Monster Media 1994 #1

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* * KWIKLABL * * Version 4.0/A with * Custom Border Editor * Mailing Lists * Graphics Printing B & B Enterprises John F. Cram 9788 Eastridge Drive El Paso, Texas 79925-6816 GEnie address: J.CRAM2 America Online address: JohnFCram COPYRIGHT (c) 1991-1994 BY John F. Cram ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Registration and Distribution Since I waited until the age of 72 to start programming I am told I should call my program "Codgerware" instead of Shareware. At any rate, for quite some time now, during an experimental period, I allowed the "A" or short version to be considered "Freeware". Now, I consider the program a complete, useful utility and cannot treat it so lightly. Besides, your Social Security Tax will probably rise if I don't start getting some returns for all my investments in the program. You are welcome to use this all-new version of KWIKLABL for reasonable length of time (30 days?) but if you continue to use it and enjoy it, then I would expect you to register. I'm sure you'll want to register and receive all the added benefits of the "B" versions. These valuable added benefits include many, many more attractive borders, a capability of maintaining a address list database, a custom border database, a monthly planning calendar program, a program for making your own Zipcode barcode labels, printing of any PrintMaster or Print Shop graphics on labels, and for those responsible for mass mailings, a mailing list database. More details are included at the end of this documentation. You are encouraged to give copies of this program to your friends or to upload it to any networks or BBS's. Just make sure that all files are included with the .EXE program when you distribute it. ------------------------ DISCLAIMER Please note that KWIKLABL is distributed on an as-is basis. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND IS MADE, EXPRESSLY OR IMPLIED, REGARDING KWIKLABL AND/OR ITS ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION. B & B Enterprises or John F. Cram will not be responsible for any damages, whether direct or indirect, incurred by users as a result of running this program, or due to failure of this product to meet any and/or all the stated specifications. This documentation contains references to both software and hardware names which are trademarks of various manufacturers. This program was written using Microsoft BASIC PDS 7.1. It was written in part using R.Magnanti's WINDOWS R-E-Z routines. -------------------------- REQUIREMENTS IBMPC or compatible, 9 or 24 pin Dot matrix printer compatible with the Epson ESC type commands, at least DOS 3.3 or later and will probably work with any version but I have not tried earlier versions of DOS. Memory requirement is minimal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION KWIKLABL has always been a little different from other labelling programs in that most of them stress the regular mailing label while KWIKLABL uses the graphic capabilities of the Epson compatable dot matrix printer to make attractive, small return address labels for the upper left corner of the envelope. KWIKLABL has always printed two side-by-side on a one inch by three and a half inch label with a variety of borders that make them stand out. KWIKLABL will now make the regular labels with a choice of fonts for special effects and a choice of any Printmaster or Print Shop graphic printed on the left side of the labels. Several new capabilities have recently been added. KWIKLABL can be used equally well on 9-pin printers. There is now the capability of printing any address or return address directly on the envelope plus the entire envelope can be printed at one time. You also now have the capability to design your own custom borders. BRAND NEW!! The capability of adding any PrintMaster or Print Shop graphic to your labels plus a mailing list capable of printing mailing labels from a complete list fast.. --------------------------------------- INSTALLATION It is always a good idea to make a backup copy of your program and put the original in a safe place. Then you can use the backup to operate your program from a floppy(A/B) or to install the program on a hard disk. In either case, you should put all the program files in a sub-directory. It's easy to do..just type at the prompt: C:\>MD\KWIKLABL <ENTER> Then type: C:\>CD\KWIKLABL <ENTER> Now copy all files into this directory. To start the program, just type "KWIKLABL" at the DOS prompt and press ENTER: C:\KWIKLABL>KWIKLABL (press ENTER) The first time you run KWIKLABL, you will be asked to identify the type printer you will be using. The program then makes a little file PRINTER.DAT, which it consults each time you start the program and without bothering you again. If you do wish to change your printer type just select "Printer Setup" on the main menu. This menu lists the different sub-programs of KWIKLABL with brief explanations of each in the info-line below the menu. Each operation then has its own menu. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * --- PRINTER --- * * IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE!! Make sure your internal * * printer switches are set for Epson/Standard mode and * * not IBM mode. If you have a front panel pitch selector * * on your printer, it must be set to Program mode. Your * * printer should be set to LQ mode and not DRAFT mode. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ---- Data Entry ---- While the cursor is present in the Data Entry box, you can enter and correct your input pretty much as you would in your favorite data processor. You can move around, go back and correct as you wish. The arrows, backspace, delete are at your disposal. The only limitations are number of lines and length (30 characters on regular and 24 on return address.) ---- Fonts ---- The choice of fonts is only available on the regular size labels. Select fonts and you will see the list of fonts on the left side of your screen and a help box at the bottom. You can move up or down through the list with the arrow keys and mark your choices with the (+) plus key. If you make a mistake you can unmark with the (-) minus key. When you are satisfied with your choices press ENTER to conclude. If you change your mind at this point and choose fonts from the menu again you should select RESET this time to cancel previous choices and start anew. As the warning states in the help box, some combination of choices are not compatible. You wouldn't select 15 characters per inch and double wide characters at the same time. Also, if you select double wide characters, don't expect 30 characters to fit on a 3 1/2 inch label. The same is true when graphics are used. Trial and error will teach a lot here. --- Regular Labels with or without Graphics --- Only the one inch and one and one-half inch label sizes are available in this version. The registered version will still have these and the two larger sizes, two inch and three inch. You have the choice of fonts as discussed earlier and you can print up to 99 labels at one time. The big, new feature allows you to print PrintMaster or Print Shop graphics on the left side of labels. For graphics, choose "Select Graphic" on the menu and you will be presented with a list. To view a graphic, place the bar over your choice and press <TAB>. To select a graphic for printing press <ENTER>. If you wish to print a plain label after selecting a graphic, select Cancel Graphic on the menu. One tip that you may have noticed before.. When printing a graphic on the first label or at the top of a page, you may notice some white gaps or dark lines in the first one or two. This because the paper or label is not being held firmly at the top. The cure, of course, is to skip the first couple of labels or print enough so that imperfect ones may be discarded. Also, you may or may not have problems when making double high letters. PLEASE NOTE! This version will only use the enclosed files, KWKLBLGR.SDR and KWKLBLGR.SHP for graphics and they must be kept in the same directory with KWIKLABL.. This is just a demonstration version..The Deluxe Version 4.0/B will print graphics from any Print Shop or PrintMaster files. --- Return Address Labels --- (9-pin AND 24-pin printers) I consider this the feature attraction as lots of programs make large labels but I haven't seen any that make the small return address labels and especially ones with attractive borders. The big difference here is only three lines and only 24 characters per line. I would like to apologize to those of you with long names. Some compromises had to be made and this was one of them. After the name and address information is entered you should press F10 for menu and select borders. Move the bar to the border of your choice and press enter. Now you should be ready to print your labels or envelopes. If you choose "Print Labels" then you will be asked to enter the number of labels you wish to print. Each label will then have two small return addresses with borders printed on it. If you choose "Envelope Printing" then only a single copy will be printed. You will have the choice of placing the single return address either in the top left corner or in the top center of the envelope. The latter is available so you can print your return address on the back flap. Since the borders are made by your printer I cannot show you in this documentation what the various borders look like but you can run them off one at a time in short order and will then have a sample sheet from which to make your selection. Note for users with 24-pin printers: If you are in the habit of operating in the "DRAFT" mode, you may find after using KWIKLABL that your printer in now in the "LQ" mode. KWIKLABL cannot make the 24-pin graphics when your printer is in DRAFT mode. So the command is given in the program to force your printer into the "LQ" mode. This is true only if you use 24-pin borders. ---- Envelope Printing ---- Another relatively new feature of the program. After typing both addresses, press F10 and return to the menu. Borders may be selected in the same manner for the return address. Only one copy is printed. Once again, the location for the addressee printing is appropriate for the standard business envelope only. The ability to print the small envelopes is available in the registered version. You should be able place the envelope so that the return address is in the top left corner. If you experience a problem with the "Out of Paper" signal, try lightly taping a standard sheet of paper to the back of the envelope so it trails behind, preventing the "Out of Paper" problem. ---- Custom Border Editor ---- One of the new additions to this version of KWIKLABL. It is easy to use and with a little practice you will be making much better borders than I've given you. You just move around the form with the directional or "arrow" keys and mark or un-mark your points with the SPACEBAR. Remember that your border is made of seven reproductions of what you draw on the form. When you are satisfied with your drawing, just press ESC or ENTER to return to the main menu. Then, in either Return Address Labels or Envelope printing, select Custom under the Standard borders. Now, print away and see your custom border come to life. --- MAILING LISTS --- Another late addition to KWIKLABL is the ability to print labels from a long mailing list. This is different from the other label sections in that they make multiple copies of the same name and address information. The Mailing List section will go down a long list of different names and addresses and print each one in order. Or you can MARK the list so that only those names you select will be printed. This should prove of value to club secretaries who maintain a large mailing list. Since it is just a demonstration, this version limits the list to ten entries. [@] [@] [@] [@] - REGISTRATION - [@] [@] [@] [@] Registration has a number of advantages and benefits. It will make you feel better, make me feel better and give you a complete and full program with all the additions listed here that are included in registered Versions 3.3/B and Version 4.0/B. ___________________________________________________________ * * * REGISTERED VERSION 3.3/B * * * (Standard Version) This registered version will allow you to maintain a separate database of names and addresses for each type label and for envelope printing. So now if you want to address a label to Aunt Ida you just call up the directory and select Aunt Ida... lo and behold, her name and address appear in the entry box. It also has several more interesting borders for the return address labels..sunrise,hearts, lace and living in the great southwest I had to include several that remind us of the early Americans or Indians. There are several blanket type designs, arrowheads and cute pottery designs. Postal Barcodes for zipcodes Now you can print a zipcode barcode on a label that can be placed on an envelope or you will also have the choice of printing directly on the envelope. This program was designed to produce a barcode that would meet U. S. Postal Department Specifications. The Postal Department states that having the barcode on the envelope definitely speeds up delivery since one complete step in the Post Office is eliminated. And for some users a lower Postal Rate is possible. Information on this is available from your local Postal Department Office. --- Envelopes --- As a result of several user requests, the registered version will now print not only the standard business size envelope, but the smaller six and one-half inch by three and five-eighth inch size. Postal barcodes can be printed above the address. --- Monthly Calendar --- A bonus in the registered version is the ability to make a full page monthly planning calendar. It has a number of uses....a reminder of birthdays and special occasions, planning a trip around other commitments, etc... --- Directory Printing --- Another bonus is the ability to print all files in a given directory in very small print and in a format(six across) that will allow approximately 150 filenames to be printed on front of a 5 1/4" floppy disk sleeve. ------------------------------------------------------------ * * * REGISTERED VERSION 4.0/B * * * (Deluxe Version) This version will include all the features of Standard Version 3.3/B listed above, plus the following: --- Custom Border Editor --- In the registered version 4.0/B you will not only get the Custom Border Editor but you will be able to save the borders you design to disk, allowing you to call them up anytime for printing or for re-design. This way you can build your own database of beautiful designs. --- Mailing Lists --- One of the newest additions to KWIKLABL, this version will allow you to maintain up to five different mailing lists, with each one in it's own database. As in this small version, you will be able to print the entire list or a "marked" list of your choosing. The mailing List also features the Postal ZIP barcode above the address information. --- Graphic Label Printing --- This is the latest and one of the best additions to KWIKLABL. Users have been recommending it for quite some time now and I finally did it! You have a choice, under "Regular Labels", of printing labels in all sizes with or without a PrintMaster or Print Shop graphic on the left side. GRAPHIC FILES: Space permitting, with a Version 4.0/B registration, I will include a few graphic files as a bonus! ---- Choice of Versions ---- You will notice on the registration form that you can still register the popular Standard Version 3.3/B without the Mailing Lists, Custom Border Editor or the PM or PS Graphics for the same fee($8.50). I realize that there may be some users that are not interested in designing their own borders, handling long mailing lists or printing graphics. But, if you are intrigued by the thought of making maximum use of these added features then the Deluxe Version 4.0/B is for you at a slightly added cost($15.00). I did release a version 3.6/A recently with a multiple choice selection that was confusing even to me, so I decided to change it and only offer two choices, the old standby Standard Version 3.3/B and the Deluxe version 4.0/B. But, regardless of the choice you make, I think you will find that KWIKLABL is a user friendly program. Easy to operate and I hope you enjoy it. If you do like it, please register. It would do worlds for my ego...as well as helping to bolster the economy....at this household. But whether you want one of the registered versions or not, use REGISTER.FRM to let me know what your opinions or wishes are. And Thank You for trying KWIKLABL...