Monster Media 1996 #15/Monster Media Number 15 (Monster Media)(July 1996).ISO/personal/gc314j.zip/README.TXT

Text File | 1996-06-08 | 28KB | 616 lines

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THE GROCERY CONSUMER 3.14             Food-for-Thought Software   ⌐ 1994-1996
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

            IMPORTANT:
After installation, please refer to the on-line Windows Help from within GC
(see Help... Contents...) for details on how to use this software.

When you register this software (see Help... Register...), you will receive
the latest version on diskette, a printed and bound user manual, a
registration code, priority technical support, free upgrades to future
versions, and more.

If you are already a registered user, see Installation instructions on how
to use your existing registration key (File... Upgrade...).

This document includes information on:

    HARDWARE/SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
    SOURCES OF EXTERNAL FILES REQUIRED
    INSTALLATION
    TROUBLESHOOTING
    PROBLEMS OR QUESTIONS
    SHAREWARE CONCEPT
    ARCHIVE PACKAGE
    OVERVIEW OF THE GROCERY CONSUMER
    REGISTRATION INFORMATION


HARDWARE/SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS:

  Windows 3.1+, WFW 3.11, or Windows 95
  VGA/SVGA monitor
  video driver    any SVGA (800x600,1024x768) or VGA (640x480) driver
        for best results, use 800x600 resolution or higher
        (do not use GC with any type of zoom fonts utility)
  mouse        recommended, but not necessary
  printer    recommended, but not necessary
  hard drive    requires about 1.5 MB disk space for GC files
        plus average of 2.7K disk space per recipe
        (e.g., 3MB per 1000, 30MB per 10,000)
  RAM        160K RAM for GC program    plus 0.2K per recipe
        (e.g., 200K RAM per 1000, 2MB RAM per 10,000)
  PKUNZIP.EXE     file decompression program (PKWARE) to unzip GC cookbooks
  PKZIP.EXE      file compression program (PKWARE) - see free sources below
        used by GC to zip GC cookbooks for exchange with others
  VBRUN300.DLL    Visual Basic runtime library - see free sources listed below
  text editor    Windows Notepad or another text editor
  GC314.ZIP    Grocery Consumer program archive


SOURCES OF EXTERNAL FILES REQUIRED:

     vbrun300.dll (run-time library for Visual Basic 3.0)
    internet    anonymous FTP to ftp.coast.net
               (vbrun300.zip in /SimTel/win3/dll)
    BBS        The Fox's Lair BBS  at [phone]
               (look for vbrun300.zip)
    Microsoft    Microsoft Download Service at [phone]
               (look for vbrun300.dll)

     pkz204g.exe (self-extracting archive containing pkzip.exe, pkunzip.exe)
    internet    anonymous FTP to ftp.coast.net
               (look for pkz204g.exe in SimTel's directory
                /SimTel/msdos/zip)
    BBS        The Fox's Lair BBS at [phone]
               (look for pkz204g.exe)
            any local BBS, usually in File Area called
               Archivers or Compression

     you can download both from The Grocery Consumer WWW Page at
         http://www.intergate.net/chtml/ghauser/gcinfo.html


INSTALLATION:

                WARNING!!! :
    If you have a previous version of GC on your system, DO NOT select
    its directory as the installation path; use a new directory.
    Otherwise, you will OVERWRITE your personalized recipe database and
    other important    files with the sample ones that come with the GC archive!

Step 1. Make sure PKZIP.EXE and PKUNZIP.EXE are in your DOS path. "In your DOS
    path" means it is included in the PATH statement in your AUTOEXEC.BAT
    file. GC will run without these but GC will not be able
    to create .ZIP files for you when you Zip Cookbooks.  You can
    optionally specify the path to these files from within GC.

    For example, if your PATH statement looks like this:
        path=c:\dos;
    and pkzip.exe and pkunzip.exe are in your c:\utils directory, make
        your PATH statement look like this:
        path=c:\dos;c:\utils;

    To create a utilities directory like that referred to above, enter:
        cd\
        mkdir utils

Step 2. Make sure VBRUN300.DLL is in your \windows\system directory. The
    Grocery Consumer will not execute without it.
    Verify this using the following commands from a DOS prompt:
        cd\
        dir /s vbrun300.dll

Step 3. Install the Grocery Consumer

    Make sure ALL other applications are closed, especially Visual Basic
    applications.

    Double-click setup.exe in the list of files that were unzipped.

    This will run the Setup program that will install The Grocery Consumer
    on your hard drive under c:\gc314 unless you select another location
    during the install.
                WARNING:
    DO NOT select a previous GC directory as your install path!  If you
    want to do this, rename    the old directory first. Example: You want to
    install GC 3.14 into a directory that is named \gc314 and you already have
    a directory named \gc314.  First rename the existing directory (use File...
    Rename... in the File Manager) to \gc314old and then install GC into \gc314
    to avoid installing over the old one.

Step 4.    Before you run GC (---IMPORTANT---):

      Make sure your PC's date and time are set correctly (use DATE and TIME
    commands in DOS, or use Control Panel... Date/Time... dialog box to
    set these)

    If you are upgrading from any 2.xx version of GC, you must run
    GC2XTO3X.EXE to convert your existing recipe file, category index,
    and menu file to GC v3.xx format.  This will create these files in
    v3.xx format in your previous (v2.xx) directory. You will then need to
    use GC v3.xx File... Upgrade... procedure when you first run GC
    as follows.

Step 5.    When you run GC for the first time (dbl-click the GC icon):

    If you are a registered user of a previous GC version:
    ------------------------------------------------------
    Once GC is running, use File...Upgrade... to upgrade user files and
    your registration key from the previous GC directory.

    If the version you used previously was 3.06 or earlier, make sure you
     check the box to upgrade your coupon list when you do File... Upgrade...
    (next step).  There was a format change in the coupon list for
    v3.07 and higher.


    If you are NOT a registered user of a previous GC version:
    ----------------------------------------------------------------
    Register the new version, enter the registration code using Help...
    Register... Reg. Info button. Then run File... Upgrade... to upgrade
    user files from your old GC directory to the new one.

    NOTE:  If you wish to continue adding to your recipe database as you
    upgrade but you aren't a registered user, you may contact Gary Hauser
    via BBS message or internet email. I will tell you how to do this if
    your need is legitimate and you intend to register in the near future.

                IMPORTANT :
WARNING:  Do not attempt to use a registered key or code that does not belong
      to you, or data loss could result.  Do not attempt to edit the
      gc.key file or alter it in any way, or data loss could result.

Step 6. You are DONE!  Begin using The Grocery Consumer to manage your
    grocery activities.


PROBLEMS OR QUESTIONS:

Read the detailed on-line Help (Help... Contents...) and the Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ) document on the GC WWW Page (see URL below). You can
also contact Gary Hauser (GC author) for technical support by any of the
following means (I prefer internet email):

        email:    [e-mail]
          FAX:  [phone]
   <C>omment to Sysop:  The Fox's Lair BBS at [phone]
        phone:  [phone] or 922-7722

If you need to contact me about a problem you are having, please include as
much of this information as possible:

    - What type of PC are you running?
    - What version of Windows are you running?
    - What version of GC are you attempting to install/run?
    - Where did you obtain the GC archive you are using?
    - Have you been running a previous version of GC? Which one?
    - What is the exact name of the archive you are using?
         (gc314.zip, gc314r1.zip, gc314.zip, etc)
    - What is the EXACT wording of the message you obtained?
    - What steps had you taken prior to the message? (be explicit)


================ IMPORTANT!!! See GROCERY CONSUMER WWW Page =================
Latest GC version, all external files, tech support, FAQ on internet WWW at:
    http://www.intergate.net/chtml/ghauser/gcinfo.html
This WWW page is also a source of several thousand Meal Master (tm) recipes
that you can convert as you import them into GC cookbooks.
=============================================================================


SHAREWARE CONCEPT:

This software is SHAREWARE.  SHAREWARE is licensed software that you can try
for free before you buy.  If you like GC and wish to continue using it, you
register it.  See the ordering information below or GC's on-line help
(Help... Register... ) on how to order by direct mail from the author or
with a credit card.

This SHAREWARE program is distributed with the concept that if you find it
useful and continue to use it beyond a 60-day free trial period, you must
send in the registration fee.  See the file REGISTER.TXT for the order form,
or print the form using the Help...Register... selection from GC's main menu.

To help you evaluate the program, the shareware version of GC is fully
functional.  However, GC will inform you after a 30-day trial period that
you have not registered.  If you have not registered after 60-days (i.e.,
30-day grace period after the 30-day trial period), GC will disallow further
use, and you must register at that time to continue using the software.
You will not lose any of your databases that you have worked hard on, even
after 60 days, but you cannot access them with GC until you register.
The version you have is fully functional during this trial period.  It will
demonstrate the power of this software because thousands of recipes can be
imported quickly from Meal Master (tm) sources and maintained efficiently.


Distribution and Resale

You are granted permission to distribute the GC314.ZIP archive freely,
provided all the original files are kept together unaltered in any way.
You may not disassemble, decompose, reverse engineer, or alter any of
the files in the package. This includes, but is not limited to, modifying
any icons, menus, or displays associated with the software.

This software is provided as SHAREWARE and cannot be sold. This restriction
does not apply to connect time charges, or flat rate connection/download fees
for electronic bulletin board services. This software can not be bundled
with any commercial package or accompanying books or magazines without
express written permission from the author.

Disclaimer

This software and accompanying materials are distributed "AS IS" and
without warranty, expressed or implied.  No implied warranty exists for
merchantability and/or fitness for any particular purpose.  Under no
circumstances shall anyone involved in the creation, production, or sale
of this product be liable for direct, indirect, consequential, or special
damages arising out of any use of this product whatsoever. You, as the
user, assume full responsibility for use of this product.

Installation of this program constitutes agreement on your part with
all shareware licensing requirements and disclaimers outlined in this
document and in other documentation for this program. Use of this
software beyond the initial 60-day trial period without registration
is strictly prohibited.


ARCHIVE PACKAGE:

List of Files

System Files
gcxxx.exe    Grocery Consumer (GC) program (xxx is version number)
gauge.vbx    Visual Basic gauge control
grid.vbx    Visual Basic grid control
gtlist.vbx    Visual Basic listbox control (tabbed)
spin.vbx    Visual Basic spin control
threed.vbx    Visual Basic 3D button control
toolbars.vbx    Visual Basic toolbar control
cmdialog.vbx    Visual Basic common dialog box control
commdlg.dll    Visual Basic common dialog runtime library
msafinx.dll    Visual Basic date function runtime library
compat.tbl    system compatibility table
pkzip.pif    PIF file to run PKZIP to compress GC cookbooks
pkunzip.pif    PIF file to run PKUNZIP to decompress GC cookbooks
file_id.diz    GC description file for BBS
desc.sdi    GC description file for BBS
gc.key        user registration key (key shipped with GC is UNREGISTERED)
gc.ico        Grocery Consumer icon
gc.ini        initialization file (text editor, startup cookbook paths)
gc.hlp        Windows help file (Contents, Search)
j1z3x7qv.txt    temporary file holding directions of recipe being edited
readme.txt    first instructions for installation
register.txt    registration form

User Files
recipes.gcf    cookbook (recipe database) packaged with GC
recipes.idx    recipe index for recipes.gcf
recipes.cdx    category index (recipe assignments) for recipes.gcf
recipes.cli    list of categories for recipes.gcf (text-based)
name.gcf    other cookbooks
name.idx    recipe index for name.gcf
name.cdx    recipe category index (recipe assignments) for name.gcf
name.cli    list of categories for name.gcf (text)
name.zip    ZIPped cookbook (name.gcf, name.idx, name.cdx, name.cli)
name.tag    file containing tag list for cookbook name.gcf (text)
latest.mnu    file containing latest working menu
latest.shp    file containing latest shopping list (text)
filename.shp    other simultaneous shopping lists that you can maintain (text)
ingred.lst    droplist of recipe ingredients (text)
units.lst    droplist of units for recipe ingredients (text)
prep.lst    droplist of preparations for recipe ingredients (text)
miscitem.lst    droplist of miscellaneous items to add to shopping list (text)
brand.lst     droplist of brand names for ingredients and misc items (text)
autokeys.lst    list of keyword strings for auto-assigning recipes (text)
price.lst    list of store names, aisles, prices for items in stores (text)
unitcvrt.lst    unit conversion list (text)
coupon.lst    list of coupons for coupon manager (text)
colors.lst    list of user-defined colors for GC screens
sample.mmf    sample Meal Master (tm) recipe file (test MM import feature)

External files required to run GC:

pkzip.exe    compression program (must be in your DOS path).
pkunzip.exe    decompression program (must be in your DOS path).
        Use version from PKZ204G.ZIP archive.
vbrun300.dll    Visual Basic run time library
notepad.exe    Windows Notepad editor (or your choice of an editor)
            for opening large Meal Master (tm) files.


OVERVIEW OF THE GROCERY CONSUMER

The Grocery Consumer 3.14 is a full-featured recipe organizer and database,
meal planner, shopping list maker, and grocery cost manager for Windows.
The Grocery Consumer (hereafter called GC) is a super easy way to manage all
of these activities in one interface.  GC is more than a recipe manager --
it gives you the consumer power to compare the cost of your shopping list at
all your favorite stores and create shopping lists organized by store aisle.
It will even flag coupons applicable to your shopping list when you use GCÆs
coupon manager.

GC makes a shopping list from a multi-day meal plan that you create by
selecting recipes (dishes) for each day's meals from any of your personalized
recipe databases (cookbooks).  You can add miscellaneous items (e.g., cat food,
deodorant, toothbrush) to the shopping list, or remove items from the list that
you have in stock before printing the list that you take to the store. No more
forgetting those obscure little items and wasting your time going back to the
store!

You can search for recipes by category or text string. You can easily add,
edit, or delete recipes from multiple cookbooks (recipe databases).
Droplists are provided on the recipe editing screen to provide consistent use
of ingredient names and units.  No more fumbling through boxes of paper or
cards to find a favorite recipe.  Simply select it and print it from your
recipe database.  You can rapidly expand your recipe collection by easily
converting Meal-Master (tm) recipes (available on-line virtually everywhere)
to GC cookbook format. You can assign recipes to user-defined categories, or
let GC auto-assign categories for you.  You can fine-tune how GC auto-assigns
recipes to categories.

You can exchange recipes with friends using GC's recipe import and export
features.  These allow you to copy any or all of your recipes and share them
with others, or include GC recipes they give you into your GC cookbooks.  GC
can also set you up to do recipe swapping on-line by creating a .ZIP recipe
file (compressed recipe file) for you. This feature also provides a means for
efficient backup of your cookbooks.

The author of GC has a real problem with software that requires too many
keystrokes for data entry and program navigation.  Accordingly, all data
entry screens throughout GC are equipped with entry guessing and droplists
to minimize keystrokes during data input.  With entry guessing, you seldom
need more than a keystroke or so before GC adds the rest, guessing the
remaining characters based on a search of existing items in the droplist.
Droplists can also be viewed at data entry and items selected with the mouse.
Cut and paste operations using standard Windows techniques can be used almost
anywhere in the GC interface.  All screens with gridded data tables (e.g.,
shopping list, price list, units conversion list, etc.) allow editing in the
tables with a click of the mouse to the cell containing the entry you want
to change; then type a replacement for the cell contents.  Use the backspace
key to backspace if you need to correct a typo.  In summary, a lot of data
entry and editing power is at your fingertips with GC.

GC uses a price list for stores that the user builds, along with extensive
use of units conversions, to handle the tough job of converting recipe-size
ingredient amounts into store-size purchase amounts.  This way GC is able to
cost out the greatest portion of your shopping list using available price
list information.  Each item you add to a recipe or shopping list is added
to your price list automatically; you need only add the prices.  As you
improve your price list and units conversion list, GC can use a higher and
higher portion of the shopping list to establish a shopping list cost.  In
other words, the more you use it, the smarter GC gets.

When comparing GC features and price with other recipe/cooking/grocery
management software, we believe GC represents the best value (i.e., features
for the price) available today for Windows - including commercial, shareware,
or otherwise.  Functionality and ease of use has been emphasized in its
development, and its convenient interface has evolved via thoughtful feedback
from avid users in all walks of life.  GC is a powerful program that makes a
job we all must do very fast, efficient, and even fun.  It can cut hours off
the time it takes to locate and organize your favorite recipes, plan your
menu, and create your shopping list.  Best of all, it helps you save time
and money in grocery shopping trips.

Benefits to Consumers
╖ cost comparison at various stores
╖ shopping lists by aisle
╖ rapid shopping list preparation from menu plan
╖ menu planning from database of dish recipes
╖ user definable recipe categories
╖ automatic categorizing feature that can be fine-tuned by user
╖ convenient, personalized recipe database with multi-criteria search
╖ easy conversion of Meal Master (tm) recipes into GC format
╖ minimal keystrokes on all data entry using quickfill and droplists
╖ recipe import/export in GC format
╖ convenient zipping of recipe cookbooks for exchange with others
╖ coupon manager that flags coupons that apply to items in your shopping list
╖ extensive units conversions to condense shopping list and evaluate cost

Concepts (Functionality)
╖ ingredients build recipes, recipes build meal plans, meal plans build
    shopping lists, shopping lists are used to quantify costs
╖ user selects a menu period up to 28 days, builds a menu by selecting
    recipes for each day
╖ user selects up to six dishes (i.e., recipes) for each meal in a menu
    period
╖ GC automatically creates a shopping list from the completed menu
╖ user can add miscellaneous items to shopping list or remove items on hand
╖ GC computes the cost of the shopping list cost for several stores of
    interest
╖ GC creates a shopping list by aisle for any of the several stores
╖ user can scale (resize) a recipe if a recipe doesn't serve enough people
╖ with the help of The Grocery Consumer to streamline the process, the user:
    builds and maintains a list of store prices and aisles for various
        items
    builds and maintains a list of units conversions
    builds and maintains database of dish recipes that includes
        ingredients, units of measure, quantities, etc. and
        directions (optional) for each recipe
╖ GC can print:
    shopping list
    shopping list by aisle
    shopping list cost
    meal plan
    meal plan recipes
    any or all recipes in user cookbook
    recipe categories
    recipes in each category
    droplists (ingredients, units of measure, preparations, misc items,
        brands)
    coupon list
    unit conversions list
    prices and aisles lists


REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

See the on-line documentation (Help... Register...) for complete
registration information.

Registration entitles you to:

╖ a printed, bound user manual
╖ a copy of the latest version of GC
╖ a registration code to personalize GC and remove registration nags
╖ free upgrades to new versions of GC (how many commercial retailers do this?)
╖ notification of major upgrades (if you have an email address)
╖ priority technical support
╖ a voice in defining features for subsequent versions
╖ peace of mind for having done the right thing

You may register GC and receive the latest version for a one-time modest fee.
Two registration methods are available:

╖    check or money order:
    by mail directly from author
    [$25 + shipping/handling, applicable sales tax]
    International customers please use international money order or
    cashier's check    in USD (U.S. dollars).

╖    credit card:
    via PsL, or Public (software) Library
    [$31 + shipping/handling, applicable sales tax]

ORDER BY DIRECT MAIL TO AUTHOR:

This ordering method is the least-cost method (credit card orders to PsL are
$6 more).  Select Help... Register from within GC and fill out the on-line
form or use the following form.  Print the form, enclose personal check or
money order (international customers please use international money order)
payable in U.S. dollars to Gary Hauser (see pricing schedule below). Please
mail registration form and remittance to:

            Gary Hauser
            Food-for-Thought Software
            7304 Foxlair Rd
            Knoxville, TN  37918
            U.S.A.

ordering from:        reg. fee + taxes/S&H:         remit:
==============        ====================        ======
within USA (except TN)  $25 + $2         =     $27
Tennessee (USA)       $25 + $2 + .0825($25)      =     $29
Canada              $25 + $3              =     USD 28
Europe or other      $25 + $7              =     USD 32

(NOTE:  These prices good through Dec 31, 1996.  After that, check the
    latest version for updated prices.)

========================== start form ======================================

    REGISTRATION FORM for THE GROCERY CONSUMER


Name______________________________________________________________
    (enter firstname & lastname EXACTLY as you want them on key)


Ship My Package To:

Name_________________________________________  [  ] same as above

Address___________________________________________________________

City______________________________________________________________

State/Province________________________ ZIP/Postal Code____________

Country______________________ Telephone (    )____________________


Where did you hear about the Grocery Consumer?

__________________________________________________________________


Email address_____________________________________________________

Diskette   3.5"   5.25"    (circle one)


I am currently using GC 3.14 (or other ______) with:

         ___ Windows 3.1x    ___ WFW 3.11    ___ Windows 95

========================== end form ========================================

By mail, you will receive a printed manual and diskette containing the latest
version of GC. Any questions or comments, you can find more information in
on-line Help or you can contact us in any of the following ways (email preferred):

             email   [e-mail]
    The Fox's Lair BBS  [phone]  [8-N-1]
               FAX  [phone]
             voice  [phone]  (leave message)

Ordering just the user manual:
If you wish to order just the user manual, you may do so by remitting only U.S. $10 and
noting your request for only the user manual on a completed registration form.  This
option is handy for those registered users who upgrade free to a new version and wish
to receive a user manual covering all the latest features.  Alternatively, you may simply
elect to learn the new features using GC's on-line Help.


ORDER BY CREDIT CARD VIA PsL

You can register GC via the Public (software) Library, also known as PsL,
using MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover.  This ordering method
is $6 more than ordering by mail direct to the author.

       For orders only, call:
    1-713-524-6394          1-800-242-4775

You can order by FAX to PsL at 1-713-524-6398. You can also mail credit card
orders to PsL at P.O. Box 35705, Houston, TX  77235-5705

    THE ABOVE NUMBERS ARE FOR ORDERS ONLY.

    THE AUTHOR CANNOT BE REACHED AT THESE NUMBERS.

To ensure that you get the latest version, PsL will notify us the day of your
order and we will ship the product directly to you.  When ordering, please
tell the operator you are ordering part number:      14306

ordering from:        fee + S&H + tax           remit (U.S. dollars):
==================     ====================          =====================
within USA (except TN)    $31 + $2                   =    $33
Tennessee (USA)       $31 + $2 + .0825($31)    =    $35.50
Canada              $31 + $3                =    $34
Europe or other           $31 + $7                 =    $38

(NOTE:  These prices good through Dec 31, 1996.  After that, check the
    latest version for updated prices.)

PsL only provides the registration service.  Any questions about the status
of shipment of your order, refunds, registration options, product details,
technical support, volume discounts, dealer pricing, site licenses,
sub-licensing, etc. MUST be directed to:

    Gary Hauser
    Food-for-Thought Software
    7304 Foxlair Rd
    Knoxville, TN  37918
    U.S.A.

    email:        [e-mail]
    fax:          [phone]
    BBS:          [phone]
    WWW:        http://www.intergate.net/chtml/ghauser/gcinfo.html


More on the registration code...

When your registration fee is received, a registration code will be
sent to you with your package (latest diskette, manual). When entered
into GC (Help... Register... Reg. Code button), it will personalize your
GC interface, remove the "unregistered" nag screens, and disable the
60-day shutdown. Each time you install a new version of GC, make sure
you use File... Upgrade... to bring over your old files (including your
registration key). You do not have to re-register as new versions
come out.  Simply download future versions from any of the various
sources and your registered key will work with them.

            THANKS FOR REGISTERING!