "D": PRINT NAME & ADDRESS DIRECTORY This selection will produce a directory containing only the complete names and addresses of record entries. The print will have one record per line and be in condensed print mode. Again, space has been provided for use of a binder or report cover. (Names & Addresses - NO Telephone Numbers) PRINT MENU SELECTION "E": PRINT NAME/ADDRESS/PHONE DIRECTORY This selection will produce a directory containing full names, complete addresses, all telephone numbers and extension numbers, and the customer ID# and Serial Number. The printout will be in condensed print mode, and use three lines per address. PRINT MENU SELECTION "F": PRINT COMPLETE DATA DIRECTORY This selection will produce a directory containing ALL of the information entered on each address entry in the file. The printout will be in condensed print mode, and use four lines per address entry. PRINT MENU SELECTION "G": PRINT INDEX & ROLODEX CARDS This selection will print either Index or Rolodex cards. The cards must be of the "continuous form" type (attached to each other like computer paper) in a "one across" format. This program was written for specific sizes of cards. The Rolodex card size should be 2 1/6 inches by 4 inches, while the Index card size should be 3 X 5 inches. Use of any other sized cards will cause printout problems. Again, you will be presented with an opportunity to print TEST cards to line up your printed output before the printing of the file begins. Finally, it is strongly suggested that you SORT your address list BEFORE you proceed with the printing of these cards (unless you don't mind "manually" sorting the cards by hand "after" the printing is completed). FILE CONVERSION MENU FILE CONVERSION MENU - SELECTION "A": MERGE TWO FILES INTO ONE This menu selection will take any two different workfiles and merge them together into a third workfile. Once this is done, it is strongly suggested that the newly created merged file be sorted. FILE CONVERSION MENU - SELECTION "B": FILE EXTRACTION This menu selection works very much like the printing of labels with "discrimination", except that it creates a separate work file containing only the desired addresses instead of printing labels. This feature allows file separation by Zip Code, City Names, all names starting with "A" (or "A" through "F"), and so on. FILE CONVERSION MENU - SELECTION "C": CONVERTING TO SEQUENTIAL There are many different ways to store data in a disk file. Each different method is best suited for different types of applications. The two most common methods are generally referred to as "RANDOM" and "SEQUENTIAL" files. The files which you create with SST are "RANDOM" files. This menu selection allows you to transform your Random workfile into a different kind of disk file, called a "Comma Delineated Sequential File". The new file will have all non essential characters removed from all the fields. All converted files will automatically be given a file name extension of ".SEQ" to designate them as Sequential files. Once converted, this new file can be more easily adapted for use with the "Mail Merge" capabilities of some popular Word Processing programs, or be "Imported" into several other well known business programs. This new file can be more easily read (and edited) by most good word processing programs. However, if you use a word processor to edit or change your records, NEVER change or delete any of the ID numbers. To do so may make the file incompatible with SST, or at the very least, will make various operations unreliable and unpredictable. Also, do not delete any of the commas inserted into each record as they are "delineators" and are used to separate each field from the other. There MUST be 26 commas present in each record (no more,... no less). Another benefit of the Sequential ASCII file is that it will be much smaller in size than the original workfile. This helps make backing up large files on small floppy disks a bit easier for the user. FILE CONVERSION MENU - SELECTION "D": CONVERTING TO RANDOM FILE This selection simply converts the Sequential files back into a working Random file again. Caution is emphasized! MAKE SURE that you have a BACKUP of your current workfile BEFORE using this menu selection. Because during this conversion, the first thing the program does is ERASE your default workfile. Once that happens, it's too late to find out that there is something wrong with the Sequential file that is being converted. There are extensive "On Screen" warnings to this effect before deletion takes place. SSTPATCH INSTRUCTIONS For the instructions on how to use the file "SSTPATCH.EXE" to patch your programs, read the file called "SAMPLE.BAS". Even though it is a Basic Source Code file, it's saved in ASCII format, and can be read the same as any other "DOC" file. <<<<<<<<<<**************************************************>>>>>>>>>> |||||||||| ADDITIONAL TypeRight SOFTWARE PRODUCTS |||||||||| <<<<<<<<<<**************************************************>>>>>>>>>> ADDRESS CONTROLLER: Powerful yet Simple Address & Phone List Manager: Handles Multiple Address Files. Does Multiple Label Outputs. Prints 2 Phone Book Directories & 3 Address Book Directories. Prints Index & Rolodex Cards. Find records by ID# or SEARCH & FIND on ANY field. Address Records have fields for 2 Telephone Numbers & 2 Extension Numbers. Also has a 67 Character COMMENT field and an Address CATEGORY field. BROWSE through Address Lists with Arrow Keys. Pick/Choose "Who" to print Labels for. LOCK-IN repetitious field entries when entering records from "City Directories". Sends ANY "Printed Output" (even Labels) to the printer OR to a "Disk File". Maximum size of address files is 9,350 records, with an unlimited number of files. Can MERGE, EXTRACT & SORT address files. CONVERTS address files To/From RANDOM, SEQUENTIAL & DBASE formats. By: BOB KEBER - Shareware $39 "KEBER's NICE ADDRESS PROGRAM" ("K.N.A.P."): HEAVY DUTY ADDRESS & TELEPHONE program. Has most of the same features as Address Controller, but handles up to 725,000 Records per Address File. NO LIMIT on Files. Files never need Sorting, as new records are sorted as they are entered. Finds records by Partial NAME or ID#. Mail Labels are printed according to the Oct.-90 Post Office Address Layout suggestions. Does International Addresses. Many Other Features. Super Fast & Feature Packed. By: BOB KEBER - Shareware: $39 GENERAL INVOICE SALES TRACKER - ORIGINAL ("GIST-ORIG"): INCOME & BILLING program for firms who produce a majority of their Invoices from "OUTSIDE" of their own office (such as Service Firms). Provides all of the "Gross Income Tracking Information" required by most Accountants. Knowledge of BOOKKEEPING IS NOT NECESSARY! Prints Invoices, Statements, Labels, Reports, & Invoice/Customer Directories. Does Acc/Rec Customer Statements automatically. Holds about 1.5 million records. Quickly find any record by ID# or CUSTOMER NAME. Compact data files, good for smaller disk drives. Very Fast Data entry. Numbers only - placed into any of 13 Sales Categories (NO Descriptions). Eleven of the 13 Sales Categories can be "Renamed" to suit your type of business. Ready to use! No Inventory to type in, no special forms to purchase. Almost NO program preparation at all. Just set up "Your" Name/Address/Phone, Sales Tax Rate, etc., and it's ready to go to work for you. By: BOB KEBER - Shareware - $69 GENERAL INVOICE SALES TRACKER PLUS ("G.P."): INCOME & BILLING program for firms who produce most Invoices from "Inside" of their own offices, and who need "Descriptive - Computer Generated Invoices" which contain more than just "Numbers". Provides all Gross Income information required by most Accountants. BOOKKEEPING knowledge IS NOT NECESSARY! Prints Invoices, Statements, Labels, Reports, Invoice Directories & Customer Telephone/Address Books. Does Acc/Rec Customer Statements (with matching Mailing Labels, or set up for use with Window Envelopes). Holds about 1.5 million records. Find any record by PARTIAL NAME or NUMBER. Creates much larger Data files than "GIST-ORIG", so a Hard Drive is recommended. Saves BOTH the Numbers & Product/Part/Labor Descriptions. Many Adjustable features can set up "GP" to fit different business needs and local laws. Like "GIST-ORIG", "GP" is pretty much "Ready To Go To Work" for you, and very little program "Set-Up" is required. There are NO extra purchases required or needed. By: BOB KEBER - Shareware - $69 "R-TRIM": (AN ASCII Text File & Source Code Manipulator & Adjuster) ----------- STANDARD OPERATION: Shortens TEXT Files and ANY ASCII Source Codes by removing ALL "Trailing" Blanks, Spacebars and NULLS from the right end of each line of text and from "Blank" lines. ----------- OPTIONS: - INSERT or REMOVE a 1 To 9 Space wide LEFT MARGIN (Page Offset) - Make room for using Report Covers & for Punching Holes for Binders - Eliminate Excessive "Blank Lines" - MAX of 2 In-a-Row saves paper - Converts Wordstar "High-Bit" Files to Standard ASCII TEXT Files - UN-JUSTIFY: Removes Double & Triple Spacebars from between words. - Run from DOS Command Line or with on-screen HELP & OPTIONS MENUS ----------- Ideal for Authors & Editors. By: Bob Keber - PUBLIC DOMAIN TypeRight SOFTWARE SALES TRACKER ("S.S.T."): A Sales Tracking program for Software Authors who distribute and sell their own software products. Handles multiple Product Files, changing files quickly through "Pop-Up Windows". Provides "Gross Income" information, displaying a wide variety of totals, sub totals and averages for an entire file, or for any range of dates you select. Issues Program Serial Numbers. File records store Customer Address & Phone, Serial #'s, Program Name & Version, Quantity, Price, Shipping, Sales Tax, Dates Sold & Paid, Purchase Orders & Check #'s (and has a 67 space COMMENT field). Printing routines include Mailing Labels, Customer Address & Phone Books, Invoices, Customer Statements (Acc/Rec), Index & Rolodex Cards, Shipping Labels, "Print To Disk Files", and much more. Software Sales Tracker - PATCH ("SSTPATCH"): A separate program (but part of.., and included with "SST") for easily "Patching" a Customer's Name, Date Of Sale, and Registered Product Serial Number into any of YOUR "EXE" programs. Includes an "Automatic Bulk Disk Preparation" feature. When on "Full Automatic" SSTPATCH will read data from your "SST" product files, patch your "EXE" files with your customer information, and then print a mailing label and a disk contents label. It then follows a list of commands which YOU provide for final disk preparation (FORMAT, REDATE, ARC-IT, COPY, etc.). This "automates" the task of sending out hundreds of disks to Customers and Distributors. The only thing you need to do is keep blank disks in the drives, stick on the labels, and mail the finished product. Both the "SST" & "SSTPATCH" programs are part of the same software package, and are shipped accordingly. By: BOB KEBER - Shareware - $39 "POP-LABEL" ("P.L."): A small, fast, "Pop-Up-Window" that will allow you to quickly type up and print a "Label" (or multiple copies of a Label) for most any purpose (contents labels, address labels, report cover labels, etc.). Each Label can hold up to five lines (32 characters per line) of data. Printed output is straight ASCII Text (Plain Vanilla - without any "Printer Escape Codes") and should work with most parallel printers. This program can eliminate many of those label typing sessions still done on your old typewriter. By BOB KEBER - Shareware - $10 TAKE ONE OF THE PROGRAMS ABOVE FOR A TEST DRIVE? If you would like to "Try" one or more of the above programs, and are unable to obtain them from your normal software supplier, we will be glad to send "UnRegistered Evaluation" versions directly to you for a small fee to cover Shipping & Handling expenses. ANY 1 PROGRAM = $4 ANY 2 PROGRAMS = $6 ANY 3 PROGRAMS = $8 ANY 4 PROGRAMS = $10 ANY 5 PROGRAMS = $10 (no extra charge) ANY 6 PROGRAMS = $12 Send us a note stating which program(s) you would like to try. Please specify the programs by NAME (not just "Send All Programs"). As time goes by, new programs will be added to this list. That's why we will need Program Names to properly fill your order. Be sure to include your Name, Return Address, Telephone and Check. Orders are are usually shipped within 24 hours of receipt. Make Checks Payable To: "R. KEBER" ROBERT F. KEBER JR. 336 Swain Blvd. Greenacres, Florida 33463-3342 (407) 969-3643 If you wish to purchase a "REGISTERED" version of any of the above programs, send a check for the amount shown at the bottom corner of each program's description. There is NO Shipping & Handling Charge on any Registered Version. Florida residents, ADD Sales Tax. After January, 1992 we suggest that you call us for an updated price quote BEFORE you send in your order. All prices and features are subject to periodic changes without notice. <<<<<<<<<<*************************************>>>>>>>>>> COPYRIGHT (C) - TypeRight Corporation ALL RIGHTS RESERVED The Term IBM Is A Trademark Of International Business Machines Corp The Term DOS Is A Trademark Of International Business Machines Corp The Term QUICK BASIC Is A Trademark Of The Microsoft Corp. The Term MS/DOS Is A Trademark Of The Microsoft Corp. The Term EPSON Is A Trademark Of The Epson Corp.