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Check Master - Version 2.1
Copyright (C) 1990 by Valueware!
All Rights Reserved.
October 14, 1990
Table of Contents
1.0 Why Use Check Master 2.1? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Check Master 2.1 - Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1.1 New Features In Version 2.1 . . . . . . . . 3
1.2 A Word About the Distribution Method . . . . . . . . 4
1.3 Copyright Notice, Disclaimer, Trademark
Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.0 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.1 System Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.2 Cursor Control Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.0 Using Check Master 2.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.1 Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.2 Enter/Change Checks and Deposits . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.2.1 Enter a Bank Account (When Entering a
Transaction) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.2.2 Entering Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.2.3 Changing a Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.2.4 Adding a Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.2.5 Table Listings - "Find" . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.2.6 Table Listings - Entering a New Record . . 13
3.2.7 Table Listings - Deleting a Record . . . . 13
3.2.8 Using Standard Transactions . . . . . . . . 14
3.2.9 Data Entry - How To Get a Table Listing . . 14
3.2.10 Other Transaction Entry Hints . . . . . . . 14
3.2.11 Printing Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.3 List Transactions for One Payee . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.4 Cancel Outstanding Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.5 Print Transaction Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.6 Maintain Lookup Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.7 System Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.0 Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.1 Printer Checks and Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.2 Command Line Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.3 Memory Saving Version of Check Master . . . . . . . . 19
Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Appendix B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
i
1.0 Why Use Check Master 2.1?
I have tried a number of commercial and shareware check management
systems over the years (all the way from my CP/M days on a tan case
Osborne I). Although I normally could get the programs to work, I
always had two distinct problems:
1) The applications did not get along very well with the
reality of sometimes (or even often) needing to use the
paper checkbook (like at the grocery store) to write
checks. The programs really wanted total control of how I
wrote checks.
2) Getting around the menu system was always too cumbersome
when faced with real world situations.
For example, suppose that I was in the area of the program
where I could cancel checks. Normally I would have gotten
there by starting at the 1) main menu, 2) choosing an
account to work with, 3) going back to the main menu, 4)
choosing a utilities menu, 5) choosing to cancel checks,
6) marking the transactions which were listed on the bank
statement, which could be three or four steps in itself.
Now suppose that while in the process of canceling checks
listed on the bank statement, I came across a transaction
that had not been entered - like a service charge for
using an automatic teller machine. In order to enter it,
I would have had to exit what I was doing, go back through
four or five menus to a main menu, only to have to go down
through two or three more menus before I could actually
enter the transaction. Then it's back up to the main menu
just to get back down to where I was in order to begin
canceling transactions again.
The result of these two problems was always the same: the programs
could not fit into the real world well enough for me to bother using
them. Then at tax time, I'd always have a huge job which could have
been quite easy if I'd had a check management system that was simple,
practical and full-featured enough to work with throughout the year.
Hence, "Check Master" was born.
"Check Master" started as an application designed specifically to meet
my personal check management needs. It was written in a rather
obscure database language and although I could get to each of its
functions very quickly, it had a fairly rough user interface. After
using it successfully for over a year for my own requirements, I
totally rewrote it using the Clarion Professional Developer with an
eye towards actually marketing "Check Master" to people who had
similar problems with their check management software. This time, I
spent a lot of time on the user interface. In addition, I added many
features which would enhance the functionality of "Check Master" to a
much wider audience - including small businesses.
The result is Check Master 2.1. I believe it to be the easiest, most
intuitive and most practical check management application anywhere.
1
1.1 Check Master 2.1 - Features
Multiple Bank Accounts. Handles multiple number of bank
accounts (over 32,000) effortlessly.
Windows-like Interface. Multiple windows open and overlay each
other as different functions are called - it's quick and easy
to use. You don't need to go up and down through endless menu
structures to accomplish what you want.
Prints Checks. Uses standard printer check format.
Addresses Envelopes. Uses windowed envelopes; the mailing
address is printed on the check.
Standard Transactions. Simple, effective way to save recurring
transactions for easy entry.
Color or Monochrome. This is especially useful for operation
on a laptop.
On-line Help. You'll always know exactly what options are
available simply by pressing "F1".
Statement Reconciliation. Reconciling bank statements is as
simple as highlighting the transactions to be canceled.
Reports. Flexible reporting system is designed to help you
through the process of doing your taxes. All reports can be
directed to the printer, screen or a file.
Automatic File Caching. Extra DOS memory is dynamically
utilized by caching the transaction file and its indexes to
speed performance.
File Maintenance. An elegant and fully automated process to
delete old transactions (for instance, previous year records
after your taxes have been calculated).
Transaction Logging. This is a feature normally reserved only
for the most sophisticated business applications. If for any
reason - like a power outage - a transaction is only partially
completed (in other words, only some of the files have been
updated), the system will be automatically restored exactly to
its original state before the failure occurred the next time
you start "Check Master." Just reenter the transaction where
there was a problem. There is no need to worry about the
integrity of the files.
2
1.1.1 New Features In Version 2.1
Check Master 2.1 is a maintenance update which improves a couple of
features:
1. When canceling checks, the highlighted bar returns to the
first record in the table listing instead of the last.
This makes it easier to cancel checks in the order listed
on the bank statement.
2. A prompt has been added when printing to the screen to
allow the report to be canceled before it begins printing.
3. When deleting a payee or transaction account while
entering or editing checks, the transaction could change
from the one you were working on to another one. While no
damage was done to the files, it could be confusing. This
has been corrected.
4. The handling cost to receive diskettes by mail has been
reduced from $15.00 to $5.00.
5. The shareware version now permits up to 40 entries to
allow for a more thorough evaluation.
6. Current users of Check Master 2.0 can update to version
2.1 simply by using the new version of CKMSTR.EXE.
7. The manual has been updated to improve clarity.
3
1.2 A Word About the Distribution Method
We at Valueware are great believers in the shareware distribution
channel. But we are also realists. Therefore, the shareware version
of "Check Master" will not allow adding more than 40 transactions.
Other than this one limitation, the system is completely operational.
This many records should be enough for you to evaluate "Check Master,"
determine that it's a great program to manage your personal (or even
small business) finances and make a purchase decision.
But, instead of you sending us the license fee and we copy and send
disks through the mail, we think we've got a better and easier way.
Since you have most likely downloaded "Check Master" from some type of
BBS, you must have a modem and are comfortable with the process of
downloading software. So we'll take advantage of that. To receive
the fully-operational version of "Check Master," just follow these
simple instructions:
1) Complete the Registration Form (Appendix A).
2) Send the completed registration form along with $29.95
(check or money order, please) to:
Valueware! Inc.
651 Grayton Rd.
Berea, OH 44017
3) Allow one (1) week, then call the Valueware! BBS on:
(216) 234-9643 (300, 1200, 2400 baud)
4) Sign on to the BBS using the EXACT name and password you
used on the registration form and follow the special
instructions to download the latest, fully-operational
version of "Check Master."
If for any reason you have not downloaded the fully-operational
version after four (4) weeks from our receiving the registration form
and license fee, the money will be returned and/or check destroyed.
By using this distribution procedure, we can minimize the
administrative process, cut down on the hazards of mailing disks and
save you the postage costs.
You are encouraged to distribute the shareware version of "Check
Master." All I ask is that it be done by using the ORIGINAL file,
"CKMSTR21.ZIP".
The Valueware! BBS always has the latest shareware version of "Check
Master" available for downloading to each caller. Any special
announcements will be posted on the BBS. In addition, all other
Valueware! software products can be downloaded for evaluation. You
are welcome to call the BBS anytime.
4
1.3 Copyright Notice, Disclaimer, Trademark Acknowledgements
"Check Master" is copyrighted by Valueware! Inc. It is distributed
exclusively by using the shareware concept. If you find "Check
Master" of value, please register it.
Although "Check Master" has been thoroughly tested, this software has
no warranty, either expressed or implied. The use of this software is
at the user's own risk. Valueware! Inc. shall in no way be
responsible for any special, incidental, consequential or other
damages resulting from the use and/or misuse of this software. Every
effort has been made to test this software and its documentation for
possible errors, but no guarantee to that effect is made.
DESQview is a trademark of Quarterdeck Office Systems.
IBM is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Quicken is a trademark of Intuit Corporation.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
5
2.0 System Requirements
"Check Master" is designed to run on an IBM PC or compatible computer.
It requires a floppy drive with at least 400k free to hold the program
and data files, although a hard disk is recommended. It has run
successfully with over 400 transactions with as little as 400k of free
memory (determined using CHKDSK). Time-sensitive routines have been
optimized such that performance on an original 4.77 mhz PC is quite
acceptable.
Important! Because "Check Master" opens a number of files during
operation, make sure your CONFIG.SYS file contains the following:
FILES = 25 <--- Must be at least 25. If you get a
"too many files" error when the
program first loads, make the number
of files greater than 25.
BUFFERS = 20 <--- Optional; if you don't use a disk
cache, this will speed performance
significantly (see your DOS manual).
"Check Master" has been tested and runs successfully under DESQview
and Windows (including version 3.0).
6
2.1 System Organization
Because "Check Master" was designed expressly to be practical and easy
to use, there are a minimum number of menus required to access all of
its functions. Basically, the system is set up with one main menu
from which almost everything is accomplished - in fact, there are only
three sub-menus (one for reports and two utility menus).
Generally, "Check Master" works like this:
a) Pick an option from the main menu by highlighting it using
the arrow keys and pressing "Enter".
b) Anytime you need to choose something (such as a bank
account number, a payee, etc.) a table listing will be
presented from which to choose, again, by highlighting it
using the arrow keys.
c) When a table listing is shown, records can be edited by
pressing the "Enter" key, added by pressing the "Insert"
key or deleted by pressing the "Delete" key. The system
will automatically not allow some kinds of deletions to
insure data integrity.
d) Default values are used whenever possible to speed data
entry.
e) On-line help is always available just by pressing "F1".
2.2 Cursor Control Keys
When entering data into "Check Master," the following control keys are
used in entry fields:
Left Arrow Moves the cursor left.
Right Arrow Moves the cursor right.
Home Moves the cursor to the first space in the
entry.
End Moves the cursor to the space after the
last character.
Ins Toggles between overwrite and insert modes.
Del Deletes the character at the cursor and
pulls left.
Ctrl-Home Erases the entire entry field.
Ctrl-End Erases from the cursor to the end of the
field.
Backspace Deletes the character to the left of the
cursor and moves the cursor left one space.
7
3.0 Using Check Master 2.1
To begin using "Check Master," copy all the files into one directory
(for example, \CM) and type:
CKMSTR <--- Press "Enter"
"Check Master" will automatically create and/or open all necessary
files, even recreating index files if required. You will then be
presented with the main menu.
3.1 Main Menu
================================================
| Check Master 2.1 - (C) 1990 by Valueware! |
| 10/14/90 |
|================================================|
| |
| |
| Enter/Change Checks and Deposits |
| |
| List Transactions for One Payee |
| |
| Cancel Outstanding Checks |
| |
| Print Transaction Reports |
| |
| Maintain Lookup Files |
| |
| System Utilities |
| |
| Quit |
| |
| |
==================[ F1 - Help ]=================
The menu items will be explained in a moment. However, before doing
anything else, the first thing you should do is press "F1" for help.
Notice that the help screen overlays the main menu. This is the way
all the windows work throughout the system. After reading the help
screen, press "Enter" to return to the main menu.
An explanation of what each of the menu items does follows:
Enter/Change Checks and Deposits. This is the option you will
use most often. From here you can:
a) View the transaction register (checkbook register).
b) Enter/change/delete transactions.
c) Enter/change/delete bank accounts.
d) Enter/change/delete payees.
e) Enter/change/delete transaction accounts.
f) Enter/change/delete standard transactions.
g) Print checks.
8
List Transactions for One Payee. This is a convenient way to
look at all the transactions for one payee. From here you can:
a) View the transaction register for one payee.
b) Enter/change/delete transactions.
c) Enter/change/delete bank accounts.
d) Enter/change/delete payees.
e) Enter/change/delete transaction accounts.
Cancel Outstanding Checks. This is where you cancel
transactions to reconcile with the bank statement. From here
you can:
a) View the transaction register for either all non-
canceled or all canceled transactions.
b) Cancel transactions.
c) Enter transactions.
d) Enter/change/delete bank accounts.
e) Enter/change/delete payees.
f) Enter/change/delete transaction accounts.
g) Enter/change/delete standard transaction.
Print Transaction Reports. This is where all reports are
printed. They are:
a) All transactions for a specific bank account.
b) Transactions for a specific bank account between
specific dates.
c) Transactions for a specific bank account and payee
between specific dates.
d) Transactions for a specific bank account and
transaction account between specific dates.
Maintain Lookup Files. This is where the lookup files (bank
account, payee and transaction account) can be maintained.
While these files are normally maintained while entering
transactions, this option provides another place to accomplish
this task. From here you can:
a) Enter/change/delete bank accounts.
b) Enter/change/delete payees.
c) Enter/change/delete transaction accounts.
System Utilities. This is where the system utilities are.
From here you can:
a) Change the display: color or monochrome.
b) Delete old transactions before a specific date for a
specific bank account.
Quit. This will return you to the operating system.
3.2 Enter/Change Checks and Deposits
The best way to learn how to use "Check Master" is by using it. The
next sections will be explained in a tutorial format. Start by
9
selecting "Enter/Change Checks and Deposits" from the main menu. You
can select a menu item either by using the arrow keys to highlight the
item or by pressing the first letter of the item you wish to select.
3.2.1 Enter a Bank Account (When Entering a Transaction)
You will be presented with the transaction register. The cursor will
be blinking at the following prompt:
Bank Account Number: __________
Press "Enter". Normally you would be presented with a table listing
of all the bank accounts from which to choose. However because none
exists at this point, the entry screen also appears, partially on top
of the table. Notice the message, "Record will be Added." On all
file entry screens, there will be a message telling you whether you
are adding, changing or deleting a record.
=====================================
| Bank Accounts |
|=====================================|
| |
| Record will be Added |
| |
| Account No: |
| Bank: |
| Check No: 0 |
| Balance: 0.00 |
| List Order: 0 |
| |
============[ F1 - Help ]============
Enter the information for your bank account as follows:
Account No: <--- Actual account number.
Bank: <--- Bank name.
Check No: <--- This is the check number of the next check
to be written.
Balance: <--- Current checking account balance. This is
automatically maintained by the system
however, if it ever needs adjustment
manually, it can be done here.
List Order: <--- Because "Check Master" can maintain
multiple bank accounts, the order that they
appear in a table listing is most
convenient if the most active account is
"1", the next most active account is "2",
and so forth. The system will not allow
duplicate entries here.
To alter the list order once a number of bank accounts are entered -
for example, changing the order of two bank accounts - change the
10
first bank account list order to a "3", change the second bank account
list order to a "1", then change the second bank account list order
back to a "2". This procedure will not create any duplicate list
order numbers.
Pressing "Enter" on the last field will automatically close the entry
screen and the table listing will now be active. The new account just
entered will be highlighted. Pressing "Enter" will input that bank
account into the transaction register.
3.2.2 Entering Transactions
Normally, the transaction register would then fill with the last 15
transactions for that bank account. However, because there are no
transactions, the entry screen will appear.
=================================================================
| Transaction Processing Account No: 0123456789 |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| (D)eposit/(W)ithdrawal: W W D Canceled?: N N Y |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
| Record will be Added |
| |
| Date: 10/14/90 |
| Check No: 1 |
| Payee: Amount: 0.00 |
| Account: |
| Comment: |
| |
==========================[ F1 - Help ]==========================
Press "F1" for help to see how to maneuver around the entry screen
with arrow keys, "ESC", "Enter", "Ctrl-ESC" and "Ctrl-Enter". Enter a
transaction as follows:
(D)eposit/(W)ithdrawal: <--- You have a choice of "W" or "D"
with the default Withdrawal. To
make it as easy as possible,
"Check Master" uses the same
screen for writing checks, making
deposits and automatic
withdrawals. To write a check,
select the default entry by
pressing "Enter".
Canceled?: <--- You have a choice of "Y"es or "N"o with the
default No. Generally, a transaction will
not be canceled by the bank at the time you
enter it so select the default entry by
pressing "Enter".
Date: <--- The date shown will be the DOS system date
for the first transaction entered.
Thereafter, the default date will be the
date of the last transaction entered. This
11
is especially convenient when entering a
number of transactions a day or two after
they actually occurred. Press "Enter" to
accept the default date.
Check No: <--- The check number will be the next check
number that you entered earlier for that
bank account. Press "Enter" to accept the
default entry. The check number will be
automatically incremented and maintained by
the system. If you were entering a
(D)eposit, this would have automatically
defaulted to "DEP". If you were entering
an automatic or ATM withdrawal, just blank
the field with spaces - "AUTO" will
automatically be entered.
Payee: <--- You could type the payee in manually, but
don't waste the time. Just press "Enter".
(If you had been entering a (D)eposit,
"Deposit" would already have been entered
for you). A table listing of all payees in
the system will appear. Press "F1" for
help to see what the options are. There is
a lot you can do from here, but that will
be explained later. For now, just press
"Enter" to select the first record,
"American Express."
Amount: <--- Enter the actual check amount.
Account: <--- This is the transaction account which
categorizes your transactions. It is
particularly useful when preparing your
taxes. It works just like the payee field.
Press "Enter" and select "Credit Cards"
from the table listing.
Comment: <--- The final field is, optionally, for any
comments you want to make to help describe
the transaction. It will be printed on the
check as a memo.
Upon pressing "Enter" for the last time, the transaction will be
saved. It will take a few seconds to complete as a number of files
are being updated. In addition, the transactions are logged in case a
disaster, such as a power failure, occurs mid-way through the file
updating process. Once completed, the entry screen disappears and the
transaction register now contains the new record with the balance
adjusted accordingly.
That's it! That's all it takes to enter a check. It's easy because
"Check Master" makes the best use of defaults and lookup files to help
you throughout the process. But to really see the ease, power and
flexibility of "Check Master," let's continue.
12
3.2.3 Changing a Record
Press "F1" for help. As you can see on the help screen, if you press
"Enter", you can edit the highlighted record. Return from help and do
it, then change the amount. Once completed, you will be back at the
transaction register again with the edited transaction highlighted and
the balance adjusted for the new amount.
3.2.4 Adding a Record
Press "F1" again. As shown on the help screen, to enter a new
transaction, press "Insert". Return from help and do it. This time,
you will explore some of the other options when entering the payee
and/or transaction account.
Accept the defaults for (D)eposit/(W)ithdrawal and Canceled? fields.
This time, change the date. Accept the default check number. Notice
that it was automatically incremented.
3.2.5 Table Listings - "Find"
Press "Enter" on the payee field. A table listing of all the payees
is presented. Now type "c". Notice how the highlighted bar
automatically jumps to "Cash," the first payee beginning with the
letter "c". Now type "z". The bar drops down to "Deposit" because
there are no payees which begin with "cz". Now, backspace (with the
backspace key, not the left arrow) to erase the "z". The bar jumps
back to "Cash." Using this technique, you can find the right payee
very quickly, even if the payee file has hundreds of entries in it.
3.2.6 Table Listings - Entering a New Record
Press "F1" for help. Once again, the "Enter" and "Insert" keys
operate as above. Return from help and press "Insert" to enter a new
payee. The entry screen is self-explanatory. If the mailing address
information is entered, when checks are printed, the address is
included on the check. When completed, press "Enter" and the new
payee will be added and highlighted on the table listing. Press
"Enter" again and it will be automatically entered into the check.
Enter an amount. Using the same technique used above with the payee
field, enter a new transaction account and input it into the check.
Enter a comment (optional) and press "Enter". The entry screen will
disappear and the new transaction will be listed on the transaction
register in date order.
3.2.7 Table Listings - Deleting a Record
To delete a transaction, just highlight it and press "Delete". (See
Section 3.2.10 for additional information). The transaction entry
screen will open, prompting "Press Enter to Delete". To leave without
deleting the record, press "ESC". Once a record has been deleted it
cannot be recovered, so be careful. Delete the second transaction you
entered.
13
3.2.8 Using Standard Transactions
Let's add a deposit, this time by using a "standard transaction."
Press "Insert" to add a transaction. Press "F1" for help. As shown
on the help screen, a standard transaction can be entered by pressing
"F2". Return from help and do it. You will be presented with a table
listing of standard transactions from which to choose. Pressing
"Enter" selects the highlighted transaction, pressing "Insert" allows
you to enter a standard transaction, pressing "Ctrl-Enter" edits the
highlighted transaction and pressing "Delete" deletes that record.
Press "Enter" to select the first standard transaction. The
transaction entry screen is instantly completed.
3.2.9 Data Entry - How To Get a Table Listing
Notice that the default date is the date from the last transaction
entered. As you begin editing the fields as required, note that when
the payee and/or transaction account fields have been entered with
values that exist in their respective files, no table listing is
presented. If you want the table listing to show, blank the field (or
delete at least enough of the entry to ensure that no match will be
found in the file) and press "Enter". The table listing will then
appear. This characteristic also holds true when prompted for bank
accounts.
3.2.10 Other Transaction Entry Hints
When the entry screen is completed, the deposit will be added to the
transaction register. Notice that all withdrawals show negative
amounts and all deposits are positive even though you always enter
transaction amounts as positive numbers.
Check Master presents a table listing anytime you are being prompted
to enter a value for a bank account, payee, transaction account or
standard transaction. Pressing "Enter" will select the highlighted
record and automatically input it into the field. If you want to edit
the highlighted record of a table listing, press "Ctrl-Enter".
To delete a record from a lookup file (bank account, payee or
transaction account), highlight the record and press "Delete". Check
Master will search the transaction file to see if there are any
transactions which refer to the highlighted record. If there are, the
message, "Cannot DELETE; Record In Use" will appear. Check Master
will not allow such deletes in order to maintain data integrity.
Press "ESC" to continue.
The check number will normally be automatically incremented when
entering new checks. It will not increment when editing checks,
adding deposits or automatic withdrawals. Check Master determines
whether to increment the check number by examining whether the check
number on the selected transaction equals the "Check No" field for
that bank account. If they are equal, the "Check No" field is
incremented for the next check. If they are not equal, the field is
left as is. Therefore, if you set the "Check No" field for a bank
account to "20" and begin adding checks at number "1", the check
14
number will not automatically increment until you get to check number
"20". If your check number ever gets out of sync, such as in this
example, just edit the "Check No" field by editing the proper bank
account.
3.2.11 Printing Checks
From the transaction register, press "F1" for help. As shown on the
help screen, to print a check, all you need to do is highlight the
check you want to print and press "F2". Return from help. If you
have a printer connected, do it and notice the format of the check.
(See Section 4.1 for more information). Press "ESC" twice and you
should be back at the main menu. Just think, you did all that from
just one menu option! Let's continue with the other options on the
main menu.
3.3 List Transactions for One Payee
From the main menu, select "List Transactions for One Payee." The
familiar transaction register appears. Assuming that you did not quit
"Check Master," the bank account number already appears in the prompt.
Just press "Enter" to accept it. (Read Section 3.2.9 again if you
want to select/add another bank account). You are now prompted for a
payee. Type it in or just press "Enter" for the familiar payee table
listing. Select "American Express." Assuming that you did not delete
that transaction, it will appear in the transaction register.
You can enter/change/delete transactions just as above. The only
caveat is that when you enter a transaction with a payee other than
the one selected, while the transaction will be saved, it will not be
shown in this listing. This is because it has a payee that does not
match the selection criteria.
If you select a payee which has no transactions associated with it,
the prompt will clear, awaiting reentry.
Note that it may take a short time to list transactions for one payee
if the number of transactions which qualifies is high (say, 50+ on a
4.77 mhz PC).
Press "ESC" a couple of times (or "Ctrl-ESC" once) to return to the
main menu.
3.4 Cancel Outstanding Checks
From the main menu, select "Cancel Outstanding Checks." Enter the
bank account number if it is not already there using the table listing
feature described above. You are then prompted with a choice,
"Canceled Checks: N Y". Select the default "N". All transactions in
that bank account which have not been canceled will be listed. To
cancel a transaction, simply highlight it, press "Enter", then confirm
by pressing "Enter" again. The canceled transaction will no longer
show on the transaction register.
You can add transactions by pressing "Insert" and proceeding as
explained in Section 3.2.2.
15
You can check whether the bank's beginning balance and yours agrees by
entering "Y" when prompted for "Canceled Checks: N Y" before
canceling any checks from the latest bank statement. In this case,
all checks which have been canceled will be listed. (Note that it may
take a short time to list the transactions if the number of entries
which qualifies is high - say, 50+ on a 4.77 mhz PC). The balance
from the bank and in "Check Master" should agree. If they don't, it
can be only one of two things: 1) a transaction from a previous
statement was not entered, or 2) the beginning balance (see Section
3.2.1) is not correct. In either case, the previous bank statement
could not have balanced correctly.
Assuming that you balanced with the bank as of the last statement, the
procedure when the new bank statement comes is very simple. Just
cancel the transactions listed on the statement, add any transactions
not in "Check Master" that are on the statement, such as an ATM fee,
and the balances should agree - on the first try!
If you mistakenly canceled a transaction, simply go to the main menu,
select "Enter/Change Checks and Deposits" and edit the incorrect
transaction.
3.5 Print Transaction Reports
From the main menu, select "Print Transaction Reports." A sub-menu
will appear as follows:
================================================
| Report Transactions |
|================================================|
| |
| |
| All Transactions |
| |
| Transactions for One Payee |
| |
| Transactions for One Account Type |
| |
| Transactions Between Dates |
| |
| |
================================================
In each case, you will be prompted for the selection criteria, using
table listings whenever possible.
All transactions with dates equal to those entered will be included in
the report, e.g. if the beginning date is 4/12/90 and ending date is
4/13/90, all transactions for 4/12/90 and 4/13/90 will be included.
After the selections are made, you are then prompted with "Printer,
Screen, File." If you select:
Printer <--- You will be prompted to press any key to begin
the report, "ESC" to abort printing. A status
screen will review printing progress. Press any
16
key (except "ESC") to pause the report; any key
to restart. Press "ESC" to abort the report
while printing. Press "Enter" when complete.
Screen <--- You will be prompted to press any key to begin
the report, "ESC" to abort printing. The screen
will clear and the report will begin listing to
the screen. Press any key (except "ESC") to
pause the report; any key to restart. Press
"ESC" to abort the report while listing. Press
"Enter" when complete.
File <--- You will be prompted for a filename (including
optional pathname and extension). As a
precaution against overwriting any important
"Check Master" data files, you cannot enter a
filename with the extension of ".DAT". If the
file already exists, you will be prompted
whether or not you would like to replace the
file. Once a filename is entered, you will be
prompted to press any key to begin the report,
"ESC" to abort printing. A status screen will
review progress. Press any key (except "ESC")
to pause the report; any key to restart. Press
"ESC" to abort the report while writing to the
file. Press "Enter" when complete.
The reports themselves are self-explanatory.
3.6 Maintain Lookup Files
From the main menu, select "Maintain Lookup Files." A sub-menu will
appear as follows:
==========================================
| Maintain Lookup Files |
|==========================================|
| |
| |
| Enter/Change Bank Accounts |
| |
| Enter/Change Payees |
| |
| Enter/Change Accounts |
| |
| |
===============[ F1 - Help ]==============
These options work exactly as described in Section 3.2.
3.7 System Utilities
From the main menu, select "System Utilities." You will be presented
with the following sub-menu:
17
==========================================
| Maintain System |
|==========================================|
| |
| |
| Change Default Colors |
| |
| Delete Old Transactions |
| |
| |
===============[ F1 - Help ]==============
If you select:
Change Default Colors <--- You are given a choice between
<C>olor or <M>onochrome. Once
selected, you must restart "Check
Master" for the change to be
instituted.
Delete Old Transactions <--- After entering the bank account,
you are prompted for the last
transaction date you want to
delete from the file. (Pressing
"ESC" will backup through the
menu).
Once entered, "Check Master" will delete all transactions for that
bank account before and inclusive of that date. In addition, the
payee and transaction account files will be purged of any records not
referenced by a transaction.
Remember, once a transaction is deleted, it is gone forever!
Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you write those
transactions to a file, as described in Section 3.5, before you delete
them so you can at least print them from DOS if you need to.
18
4.0 Other Information
There are a few miscellaneous features to be discussed.
4.1 Printer Checks and Envelopes
The format used for printing checks and envelopes is identical to that
used by "Quicken." Listed below is order information from three
different suppliers of checks and envelopes:
Intuit NEBS Inc. Deluxe Computer Forms
540 University Ave. 500 Main St. and Supplies
Palo Alto, CA 94301 Groton, MA 01471 1275 Red Fox Rd.
(800) 624-8742 (800) 225-9550 P.O. Box 64046
(800) 468-8481 (in CA) St. Paul, MN 55164
(800) 328-0304
(612) 631-8500 (in MN)
4.2 Command Line Switches
"Check Master" is set up with certain defaults which can be
customized. First, the system will beep if an erroneous key is
pressed, such as typing a letter into a numeric field. Second, there
is a built-in screen saver which blanks the screen after 10 minutes of
inactivity. Pressing any key will restore the screen. Third, Num
Lock will automatically come on when entering fields requiring numeric
entry and go back to its original state for fields requiring
alphabetic entry.
These features may each be disabled using command line switches when
starting up "Check Master." For example:
CKMSTR /B=NO <--- Disables beep.
CKMSTR /V=0 <--- Disables the screen saver. By
replacing the "0" with a number, say
"5", the screen will be blanked after
five minutes.
CKMSTR /L <--- Disables keyboard locks. Important!
Some computer/keyboard combinations
may not work without this switch.
All three switches can be put on the command line to disable all three
features simultaneously.
4.3 Memory Saving Version of Check Master
While "Check Master" is not particularly memory hungry - requiring
about 400k free - another version which utilizes overlays has been
developed. This version, which in all other aspects is identical to
the distributed version, requires about 50k less memory. The trade-
off is that most individual procedures will require some limited disk
access time before running. If you have a fast hard disk, the delay
is almost imperceptible. The choice is yours. The overlay version is
available on the Valueware! BBS as "CKMSTROV.ZIP".
19
Appendix A
To register for the latest, fully-operational version of "Check
Master," just follow these simple instructions:
1) Complete the Registration Form (attached below).
2) Send the completed registration form along with $29.95
(check or money order, please) to:
Valueware! Inc.
651 Grayton Rd.
Berea, OH 44017
3) Allow one (1) week then call the Valueware! BBS on:
(216) 234-9643 (300, 1200, 2400 baud)
4) Sign on to the BBS using the EXACT name and password you
used on the registration form and follow the special
instructions to download the latest, fully-operational
version of "Check Master."
If for any reason you have not downloaded the fully-operational
version after four (4) weeks from our receiving the registration form
and license fee, the money will be returned and/or check destroyed.
By using this distribution procedure, we can minimize the
administrative process, cut down on the hazards of mailing disks and
save you the postage costs.
If you ABSOLUTELY MUST receive "Check Master" on diskette, then we
need to charge an additional $5.00 for diskettes, postage and handling
expenses. If this is your requirement, please indicate on your
registration form what size (3 1/2" or 5 1/4") diskettes you need. A
diskette with the file CKMSTR21.EXE, a self-extracting file which
includes all the files listed in Appendix B (except index files - they
will be created automatically), will be sent back to you as soon as
possible.
You are encouraged to distribute the shareware version of "Check
Master." All I ask is that it be done by using the ORIGINAL file,
"CKMSTR21.ZIP".
The Valueware! BBS always has the latest shareware version of "Check
Master" available for downloading to each caller. Any special
announcements will be posted on the BBS. In addition, all other
Valueware! software products can be downloaded for evaluation. You
are welcome to call the BBS anytime.
20
Registration Form
First Name: ____________________________________________
Last Name: ____________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________
City: ____________________________________________
State: ___________________ Zip: _____________
Valueware! BBS Logon Password: ______________ (Don't forget it!)
Where did you learn of "Check Master?" (Please be specific).
________________________________________________________
======================================================================
Order Information
Quantity Price Ea. Total
Check Master - Version 2.1 _______ $ 29.95 _______
Handling Charge ($5.00 - diskette orders only) _______
Size (3 1/2" or 5 1/4") _______
Sales Tax @ 7% (Ohio Only) _______
Total _______
Thank you for your business!
Appendix B
Following is a list of "Check Master" files with a brief description
of each:
CKMSTR.EXE <--- "Check Master" system executable file.
CHKBOOK.HLP <--- Help file.
CKBKDEF.DAT <--- Contains system parameters.
CKBKTRAN.DAT <--- Contains all the transaction data.
CKBKTRAN.K? <--- Transaction index files.
CKBKSYS.DAT <--- Contains bank account data.
CKBKSYS.K? <--- Bank account index files.
CKBKPAY.DAT <--- Contains payee data.
CKBKPAY.K? <--- Payee index files.
CKBKACNT.DAT <--- Contains transaction account data.
CKBKACNT.K? <--- Transaction account index files.
CKBKSTDT.DAT <--- Contains standard transaction data.
CKBKSTDT.K1 <--- Standard transaction index file.
CKMSTR21.DOC <--- "Check Master" system manual.
