JCSM Shareware Collection 1996 September/JCSM Shareware Collection (JCS Distribution) (September 1996).ISO/bother__/10860f01.ziv/TIE22.EXE/README.DOC

Text File | 1994-04-21 | 18KB | 395 lines

                Teamwork Information Exchange

               Installation and Startup Guide



                      60 Day Evaluation

You  may  legally  obtain  a copy  of  Teamwork  Information
Exchange (TIE) from a friend, æOtto-Williams Ltd., a  public
bulletin  board, or a computer dealer and try it out  for  a
period of 60 days.  If you would like to continue using  TIE
beyond the 60 day trial period, you must purchase a licensed
copy from æOtto-Williams LTD or an authorized distributor.


           Copyright 1993-1994 All Rights Reserved

                     'Otto-Williams Ltd.
                        P.O. Box 794
                   Lanham, MD  20703-0794
                            U.S.A

                 Phone/Fax:  [phone]
                   CompuServe:  72144,1223
            Internet:  [e-mail]


     Teamwork Information Exchange and the OWL Logo are
              trademarks of æOtto-Williams Ltd.


                        Introduction

Teamwork Information Exchange (TIE) is a complete multi-user
system  designed  to  provide work groups  with  a  tool  to
enhance   intra-group  communications   and   improve   time
management,  work  flow  and  productivity.   TIE   combines
electronic   mail,   personal   time   scheduling,   meeting
scheduling, task management and personal to do lists into  a
single fully integrated system.

TIE's electronic mail (E-Mail) subsystem differs from stand-
alone systems by combining standard e-mail capabilities with
automatic  messaging.   For  example,  when  a  meeting   is
scheduled,   rescheduled  or  canceled;  TIE   automatically
creates  and sends mail messages to all attendees announcing
the  status.  Similarly, TIE creates mail messages to inform
appropriate users of assignment, delivery and completion  of
tasks.

The  Personal Schedule subsystem provides each user  with  a
semi-private workday scheduling system.  While  other  users
will  have access your composite daily schedule, they cannot
see  the details (descriptions of individual items) in  your
personal   schedule.   For  example,  if  you  schedule   an
appointment with your doctor, other users, when scheduling a
meeting, will see only that you have reserved that time  for
an appointment.

TIE's  Meeting  subsystem provides  an  automatic  means  of
scheduling meetings by displaying the schedules of attendees
so  that you can quickly identify a time when both personnel
and  meeting  resources  are available.   An  auto  schedule
function is available to search all applicable schedules  to
find  the  first time when all personnel and  resources  are
simultaneously available.  Each time a meeting is  scheduled
or  rescheduled, the personal schedules of all attendees are
automatically  updated and e-mail messages are automatically
sent  to  inform  attendees of a change in their  schedules.
Meeting  agenda's  can be reviewed on-line  or  printed  for
distribution.

The  task  management  subsystem is designed  to  track  the
progress  and status of work assignments and to  provide  an
objective   means   of  measuring  individual   performance.
Effective  work  management requires clear communication  of
the  work to be performed, when it is due and how successful
performance  will  be  measured.   TIE  incorporates   these
elements  through written assignments, specified  due  dates
and complete reporting of on-time performance.  In addition,
the  task  management subsystem provides an effective  means
for  employees  and supervisors to communicate  progress  on
assigned tasks.

While  simple  in concept, TIE's To Do subsystem  can  be  a
powerful  tool  in managing your workday.  By maintaining  a
prioritized  list of things to be done on a  given  workday,
you  can key into those things that are the highest priority
while  addressing lower priority items as time permits.   To
Do  items  that  are  not completed  on  the  day  they  are
scheduled  are  automatically moved forward until  they  are
completed.   This  way,  what  you  didn't  get  around   to
yesterday, won't be forgotten today.

The  Report  subsystem brings each of TIE's major subsystems
together to provide hard copy or on-screen information about
your schedule, work assignments, to do lists, etc.

             System Requirements & Configuration

TIE  may  be run on any IBM compatible PC using DOS  3.3  or
above  and  is  compatible with all  network  software  that
adheres to the file sharing protocols of DOS 3.3 and  above.
TIE  requires  a  minimum of 400K of available  conventional
memory.   While not required, performance will improve  with
the availability of LIM 4.0 or higher expanded (EMM) memory.

Configuration Requirement: A minimum of 31 file handles must
be established to run TIE.  The following line should appear
in the CONFIG.SYS file of all workstations running TIE.

     FILES=31

Values  above  31  may be substituted if other  applications
require  more file handles.  Values above 31 may be required
if   your  workstation  is  running  memory  resident  (TSR)
applications or utilities such as shell programs.

               Installing TIE On Your Network

For multi-user access, TIE's data files must be installed on
a  network  server.   The  main  program  (TIE.EXE)  may  be
installed  on the network server, on individual workstations
or  both.   Note  that  not  all  networks  support  running
workstation resident copies of TIE with access to  the  data
files on the server.  We recommend that, were possible,  the
program   be   installed  on  each   work   station.    This
configuration   reduces   network   traffic   and   improves
performance.

To  install TIE on the network server place the distribution
disk in drive A: and type the following commands:

     A:
     INST_NET g  Where  "g"  is  the  network  drive  letter
                 where  you want the program and data  files
                 installed.

TIE's  program  and  data  files will  be  decompressed  and
installed   on   the  designated  drive   in   the   default
subdirectory "\TIE."

To  install the TIE main program on a network work  station,
place  the  distribution disk in drive A: of the workstation
and type the following commands:

     A:
     INST_WS d   Where  "d" is the workstation drive  letter
                 where you want the program installed.

                         Running TIE

When  starting TIE from a command prompt, the  command  line
allows  for  specification of the location  of  shared  data
files,  optional mouse configuration parameters and optional
environment  parameters.  The order  of  parameters  in  the
command line is as follows:

       TIE   [data   drive\directory]   [mouse   parameters]
             [environment parameters]

The  brackets  are not typed and are shown to indicate  that
each parameter set is optional.  Whenever the data drive and
directory  is  specified, it must be the first parameter  on
the command line.

Data Drive and Directory
  It  is  necessary to specify the location of TIE's  shared
  data  files  when  they  do  not  reside  in  the  default
  directory  from  which  TIE is  started.   The  drive  and
  directory  specification must be  in  the  form:   g:\TIE\
  where  g  is  the  data  disk  drive  and  "\TIE"  is  the
  directory where TIE's shared data files are located.

  Note  that  the  trailing  back slash  is  required.   TIE
  searches the default or specified data directory  for  all
  shared  data  files  at startup.  If  the  files  are  not
  found, TIE will display a warning message and terminate.

Mouse Parameters
  In  most instances it should not be necessary to enter any
  mouse  parameters on the command line.  On EGA  or  better
  monitors  the  mouse is displayed as a true mouse  (arrow)
  cursor.   On other displays the mouse cursor is  displayed
  as a block cursor.

  The  mouse  parameters that can be entered on the  command
  line are as follows:

     /nv  Disable video bit manipulations.  You may  want
          to  try this parameter just to see if you  like
          the screen appearance better.
     /ng  Disable  graphic mouse cursor.   If  the  mouse
          cursor does not behave properly when running in
          a  DOS window under Windows 3.x you may need to
          use this parameter.

  If  both parameters are used on the command line, a  space
  is required between them.  Example:  TIE /nv /ng

  Special  Note:   If your monitor goes blank when  starting
  TIE  or  becomes  distorted, using both the  /nv  and  /ng
  parameters  should  correct the problem.   Also,  if  your
  mouse  does not move the cursor or cannot move the  cursor
  through  the  full range of the screen, this indicates  an
  outdated  mouse  driver.  Contact your mouse  manufacturer
  for updated mouse driver software

Environment Parameters
  Several  environment  parameters  can  be  passed  to  TIE
  either  on  the  command line or through the  SET  CLIPPER
  environment  variable.  The environment  settings  are  as
  follows:

     E:<nExpandedKB>  The E option enables use of LIM 4.0
          -   compatible  EMS  memory  and  can   improve
          performance  on  workstations  that  have   EMS
          memory.   If your system is running EMM386,  or
          another  memory manager, you can  simulate  EMS
          memory  with  the  following  command  in  your
          config.sys file.

               Device=C:\DOS\EMM386.EXE AUTO RAM

          To  use  up  to  512k of expanded  memory,  add
          "//e:512" to the command line.
     BADCACHE  Some caches that use expanded (LIM) memory
          do  not expect that other applications will  be
          using expanded memory and can burst into memory
          segments  that  TIE  is  using.   The  BADCACHE
          option provides a way around this.
     SWAPPATH    <d:\directory>    The   virtual   memory
          management system used by TIE loads as much  of
          the  program  into memory as  will  fit.   When
          additional code segments are needed, the system
          swaps unneeded segments to expanded memory  and
          loads the required code.  If expanded memory is
          unavailable or exhausted, the code segments are
          swapped  to  the  default disk.   The  SWAPPATH
          option allows these swap files to be redirected
          to  an  alternative  drive and  directory.   To
          reduce  network  traffic  and  improve  program
          performance, the location where swap files  are
          written should be the local workstation's  hard
          disk.   If TIE is installed on the workstation,
          this  is  the default.  Otherwise the  SWAPPATH
          option should be used.
     TEMPPATH   <d:\directory>   Sorting   and   indexing
          routines in TIE use temporary scratch files  to
          buffer  data  as they proceed.   If  the  drive
          where the TIE resides does not have enough disk
          space  or is read only, an alternate drive  and
          directory can be specified.

  Any  one or more of these parameters may be passed to  TIE
  on  the  command line by entering two slashes  before  the
  first  parameter  and  separating each  parameter  with  a
  semicolon.  Example:

       TIE d:\tie\ //E:512;SWAPPATH C:\TIE;TEMPPATH C:\TIE

  Alternatively, these parameters may be declared at  system
  startup  and  passed to TIE from the "CLIPPER" environment
  variable.  Example:

       SET CLIPPER=E:512;SWAPPATH C:\TIE;TEMPPATH C:\TIE

  When  placed in your autoexec.bat file, this line has  the
  same  effect  as  passing the E, SWAPPPATH,  and  TEMPPATH
  options on TIE's command line.

Establishing a System Operator
  TIE  is  distributed with all data files  empty.   Because
  there  are  no  defined users in the system  when  TIE  is
  first  run, the log on screen is temporarily bypassed  and
  replaced  by  a data entry screen which allows  definition
  of  an  initial user.  By default, this initial user  must
  be  given  the  maximum  (System Operator)  privileges  in
  order  that  additional users can be added to the  system.
  When  TIE  initially starts for the first time, enter  the
  information  requested for all fields.   Be  certain  that
  you  memorize or write down your User ID before saving the
  entries.

  Immediately  after  saving data  on  the  user  definition
  screen,  the  logon  screen  will  be  displayed.    After
  entering  your User ID, you will have full access  to  all
  program functions.

Adding Users
  Users  may  be  added,  deleted and their  work  schedules
  edited  by  selecting  the  Setup  -  Users  option.   TIE
  defines three types of users and resources as follows.

  System  Operator:  Persons designated as system  operators
  have   extended   access  to  perform   file   maintenance
  functions and to add and delete users.  A minimum  of  one
  user must be designated as a system operator.

  User:   Users are provided access to all standard features
  of  TIE.  Users may setup new Non-Users and Resources  but
  may  not  add  Users or System Operators  or  execute  the
  special file maintenance functions.

  Non-User/Resource:  Non-Users may be defined  as  a  means
  of  scheduling meetings with individuals who do  not  have
  access  to your network.  Since the individual cannot  log
  into  the  program, mail messages addressed to a  non-user
  are  discarded before being written to disk.  In  addition
  to  individuals,  non-users  may  be  defined  to  include
  physical  resources  that  are  required  in  planning   a
  meeting.   Such  resources may include  conference  rooms,
  audio  visual equipment, or any other resource  that  must
  be available at a meeting.

  A  unique  User ID must be entered for each user and  non-
  user  added  to the system.  TIE will inform  you  if  you
  enter  a  duplicate User ID.  After entering a  valid  new
  User  ID,  enter the User Type as "S" for System Operator,
  "U"  for  User or "R" for Resource/Non-User.   (Note  that
  only  the  system operator can enter "S" or  "U").   Next,
  enter  the  users preferred time format  (12  or  24  hour
  format)  followed  by  his or her  normal  work  schedule.
  Work  schedule  data includes the user's  normal  starting
  time,  ending  time  and  work  days  (default  is  Monday
  through  Friday).  Note that working hours are entered  in
  your  preferred  time format even if you  have  entered  a
  different  format for the user.  Users are  privileged  to
  modify  their  personal work schedule information  without
  System Operator assistance.

                       Troubleshooting

Out of Memory
  If  you receive an Out of Memory message when running this
  program  it  means  that you either  do  not  have  enough
  conventional memory available to run the program or  there
  is a fault in expanded memory.

  The  amount  of memory available for running  applications
  can  also  be increased removing unnecessary TSR  programs
  (screen savers, DOS shells, pop-ups, mouse drivers,  etc.)
  If  you  are using DOS version 5.0 or higher, you  may  be
  able to load some of these programs into high memory.

Runtime Errors
  The  most  serious type of potential problem is a run-time
  error.   If  this  occurs, it will cause  the  program  to
  abort.   When this happens, the program will list  several
  lines  of  text which indicate the cause of the error  and
  it's location in the program's source code.

  If  you  get  a run-time error, make a note of  the  error
  message.   Run-time errors can be the result of errors  in
  data  entry, improper system configuration, or failure  to
  have  your printer on-line and ready when print operations
  are  being  performed.  Check your data using  the  browse
  functions  to be sure that you have entered it  correctly.
  Run  the Reindex option from the file menu to insure  that
  all  files  are properly indexed.  Also, check  that  your
  system   is  properly  configured  ("FILES=31"   in   your
  CONFIG.SYS  file,  printer  turned  on  and  on-line  when
  printing reports).

Sharing Violation
  On  some  networks a sharing violation can occur when  two
  or  more  users attempt to execute a portion  of  TIE  the
  same  time.  To solve this problem, set the file attribute
  of  TIE.EXE to read only.  This can be done using the  DOS
  attribute command as follows:

       ATTRIB +R drive:\TIE\TIE.EXE

  It  should never be necessary to change the file attribute
  on a workstation installed program.

Getting Help
  If  you are unable to resolve a problem on your own,  send
  us  a letter with the exact text of the error message  (if
  any)  and  a  compete  description of  the  problem,  your
  computer  system  (computer, memory,  graphics  card,  DOS
  version,  etc.),  the  option you were  running  when  the
  error  occurred,  and  any  supplemental  data  which  you
  entered under the option.  Sample printouts are often  key
  to   uncovering  the  source  of  a  problem.    We   will
  investigate  the  problem  and  respond  as   quickly   as
  possible.

  If  it's a simple problem or you just have a question, you
  may  want  to  call us at [phone].   You  may  also
  contact  us  by  E-Mail on CompuServe  at:  72144,1223  or
  Internet at: [e-mail].