OS/2 Shareware BBS: InfoMgt/InfoMgt.zip/alrmp14h.zip/ALRMPRO.INF

OS/2 Help File | 1994-04-04 | 52KB | 1,607 lines

ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1. About AlarmPro ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


 AlarmPro Time Manager
Recipient of the OS/2 Software Developers Award

WalkerWerks
572 Sabine
Memphis, Tn. 38117
[phone]
Compuserve 70304,2705
(C) Copyright 1992 all rights reserved


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2. Overview ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


 Welcome to AlarmPro version 1.4.  With AlarmPro you have a Contact manager,
Time manager, DeskTop clock, ToDo-Appointment scheduler, and event scheduler.
The program maintains a database of events with up to 200 per day.  Send
yourself reminders, notify groups of meetings, or have applications run
unattended at the proper time.
Menu Help

Brought to you by:

WalkerWerks
572 Sabine
Memphis, Tn. 38117
[phone]
Compuserve 70304,2705


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3. Disclaimer ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This program is provided as is.  The author accepts no liability for damages,
or loss of income caused directly or indirectly through the use of this
program.

This program is SHAREWARE all rights and privileges provided by law are
reserved by WalkerWerks and the author.  Registered users will receive a
registered copy and one update when available.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4. Registering ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

AlarmPro

 This program is not FREEWARE. Registration is $45 U.S. per copy. Site licenses
can be negotiated on request.  The SHAREWARE version may only be used for a 60
day trial period.

Registered users will receive a registered copy and one update when available.

Note:  Please include a personal contact and the version number you are
registering.
Send Registration to:

Bryan Walker DBA WalkerWerks
572 Sabine
Memphis, Tn. 38117
Compuserve 70304,2705

Compuserve Users can register online.  Just GO SWREG from any CIS command
prompt.  Compuserve Information Services will bill directly to your account.

Visa and Mastercard customers can now order from the Greater Chicago Online
BBS.

o Phone
o BBS [phone]
o FAX [phone]
o INTERNET [e-mail].  Include at a minimum

   - Name (as it appears on the credit card)
   - Daytime Phone Number
   - Shipping Address
   - Special Instructions (if any)
   - Credit Card Number with expiration date.
   - Mastercard or Visa
   - Product Name and price.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5. Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Main menu provides a way to get to the various options for AlarmPro .  Each
item can be reached by pressing Alt+ the underlined letter of the menu item.
In addition some options have an accelerator key combination that will take you
directly to the option without going through a menu.  The items also appear in
the system menu because AlarmPro will continue to function as an icon if you
choose minimize window to DeskTop under the settings-window of the AlarmPro
DeskTop Object Icon.

The Menu Structure:

o Events Alt+E

  The events menu including:

   - Schedule Alt+S

     Schedule reminders and applications for onetime or repetitive events.

   - Database

     Edit the events database.

   - Calendar

     Schedule events by choosing the date from a virtual calendar.

   - Set Search Files

     Select up to three event files for AlarmPro to search when it schedules
     events each midnight.

   - List Today's Events.

     Display a list of the events that will occur today.

   - Review old events.

     This option is active if you were notified of missed events when you
     started AlarmPro  but you did not review them.  Select this to review
     them.

   - Pause

     Temporarily stop the execution of Reminders and programs.  The title bar
     will display (P) when the system is paused.  This is useful when you will
     be away from your desk for a few days and don't want all the reminders
     being displayed.  When pause is removed AlarmPro will start processing
     events from that time forward.

o Contacts Alt+C

  This option either activates the Phone Secretary or moves you to that window
  if it is already active.

o ToDo Alt+T

  The ToDo List submenu.

   - Today Alt+D

     View and edit todays ToDo list.

   - Specific Date.

     Enter the month day and year to view a specific date.

   - Calendar.

     Use a virtual calendar to select a ToDo list.

   - Week at a Glance Alt+W

     Display the current weeks ToDo items.

   - Search

     Search the active ToDo database for specific records by date, time,
     contact, or note text.

  Note:  The ToDo list for any given date can be reached by double clicking on
  that date on the Master Calendar.

o Utilities Alt+U

   - Lockup now

     Activate the lockup feature immediately.  This blanks the screen and,
     optionally, requires a password to return to the DeskTop.

   - Pack databases

     Pack the active database of the listed type (event, contact, ToDo).  When
     records are deleted they are marked as inactive but the physical data
     still takes up space on your hard drive.  Packing the database will remove
     the deleted data from the database reducing its size.

     Warning: Relationships about attached Contacts are maintained by record
     number.  Packing the Contact database can break these relationships.  Only
     pack Contact files when few or no reminders are currently scheduled.

   - Display Preferences

     Set the colors, display formats, and other options for AlarmPro .

   - System Settings

     Set the startup, working directory, DeskTop lockup, and hourly chime
     options.

   - Time and Date

     Set your computer's system time and date.

   - Hide Controls Alt+H

     This toggles through 4 settings.  Have the title bar, system menu, and
     minimize-maximize buttons all displayed.  Have all of the above hidden.
     Have the title bar displayed without the system menu and min-max buttons.
     And reduce the entire display to a single one line titlebar.

o Help ALT+P

   - Help for Help

     Instructions on using the OS/2 help facility.

   - Keys Help

     Listing of the accelerator keys.

   - Help Index

     Index of AlarmPro help topics.

   - Trouble Shooting

     Frequently asked questions and the solutions.

   - About

     Program information dialog.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6. Keys Help ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

At any Window Alt + the Underlined letter for an option will select that
action.  Alt + a letter means to hold the ALT key down and while still down
press the desired letter.

From the clock you can go directly to a window using the accelerator keys
defined for that option.  They are

o ALT + A Display the Program Information ABOUT BOX.
o ALT + C Display the Phone Secretary.
o ALT + D Bring up the ToDo list for today.
o ALT + E Display the Event Menu.
o ALT + H to toggle the menu and controls off and on.
o ALT + S to schedule an event.
o ALT + R Activate the Master Calendar.
o ALT + T Display the ToDo menu.
o ALT + U Display the Utilities Menu.
o ALT + L Immediately lockup the desktop.
o ALT + V View\Edit the contact list.
o ALT + W Display the Week at a Glance.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7. Contacts ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Contacts are individuals or companies that you need to keep information about.
They might be customers, vendors, or friends.  The contact manager functions in
AlarmPro allow you to maintain the names, addresses, phone numbers, and general
information about these people.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.1. Phone Secretary ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The phone secretary is a 9 page alphabetical notebook of your Contacts.  All
contact display, editing, and management is reached from here.

The window can be moved and sized on your desktop.  When exited the position is
remembered and restored when next activated.  The secretary is also listed in
your OS/2 window list.  It can be minimized and then selected from the window
list.

The current database is displayed in the titlebar.  To view or edit a
particular contact select the name with your mouse or arrow keys, then double
click or press enter to display the contact details.

Options for the Phone Secretary are:

o Exit

   - Phone Secretary

     Close the Phone Secretary but leave AlarmPro active.

   - AlarmPro

     Exit the entire AlarmPro system.

o File

  various options for managing your contact databases including:

   - Open

     Open a new or existing contact database.

   - Print

     Print the contents of the database.  Be sure a printer has been selected
     in Systems Settings

   - Password Protect

     Create or edit the password for the active contact file.  AlarmPro will
     request the password before this file can be opened.

     Note:  Once opened the password will not be required again until you open
     another file or exit the secretary.

   - Encrypt

     Physically alter the contents of the database to render them unreadable.
     This is a very secure way to prevent others from taking the files and
     reading them on another computer.  While the database is active the edit
     screens will display normally.

     Warning: Although very secure this option should be used carefully.  If
     the password is lost the data is not recoverable.

   - Unencrypt

     Return the data to its normal plain text condition.

   - Export

     Create a Dbase 3 or delimited ASCII file and copy all of the records to it
     for use with other systems, merge printing in word processors, etc.

     see  Exporting

o Dial

  Display the list of numeric text and autodial the selected number.  You must
  select a contact from the visible page to activate this feature.

o Contact

  Add new contacts or delete the currently selected one from your database.

o Search

  Display the Contact Search screen and locate individuals.

o Help

  Display this help screen.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.2. Edit Contacts ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Maintain your contact and customer information here.  You can keep one list or
multiple lists.  Contacts can be tied to your ToDo lists entries and reminders
(both onetime and recurring).

Note:  The current contact file name is displayed at the bottom of the dialog.

The controls are as follows:

o Name

  The contact or company name.  This field is required for indexing and listing
  the contacts.

o Contact.

  For company entries an optional contact name.

o Address 1

  First line street address.

o Address 2

  Second line street address.

o City

  City or province.

o St

  State or any 2 character address such as country code.

o Zip

  7 to 10 digit Zip Code.

o Phone 1

  First phone number listing.

o Phone 2

  Second phone number listing.

o Comments

  a free form note field for other information.  This note can also contain
  phone numbers for dialing.

o Contact Menu

   - Exit

     exit the edit function.

   - Contact

     Additional functions for maintaining the information.

      o Add

        Add a new contact.

      o Save

        Save any changes made to the current record.

      o Undo

        Remove any unsaved changes and return to an unaltered state.

      o Dial

        Display the dialing window and autodial a phone number.

      o Next

        Move to the next record in the database.  The PageUp key will also
        activate this.

      o Previous

        Move backwards to the previous contact.  The PageDown key will also do
        this.

   - Clipboard

      o Copy To

        Copy the address and phone numbers to the OS/2 clipboard.

         - AP Format

           Copy the information in a format suitable for AlarmPro to copy it
           into another record.

         - Letter

           Copy the information in standard address format.

      o Copy From

        Copy a previously pasted record into the current record.

   - Help

     Display this help screen.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.3. Dial ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Here you are presented with a list of possible numbers to dial.

Any numeric strings from the currently selected contact will be included in the
listing.  These include the fields phone 1 and phone 2 as well as any numeric
data in the comments.  Select the desired number from the list by double
clicking on it or highlighting it and pressing DIAL.  Press CANCEL to exit.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.3.1. Dialing ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This dialog displays while the autodialer is attempting to dial the selected
number using your Hayes compatible modem.

Clicking OK before the number is dialed will abort the dial.  After the number
is dialed you can pick up the phone connected to your modem and click OK to
complete the voice call.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.4. Export ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This screen allows you to select the type of file to export your contacts to.
The two selections are Dbase 3 and delimited text.

If you select Dbase 3 a .DBF file will be created.  If you select to include
your notes they will be truncated to 128 characters and placed in a regular
Dbase field.  The export does not create an index or memo file.

With the delimited file each field will be surrounded by quotes " ". Each field
will be separated by the delimiter you enter into that field. The default is a
comma.  The file is standard ASCII.  This is useful for preparing files for
Merge printing with a word processor or importing and parsing in a spread sheet
program.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.5. Contact Search ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This screen allows you to enter parameters for searching the current Contact
database.  You may search on any combination of the fields in the database.
Select the fields to search by checking the appropriate boxes.  Then fill in
the text string to locate.  Each field chosen will be searched for an
occurrence of the string.  The search is not case sensitive.

Once you have completed your search criteria select SEARCH to start the search.
A list box will appear and any matches will be added to this list by the note.
Once the search is completed you can view details of that item by double
clicking on the item entry or highlighting it with the selection bar and select
the detail option.

To Complete your search choose Exit.  Until you choose Exit you can continue to
select search criteria and carry out searches.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8. Events ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In AlarmPro events are anything that will cause something to take place at a
specific time.  They may be running a program, reminding you to call someone,
or posting a notice about a meeting.

Events can occur once or be scheduled to repeat from daily to annually.  Events
actually come from two places.  You can use the events scheduler to add an
entry or schedule a reminder from your ToDo lists.  The actual reminder is a
one time event within the AlarmPro system.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.1. Types of Events ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

AlarmPro currently has 2 types of events.  Reminder messages that pop up to
remind you of important information and applications (programs) that can be
scheduled to start unattended.  Events are scheduled to occur at specific times
on a one time or recurring basis.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.2. Scheduling Events ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Every event starts here.  In this dialog you enter the time and date for the
event.  You also specify the type of event and the frequency.

Your choices here will determine the options that follow for completing the
setup of a new event.  For Personal, onetime, reminders you can complete the
time and press CTRL+P to fill in the current date and go directly to the
reminder text input screen.  For any event CTRL+D will fill in the date fields
with the current date.
Options for this Dialog.

o Hour

  Sets the hour for the selected event. Use 12 or 24 hour time depending on
  your setup.  With 12 hour format use the AM PM buttons.

o Minute

  The minute for the selected event.

o Month

  The month in which the event is to occur.  For daily\weekly recurring events
  this will be automatically updated when the event is scheduled.

o Day

  The day on which an event is to occur.  Automatically updated for
  daily\weekly events.  Monthly events will enter the day on another dialog.

o Year

  The year for an event to occur.  This is completed automatically for monthly
  and daily\weekly events.

o Personal or All

  If you entered a system name for your copy of AlarmPro select Personal to
  have the event only scheduled on your system.  All will cause any system
  using the active event file to have the event scheduled.  See Setting Search
  Files for more on the System Name.

o Reminder or Application

  Select reminder to schedule a message or application to start an program at
  the given time.  When you click this radio button you will be prompted for
  the additional information needed such as your note or the program name.  You
  may switch between types or click the radio button to bring up the details
  window as often as you like. Only the last information entered will apply
  when you save the event.

o One Time or Recurring

  Select whether the event is to occur only one time or should happen at
  specific intervals.  Recurring events can be scheduled Annually, Monthly, one
  or more times a Week, Daily, to repeat every X days, or to occur on a
  specific day such as the 1st Monday of each month.

  When the recurring button is clicked a popup menu will appear.  Select the
  recurring type you desire.  If more information is needed you will be
  prompted for that information when you make your selection.  To cancel the
  selection press escape.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.2.1. Application ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

You have requested to schedule an application for launching at a given date and
time.

Enter the application name complete with drive and path in the first edit
field.  Any parameters to pass to the program go in the second edit field.  The
working directory is entered in the last edit field.  A working directory is
the active directory for an application, such as being in your DOC directory
and starting your word processor even though the program is in another
directory.

 The parameter and working directory information is optional. To locate a
specific program select the search button.  This displays a dialog to allow you
to scan through your system for the correct application.  If you select an
application it will automatically be entered into the Program field.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.2.2. Starting Applications ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Starting OS/2 and DOS executables is straight forward and only requires that
you enter the path and name in the program field. For .CMD and .BAT files the
necessary changes are taken care of by AlarmPro .

Windows programs must be handled differently.  Instead of entering the desired
program in the program field you must enter the path and file name for
WINOS2.COM.  Pass the program's name and parameters in the parameters field for
WINOS2 to start the application.

Note:  All applications are started in the background. DOS and Windows programs
are, by default, full screen so will not be immediately visible.  Use the
Window List to switch to the new program.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.2.3. Reminder ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Type the reminder text in the displayed Edit field.  This text will be
displayed at the selected time and date along with an audible alarm to get your
attention.

The Contact option will bring up the list of contacts and allow you to tag a
contact to the reminder.  This is the same as selecting the Cust check box in
the ToDo list.  However the ToDo list reminders are only one time.  For
repeating events such as Birthdays schedule the reminder here and set the
recurring frequency.

Note:  You can drag a contact from the Phone Secretary and drop it on the event
to attach it.

The Tune option will display a dialog for attaching a tune to the reminder.
The tune can be any melody created using the Tune Editor provided with OS/2.
From this dialog you can select the tune file to select from and the tune to
play each time this reminder is displayed on your screen.

o Recurring Events

  Click the button corresponding to the type of recurring event you want to
  schedule.

o Day of Week

  Select the day(s) of the week for an event to occur on.  Select from 1 to all
  7 days for the given event.  Select by clicking the appropriate buttons to
  black.

o Day of the Month

  Enter the day of the month for a monthly event to occur on.  For end of the
  month events enter 31. AlarmPro will automatically account for months with
  less days.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.2.4. Specific Date Events ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This event type allows you to schedule events for the same specific day each
month.  Unlike a monthly date this type allows you to schedule by a particular
day of the week, such as the 1st Monday of each month. Select the appropriate
option from each list and then the OK menu option to accept your choices.  The
left column contains the week (i.e. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th).  The right column
contains an entry for each day of the week.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.2.5. Every X Days ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This event type allows you to schedule events that come regulary but at
intervals of less than a month.  Each event can be scheduled to repeat at
specific daily intervals starting at a given date.  The given date may be a
past date.  AlarmPro will automatically adjust the date forward in increments
of the specified frequency.  For instance if you have a meeting every other
Friday you could select a beginning date of the last meeting's date.  Then
schedule the reminder to occur every 14 days from that date.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.3. Editing Events ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Database dialog provides access to all scheduled events.  The system will
retrieve events from the first database in your search list or the last
database opened.

Use the NEXT and PREVIOUS options under event to move through the scheduled
events, you can also use the up and down arrow keys.  All events are displayed
but you cannot save changes to events that are scheduled under another personal
name.  The number of events and selected event, the system name, and the event
type are listed to the left.  The active event database is listed at the top of
the dialog.  You may change any information in the Edit Fields and the radio
buttons for the days of the week.

The options are listed below.  If a particular action is not valid that menu
item will be disabled.

o Exit

  leave the event editing dialog.

o File

   - Open

     Search for and edit another event file.

   - Print

     Print the contents of the event file.

   - Password Protect

     require a password to access the event file.

   - Encrypt

     Alter the database so that it is unreadable without the encryption
     abilities of AlarmPro

   - UnEncrypt

     Remove any existing encryption from the file.

o Event

   - Save

     Save the changes made to this record.

   - Delete

     Delete the displayed event.

   - Next

     Move to the next record in the database.

   - Previous

     Move back to the previous record.

   - Tune

     Displays a dialog for attaching a Tune Editor created tune to the
     reminder.

o HELP

  Display this help panel.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.4. Setting Search Files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

AlarmPro will search up to 3 event files for scheduled reminders and
applications.  Enter the three files in the provided Edit Fields.

The first event file is where all ToDo reminders are placed if they are not
marked for "ALL".  Use the search button at the end of each field to assist in
locating event files.  Entering the name of a file that does not exist will
create that file.

The System Name edit field is used to schedule personal events.  Enter a name
that will be unique among the users sharing event files.  If "ALL" is not
selected the event will be scheduled with this name.  Only the system(s) with
this name will schedule these events. If you do not provide a system name every
event will be scheduled as "ALL".


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9. Master Calendar ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This window displays a standard calendar.  Below each date is the number of
Todo items scheduled for that date.

To view the Todo Items you can double click on the date with your mouse and
bring up the Todo List for that date. To move forward through the months use
PageUp, use PageDown to move backwards through the months.  The HOME key will
return to the current month.

The window is both sizeable and positionable.  Simply place it where you want
on your desktop.  The program will save the position and come back to the same
location each time you start it.  The calendar is added to your Window List so
you can also minimize the calendar and return to it through the OS/2 Window
List.

Menu Options

o Exit

   - Calendar exit only the Calendar.
   - AlarmPro exit the entire AlarmPro system.

o Help

  Display this help screen.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10. ToDo Items ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The ToDo items screens allow you to manage and view various types of reminders
and important events.  The ToDo item might have a time associated with it such
as an appointment or might simply be something you need to accomplish by a
certain date with no specific time required.  To differentiate these items with
an associated time are referred to as appointments and items without a time as
ToDos.

The ToDo list provides for 100 items a day.  The two types may be viewed
separately or together.  In addition they can be sorted by time, age, or
priority.  Each item can have a contact attached to it and be scheduled to post
a reminder at the specified time. The reminders for a ToDo are actually onetime
events.  A copy of the item is added to the Event scheduler for display to your
screen.

ToDo items will remain on your list until marked as Done.  Items from prior
dates will display in red letters.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.1. ToDo List ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The ToDo list allows you to record up to 100 items of importance daily.  List
your meetings, important events, etc. here.  See the overview page for more
information.
The Controls are:

o Hour

  The hour for the ToDo item.  If you are using 12 hour format also select the
  PM button for items from 12 noon till 11:59 pm.

o Min

  The minute for the item.

o PM

  Check if the item occurs between 12 noon and 11:59 PM.  This will not appear
  if you are using 24 hour format.

o Bf

  This is the number of minutes before the actual appointment that you want the
  reminder to display.  If left blank the actual time will be used.  This can
  be from 1 to 99 minutes.

o Pr

  The single entry field is for marking the priority of the ToDo item.
  Priority ranges from 0 to 9.

o Note

  Your reminder of what the item is.  Items displayed in red are still pending
  from previous days.  CTRL+S will display the date that the item was
  scheduled.  For completed items CTRL+F will display the date that the item
  was completed.

o Cont

  Checking this box will display a list of the current contact database.
  Select the desired contact.  The record will be attached to the item.  Now
  selecting the View Cust Detail menu item will display the contact
  information.

  Note:  You can drag a contact from the Phone Secretary over the ToDo entry
  and it will be automatically attached.  To do this select the contact then
  hold the right mouse button down and move it over the desired ToDo Item.

o Rem

  Check this to automatically add the item to your reminder events.  You will
  then be asked if the reminder is personal or for ALL.  If it is a personal
  reminder it is automatically added to the first event file searched by your
  system.  The contact detail (if selected) is automatically attached to the
  reminder as well.

  Note:  All reminders scheduled from the ToDo list are ONETIME events.  Items
  marked for "ALL" will not be scheduled by other systems until midnight so any
  event for "ALL" should be for the next day or later.

o Tune

  Select a melody to play when this reminder is displayed on your screen.
  AlarmPro can play any tune created with the Tune Editor delivered with OS/2
  productivity programs.

o Done

  Check this when the item is completed.  Unmarked items will be displayed as
  pending items every time you view the ToDo screen.

The menu Options are.

o EXIT

  Leave the ToDo list and save the current items in the list.

o File

   - Open

     Open another ToDo file.  If this file is not searched by your copy of
     AlarmPro any personal reminders using it will not be scheduled.

   - Archive

     Save all completed entries in an Archive file and remove them from the
     active file.

   - View Archive

     View and browse the file of archived ToDo items. No changes to an archive
     file are saved.

   - Print

     Print the ToDo list to the AlarmPro default printer.  You have the option
     of printing to the printer or to disk.  If you chose to print to disk the
     file is stored as a normal ASCII text file for easy import into other
     programs.  You may optionally give the name of the file to use, including
     any drive and path information.

   - Password Protect

     Require a password to open the selected ToDo list.

   - Encrypt

     Physically alter the ToDo database so it cannot be read without the
     encryption-decryption abilities of AlarmPro

   - UnEncrypt

     Remove any existing encryption from a database and return it to normal.

o Sort

   - Sort on Time

     This will order the items from low to high by the hour and minute that was
     entered.  All entry's without a time will follow those that have this
     value entered.

     Note:  AlarmPro remembers the last order selected and re-sorts in that
     order each time you use the ToDo list.

   - Sort on Priority

     Order the items on the screen in order of priority from critical (9) to
     low (0).

   - Sort on Age.

     Order the items on the screen from oldest to newest.  This will order any
     items carried over from previous days by oldest first.

o Include

   - All

     List all items on the screen.

   - ToDo

     List only those items with no associated time.

   - Appointment

     List only those items with an associated time.

o Week

  Display the Week at a Glance dialog.

o Search

  Use the Search dialog to locate specific items.

o View

   - View Cust Detail

     View the contact information, if one has been attached to the ToDo item
     where the cursor is currently located.

   - Priority-Aging

     This displays a two entry dialog.  The original priority for the current
     item is displayed along with an aging frequency.  If the aging frequency
     is not zero then AlarmPro will increase the priority of this item by one
     each time this amount of time has gone by without the item being marked
     Done.

   - Scheduled

     The originally scheduled date.

   - Finished

     If the item is marked as Done this will display the date and time that the
     checkbox was clicked.

o Help

  View this help panel.

o Direction keys

  The keys displaying <, >, <<, >>, <<<, >>>, and  will move the ToDo schedule
  through time.  The < and > move 1 day backward or forward, while << and >>
  move 7 days backward or forward, <<< and >>> move 30 days each way, and and
  returns to the current date.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.2. ToDo Reminder file ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

You have selected to post a reminder to "ALL". Select the event file to add the
event to.  If the event is scheduled for today other users of this file will
NOT schedule the event unless they restart AlarmPro .  To select the file click
the Radio Button beside the desired file name.

To schedule an event in a file your system does not search choose the OTHER
button.  This event will NOT be scheduled by your copy of AlarmPro .


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.3. ToDo Specific Date ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Enter the month, day, and year for the desired ToDo list.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.4. Week at a Glance ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This screen displays a list for each day of the week.  Each list contains any
ToDo notes for that day.

To display the detailed information for the note use the mouse to double click
on the specific line or tab to the list and use the arrow keys to highlight the
item with the selection bar then press enter.  A detailed information dialog
will appear in the upper left corner of your screen.  If the chosen item has an
associated contact the detail screen will include a contact button to view that
detail as well.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11. Miscellaneous ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The screens within this group don't belong to a single category such as
contacts or events.  These functions work with more than one of the categories
or serve utility functions.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.1. Printing ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

AlarmPro is able to print your Contacts, ToDo lists, and Search results.

Warning: It is necessary to select a printer before attempting to print.

 Once selected in the Systems Settings it is possible to print to either your
printer or to disk.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.1.1. Print Where ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

You are being offered the choice to print to either the printer or to disk.  If
you chose disk you may specify a file name, including drive and directory, in
the displayed edit field.  Disk prints are standard ASCII text files that are
easily imported into most other programs.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.2. Passwords ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

AlarmPro uses passwords and data encryption to protect your information from
others.  These are powerful and affective features for preventing unauthorized
access to information.  They are also only as affective as you allow them to
be.

Password protecting a file then leaving it open and available on the desktop
makes the protection meaningless.  Also if you encrypt the file and lose the
password the information is lost.  Choosing passwords that are easily
identified with you such as family members names or favorite sayings also makes
it easier to guess your passwords.  Choose passwords that are unusual, use
upper and lower case letters, and make them at least 8 characters long for the
best security.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.2.1. Enter Password ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Enter the password used to protect the selected file.  Once successfully
entered the database will open.

Note:  Passwords are case sensitive.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.2.2. Edit Password ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Enter the password in the first field and press ENTER.  Retype the same
password in the second field and again press ENTER.  To remove a password press
ENTER in both fields without typing any characters.  To exit without modifying
the password press ESC.

Note:  Passwords are case sensitive.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.3. Search Results ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This dialog displays any matches to a search of the ToDo or Contact database.
Once the "Search Complete" message appears all matches are displayed.  If the
list is empty no matches were found.  Searches are not case sensitive.

To view the details of an item double click on it with the mouse or highlight
it and press enter or the "DETAIL" button.  To print a listing of all the
matches click on the "PRINT" button.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.4. Calendar ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This calendar displays the current month with each day displayed as a button.
To select a given date press the corresponding button.

To move to other months use the  button to move forward one month at a time
and the  button to move backward.  The >> and << buttons will move you forward
and backward, respectively, by years.  The  button will return you to the
current month and year.  Once you select a date you will go to the schedule
event or ToDo list for that date, depending on the menu where you selected the
calendar option.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.5. Setting System Time ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Click on the appropriate field to change (i.e. Hour, minute, or second).  Once
the field is highlighted press the up and down arrows to change the value.
Select SET to accept the changes and reset the computers system time and date.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 12. Customizing AlarmPro ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

AlarmPro has two basic types of settings Display and System.

The display settings allow you to customize the appearance of the program
including colors, fonts, and display formats.  The system settings are to
adjust the program to your system including the working directory, what
features are activated at startup, what hardware you have such as printers and
modems, etc.

 All information is maintained in a file named 'ALRMPRO.INI'.  If your system
settings get too far off to correct you can shutdown AlarmPro and delete this
file.  It will be recreated with the default system settings when you restart
the program.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 12.1. System Settings ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

o Notify of missed events

  If this is checked AlarmPro will notify you at startup of any events that
  were scheduled to occur while the program was inactive.  If not checked the
  events will not be displayed but recurring events will be automatically
  rescheduled for the next occurrence.

o Start Master Calendar

  This tells AlarmPro to activate the monthly calendar when the program starts.
  This calendar, new with version 1.4, displays the current month and the
  number of ToDo items scheduled each day.

o Start Phone Secretary

  If this is checked the Phone Secretary will be started automatically each
  time you start AlarmPro .  The Phone Secretary is where you go to view
  contacts, dial phone numbers, etc.  It is very much like the metal phone
  secretary that many people keep on their desk with their important phone
  numbers.

o Keep Clock Visible

  Checking this option will cause the clock to "Float" on top of all PM
  sessions.  It will not take the focus away from your application but will
  remain visible, even when the other application is maximized.  It cannot
  remain visible above full screen sessions.

o Working Directory

  This is the default directory for the system default databases.  These
  databases are created when no others have been opened. This is also where all
  search's for files begins when a SEARCH or OPEN button is selected.

o Minutes to Return

  Reminders have a RETURN button which acts much like the "snooze" button on an
  Alarm Clock, causing the reminder to come back again in a few minutes.  Enter
  the number of minutes to wait before the reminder returns.

o Select Printer

  Displays a list of all printers on your system.  Select the desired printer
  for use in printing the various lists.  You may optionally go to the job
  properties for the printer and select the form or other settings to save
  along with the printer.

o Select Font

  Displays a dialog from which to select for printing.  The amount of text that
  can fit on a single line will be affected by the size of the font selected.
  This font will be used for all printing from AlarmPro

o Hourly Chime

  Click on this checkbox to activate or de-activate the hourly chime option.
  If active AlarmPro will produce an audible sound at the top of each hour.

o FRQ

  Enter the frequency for the hourly chime.  The default is 545Mhz. Any value
  from 37 to 3000 is valid.

o DUR

  Enter the duration for the hourly chime.  The default is 400.  The value is
  in 1/100 seconds.

o CNT

  Enter the number of chimes (beeps) to sound each hour.  The default is 2.

o Listen

  Press this button to hear the settings you have chosen for the hourly chime.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 12.2. Modem Settings ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

o AutoDial Com Port

  Click on the appropriate communications port for the Autodialer to use.  The
  autodialer uses Hayes compatible modems to dial your phone with the selected
  number from the contact phones or numbers in the contact note.

o Tone

  Select this if your phone system uses Touch Tone. Touch tone keys do not
  always mean touch tone is used. If your phone clicks when the key is pressed
  you are probably using Pulse (rotary dialing).

o Pulse

  Select this for rotary phones or touch tone phones generating rotary dial.

o Opt. Dial Command

  The dialer only sets the S6 and S7 registers of your modem prior to dialing.
  These are configured to allow a voice call without the modem failing due to
  no carrier.  These settings may not be enough for every modem.  Any string
  entered in this field will be passed to the modem prior to the standard
  commands and the phone number to dial.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 12.3. Blanker Settings ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

o Desktop Lockup Active

  Checking the option activates a feature similar to the Lockup feature in
  OS/2.  The value set for Minutes till Lockup will be used to determine how
  long to wait without activity before blanking the screen.  The lockup feature
  will not activate if a FULLSCREEN OS/2 or DOS session is active in the
  foreground.

o Lock on Startup

  This setting causes AlarmPro to start the screen blanker when the program is
  first started.  All settings are the same including no password being
  required if none is set.

  Note:  The Desktop Lockup Active setting does not have to be checked to use
  this feature.

o Use Password

  Checking this option will require you to match the Lockup Password before the
  screen will be cleared after lockup has occurred.

o Password

  This entry field will always be empty.  You should enter a password in this
  field only when you want to change the value required to unlock the desktop.

  Note:  THE PASSWORD IS CASE SENSITIVE!

o System Wide Hot Key

  The letter entered into this field will work to immediately lockup the
  desktop when pressed in combination with the ALT+CONTROL keys.  This will
  take affect from any window that does not trap the  key combination before
  the Lockup monitor can see the key.

  Note:  The Lockup monitor cannot see keystrokes in a fullscreen OS/2 or DOS
  session.

o BitMap

  Enter the name of an OS/2 1.2 or 2.x bitmap to display when the screen is
  blanked.  If this is left blank no bitmap will display.

o FIND

  Displays the file selection dialog and allows you to search for the bitmap to
  display.

o Display Seconds

  The number of seconds from 1 to 99 that the bitmap will be displayed before
  blanking the screen.  The default is 30 seconds.

o Pointer

  When the screen blanker is active a clock shaped pointer is displayed.  This
  setting allows you to chose an alternate pointer. You may use either pointer
  or icon files as the source of the pointer.

o FIND

  Displays the file selection dialog and allows you to search for the pointer
  to display.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 12.4. Display Preferences ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Preferences dialog allows you to set the preferences for the different
parts of the clock face.  Select the part to change by clicking on the radio
button for that part (i.e. Second Hand).  Then click on the desired color for
that part.  In addition you may elect to have the title bar display the date or
digital time.

To change the size of the clock use the mouse to drag the edges of the window
to the desired size.  Move the window to your preferred position on the screen.
When you save the changes the size and position will also be saved.

Note:  The changes are automatically saved if you shutdown OS/2 or AlarmPro .

The Setting Options are as follows:

o Background

  Click on this radio button to change the color of the rectangular background.
  Then click the desired color from the color options below the Clock Parts
  group.

  Note:  The background and digital text or analog hour hand can be set using
  the Work Place Shell's color palette.  Drop the color on the clock to change
  the background.  Use the control key while dropping to change the text.  If
  you edit the color this way then it may be altered by the display preference
  dialog because this dialog only uses solid colors.  Set all other options
  here then, after exiting this dialog, use the palette to set your colors.

o Face

  Click on this radio button to change the color of the clock's circular face.

o Hour hand

  Click on this radio button to change the color of the clock's Hour Hand.

o Minute hand

  Click on this radio button to change the color of the clock's Minute Hand.

o Hour Tick Marks

  Click on this radio button to change the color of the Hour Marks.

o Display Format

  Chose from an analog or digital clock.  The digital clock has both 12 and 24
  hour formats available.

o Title Bar Display

  Choose the desired date format for displaying the current date in the
  titlebar.  If the clock is minimized this will display as the icon text.

o Font

  Choose an outline font for use in displaying the Digital Clock.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 13. Trouble Shooting ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Listed below are problems that have been encountered while using AlarmPro

Problem  I've relocated AlarmPro into a new subdirectory and now I get errors
when I open the different edit screens.

Fix  AlarmPro "remembers" what files you last opened as well as what 3 event
files you want to search each day.  If you've deleted the old directory and
files you need to re-teach the program.  Begin by going to the System Setup and
setting your working directory to the new directory.  This is where the program
will start a search for files when you select an Open menu item.  Now go to the
Set Search Files screen and edit it to reflect your new files.  Finally go to
each database edit screen (ToDo, event, and contact).  You will get an error
because the last file you opened no longer exists.  Ignore this error and chose
Open.  Select the new file and then exit the editing session.  Now AlarmPro
"remembers" your new files.

Problem  My reminders are not being scheduled.

Fix  Make sure that the event files where you save this information are listed
in Set Search Files.  Next be sure that the files exist and are available to
you.  If you are on a network be sure the drive where the files are kept is
available to your computer at Midnight when AlarmPro search's for the new days
events.  If this doesn't fix the problem then pack the database to insure the
indexes are up-to-date.

Problem  I minimized AlarmPro to the Minimized Window Viewer.  The icon
displays as a white square instead of a clock.

Fix  OS/2 doesn't seem to like it when a program tries to redraw an icon in the
Window Viewer.  Open the settings for the AlarmPro icon, choose the Window tab,
and mark minimize to desktop.

Problem  I have AlarmPro in my startup folder.  Sometimes when I boot the
computer AlarmPro seems to hang-up.

Fix  If you shutdown your computer with the program running and have a copy of
the program icon in the startup folder then OS/2 will attempt to start two
copies.  Although AlarmPro attempts to detect this and prevent it timing
sometimes keeps these checks from working.  The program creates system
resources, sometimes if two programs attempt to create the same resource, at
the same time a deadlock can occur.  To prevent this either place a Shadow of
the icon in your startup folder or don't place anything there and rely on the
fact that OS/2 restarts any programs that were running when you shutdown.

Problem  I recently upgraded my copy of AlarmPro .  Now nothing seems to work
and I keep getting protection violations.

Fix  Make sure that there are no old copies of the AlarmPro files in other
directories.  Possibly an old DLL in another directory that is searched before
your normal directory in the LIBPATH.  As AlarmPro continues to grow changes
are made to all the files and old ones are not compatible with the newest
release.

Problem  My event files are on a network server.  Everytime I reboot AlarmPro
gives me an error opening the file.  I have to wait till the startup and logon
is complete and restart AlarmPro .

Fix  AlarmPro cannot access files on a network until you are properly logged
on.  Remove AlarmPro from your startup folder and add it as the last item in
your STARTUP.CMD.  Be sure to use the start command so that STARTUP.CMD will
close (see the Command Reference or contact your system administrator).  For
this to function automatically you would need to automate the logon in your
STARTUP.CMD before starting AlarmPro .

Note:  If you regularly shutdown with AlarmPro active you may need to stop the
desktop from starting applications that were running at shutdown. You can add
the command "RESTARTOBJECTS=STARTUPFOLDERSONLY" to your CONFIG.SYS file to do
this.  Use caution with this setting.  If you leave certain things active like
folders or groups they will not start at reboot.  You will need to place a
shadow of anything you want started in your startup folder.

Problem  My contact list shows on the OS/2 Window list but I can't see it on my
screen.

Fix  Sometimes AlarmPro looses its positional information. This is particularly
true when you minimize the windows without first closing the program to save
the original positions.  Select the Contact entry on the OS/2 Window List with
your right mouse button.  Then select "Tile" from the popup menu.  Once it is
visible position it where you want it but don't minimize the window.  Then exit
AlarmPro to save the position.  Now when you return to AlarmPro you can safely
minimize the Contact window.

Problem  My batch files and command files aren't working properly or don't seem
to work at all.

Fix  Occassionally when a batch or command file is run the Working directory
will not be properly set.  To remedy this add the lines to your batch or
command file to move you to the correct drive and directory.  If you call other
batch or command files be sure and use the CALL keyword so that OS/2 will
return to your original batch file after branching to the other file.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 14. Glossary ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Definitions for some commonly used terms in the help text:

Accelerator keys  Key stroke combinations that carry out a command such as
saving changes.  They provide instant access to commands that might be buried a
couple of levels down in a menu.

Alt+  Carry out actions through Accelerator Keys by holding the ALT key down at
the same time as pressing the designated text key.

Application  The executable file such as CMD.EXE. Most applications end with
.EXE although some may end with .COM.

Box  The rectangular areas where text is to be typed in. Such as the line where
you enter your reminder text.

Button  The rectangular gray blocks with commands such as Save. To carry out
the command without using the mouse you can TAB to the button or press Alt+ the
underlined letter.

Check box  The small rectangular buttons that when pressed display a check mark
in them.  These controls are often used to identify that an action has been
selected such as the 'Remind' check box on the ToDo dialog.

Click  The act of placing the mouse pointer (arrow) on a button and pressing
the left mouse button to select the item.  It is also possible to click on a
button by moving the focus to that button and pressing enter or pressing ALT+
the underlined letter.

Command Line  Options sent to an application by entering them at the prompt
behind the name of the program such as COPY A:\*.*. Here A:\*.* would be the
command line.

Database  A database is a file for storing information in an orderly and
consistent format.  Databases are designed on records and fields. A record is
the complete entry for one member of the database such as a contact.  The
fields are the individual elements that make up the record such as the contact.
Also included in a database system are indexes.  These files are always
organized in orderly fashion such as alphabetically and provided a "shortcut"
way of locating the actual record so that access to your information is faster.

Dialog Box  The rectangular areas that appear on the screen asking for
information or notifying you of errors or messages.  The Event Scheduler is an
example of a common dialog box.  They are also referred to as simply the
dialog.

Edit Field  See Box.

Field  See Box.  Also the individual elements of a database record such as the
zip code in your contacts database.

Focus  An item has the focus if keystroke and mouse actions will take place
against it.  When an edit field has the focus a vertical bar cursor appears.
When most types of buttons have the focus they are surrounded by a black broken
line.  The window that has the current focus is usually brighter on the edge
(frame) than the other windows appearing on the PC's screen.

Index  An index is an orderly arranged file of information on how to locate
specific records in a database.  The records in a database are organized on
what was last added to the file.  The indexes are always ordered properly such
as by alphabetical or numeric order.  They only carry a subset of the
information, called the 'key', such as the name field in the AlarmPro contact
database.  They provide a fast way to locate the specific record you requested.

Path  The complete name of the directory where a file or program physically
exists.  This can include the drive letter.  The syntax is D:\dir\subdir where
D is the drive letter.

Program  See Application.

Radio Button  The small circle to the left of a word such as AM. Commonly used
to select one or more choices from a group of common options. If the circle is
one color (usually gray) the item is not selected.  If the center is darkened
the item has been selected.

Record  A record is one entry in a database.  Each record contains all the
information about the entry such as a contacts record. Records are further
divided into fields which are the individual elements that make up the complete
set of information for that entry.  An example of a field would be the 'Note'
in a ToDo record.

TAB  Pressing the tab key to move you to the next item such as a Field or
Button.  Pressing the Shift and Tab key together will move you backwards
through the items.

Text Field  See Box.

Window  Most rectangular areas on the screen are actually windows, however the
term usually implies the main window for an application.  Areas that can be
sized and have the system menu and minimum and maximum buttons along the top of
the programs display area are considered WINDOWS.

Working Directory  The directory where you started a program. Often programs
are physically located in one directory and run from another directory so that
the data (such as word processor documents) are separated from the program.
Also the default directory for AlarmPro .  This is where the program will start
looking when you request to open new databases.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 15. File Types ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

There are 5 types of data files created by AlarmPro .  Each is represented by
an icon for easy identification.  Any Database can be dragged over the Clock,
Phone Secretary, or Master Calendar and dropped to make that file the active
file in AlarmPro .

Note:  If an event file is dropped it will become the file that is opened for
the database edit function.  It will NOT change your list of search files.
The files are as follows:

Event Files  The databases where events are maintained.

ToDo Files  The databases where your ToDo and Appointments are maintained.

Contacts  The contact information is stored in these databases.

Note files  This file contains the freeform text notes from the contact
database of the same name.

Index  The index file for the database of the same name.