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Check Master - Version 2.0 Copyright (C) 1990 by Valueware! All Rights Reserved. June 7, 1990 Table of Contents 1.0 Why Use Check Master 2.0? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.1 Check Master 2.0 - Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1.2 A Word About the Distribution Method . . . . . . . . 3 1.3 Copyright Notice, Disclaimer, Trademark Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2.0 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2.1 System Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2.2 Cursor Control Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 3.0 Using Check Master 2.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 3.1 Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 3.2 Enter/Change Checks and Deposits . . . . . . . . . . 8 3.2.1 Enter a Bank Account (When Entering a Transaction) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3.2.2 Entering Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . 10 3.2.3 Changing a Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 3.2.4 Adding a Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 3.2.5 Table Listings - "Find" . . . . . . . . . . 12 3.2.6 Table Listings - Entering a New Record . . 12 3.2.7 Table Listings - Deleting a Record . . . . 12 3.2.8 Using Standard Transactions . . . . . . . . 13 3.2.9 Data Entry - How To Get a Table Listing . . 13 3.2.10 Other Transaction Entry Hints . . . . . . . 13 3.2.11 Printing Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 3.3 List Transactions for One Payee . . . . . . . . . . . 14 3.4 Cancel Outstanding Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 3.5 Print Transaction Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 3.6 Maintain Lookup Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 3.7 System Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 4.0 Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 4.1 Printer Checks and Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 4.2 Command Line Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 4.3 Memory Saving Version of Check Master . . . . . . . . 18 Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Appendix B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 i 1.0 Why Use Check Master 2.0? I have tried a number of commercial and shareware check management systems over the years (all the way from my CP/M days on a tan case Osborne I). Although I normally could get the programs to work, I always had two distinct problems: 1) The applications did not get along very well with the reality of sometimes (or even often) needing to use the paper checkbook (like at the grocery store) to write checks. The programs really wanted total control of how I wrote checks. 2) Getting around the menu system was always too cumbersome when faced with real world situations. For example, suppose that I was in the area of the program where I could cancel checks. Normally I would have gotten there by starting at the 1) main menu, 2) choosing an account to work with, 3) going back to the main menu, 4) choosing a utilities menu, 5) choosing to cancel checks, 6) marking the transactions which were listed on the bank statement, which could be three or four steps in itself. Now suppose that while in the process of canceling checks listed on the bank statement, I came across a transaction that had not been entered - like a service charge for using an automatic teller machine. In order to enter it, I would have had to exit what I was doing, go back through four or five menus to a main menu, only to have to go down through two or three more menus before I could actually enter the transaction. Then it's back up to the main menu just to get back down to where I was in order to begin canceling transactions again. The result of these two problems was always the same: the programs could not fit into the real world well enough for me to bother using them. Then at tax time, I'd always have a huge job which could have been quite easy if I'd had a check management system that was simple, practical and full-featured enough to work with throughout the year. Hence, "Check Master" was born. "Check Master" started as an application designed specifically to meet my personal check management needs. It was written in a rather obscure database language and although I could get to each of its functions very quickly, it had a fairly rough user interface. After using it successfully for over a year for my own requirements, I totally rewrote it using the Clarion Professional Developer with an eye towards actually marketing "Check Master" to people who had similar problems with their check management software. This time, I spent a lot of time on the user interface. In addition, I added many features which would enhance the functionality of "Check Master" to a much wider audience. The result is Check Master 2.0. I believe it to be the easiest, most intuitive and most practical check management application anywhere. 1 1.1 Check Master 2.0 - Features Multiple Bank Accounts. Handles multiple number of bank accounts (over 32,000) effortlessly. Windows-like Interface. Multiple windows open and overlay each other as different functions are called - it's quick and easy to use. You don't need to go up and down through endless menu structures to accomplish what you want. Prints Checks. Uses standard printer check format. Addresses Envelopes. Uses windowed envelopes; the mailing address is printed on the check. Standard Transactions. Simple, effective way to save recurring transactions for easy entry. Color or Monochrome. This is especially useful for operation on a laptop. On-line Help. You'll always know exactly what options are available simply by pressing "F1". Statement Reconciliation. Reconciling bank statements is as simple as highlighting the transactions to be canceled. Reports. Flexible reporting system is designed to help you through the process of doing your taxes. All reports can be directed to the printer, screen or a file. Automatic File Caching. Extra DOS memory is dynamically utilized by caching the transaction file and its indexes to speed performance. File Maintenance. An elegant and fully automated process to delete old transactions (for instance, previous year records after your taxes have been calculated). Transaction Logging. This is a feature normally reserved only for the most sophisticated business applications. If for any reason - like a power outage - a transaction is only partially completed (in other words, only some of the files have been updated), the system will be automatically restored exactly to its original state before the failure occurred the next time you start "Check Master." Just reenter the transaction where there was a problem. There is no need to worry about the integrity of the files. 2 1.2 A Word About the Distribution Method I'm a great believer in the shareware distribution channel. But I'm also a realist. Therefore, the shareware version of "Check Master" will not allow adding more than 15 transactions. Other than this one limitation, the system is completely operational. This many records should be enough for you to evaluate "Check Master," determine that it's a great program to manage your personal (or even small business) finances and make a purchase decision. But, instead of you sending me the license fee and me copying and sending disks through the mail, I think I've got a better and easier way. Since you have most likely downloaded "Check Master" from some type of BBS, you must have a modem and are comfortable with the process of downloading software. So I'll take advantage of that. To receive the fully-operational version of "Check Master," just follow these simple instructions: 1) Complete the Registration Form (Appendix A). 2) Send the completed registration form along with $29.95 (check or money order, please) to: Valueware! Inc. 651 Grayton Rd. Berea, OH 44017 3) Allow one (1) week, then call the Valueware! BBS on: (216) 234-9643 (300, 1200, 2400 baud) 4) Sign on to the BBS using the EXACT name and password you used on the registration form and follow the special instructions to download the latest, fully-operational version of "Check Master." If for any reason you have not downloaded the fully-operational version after four (4) weeks from my receiving the registration form and license fee, the money will be returned and/or check destroyed. By using this distribution procedure, I can minimize the administrative process, cut down on the hazards of mailing disks and save you the postage costs. You are encouraged to distribute the shareware version of "Check Master." All I ask is that it be done by using the ORIGINAL file, "CKMSTR2.ZIP". The Valueware! BBS always has the latest shareware version of "Check Master" available for downloading to each caller. Any special announcements will be posted on the BBS. In addition, all other Valueware! software products can be downloaded for evaluation. You are welcome to call the BBS anytime. 3 1.3 Copyright Notice, Disclaimer, Trademark Acknowledgements "Check Master" is copyrighted by Valueware! Inc. It is distributed exclusively by using the shareware concept. If you find "Check Master" of value, please register it. Although "Check Master" has been thoroughly tested, this software has no warranty, either expressed or implied. The use of this software is at the user's own risk. Valueware! Inc. shall in no way be responsible for any special, incidental, consequential or other damages resulting from the use and/or misuse of this software. Every effort has been made to test this software and its documentation for possible errors, but no guarantee to that effect is made. DESQview is a trademark of Quarterdeck Office Systems. IBM is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Quicken is a trademark of Intuit Corporation. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. 4 2.0 System Requirements "Check Master" is designed to run on an IBM PC or compatible computer. It requires a floppy drive with at least 400k free to hold the program and data files, although a hard disk is recommended. It has run successfully with over 400 transactions with as little as 400k of free memory (determined using CHKDSK). Time-sensitive routines have been optimized such that performance on an original 4.77 mhz PC is quite acceptable. Important! Because "Check Master" opens a number of files during operation, make sure your CONFIG.SYS file contains the following: FILES = 25 <--- Must be at least 25. If you get a "too many files" error when the program first loads, make the number of files greater than 25. BUFFERS = 20 <--- Optional; if you don't use a disk cache, this will speed performance significantly (see your DOS manual). "Check Master" has been tested and runs successfully under DESQview and Windows. 5 2.1 System Organization Because "Check Master" was designed expressly to be practical and easy to use, there are a minimum number of menus required to access all of its functions. Basically, the system is set up with one main menu from which almost everything is accomplished - in fact, there are only three sub-menus (one for reports and two utility menus). Generally, "Check Master" works like this: a) Pick an option from the main menu by highlighting it using the arrow keys and pressing "Enter". b) Anytime you need to choose something (such as a bank account number, a payee, etc.) a table listing will be presented from which to choose, again, by highlighting it using the arrow keys. c) When a table listing is shown, records can be edited by pressing the "Enter" key, added by pressing the "Insert" key or deleted by pressing the "Delete" key. The system will automatically not allow some kinds of deletions to insure data integrity. d) Default values are used whenever possible to speed data entry. e) On-line help is always available just by pressing "F1". 2.2 Cursor Control Keys When entering data into "Check Master," the following control keys are used in entry fields: Left Arrow Moves the cursor left. Right Arrow Moves the cursor right. Home Moves the cursor to the first space in the entry. End Moves the cursor to the space after the last character. Ins Toggles between overwrite and insert modes. Del Deletes the character at the cursor and pulls left. Ctrl-Home Erases the entire entry field. Ctrl-End Erases from the cursor to the end of the field. Backspace Deletes the character to the left of the cursor and moves the cursor left one space. 6 3.0 Using Check Master 2.0 To begin using "Check Master," copy all the files into one directory (for example, \CM) and type: CKMSTR <--- Press "Enter" "Check Master" will automatically create and/or open all necessary files, even recreating index files if required. You will then be presented with the main menu. 3.1 Main Menu ================================================ | Check Master 2.0 - (C) 1990 by Valueware! | | 6/07/90 | |================================================| | | | | | Enter/Change Checks and Deposits | | | | List Transactions for One Payee | | | | Cancel Outstanding Checks | | | | Print Transaction Reports | | | | Maintain Lookup Files | | | | System Utilities | | | | Quit | | | | | ==================[ F1 - Help ]================= The menu items will be explained in a moment. However, before doing anything else, the first thing you should do is press "F1" for help. Notice that the help screen overlays the main menu. This is the way all the windows work throughout the system. After reading the help screen, press "Enter" to return to the main menu. An explanation of what each of the menu items does follows: Enter/Change Checks and Deposits. This is the option you will use most often. From here you can: a) View the transaction register (checkbook register). b) Enter/change/delete transactions. c) Enter/change/delete bank accounts. d) Enter/change/delete payees. e) Enter/change/delete transaction accounts. f) Enter/change/delete standard transactions. g) Print checks. 7 List Transactions for One Payee. This is a convenient way to look at all the transactions for one payee. From here you can: a) View the transaction register for one payee. b) Enter/change/delete transactions. c) Enter/change/delete bank accounts. d) Enter/change/delete payees. e) Enter/change/delete transaction accounts. Cancel Outstanding Checks. This is where you cancel transactions to reconcile with the bank statement. From here you can: a) View the transaction register for either all non- canceled or all canceled transactions. b) Cancel transactions. c) Enter transactions. d) Enter/change/delete bank accounts. e) Enter/change/delete payees. f) Enter/change/delete transaction accounts. g) Enter/change/delete standard transaction. Print Transaction Reports. This is where all reports are printed. They are: a) All transactions for a specific bank account. b) Transactions for a specific bank account between specific dates. c) Transactions for a specific bank account and payee between specific dates. d) Transactions for a specific bank account and transaction account between specific dates. Maintain Lookup Files. This is where the lookup files (bank account, payee and transaction account) can be maintained. While these files are normally maintained while entering transactions, this option provides another place to accomplish this task. From here you can: a) Enter/change/delete bank accounts. b) Enter/change/delete payees. c) Enter/change/delete transaction accounts. System Utilities. This is where the system utilities are. From here you can: a) Change the display: color or monochrome. b) Delete old transactions before a specific date for a specific bank account. Quit. This will return you to the operating system. 3.2 Enter/Change Checks and Deposits The best way to learn how to use "Check Master" is by using it. The next sections will be explained in a tutorial format. Start by 8 selecting "Enter/Change Checks and Deposits" from the main menu. You can select a menu item either by using the arrow keys to highlight the item or by pressing the first letter of the item you wish to select. 3.2.1 Enter a Bank Account (When Entering a Transaction) You will be presented with the transaction register. The cursor will be blinking at the following prompt: Bank Account Number: __________ Press "Enter". Normally you would be presented with a table listing of all the bank accounts from which to choose. However because none exists at this point, the entry screen also appears, partially on top of the table. Notice the message, "Record will be Added." On all file entry screens, there will be a message telling you whether you are adding, changing or deleting a record. ===================================== | Bank Accounts | |=====================================| | | | Record will be Added | | | | Account No: | | Bank: | | Check No: 0 | | Balance: 0.00 | | List Order: 0 | | | ============[ F1 - Help ]============ Enter the information for your bank account as follows: Account No: <--- Actual account number. Bank: <--- Bank name. Check No: <--- This is the check number of the next check to be written. Balance: <--- Current checking account balance. This is automatically maintained by the system however, if it ever needs adjustment manually, it can be done here. List Order: <--- Because "Check Master" can maintain multiple bank accounts, the order that they appear in a table listing is most convenient if the most active account is "1", the next most active account is "2", and so forth. The system will not allow duplicate entries here. To alter the list order once a number of bank accounts are entered - for example, changing the order of two bank accounts - change the 9 first bank account list order to a "3", change the second bank account list order to a "1", then change the second bank account list order back to a "2". This procedure will not create any duplicate list order numbers. Pressing "Enter" on the last field will automatically close the entry screen and the table listing will now be active. The new account just entered will be highlighted. Pressing "Enter" will input that bank account into the transaction register. 3.2.2 Entering Transactions Normally, the transaction register would then fill with the last 15 transactions for that bank account. However, because there are no transactions, the entry screen will appear. ================================================================= | Transaction Processing Account No: 0123456789 | |-----------------------------------------------------------------| | (D)eposit/(W)ithdrawal: W W D Canceled?: N N Y | |-----------------------------------------------------------------| | | | Record will be Added | | | | Date: 6/07/90 | | Check No: 1 | | Payee: Amount: 0.00 | | Account: | | Comment: | | | ==========================[ F1 - Help ]========================== Press "F1" for help to see how to maneuver around the entry screen with arrow keys, "ESC", "Enter", "Ctrl-ESC" and "Ctrl-Enter". Enter a transaction as follows: (D)eposit/(W)ithdrawal: <--- You have a choice of "W" or "D" with the default Withdrawal. To make it as easy as possible, "Check Master" uses the same screen for writing checks, making deposits and automatic withdrawals. To write a check, select the default entry by pressing "Enter". Canceled?: <--- You have a choice of "Y"es or "N"o with the default No. Generally, a transaction will not be canceled by the bank at the time you enter it so select the default entry by pressing "Enter". Date: <--- The date shown will be the DOS system date for the first transaction entered. Thereafter, the default date will be the date of the last transaction entered. This 10 is especially convenient when entering a number of transactions a day or two after they actually occurred. Press "Enter" to accept the default date. Check No: <--- The check number will be the next check number that you entered earlier for that bank account. Press "Enter" to accept the default entry. The check number will be automatically incremented and maintained by the system. If you were entering a (D)eposit, this would have automatically defaulted to "DEP". If you were entering an automatic or ATM withdrawal, just blank the field with spaces - "AUTO" will automatically be entered. Payee: <--- You could type the payee in manually, but don't waste the time. Just press "Enter". (If you had been entering a (D)eposit, "Deposit" would already have been entered for you). A table listing of all payees in the system will appear. Press "F1" for help to see what the options are. There is a lot you can do from here, but that will be explained later. For now, just press "Enter" to select the first record, "American Express." Amount: <--- Enter the actual check amount. Account: <--- This is the transaction account which categorizes your transactions. It is particularly useful when preparing your taxes. It works just like the payee field. Press "Enter" and select "Credit Cards" from the table listing. Comment: <--- The final field is, optionally, for any comments you want to make to help describe the transaction. It will be printed on the check as a memo. Upon pressing "Enter" for the last time, the transaction will be saved. It will take a few seconds to complete as a number of files are being updated. In addition, the transactions are logged in case a disaster, such as a power failure, occurs mid-way through the file updating process. Once completed, the entry screen disappears and the transaction register now contains the new record with the balance adjusted accordingly. That's it! That's all it takes to enter a check. It's easy because "Check Master" makes the best use of defaults and lookup files to help you throughout the process. But to really see the ease, power and flexibility of "Check Master," let's continue. 11 3.2.3 Changing a Record Press "F1" for help. As you can see on the help screen, if you press "Enter", you can edit the highlighted record. Return from help and do it, then change the amount. Once completed, you will be back at the transaction register again with the edited transaction highlighted and the balance adjusted for the new amount. 3.2.4 Adding a Record Press "F1" again. As shown on the help screen, to enter a new transaction, press "Insert". Return from help and do it. This time, you will explore some of the other options when entering the payee and/or transaction account. Accept the defaults for (D)eposit/(W)ithdrawal and Canceled? fields. This time, change the date. Accept the default check number. Notice that it was automatically incremented. 3.2.5 Table Listings - "Find" Press "Enter" on the payee field. A table listing of all the payees is presented. Now type "c". Notice how the highlighted bar automatically jumps to "Cash," the first payee beginning with the letter "c". Now type "z". The bar drops down to "Deposit" because there are no payees which begin with "cz". Now, backspace (with the backspace key, not the left arrow) to erase the "z". The bar jumps back to "Cash." Using this technique, you can find the right payee very quickly, even if the payee file has hundreds of entries in it. 3.2.6 Table Listings - Entering a New Record Press "F1" for help. Once again, the "Enter" and "Insert" keys operate as above. Return from help and press "Insert" to enter a new payee. The entry screen is self-explanatory. If the mailing address information is entered, when checks are printed, the address is included on the check. When completed, press "Enter" and the new payee will be added and highlighted on the table listing. Press "Enter" again and it will be automatically entered into the check. Enter an amount. Using the same technique used above with the payee field, enter a new transaction account and input it into the check. Enter a comment (optional) and press "Enter". The entry screen will disappear and the new transaction will be listed on the transaction register in date order. 3.2.7 Table Listings - Deleting a Record To delete a transaction, just highlight it and press "Delete". (See Section 3.2.10 for additional information). The transaction entry screen will open, prompting "Press Enter to Delete". To leave without deleting the record, press "ESC". Once a record has been deleted it cannot be recovered, so be careful. Delete the second transaction you entered. 12 3.2.8 Using Standard Transactions Let's add a deposit, this time by using a "standard transaction." Press "Insert" to add a transaction. Press "F1" for help. As shown on the help screen, a standard transaction can be entered by pressing "F2". Return from help and do it. You will be presented with a table listing of standard transactions from which to choose. Pressing "Enter" selects the highlighted transaction, pressing "Insert" allows you to enter a standard transaction, pressing "Ctrl-Enter" edits the highlighted transaction and pressing "Delete" deletes that record. Press "Enter" to select the first standard transaction. The transaction entry screen is instantly completed. 3.2.9 Data Entry - How To Get a Table Listing Notice that the default date is the date from the last transaction entered. As you begin editing the fields as required, note that when the payee and/or transaction account fields have been entered with values that exist in their respective files, no table listing is presented. If you want the table listing to show, blank the field (or delete at least enough of the entry to ensure that no match will be found in the file) and press "Enter". The table listing will then appear. This characteristic also holds true when prompted for bank accounts. 3.2.10 Other Transaction Entry Hints When the entry screen is completed, the deposit will be added to the transaction register. Notice that all withdrawals show negative amounts and all deposits are positive even though you always enter transaction amounts as positive numbers. Check Master presents a table listing anytime you are being prompted to enter a value for a bank account, payee, transaction account or standard transaction. Pressing "Enter" will select the highlighted record and automatically input it into the field. If you want to edit the highlighted record of a table listing, press "Ctrl-Enter". To delete a record from a lookup file (bank account, payee or transaction account), highlight the record and press "Delete". Check Master will search the transaction file to see if there are any transactions which refer to the highlighted record. If there are, the message, "Cannot DELETE; Record In Use" will appear. Check Master will not allow such deletes in order to maintain data integrity. Press "ESC" to continue. The check number will normally be automatically incremented when entering new checks. It will not increment when editing checks, adding deposits or automatic withdrawals. Check Master determines whether to increment the check number by examining whether the check number on the selected transaction equals the "Check No" field for that bank account. If they are equal, the "Check No" field is incremented for the next check. If they are not equal, the field is left as is. Therefore, if you set the "Check No" field for a bank account to "20" and begin adding checks at number "1", the check 13 number will not automatically increment until you get to check number "20". If your check number ever gets out of sync, such as in this example, just edit the "Check No" field by editing the proper bank account. 3.2.11 Printing Checks From the transaction register, press "F1" for help. As shown on the help screen, to print a check, all you need to do is highlight the check you want to print and press "F2". Return from help. If you have a printer connected, do it and notice the format of the check. (See Section 4.1 for more information). Press "ESC" twice and you should be back at the main menu. Just think, you did all that from just one menu option! Let's continue with the other options on the main menu. 3.3 List Transactions for One Payee From the main menu, select "List Transactions for One Payee." The familiar transaction register appears. Assuming that you did not quit "Check Master," the bank account number already appears in the prompt. Just press "Enter" to accept it. (Read Section 3.2.9 again if you want to select/add another bank account). You are now prompted for a payee. Type it in or just press "Enter" for the familiar payee table listing. Select "American Express." Assuming that you did not delete that transaction, it will appear in the transaction register. You can enter/change/delete transactions just as above. The only caveat is that when you enter a transaction with a payee other than the one selected, while the transaction will be saved, it will not be shown in this listing. This is because it has a payee that does not match the selection criteria. If you select a payee which has no transactions associated with it, the prompt will clear, awaiting reentry. Note that it may take a short time to list transactions for one payee if the number of transactions which qualifies is high (say, 50+ on a 4.77 mhz PC). Press "ESC" a couple of times (or "Ctrl-ESC" once) to return to the main menu. 3.4 Cancel Outstanding Checks From the main menu, select "Cancel Outstanding Checks." Enter the bank account number if it is not already there using the table listing feature described above. You are then prompted with a choice, "Canceled Checks: N Y". Select the default "N". All transactions in that bank account which have not been canceled will be listed. To cancel a transaction, simply highlight it, press "Enter", then confirm by pressing "Enter" again. The canceled transaction will no longer show on the transaction register. You can add transactions by pressing "Insert" and proceeding as explained in Section 3.2.2. 14 Assuming that you balanced with the bank as of the last statement, the procedure when the new bank statement comes is very simple. Just cancel the transactions listed on the statement, add any transactions not in "Check Master" that are on the statement, such as an ATM fee, and the balances should agree - on the first try! If you mistakenly canceled a transaction, simply go to the main menu, select "Enter/Change Checks and Deposits" and edit the incorrect transaction. Note that it may take a short time to list transactions that either have or have not been canceled if the number of transactions which qualifies is high (say, 50+ on a 4.77 mhz PC). 3.5 Print Transaction Reports From the main menu, select "Print Transaction Reports." A sub-menu will appear as follows: ================================================ | Report Transactions | |================================================| | | | | | All Transactions | | | | Transactions for One Payee | | | | Transactions for One Account Type | | | | Transactions Between Dates | | | | | ================================================ In each case, you will be prompted for the selection criteria, using table listings whenever possible. All transactions with dates equal to those entered will be included in the report, e.g. if the beginning date is 4/12/90 and ending date is 4/13/90, all transactions for 4/12/90 and 4/13/90 will be included. After the selections are made, you are then prompted with "Printer, Screen, File." If you select: Printer <--- You will be prompted to ready the printer. Press any key to begin the report, "ESC" to abort printing. A status screen will review printing progress. Press any key (except "ESC") to pause the report; any key to restart. Press "ESC" to abort the report while printing. Press "Enter" when complete. 15 Screen <--- The screen will clear and the report will begin listing to the screen. Press any key (except "ESC") to pause the report; any key to restart. Press "ESC" to abort the report while listing. Press "Enter" when complete. File <--- You will be prompted for a filename (including optional pathname and extension). As a precaution against overwriting any important "Check Master" data files, you cannot enter a filename with the extension of ".DAT". If the file already exists, you will be prompted whether or not you would like to replace the file. Once a filename is entered, a status screen will review progress. Press any key (except "ESC") to pause the report; any key to restart. Press "ESC" to abort the report while writing to the file. Press "Enter" when complete. The reports themselves are self-explanatory. 3.6 Maintain Lookup Files From the main menu, select "Maintain Lookup Files." A sub-menu will appear as follows: ========================================== | Maintain Lookup Files | |==========================================| | | | | | Enter/Change Bank Accounts | | | | Enter/Change Payees | | | | Enter/Change Accounts | | | | | ===============[ F1 - Help ]============== These options work exactly as described in Section 3.2. 3.7 System Utilities From the main menu, select "System Utilities." You will be presented with the following sub-menu: 16 ========================================== | Maintain System | |==========================================| | | | | | Change Default Colors | | | | Delete Old Transactions | | | | | ===============[ F1 - Help ]============== If you select: Change Default Colors <--- You are given a choice between <C>olor or <M>onochrome. Once selected, you must restart "Check Master" for the change to be instituted. Delete Old Transactions <--- After entering the bank account, you are prompted for the last transaction date you want to delete from the file. (Pressing "ESC" will backup through the menu). Once entered, "Check Master" will delete all transactions for that bank account before and inclusive of that date. In addition, the payee and transaction account files will be purged of any records not referenced by a transaction. Remember, once a transaction is deleted, it is gone forever! Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you write those transactions to a file, as described in Section 3.5, before you delete them so you can at least print them from DOS if you need to. 17 4.0 Other Information There are a few miscellaneous features to be discussed. 4.1 Printer Checks and Envelopes The format used for printing checks and envelopes is identical to that used by "Quicken." Listed below is order information from three different suppliers of checks and envelopes: Intuit NEBS Inc. Deluxe Computer Forms 540 University Ave. 500 Main St. and Supplies Palo Alto, CA 94301 Groton, MA 01471 1275 Red Fox Rd. (800) 624-8742 (800) 225-9550 P.O. Box 64046 (800) 468-8481 (in CA) St. Paul, MN 55164 (800) 328-0304 (612) 631-8500 (in MN) 4.2 Command Line Switches "Check Master" is set up with certain defaults which can be customized. First, the system will beep if an erroneous key is pressed, such as typing a letter into a numeric field. Second, there is a built-in screen saver which blanks the screen after 10 minutes of inactivity. Pressing any key will restore the screen. Third, Num Lock will automatically come on when entering fields requiring numeric entry and go back to its original state for fields requiring alphabetic entry. These features may each be disabled using command line switches when starting up "Check Master." For example: CKMSTR /B=NO <--- Disables beep. CKMSTR /V=0 <--- Disables the screen saver. By replacing the "0" with a number, say "5", the screen will be blanked after five minutes. CKMSTR /L <--- Disables keyboard locks. Important! Some computer/keyboard combinations may not work without this switch. All three switches can be put on the command line to disable all three features simultaneously. 4.3 Memory Saving Version of Check Master While "Check Master" is not particularly memory hungry - requiring about 400k free - another version which utilizes overlays has been developed. This version, which in all other aspects is identical to the distributed version, requires about 50k less memory. The trade- off is that most individual procedures will require some limited disk access time before running. If you have a fast hard disk, the delay is almost imperceptible. The choice is yours. The overlay version is available on the Valueware! BBS as "CKMSTROV.ZIP". 18 Appendix A To register for the latest, fully-operational version of "Check Master," just follow these simple instructions: 1) Complete the Registration Form (attached below). 2) Send the completed registration form along with $29.95 (check or money order, please) to: Valueware! Inc. 651 Grayton Rd. Berea, OH 44017 3) Allow one (1) week then call the Valueware! BBS on: (216) 234-9643 (300, 1200, 2400 baud) 4) Sign on to the BBS using the EXACT name and password you used on the registration form and follow the special instructions to download the latest, fully-operational version of "Check Master." If for any reason you have not downloaded the fully-operational version after four (4) weeks from my receiving the registration form and license fee, the money will be returned and/or check destroyed. By using this distribution procedure, I can minimize the administrative process, cut down on the hazards of mailing disks and save you the postage costs. If you ABSOLUTELY MUST receive "Check Master" on diskette, then I need to charge an additional $15.00 for diskettes, postage and handling expenses. If this is your requirement, please indicate on your registration form what size (3 1/2" or 5 1/4") diskettes you need. A diskette with the file CKMSTR2R.ZIP, which includes all the files listed in Appendix B (except index files - they will be created automatically), will be sent back to you as soon as possible. You are encouraged to distribute the shareware version of "Check Master." All I ask is that it be done by using the ORIGINAL file, "CKMSTR2.ZIP". The Valueware! BBS always has the latest shareware version of "Check Master" available for downloading to each caller. Any special announcements will be posted on the BBS. In addition, all other Valueware! software products can be downloaded for evaluation. You are welcome to call the BBS anytime. 19 Registration Form First Name: ____________________________________________ Last Name: ____________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________ State: ___________________ Zip: _____________ Valueware! BBS Logon Password: ______________ (Don't forget it!) ====================================================================== Order Information Quantity Price Ea. Total Check Master - Version 2.0 _______ $ 29.95 _______ Handling Charge ($15.00 - diskette orders only) _______ Sales Tax @ 7% (Ohio Only) _______ Total _______ Thank you for your business! Appendix B Following is a list of "Check Master" files with a brief description of each: CKMSTR.EXE <--- "Check Master" system executable file. CHKBOOK.HLP <--- Help file. CKBKDEF.DAT <--- Contains system parameters. CKBKTRAN.DAT <--- Contains all the transaction data. CKBKTRAN.K? <--- Transaction index files. CKBKSYS.DAT <--- Contains bank account data. CKBKSYS.K? <--- Bank account index files. CKBKPAY.DAT <--- Contains payee data. CKBKPAY.K? <--- Payee index files. CKBKACNT.DAT <--- Contains transaction account data. CKBKACNT.K? <--- Transaction account index files. CKBKSTDT.DAT <--- Contains standard transaction data. CKBKSTDT.K1 <--- Standard transaction index file. CKMSTR2.DOC <--- "Check Master" system manual.