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1992-07-01
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FAST: Full Automotive Service Tracking
USER REFERENCE GUIDE
The following program documentation consists of the following
sections:
I General Info
II Vehicles Menu
III Expense Log Menu
IV Reports Menu
V Options Menu
This file (FAST.TXT) may be viewed from within the program
whenever "Information" is selected on the menu screen. Do not
modify the file, or its on-line accessibility may be lost.
Contents of the program and documentation are Copyright (C) 1992
by TBX Software. All rights are reserved.
I GENERAL INFO
FAST will run on IBM-compatible computers using DOS Version
2.1 or greater. Although not strictly necessary, recommended are
a hard disk drive and color monitor. As with many programs, you
should also find that performance is maximized using the highest
processor speed available. In addition, as much memory as
possible should be freed up beforehand. Running FAST with TSR's
loaded, from DOS shells, or from other programs may cause
unexpected errors, or may not leave enough memory for the program
to run.
The FAST package contains the following files:
FAST.EXE: Executable program
FAST.CAR: Storage of vehicle data
FAST.LOG: Storage of vehicles' expense history
FAST.SYS: Storage of system set-up options
FAST.TXT: Program documentation (user guide)
FAST.REG: Printable registration form
Program data storage files must be present in the directory
where FAST is run; otherwise the program will fail to execute.
The program is installed simply by copying the files from the
disk on which you received FAST to any pre-existing directory of
your choice. (Example: In DOS (at C:\>), type MD FAST to create a
disk directory C:\FAST. Then with the distribution disk in A:,
type, at the DOS prompt, the following: COPY A:FAST.* C:\FAST/V
Type CD FAST to then change to the directory C:\FAST.) To start
the program, simply type FAST and then press <Enter>.
Your copy of FAST may already have data saved in its files. If
this is so, you may use this sample data to become better
acquainted with the program's functions, before the saving of
your actual data occurs. Existing vehicles are displayed by
selecting any function on the "Vehicles" menu, or by producing a
"Vehicle Listing" report.
When you would like to begin a completely new database, as is
preferable when initially saving your own data, and you want to
remove any data that was included with the program, press <Ctrl-N>
on the program menu screen to invoke the file initialization
procedure. The applicable key controls will be displayed along
with a warning telling you that all FAST data saved will be lost
during the procedure. Two opportunities will be presented to
cancel the operation if you so choose. The frequent back-up of
your data will prevent the unintentional loss of data through
this or any other manner.
When FAST is started, file data is accessed automatically by
the program. On the main (menu) screen, menus are selected by
pressing the left/right arrows or the capitalized letters on the
menu bar. Functions are selected by pressing the up/down arrows
and then <Enter> when the desired function is highlighted, or by
pressing the corresponding displayed function key. In FAST, <Esc>
can be used, almost universally, to terminate just about any
procedure or step you are undertaking at that moment.
FAST is very easy to run and to learn how to use. It is a
straightforward, uncomplicated program which makes the tasks of
automobile service tracking and record-keeping seem effortless.
Apart from its automatic scheduled maintenance tracking features,
FAST enables you to check any past maintenance or repair expense
record by using its selective history reporting capability.
FAST is designed to save you considerable time and money over
the long run. For the cost of a nominal registration fee, it is an
investment we think most users will consider worthwhile. You may
print the registration form by typing TYPE FAST.REG >LPT1 in DOS.
II VEHICLES MENU
/ ADD /
The "Add" function is the first step in using a new database,
since a vehicle must be identified before services can be tracked
or recorded for it. All new vehicles to be tracked by the program
are entered via the "Add" function.
After pressing <Enter> to add a new vehicle to the database, a
data entry window will appear, into which you may enter in the
appropriate fields the data which applies. You will find that the
direction keys, PgUp, PgDn, Home, End, Insert, Delete, and Enter
all have specialized functions when used while working within a
data entry window.
The vehicle description fields help you easily distinguish
between similar vehicles you may be entering. You may abbreviate
words or leave one or more fields blank at your option. The
"Description" field can be used to record further detailed info
or a brief comment about the vehicle. The Vehicle Identification
Number, a serial number issued to all vehicles by the
manufacturer for purposes of title and registration, may be
entered in the field labeled "VIN". You may enter the date and
mileage of the vehicle when initially in your possession under
the "Acquisition Date/Mileage" field.