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__________________________ TASKBASE 1.2 __________________________ User's Guide Paradigm Software Systems 1735 Rusk De Pere, WI 54115 Distributed by: EZX Distributing Unit 58177, 17077 Texas Av. Webster, TX 77598-0080 USA VISA/MC/Discover/AX orders may call 1.800.359.9539 Toll Free Copyright (C) 1989, 1991 by Paradigm Software Systems All Rights Reserved TABLE of CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction ........................................... 1 1.1 What is TaskBase? An Overview ................... 1 1.2 TaskBase Files ................................... 2 1.3 System Requirements .............................. 3 1.4 TaskBase Installation ............................ 4 1.4.1 Installation .............................. 4 1.4.2 Running TaskBase from a Hard Drive ........ 4 2.0 TaskBase Help Guide ................................... 5 2.1 TaskBase Help System - Overview .................. 5 2.2 Adding TaskBase Records .......................... 6 2.3 Updating TaskBase Records ........................ 7 2.4 Using Notes ...................................... 7 2.5 Deleting Records ................................. 8 2.6 Sorting/Selecting TaskBase Records ............... 8 2.6.1 Setting Sort Criteria ..................... 8 2.6.2 Setting Filter Criteria ................... 9 a. Auto Tickler Selection ................ 9 b. Auto Overdue Selection ................ 9 c. Auto Completion Selection ............. 9 d. Custom Filter ......................... 10 2.7 Categories ....................................... 11 2.7.1 Switching Categories ...................... 11 2.7.2 Renaming Categories ........................ 11 2.7.3 Deleting Categories ....................... 12 2.7.4 Adding Categories .......................... 12 2.7.5 Transferring Tasks ........................ 12 2.7.6 Copying Tasks ............................. 12 2.8 Printing .......................................... 13 2.8.1 Report Types ............................... 14 2.8.2 Reports - Selecting Information ........... 14 2.8.3 Supported Printers ......................... 15 2.8.4 Report Printout Destinations .............. 15 2.9 Using the DOS Shell ............................... 16 2.10 Utilities - General ............................... 16 2.10.1 Setting the DOS Path ..................... 16 2.10.2 Setting the Memory Swap Size ............. 17 2.10.3 Setting TaskBase Screen Colors ........... 17 2.10.4 Optimizing TaskBase's Data Files ......... 17 2.10.5 User-Defined Applications Menus ........... 17 2.10.6 Selecting a Printer ...................... 18 2.11 Quitting TaskBase ................................ 18 3.0 When/If Problems Occur ................................ 19 4.0 Wrapping it Up! ....................................... 20 5.0 Warranty / Licensing Agreement ........................ 21 TaskBase 1.2 USER'S GUIDE Page 1 _____________________________________________________________________________ 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 What is TaskBase? An Overview. Basically, TaskBase is a very sophisticated `to-do' list type program. It was born out of frustration with trying to track all those little job responsibilities/tasks which seem to keep coming from everywhere. I got real tired of having an office absolutely littered with little slips of paper, `sticky' notes, etc, there had to be a better way! I wanted to be able to categorize the tasks which I had been assigned, dependent upon where they came from, type of task, completed tasks, etc. In addition, I wanted to be able to keep some type of status report on the various tasks, or commitments, which I had undertaken. Although I looked at several `to-do list' type programs on the market, I was at a loss to find one which allowed any degree of status reporting and categorization, much less both abilities in the same program. Now, I know that I'm not the only the person out there in the working world who seems to be getting hit with things to do from every direction, and asked for status reports on a moments notice. Being fortunate enough to know a little programming, I developed TaskBase to help me organize my life, and by making it available to the computing public, hopefully it will provide an immeasurable amount of relief throughout the working world! TaskBase allows you to set up numerous categories of things to do. For example, you may set up different lists for administrative, technical, and personal type tasks - be inventive, TaskBase will do whatever you want. TaskBase allows you to attach notes, as much as 32 pages worth, to each and every task you have! This allows you to keep an ongoing status report of anything. And if you're boss wants to know what's going on, simply select the records of interest and print them out with the attached notes - how easy! You can output the records in any order via the `sort' command, and even filter out those records which you don't want to see with the `select' command. Through sort and select, you can customize your reports to any degree you desire. Well this provides a pretty good method to manage your commitments, but I also found that I had to make a conscious decision to run TaskBase in order to use it. This problem has been minimized by the incorporation of a single layer menu system into TaskBase. This allows you to use your favorite word processor, database, etc, without ever leaving the TaskBase system. Personally, TaskBase 1.2 USER'S GUIDE Page 2 _____________________________________________________________________________ I recommend starting TaskBase from your `autoexec.bat' file, then access your other applications from within TaskBase. In this way, you can always return to TaskBase, at the point where you left it, to update task status, add tasks, etc. All in all, TaskBase should provide you with a fairly decent method for organizing/tracking your various tasks and commitments. 1.2 TaskBase Files The files necessary for the operation of TaskBase are as follows: TASKBASE.EXE Main Program File RR_PR1.MEM Printer Configuration Files RR_PR2.MEM RR_PR3.MEM RR_PR4.MEM RR_PR5.MEM RR_PR6.MEM RR_PR7.MEM RR_PR8.MEM TMCOL.MEM TaskBase Configuration File for Color Systems TMMON.MEM TaskBase Configuration File for Monochrome Systems HELP.DBF TaskBase Help Files HELP.DBT HELP.NTX WORKLIST.DBF TaskBase Data Files WORKLIST.DBT USER.NTX TASKBASE.DOC This Documentation File COMMENT.FRM User Comment Form 1.3 System Requirements Basic Necessities: IBM PC/XT/AT/PS2 or compatible 640 K RAM Hard Disk Drive Monochrome or Color Monitor TaskBase 1.2 USER'S GUIDE Page 3 _____________________________________________________________________________ TaskBase comes with a set of seven printer configuration files, including: 1) Epson EX/FX/JX/RX/LQ 2) Epson MX 3) Hewlett Packard LaserJet 500/+/II 4) IBM Graphics 5) Panasonic KX-1091 6) Star Gemini 10X/15X 7) Texas Instruments 850/855 If your printer is not listed, you have three options: 1) Try one of the other printers to see if it may be compatible with yours. For instance, several dot-matrix printers provide emulation of the IBM Graphics printer and several lasers provide emulation of the HP LaserJet. 2) Use the `Generic Printer' option on the printer selection menu. This option should work with any printer, however, special printer effects, such as bolding, will not be available. 3) Have Paradigm Software Systems create a special printer driver for you. Call Paradigm for further information. 1.4 TaskBase Installation 1.4.1 Installation a. Make a subdirectory on your hard disk in which you will put the TaskBase system, i.e., the following command sequence may be used: C: MD TASKBASE CD TASKBASE Note that this sequence also makes the `TASKBASE' directory your default drive/directory. b. Place your TaskBase 1.2 Master disk in drive A. c. Enter the following command: COPY A:*.* C:\TASKBASE d. Remove the disk from drive A and store in a safe place. TaskBase 1.2 USER'S GUIDE Page 4 _____________________________________________________________________________ 1.4.2 Running TaskBase from a Hard Drive a. Switch to the TaskBase directory, if you're not already there, by using the following command sequence (example): C: CD TASKBASE b. Start TaskBase by entering `TASKBASE' at the DOS prompt. c. Select the default category, `GENERAL', and press return. NOTE: If TaskBase does not find the necessary database files in the current directory, it will prompt you to allow it to create them. d. Press `F9' to enter the utilities menu and proceed through the options, except Optimization, to setup TaskBase for your preferences. HINT: IF YOU HAVE THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT TO USE A RAMDRIVE, SELECT IT AS THE `DOS PATH' WHICH TASKBASE WILL USE TO STORE TEMPORARY FILES. THIS WILL GREATLY ACCELERATE THE PROCESS OF ACCESSING DOS AND RUNNING APPLICATIONS FROM YOUR USER-DEFINED MENU. 2.0 TaskBase Help Guide This section of the User's Guide contains the text of the TaskBase On-Line Help System as it was originally written, i.e., before user modifications were made. (The titles have been expanded for clarity.) The comprehensiveness of the help system makes additional operating instructions unnecessary. 2.1 TaskBase Help System - Overview The TaskBase Help System consists of three major components: 1. The On-Line Help System (User Definable - See Below) 2. This User's Guide 3. Screen Prompts This Help System can be accessed from any point within TaskBase simply by pressing the `F1' key. It has been designed to answer most questions concerning the actual use of the TaskBase system. If it doesn't address your particular needs, try consulting the User's Guide. The TaskBase 1.2 USER'S GUIDE Page 5 _____________________________________________________________________________ User's Guide contains information concerning TaskBase system requirements and installation procedures. If questions still exist, call Paradigm Software Systems at the number provided in the User's Guide. To use this system, highlight the desired topic using the up/down arrow keys, then press `ENTER'. In most cases, the help screen will appear, but in others, additional choices will be presented. When finished reading the screen, simply press `ESC'. Throughout TaskBase, pressing the `ESC' key backs you up one step, and in this case, will back you out of the help system and return you to the main TaskBase system. Most TaskBase operations are directed by on-screen help throughout the program. This has been designed to be your primary guide. USER DEFINABLE HELP SYSTEM You may augment any of the help screens in TaskBase simply by using help, displaying the selected screen, making your edits/additions, and pressing `F10' to save. Your new screen will appear as the help screen forever more, that is, unless you decide to change it again. Let me emphasize, there is nothing sacred about these screens, make them work for you! 2.2 Adding TaskBase Records Adding records to the TaskBase tracking system is as simple as pressing `F3' to activate the task addition screen. The following information may be added at this time: Description: A short description, up to 240 characters of the task/commitment which you want to track. NOTE that the screen will only display the first 40 characters of the description, however, your printed reports will contain the complete description. Date Assigned: The date which you received the task or made the commitment. The entry defaults to today's date, however, you can simply change it by typing over it. All dates are in the format MM/DD/YY. Date Due: The date by which the task must be completed. Priority: You can assign a priority, or importance, factor to any task by entering a single digit number, 0 to 9, in this field. Making 1 the most important allows you to sort your lists with the most important tasks at the top. Date Done: The date which you completed the task. TaskBase 1.2 USER'S GUIDE Page 6 _____________________________________________________________________________ Toggle through the fields, adding/changing information as you go, by using either the up/down arrow keys or the `ENTER' key. (NOTE: you must use the `ENTER' key from the last field, `Date Done'.) You will then be prompted to either `Modify' or `Save'. Modify - Allows you to perform additional editing of the information in the current record. Save - Saves your updated record. When you select SAVE, TaskBase analyzes the information to make a preliminary judgement if the information seems reasonable. For example, entering an assigned date which is actually in the future will prompt TaskBase to ask you if this is correct. Of course, you can say `Yes' and TaskBase will accept the entry, however, if you say `No', TaskBase will allow you to edit the erroneous information. Pressing `ESC' at any point in the addition process will return you to the main TaskBase system without adding a new record. << See Also *Updating Records* >> 2.3 Updating TaskBase Records Pressing `F2' allows you to update any of the information displayed on the screen for the currently highlighted record. Toggle through the fields, changing any information as you go, by using either the up/down arrow keys or the `ENTER' key. (NOTE you must use the `ENTER' key from the last field, `Date Done'.) You will then be prompted to either `Modify' or `Save'. Modify - Allows you perform additional editing of the information in the current record. Save - Saves your updated record. When you select SAVE, TaskBase analyzes the information you have entered to determine if it is potentially invalid. For example, TaskBase will warn you if you have entered an assigned date that is actually in the future, if you have entered a due date which is earlier than the assigned date, etc. TaskBase gives you the opportunity to edit the information, but, of course, you can always tell TaskBase that you actually want it the way you entered it. Pressing `ESC' at any point in the update process will return you to the main TaskBase system without making any changes to your records. << SEE ALSO *Adding Records* >> TaskBase 1.2 USER'S GUIDE Page 7 _____________________________________________________________________________ 2.4 Using Notes Using Notes are one of the big advantages of the TaskBase tracking system. Up to 32 pages of notes (approximately 64 Kbytes) may be tagged to any entry by simply pressing `ENTER' and typing away! Following the directions given at the bottom of the note screen, pressing `F10' will save the note - pressing `ESC' will exit the note screen without saving. The notes feature allows you to maintain an ongoing status report for each of your tasks, including documentation of meetings, phone calls, problems, delays, etc. Just the thing when the boss wants an update on your progress! Your notes will be printed with the reports when you select the `with Notes' report option contained in the print routine. 2.5 Deleting Records You may delete records from your task lists when you're SURE you've finished with them, but beware, once you delete them - they're gone! Another option is to set up one or more categories for old tasks. This way, you maintain a historical record of task activities, of course, this depends on disk space and your own priorities. Deleting a task is as simple as highlighting the task, pressing the `F6' key, and answering `Y' to the `Are you sure?' type question. If you change your mind, answer `N' to the question and you will be returned to the program with no harm done. 2.6 Sorting/Selecting TaskBase Records Pressing the `F4' key presents you with a choice of either setting your own sorting or filtering criteria. 2.6.1 Setting Sort Criteria This option allows you to control the order in which your tasks are displayed on the screen and in reports. When you select sort, you will be shown a selection box from which you may choose the information to sort by. Simply use the arrow keys to select the information, then press `ENTER'. In addition, you may connect several selection conditions together if you wish. TaskBase 1.2 USER'S GUIDE Page 8 _____________________________________________________________________________ After selecting the sort group(s), you may experience a short delay while the program regroups your records. NOTE: The more groups which you include in your sort, the slower subsequent program execution will be. TaskBase will retain your sort preferences each time you enter the program. 2.6.2 Setting Filter Criteria This option allows you to select those records which meet selection criteria which you establish via the on-line prompt screens. Only those records meeting your criteria will be displayed. Three preset filters have already been established, including Tickler, Overdue Selection, and Completion filters. A forth choice, Custom Filter, allows you to create your own special set of conditions. Each of these options is described below. a. Automatic Tickler Selection TaskBase allows you to automatically select those tasks which are coming due. Upon selecting this option, TaskBase prompts you for a starting and ending date upon which to establish to range of uncompleted tasks which will be displayed. The default dates provided are today's dates, therefore, simply pressing ENTER will provide you with a list of those tasks which are due today. NOTE: Changing categories cancels the selection conditions and all records in the new category will be displayed. b. Automatic Overdue Selection TaskBase allows you to automatically select those tasks which are overdue. Upon selecting this option, TaskBase prompts you for a target date which is used to serve as the endpoint for the overdue list. The default is today's date, therefore, simply pressing ENTER will provide you with a list of overdue tasks as of today. NOTE: Changing categories cancels the selection conditions and all records in the new category will be displayed. TaskBase 1.2 USER'S GUIDE Page 9 _____________________________________________________________________________ c. Automatic Completion Selection TaskBase allows you to automatically select those tasks which have been completed. Upon selecting this option, TaskBase prompts you for a starting and ending date upon which to establish the range for completed tasks to be displayed. The default dates are today's dates, therefore, simply pressing ENTER will provide you with a list of those tasks which you have completed today. NOTE: Changing categories cancels the selection conditions and all records in the new category will be displayed. d. Custom Filter TaskBase allows you to create a `filter' which may be used for displaying only those records which meet a condition that you have set. When you select this option you will be presented with a window which allows you to select the information by which you want to `filter' the data. The choices are: Date Assigned, Description, Date Due, Date Done, and Priority. An additional choice is <Restore All>, which resets any filters you have selected and redisplays all the data for the particular category. After selecting a `field' to use for your filter, TaskBase will present you with a list of `operators', i.e.: > Greater Than < Less Than >= Greater Than or Equal To = Equal To =< Less Than or Equal To <> Not Equal To $ Is Contained In - FOR DESCRIPTION FIELDS ONLY (This option allows you to specify a string which may be found in your `description field'. For example, if the description contained the string: "Complete/Mail TaskBase Registration" entering any of the following strings would result in these items being selected; Mail, mail, MAIL, mAIl, It, Reg, TRA, compl, etc. NOTE that the search is NOT case-sensitive. Additionally, you will be given the TaskBase 1.2 USER'S GUIDE Page 10 _____________________________________________________________________________ option to include the NOTES in this search.) After selecting the operator, you will be prompted to enter the information which you want to use as the selection criteria. Finally, you will be asked if you want to specify another set of conditions, or to return to TaskBase using the conditions you have already set. If you specify another set of conditions, which will further narrow the scope of the items which will be displayed, you will be returned to the first selection screen, and the whole process will be repeated. NOTE: Chaining multiple conditions together uses `AND' logic. All selection conditions are cancelled when you switch categories. 2.7 Categories TaskBase categories allow you to group your tasks into bunches of related items. The concept is similar to subdirectories,i.e., its a lot easier to find something in 5 different lists of 20 things than in a single list of 100, especially if the different lists have helpful titles. TaskBase category titles can be up to 36 characters long! With TaskBase categories, you can easily switch between categories, transfer a task to a different category, or even copy a task to a different category (i.e., the task would then be in both the current and the selected categories). 2.7.1 Switching Categories TaskBase contains three different ways to switch to a different category. The normal way to switch categories is by pressing the `F7' key and selecting `Change Category'. You will then be given your list of categories from which to select. Highlight the desired category by using the up/down arrows and then select it by pressing `ENTER'. Additionally, you will be prompted to select a category when you initially enter the TaskBase system, and also when you delete the last record in a category. TaskBase 1.2 USER'S GUIDE Page 11 _____________________________________________________________________________ 2.7.2 Renaming Categories TaskBase allows you to quickly rename the current category by selecting `F7', Categories and selecting `Rename Category'. You will then be prompted for a new category name. If you change your mind, simply press `ESC' to abort the process. 2.7.3 Deleting Categories TaskBase allows you to completely delete the current category by selecting `F7', Categories and selecting `Delete Category'. You will be presented with an `Are You SURE!' question to give you a chance to change your mind. Remember, if you say `Y', the current category, and all tasks contained within it, will be gone forever! After the deletion, TaskBase will prompt you to select a new category. 2.7.4 Adding Categories TaskBase categories are generally added by pressing the `F7' key,and then selecting `<Create Category>'. You will then be prompted for a new category name, which can be up to 36 characters long. After entering a category name, you will be transferred to the new category. A task record is provided to get you started in the new category, `First entry ...', which you should edit first. There is no limit to the number of categories which you may make. 2.7.5 Transferring Tasks Between Categories TaskBase allows you to transfer a task from one category to another. For example, you may have a category for completed tasks. When you complete a task, you can transfer it to the completed tasks category to keep from cluttering up your list of active tasks. Transferring a task is done by highlighting the desired task using the up/down arrow keys, pressing `F7' to display the `Category Options' screen, and selecting `Transfer'. A listing of your categories will then appear from which you can pick. (Of course, selecting the same category will not result in a transfer.) TaskBase 1.2 USER'S GUIDE Page 12 _____________________________________________________________________________ 2.7.6 Copying Tasks Between Categories TaskBase allows you to copy a selected task from the current category to another. Unlike transfer, this process will result in the task, including associated notes, appearing in both the current and the selected category. Copying a task is done by highlighting the desired task using the up/down arrow keys, pressing `F7' to display the `Category Options' screen, and selecting `Copy'. A listing of your categories will then appear from which you can pick. (Of course, selecting the same category will not result in a copy being made.) 2.8 Printing Although TaskBase provides only four report types; Selected Records with/without Notes and All Records with/without Notes, it can be very versatile. Choosing the Selected Records option is used to print a report of those items which appear on the screen at the point you press `F8' to enter the print routine. This mode can be very versatile because you select, on-screen, the tasks to be printed using the `F4-Sort/Select' option. Basically, the task list you see on the screen is the task list which will be printed. << See Also *Printing - Report Types* >> << See Also *Printing - Select Info* >> Alternatively, choosing the All Records option provides a report of all the entries in the TaskBase system grouped by category. Either report type gives you the option of including or excluding your notes from the printed report. Several printer drivers are available which should cover most printer needs. << See Also *Printing - Printers* >> Three different print destinations are also available. You can print to either a printer, the screen, or to a file for later printing. << See Also *Printing - Destinations* >> The print routine is accessed by pressing `F8-Print'. TaskBase 1.2 USER'S GUIDE Page 13 _____________________________________________________________________________ 2.8.1 TaskBase Report Types TaskBase contains four basic reports: Selected Records with Notes Selected Records without Notes All Records with Notes All Records without Notes Choosing the `Selected Records' option provides a report which is very similar to your current screen display, i.e., they give the category, priority, date assigned, description, date due, and date done. In addition, they print the date of the report at the top. You `Select' the records which will be printed by selecting the category, then further narrowing the scope with the F4-Sort/Select routines. Only those records displayed will be printed. NOTE that the record selection routine must be done prior to selecting the print routine (F8). Choosing the `All Records' option provides a comprehensive report of all entries in the TaskBase system grouped by category. Each option allows you to elect to print your notes. If you do, the note will be printed immediately below the item to which it belongs. 2.8.2 TaskBase Reports - Selecting Information The tasks to be printed are selected and ordered before you ever select the print routine. This is done through the `F4-Sort/Select' option from the main screen. Basically, the reports are WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get). If you have already entered the print routine, and decide that you aren't happy with the tasks you have selected, simply press `ESC' and you will be returned to the main TaskBase system. 2.8.3 Supported Printers TaskBase includes 10 different printers, including: Epson EX/FX/JX/RX Epson MX Epson LQ HP LaserJet 500/+ HP LaserJet II IBM 80 CPS Graphics Panasonic KX-1091 Star Gemini 10/15-X TI 850/855 Generic Printer TaskBase 1.2 USER'S GUIDE Page 14 _____________________________________________________________________________ If your printer is not on the list, read your printer manual to find out if it emulates any of the above, i.e., generally IBM, HP or Epson, and, if not, select the `Generic Printer'. Printing with the `Generic' printer works fine, but special printer effects such as bolding, underline, and italics will show up as regular print. 2.8.4 TaskBase Report Printout Destinations You are given the choice of three destinations after selecting a report format; Screen, Printer or File. The default choice is screen. Use the up/down arrow keys to highlight a different destination and press ENTER to change the destination. Printing to the printer begins immediately. TaskBase will warn you if the printer is not ready and allow you to ready the printer and try again. If you decide not to print at this point, simply press ESC. Printing to file provides you with another selection box to determine the type of file to print, either a file which is formatted for your selected printer, or a simple DOS text file for later incorporation into you favorite word processor. NOTE TaskBase prompts you for a filename under which you want the report saved. If you want it in a drive/directory other than where TaskBase is, you can include a full drive and path identifier. For example, if you specified that you wanted the report to be saved to drive a: with a filename of tvreport, you would enter "a:tbreport". To later print the report from DOS, you would use the following command: A:>PRINT TBREPORT.PRN (TaskBase adds the PRN extension) 2.9 Using the DOS Shell TaskBase allows you to jump out to DOS to perform any little job without actually leaving the program. In addition, you are able to specify a particular program to execute when jumping to DOS! In this case, the program you specify will run, and when you quit it, you will return directly to TaskBase. TaskBase 1.2 USER'S GUIDE Page 15 _____________________________________________________________________________ We jump out to dos by taking a `snapshot' of the computer's memory - writing it to disk - and then reading it back into memory when you return. Doing this requires some information from you about memory requirements and disk drives, which is handled by the TaskBase Utilities menu. << See Also *TaskBase Utilities* >> << *DOS Paths* >> << *DOS Memory* >> << *User Menus* >> 2.10 Utilities The TaskBase utilities allow you to control the environment in which you are working when using the program. The changes made in the utilities selection are remembered by TaskBase even when you exit the program, until you decide to change them again. 2.10.1 Setting the DOS Path TaskBase allows you to temporarily exit to DOS without leaving the program. It does this by writing a snapshot of the computer's memory to disk when you exit to DOS, and then reading the memory back from disk and into the computer's memory when you return. This option allows you to specify where you want the temporary file to be placed. By default, TaskBase will write the file to the current default drive/subdirectory, which is generally fine when running TaskBase from a hard disk, however, floppy disk users may want to have a blank, formatted floppy in another drive to use for the temporary file. NOTE, in either case, the operation will be speeded up greatly if you can set up a ramdisk to direct the file to! 2.10.2 Setting the Memory Swap Size TaskBase allows you to specify the amount of memory to free up when accessing DOS. This is particularly useful if you are working with floppy disks and only need enough memory to jump out of TaskBase to perform some simple DOS functions or run small programs. If you have a hard-disk, you can generally free up enough memory to run just about any application you have. To free the maximum amount of memory, enter `0' as the amount. NOTE, TaskBase will free up all but about 10K of memory when this option is selected. TaskBase 1.2 USER'S GUIDE Page 16 _____________________________________________________________________________ The only disadvantage to freeing up more memory than you need is the time lost in writing/reading the temporary memory/disk file. CAUTION: Do not load any TSR (Terminate and Stay Resident, i.e.Sidekick) type programs with this option as this will disrupt the system memory map and TaskBase will not be able to be recalled. TSRs must be loaded before starting TaskBase. << Sidekick is a registered trademark of Borland >> 2.10.3 Setting TaskBase Screen Colors TaskBase allows you to exercise complete control over your screen colors by simply selecting the `Colors' option from the `Utilities Menu' and following the prompts. Although I'm partial to the default color palette, of course, everybody's taste is different (some are REAL different!). The final option on the screen colors menu is to personalize the header bar. This option allows you to replace the `TaskBase 1.2' with a name/phrase of your choosing. 2.10.4 Optimizing TaskBase's Database Files Database files, which is basically what TaskBase is, are notorious for slowing down after extended use. This is due to an accumulation of deleted records and note information. I strongly suggest that you run the optimization routine periodically to maintain satisfactory system performance, and to minimize the disk space required by the TaskBase data files. NOTE: By routine, I would suggest a frequency of about weekly, more or less depending upon the amount of editing/deleting you do. 2.10.5 User Defined Applications Menus TaskBase allows you to create a simple menu system from which you can run your favorite applications programs without leaving TaskBase. The `User Menu' routine allows you to add, edit, and delete items on your menu. In addition, the routine allows you to specify the amount of memory required for the application, and even allows you to create/edit DOS batch files! NOTE: When you delete a menu entry, the associated batch file, if present, is also deleted. This system is not designed to replace some of the fancier menu systems which are available, and if you are currently using one of these, I don't expect that you will replace it with this one. TaskBase 1.2 USER'S GUIDE Page 17 _____________________________________________________________________________ However, you can identify the other menu system on the TaskBase user menu and actually exit TaskBase and enter your menu system. When you leave the menu system, you will be returned to TaskBase right where you left off. 2.10.6 Selecting a Printer TaskBase allows you to select a printer from a list of several supported printers. You should do this before you print a report for the first time. If your printer is not among those listed, you have two options: First, consult your printer's users manual to see if your printer will emulate one of those listed. For example, many dot-matrix printers will emulate the IBM Graphics Printer. Second, select the `Generic Printer' option, which allows you to print all the reports, however, special print attributes such as bolding will not be available. 2.11 Quitting TaskBase Sounds simple right, press `ESC' and say `Y' to exit - and it is just this simple. But PLEASE, always leave in this manner. Never turn the computer off in the middle of the program or you may find that you're missing records the next time you use TaskBase. All disk-resident databases, and TaskBase is no exception, require some housekeeping when they are done being used. TaskBase takes care of this for you when you properly exit the program. Exiting improperly does not give it a chance to do the necessary housekeeping. While on the topic of lost records, I can't stress enough the importance of backing up your files. In the case of TaskBase, the important file skeletons are *.db?, *.ntx, and *.mem. Routinely backing these files up to ANOTHER DISK will save you alot deal of headaches at some point in the future. If problems do occur, simply copy the backup files back to the TaskBase disk or directory. 3.0 When/If Problems Occur If you have problems running TaskBase, try the following suggestions: - Ensure that your CONFIG.SYS file allows for at least 20 files and 20 buffers, i.e., it should contain the following lines: BUFFERS = 20 FILES = 20 TaskBase 1.2 USER'S GUIDE Page 18 _____________________________________________________________________________ NOTE: If you have problems running some large application programs from within TaskBase, you may have to set the `files' value even higher to ensure that DOS has enough file handles available. - Ensure that you have plenty of disk space available. - While you may put the actual TASKBASE.EXE file in any directory, as long as it is in your search path, all other files must exist in the directory from which you start TaskBase. If not, TaskBase will give you an error message stating that the necessary files don't exist. NOTE that this does not apply to the help files, however, if you do want to use help, they must be in the current directory. While we have done our best to make sure that problems don't occur, Murphy's Law says that we have missed some little bug which is sure to pop up as soon as someone else goes to use TaskBase. Software updates are generally marketed by touting new, improved features, but they also serve to fix bugs which were missed in the previous version of the program. If you think you have found a bug, please complete the attached comment sheet, or call Paradigm Software Systems, to make us aware of it so that we can address the problem in future updates. In return, we will provide you with a free update as our way of saying THANKS! The worst bug you can find will result in an error message appearing at the top of your screen. If this occurs, please record the message EXACTLY so that we have a clue as to where the problem has occured. Also try to describe the sequence of events which lead to the problem. 4.0 Wrapping it Up! We hope you find TaskBase to be as helpful as we have. The key to success is inventiveness in selecting your categories, AND religously updating your entries. Like anything, TaskBase will only be as useful as the effort you put into it, however, it provides you with a unique platform to effectively track your commitments, and their status, with a minimum of effort. Finally, we would appreciate it if you would take a few moments to print/complete the `TaskBase Comments' sheet (file COMMENT.FRM) to let us know what type of enhancements you would like to see in future versions. We want to make TaskBase work for you! TaskBase 1.2 USER'S GUIDE Page 19 _____________________________________________________________________________ 5.0 Warranty / License Agreement 5.1 Warranty The magnetic media on which the TaskBase software is recorded is warranteed to be free from material defects for a period of one year from the date of shipment. If a defect should occur during this time frame, simply return the original diskette to Paradigm Software Systems for a replacement. NOTE: Paradigm Software Systems will not be responsible for replacement of a faulty diskette which has been physically abused. The TaskBase software is provided as-is, without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. Paradigm does not warranty the suitability of the TaskBase system for any particular purpose. The availability of a demo version of the TaskBase system provides the end-user with sufficient opportunity to determine applicability of the TaskBase system for the intended purpose. In no event shall Paradigm Software Systems be liable for any direct, incidental or consequential damages attributable to the use of this software. 5.2 Software Licensing Conditions Use of the TaskBase system denotes acceptance of the following conditions: 5.2.1 Paradigm Software Systems is the owner of the TaskBase system. You do not purchase the software, but a non-exclusive license from Paradigm Computer Systems to use it. 5.2.2 The TaskBase system may be used on only a single computer at any given time. You may make backup copies of the master disk for safekeeping purposes, however, the copies may not be distributed to others. The TaskBase system may be placed on a network provided that a license has been purchased for each network node having access to the TASKBASE.EXE file. 5.2.3 The program/documentation are copyrighted by Paradigm Software Systems. You may not remove or conceal any copyright notice appearing on the program or in the documentation. 5.2.4 The TaskBase system contains computer code which is proprietary information of Paradigm Software Systems. You may not decompile, translate, reverse engineer, or disassemble this program, nor create any derivative works from it. TaskBase 1.2 USER'S GUIDE Page 20 _____________________________________________________________________________ 5.2.5 You may transfer ownership of the TaskBase license provided that the following conditions are met: a. You permanently transfer all copies of the program in your posession, including the master disks, backup master disks, and copies which may exist on your hard drive, AND b. the recipient accepts all terms of this license agreement. 5.2.6 This license agreement remains in effect until you return the program to Paradigm Software Systems, or properly transfer or destroy all copies of this program in your possession. 5.2.7 Breaching any of the aforementioned license conditions is sufficient grounds for Paradigm Software Systems to terminate the license agreement. In particular, unauthorized distribution of the TaskBase system may result in legal action to reclaim damages due to Paradigm Software Systems. If you do not accept these terms, return this package unused within 30 days and you will be given a full refund. ** TaskBase 1.2 Comment Form ** ************************************************************************** Your comments about this software and its documentation are very valuable to us! We exist only to provide the user with a commitment tracking system which is comprehensive but simple to use. Our only method for knowing about necessary changes is from you, the user. Name: ____________________________________________ Company: ____________________________________________ Title: ____________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ City,State: __________________________ Zip ____________ Phone: _________________ ************************************************************************** ** COMMENTS ** ************************************************************************** __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ **************************************************************************