Night Owl 6/Night Owl's Shareware - PDSI-006 - Night Owl Corp (1990).iso/027a/wrkbase2.zip/HELP.DOC

Text File | 1990-09-01 | 20KB | 333 lines

                IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THESE DISKS

    PLEASE DO NOT ASK FOR HELP UNLESS YOU HAVE READ THIS COMPLETELY

   BEFORE YOU START: Make backup copies of your disks. (See the
DISKCOPY command in your DOS manual.) Put the original disks in a safe
place, and use the copies for all work. If you are upgrading from an
older version of a program, make backup copies of all your old data
files before you install the new version. Files with the extensions
DBF, DBT, and MEM contain essential data. Files with the NTX extension
are index files. Some programs also create special text files which you
may want to back up.
   ARCHIVE FILES: Sometimes there are too many files to fit on a single
floppy disk. These programs are compressed and stored in special
archive files with the extension ARC or ZIP. Before you can use the
program, you must extract the files from the archive. We have provided
the extraction utility.
   If you are using a 2-floppy system, look for a file named FLOPPY.BAT
or DOTWO.BAT. Start from the A> prompt, with the master disk in the A
drive. Be prepared with 2 or 3 empty, formatted diskettes. Enter the
appropriate command, depending on the file you found. For example, if
you have FLOPPY.BAT, type FLOPPY and press <ENTER>. Follow the
instructions on screen, which will tell you when to insert your floppy
disks into the B drive.
   If you are using a hard disk, be sure you have already created the
subdirectory where you want the program to be kept. Look for a program
named ARCE.COM or UNZIP.EXE or PKUNZIP.EXE. Starting from the correct
subdirectory, at the C> prompt, with the diskette in the A drive, enter
the appropriate command. For example, if your archive file has the ARC
extension, you should have the program ARCE.COM. Your command will look
something like this: A:ARCE A:FORTUNE. (Instead of "fortune" use the
actual name of the archive file. For example, if the archive file is
named TAROT.ARC you will use the word "tarot".) The program will
automatically un-compress the files and place them in the current
subdirectory.
   In some cases, you may have "self-extracting" archive files. These
do not require a separate utility, but will un-compress themselves.
They look like ordinary program files with the EXE extension, but can
be identified by the @ symbol in the filename. To use a self-extracting
archive, first log onto the drive and directory where you want to place
the uncompressed files. For example, if you have a two-floppy system,
you might want to place your master disk containing the archive into
the A drive, and then log onto the B drive with an empty, formatted
disk. If you are using a hard disk, create the subdirectory for the new
files, and then log into the subdirectory, with the archive disk in the
A drive. If the archive name is WAURA@.EXE, you will type A:WAURA@ and
press <ENTER>. Self-extraction will occur automatically. (Note to
floppy disk users: There may be more than one self-extracting archive
on a single disk. You should use a separate, empty, formatted diskette
to receive files from each archive.)
   DOCUMENTATION AND INSTRUCTIONS: Most of our instruction manuals are
in special program files which allow you to view the manual on screen
or print it. These files have the COM or the EXE extension, and usually
have "DOC" somewhere in the filename. Simply enter the appropriate
command. For example, if you have the program BY THE NUMBERS, the
instruction manual is called NUMDOC.COM or NUMDOC.EXE. To view the
manual, type NUMDOC and press <ENTER>. You can page through the
document on screen, or print it by pressing <ALT><H>. For a list of
helpful commands, press <F1>.
   Files which have the DOC or TXT extension are ASCII format files
(also called DOS text files) which can be viewed or printed using DOS
commands. For example, if you have a typical setup, you can print a
document called CATALOG.DOC using this command: TYPE CATALOG.DOC > LPT1
   To view this file on screen, you could enter:
TYPE CATALOG.DOC | MORE
   You can also view and print this kind of file with most word
processors, using the format for "ASCII", "DOS text" or "Non-document"
format.
   PROGRAM FILES: Program files can be identified by the extension EXE
or COM after the file name. To run the program, simply type its name.
For example, if you have a program named TAROT.EXE, type TAROT and
press <ENTER>. If you have a program name WHATISIT.COM, type WHATISIT
and ppress <ENTER>.
   SOURCE CODE: Registered versions of a few programs come with source
code. You do not need the source code just to run the program; you can
delete it from the disk to make more room. Our source code files have
the extensions PRG, BAS, and OBJ.
   DATA FILES: Some programs create data files, with the extensions
DBF, DBT, NTX and MEM. These are important and should be backed up
regularly. Some programs also create special text files which you may
also want to back up.
   HARD DISK OR FLOPPY: Your programs will run much faster on a hard
disk than they do on a floppy. Also, some programs build large data
files which may grow as you use the program and eventually fill a
floppy disk. We recommend using a hard disk. POETRY GENERATOR requires
a hard disk, and MAILLIST and WORKBASE are much easier to use on a hard
disk. Any program which uses data files (those with the DBF and DBT
extensions) is best when used on a hard disk.
   NEW VERSIONS: Sometimes a new version of a program will ask your
permission to update your data files. Do not answer "yes" unless you
have already made a backup copy of your data. Don't copy the backed-up
data back into the directory after the files have been updated. This
backup is simply insurance against data damage or loss.
   CREATIVITY PACKAGE:  Disk #1 contains the complete text of Thomas A.
Easton's book, "Think Thunder! And Unleash Your Creativity". To read
it, use the command READIT, or you can read each chapter separately by
typing the chapter name (see the disk for file name). Disk #2 contains
the program THUNDER THOUGHT, and disk #3 contains VERSIFIER. If you
like, all these materials can be placed in the same subdirectory on
your hard disk.
   POETRY GENERATOR: This may be distributed on two disks, containing
different archive files. All the files from both disks are needed for
the program to run correctly. This program must be run on a hard disk
or other storage device with sufficient capacity for all the necessary
files. Note that you have a file named POETRY.EXE, and other files with
names like POEM1.EXE, POEM2.EXE, etc. The only program you need to
execute is POETRY. The others are controlled by POETRY.
   MAILLIST: The registered version is distributed on two disks. Many
of the files contained on disk #2 are source code files, which are not
needed just to run the program. You need files with the extensions EXE,
DBF, DBT, LBL and MEM.
   M-LABEL: M-Label is designed to work with your MAILLIST files, and
should be placed in the same hard disk directory as MAILLIST. If you
use a dual-floppy system, put M-LABEL in the drive where you would
normally put MAILLIST, and use the data disk as you usually would.
   BONUS DISKS: We are not the authors of these programs. Please direct
payments and questions about a program to the author listed in the
documentation. If you have trouble reaching an author, we will do what
we can to help. All programs have been tested. Because equipment
configurations vary, we cannot guarantee satisfactory results. We do
not warrant these programs in any way. To report a problem, write a
letter describing the problem in detail, including information about
your system. We cannot debug these programs over the phone.
   SAFE COMPUTING: Smart users make regular backups. Your important
database files and word processing documents deserve protection. Don't
forget to keep the backup disks in a safe place, away from the
computer.
   Thank you for your interest in our UNUSUAL SOFTWARE. We support our
users. If you have questions, comments, complaints or compliments,
please write to us. Have fun!

                      ARE YOU CONFUSED?

   If you are having trouble with basic operations such as copying
files from one disk to another, please study your DOS manual. Just as
you would not expect to drive a car without knowing how to use the
steering wheel and the brakes, you should not expect to use your
computer unless you know a few basic operating procedures. If your
dealer failed to provide you with a DOS manual, there are dozens of
fine books available at libraries, computer stores, and book shops. You
will never regret the small investment of time needed to approach your
computer with confidence.

                       BAD DISK?

   It seems that in hot weather we are more likely to get complaints
about "bad" or unreadable disks. Floppy disks are suscepti- ble to
heat, moisture and magnetism. A disk that sits all day in a hot mailbox
or truck where temperatures exceed 100 degrees is likely to be damaged.
Disks which have been exposed to magnetism in their travels may become
unreadable.
   Before assuming a disk is bad, try it on another computer. It may be
that your computer's drive heads are dirty or slightly mis- aligned.
Suspect this if you often get disk error messages with different disks.
An inexpensive head cleaning kit may help solve the problem.
   Sometimes the round disk gets trapped inside its square casing and
generates an error message because it can't rotate freely. Remove the
disk from the drive and tap each of the four edges sharply on the
surface of your desk. This may loosen the disk. Try reading the disk
again.
   Norton Utilities and Mace Utilities both have features that can
sometimes revive unreadable disks. Any serious computer user should
have one of these or a similar utility package.
   In any case, if we sent you an unreadable disk, we will be happy to
exchange it for a fresh copy of the same program.

                         ERROR MESSAGES

   It may happen that when you run a program, you will see an error
message something like this:

                 Open File Error DESC.NTX (4)

   The "4" after the filename is DOS's cryptic way of telling you that
the program has tried to open more files than DOS can handle at once.
To solve this problem, you need to check the CONFIG.SYS file in your
root directory. This file should contain the following lines:

                             files=20
                             buffers=8

   If the numbers you see are the same or larger than these, they are
okay. If the numbers are smaller than these, or if these lines are
missing from the file, you will need to edit it. If you don't have a
CONFIG.SYS file, you will need to create one. (Some systems or
applications may require numbers larger then 20. Check your user's
manual.)
   CONFIG.SYS must be a pure ASCII file. You can edit or create this
file using Edlin or any pure ASCII text editor. Most word processors
allow you to save files in ASCII format. (This may be referred to as a
DOS Text File; WordStar may call it "non-document".) Remember, the file
must be in ASCII format and must be in the root directory on your C
drive. If you boot with a DOS diskette in the A drive, the CONFIG.SYS
file must be in the root directory of the disk you use to boot. When
you have corrected the CONFIG.SYS file, reboot your system and try
running the program again.
   In case you are confused and can't create a CONFIG.SYS, we
distribute a free program called DOCONFIG which will edit or create
your CONFIG.SYS file as needed. If you would like a copy of this
program, please send a double-sided, double-density, 5 1/4" diskette in
a sturdy, reusable mailer with three first-class stamps. If you don't
want to bother with the disk and mailer, send $5.00 instead. (Sorry,
DOCONFIG is not available on 3 1/2" disks.)

                              "0" ERROR

   On rare occasions, you may see an error message similar to this:
Open File Error NUMBERS.NTX (0). The number 0 and the NTX extension in
the file name indicate that the problem is a corrupted or damaged index
file. Most of our programs will automatically recreate missing index
files. So, simply delete the file in question (make sure you delete
only files with the NTX extension -- if this error occurs with a file
other than an index file, contact us) and try running the program
again. Some programs also have a reindexing choice on the menu which
allows you to re-create the indexes whenever you like.

                         DOS ERROR MESSAGES

   Sometimes you will see error messages at your C> prompt which are
generated, not by the program you with to run, but by DOS itself. "File
not found", "Bad command or filename" and "Data error reading drive A"
are common examples of DOS error messages. These messages rarely have
anything to do with the program you are trying to use, but are
generally triggered by user errors (such as spelling mistakes when
typing commands). Your DOS manual should contain a listing of these
error messages and what they mean.

                            OTHER ERRORS

   There are many possible reasons why a program might occasionally
produce an error message. In most cases, errors are not serious, and
they usually have a simple solution. If you don't understand what the
error message means, or if you don't know how to solve the problem, we
can help you. Make an exact, complete copy of the error message (a
print-screen is best). As soon as the error happens, write down what
you were doing (or trying to do) at the time. Have you been able to do
the same thing in the past without getting an error? Have you seen a
similar error before? Make a note of any keys you may have pressed just
before the er- ror occurred. Do you think you know what may have caused
the error? Could it be related to changes in your system, a new ver-
sion of the program, or something unusual you did? Send us the
information, and we will let you know what you should do to correct or
avoid the error. If you are a REGISTERED user with an urgent problem,
you may call during normal business hours (9 AM to 6 PM Pacific
Standard Time, Monday through Friday): 818/368-5534.


                        R.K. West Consulting
                           P.O. Box 8059
                   Mission Hills, CA 91346, U.S.A.

   PLEASE NOTE: Sometimes very old copies of programs are still in
circulation years after an author has moved. If, for any reason, you
are unable to find us at the address or phone number listed on this
disk, please contact us through the Association of Shareware
Professionals (ASP).

                           TROUBLESHOOTING


   "It doesn't work" may sum up your feelings about a problem, but
these words are of no use if you need help from your consultant or
programmer. You can minimize frustration and save time by learning to
be specific and provide the details that will lead to a solution.
   Remember that nearly 80 percent of computer problems are caused by
user errors. Before running any software, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS.
Admittedly, this may seem intimidating if you have a program like
Microsoft's WORD, which comes with at least three separate, thick
manuals. But you don't have to read every word just to get started. You
can find the sections of the manual that tell you how to begin, and
those that apply to the specific task you are trying to perform. With
large manuals, there is usually a table of contents and an in- dex.
Skim these to familiarize yourself with the topics that are discussed.
Then you'll know where to look when you have a question. With shorter
manuals, such as those that come with most shareware products, you
should take the time to read the whole thing. It's embarrassing to mail
a long letter or make a long distance phone call, only to find that
everything you needed to know was on page 2.
   If your software package comes with a tutorial, use it. Even
experienced users can pick up quite a few new tricks by spending a
little time learning the right steps.
   Before you assume that a program "doesn't work", check a few simple
items. Is the computer plugged in and turned on? Are all necessary
devices (such as the monitor and printer) connected properly and turned
on? Did you spell the command correctly when you typed it? Are you
logged onto the right disk drive and directory? Is it possible that the
program has system requirements that you don't meet, such as a hard
disk, or a certain amount of memory? If memory seems to be the problem,
do you have "memory resident" programs (also called TSRs) which  can
temporarily be removed from memory? Try running the program on a
different computer.
   If the program worked in the past, but doesn't now, can you think of
anything that has changed since the last time you used it? Have you
moved the computer or made changes in any of the connecting cables? Is
it possible there has been damage of some kind, or that files have been
erased? Have you added any new memory-resident programs or device
drivers which might be causing a conflict?
   If you see an error message on screen, copy it completely and
exactly. Don't try to remember it! (Sen- tences that begin with "I
think it said something like...." drive a programmer to despair.) If
possible, make a print-screen of the message. On most computers, you
can do this by holding down the SHIFT key while you press the PRINT
SCREEN key (sometimes abbreviated to PRT SC). The purpose of the error
message is to convey specific information to the programmer so that the
problem can be solved. Your consultant will need the exact wording of
the full message in order to interpret it correctly.
   When reporting a problem, be as specific as possible. What were you
trying to do at the time? How did you proceed? What do you expect would
happen? What actually happened? Exactly what did you do just before the
problem occurred? What did you do after the problem occurred? What did
you see on the screen? Have you had different or similar results in the
past? Can you reproduce the problem and describe the circumstances
under which it occurs? Is there a consistent pattern of some sort?
   We support our users, and are happy to answer your questions and
help solve any difficulties you may have. Please understand that there
is a limit to the amount of help we can give you with software which we
did not write. If you are having continuing difficulty with DOS
commands, for example, you probably need to study your DOS manual or
contact MicroSoft for help. If you are stymied by your menu system,
your best bet is to talk to the consultant who installed it, or to the
author of the menuing software.
   The best way to get our help is to write to us, including full
details of the problem or question, and copies of error messages or
screens, if available. If you are a registered user and your problem is
urgent, you are welcome to call us during business hours. (We work from
9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, and
sometimes Noon to 3:00 PM Saturday. If you're in a different time zone,
please be careful about calling too early in the morning or late at
night!) Remember that we often do outside consulting work, so you may
reach the answering machine. If that happens, please leave phone
numbers for both day and evening, and let us know what days and hours
we may call you back.