The Business Master (4th Edition)

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ The Business Master (4th Edition) / The Business Master - 4th Edition.iso / files / busition / logbook / lbm.doc next >

Wrap

Text File | 1993-06-02 | 25.0 KB | 780 lines

THE LOG BOOK MANAGER a product of Saturday Morning Software 3423 Fieldcrest Ave. Columbus, GA 31907 ASSOCIATION OF SHAREWARE PROFESSIONALS This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536. Contents I. Introduction About The Log Book Manager 3 About Shareware 4 Agreement 4 Registration 5 System Requirements 6 Installation 6 Getting Started 6 II. Log Files Types Of Files 7 Creating A New Log 7 Opening An Existing Log 7 Changing The Path 8 III. Log Entries Making An Entry 8 Indexing An Entry 8 Setting A Reminder 9 IV. Reading A Log First & Last Entries 10 View Index 10 View Reminders 10 Search Options 10 V. Printing Formats 11 Setting The Output Device 11 VI. Utilities Deleting An Index Topic 12 Renaming A Log 12 Deleting A Log 12 Copying A Log 12 Set Default Path 13 Page 2 I. INTRODUCTION About The Log Book Manager The LOG BOOK MANAGER (LBM) is a log book management system which utilizes the power of your computer to maintain your log books. LBM files, timestamps, indexes, searches, and allows you to set reminder dates so that an entry may be tagged for viewing at a later date. LBM also provides the option of printing sections of your log by index topic, date range, all occurrences of a given keyword, or a combination of these. LBM is an excellent choice for keeping any kind of equipment or activity logs. The ability to subdivide the log entries into index categories allows you to better organize your log, while simultaneously maintaining chronological recordkeeping. LBM will maintain as many separate logs as you need. LBM was designed around a text-based windowing format. This means that the program is user friendly, because all choices are presented to you in a menu selection format. Simply move the cursor (which highlights the current menu selection) to the desired activity and press {ENTER}. Some items may be selected by pressing the Quick Select Key, which is the highlighted letter of a menu item. If the item you have chosen has sub-items attached, you will be given another menu to select from. This continues until the program has enough information to complete the desired task. Extensive error checking is performed on all data entry fields, thus an error message will be displayed if any data cannot be processed. Thank you for trying the Log Book Manager. If you have any comments or suggestions, please send them to: Steve Roush Saturday Morning Software 3423 Fieldcrest Avenue Columbus, GA 31907 CompuServe ID# 75310,1572 Page 3 DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details -- some request registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using the software to an updated program with printed manual. Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. For example, some authors require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware. Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it. AGREEMENT Users of THE LOGBOOK MANAGER must accept this disclaimer of warranty: "THE LOGBOOK MANAGER is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of THE LOGBOOK MANAGER ." Page 4 Registration THE LOGBOOK MANAGER (LBM) is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of another system. The essence of "user-supported" software is to provide personal computer users with quality software without high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to continue to develop new products. If you find this program useful and find that you are using LBM and continue to use LBM after a reasonable trial period, you must make a registration payment of $25 to Saturday Morning Software. The $25 registration fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time. You must treat this software just like a book. An example is that this software may be used by any number of people and may be freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as there is no possibility of it being used at one location while it's being used at another. Just as a book cannot be read by two different . Commercial users of LBM may obtain a Site-License by contacting Saturday Morning Software. Registered users will receive a copy of the program that contains no registration reminders, a printed copy of the user's guide, program update information, and help resolving any problems encountered while using this program. Anyone distributing LBM for any kind of remuneration must first contact Saturday Morning Software for authorization. This authorization will be automatically granted to distributors recognized by the (ASP) as adhering to its guidelines for shareware distributors, and such distributors may begin offering LBM immediately (However Saturday Morning Software must still be advised so that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest version of LBM.). You are encouraged to pass a copy of LBM along to your friends for evaluation. Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that they can use it. All registered users will receive a copy of the latest version of the LBM system. Page 5 System Requirements LBM is designed for use on any IBM or compatible. As with any program that stores data, the more disk space you have the better. Only your disk capacity limits the size of any given log. Installation To install LBM on your hard disk, at the root directory: 1. MD LBM {ENTER} (creates a subdirectory named LBM) 2. CD \LBM {ENTER} (changes the current directory to LBM) 3. Insert program disk into Drive A (or other diskette drive of your choice) 4. COPY A:*.* {ENTER} (copies the program into LBM subdirectory) The files that will be copied into the LBM subdirectory are: LBM.EXE (program file) SAMPLE.IDX (sample index file) SAMPLE.LOG (sample log and brief descriptions of LBM's capabilities) SAMPLE.REM (reminder File) Getting Started To start LBM change to the LBM directory (CD \LBM {ENTER}) and type LBM.EXE. {ENTER}. To view the sample log, use your cursor keys to highlight "OPEN LOG" and {ENTER} (when you first start the program this is done for you). Use the cursor keys to select "OPEN EXISTING LOG" and {ENTER}. A list of the log files found in the current directory are now available for selection. For this example select SAMPLE and {ENTER}. Notice that the status line at the bottom of the screen indicates the Active Log is now SAMPLE. Any of the selections you now make will reference the SAMPLE log. Select "READ LOG" and {ENTER}. A list of log viewing options will display. At this point you are ready to start using the sample log. Please use this log to move through all of the menu selections and become acquainted with the program. Once you have used the options you will have a better idea how to organize your log entries and get the most benefit for your individual requirements. Page 6 II. LOG FILES Types of Files The .LOG file contains the actual log entries. LBM provides no method of altering this file once it has been saved, other than deleting it entirely. This was done to insure the integrity of your log entries. The .IDX file contains the Index Topic information for each .LOG. This file is a record of the Index Topic names and associated log entries. This list is maintained in RAM memory while the program is running, which provides for a faster response time when viewing your index. The .IDX file is updated each time the Index Topic list is modified. The .REM file contains the reminder information for each .LOG. It is a list which attaches a reminder date to a .LOG entry. This information is also maintained in RAM memory for a faster response time, and is updated each time a reminder is set or modified. The location of these files is determined by the "OPEN LOG" "CHANGE PATH" menu selections. This allows you to keep log files in different directories or even on different disks if you wish. Creating A New Log Select "OPEN LOG" and "CREATE NEW LOG" from the menu. Type a name for the new log. The log name follows the DOS naming convention, so you are allowed a maximum of eight characters. Use alphanumeric characters only when naming log files. Spaces will be converted to "_" and .LOG will automatically be appended by LBM. LBM will also create the .IDX and .REM files at this time. This log becomes the active log and is now ready for use. Opening An Existing Log Select "OPEN LOG" and "OPEN EXISTING LOG" from the menu. A list of the log files found in the current directory will be displayed. Use the cursor keys to select the log you want to open and press {ENTER}. You will be returned to the main menu and the active log indicator at the bottom right of the screen will show the name of the log you have selected. This is considered to be the active log and any changes or additions will be made to this log. Page 7 Changing The Path Select "OPEN LOG" and "CHANGE PATH" from the menu. Move the cursor to the desired path and press {ENTER}. Press {ESC} to exit this selection without changing the path. The Default Path may be changed in the same manner by selecting the "UTIL" "SET DEFAULT PATH". This option is further described in Section VI. III. LOG ENTRIES Making An Entry To make an entry in a log select "MAKE ENTRY" from the main menu. A "page" of the log book is displayed. The "page" consists of three parts: the timestamp, which is automatically assigned; the name field, used to identify the person making the entry; and the description area. This area consists of 5 lines of 60 characters each. You may press {ESC} to return to the main menu at any time before you commit to save the entry. If your text does not completely fill the space provided, press {ENTER} until the option menu is displayed. You may select either "SAVE" or "SAVE WITH OPTIONS" to save the entry. Attaching options to an entry gives you the ability to better manage the information you collect in your log. There are two options that can be applied to a log entry: the Index and the Reminder. When an entry is saved it is given a timestamp that shows the date and time an entry was recorded. At this point the entry cannot be altered or removed from the log, thus maintaining the authenticity of your entries. However, the Index and Reminder options may be updated at any time. Indexing An Entry The Index allows you to attach an entry to a Topic that you create. You can attach any number of entries to a single Topic, and create as many Topics as you wish. For example, suppose you are keeping a log of audio/visual equipment use. You could create a separate Index for projectors, tape recorders, VCRs, TVs, etc. Whenever a log entry is made that pertains to one of these categories, you simply add the entry to the Index. If you need to review all of the log entries that relate to VCRs, you Page 8 don't have to search the entire log, you simply view the entries attached to the VCR Index. The Index Topics may easily be set up to identify a department or names of individuals. If the list of indexes becomes too lengthy you may consider subdividing the list and creating multiple logs. To attach a new entry to an Index Topic, select "SAVE WITH OPTIONS" when you are ready to save the current entry. You may choose either "CREATE INDEX," which allows you to define and attach the entry to a new Index Topic, or "ADD TO INDEX," which gives you a list of Index Topics that have already been defined. Use the cursor keys to select a Topic and press {ENTER}; the entry is now attached to that Topic. While viewing the list you may press {ESC} to return to the previous menu without attaching the entry to any Topic. Select "SAVE" and your log entry will be added to the log file. Note that an entry may be attached to more than one Topic, and can be attached to a Topic at any time, whether upon initial saving or at a later viewing time. (See Section VI. UTILITIES for instructions on deleting Index Topics.) Setting A Reminder The Reminder provides a method of date-tagging an entry so that it can easily be located at a later date. Returning to the example listed above, suppose that tape recorders are loaned for three days. When a log entry is made for a tape recorder you can attach a reminder date of three days from the date it was loaned. When it is time to check the equipment return date, you can view only the entries that have a reminder date equal to or older than the current date. Likewise you can view all entries that have a reminder date regardless of its age. Setting a Reminder is also done from the "SAVE WITH OPTIONS" menu selection. To set a Reminder select the "SET REMINDER" option. Enter the date that the Reminder will be considered active. You may press {ESC} from the date entry field to return to the previous menu without setting a reminder. Select "SAVE" and your log entry will be added to the log file. Again, note that reminders may be updated and removed at any time while viewing the log entries. Page 9 IV. READING A LOG The data you have logged may be accessed several ways. You may open a log to either the first or last page and scroll through the entries in the order that they were entered. You may also read the entries by Index Topic, reminder dates, or you may choose to read the entries containing a particular keyword. All of these options are available through the "READ LOG" menu. First & Last Entries Selecting the "FIRST ENTRY" option will display the very first entry in the log. You may scroll through the entries by choosing "NEXT PAGE" and "PREV PAGE." Selecting "LAST ENTRY" opens the log to the last entry and allows you to page through the entries starting with the most recent entry. While viewing an entry, you may choose to add the current entry (the one being viewed) to an Index Topic, or you may set or change the reminder date of the entry. View Index The "VIEW INDEX" option displays a list of the Index Topics added to the log. Choosing a topic will allow you to view the entries that have been attached to the selected topic. You may set or modify a reminder date of the current entry, as well as remove the entry from the current Index Topic. Please note that this will not remove the entry from the log, but will only delete the entry from the Index Topic list. View Reminders The "VIEW REMINDER" option allows you to either read the entries with reminder dates equal to or older than the current date ("CURRENT REMINDERS"), or view all entries that have a reminder date attached ("ALL REMINDERS"). You may also modify the reminder date of the current entry. Search Options The "SEARCH" option allows you to view only the log entries containing a given keyword, or open the log to a given date (or closest match) and scroll through the log from there. While viewing these entries, the reminder and index options are available. Page 10 Select "SPECIFY TEXT" to search for a keyword. Enter the starting and ending dates of the search (the prompt defaults to the first and last log entry dates), and the text you want to search for. The first entry with the desired text will display. Only the first occurrence of the searched text in each entry will be highlighted. Select "NEXT PAGE" to continue to the next entry with the keyword. Select "SPECIFY DATE" to open the log to a given date. V. PRINTING Formats A log may be printed by Index Topic, Date Range, and Keyword. Select "PRINT" from the main menu and choose the desired format. Setting The Output Device LBM will automatically send the print commands to the LPT1 port. If you do not use LPT1 select "PRINT" and "CHANGE OUTPUT DEVICE". You may now choose from a list of common devices or you may select "OTHER". Selecting "OTHER" would most likely be used to direct the printer output to a disk file. This is accomplished by entering a path and file name at the Device prompt. If the requested device cannot be opened, check the device name shown in the error message for proper spelling and placement of backslashes ( \ ). After a new output device is selected you will be asked if you want to make this device the default device. Answering yes will result in the default output device being permanently changed in the LBM.CFG file. If you answer no, this device will be active only for the current session. VI. UTILITIES Several maintenance utilities are provided by LBM. These features enable you to perform file maintenance without returning to DOS. You may delete, copy and rename log files using the Utility option. You may also delete Index Topics through the Utility option. Page 11 Deleting An Index Topic Select "UTIL" and "DELETE INDEX TOPIC." If any Index Topics have been created for the active log, a list will display. Select the Index Topic you wish to remove and press {ENTER}. After confirming your selection the Index Topic will be removed from the list. This removes the Topic from the Index Topic List, but will not remove any entries from the log. (To remove an entry from an Index Topic refer to View Index in Section IV. READING A LOG.) Renaming A Log Select "UTIL" and "RENAME ACTIVE LOG." Type the new name of the active log. LBM will verify that this name is not already in the current directory. Deleting A Log The active log may be deleted by selecting "UTIL" and "DELETE ACTIVE LOG." Please be aware that deleting a log destroys all of the data in the log and LBM cannot undelete any files. You are given an opportunity to confirm or deny this selection. After deleting the active log you must either Select or Create a log to continue. Copying A Log You may copy the active log by selecting "UTIL" and "COPY ACTIVE LOG." You will be prompted for the destination of the log to be copied. LBM will append the active log name to the path you supply. If LBM cannot open the destination file, check the filename in the error message for proper spelling and placement of backslashes ( \ ). Once the copy procedure is completed you will have two copies of the same log. This feature is most often used to make backup copies of logs. You can move a log to a new location by first copying the log to its new location, and then deleting it. To access the new location of the log, change your path to the new location ("OPEN LOG" "CHANGE PATH"), and then open it ("OPEN LOG" "OPEN EXISTING LOG"). Page 12 Set Default Path The default path is the directory that will program will be set to when first started. Select "UTIL" "SET DEFAULT PATH". Move the cursor to the desired path and press {ENTER}. The LBM.CFG file will be updated at this time. Page 13