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MAILING.TXT
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1990-08-09
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Topp's Mailing Program
System Requirements
Hardware: IBM compatible
Operating System: MS-Dos 2+
Ram Memory: 315K Available Minimum
Disk Drive: A hard disk is recommended. System will
operate on floppy (speed will be impaired).
Monitor: Color is recommended. The system is self
checking and will run on a monochrome monitor
with or with out an advanced graphics card.
Compatibility: All databases in the program are "dDase"
(Trademark of Aston-Tate, Inc.) compatible.
The program is written in "Clipper" (Trademark
of Nantucket Corporation).
If you are using a hard disk, go to the root directory (type
"cd\" and press enter) and make a directory using the name you
desire (type "md <name you desire> and press enter). Place the
floppy containing the program in your A: drive and copy it to
your directory ( type "copy a:\*.* c:\<name you desire>" for
example ). Go to the new directory ( type "c:" enter "cd\<name
you desire>" enter for example. ) and type "MAILING". The
program will start and you are on your way.
Introduction
I needed a program to maintain my mailing list and print labels.
I want to be able to keep track of where I sent programs and
sales as a result, and I want to be able to write short letters
and make notes. I wanted to track and control my business
better. I found this program did the job and more. I created a
file for names I used regularly to make a run of labels
occasionally. I created a file for problems and orders. In this
file I created the letters in the notes field. This gave me a
good tracking system for problems and problem companies (I seem
to find a fair number of them). I made another file for
customers. Here I track programs registered, versions, any
comments, and any problems (none so far). I have one to print
labels for disk. This program has a million one uses! I'll bet
you can find some new ones.
System Checks
The program runs the following system checks:
Config.sys: If you do not have a config.sys file in your boot
directory or the file does not contain at least 20 buffers and 20
files, the program will change it for you with your permission.
Your machine will run better if it has enough files and the
Topp's Mailing Program Page 2
correct number of buffers set. There are shareware programs
available to help you determine the correct number of buffers for
your machine.
Disk space: After loading, the system will check for a minimum
of 100K bytes operating space. An error message will appear
informing you of a lack of space available.
Databases/Indexes: The program creates all databases and indexes
required. If the system must create a new help database, it will
be empty. Use the one on the disk.
Printer: The printer is checked before and during operation.
The program does not recognize serial printers. If you run out
of paper or labels while printing you have the option of printing
the balance (less what is in the print buffer) to a disk file for
later retrieval.
Registration
Topp's Mailing Program is a shareware program and the results of
the author's toil. The registration fee is $19.95.
For you registration fee, you will receive the newest version of
the program, which does not mention shareware or registration
even once. You will receive technical support for the life of
the program (currently that support is in the form of written
communications to the address below). Free upgrades for one year
from date of registration (Free! You just get them.). You will
be placed on the dreaded mailing list to receive shareware copies
of new Topp's Home Software products as they become available.
There is a deluxe version for those that want only the best.
This version contains all of the above plus: print screen to
file, a calculator, and additional label printing function, plus
cards and envelopes. The deluxe version is only $24.95.
For you developers and shareware junkies out there, I sell my
personal shareware distributor mailing list to registered owners
for $7.00 (contains over 300 names currently). Many with
valuable notes and comments, phone numbers , and even contacts.
From the main menu, you may press F10 and print an invoice to
mail your registration, or use the information listed below.
Topp's Home Software
16541 Redmond Way Suite 242
Redmond, WA 98052
I am sorry to mention I am not able to handle credit cards at
this time. Send $19.95 for the Topp's Mailing Program , $24.95
for the deluxe version or more if you want. Price includes
shipping, handling, etc.
Topp's Mailing Program Page 3
Tell me where you heard about the program and any comments or
suggestions. Another perk for registered owners, is if you
write in a suggestion and it is incorporated into the program you
will receive free upgrades for an additional year, and if you are
the first (determined by postmark) to make the suggestion you
will receive 1% of the selling price for the version in which the
change is first offered (Example: 1000 programs @ $19.95 @ 1% =
$199.50).
Please note this is the current offer as of 8/15/90.
General Program Use
My menus use light bars. Use the arrows to move the selection
you desire and press the enter key, or press the first letter of
the menu selection (main menu only). I use hot keys which have a
menu by pressing F2.
Look at the bottom of the screen for notes and comments.
F1 is the help key. Other hot keys are listed in your hot key
menu by pressing F2.
You may find some fields to be too small for what you wish to
enter. It is ok to abbreviate. I have included an extra line
which can be set before or after the city, state, and zip line
just in case.
It is not a good idea to use to esc key unless it is called for.
I am not aware of any where it could hurt anything, but it is not
a good practice.
The note pad contained in this program is designed for SMALL
files. Its just a scratch pad for reminders, short letters, etc.
Error message occur where appropriate. System error messages are
printed to a file called error.txt. The information in this file
is necessary to determine programming or compatibility problems
in the remote chance they may occur. You may use the DOS print
command (Print Error.Txt) to print this file and send to me.
These messages could occur if the computer was turned off or
rebooted during program operation. This could cause the
databases to become corrupt. The databases could become corrupt
by a bad sector on your hard drive or by a ram caching program or
a ram drive. Changing the databases from another program will
cause many problems. Lack of ram memory could cause a program
crash. It you are using a menu program or ram resident programs
try turning them off.
Topp's Mailing Program Page 4
If you are using a ram disk or ram caching program turn them off,
and try the program again. If you think you might have a bad
sector on your disk you should use a program to check your disk
for bad sectors. You might try making a new directory and
copying your files to the new directory and work from that
directory. Run a dos chkdsk with to f option and see if you have
any files which are overlapping. If you have changed the
databases with another program the best thing to do would be the
change them back.
I swear to fix all errors immediately and ship replacement disk
within 24 hours if possible. This program has been very
thoroughly tested and this information is provided only for your
knowledge should the unexpected occur. It is general enough it
could be of use for other programs. Not to worry.
Menu: File movement - Next - Next record.
Prev - Previous record.
First - Top of file.
Last - Bottom of file.
Search - Find records by company, state,
city, zip, or code.
File altering - Edit - Editing current record.
Add - Add a new record.
Delete - Delete current record, by date
or record number.
File reports - Reports - Ad hoc report generator.
Create your own reports. Print
labels. Make ascii files
either standard or delimited.
(called mailing.doc)
Hot Key Programs
Help Program - F1 - This program provides useful help
messages throughout the program.
Hot Key Menu - F2 - This is a menu for your hot keys you
may use the arrows to find your
selection and press enter to start the
program or press to correct F key from
the main menu.
Note Pad - F3 - This is a SMALL text editor. It is
useful as a scratch pad to make notes
to remember, or letter of a universal
nature.
Set Fields - F4 - Removes the fields from the screen
that you do not want to see or print.
Example: If you are not interested in
contact and phone, you can make them go
away. You can even change your mind
later and reinstate them.
Topp's Mailing Program Page 5
Change Database - F5 - Select database from a list of current
files. Press enter to change or esc to
exit.
Create Database - F6 - Enter path and name of new database to
create (if you leave blank or press esc
it will default to "mailing".)
Single Label - F7 - Print a label for the currently
displayed record.
Single Letter - F8 - Print a letter from the note field of
the currently displayed record.
Single Report - F9 - Print a report for the currently
displayed record.
Print Invoice - F10 - Print an invoice to register program
(please).
Path is where the file is located (more information consult for
dos manual). Example: Your program is at C:\Mailing and you
want to keep your files on a floppy in your a drive to create
"Labels.dbf" you would enter "A:\Labels" as your path and
database statement.
Back Up Requirements
Backing up your files is always a good idea to prevent lose.
This program produces everything it needs, except the information
you have supplied to the databases. Anything ending in dbf or dbt
should be backed up (if you are entering or changing data). If
you do not have a backup program and feel uncomfortable with
DOS's backup and restore commands (I do), try Topp's Database
Utility Program. This program allows you to do limited database
functions without buying an expensive database program, and it
includes a simple database backup program, which I will supply
with registion of this program for $5.00 , or non-registered
individuals for $10.00. (Prices in US $'s as of 8/15/90).
Hopefully that's everything you need to know.
Your comments and suggests are requested and required to make
this a better program.
I look forward to hearing from you and wish luck in your
endeavors.