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BLINC
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST
MANAGER
FOR WINDOWS
FOR THE IBM-PC
& COMPATIBLES
EASTERN DIGITAL RESOURCES
P. O. Box 1451
Clearwater, SC 29822-1451
(803) 593-0870
(c) 1991, 1993 all rights reserved. No part of this manual or
accompanying program may be copied without express written
consent of the copyright holder.
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
1-1
GENERAL OVERVIEW
OF THIS MANUAL
GENERAL INFORMATION SECTION 1
SYSTEM SETUP SECTION 2
SYSTEM MENUS AND SCREENS SECTION 3
STANDARD REPORT OPTIONS SECTION 4
FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND SECTION 5
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES SECTION 6
DATA FILES SECTION 7
APPENDICES
FILE LAYOUTS Appendix A
SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Appendix B
SYSTEM INSTALLATION Appendix C
SAMPLE REPORTS Appendix D
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Appendix E
INDEX Appendix F
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
1-3
*** WARRANTY AGREEMENT ***
The term Vendor as used herein refers to EASTERN DIGITAL RE-
SOURCES, Inc. and its agents and licensees. The term Customer
refers to the original purchaser of this software package for
personal or business use.
The TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER FOR WINDOWS, (BLINC) program
contained herein is distributed on an "AS IS BASIS" without
warranty except as stated herein. Good data processing procedure
dictates that the user test the program, run and test sample sets
of data and run the system in parallel with the system previously
in use for a period of time adequate to insure that results of
operation of the computer or program are satisfactory.
*** SOFTWARE LICENSE ***
This is a licensing agreement between EASTERN DIGITAL RE-
SOURCES, Inc. referred to herein as Vendor who owns and has the
right to grant a license in certain computer software and the
Customer who desires to acquire a license to use such software.
The software that is the subject of this agreement is known as
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER but shall be referred to in this
agreement as the Program.
The Vendor shall furnish the Customer a computer-copiable
program in object form. This Program shall be THE TOTAL MAILING
LIST MANAGER FOR WINDOWS (BLINC) program as it currently exists
for the IBM PC and compatibles. The Program shall have all the
features and perform all the functions described in the Opera-
tions manual which is incorporated herein by reference. The
Vendor grants to the Customer and the Customer hereby accepts
subject to the limitations herein specified a personal nonexclu-
sive nontransferable right and license to use the software
contained herein. The Customer may use the Program within the
Customer's business ON ONE MACHINE at no additional cost for -
royalties. If the program has been licensed for network use, and
the customer has paid the appropriate fee, the customer may use
the program on an unlimited number of machines ON ONE NETWORK at
no additional cost for royalties. Any other use constitutes
fraud.
The limitations of such license are as follows: (a) Any
software program furnished by the Vendor in machine readable form
may be copied in whole or in part by customer for use within
their business provided however that only the number of copies
required to serve the Customer's actual need for use shall be
made. The Customer agrees that the original copy of all software
programs furnished by the Vendor and all copies thereof made by
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
1-5
the customer are and shall remain the sole property of the
Vendor. (c) The Customer agrees not to disclose, publish,
release, transfer, or otherwise make available any software pro-
gram in any form to any person including the Customer's or
Vendor's employees without prior written consent from the Vendor
except during the period such a person is on the Customer's
premises for purposes specifically related to the Customer's use
of the software program. The Customer also agrees that such
software programs are the property of and proprietary to the Ven-
dor and further agrees to protect such programs or any part
thereof from unauthorized disclosure by its agents, employees or
customers. (d) The Vendor grants to the Customer a paid up
license to use the program contained herein for their personal
business. The Vendor may assign this agreement without the Cus-
tomer's consent. The Customer may not assign this software under
any conditions. The Customer shall be responsible for determin-
ing the appropriate use of the program products in its opera-
tions.
The Customer shall assume financial and legal responsibility
for the quality, reliability, and accuracy of the Program and
shall pay all expenses associated with any recalls or updates.
The Customer has the right to modify the Program in any way con-
sistent with improving its usability at the Customer's expense.
Any modification of the program by the Customer will void all
warranties herein. The Vendor reserves the right to refuse to
support any package so modified. The Customer expressly agrees
to include the Vendor's copyright notice and proprietary notice
on all such programs including copies in whole or part in any
form including machine language made by Customer in accordance
with this license.
The Vendor warrants that the Vendor has the legal right to
grant the Customer the license as set out in this agreement and
that such license does not infringe any third parties' property
or personal rights. The Vendor retains exclusive rights for
remarketing the Program to other customers.
This program is copyrighted. All copies of the Program or
Manual shall contain an appropriate copyright notice in the name
of the Vendor. The Vendor shall enforce its copyrights against
infringers. Should the Customer in any way convey this package
to a third party the Vendor shall have the option to recover the
retail cost plus collection fees from the Customer first and then
from the party to which this package was conveyed.
Any person making unauthorized copies will be subject to
prosecution under Federal Law.
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
1-6
BEYOND THE LIMITS OF
INFORMATION AND NETWORKING
CONNECTIONS
THERE IS BLINC, ______
The Total Mailing List Manager
For Windows
Quick, tell me who is the manager of the local Pizza Hut.
Or how about the Vice President for commercial development at the
bank. Can you tell me the pastor's name at Trinity Methodist
Church.
Do any of these people have interest in Little League
Baseball?
If you live and work in the local business community, those
kinds of questions are asked constantly, and while the informa-
tion is public knowledge, knowing the details and being able to
use those contacts is the key to being a successful business
executive.
IT'S OK TO DREAM ________________
Over the years, I've been asked over and over for a system
to provide that information; something that will keep up with my
business contacts, and prospect for new customers. Looking back
now, I realize that most of the early attempts at implementing
the dream were rather pathetic. The systems provided a basic
data base of businesses, or a list of people, but was virtually
helpless in showing and manipulating the relationships between
the two. But, Beyond the Limits of Information and Networking
Connections, there is BLINC, the exciting new data base and
prospecting system. Now you can know the movers and shakers
behind your local market.
If you do business with business, you need BLINC to effec-
tively prospect your market.
MORE THAN JUST A MAILING LIST _____________________________
The thing that makes BLINC unique is that it's a relation-
ship manager. When I've been asked in the past for a mailing
list manager that provides (you fill in the blanks) details about
the folks on the list, the links a person has to the organization
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
1-7
has been made secondary to the name and address information.
But what you really want to know is;
Who's the president of
Who works for
Give me a list of outside sales reps
I need to know the doctors who work at
Who are the real estate agents I know
and are any of these folks affiliated with the groups I'm a
member of.
THE END OF A DREAM __________________
Some dreams die a rather harsh death when confronted with
the reality of day to day business competition. Others fade away
in the realization, the realization that what you've actually
dreamed of for years, has finally come to pass and you can expe-
rience it, sometimes beyond your wildest imaginations.
BLINC is such a product. While working on another problem
about a year ago, I suddenly realized that the relationships are
the key to an effective contact manager. Therefore, BLINC is
centered around the relationships between people and groups. On
the one hand you have the group (a business, charity, church,
civic club) and on the other hand members. Some groups have a
one to one relationship with a member, as in the Director of the
Red Cross, Others have a one to many relationship, as in donors
to the Health Care Foundation. And still others have a many to
many relationship as in members of the local Baptist Churches.
BLINC can handle them all. You can add your own details to
the people and organizations already in the data base or you can
even add new members and organizations. And since BLINC operates
with Microsoft WINDOWS, it's quick and as easy as pointing and
pressing a button.
BLINC is great for prospecting. In addition to all the
standard stuff like mailing labels, customized letters, and
roladex cards, BLINC incorporates the electronic version of
sticky notes. Any person or group can have a sticky note at-
tached to remind you of a date or to record an important event.
Use it to keep track of sales, remind you of luncheon dates, and
call back on prospects. Like the groups and members files,
sticky notes knows about relationships and that provides the key
difference between BLINC and assorted unrelated pieces of paper.
The sample data file, ADDRESS0.DAT may be deleted when you
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
1-8
are ready to add your own people and organizations.
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
1-9
GETTING STARTED
Before doing anything else with the program, you should make
a copy of your program diskette. The new copy will serve as your
operating diskette, and you can store the original distribution
diskette for safe keeping. Please note that copies may only be
made for backup purposes or onto your hard disk. See Chapter 2
and Appendix C of this manual for instructions on making a copy
and installing the program for your system configuration.
OVERVIEW
Welcome to BLINC, THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER FOR WIN-
DOWS. This program incorporates state of the art programming
technique with the IBM-PC computer to bring you the finest
program of its kind available today. At Eastern Digital Resourc-
es we understand that your mailing list system must suit the
current size of your business, meet on-going needs, and allow for
potential growth in the future.
BLINC is designed to operate on the IBM compatible AT or
higher computer with a minimum of 2 megabytes of internal memory,
VGA color monitor, and a printer. The system capacity is limited
by the amount of disk storage you have with your machine. Most
small businesses can operate comfortably with an 80 megabyte hard
disk.
The chart below should aid in calculating your total require-
ments:
program and system overhead 1 megabyte
each name entered 256 bytes
BLINC generates 12 different reports. When you combine
these with the select / sort capabilities of the program, it will
allow you to get any kind of information you can imagine.
Address File Listing
Mailing Labels
Roladex Cards
Envelopes
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
1-10
USING THE MENUS
As you work with BLINC you will be presented with several
options or choices of things you may do by means of a menu. You
can access the program functions pertaining to that option by
clicking on that item with the mouse or by pressing the Alt key
and the first letter of the item you want.
This manual is designed around the procedures you should
follow for running a session. The first section describes the
menus and the necessary setup procedures of installing the pro-
gram and entering your address records. The next section
describes the steps to follow in running a session and the final
section describes how to generate reports and labels.
You should have a basic understanding of DOS and Microsoft
Windows before attempting to implement this program.
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
1-11
OVERVIEW OF BLINC
The Program you are using is one of several programs deve-
loped in Microsoft Visual BASIC ver. 2.0 with some portions coded
in assembler to speed operations. It offers many features previ-
ously unavailable on microcomputers while providing the novice
user a "hands-holding" approach to performing a task. It's de-
signed specifically for ease of use. With BLINC you can easily
create and maintain files on your computer and print reports from
all of your stored data.
You'll be using BLINC in its basic form very quickly. The
advanced features will be there for you to discover later, as
your confidence in this very powerful tool grows. If you re-read
this manual every few months, you'll be rewarded each time with
some newly discovered capabilities.
This manual has been completely revised to make it easier
for you to understand more about using BLINC. You will notice
more details, examples and figures throughout the text. Wherever
a BLINC command is listed within text it will be bold faced and
separated from words on either side by two spaces.
The step by step sections of this manual are much like a tu-
torial to show you exactly what to do; what you will see; and
what will happen next. It takes all the guess work out of learn-
ing how to use BLINC. All of these changes in the format of this
manual will help you understand more about using BLINC, and also
show you how to use it in day to day applications. Any sugges-
tions which you have for improving this program or manual will be
thoughtfully considered.
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
1-12
TABLE OF CONTENTS
S E C T I O N 1
G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N
MANUAL PAGE
General Overview 1-3
Warranty Agreement 1-5
Software License 1-5
Getting Started 1-7
Introduction 1-9
Overview of BLINC 1-12
Table of Contents 1-13
General Overview of BLINC 1-17
Mailing List Features 1-19
Steps to Successful Implementation 1-20
Some Do-nots 1-20
S E C T I O N 2
S E T U P P R O C E D U R E S
Setting up TMLM for Windows 2-1
Installation Instructions 2-2
Setting Up BLINC 2-3
Entering Address Information 2-4
Print Sample Reports 2-4
S E C T I O N 3
M E N U S A N D S C R E E N S
What's It All About 3-1
Master Menu 3-3
Address File Maintenance 3-4
Address Salutations 3-5
S E C T I O N 4
R E P O R T O P T I O N S
Selecting Records for Printing 4-1
Select All Records 4-3
Select Block of Records 4-3
Have System Select Records 4-4
Example of Have System Select Records 4-6
Use Defined Selection Format 4-7
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
1-13
Use Last Selection Format 4-8
Sort Records Options 4-9
S E C T I O N 5
W H A T ' S I T A L L A B O U T
Finding Your Way Around 5-1
Screen Menu Options 5-2
Next 5-3
Previous 5-3
View 5-3
Get 5-3
Search 5-3
Continue 5-4
Add 5-4
Edit 5-5
Delete 5-5
S E C T I O N 6
O U T L I N E O F D A I L Y
P R O C E D U R E S
Basic Program Operating Procedures 6-1
Notes To The System Operations 6-3
System Initialization 6-4
Making Backups 6-6
Print Mailing Labels 6-7
Print Roladex Cards 6-8
Merging Documents with Address File 6-9
S E C T I O N 7
D A T A F I L E S
Categories Of Files 7-1
A P P E N D I C E S
File Layouts Appendix A
Some Frequently Asked Questions Appendix B
System Setup Appendix C
Sample Reports Appendix D
Technical Specifications Appendix E
Index Appendix F
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
1-14
GENERAL OVERVIEW OF
BLINC
BLINC contains powerful features, including many not normal-
ly found in other filing programs. Here is a brief overview of
what you'll be learning about and using. You can use BLINC for
all kinds of tasks:
- Maintain mailing lists and print mailing labels and envelopes.
- Maintain telephone or name and address directories.
- Build personnel files.
- Keep customer lists.
- Build and maintain files to be exported for use by other
programs, such
as Quattro, 1-2-3, Word Perfect, and DBase.
- Import files from other programs into the BLINC format.
- BLINC will allow you to sort your data into almost any se-
quence.
- Sophisticated search techniques allow:
comparison searches
soundex searches
wildcard searches, or
"scan across" searches
on any field in the record.
- You can print out reports from your file, listing all or some
of the
fields, from all or some of the records, in many different
sequences.
- Reports can be sent directly to your video screen, to your
printer, or to
disk for later use with your word processor or other programs.
- You can create new files from existing files. The
new file can be in a different format, and can be
a subset of the file from which it was "cloned".
- You can merge together two files which have
similar definitions. Databases can thus be created
and maintained on separate PC's, then combined
when desired into a "master" file.
- Above all else, BLINC is EASY! Many people can
use it with no training or instructions. Read this
manual carefully, however, to pick up so many of
the extra "fine points" of the program.
- A super fast "indexed search" can be done on
multiple fields.
- DOS subdirectory support.
- "Smart keys" (sometimes called "macros") are
supported through use of the Windows Recorder.
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
1-17
- A view feature to view 20 records at a time.
- Generic search on any fields.
- Imbedded search on any fields.
- All of these search types can be done in any
combination.
- Searches can be done in all fields simultaneously.
- Sort on any fields.
- Select (for printing) on any fields with "and/or"
comparisons.
- Print mailing labels and roladex cards.
- Print a "snapshot" while viewing a record.
- A "flip data before printing" character is provid-
ed for swapping last name/first name.
- Import and export data in many different formats.
- Automatically uses all available RAM memory for
super fast performance.
- Added a general error trapping routine. All
errors will have a message displayed and as
"graceful" a recovery as possible.
- The Merge program has been sped up signifi-
cantly. The Sort has been sped up by about 50%.
Some of the other programs also have significant
speed improvements under certain conditions.
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
1-18
BLINC
BLINC provides you with complete control over mailing lists
and simple data bases, including membership lists, personalized
telephone directories, and glossaries. BLINC is basic enough to
serve the needs of a casual user, yet powerful enough to handle a
wide range of more complex filing tasks. You can sort on multi-
ple fields, and select items by your own criteria. You can
generate individualized mass mailings or send different letters
to persons on the same mailing list.
FEATURES: FEATURES:
- Access records by multiple keys
- Insert new records without sorting
- Eliminates need to key in for each record by providing "assumed
values" - Easily combines with text files for merged letters
REPORTS: REPORTS:
Address File Listing
Salutation File Listing
Mailing labels
Roladex cards
Mail-merge document
Postcards
Envelopes
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
1-19
STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION
1. Install the program for your particular system configuration
(CHAPTER 2 & APPENDIX C).
2. PHASE 1 - Build your data files of names and addresses (2-1).
3. PHASE 2 - Perform daily procedures of entering address chang-
es, printing reports, and making backups of your data. (6-1).
SOME DO-NOTS
- DO NOT use BLINC until you've read or browsed through this
entire manual.
- DO NOT forget to make regular backup copies of your file.
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
1-20
SETTING UP
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
FOR WINDOWS
See Appendix C for additional instructions on installing the program for
your system configuration.
This chapter will address itself to the procedures you should follow
in setting up the system for your use. It discusses each of the applica-
tions you will use, how they interact with each other, and the steps you
should take in creating your master and data files. These setup proce-
dures are covered:
SYSTEM SETUP ____________
SETTING UP MAILING LISTS ________________________
The procedures you should follow on a daily and periodic basis once
your system is set up are covered in Chapter 6. Should you need any help
in knowing what information a field should contain, refer to the discus-
sion of the fields in Chapter 7, (DATA FILES).
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
2-21
INSTRUCTIONS FOR
INSTALLING BLINC, THE TOTAL
MAILING LIST MANAGER FOR WINDOWS
1. Copy the file VBRUN200.DLL into your Windows System directory.
Ex. From the A> prompt
COPY VBRUN200.DLL C:\WINDOWS
2. INSTALL the other BLINC files into a directory of your choice.
Ex. From the C> prompt
MD \BLINC PRESS ENTER
CD \BLINC PRESS ENTER
A:BLINC2xx PRESS ENTER
where xx is the release number of BLINC which you have.
3. Go into Windows.
Choose File - New - Program Item - OK
Enter "BLINC" for
Description
Enter "\BLINC\BLINC.EXE" for
Command Line
Choose OK.
Refer to Appendix C for information on setting up network and
special company configurations.
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
2-22
SETTING UP BLINC
There are three steps involved in setting up BLINC: _____
1. Obtain all names, addresses, and salutations that you want to put
into the system.
2. Enter the names and addresses into the system.
3. Print sample reports to check for errors.
Each of these steps will be detailed in the following pages.
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
2-23
ENTERING ADDRESS INFORMATION
After you have gathered the information that you want to enter
(names, addresses, etc.) you are ready to enter those names into the
system:
Choose the BLINC icon within Windows and double click. The system will
then show the Address File Maintenance screen. Click on ADD to add a new
record. See Chapter 7 for a discussion of the fields in this screen.
See Chapter 5 for a detailed explanation of the various keys and their
uses.
PRINT SAMPLE REPORTS
See chapter 6 for a discussion on printing address listings, mailing
labels, and Roladex cards.
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
2-24
WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT
Working with the system can be basically broken down into two
functions. One is related to entering information, inquiring on particu-
lar entries, and the editing of those entries. We refer to this option
under the heading of file maintenance. You will manipulate your files
through various screens. This option is highly interactive. The other
function is the generation of reports from the information entered.
These reports are generally not interactive.
The system is designed so you will be presented with several options
by means of a MENU. The menu bar is displayed across the top of the data
entry screen. You may choose any MENU option by clicking on it with the
mouse or by pressing ALT and the first letter of the word. Many times
there are sub-menus behind the first menu and at times even a third or
fourth level menu. In cases where there needs to be a third level menu,
the second level menu will contain options for entering information to
the system and subsequent menus will contain reports generated from the
information you have entered.
Working with the system in entering and editing information is
presented by means of various screens. These screens and the options you
have in working with them are discussed in this chapter. The generation
of reports is discussed in CHAPTER 4 - REPORT OPTIONS. This chapter
will give you an overview of the entire system, showing each menu and
entry screen. Sample reports are included in Appendix D.
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
3-25
ADDRESS FILE MAINTENANCE
File Edit Options Add Next Prev Search Zip Finder Sticky Notes About
Click Here to View BLINCS Set BLINC
FILE #.....:
Name.......: Find BLINC
Address 1..:
Address 2..: Carr. Rte.
City.......: St : Zip :
Phone 1....: Select Codes
Phone 2....: Contact __ Customer
Salutation.: __ Prospect
__ Group
Optional Fields __ Individual
__________ ___________ ___________
__________ ___________ ___________
The Address Master File should contain each of your names and addresses. The
default file name is ADDRESS.DAT. If you want to store your names in a
different file, choose FILE - NEW and enter a new file name. See chapter 7 for
a discussion of the fields on this screen. From this screen you will access
all functions for maintaining your address file(s). Chapter 5 explains the
various options you have for manipulating your files.
FILE
- NEW
- OPEN F5
- IMPORT Ctrl I
- SELECT / SORT
- PRINT
- QUICK SEARCH INDEX
- EXIT
FILE - NEW Choose this option if you want to store your names in a file other
than ADDRESS.DAT. The system will ask you for a file name, then clear the
screen and allow you to enter new names.
FILE - OPEN (F5) : Choose this option to open a data file which already exists
in the system.
IMPORT (Ctrl I) : This option is used to import records from other systems.
BLINC accepts records in several different formats.
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
3-26
- ASCII Comma Delimited
- ASCII Fixed Length
- Dbase File
- Label Text File 1 Up
- Label Text File 3 Up
- Paradox File
- Word Perfect Mail Merge File
- Word Perfect Label File
SELECT / SORT : Will allow you to select and sort your data files for printing
labels and reports. The sort option when printing a report does not actually
sort the file... it merely swaps pointers to the records so that the report
will be generated in sorted order.
FILE
- PRINT
- SINGLE LABEL
- ADDRESS LISTING
- LABELS
- ENVELOPES
- ROLADEX CARDS
- BLINCS
- PRINTER SETUP
- SNAPSHOT
FILE - PRINT - SINGLE LABEL (Ctrl L) : This option will allow you to print
multiple labels for the record that is currently displayed on the screen.
FILE - PRINT - ADDRESS FILE LISTING : This option will give you a columnar
listing of the names in your address file. A sample of this report is located
in Appendix D. All of the standard sort/select options are available for your
use while running this report. See Chapter 4 - REPORT OPTIONS.
FILE - PRINT - LABELS :
- Dot Matrix 1 UP
- Dot Matrix 2 up
- Dot Matrix 3 up
- Dot Matrix 4 up
- DM 3 up no barcode
- Cheshire labels 3 up
- Laser 3 up
FILE - PRINT - LABELS : These options will print mailing labels in various
formats. A sample printout of these labels are located in Appendix D. All of
the standard sort/select options are available for your use while running this
report. See Chapter 4 - REPORT OPTIONS.
FLIE - PRINT - BLINCs : This option will give you a listing of the currently
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
Rev. 1 March 20, 1993
3-27
defined BLINCs. For more information on defining and using BLINCs, see chapter
6.
FILE - PRINT - PRINTER SETUP : This option will allow you to set margins and
page length settings. BLINC uses the default printers defined within Windows
for other settings.
FILE - PRINT - SNAPSHOT : This option will print the current record including
field headings.
FILE - QUICKSEARCH INDEX : The system maintains an internal index to the files
in order to find records quickly using Quick Search (F6). If for any reason
your index becomes damaged, this option will allow you to rebuild the index.
FILE - EXIT : This option will allow you to exit from the program and return
to Windows. You should always choose this option when you are finished with
your processing.
EDIT
- UNDO
- COPY
- Copy All
EDIT - UNDO : This option will restore any changes made to the current record
if you decide not to keep the changes.
Edit - Copy : This option will copy the name and address information into the
clipboard so you can retrieve it within another application. You can use this
option to merge names into letters created with your word processor.
Edit - Copy All : This option will copy the entire record including phone
numbers and comments fields into the clipboard so you can retrieve it within
another application.
OPTIONS
- DELETE
- CLEAR BLINCS
- CREATE INDEX
- USE INDEX
- PURGE DUPS
OPTIONS - DELETE : Will delete the current record from the file.
OPTIONS - CLEAR BLINCS : If this option is checked, the system will clear each
successive BLINC once you have jumped to the new record. If it is unchecked,
the system adds each succesive BLINC FIND to the previous list. This is useful
if you're combining several smaller lists together for printing.
Options - Purge Dups : This option will allow you to interactively review near
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
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match records to delete duplicates. All of the standard sort/select options
are available while using this option. See chapter 4 - Report Options.
VIEW : This option will give you a columnar listing of the records in the data
file and allow you to page forward and backwards through the file.
ADD : Will clear the screen and position the cursor in the Name field to allow
you to add a new record. The File Number is automatically assigned. If you
are entering individuals names, they should go in as Last Name; First Name with
a semi-colon between.
NEXT : Will display the next record in the file.
Prev. : Will display the previous record in the file.
SEARCH
- GO TO F2
- QUICK SEARCH F6
- DEFINE Shift F3
- FIND > SCREEN F3
- FIND NEXT F4
- FIND > BLINC
Search - Go To : Will allow you to jump to a particular record in the file.
Ths system will ask you for the record number. If you have allowed the system
to assign the numbers and not overridden them, this is the same as the File
Number.
Search - Quick Search : This option will allow you to search quickly for a
name. The first 7 characters are significant. You must match on at least 7
characters. You may type more if you'd like to make the search more specific.
If a name is shorter than 7 characters, such as Jones, you should enter Jones;
with a trailing space. That makes the seven characters. The first name would
then be optional. If the name sought is not displayed, press F4 to see the
next match.
Search - Define : This option will display a blank entry screen. Enter the
piece(s) of information you want to search for, then choose Search - Find >
Screen or Search - Find > BLINC depending on where you want the results of the
search to go.
Search - Find > Screen : This option will direct the output of any search which
you have defined to the screen. The first record which matches your search
criteria will be displayed. Choose Search - Find Next to continue searching
for the next match.
Search - Find Next : Will continue the searching of the data file for the
currently defined criteria with the record immediately after the one currently
displayed. You can choose this option multiple times to search through the
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entire file.
Search - Find > BLINC : Will direct the output of a search to the BLINC queue.
You may then scroll through the resulting entries and click on each to view the
record. If you want to view multiple records, you should choose Options -
Clear BLINCS and remove the check mark so the system will not clear once a
record is selected.
Zip Finder : When you choose this option, BLINC will allow you to enter a city
and find the zip code, or to enter a zip code and find the corresponding city.
If you have Accumail, the optional CD-ROM disk subsystem installed, you can
find the zip plus 4 code by also searching for the street address. ZIP FINDER
ii contains approximately 40,000 5 digit zip codes for quick verification of
proper zip codes.
STICKY NOTES : This option will allow you to add notes about a particular
person. These notes are free-form and a maximum of 200 per record are allowed.
ABOUT : My shameless commercial for the program and my company.
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USING BLINC
Beyond the Limits of Information and Networking Connections, there is
BLINC. BLINC is the part of the Total Mailing List Manager that sets it apart
from other filing programs. You can use BLINC to maintain relationships
between groups and the people who make up those groups.
Every entry in your address file will represent either an individual
person or a group. That group may be a business, a church, a social organiza-
tion, or even a "group" you define yourself, such as "apple pie eaters." The
BLINC will then allow you to identify the relationships and beyond that to
manipulate those relationships to organize your file on the fly and find the
information you need.
BLINC consists of two parts. The front end allows you to add and delete
relationships, and the back end allows you to either interactively jump through
the links which have been established, or to print labels and reports from the
links.
AN EXAMPLE OF SETTING UP AND USING BLINCS
Let's suppose that you want to create a list of members or your Rotary
Club.
First enter the name and address of the rotary club into one record. This
will be the primary information on the group.
Next enter each name and address of the members that make up that group.
Now choose SET BLINC. You may either click on the group field, then click
on the Rotary Club field or type in the file number of the Rotary Club.
Now click on each member in turn in the right list box, then click on that
member's relationship to the Rotary Club, followed by ADD BLINC. When you are
finished, choose EXIT.
Now the fun begins. With the master record for the Rotary Club displayed
on the screen, click on FIND BLINC and the BLINC list box will give you a list
of all members and their relationship to the club. Clicking on a member will
show their master record. You may then repeat the process to see the relation-
ship that a member has to the club, or to other groups.
You will notice that the system clears the chosen BLINCS each time that
you choose FIND BLINC. You can keep this from occurring by choosing OPTIONS -
CLEAR BLINCS and remove the check mark. The system will then not clear the
BLINCS, but allow you to jump quickly between the various members of the group.
BLINC feeds to the address listing and print labels routines. In order to
print labels to every member of the club, all you need do is click FIND BLINC,
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then click FILE - PRINT - PRINT LABELS.
But, Beyond the Limits... Suppose later you wanted to get a notice out to
all club secretaries regarding the upcoming yard sale.
Choose SET BLINC, click on secretaries, leaving the member and group box
blank, then choose FIND BLINC. The system will then give you a list of
secretaries, regardless of the organization. Choose FILE - PRINT - PRINT
LABELS, and you have your list.
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
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3-32
CHAPTER 4
STANDARD REPORT OPTIONS
SELECTING RECORDS
FOR PRINTING
Any time you choose a menu option that calls for printing a REPORT you
will have several options of how you wish to have the records presented on the
report. These options generally fall into the following 2 categories.
1. SELECT the records out of the file that you want to appear on the report.
2. SORT the records into the sequence in which you want the report to print.
The first of these, the SELECT RECORDS OPTION is designed to permit you to
select from the file ONLY those records that you want to appear on the report;
you do not have to list everything in the file if you want only those records
that meet certain criteria.
SELECT RECORDS OPTIONS
When you go to print any report you have several options of how you wish to
select the records for printing.
SELECT ALL RECORDS
This option will print all records in the file.
SELECT BLOCK OF RECORDS
This option is used to select a block of records by record number. The
record number is the number located at the top of the screen on the prompt line
when you enter or edit the record. (ex. Record 6 of 235 - the number 6 is the
current record and 235 is the total number of records in the file.) The system
will ask for a beginning and ending record to include on the report.
FIND > BLINC
Records which have been selected by the system and placed into the BLINC
queue, can be printed without any further select / sort options being per-
formed.
SORT RECORDS OPTIONS
If you wish to have your output reports printed in a specific sequence,
you should sort the file index. For example, to print your address file in
alphabetical order, by last name, you would specify the NAME field. If you
don't care about the sequence of your output report, you won't need to do a
sort before printing your report.
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A new feature for version 1.11 of BLINC is the capability to do postal
presorts. This is actually a multi-level sort based on sorting first all 5
digit zips, then 3 digit SCF, then states, and finally mixed states. This
sortation will allow you to take maximum discounts at the post office for
presorted first class and bulk mail.
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Rev. 2 March 20, 1993
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BASIC PROGRAM
OPERATING PROCEDURES
There are a number of procedures that are part of the operation of the
program. Before you can do these steps you must have installed the program for
your hardware configuration (APPENDIX C), and built your master files. (CHAPTER
2). This chapter will address itself to the steps to operating the program.
There are several types of transactions that are part of your normal daily
procedure. They are all specified in this chapter which tells you exactly how
to enter each type of transaction. The checklist on the next page gives you an
overview of what should be done each day. Other procedures, such as the
generation of reports are performed as needed, while others are performed
monthly, quarterly, or annually. You may find that certain recommendations do
not "fit" for your particular operation. If you change the procedures however,
be careful to think through the ramifications. Throughout these procedures we
have assumed that you are using the complete BLINC program. If you are using
only selected options your procedures may differ.
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
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OPERATION TO BE PERFORMED SEE PAGE / NOTES
=========================================================================
DAILY OPERATIONS
1. System Initialization 6-4
PERIODIC OPERATIONS
(TO BE PERFORMED AS NEEDED)
Mailing List Management
1. Create a New Data File
1. Address File Listing
2. Salutation File Listing
3. Print Mailing Labels 6-7
4. Print Roladex Cards 6-8
5. Print Envelopes
5. Create Mail Merge Document 6-9
6. How to Make Backups 6-6
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NOTES TO THE SYSTEM
OPERATIONS
1. The abbreviation CD stands for current date. You should enter the current
date in the format MM/DD/YY. If the month or day is less than 10 you should
enter a leading 0 as in
01/01/91 for February 6, 1992.
2. The abbreviation BR stands for beginning record number. Enter the record
number of the first item in this batch of entries. This is the number that ap-
peared on the prompt line AFTER you added the first transaction in this batch;
ie.
RECORD XX OF NN
You should enter the value for XX then press ENTER.
3. The abbreviation ER stands for ending record number. Enter the record
number of the last item in this batch of entries. This is the number that ap-
peared on the prompt line AFTER you added the last transaction in this batch;
ie.
RECORD XX OF NN
You should enter the value for XX then press ENTER. If the last record to
print corresponds to the last item in your file you may merely press ENTER and
the system will assume the last record.
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System Initialization
Stand Alone System
You should always turn on your peripheral items (printer, modem, etc.
first, then your computer. The system will go through a startup process which
will identify any problems that it may have. The particular sequence will
depend on your computer system. If prompted, you should enter the system date
in the format MM/DD/YY. If the month or day is less than 10 you should enter a
leading zero. Ex. February 8, 1992 should be entered as:
02/08/92 Press ENTER
You should always make a habit of using the slashes '/' rather than entering
dashes '-' for dates. The system treats the two differently when sorting and
you will have problems later if you use dashes.
If the system stops at the DOS prompt, i.e.
C>
you should type:
CD\WINDOWS press ENTER
WIN press ENTER
Once Windows has loaded, double click on the BLINC icon to start the program.
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Create a New Data File
This is the procedure for creating a new data file to hold your names.
The default file name is ADDRESS.DAT. When you first start the program, names
will be put in this file. For a new file, choose:
FILE - NEW - FILENAME* - OK
*A FILENAME may be up to 8 characters long, characters or numbers.
Special characters and spaces are not allowed.
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How to Make Backups
After you have completed your posting of each day's transactions, you should
make a habit of backing up all entries made. Refer to your DOS reference
manual if you have questions regarding the procedure.
From the DOS prompt:
BACKUP C:\BLINC\*.* A: press ENTER.
The computer will tell you when to put in a diskette and when additional
diskettes are needed. Be sure the diskettes you put in have been formatted; if
not you must FORMAT DISKETTES before starting the backup procedure.
Be sure all diskettes are inserted into the computer with the label side up and
the cut out end going in first.
These daily backup diskettes should be stored off site to assure that you have
a backup of your data files.
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Print Mailing Labels
The Print Mailing Labels option will allow you to print mailing labels
from the data files that you have entered. All of the standard sort/select
options are available to you while using this function. See Chapter 4 - REPORT
OPTIONS. This system supports 3 1/2 inch labels 1 up, 2 up, 3 up and 4 up as
well as the three across labels for laser printers.
1. Select the records to include in the print job. See chapter 4 for a full
discussion of selecting records. To select all records in the file, choose
FILE - SELECT/SORT - SELECT ALL RECORDS - OK
2. You may choose to sort the labels on zip code or on name. If so, when the
SELECT/SORT Records Menu appears, click on the sort field before choosing OK.
3. Choose FILE - PRINT - LABELS
Click on the format of the labels you want to print. The following questions
will appear on different formats, depending on their need. We will discuss
them all together, but not all will be asked each time. For the default
values, press ENTER.
Printer output directed to: {LPT1:} The current version of the program
bypasses PRINT MANAGER within Windows, because of bugs with PRINT MANAGER in
handling graphics bar codes properly. You can specify to send the output of
your printing to a disk file by entering the file name and path on this line.
Other possible entries are COMx: for a specific serial port or SCRN: for the
video screen.
Printer Setup String: {no default setting} You may use this line to send
special settings to your printer to set printer fonts or line spacing. Consult
your printer manual for specifics. The ESC code (character code 27), if
required should be entered as <ESC>. All other codes should be entered as
their ASCII equivalent. Codes which are not available directly from the
keyboard may be typed by holding down the ALT key and typing its 3 digit
decimal number on the keypad.
Ex. Many printers used <ESC> (027/015) for condensed type. You would enter
this code by typing <ESC> and then hold down the ALT key and type 015 on the
keypad. The screen would then display the 'splat.'
Vertical Spacing between labels: {1} This option is for the number of lines to
skip between labels. For standard 1" high labels, the answer is '1'. If you
are using larger labels, or printing more than 6 lines per inch, you will need
to experiment to get the proper number.
Horizontal spacing between labels: {5} This option only applies to labels
printed 2 up, 3 up, and 4 up. If your labels are non-standard, you can
experiment with this number to get wider or narrower spacing.
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Print Alignment Mask? : If you answer 'Y' the system will print xxx across
three labels to allow you to check the alignment. When you have a proper
alignment on the labels, answer 'N' and the labels will be printed.
Include PostNet bar codes? : If you answer YES, the system will include the
PostNet bar code above the address.
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Print Envelopes
The Print Envelopes option will allow you to print envelopes from the data
files that you have entered. All of the standard sort/select options are
available to you while using this function. See Chapter 4 - REPORT OPTIONS.
1. Select the records to include in the print job. See chapter 4 for a full
discussion of selecting records. To select all records in the file, choose
FILE - SELECT/SORT - SELECT ALL RECORDS - OK
2. You may choose to sort the envelopes on zip code or on name. If so, when
the SELECT/SORT Records Menu appears, click on the sort field before choosing
OK.
3. Choose FILE - PRINT - ENVELOPES
Click on the format of the envelopes you want to print. The following ques-
tions will appear on different formats, depending on their need. We will
discuss them all together, but not all will be asked each time. For the
default values, press ENTER.
Printer output directed to: {LPT1:} The current version of the program
bypasses PRINT MANAGER within Windows, because of bugs with PRINT MANAGER in
handling graphics bar codes properly. You can specify to send the output of
your printing to a disk file by entering the file name and path on this line.
Other possible entries are COMx: for a specific serial port or SCRN: for the
video screen.
Printer Setup String: {no default setting} You may use this line to send
special settings to your printer to set printer fonts or line spacing. Consult
your printer manual for specifics. The ESC code (character code 27), if
required should be entered as <ESC>. All other codes should be entered as
their ASCII equivalent. Codes which are not available directly from the
keyboard may be typed by holding down the ALT key and typing its 3 digit
decimal number on the keypad.
Ex. Many printers used <ESC> (027/015) for condensed type. You would enter
this code by typing <ESC> and then hold down the ALT key and type 015 on the
keypad. The screen would then display the 'splat.'
Vertical Spacing between labels: {1} This option is for the number of lines to
skip between labels. For standard 1" high labels, the answer is '1'. If you
are using larger labels, or printing more than 6 lines per inch, you will need
to experiment to get the proper number.
Single or Continuous : {S} If you choose single, the system will pause between
printing each envelope and wait for you to press ENTER before continuing.
Portrait or Landscape : {P} Landscape printing is only available for certain
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
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printers. Check your printer manual.
Include Return Address : {Y} If you answer 'Y' the system will print the
return address from the company setup file.
Banner Line 1 & 2 : These lines are optional and will print across the envelope
below the return address.
TAB offset for Return Address {3} : Enter the number of spaces from the left
margin for the return address.
TAB offset for Address {40} Enter the number of spaces from the left margin
for the Address.
Vertical Spacing Between Return Address and Address {3} : The number of
vertical spaces after the banner line before printing the address.
Vertical Spacing Between Address and Bar Code {3} : The number of vertical
spaces after the address before printing the bar code.
Vertical Spacing Between Bar Code and End of Envelope {3} : The number of
vertical lines to feed after printing the bar code.
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CATEGORIES OF FILES
There are two general categories of files used in the computer to do
all of your work; they are:
1. Master Files
2. Data Files
The information contained in master files usually does not change
very often, but when it does change, it is CRITICALLY IMPORTANT that the
master file affected be updated accurately and immediately. Never run
any type of report until you know that your master file updates have been
properly completed. Your reports will be worthless if your master files
are wrong.
Master file information is changed instantly; just as soon as you
exit a record after editing the file is changed. No posting cycle is
required to update the master file - no audit trail is left for you
except your original input document. BE VERY CAREFUL THAT YOUR DATA HAS
BEEN ENTERED CORRECTLY BEFORE EXITING THE EDIT OPTION WHEN UPDATING THE
MASTER FILES - THERE IS NO VALIDATION, AND NO AUDIT TRAIL LEFT.
There are 3 master files which are a part of the system and are
required for proper operation. These files are:
SALUTE00.DAT
ZIPCODES.DAT
TITLES00.DAT
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ADDRESS FILE MAINTENANCE
EXPLANATION OF FIELDS
FILE NUMBER - This field is the key field for your address file. It is
automatically assigned by the system, giving each record a unique number
as it is created. You may then use this number in conjunction with F2 to
quickly retrieve a record. It is also used by the BLINC routines to
maintain links between records in your file.
NAME - If you are dealing with an individual you should give consider-
ation as to how to enter the name. If a name is entered as James E.
Smith and you ask for an alphabetical listing of the customers the names
will be out of order. If on the other hand Smith; James E. is entered
the names will be sorted properly on your printout. For printing purpos-
es the name will be reversed on the mailing label so that Smith; James
E. will become James E. Smith. NOTE THE SEMICOLON IS USED AS A SEPARA-
TOR. If the name is James E. Smith, Jr. it should be entered as Smith
Jr.; James E. Should you find a printout addressing a customer in-
correctly you can call up that record and edit the customer name field.
CONTACT - This field should contain the name and salutation that you
wish to use in addressing this person. It is used for addressing
letters to a particular person's attention. If no name is entered here
the letter will print 'Dear Sir' for the salutation.
ADDRESS 1 & ADDRESS 2 - Two lines are allowed for the address. Recent
Post Office guidelines suggest that the second line should contain the
Post Office Box if required.
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CITY - STATE - ZIP CODE - A maximum of 15 characters are allowed for the
city. Post Office abbreviations are recommended for the state. The Zip
Code field allows 10 characters for the zip plus four codes.
CARRIER ROUTE - This field is for carrier route if you are doing bulk
mailings.
PHONE - Twelve characters are allowed for the phone number including the
area code. The format is xxx-xxx-xxxx.
SALUTATION - This field should contain the KEY # from the Salutation
File. This file is used in the Mailing List Management sub-system to
address people as Mr., Mrs., etc.
The standard salutation codes are:
0. no salutation (also default for blank field)
1. Mr.
2. Mr. & Mrs.
3. Miss
4. Dr.
5. Dr. & Mrs.
6. Drs.
7. Sgt.
8. Sgt & Mrs.
COMMENTS - The comments field is for your own use and a maximum of 40
characters are allowed. Any information about the person you wish to
maintain may be typed in this space and later searched like any other
field.
SELECT CODES - The select codes are the selection criteria that you
choose to sort the records by. They are labeled Customer, Prospect,
Member and Group. You may use them to key the records as you'd like.
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
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DATA FILE LAYOUT FOR ADDRESS
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ln. Description Length Type
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1 FILE # 7 0
2 NAME 35 0
3 ADDRESSEE 30 0
4 ADDRESS 1 30 0
5 ADDRESS 2 30 0
6 CITY 15 0
7 STATE 2 0
8 ZIP CODE 10 0
9 PHONE 1 12 0
10 PHONE 2 12 0
11 CARRIER ROUTE 5 0
12 SALUTATION 2 0
13 FLAG STRING 4 0
14 USER FIELD 1 10 0
15 USER FIELD 2 10 0
16 USER FIELD 3 10 0
17 USER FIELD 4 10 0
18 USER FIELD 5 10 0
19 USER FIELD 6 11 0
DATA FILE LAYOUT FOR TITLES00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ln. Description Length Type
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1 TITLE KEY 10 0
2 TITLE DESCRIPTION 35 0
DATA FILE LAYOUT FOR ZIPCODES
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ln. Description Length Type
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1 ZIP CODE 9 0
2 ZIP STATE 2 0
3 ZIP STATE 15 0
DATA FILE LAYOUT FOR TITLES00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ln. Description Length Type
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1 MEMBER 4 0
2 TITLE 4 0
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
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3 GROUP 4 0
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
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APPENDIX B
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
"Do you have any other programs that you're distributing?"
ANSWER: Yes, We take great pride in our ability to provide high quality,
high function, easy to use programs for a popular price.
"Will it help if I buy more RAM memory for my PC?"
ANSWER: Yes. BLINC makes use of all available memory for performance
purposes. You should see a sizeable speed improvement particularly on
large files. Your sorts should also run faster.
"In what language was BLINC written?"
ANSWER: It was written in "Microsoft VISUAL BASIC", then compiled with
the Microsoft VISUAL BASIC Compiler version 1.0. There are also some
assembler language subroutines, which were created using the IBM Assem-
bler. There are over 25,000 lines of source code in this product. We
use WORD PERFECT to maintain our source code and documentation files.
Final documentation is produced directly from WORD PERFECT to assure that
the manual you receive reflects the most recent revisions.
"What computers run BLINC?"
ANSWER: We've worked very hard to make BLINC run on as many different
"MS-DOS" computers as possible. The minimum configuration is an 80286
system with 2 megabytes of memory, VGA color monitor, and 2 megabytes of
memory. Microsoft Windows v. 3.0 or higher is also required.
"Can I obtain the source code for the program?"
ANSWER: The source code is available from Eastern Digital Resources for
your own non-commercial use. Contact your local dealer for pricing.
Malfunctions
Errors due to operation mistakes (operators) or to environmental condi-
tions (hardware or system software) do occur on occasion in spite of the
best error trapping techniques a program can include. TMLWIN helps you
to quickly determine if an error is due to a defect/failure or the result
of misoperation.
Disk Drive Not Ready or File Not Found xxxx
This error is from the program which encountered an error due to a disk
drive failure or mis-operation. Note what the program is trying to do,
read a Data File, Save a Data File, etc. and also which disk drive is
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
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involved. Check that the drive itself is operational and then make sure
the diskette has the requested program. Press ENTER to retry.
Using the 'ESC' for exit will usually escape the error condition but will
not correct the error. Continuing with the program following such an
error, without correcting the problem will usually be un-successful. As
an assist in locating the difficulty the error number, xxxx, will help by
pointing to the
problem area.
Each of the above errors will occur during the initializing, or the
startup, phase. The most common problem is the file(s) are not on the
currently designated default drive where the program expect to find them.
(the default drive is the one designated from DOS by the prompt;
A>,B>,etc).
Printer Not Ready. On some printers, during multiple copy printing, this
error will occasionally be displayed and then clear itself. This is the
result of the program attempting to print the next label and the printer
is still busy. Although an annoyance this does no harm. A printer
buffer, always a good accessory, will prevent this. Device Fault is a
DOS error which usually relates to the printer. Although the program
interrogates the printer ready status prior to each print command to
avoid such a fault, it is possible that mis-operation could void such
checks. Such a diagnostic message will require a RE-BOOT.
THE TOTAL MAILING LIST MANAGER
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REQUIRED FIELD: A value must be provided in this field The field has
been designated as "required " by establishing a validity check. You
must post a value to this field during an editing or a data entry ses-
sion. See Chapter 1 for information on validity checks.
Access denied... You will see messages beginning with "Access denied" if
you are working on a network and are trying to access an object or
directory that you do not have sufficient rights to use. Typically, the
problem is not at the program level, but at the network level. For
example, you'll get this type of message if you try to make a read-only
directory your working directory. See your network administrator if you
cannot determine the cause of this problem.
Drive not ready.
BLINC is attempting to read or write from a disk you have specified, but
cannot do so because the drive door is open, a disk is not inserted in
the drive, or the drive does not exist.
Insufficient disk space for export.
TMLM has determined that it cannot Export the data in a table because
there is not enough room on the disk or directory you have designated to
hold the exported version of the data. Change your working directory or
floppy disk, or delete some files before continuing.
Insufficient disk space to insert new records.
TMLM has determined that there is not enough room on the designated disk
to complete an Insert query. Change your working directory or floppy
disk, or delete some files before continuing.
Insufficient memory for...
BLINC has determined that it does not have enough memory available to
carry out the operation you have specified. Before continuing, end the
current operation and try to increase available memory by clearing the
workspace. You can also increase memory by removing any RAM-resident
programs you may have installed on your computer.
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APPENDIX C
INSTALLATION PROCEDURES
Before doing anything else with the program, you should make a copy
of your program diskettes. The new copy will serve as your operating
diskette, and you can store the original distribution diskette for safe-
keeping. Please note that copies may only be made for backup purposes or
onto your hard disk.
INSTALLATION FOR A HARD DISK SYSTEM
1. If you don't see the normal DOS prompt on your screen, then "boot-up"
the DOS operating system in the usual manner. If you don't yet know how
to do this, please return to your DOS manual for further reading or
consult your dealer.
2. Log onto the "A" drive. To do this, type:
A: and press the ENTER key.
3. Copy the programs to the hard disk. Do this by typing:
INSTALL press ENTER
4. Store your program distribution diskette in a safe place.
At this point, you may need to install the program into Windows Type:
C: press ENTER
CD\WINDOWS press ENTER
WIN press ENTER
Choose File - New - Program Item - OK
Enter BLINC.EXE for the Program Name
Enter C:\BLINC for the Working Directory.
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INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
FOR NOVELL NETWORKS
If you have the single user edition of BLINC, you may still install
the program on a Novell network. You should take care however that no
two users are using the same data files simultaneously to avoid corrup-
tion of your data.
Each user should be given shared read/write access to the following
directories:
DOS
BLINC
DATA
USERNAME - where USERNAME is the name of the user.
The system should have the drives mapped as:
C: - USERNAME
D: - BLINC
E: - DATA
If the user has a local hard disk drive installed, you can use that drive
as drive C: rather than mapping a drive to the network.
Each user must have a unique drive designated as drive C: to alleviate
collisions and corruption of data files.
For the INSTALL procedure only, you should map drive C: as the network
SYS:\BLINC or specify the drive designation and path after the INSTALL as
in:
INSTALL D:\BLINC
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INSTALLING BLINC FOR MULTIPLE COMPANIES
The recommended way to set up multiple companies on the system, is to map
DRIVE C: uniquely for each company, drive E: as a unique data area for
each company and keep drive D: set to WINDOWS. Each user should then
login under the company name. If more than one user is going to work in
any given company at one time, each user must have a unique drive C:
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#########################
#########################
#########################
SAMPLE MAILING
LABELS FORMAT
#########################
#########################
#########################
#########################
#########################
#########################
BANK OF SARDIS
P.O. BOX
SARDIS, GA. 30456
BANK OF WAYNESBORO
P.O. BOX 637
WAYNESBORO, GA. 30830
WENDELL BAREFIELD
RT.2 BOX 105
WAYNESBORO, GA. 30830
JAMES BAREFIELD
RT.1 BOX 213
SARDIS, GA. 30456
CARL BARGERON
RT.1 BOX 97
SARDIS, GA. 30456
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FRED BEAUMAN
P.O. BOX 112
SARDIS, GA. 30456
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C-57
APPENDIX E
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
While BLINC has been designed with care and rigorously tested
in actual business use, you may have some requirements which the
program cannot meet. The information in this appendix is designed
to give a programmer the links he needs to make necessary changes
to the system. It is expected that you will have a working
knowledge of the disk operating system, file I/O, and a background
in programming using a language such as BASIC before attempting to
modify the program. We can provide telephone assistance as needed
but please understand that you will be billed at our going rate
for assistance provided in this area.
MOVING RECORDS INTO
ANOTHER APPLICATION
All data records within BLINC are stored as ASCII files in a
random access format. If you wish to access the record you may
open the file with a record length of 255. In order to import the
records into LOTUS or other spreadsheet program you should only
need to read the file using the spreadsheet's import feature for
sequential files.
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WRITING YOUR OWN PROGRAMS
This information is provided for programmers who wish to use
TMLWIN files with their own programs.
Here's a sample BASIC program to show you how to process the Index
and Data records in your file.
1 CLEAR 20000:DIM A$(92),R(92),C(92),F(92),D$(92),F$(92),FL(92),
D2$(92),F2$(92),F2(92),D3$(92),F3$(92),F3(92),D4$(92),F4$(92),
F4(92),IN$(10)
6 DEF FN SS$(AN$)=LEFT$(AN$+" ",INSTR(AN$+" "," ")-1): REM This
function strips trailing blanks from a string
7 OPEN"I",1,"COMPANY0.CFG":A$=INPUT$(149,1):PR$=FN
SS$(INPUT$(12,1)):DN$=FN SS$(INPUT$(12,1)):IND$=FN
SS$(INPUT$(12,1)):FG=VAL(INPUT$(12,1)):BG=VAL(INPUT$(12,1)):
BC=VAL(INPUT$(12,1)):CLOSE 1:EXT$=".DAT":REM Get the company setup
information as to drive assignments etc.
11 DEF FN H(SE$)=ASC(MID$(SE$,1,1))*97+13+ASC(MID$(SE$,2,1))*113+
ASC(MID$(SE$,3,1))*73+ASC(MID$(SE$,4,1))*32+ASC(MID$(SE$,5,1))*3+
ASC(MID$(SE$,6,1))*2+ASC(MID$(SE$,7,1))*7:REM This function
creates a hash code of the key field's data
100 REM TO OPEN A FILE GOSUB 2100
110 REM TO OPEN AN INDEX GOSUB 2700
120 REM TO RETRIEVE NEXT ITEM IN THE SELECTED RECORDS GOSUB 2600
130 REM TO SEARCH FOR A RECORD GOSUB 1200
1200 IN$=LEFT$(DF$,10)+".I"+IN$(L1):GOSUB 2200:IN$=SE$:GOSUB 1600:
S1$=IN$:J=LI:S1$=S1$+" ":S1$=LEFT$(S1$,7):S2$=MKI$(FN
H(S1$)):FOR X3=X1 TO 32:GET BN+1,X3
1202 I=INSTR(BE,H$,S2$):BE=BE+2:IF I>0 THEN R2=((X3-1)*125)+((I+1-
)/2):
GET BN,R2:ON BN GOTO 1250,1260,1270,1280
1203 BE=1:NEXT:G=0:RETURN
1204 IF BE<256 THEN 1202
1205 FOR X=RN+1 TO LR:GET 1,X:IN$=D$(LI):GOSUB 1600:G=INSTR(IN$,S-
E$):IF G>0 THEN RETURN ELSE IF INKEY$=CHR$(27)THEN RN=1:GOTO 3060
ELSE NEXT:RETURN
1210 IF LOF(1)=0 THEN RETURN ELSE GET 1,RN:FOR LI=1 TO NU:
A$(LI)=D$(F(LI)):LOCATE R(LI),C(LI):PRINT FN CL$;:LOCATE
R(LI),C(LI) :PRINT A$(LI);:NEXT:RETURN
1250 IN$=LEFT$(D$(ID),LEN(SE$)):GOSUB 1600:IF IN$=SE$ THEN G=5:BE-
=I+2: RETURN ELSE BE=I+2:GOTO 1202
1260 IF D2$(I2)=SE$ THEN G=5:BE=I+2:RETURN ELSE GOTO 1202
1270 STOP
1280 IN$=LEFT$(D4$(I2),LEN(SE$)):GOSUB 1600:IF IN$=SE$ THEN
G=5:BE=I+2: RETURN
1290 GOTO 1202
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2100 DF$=D1$+".IDX":FL=0:OPEN"I",1,DF$:INPUT #1,Z1:FOR X=1 TO
Z1:INPUT #1,F$(X):FL(X)=VAL(MID$(F$(X),30,3)):FL=FL+FL(X):NEXT:C-
LOSE 1:IF D$<>"" THEN D1$=D$:LOCATE 1,46:PRINT D1$
2105 LOCATE 21,1:DF$=DN$+D1$+EXT$:OPEN"R",1,DF$,FL
:LR=INT(LOF(1)/FL):X1=0
2110 FOR LI=1 TO Z1:FIELD 1,(X1)AS DU$,FL(LI)AS D$(LI):X1=X1+FL(L-
I):NEXT
2113 FIELD 1,FL AS A$
2115 IF LR=0 THEN RETURN ELSE RN=LR:GET 1,RN:IF A$=STRING$(FL,32)
THEN LR=LR-1:GOTO 2115
2116 RETURN
2120 CLOSE 2:DF$=D2$+".IDX":F2=0:OPEN"I",2,DF$:INPUT #2,Z2:FOR X=1
TO Z2:LINE INPUT #2,F2$(X):F2(X)=VAL(MID$(F2$(X),30,2)):F2=F2+F2(-
X):NEXT
:CLOSE 2:IF D$<>""THEN D2$=D$
2125 DF$=DN$+D2$+EXT$:OPEN"R",2,DF$,F2:L2=INT(LOF(2)/F2):X1=0:FOR
LI=1 TO Z2:FIELD 2,(X1)AS DU$,F2(LI)AS D2$(LI):X1=X1+F2(LI):NEXT:-
X1=0
2127 IF L2=0 THEN RETURN ELSE R2=L2:GET 2,R2:IF LEFT$(D2$(1),4)="
"OR ASC(D2$(1))=0 THEN L2=L2-1:GOTO 2127
2128 RETURN
2200 IF IN$=IG$ THEN RETURN ELSE CLOSE BN+1:IG$=LEFT$(DF$,10)+"-
.I"+
IN$(L1):OPEN"R",BN+1,IG$,250:FIELD BN+1,250 AS H$:RETURN
THE FILES ON YOUR PROGRAM DISK
This information is provided so that you'll know the function
of each file and program in the BLINC system. BLINC consistently
names each particular kind of file for quick verification of its
purpose in the system. The last three characters of a file will
identify its use.
BAS - VISUAL BASIC program source code
EXE - the compiled version of the BASIC code
BAT - a batch file, used by the system to execute DOS funtions
BIN - an assembly language module which is called by
the program
COM - an assembly language module which can also be
executed directly from DOS
CFG - a data file which is used for storing configura-
tion para- meters and reports
DAT - your data which you have entered
Ixx - an index to a file with the numbers 'xx' identi-
fying the field in the file which is indexed
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*** A *** address 1 7-5 address 3 7-5
addressee 7-5
*** B ***
backup 4-2
Backup Menu 3-5
*** C ***
caps lock 5-8
change system date 3-5
comments 7-6
constant 4-6, 4-8
CTRL left arrow 5-8
CTRL right arrow 5-8
Cursor Control Movements 5-8
up arrow 5-8
down arrow 5-8
right arrow 5-8
left arrow 5-8
CTRL left arrow 5-8
CTRL right arrow 5-8
Enter 5-8
Ins 5-8 5-9
del 5-7
Home 5-7
End 5-7
CONTINUE 5-4
*** D ***
define selection format 4-7
DELete 5-9
DELETE 5-5
dos prompt 4-1
down arrow 5-7
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*** E *** EDIT 5-5
end 5-7
Enter 5-8
ENTRY SCREENS
Have system select records 5-17
Sorting records 5-20
*** F ***
field # 4-4, 4-7
*** G ***
GET 5-2
*** H ***
HARDCOPY 5-9
have system select records 5-13 5-16, 4-4
home 5-7
*** I ***
index files 9-9
INSert 5-8 5-9
installation C-1
*** K ***
*** L ***
left arrow 5-8
*** M ***
Mailing List Manager 3-24
Mailing List Menu 3-24
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mailing labels 7-1 Management Functions Menu 3-4 master account maintenance 7-7 master files 7-1
Master Menu 3-3
MENUS
Master Menu 3-3
Select Records Menu 5-14
*** N ***
name 7-4
NEXT 5-2
next line 4-8,
num lock 5-9
*** O ***
overview 1-7
*** P ***
Pg Dn 5-7
Pg Up 5-7
phone 1 7-10
phone 3 7-10
PREVIOUS 5-2
print 6-32
Printing a Report 4-1
select all records 4-3
select block of records 4-3
have system select records 4-4
use defined selection format 4-7
*** Q ***
*** R ***
related to 4-7
RELATIONSHIPS
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EQ 4-4, 4-7 GT 4-4, 4-7 LT 4-4, 4-7 GE 4-4, 4-7
LE 4-4, 4-7
NE 4-4, 4-7
CO 4-4, 4-7
CI 4-4, 4-7
RL 4-4, 4-7
REPORTS
print address file 6-13
RETURN 5-5
right arrow 5-7
roladex cards 3-5
*** S ***
salutation 3-24
salutation file 3-27
Screen Menu Options
See NEXT record 5-2
See PREVIOUS record 5-2
GET record to screen 5-2
SEARCH file for record 5-3
CONTINUE search for next match 5-4
ADD record to file 5-4
DELETE record from file 5-5
EDIT record on screen 5-5
TOTAL records in file 5-5
RETURN to Master Menu 5-5
Print HARDCOPY of screen 5-9
using the ESCape key 5-9
Update 5-6
scroll lock 5-9
SEARCH 5-3
select all records 4-3
select block of records 4-3
select codes 3-26
Select Records Menu 4-2
setup Chapter 2
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software license 1-3 sorting records 4-9 startup C-1 Status of the Special Keys 5-8
summary of Cursor Control Movements 5-8
System Setup Appendix C & Chapter 2
*** T ***
TOTAL 5-5
*** U ***
up arrow 5-8
use defined selection format 4-7
use last selection format 4-8
*** V ***
*** W ***
Warranty Agreement 1-3
*** Y ***
*** Z ***
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