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"SOFTWARE INVENTORY SYSTEM" (C) Copyright 1988, MetroSoft, Inc. Version 1.00 ----------------------------------- ------------ 1 DISCLAIMER ------------ The SOFTWARE INVENTORY SYSTEM is distributed on an "AS IS" basis only, without warranty of any kind. MetroSoft, Inc. shall not incur liability or responsibility to any person or entity with respect to liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused by this software. This includes, but is not limited to, any interruption of service, loss of business or anticipatory profits, or consequential damage resulting from the use of this software. ------------------------- 2 SHAREWARE AND THE RULES ------------------------- The SOFTWARE INVENTORY SYSTEM is distributed as "Shareware". As such, you are granted privileges to copy and distribute this program, with all of its original contents, for "EVALUATION" purposes only. It is suggested that the "Evaluation Period" be limited to 30 days. If you continue to use the SOFTWARE INVENTORY SYSTEM, you are expected to register your copy (See Section 2.1 on how to register your copy). Registration pays for continued development of this and other products, and supports the company and the Shareware Concept. You MAY NOT give away or sell the SOFTWARE INVENTORY SYSTEM in connection with any commercial product, service or venture without the written permission of MetroSoft, Inc. 2.1 How to Register the SOFTWARE INVENTORY SYSTEM +-------------------------------------------------------------+ | Send check or money order for $13.75 to: | | | | Before March 1, 1989: After March 1, 1989: | | | | MetroSoft, Inc. MetroSoft, Inc. | | 21196 Green Hill 4145 Cumberland Court | | Farmington Hills, MI 48024 Walled Lake, MI 48088 | +-------------------------------------------------------------+ Please indicate which software title you are registering!!! (in this case the SOFTWARE INVENTORY SYSTEM). Registering allows you to continue to use the program in your possession and will entitle you to special offers on upgrades to this program and new programs. IT IS REQUESTED, THOUGH NOT MANDATORY, that you print out the file REGISTER.NOW, fill it in appropriately, and send it in with your payment. (please!) -------------- 3 INTRODUCTION -------------- The SOFTWARE INVENTORY SYSTEM is a database program specifically designed towards keeping a detailed and informative inventory of all your software programs. With the SOFTWARE INVENTORY SYSTEM you will be able to track how much you've spent on software compared to retail cost, the backup status of your program diskettes, ratings for each program and average ratings for groups of software, and much more! The SOFTWARE INVENTORY SYSTEM is designed for maximum ease-of-use, quick and intuitive data entry, and concise output in the form of a variety of informative reports. On-line HELP is within reach from almost anywhere in the program simply by pressing the F1 key. ------------------------ 4 INSTALLING THE PROGRAM ------------------------ Although it is entirely possible to run the Software Inventory System from a single floppy diskette, it is highly recommended that you install the program on a hard drive system for optimum performance. 4.1 Installation Procedure The only mandatory requirement for installing the SOFTWARE INVENTORY SYSTEM is that all of the program and data files reside in the same subdirectory. Make a subdirectory, named anything you like, and copy all of the files into that subdirectory. See the next section to ensure that you have all of the necessary files for the program to run. 4.2 Program Files The following files are distributed with the SOFTWARE INVENTORY SYSTEM. Make sure that all of these files are present before you run the program. Also, if you copy and distribute this program to others please make sure that you include ALL of the files listed below: File Name Purpose -------------- ------------------------------------------------ SOFTWARE.EXE The main executable program file. SOFTWARE.HLP Data file containing Help screens that are accessed on-line via the F1 key. SOFTWARE.DOC This documentation file. CATALOG.DAT An initial database of Software Categories to get you started. CATALOG.K01 A key index file for SOFTCAT.DAT. REGISTER.NOW A text file containing the form you need to fill out and send in to register this program. Please refer to Section 2.1 for more information on registering this program. ---------------------------------------- 5 STARTING THE SOFTWARE INVENTORY SYSTEM ---------------------------------------- To start the SOFTWARE INVENTORY SYSTEM you simply change to the subdirectory where the program files are located and type SOFTWARE, then press the <ENTER> key. For example, let's say I installed the program files in a subdirectory called "SOFTINV". To start the program I would enter the following commands at the DOS prompt: CD\\SOFTINV <ENTER> SOFTWARE <ENTER> 5.1 Command Line Parameters This program supports four (4) command line options when starting up the program. Command line options are typed "after" the program name when starting the program. 5.1.1 The B Option [Beep] The B or "BEEP" option enables or disables the error beep or audible keyboard alarm. For example, the "B" switch might be used as follows when starting the program: SOFTWARE B=NO 5.1.2 The V Option [Screen Blank] The V or "Video Timeout" option allows you to vary the amount of time of inactive keyboard activity that is allowed to occur before the screen is blanked. The default is 10, which represents 10 minutes. The timeout option can be disabled by entering a value of zero. For example: SOFTWARE V=0 would disable the timeout feature. The timeout value can be set to something other than 10 minutes as in this example: SOFTWARE V=15 5.1.3 The /L Option [disable keyboard locks] Some routines in this program automatically set keyboard locks (Ex: NUM LOCK). Some computers and/or software packages are incompatible with this feature. To disable automatic setting of keyboard locks, use the /L switch. For example: SOFTWARE /L 5.1.4 The /E Option [enhanced keyboard] Use the /E option to specify that the system keyboard is an enhanced keyboard, if that is what you are using. --------------- 6 THE MAIN MENU --------------- There are four selections available from the Main Menu. Each selection is described briefly in the next few sections, and detailed in subsequent sections. 6.1 Update Software Inventory This is where you ADD, CHANGE and DELETE records in your Software Inventory database. You will be initially presented with a "Table View" of the software titles in your inventory which will only display two fields for each record (Software Title & Version). When you modify or delete a record you will then be presented with a window displaying all of the fields in the record. See Section 7 for more details. 6.2 Update Software Categories This is where you ADD, CHANGE and DELETE records in your Software Categories database. Categories are used to group the software programs in your database into common classifications for reporting purposes (Ex: One such category might be "Spreadsheets"). See Section 8 for more details. 6.3 Print Reports Selecting this option from the Main Menu will take you to another menu which lists the available reports for printing. See Section 9 for more details. 6.4 Quit Exits the SOFTWARE INVENTORY SYSTEM and returns you to DOS. ---------------------------------- 7 UPDATING YOUR SOFTWARE INVENTORY ---------------------------------- 7.1 Initial Table View When selecting "Update Software Inventory" from the Main Menu, you are initially presented with a "Table View" of the records in your Software Inventory. This Table View only displays two of the fields for each record in the database (Software Title & Version fields). Each row represents one record. You won't see any of the other available fields in the records until you choose to modify the records in some way. From the Table View you can select a desired record by either: USING THE CURSOR KEYS - Using the <UP> and <DOWN> Cursor keys you can scroll the highlighted selection bar through the table of records. You can then CHANGE the selected record by pressing <ENTER>, DELETE the record by pressing <DEL>, or ADD a brand new record by pressing the <INS> key. See Section 7.2 for more details on modifying records. USING THE SEARCH BOX - You can start typing characters in the Search Box to locate a Program Title in the Table View. This is especially convenient if you have a very large database where scrolling might take considerable time. See the next subsection for more details. 7.1.1 The "Search" Box The Search Box is a nifty little feature which enables you to find a program quickly in the Table View of your Software Inventory database. The real nifty part about the Search Box is that it does an "incremental" search with each character you type. For example, if you want to find the Program Title "Lotus 1-2-3", typing a "l" in the Search Box would immediately take you to the first record in your database that begins with the letter "L". With each subsequent letter that you type the selection bar will "zero in" on the desired record. It generally will only take a few keystrokes to zero in on the record you're looking for. 7.2 Modifying Records 7.2.1 <INS> - Add a Record You may ADD a record to your Software Inventory from anywhere within the Table View by pressing the <INS> key. This will pop up a window displaying all of the fields in the record. Of course, all of the fields will be blank since you are adding a brand new record. A message will appear at the top of the window indicating that the "Record Will be Added". Please refer to Section 7.2.4 for a description of each of the fields in the Software Inventory database. 7.2.2 <ENTER> - Change a Record You may CHANGE a record in your Software Inventory by selecting the desired record in the Table View, via either the Cursor Keys or the Search Box, and pressing <ENTER>. This will pop up a window displaying all of the fields in the record for modification. A message will appear at the top of the window indicating that the "Record Will be Changed". Please refer to Section 7.2.4 for a description of each of the fields in the Software Inventory database. 7.2.3 <DEL> - Delete a Record You may DELETE a record in your Software Inventory by selecting the desired record in the Table View, via either the Cursor Keys or the Search Box, and pressing <RETURN>. This will pop up a window displaying all of the fields in the record to be deleted. A confirmation message will appear at the top of the window, asking you to press <ENTER> to DELETE the record. 7.2.4 Fields in the Software Inventory Database SOFTWARE NAME - Enter the name of the program (Ex: Lotus 1-2-3). This field is, of course, required and must contain something. VERSION - Enter the version of the program if available. This field will accept both numeric and alpha characters (some version numbers contain both, such as 1.02F). This field is not required and can be passed over. However, I recommend putting something here...if a version number is not available then enter something like "N/A". * CATEGORY * - When you land on the CATEGORY field a window will immediately pop up displaying a list of the available categories defined in the Software Category database. Select the desired Category using the <UP> and <DOWN> Cursor Keys...the abbreviated form of the Category will be entered for you automatically. You can perform modifications on the Software Category "Table View" while it's window is popped up (ADD, CHANGE and DELETE records). This field is required and will always have something in it. The SOFTWARE INVENTORY SYSTEM comes with an initial database of Software Categories that you may modify to your needs. # OF DISKS - Enter the number of diskettes that the program resides on. This field is required. ACQUIRED - Enter the date that you acquired the program. This field is not required and may be left blank. It is simply included as a convenience which allows you to track the age of your software programs. RETAIL COST - Enter the Retail Price of this program, or any standard benchmark price that you wish. This field, in conjunction with the ACTUAL COST field, is intended to let you to monitor the "bargains" that you're getting on your software purchases. All of the reports show a comparison of RETAIL and ACTUAL costs. This field is not required and may be left blank. ACTUAL COST - Enter the Actual Price that you paid for this program. This field, in conjunction with the RETAIL COST field, is intended to let you monitor the "bargains" that you're getting on your software purchases. This field is not required and may be left blank. ----------------------------------- 8 UPDATING YOUR SOFTWARE CATEGORIES ----------------------------------- 8.1 Initial Table View When selecting "Update Software Categories" from the Main Menu, you are initially presented with a "Table View" of the records in your Software Category database. This Table View displays all two fields for each record in the database (Category Abbreviation & Description). Each row represents one record. From the Table View you can select a desired record by either: USING THE CURSOR KEYS - Using the <UP> and <DOWN> Cursor keys you can scroll the highlighted selection bar through the table of records. You can then CHANGE the selected record by pressing <ENTER>, DELETE the record by pressing <DEL>, or ADD a brand new record by pressing the <INS> key. See Section 8.2 for more details on modifying records. 8.2 Modifying Records 8.2.1 Add a Record You may ADD a record to the Software Category database from anywhere within the Table View by pressing the <INS> key. This will pop up a window displaying all of the fields in the record. Of course, all of the fields will be blank since you are adding a brand new record. A message will appear at the top of the window indicating that the "Record Will be Added". Please refer to Section 8.2.4 for a description of each of the fields in the Software Inventory database. 8.2.2 Change a Record You may CHANGE a record in the Software Category database by selecting the desired record in the Table View via either the Cursor Keys and pressing <ENTER>. This will pop up a window displaying all of the fields in the record for modification. A message will appear at the top of the window indicating that the "Record Will be Changed". Please refer to Section 8.2.4 for a description of each of the fields in the Software Inventory database. 8.2.3 Delete a Record You may DELETE a record in the Software Category database by selecting the desired record in the Table View via either the Cursor Keys and pressing <RETURN>. This will pop up a window displaying all of the fields in the record to be deleted. A confirmation message will appear at the top of the window, asking you to press <ENTER> to DELETE the record. 8.2.4 Fields in the Software Category Database CATEGORY ABBREVIATION (ABBREV) - This field serves as the link between the Software Inventory and Software Category databases. Enter any abbreviation you wish to signify the category of software that you think the particular program belongs in (i.e., SS for Spreadsheet, DB for Database, etc.). CATEGORY DESCRIPTION - This field enables you to enter a more verbose description of the Category (i.e., "Spreadsheet" for SS, "Database" for DB, etc.). What you enter here is what will appear on some Report headings. 8.3 Accessing from Software Inventory Updating When you are updating records in your Software Inventory, landing on the Category field will automatically present you with the Table View of Software Categories to choose from. This is done to allow an easy selection mechanism and ensure data integrity. You may perform all of the above-mentioned functions on the Software Category database, even when it is displayed as a selection mechanism while updating your Software Inventory. (Ex: If you find that while updating your Software Inventory that there isn't an applicable Software Category to choose from, you can add one on the fly by pressing <INS>). ------------------ 9 PRINTING REPORTS ------------------ There are three (3) different reports available for printing out whole or part of your Software Inventory. The following three sections briefly describe the characteristics of each report. Of course, the best way to get a feel for what each report looks like, and which one you prefer, is to try each one out first hand. 9.1 Group By Software Type This report prints out your "entire" Software Inventory. It will group the software programs by the categories that you assigned to them and give subtotals for each Category Group, and the Grand Totals at the end of the report. IMPORTANT: You must set your printer for "compressed" type in order for the report to fit on 8 1/2 x 11 paper. 9.2 Alphabetical Listing This report prints out your "entire" Software Inventory, alphabetized by Software Title. Grand Totals will be printed at the end of the report for selected fields. IMPORTANT: You must set your printer for "compressed" type in order for the report to fit on 8 1/2 x 11 paper. 9.3 Single Software Type This report is similar to the "Group By Software Type" report. The only difference is that this report prints the software categorized under one (1) Category only. After selecting this option you will be presented with a screen prompting you for the Category to print. You may either type in the "Category Abbreviation" or press F2 to pop-up a list (Table View) to select from. After you have selected the Category to print you are prompted to press <RETURN> to start printing the report. IMPORTANT: You must set your printer for "compressed" type in order for the report to fit on 8 1/2 x 11 paper. ----------------------- 10 WHERE TO GET SUPPORT ----------------------- All software developed and distributed by metrosoftMetroSoft, Inc., including SOFTWARE INVENTORY SYSTEM, is supported only via the Metro-Net computer Bulletin Board System. You may call the Metro-Net BBS with your modem at 313-473-5307, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 2400 or 1200 baud. [NOTE: Access to message areas on the Metro-Net BBS is FREE, which is all you need to acquire support for your software product. However, FULL access to the BBS features usually requires an annual fee of $25/year...but registered users of MetroSoft software products will only be charged $10/year. Make sure you state that you're a registered user when subscribing!] There is no direct telephone support available for MetroSoft, Inc. software products. If you are not able to access the Metro-Net BBS you may write for support assistance to: MetroSoft, Inc. 21196 Green Hill Farmington Hills, MI 48024 *IMPORTANT: After March 1, 1989 send support inquiries to: MetroSoft, Inc. 4145 Cumberland Court Walled Lake, MI 48088 ---------------------------- 11 WHERE TO SEND SUGGESTIONS ---------------------------- Any and all suggestions for enhancements to the SOFTWARE INVENTORY SYSTEM are more than welcome and, in fact, are encouraged! Also, please report any bugs or anomolies that you might experience using this program on your system. When reporting bugs or anomolies, please provide as much detail as possible regarding your system configuration and the situation at the time the anomaly was experienced (memory-resident programs running, etc.). Send suggestions and bug reports to: MetroSoft, Inc. 21196 Green Hill Farmington Hills, MI 48024 *IMPORTANT: After March 1, 1989 send support inquiries to: MetroSoft, Inc. 4145 Cumberland Court Walled Lake, MI 48088 Thank you for using the SOFTWARE INVENTORY SYSTEM...enjoy!!! ***<<<--->>>***