Power CD-ROM!! 7/POWERCD7.ISO/os2/alarm/alrmclk2.hlp

OS/2 Help File | 1993-12-29 | 35KB | 933 lines

ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1. About Alarm Clock ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


Alarm Clock Event Scheduler
Recipient of the OS/2 Software Developers Award

WalkerWerks
572 Sabine
Memphis, Tn. 38117
[phone]
Compuserve 70304,2705
(C) Copyright 1992 all rights reserved


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2. Overview ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


    Welcome to Alarm Clock version 2.9.  With Alarm Clock you have a program
scheduler, Reminder and, DeskTop clock.  The program maintains a database of
events with up to 200 per day.  Send yourself reminders, notify groups of
meetings, or have applications run unattended at the proper time.
Menu Help

Brought to you by:

WalkerWerks
572 Sabine
Memphis, Tn. 38117
[phone]
Compuserve 70304,2705


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3. Disclaimer ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This program is provided as is.  The author accepts no liability for damages,
or loss of income caused directly or indirectly through the use of this
program.

This program is SHAREWARE all rights and privileges provided by law are
reserved by WalkerWerks and the author.  Registered users will receive a
registered copy and one update when available.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4. Registering ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Alarm Clock

   This program is not FREEWARE. Registration is $25 U.S. per copy. Site
licenses can be negotiated on request.  The SHAREWARE version may only be used
for a 60 day trial period.

Registered users will receive a registered copy and one update when available.
And just for good measure a utility is provided to start DOS  virtual sessions
from the command line with specific settings. A valuable tool for scheduling
DOS communications programs with the event scheduler.

Note:  Please include a personal contact and the version number you are
registering.
Send Registration to:

Bryan Walker DBA WalkerWerks
572 Sabine
Memphis, Tn. 38117
Compuserve 70304,2705


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5. Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Main menu provides a way to get to the various options for Alarm Clock.
Each item can be reached by pressing Alt+ the underlined letter of the menu
item.  In addition some options have an accelerator key combination that will
take you directly to the option without going through a menu.  The items also
appear in the system menu because Alarm Clock will continue to function as an
icon if you choose minimize window to DeskTop under the settings-window of the
Alarm Clock DeskTop Object Icon.

The Menu Structure:

o Events Alt+E

  The events menu including:

   - Schedule Alt+S

     Schedule reminders and applications for onetime or repetitive events.

   - Database

     Edit the events database.

   - Calendar

     Schedule events by choosing the date from a virtual calendar.

   - Set Search Files

     Select up to three event files for Alarm Clock to search when it schedules
     events each midnight.

   - List Today's Events.

     Display a list of the events that will occur today.

   - Review old events.

     This option is active if you were notified of missed events when you
     started Alarm Clock  but you did not review them.  Select this to review
     them.

   - Pause

     Temporarily stop the execution of Reminders and programs.  The title bar
     will display (P) when the system is paused.  This is useful when you will
     be away from your desk for a few days and don't want all the reminders
     being displayed.  When pause is removed Alarm Clock will start processing
     events from that time forward.

o Utilities Alt+U

   - Lockup now

     Activate the lockup feature immediately.  This blanks the screen and,
     optionally, requires a password to return to the DeskTop.

   - Pack databases

     Pack the active database of the listed type (event, contact, ToDo).  When
     records are deleted they are marked as inactive but the physical data
     still takes up space on your hard drive.  Packing the database will remove
     the deleted data from the database reducing its size.

   - Display Preferences

     Set the colors, display formats, and other options for Alarm Clock.

   - System Settings

     Set the startup, working directory, DeskTop lockup, and hourly chime
     options.

   - Time and Date

     Set your computer's system time and date.

   - Hide Controls Alt+H

     This toggles through 4 settings.  Have the title bar, system menu, and
     minimize-maximize buttons all displayed.  Have all of the above hidden.
     Have the title bar displayed without the system menu and min-max buttons.
     And reduce the entire display to a single one line titlebar.

o Help ALT+P

   - Help for Help

     Instructions on using the OS/2 help facility.

   - Keys Help

     Listing of the accelerator keys.

   - Help Index

     Index of Alarm Clock help topics.

   - Trouble Shooting

     Frequently asked questions and the solutions.

   - About

     Program information dialog.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6. Keys Help ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

At any Window Alt + the Underlined letter for an option will select that
action.  Alt + a letter means to hold the ALT key down and while still down
press the desired letter.

From the clock you can go directly to a window using the accelerator keys
defined for that option.  They are

o ALT + A Display the Program Information ABOUT BOX.
o ALT + E Display the Event Menu.
o ALT + H to toggle the menu and controls off and on.
o ALT + S to schedule an event.
o ALT + U Display the Utilities Menu.
o ALT + L Immediately lockup the desktop.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7. Events ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In Alarm Clock events are anything that will cause something to take place at a
specific time.  They may be running a program, reminding you to call someone,
or posting a notice about a meeting.

Events can occur once or be scheduled to repeat from daily to annually.  Events
actually come from two places.  You can use the events scheduler to add an
entry or schedule a reminder from your ToDo lists.  The actual reminder is a
one time event within the Alarm Clock system.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.1. Types of Events ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Alarm Clock currently has 2 types of events.  Reminder messages that pop up to
remind you of important information and applications (programs) that can be
scheduled to start unattended.  Events are scheduled to occur at specific times
on a one time or recurring basis.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.2. Scheduling Events ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Every event starts here.  In this dialog you enter the time and date for the
event.  You also specify the type of event and the frequency.

Your choices here will determine the options that follow for completing the
setup of a new event.  For Personal, onetime, reminders you can complete the
time and press CTRL+P to fill in the current date and go directly to the
reminder text input screen.  For any event CTRL+D will fill in the date fields
with the current date.
Options for this Dialog.

o Hour

  Sets the hour for the selected event. Use 12 or 24 hour time depending on
  your setup.  With 12 hour format use the AM PM buttons.

o Minute

  The minute for the selected event.

o Month

  The month in which the event is to occur.  For daily\weekly recurring events
  this will be automatically updated when the event is scheduled.

o Day

  The day on which an event is to occur.  Automatically updated for
  daily\weekly events.  Monthly events will enter the day on another dialog.

o Year

  The year for an event to occur.  This is completed automatically for monthly
  and daily\weekly events.

o Personal or All

  If you entered a system name for your copy of Alarm Clock select Personal to
  have the event only scheduled on your system.  All will cause any system
  using the active event file to have the event scheduled.  See Setting Search
  Files for more on the System Name.

o Reminder or Application

  Select reminder to schedule a message or application to start an program at
  the given time.  When you click this radio button you will be prompted for
  the additional information needed such as your note or the program name.  You
  may switch between types or click the radio button to bring up the details
  window as often as you like. Only the last information entered will apply
  when you save the event.

o One Time or Recurring

  Select whether the event is to occur only one time or should happen at
  specific intervals.  Recurring events can be scheduled Annually, Monthly, one
  or more times a Week, Daily, to repeat every X days, or to occur on a
  specific day such as the 1st Monday of each month.

  When the recurring button is clicked a popup menu will appear.  Select the
  recurring type you desire.  If more information is needed you will be
  prompted for that information when you make your selection.  To cancel the
  selection press escape.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.2.1. Application ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

You have requested to schedule an application for launching at a given date and
time.

Enter the application name complete with drive and path in the first edit
field.  Any parameters to pass to the program go in the second edit field.  The
working directory is entered in the last edit field.  A working directory is
the active directory for an application, such as being in your DOC directory
and starting your word processor even though the program is in another
directory.

 The parameter and working directory information is optional. To locate a
specific program select the search button.  This displays a dialog to allow you
to scan through your system for the correct application.  If you select an
application it will automatically be entered into the Program field.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.2.2. Starting Applications ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Starting OS/2 and DOS executables is straight forward and only requires that
you enter the path and name in the program field. For .CMD and .BAT files the
necessary changes are taken care of by Alarm Clock.

Windows programs must be handled differently.  Instead of entering the desired
program in the program field you must enter the path and file name for
WINOS2.COM.  Pass the program's name and parameters in the parameters field for
WINOS2 to start the application.

Note:  All applications are started in the background. DOS and Windows programs
are, by default, full screen so will not be immediately visible.  Use the
Window List to switch to the new program.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.2.3. Reminder ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Type the reminder text in the displayed Edit field.  This text will be
displayed at the selected time and date along with an audible alarm to get your
attention.

The Contact option will bring up the list of contacts and allow you to tag a
contact to the reminder.  This is the same as selecting the Cust check box in
the ToDo list.  However the ToDo list reminders are only one time.  For
repeating events such as Birthdays schedule the reminder here and set the
recurring frequency.

Note:  You can drag a contact from the Phone Secretary and drop it on the event
to attach it.

The Tune option will display a dialog for attaching a tune to the reminder.
The tune can be any melody created using the Tune Editor provided with OS/2.
From this dialog you can select the tune file to select from and the tune to
play each time this reminder is displayed on your screen.

o Recurring Events

  Click the button corresponding to the type of recurring event you want to
  schedule.

o Day of Week

  Select the day(s) of the week for an event to occur on.  Select from 1 to all
  7 days for the given event.  Select by clicking the appropriate buttons to
  black.

o Day of the Month

  Enter the day of the month for a monthly event to occur on.  For end of the
  month events enter 31. Alarm Clock will automatically account for months with
  less days.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.2.4. Specific Date Events ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This event type allows you to schedule events for the same specific day each
month.  Unlike a monthly date this type allows you to schedule by a particular
day of the week, such as the 1st Monday of each month. Select the appropriate
option from each list and then the OK menu option to accept your choices.  The
left column contains the week (i.e. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th).  The right column
contains an entry for each day of the week.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.2.5. Every X Days ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This event type allows you to schedule events that come regulary but at
intervals of less than a month.  Each event can be scheduled to repeat at
specific daily intervals starting at a given date.  The given date may be a
past date.  Alarm Clock will automatically adjust the date forward in
increments of the specified frequency.  For instance if you have a meeting
every other Friday you could select a beginning date of the last meeting's
date.  Then schedule the reminder to occur every 14 days from that date.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.3. Editing Events ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Database dialog provides access to all scheduled events.  The system will
retrieve events from the first database in your search list or the last
database opened.

Use the NEXT and PREVIOUS options under event to move through the scheduled
events, you can also use the up and down arrow keys.  All events are displayed
but you cannot save changes to events that are scheduled under another personal
name.  The number of events and selected event, the system name, and the event
type are listed to the left.  The active event database is listed at the top of
the dialog.  You may change any information in the Edit Fields and the radio
buttons for the days of the week.

The options are listed below.  If a particular action is not valid that menu
item will be disabled.

o Exit

  leave the event editing dialog.

o File

   - Open

     Search for and edit another event file.

   - Print

     Print the contents of the event file.

   - Password Protect

     require a password to access the event file.

   - Encrypt

     Alter the database so that it is unreadable without the encryption
     abilities of Alarm Clock

   - UnEncrypt

     Remove any existing encryption from the file.

o Event

   - Save

     Save the changes made to this record.

   - Delete

     Delete the displayed event.

   - Next

     Move to the next record in the database.

   - Previous

     Move back to the previous record.

   - Tune

     Displays a dialog for attaching a Tune Editor created tune to the
     reminder.

o HELP

  Display this help panel.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.4. Setting Search Files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Alarm Clock will search up to 3 event files for scheduled reminders and
applications.  Enter the three files in the provided Edit Fields.

The first event file is where all ToDo reminders are placed if they are not
marked for "ALL".  Use the search button at the end of each field to assist in
locating event files.  Entering the name of a file that does not exist will
create that file.

The System Name edit field is used to schedule personal events.  Enter a name
that will be unique among the users sharing event files.  If "ALL" is not
selected the event will be scheduled with this name.  Only the system(s) with
this name will schedule these events. If you do not provide a system name every
event will be scheduled as "ALL".


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8. Miscellaneous ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The screens within this group don't belong to a single category such as
contacts or events.  These functions work with more than one of the categories
or serve utility functions.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.1. Printing ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Alarm Clock is able to print your Contacts, ToDo lists, and Search results.

Warning: It is necessary to select a printer before attempting to print.

 Once selected in the Systems Settings it is possible to print to either your
printer or to disk.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.1.1. Print Where ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

You are being offered the choice to print to either the printer or to disk.  If
you chose disk you may specify a file name, including drive and directory, in
the displayed edit field.  Disk prints are standard ASCII text files that are
easily imported into most other programs.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.2. Passwords ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Alarm Clock uses passwords and data encryption to protect your information from
others.  These are powerful and affective features for preventing unauthorized
access to information.  They are also only as affective as you allow them to
be.

Password protecting a file then leaving it open and available on the desktop
makes the protection meaningless.  Also if you encrypt the file and lose the
password the information is lost.  Choosing passwords that are easily
identified with you such as family members names or favorite sayings also makes
it easier to guess your passwords.  Choose passwords that are unusual, use
upper and lower case letters, and make them at least 8 characters long for the
best security.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.2.1. Enter Password ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Enter the password used to protect the selected file.  Once successfully
entered the database will open.

Note:  Passwords are case sensitive.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.2.2. Edit Password ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Enter the password in the first field and press ENTER.  Retype the same
password in the second field and again press ENTER.  To remove a password press
ENTER in both fields without typing any characters.  To exit without modifying
the password press ESC.

Note:  Passwords are case sensitive.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.3. Search Results ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This dialog displays any matches to a search of the ToDo or Contact database.
Once the "Search Complete" message appears all matches are displayed.  If the
list is empty no matches were found.  Searches are not case sensitive.

To view the details of an item double click on it with the mouse or highlight
it and press enter or the "DETAIL" button.  To print a listing of all the
matches click on the "PRINT" button.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.4. Calendar ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This calendar displays the current month with each day displayed as a button.
To select a given date press the corresponding button.

To move to other months use the  button to move forward one month at a time
and the  button to move backward.  The >> and << buttons will move you forward
and backward, respectively, by years.  The  button will return you to the
current month and year.  Once you select a date you will go to the schedule
event or ToDo list for that date, depending on the menu where you selected the
calendar option.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.5. Setting System Time ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Click on the appropriate field to change (i.e. Hour, minute, or second).  Once
the field is highlighted press the up and down arrows to change the value.
Select SET to accept the changes and reset the computers system time and date.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9. Customizing Alarm Clock ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Alarm Clock has two basic types of settings Display and System.

The display settings allow you to customize the appearance of the program
including colors, fonts, and display formats.  The system settings are to
adjust the program to your system including the working directory, what
features are activated at startup, what hardware you have such as printers and
modems, etc.

   All information is maintained in a file named 'ALRMCLK2.INI'.  If your
system settings get too far off to correct you can shutdown Alarm Clock and
delete this file.  It will be recreated with the default system settings when
you restart the program.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.1. System Settings ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

o Notify of missed events

  If this is checked Alarm Clock will notify you at startup of any events that
  were scheduled to occur while the program was inactive.  If not checked the
  events will not be displayed but recurring events will be automatically
  rescheduled for the next occurrence.

o Keep Clock Visible

  Checking this option will cause the clock to "Float" on top of all PM
  sessions.  It will not take the focus away from your application but will
  remain visible, even when the other application is maximized.  It cannot
  remain visible above full screen sessions.

o Working Directory

  This is the default directory for the system default databases.  These
  databases are created when no others have been opened. This is also where all
  search's for files begins when a SEARCH or OPEN button is selected.

o Minutes to Return

  Reminders have a RETURN button which acts much like the "snooze" button on an
  Alarm Clock, causing the reminder to come back again in a few minutes.  Enter
  the number of minutes to wait before the reminder returns.

o Select Printer

  Displays a list of all printers on your system.  Select the desired printer
  for use in printing the various lists.  You may optionally go to the job
  properties for the printer and select the form or other settings to save
  along with the printer.

o Select Font

  Displays a dialog from which to select for printing.  The amount of text that
  can fit on a single line will be affected by the size of the font selected.
  This font will be used for all printing from Alarm Clock

o Hourly Chime

  Click on this checkbox to activate or de-activate the hourly chime option.
  If active Alarm Clock will produce an audible sound at the top of each hour.

o FRQ

  Enter the frequency for the hourly chime.  The default is 545Mhz. Any value
  from 37 to 3000 is valid.

o DUR

  Enter the duration for the hourly chime.  The default is 400.  The value is
  in 1/100 seconds.

o CNT

  Enter the number of chimes (beeps) to sound each hour.  The default is 2.

o Listen

  Press this button to hear the settings you have chosen for the hourly chime.

o Desktop Lockup Active

  Checking the option activates a feature similar to the Lockup feature in
  OS/2.  The value set for Minutes till Lockup will be used to determine how
  long to wait without activity before blanking the screen.  The lockup feature
  will not activate if a FULLSCREEN OS/2 or DOS session is active in the
  foreground.

o Lock on Startup

  This setting causes Alarm Clock to start the screen blanker when the program
  is first started.  All settings are the same including no password being
  required if none is set.

  Note:  The Desktop Lockup Active setting does not have to be checked to use
  this feature.

o Use Password

  Checking this option will require you to match the Lockup Password before the
  screen will be cleared after lockup has occurred.

o Password

  This entry field will always be empty.  You should enter a password in this
  field only when you want to change the value required to unlock the desktop.

  Note:  THE PASSWORD IS CASE SENSITIVE!

o System Wide Hot Key

  The letter entered into this field will work to immediately lockup the
  desktop when pressed in combination with the ALT+CONTROL keys.  This will
  take affect from any window that does not trap the  key combination before
  the Lockup monitor can see the key.

  Note:  The Lockup monitor cannot see keystrokes in a fullscreen OS/2 or DOS
  session.

o BitMap

  Enter the name of an OS/2 1.2 or 2.x bitmap to display when the screen is
  blanked.  If this is left blank no bitmap will display.

o FIND

  Displays the file selection dialog and allows you to search for the bitmap to
  display.

o Display Seconds

  The number of seconds from 1 to 99 that the bitmap will be displayed before
  blanking the screen.  The default is 30 seconds.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.2. Display Preferences ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Preferences dialog allows you to set the preferences for the different
parts of the clock face.  Select the part to change by clicking on the radio
button for that part (i.e. Second Hand).  Then click on the desired color for
that part.  In addition you may elect to have the title bar display the date or
digital time.

To change the size of the clock use the mouse to drag the edges of the window
to the desired size.  Move the window to your preferred position on the screen.
When you save the changes the size and position will also be saved.

Note:  The changes are automatically saved if you shutdown OS/2 or Alarm Clock.

The Setting Options are as follows:

o Background

  Click on this radio button to change the color of the rectangular background.
  Then click the desired color from the color options below the Clock Parts
  group.

  Note:  The background and digital text or analog hour hand can be set using
  the Work Place Shell's color palette.  Drop the color on the clock to change
  the background.  Use the control key while dropping to change the text.  If
  you edit the color this way then it may be altered by the display preference
  dialog because this dialog only uses solid colors.  Set all other options
  here then, after exiting this dialog, use the palette to set your colors.

o Face

  Click on this radio button to change the color of the clock's circular face.

o Hour hand

  Click on this radio button to change the color of the clock's Hour Hand.

o Minute hand

  Click on this radio button to change the color of the clock's Minute Hand.

o Hour Tick Marks

  Click on this radio button to change the color of the Hour Marks.

o Display Format

  Chose from an analog or digital clock.  The digital clock has both 12 and 24
  hour formats available.

o Title Bar Display

  Choose the desired date format for displaying the current date in the
  titlebar.  If the clock is minimized this will display as the icon text.

o Font

  Choose an outline font for use in displaying the Digital Clock.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10. Trouble Shooting ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Listed below are problems that have been encountered while using Alarm Clock

Problem  I've relocated Alarm Clock into a new subdirectory and now I get
errors when I open the different edit screens.

Fix  Alarm Clock "remembers" what files you last opened as well as what 3 event
files you want to search each day.  If you've deleted the old directory and
files you need to re-teach the program.  Begin by going to the System Setup and
setting your working directory to the new directory.  This is where the program
will start a search for files when you select an Open menu item.  Now go to the
Set Search Files screen and edit it to reflect your new files.  Finally go to
each database edit screen (ToDo, event, and contact).  You will get an error
because the last file you opened no longer exists.  Ignore this error and chose
Open.  Select the new file and then exit the editing session.  Now Alarm Clock
"remembers" your new files.

Problem  My reminders are not being scheduled.

Fix  Make sure that the event files where you save this information are listed
in Set Search Files.  Next be sure that the files exist and are available to
you.  If you are on a network be sure the drive where the files are kept is
available to your computer at Midnight when Alarm Clock search's for the new
days events.  If this doesn't fix the problem then pack the database to insure
the indexes are up-to-date.

Problem  I minimized Alarm Clock to the Minimized Window Viewer.  The icon
displays as a white square instead of a clock.

Fix  OS/2 doesn't seem to like it when a program tries to redraw an icon in the
Window Viewer.  Open the settings for the Alarm Clock icon, choose the Window
tab, and mark minimize to desktop.

Problem  I have Alarm Clock in my startup folder.  Sometimes when I boot the
computer Alarm Clock seems to hang-up.

Fix  If you shutdown your computer with the program running and have a copy of
the program icon in the startup folder then OS/2 will attempt to start two
copies.  Although Alarm Clock attempts to detect this and prevent it timing
sometimes keeps these checks from working.  The program creates system
resources, sometimes if two programs attempt to create the same resource, at
the same time a deadlock can occur.  To prevent this either place a Shadow of
the icon in your startup folder or don't place anything there and rely on the
fact that OS/2 restarts any programs that were running when you shutdown.

Problem  I recently upgraded my copy of Alarm Clock.  Now nothing seems to work
and I keep getting protection violations.

Fix  Make sure that there are no old copies of the Alarm Clock files in other
directories.  Possibly an old DLL in another directory that is searched before
your normal directory in the LIBPATH.  As Alarm Clock continues to grow changes
are made to all the files and old ones are not compatible with the newest
release.

Problem  My event files are on a network server.  Everytime I reboot Alarm
Clock gives me an error opening the file.  I have to wait till the startup and
logon is complete and restart Alarm Clock.

Fix  Alarm Clock cannot access files on a network until you are properly logged
on.  Remove Alarm Clock from your startup folder and add it as the last item in
your STARTUP.CMD.  Be sure to use the start command so that STARTUP.CMD will
close (see the Command Reference or contact your system administrator).  For
this to function automatically you would need to automate the logon in your
STARTUP.CMD before starting Alarm Clock.

Note:  If you regularly shutdown with Alarm Clock active you may need to stop
the desktop from starting applications that were running at shutdown. You can
add the command "RESTARTOBJECTS=STARTUPFOLDERSONLY" to your CONFIG.SYS file to
do this.  Use caution with this setting.  If you leave certain things active
like folders or groups they will not start at reboot.  You will need to place a
shadow of anything you want started in your startup folder.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11. Glossary ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Definitions for some commonly used terms in the help text:

Accelerator keys  Key stroke combinations that carry out a command such as
saving changes.  They provide instant access to commands that might be buried a
couple of levels down in a menu.

Alt+  Carry out actions through Accelerator Keys by holding the ALT key down at
the same time as pressing the designated text key.

Application  The executable file such as CMD.EXE. Most applications end with
.EXE although some may end with .COM.

Box  The rectangular areas where text is to be typed in. Such as the line where
you enter your reminder text.

Button  The rectangular gray blocks with commands such as Save. To carry out
the command without using the mouse you can TAB to the button or press Alt+ the
underlined letter.

Check box  The small rectangular buttons that when pressed display a check mark
in them.  These controls are often used to identify that an action has been
selected such as the 'Remind' check box on the ToDo dialog.

Click  The act of placing the mouse pointer (arrow) on a button and pressing
the left mouse button to select the item.  It is also possible to click on a
button by moving the focus to that button and pressing enter or pressing ALT+
the underlined letter.

Command Line  Options sent to an application by entering them at the prompt
behind the name of the program such as COPY A:\*.*. Here A:\*.* would be the
command line.

Database  A database is a file for storing information in an orderly and
consistent format.  Databases are designed on records and fields. A record is
the complete entry for one member of the database such as a contact.  The
fields are the individual elements that make up the record such as the contact.
Also included in a database system are indexes.  These files are always
organized in orderly fashion such as alphabetically and provided a "shortcut"
way of locating the actual record so that access to your information is faster.

Dialog Box  The rectangular areas that appear on the screen asking for
information or notifying you of errors or messages.  The Event Scheduler is an
example of a common dialog box.  They are also referred to as simply the
dialog.

Edit Field  See Box.

Field  See Box.  Also the individual elements of a database record such as the
zip code in your contacts database.

Focus  An item has the focus if keystroke and mouse actions will take place
against it.  When an edit field has the focus a vertical bar cursor appears.
When most types of buttons have the focus they are surrounded by a black broken
line.  The window that has the current focus is usually brighter on the edge
(frame) than the other windows appearing on the PC's screen.

Index  An index is an orderly arranged file of information on how to locate
specific records in a database.  The records in a database are organized on
what was last added to the file.  The indexes are always ordered properly such
as by alphabetical or numeric order.  They only carry a subset of the
information, called the 'key', such as the name field in the Alarm Clock
contact database.  They provide a fast way to locate the specific record you
requested.

Path  The complete name of the directory where a file or program physically
exists.  This can include the drive letter.  The syntax is D:\dir\subdir where
D is the drive letter.

Program  See Application.

Radio Button  The small circle to the left of a word such as AM. Commonly used
to select one or more choices from a group of common options. If the circle is
one color (usually gray) the item is not selected.  If the center is darkened
the item has been selected.

Record  A record is one entry in a database.  Each record contains all the
information about the entry such as a contacts record. Records are further
divided into fields which are the individual elements that make up the complete
set of information for that entry.  An example of a field would be the 'Note'
in a ToDo record.

TAB  Pressing the tab key to move you to the next item such as a Field or
Button.  Pressing the Shift and Tab key together will move you backwards
through the items.

Text Field  See Box.

Window  Most rectangular areas on the screen are actually windows, however the
term usually implies the main window for an application.  Areas that can be
sized and have the system menu and minimum and maximum buttons along the top of
the programs display area are considered WINDOWS.

Working Directory  The directory where you started a program. Often programs
are physically located in one directory and run from another directory so that
the data (such as word processor documents) are separated from the program.
Also the default directory for Alarm Clock.  This is where the program will
start looking when you request to open new databases.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 12. File Types ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

There are 5 types of data files created by Alarm Clock.  Each is represented by
an icon for easy identification.  Any Database can be dragged over the Clock,
Phone Secretary, or Master Calendar and dropped to make that file the active
file in Alarm Clock.

Note:  If an event file is dropped it will become the file that is opened for
the database edit function.  It will NOT change your list of search files.
The files are as follows:

Event Files  The databases where events are maintained.

Index  The index file for the database of the same name.