home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Share Gallery 1
/
share_gal_1.zip
/
share_gal_1
/
HD
/
HD087.ZIP
/
LOTTO.DOC
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1991-12-29
|
74KB
|
2,362 lines
******** LottoMATIC (tm) ********
User's Guide
First Edition -- January 1992
Copyright 1992 by Custom Technologies
All Rights Reserved
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Custom Technologies is a member of the
Association of Shareware Professionals
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction 3
1.1 About Shareware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.2 About LottoMATIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.2.1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.3 Should YOU play the lottery? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.4 Hitting the Jackpot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.4.1 LottoMATIC Algorithms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.4.2 Lucky Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.5 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.6 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.7 Running LottoMATIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.8 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Chapter 2 Things You Need to Know 11
2.1 Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.2 The "Bottom Line" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.3 The "Top Line" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.4 Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.5 The Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.6 Special Keys and Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.7 Data Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.8 Date Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.9 Using a Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Chapter 3 Picking Numbers to Play 16
3.1 Computer Pick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.2 Pick your Own . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.3 High Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Chapter 4 Winning Numbers 18
4.1 Recording Winning Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.2 Scanning for Matches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Chapter 5 The Database 19
5.1 "Your Picks" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.2 "Winning Numbers" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.3 "Your Wins" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Chapter 6 Reports 21
6.1 "Print To" Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.1.1 To the Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.1.2 To the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6.2 The "Print Plays" Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6.3 The "Winning Plays" Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6.4 The "Win Analysis" Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6.5 The "Drawing Analysis" Report . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
i
Chapter 7 Setup and Options 24
7.1 "Quick Pick" Algorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
7.2 Lucky Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
7.3 The Screen Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
7.4 Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
7.5 Special Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
7.6 Date Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
7.7 Printer Setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
7.8 Report Headings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
7.9 Import Winning Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Chapter 8 Configuring LottoMATIC 30
8.1 How Data is Stored . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
8.2 The CONFIG File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Appendix A How and Where to get Help 32
A.1 Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
A.2 Association of Shareware Professionals Statement . . . 32
Index 34
ii
Warranty and License Agreement
LottoMATIC (tm) is a trademark of Custom Technologies.
Warranty
LottoMATIC is provided AS IS without any warranty, expressed or implied,
including but not limited to fitness for a particular purpose. CUSTOM
TECHNOLOGIES SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES. IN NO EVENT
SHALL CUSTOM TECHNOLOGIES BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OF PROFIT OR
ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL DAMAGE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE
USE OF THIS PRODUCT.
License
The LottoMATIC software is the property of Custom Technologies. You are
granted a license to use this software for a limited time for the specific
purpose of evaluation before purchase. If you use LottoMATIC on a
continuous basis, please register your copy to obtain a permanent license.
You are free to make as many copies as you wish and may distribute
LottoMATIC freely (in its original form, including disk-based
documentation). Recipients of copies you make are granted a
limited license to use LottoMATIC on a trial and evaluation basis. If the
recipient wishes to use LottoMATIC on a continuous basis, he should
register his copy.
You may not sell or ask any consideration for this product. SIGs and BBSs
may ask a nominal fee to cover their copying and distribution costs. OEMs
wishing to bundle LottoMATIC with other products should contact Custom
Technologies for details.
Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1 About Shareware
LottoMATIC, like many other fine "shareware" products, has been released by
its authors to the public for evaluation. We allow and encourage free
copying and distribution of the program (in its unaltered original form).
We are committed to supporting and improving LottoMATIC, as well as
developing additional products.
If you find LottoMATIC useful, you should register your copy. The
shareware concept is meant to provide a full working copy to the user for
evaluation, and NOT to give away the author's hard work. If you choose not
to register, then erase or pass your copy on to someone else. You can
register by sending $25.00.
When you register, you will be placed on our mailing list and will receive
a new disk with the latest version of the program (including any updated
lottery histories we've compiled). You'll also get one year of technical
support (by phone, fax, mail, or CompuServe), low cost upgrades, and
discounts on future products.
We accept checks, money orders, MasterCard, and VISA (no CODs, please).
Make checks payable to Custom Technologies. All payments must be in U.S.
funds drawn on U.S. or Canadian banks. Florida residents please add sales
tax. Send your registration and all other correspondence to:
Custom Technologies
PO Box 10551
Panama City, FL 32404-1551
(904) 871-5479
You may also order our products (MC/VISA) by calling TOLL FREE:
1-800-541-6234 (Orders Only)
If you are outside the United States or Canada and can't call toll free,
you may reach our order line at:
(904) 871-5479 (Orders Only)
You may also FAX your order to (we have a phone/fax switch on this line):
(904) 871-5479 (9600 bps, Group 3)
If you want to make a quantity or dealer purchase, or if you need support,
call:
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 3
(904) 871-5479
Thank you for your support!
*** NOTE: One problem with shareware is that we can't completely control
distribution of older files. Consequently, our address and/or phone
numbers are subject to change over time and the ones listed above may not
be correct.
Although not planned at the moment, we may relocate our business as we
continue to grow. Our "800" order line should remain in effect wherever we
set up business. If you attempt to reach one of our commercial lines and
find them no longer in service, call our 800 line for current phone
numbers. If you can't call tollfree, then write to us (we'll keep our PO
box open and arrange forwarding of the mail).
1.2 About LottoMATIC
Thank you for evaluating LottoMATIC... A fast, friendly, and fun way to
play and track the lottery!
LottoMATIC employs three distinct algorithms to help you select your
lottery numbers, or you can pick them yourself! Once selected, you can
store them in a special database for later tracking.
You can also keep track of the actual winning numbers, drawing by drawing.
LottoMATIC uses these numbers to track patterns and frequency... use them
yourself for your own strategies!
If you're a serious lottery player, a high-roller by Las Vegas terms,
LottoMATIC lets you quickly pick and store up to 100 plays at a time.
After the drawing, LottoMATIC will search through your plays for matches
(and wins)! You can later enter your prize amounts for additional
tracking.
LottoMATIC has various and useful reports, including the printing of your
selected numbers (to transcribe to play cards).
The best feature? EASE OF USE. LottoMATIC sports pull-down menus, pop-up
windows, and context-sensitive help. You'll also find LOTS of features you
can customize to your own tastes (such as colors, windows, and sound
effects).
1.2.1 Features
o Three separate, user selectable "quick pick" algorithms
o "Lucky Number" entry window
o Picks 1 to 100 plays at a time, or enter you own numbers
o Store up to 30,000 plays in your personal database
o Tracks actual winning numbers
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 4
o Date fields automatically advance to the next drawing date
o Fully customizable -- configure for virtually any State or National
lottery
o Reports can go to the printer or the screen
o Pop-up context-sensitive help
o Pull-down and Pop-up menus throughout
o Pop-up Calculator with rolling tape
o One year of technical support (by mail, phone, fax, or on-line with
CompuServe!)
o Much, much, more!
1.3 Should YOU play the lottery?
This is a difficult question, and one everyone must answer for themselves.
Here are some things to consider, however...
Your chances for winning are extremely low... in fact, you have a better
chance of being struck by lightning. Yes, this is true. BUT, you CAN
increase your chances of being hit by lightning by standing in a
thunderstorm with a metal rod. Similarly, you must PLAY the lottery to
have any chance of winning. And for a very low investment (say $1 a week),
the rewards can be phenomenal!
Your money (after costs and prizes are paid) usually goes into your state's
budget (in Florida, for example, the proceeds go to education... in
Colorado, to parks and recreation). Your contributions, then, amount to
"voluntary taxation". If you object strongly to paying any type of tax...
be aware that you can choose not to participate in this one.
You are "gambling" when you play the lottery, there's no way to deny or
rationalize that fact away. If your personal convictions are against
gambling in any form... again be aware that nobody's forcing you to
participate.
Most people get some entertainment value out of playing the lottery. This
is especially true if you use a program like LottoMATIC to help track your
plays and winning numbers. You may want to base your quantity of play (in
numbers of tickets per week) to the value you place on the entertainment
you get from playing.
Remember that your chances of winning don't change substantially from week
to week, whether the jackpot is $1 million or $50 million. A single ticket
has the same chance of winning either prize (BUT the chances of having to
"share" the jackpot do increase). It may be useful to think of your
chances in terms of possible dollars won versus dollars invested (and
decide if there's some "minimum jackpot" before you'll buy a ticket).
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 5
1.4 Hitting the Jackpot
We must be honest about this... your chances for matching all numbers in a
major lotto game are very, very low. It's because the chances are low that
makes the payoff so high!
It may be possible, however, to narrow the odds (at least slightly). Given
the potential rewards, even a slight advantage is worth seizing.
LottoMATIC incorporates three algorithms to help you select numbers to
play. Keep in mind, however, that these algorithms incorporate unproven
theories and may not increase your chances at all. Read through the
following discussions and decide for yourself which one is best for you...
1.4.1 LottoMATIC Algorithms
1.4.1.1 Most Picked Statistical
The organizations that run lotteries will tell you that numbers are picked
completely at random. If this is true, then no "guessing algorithm" could
in any way increase (or for that matter decrease) your chances of winning.
The real fact of the matter, however, is that it's impossible to create a
truly random process with real world, physical materials. Most lottery
machines consist of multiple "ping-pong" balls with painted numbers that
bounce around in an air-blown chamber. Eventually, one of them finds its
way up a low pressure tube to a trap at the top, where the number is
displayed.
Every physical device will, over time, demonstrate some discernible "bias".
For instance, if you were to take a coin out of your pocket and "flip it"
1000 times, you'll have a very sore thumb. BUT... if you record the
results of each flip, you'll find that you'll hit either "heads" or "tails"
slightly more than the other. If you increase the number of flips, say to
10,000, the bias will become more pronounced (and predictable). If you
started betting on the results, you could eventually amass a rather large
fortune.
The same is true with the lottery machines. The key, as with the coin
example, is to build a sufficiently large statistical "sample" from which
to work. Remember also that the bias will most likely be very slight.
LottoMATIC tracks the frequency of occurrence of every number, and very
slightly increases the probability of that number occurring in the "quick
pick" windows every time that particular number comes up.
We recommend this method. There is some evidence that suggests these
biases do indeed exist in substantial enough ways to significantly affect
the chances of matching more numbers. The following are excerpts from the
Panama City News Herald, November 26, 1991, page 4A:
"Lotto winner played prior winning numbers"
o The numbers -- 3-15-19-28-45-47 -- were chosen by...James "Big Jim"
Wilson.
o Wilson's lucky ticket won him 1.66 million, to be paid out in annual
installments of $87,222.22 for the next 20 years.
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 6
o "I still can't believe it's real," said Wilson, who retired at the
end of September after 37 years with Railroad Publications Services.
"I mean, it was fun playing and I always figured maybe I'd luck up
and get 5 out of 6, but I never realistically figured I'd hit the
grand prize. That was quite a surprise."
o Even more of a surprise was that he held two tickets that got five
out of six winning numbers and two more that got four out of six.
o The numbers he chose for this ticket came from his charting of
numbers that most frequently popped up as winners during the first
half of this year, Wilson said.
We'll send along an actual photocopy copy of this article with each
registered copy of LottoMATIC.
1.4.1.2 Least Picked Statistical
Contrary to the above theory is the idea that every number should occur
with basically the same frequency as every other number. Therefore, if a
particular number has been conspicuously absent from the winning numbers,
it's "overdue", and is more likely to occur than other numbers (which have
more frequently appeared). For example, say the number "2" hasn't been
drawn in nine weeks... this theory implies it is very likely to appear (to
keep the statistical averages even).
Most mathematicians are horrified by this type of logic, and will tell you
that every drawing is "statistically independent" of the previous ones.
Suppose you're playing the Florida lotto game, which draws six balls out of
forty-nine. These mathematicians will tell you that the number "2" has six
chances out of forty-nine to appear in a particular drawing... no more and
no less. (This claim requires a completely random process, however, which
as discussed above is not practically possible). Interestingly enough,
these same mathematicians have to admit that while you can't increase your
chances with this theory, you can't diminish your chances either.
LottoMATIC very slightly increases the chance a ball will be picked by the
computer every time it doesn't appear (when you use this algorithm). The
change in probability is VERY slight, however.
1.4.1.3 Random
If you choose the "random" algorithm, LottoMATIC will assign equal
probability to each number while generating picks. This is essentially
equivalent to buying a "quick pick" ticket at your local lottery retailer.
1.4.2 Lucky Number
Some people believe that nothing in the universe is random, and a pattern
can be identified for every phenomenon. This implies some "external power"
controls all events and has a specific reason for generating a particular
pattern. Actually, this theory is probably more valid than most people
care to admit. While it's true no one can "prove" it, you can't disprove
it either!
LottoMATIC includes a "Lucky Number" entry window. If you have any reason
to assume this external power, in whatever form you envision, may favor you
specifically... enter some distinguishing number in this window.
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 7
LottoMATIC really does include this number while generating a "seed" for
its number generator (no matter which algorithm you choose).
What number should you use? Don't ask me! We can't (and won't) make any
claims that any special number can help you in the least. The number you
choose must be between you and your God (or the stars, cards, crystal ball,
or perhaps even the "force").
1.5 System Requirements
LottoMATIC requires an IBM PC, PS2, or compatible computer running MSDOS
3.0 or above. You must have at least 512K bytes of memory. LottoMATIC
easily fits on a single floppy disk and supports CGA, EGA, VGA, Hercules,
and text-only displays.
LottoMATIC will support virtually any printer without any special setup.
You can pass control codes to the printer for special configurations.
LottoMATIC does not support PostScript printers at this time.
LottoMATIC recognizes the MicroSoft, Logitech, Mouse Systems, or any
compatible mouse as an input device. You must load your "mouse driver"
before running LottoMATIC. See the documentation that came with your mouse
for more information.
1.6 Installation
Installing LottoMATIC is easy... just copy the following files to a
diskette (or a subdirectory on your hard drive):
LOTTO.EXE
LOTTO.OVR
LOTTO.HLP
You'll also want to copy all files that start with "CONFIG" and "DRAWS"
(these are the configuration and history databases for different state
lotteries. If your state didn't come with LottoMATIC, don't panic! You
can create them yourself (see Chapter 8, "Configuring LottoMATIC").
So, you should copy files such as:
CONFIG.FL
DRAWS.FL
to your diskette or subdirectory. These files (ending with "FL") are the
configuration and history files for the Florida state lotto game.
+ NOTE: If you're running LottoMATIC on a 360K diskette, you should only
copy the "CONFIG" and "DRAWS" file for your state (to save room for your
database of "picks").
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 8
1.7 Running LottoMATIC
To run LottoMATIC, type
LOTTO <state>
to run LottoMATIC. The <state> entry is optional and tells LottoMATIC
which configuration, history, and "picks" file to use. For instance,
LOTTO FL
Tells LottoMATIC to use the configuration file for the Florida state lotto
game (these files are supplied with LottoMATIC).
By the way, Florida is the default. If you type
LOTTO
without any arguments, LottoMATIC assumes you want to use Florida. If you
want to load Colorado files, for example, you'd type
LOTTO CO
1.8 Getting Started
Basically, you'll follow a specific routine as you use LottoMATIC week to
week. Here they are (in a nutshell):
Pick Your Numbers The very first thing you'll do is pick your numbers.
There are several ways to this (both manual and
automatic). Probably, you'll use "Computer Pick" under
the "Numbers" menu.
Play Your Numbers Next, you can print your plays out (from the "Reports"
menu). Take your list to your lottery retailer and
purchase your tickets.
Record the Winning Numbers
Then wait for the drawing. When the numbers are
announced, enter them under the "Numbers" menu. At this
time LottoMATIC will automatically scan for matches and
tell you if you've won.
Enter Your Prizes If you win, you can enter your prize amounts under the
Database menu.
Repeat the above sequence as you continue to play. LottoMATIC will
automatically track your plays, prizes, and the actual winning numbers!
You'll find that LottoMATIC has many more features. For instance, you can
print reports at any time, or you can edit previous entries in any of the
databases. You can also customize LottoMATIC and select the "picking"
algorithm you want LottoMATIC to use. And LottoMATIC has many special
features and "shortcuts" to make playing even more enjoyable!
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 9
If you need help at any time while running LottoMATIC, simply press [F1]
for instant assistance.
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 10
Chapter 2
Things You Need to Know
2.1 Menus
LottoMATIC uses the popular "pull-down" menu system as its primary user
interface. After your start LottoMATIC, you'll see a row of "choices" to
choose from. You may select any of the choices in one of two ways: first,
by moving the highlighted bar to the item of your choice (using the left
or right arrow keys or the mouse) and then pressing "return" (which we will
also refer to as [ENTER]), or, by pressing the starting letter of your
choice. Either method will instantly produce a secondary menu (with a bar
that moves up and down instead of left to right). Select individual
functions in the same manner.
Many other menus in LottoMATIC will "pop-up" as you need them. They work
the same as the pull-down menus.
You can exit any menu without action by pressing the [ESC] key.
2.2 The "Bottom Line"
As you run LottoMATIC, the bottom line of the screen summarizes many of the
functions available to you. It is always present, and should speed your
use of the program as you become familiar with its many capabilities. Most
of LottoMATIC's functions are activated by the PC's function keys. The
bottom line identifies the operation of these keys (and some others).
You should be aware, however, that LottoMATIC has a lot of capability, and
there simply is not enough room to list all available functions on the
bottom line. We've listed those we think are most useful. Refer to the
on-line help and this User's Guide for others!
2.3 The "Top Line"
The right side of the top line of the screen displays the status of your
keyboard (CAPS LOCK, NUM LOCK, SCROLL LOCK). It also indicates whether
you're in insert or overwrite mode (for text entry).
The left side of the top line is reserved for working messages. Don't be
alarmed if they flash by too fast to read... that simply means your
computer is fast!
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 11
2.4 Online Help
LottoMATIC has built in on-line, context-sensitive help. Just press [F1]
at any time while running LottoMATIC for instant help. Some help screens
have multiple pages, so use [PgDn], [PgUp], the arrow keys, or the mouse to
move through the message.
The help screens are contained in the file "LOTTO.HLP" and this file must
be present in the default directory (the disk and directory with the
LottoMATIC program files) at run-time.
2.5 The Calculator
LottoMATIC includes a pop-up financial calculator. Pressing [alt-C]
anytime will pop the calculator up. The calculator has a rolling tape to
help you keep track of your math, and you can even direct the output to the
printer!
You can scroll through the tape with the up and down arrow keys, [PgUp],
and [PgDn]. The tape holds the last 100 lines entered.
If you want to use the printer, make sure it is ready before you press [P].
The calculator will then echo all output to the printer.
Also, LottoMATIC automatically asserts the "NUM LOCK" when the calculator
is invoked so you may use the numeric keypad on the IBM PC (or
compatibles).
You can "paste" your calculated results into any data field in LottoMATIC
by pressing [F2]. (Make sure the cursor is in the field you want to paste
to BEFORE you activate the calculator). You can only paste results after
you "total" (i.e. when the "ENTER" block in the calculator in not reverse
video).
Press [ESC] to exit the calculator and return to LottoMATIC.
2.6 Special Keys and Shortcuts
2.6.0.1 Shortcuts
In an effort to make LottoMATIC as "effortless" to use as possible, we have
incorporated a number of handy "shortcuts" into LottoMATIC' data entry
fields.
For instance, any time you're entering dates, you may press the "+" key to
increment the date by one day. Likewise, the "-" key will decrement the
date by one day. Pressing "=" forces the date to be the default (DOS) date.
Also, while you're entering a "drawing date" (the day of a particular
lottery drawing), you can press [PgDn] to automatically advance to the next
valid day! Likewise, pressing [PgUp] finds the previous valid day.
LottoMATIC also has "local menus" that give you choices for particular
fields. The [alt-F10] key is LottoMATIC' local menu key. When you're in
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 12
such a field, press [alt-F10] to pop the menu up. (The [alt-F10] has no
effect on "non-local menu" fields). Also, the middle button of a three
button mouse will pop-up local menus. "Yes/No" fields have local menus, as
does the "color setup" window.
2.6.0.2 Special Keys
Here is a list of keys you should be familiar with while using LottoMATIC:
Key Function
[F1] On-line help
[alt-C] Pops up the calculator
[alt-F10] Local menu key
[alt-M] Memory status
[INS] Toggle insert/overwrite
Table 2.1: Special Keys
2.7 Data Entry
LottoMATIC's data entry fields are among the best in the business. As you
enter data, you'll find each field "expects" a certain type of information
and will filter what you type appropriately.
Some of the fields have a limited number of valid choices. You can still
type whatever you want in the field, and LottoMATIC will attempt to match
it to the valid options. If it doesn't match, LottoMATIC will "pop-up" a
menu of your choices!
All of the data fields may be edited as you type. The following control-
key combinations are defined within LottoMATIC:
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 13
Control Key Alternate Key Function
Control-D right-arrow move one character right
Control-S left-arrow move one character left
Control-F move one word right
Control-A move one word left
Control-QD END move to end of text
Control-QS HOME move to start of field
Control-E up-arrow move up one field
Control-X down-arrow move down one field
Control-G DEL delete character at cursor
Control-T delete word right
Control-QY delete field right
Control-Y delete entire field
Control-H BACKSPACE delete character left
Control-V INS toggle INSERT/OVERWRITE
Table 2.2: Editing Keys
2.8 Date Formats
Over the years, we've discovered that different people and different lands
enter and display "dates" in many different formats. Fortunately,
LottoMATIC lets you pick from a wide variety of formats to use (under the
Setup menu).
LottoMATIC also allows "free format" date entry in all of its date fields.
This means you can enter dates in almost any format you want and LottoMATIC
will figure out what you mean. For instance, 2/12/90, 12 Mar 89, and Sept
10, 1987 are all legal formats to enter dates regardless of how you want
the date displayed. You need only ensure you use some non-alphanumeric
delimiter (such as a space or a "/") between the month, day, and year. You
can even leave all or part of the date out and LottoMATIC will use the
defaults (from the DOS date).
2.9 Using a Mouse
If you have a Microsoft, Logitech, Mouse Systems, or compatible mouse,
LottoMATIC will recognize it as an input device. You must load your mouse
driver BEFORE running LottoMATIC (see the documentation that accompanies
your mouse).
In data entry fields, the mouse will "drag" the cursor around as you move
it. The mouse moves the highlighted bar in menus and in the "virtual
paper" mode.
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 14
The left button acts like the [ENTER] key and the right button emulates the
[ESC] key. If you have a three button mouse, the middle button will
activate local menus (just like [alt-F10]).
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 15
Chapter 3
Picking Numbers to Play
In this chapter, we'll discuss how you pick numbers to play. You'll pick
your numbers under the "Numbers" menu.
3.1 Computer Pick
The first thing you'll see when you select "Computer Pick" from the
"Numbers" menu is a window asking for the "drawing date" you want to play.
LottoMATIC automatically finds the "next" drawing date (as it assumes this
is the one you want to play). You can use this date, or enter one of your
own.
Also, remember that while you're entering a "drawing date" you can press [
PgDn] or [PgUp] to automatically advance (forward or backward) to the next
valid day!
Press [ENTER] (or [F10]) to accept the date and enter the "Intelligent
Quick Pick" window. Once you're in this window, enter the number of
"panels" (or number of tickets) you want to play. Then press [F3] to tell
the computer to generate your numbers. Look over the numbers... if you
don't like them then press [F3] again (to generate a new set of numbers).
If you're satisfied, press [F10] to save them in the "Your Picks" database.
(After you save your picks, LottoMATIC automatically clears the screen for
your next set of numbers).
Repeat the [F3]/[F10] until you've entered all the plays you want to make.
Then press [ESC] to return to the "Numbers" menu.
3.2 Pick your Own
When you select "Pick Your Own" from the "Numbers" menu, LottoMATIC pops up
the "drawing date" window. This is the date of the drawing you want to
play. LottoMATIC automatically finds the "next" drawing date (as it
assumes this is the one you want to play). You can use this date, or enter
one of your own.
Also, remember that while you're entering a "drawing date" you can press [
PgDn] or [PgUp] to automatically advance (forward or backward) to the next
valid day!
Once you've selected the date, press [ENTER] (or [F10]) to accept it and
enter the "Manual Numbers Pick" window. Once you're in this window, enter
the number of "panels" (or number of tickets) you want to play and press [
ENTER].
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 16
You can now enter the numbers for the panels you want to play. Move
between the fields with [ENTER], [TAB], [shift-TAB], and the arrow keys.
After you've entered the numbers, press [F10] to save them in the "Your
Picks" database. Once saved, LottoMATIC clears all the panels so you can
enter another set of numbers. You can repeat this process to enter more
than five panels.
+ NOTE: LottoMATIC will only let you enter numbers in the panels you
indicate you want to play. Therefore, if you say you want to play 3
panels, LottoMATIC won't let the cursor into the fourth and fifth panels.
Press [ESC] to return to the "Numbers" menu.
3.3 High Roller
We call this the "High Roller" window because you can play up to 100
tickets at a time. This would definitely put you in the "serious lottery
player" category!
Select "High Roller" from the "Numbers" menu to enter this window.
LottoMATIC first pops up the "drawing date" window so you can enter the
date of the drawing you want to play. LottoMATIC will automatically finds
the "next" drawing date for you... you can use this date or enter a
different one.
Keep in mind that you can press [PgDn] or [PgUp] to automatically advance
(forward or backward) to the next drawing day!
Once you've selected the date, press [ENTER] (or [F10]) to accept it and
enter the "High Roller" window. Once you're in this window, you must enter
the number of "pick" (or tickets) you want to play (between 1 and 100).
Now press [F3] and LottoMATIC will very quickly generate the numbers. Once
generated, press [F10] to save them to the "Your Picks" database. Repeat
this process to generate as many picks as you desire, and then press [ESC]
to return to the menu.
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 17
Chapter 4
Winning Numbers
After every drawing, you'll want to record the winning numbers (so
LottoMATIC can track ball frequency and scan your plays for matches).
4.1 Recording Winning Numbers
When you select "Enter Winning Numbers" from the "Numbers" menu, LottoMATIC
opens the "Enter Winning Numbers" window. Here you can enter the date of
the drawing and the actual winning numbers. Once entered, press [F10] to
save them to the "Winning Numbers" database.
LottoMATIC automatically scans your plays when you save a set of winning
numbers, so you don't need to run the "Scan for Matches" option (discussed
below) unless you make changes to one of the databases.
[ESC] returns you to the "Numbers" menu.
4.2 Scanning for Matches
Select this function from the "Numbers" menu to command LottoMATIC to
search your plays for winning combinations. In this window, use the [PgDn]
and/or [PgUp] keys to move back and forth through the "winning numbers" in
the "winning numbers" database. When you've date of the play you want to
scan, press [ENTER] (or [F10]). LottoMATIC will look for matching
combinations in the "Your Plays" database.
If LottoMATIC finds any winning combinations, you can review your wins (and
enter your prizes) in the "Your Wins" database (under the "Database" menu).
+ NOTE: LottoMATIC automatically performs this scan when you enter the
winning numbers, so you don't have to run this function again unless you
change one of the databases.
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 18
Chapter 5
The Database
LottoMATIC maintains two databases... one containing your plays and another
one containing the actual winning numbers. The "You Wins" database is
actually a special case of the "Your Picks" database (in that it only
displays plays that win a prize).
Each databases is displayed in a "scrolling window". You can move through
the entries with the [PgDn], [PgUp], or arrow keys. The [HOME] key takes
you to the very first entry, and the [END] key to the very last. If you
want to edit (or delete) a particular entry, move the highlighted bar over
it and press [ENTER].
5.1 "Your Picks"
This database lists all your plays in date order. You can change the date
or numbers of each play.
To modify an entry, first select it as discussed above. This opens the
"Edit Pick" window. To save your changes, press [F10]. To delete the pick
entirely, press [F9]. [ESC] will take you back to the database window
without saving or deleting.
5.2 "Winning Numbers"
The "Winning Numbers" database shows all the actual winning numbers (in
date order). You can change the date or numbers of each entry.
To make changes or delete an entry, select it (as discussed above) to open
the "Edit Winning Numbers" window. To save your changes, press [F10]. To
delete the entry entirely, press [F9]. [ESC] takes you back to the
database window without saving or deleting.
5.3 "Your Wins"
This is a special case of the "Your Picks" database, since it only displays
your picks that matched enough numbers to win a cash prize.
When you select an entry from this database (as discussed above), you can
enter (or edit) the prize for that play. You can't change the date or
numbers here, nor may you delete the play. (You can do these things in the
"Your Plays" database). Press [F10] to save your changes (or [ESC] to
return to the database with making any changes).
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 19
We encourage you to faithfully record your winnings (so LottoMATIC can
generate accurate reports for you).
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 20
Chapter 6
Reports
LottoMATIC has many reports and many options for each report. Most of
these options (such as margins, page size, printer setups, etc) are common
for all and are discussed in the next chapter, "Setup and Options".
When you first select any of the options under the "Reports" menu,
LottoMATIC will pop-up another menu (asking you whether you want the report
to go to the screen or the printer).
6.1 "Print To" Options
LottoMATIC lets you print your reports to the screen (which we call
"virtual paper"), or your printer.
To select your printing option, move the highlighted bar to your choice and
press [ENTER].
6.1.1 To the Screen
One problem with printing reports to the screen is that the screen is often
too narrow to show the complete report. LottoMATIC uses Virtual Paper to
display reports on the screen.
When you select printing "to the screen", LottoMATIC formats the report
exactly as if you were printing to the printer (including titles, footers,
and margins). LottoMATIC then opens the "Virtual Paper" window, and writes
the report there.
Virtual Paper displays as much of the report as it can (in the window). If
each line is longer than you you can see on screen, you can scroll the
window (with the left/right arrow keys, the TAB keys, or the mouse).
You can also scroll the window up and down with the up/down arrow keys, [
PgUp], [PgDn], [Home], [End], or the mouse.
LottoMATIC presents the "highlighted bar" as a straight edge for your use
while viewing the report.
Virtual Paper is a marvelous tool for viewing reports prior to spending
lots of time (and money) printing them to paper. The only drawback is
memory usage. In order to allow forward and backward scrolling, LottoMATIC
must store the entire report in memory. This can take lots of your
precious RAM!
Fortunately, LottoMATIC uses on the fly "run length encoding" of white
spaces to dramatically reduce the memory requirements for most reports.
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 21
Also, LottoMATIC releases memory that it doesn't need (in fact, LottoMATIC
is constantly allocating and deallocating memory throughout the program
operation).
Obviously, the more RAM available to LottoMATIC the less likely you'll see
LottoMATIC complain. But even with as little as 512K bytes available,
LottoMATIC should be able to handle all but the largest reports in Virtual
Paper.
6.1.2 To the Printer
Select "Printer" from the "Print To" menu to generate a hard copy of your
report. You can change the printer port (LPT1, LPT2, COM1, and COM2) under
the "Setup" menu (see Chapter XX, "Setup").
+ NOTE: If you tell LottoMATIC to print to a printer that is off, off-line,
or doesn't even exist, what will happen next depends on YOUR COMPUTER and
your ROM BIOS. Some computers will return execution to LottoMATIC.
LottoMATIC then displays an appropriate message and stops trying to print.
Other computers will simply "hang" until you fix the problem (i.e. turn on
the printer, etc). You may have to "reboot" your system if your computer
does this (and there is NOTHING that LottoMATIC can do about it!).
6.2 The "Print Plays" Report
When you select "Print Plays" from the "Reports" menu, LottoMATIC first
pops up a window and asks you what "drawing date" you want. This report
prints the plays for a specific drawing (primarily so you can take the
printout with you when you purchase your tickets).
Next, LottoMATIC presents the "Print To" menu. Select either "Screen" or
"Printer" and press [ENTER].
6.3 The "Winning Plays" Report
This report lists your plays that match enough numbers to win a prize. All
your wins (regardless of the particular drawing) are displayed. When
LottoMATIC pops up the "Print To" menu, select either "Screen" or "Printer"
and press [ENTER].
6.4 The "Win Analysis" Report
The "Win Analysis" provides some useful information about your play/win
ratio (including a financial analysis). This can be eye-opening!
After you select this report, LottoMATIC will present the "Print To" menu.
Make your choice and press [ENTER].
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 22
6.5 The "Drawing Analysis" Report
In this report, LottoMATIC calculates the statistical occurrence of each
number for all drawings. You may find this report useful in developing
your own number picking strategy.
When LottoMATIC presents the "Print To" menu, select either "Screen" or
"Printer" and press [ENTER].
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 23
Chapter 7
Setup and Options
In this chapter, we'll explore the many setups and options available to you
for customizing LottoMATIC.
Select "Setup" from the main menu bar to pull-down the "Setup" menu.
7.1 "Quick Pick" Algorithm
Select "Algorithm" from the "Setup" menu to open this window. From here,
you can select the algorithm you want LottoMATIC to use while generating
picks for you. You have three choices here:
o Most Picked Statistical
o Least Picked Statistical
o Random (Gaussian Bell)
(See Chapter 1 for a discussion of each algorithm). Select the algorithm
you want to use and press [F10] to save. [ESC] takes you back to the menu.
7.2 Lucky Number
Pick "Lucky Number" to open the "Lucky Number" window. Enter a number
between 0 and 999, then press [F10] to save your choice. To return to the
"Setup" menu, press [ESC].
+ NOTE: See Chapter 1 for a discussion of the "Lucky Number".
7.3 The Screen Saver
When you select the "Screen Saver" option from the "Setup" menu, the
"Screen-Save Setup" window will appear. In this window, you can enable or
disable the screen saver feature. You can also indicate how long that you
want LottoMATIC to wait before it will blank the screen, and customize the
message that LottoMATIC displays while the screen saver is active.
Remember that the screen will only go blank if no keyboard activity is
detected for the indicated length of time.
+ NOTE: Delay times are approximate, and can vary based on CPU speed.
You must press [F10] to save your setup to the disk.
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 24
After the screen blanks, LottoMATIC will display a slow-scrolling message
indicating that the screen save feature is active. Press any character key
to restore the screen to normal operation.
7.4 Colors
If you have a color monitor, you can customize the screen colors in
LottoMATIC. Select "Colors" from the "Setup" menu to enter the "Color
Setup Window".
Notice that LottoMATIC displays a "sample" window (so you can see what your
color choices will look like). The cursor will be in the "window colors to
customize" field. When you first enter the "color setup window", the
window colors to customize will be the "Main Colors". If you want to
change, say, the MENU colors, press [alt-F10] to pop-up the "window select"
menu. Pick "Menu Colors" (and the "sample window" will change to reflect
the current menu colors).
You can modify each window's foreground (bright characters), midground (dim
characters), background color, and "reverse" color.
For example, to modify a window's background color, press [F5] (and
LottoMATIC will "toggle" the color). Keep pressing [F5] until you find the
color you want.
Here are the color toggle keys:
[F3] Toggle Foreground Color
[F4] Toggle Midground Color
[F5] Toggle Background Color
[F6] Toggle "Reverse" Color
Table 7.1: Color Toggle Keys
Once you've setup all the colors (in all the windows that you want to),
press [F10] to save your choices to disk. [ESC] returns you to the "Setup"
menu.
7.5 Special Effects
LottoMATIC has a lot of "bells and whistles" which are fun to watch and
pleasing to use. Some people, however, would prefer to modify or turn off
their operation.
You can modify the way LottoMATIC opens and closes "windows" by choosing
"Special Effects" from the "Setup" menu. The "Special Effects Setup"
window will appear.
If you don't want LottoMATIC to give an audible "opening window" click,
then set the "do you want sound effects" field to "NO".
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 25
If you want the windows to "explode" and "implode", then leave the "do you
want exploding windows" field "YES". Otherwise mark it "NO".
You can even set the speed for the exploding and imploding in the "speed
for exploding windows". Set this field to "zero" for the fastest windows.
Numbers 1 through 9 will gradually decrease the exploding speed. This
field will have no effect if you have exploding windows turned off!
Remember to press [F10] if you want to save your setups to disk.
7.6 Date Formats
Select "Date Formats" from the "Setup" menu to pop-up the "Date Format
Setup Menu".
Date Format You can pick from a variety of "date formats".
LottoMATIC will display all dates in this form. This is
a "menu field", so you can press [ alt-F10] or the middle
button on the mouse to pop-up a menu of choices.
You can enter free-format no matter which format you
choose. LottoMATIC will rearrange the date to match your
format.
Separator Some of the date formats have "separators". For
instance, 7/05/90 uses a "/" for a separator. You can
change that separator here.
+ NOTE: If you choose the minus sign ("-") as a
separator, you won't be able to use the minus sign to
"decrement" the date while you're entering or editing.
After you've set the options, press [F10] to make your changes permanent.
[ESC] returns you to the "Setup" menu.
7.7 Printer Setups
LottoMATIC has many options for controlling the output and format of
printed reports. You can set these options at print time, but you can also
define default settings (so you don't have to change them every time you
print a report).
Select "Report Setups" from the "Setup" menu to pop-up the "Report Printing
Setup Window".
Margins You can set the "margins" (top, bottom, left, and right).
Express the top and bottom margins as a number of lines,
and the left and right margins as a number of characters.
+ NOTE: LottoMATIC assumes that you're using "fixed
width" fonts for your reports (rather than proportionally
spaced fonts). Most printers do use (or at least have
the option to use) fixed width fonts.
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 26
LottoMATIC does not support "postscript" printers at this
time.
Paper Sizes Paper size is a function of the number of lines per page
you can print and the number of characters on each line.
These numbers are absolute (i.e. they include margins).
Most printers put 66 lines on a page. Many laser
printers, however, require built-in top and bottom
margins. The Hewlett Packard LaserJet, for example, can
only print 60 lines per page.
The number of characters per line you print will usually
be determined by either the width of the paper (most
paper is 8.5" wide) or by the "pitch" of the print. For
instance, if your printer has a "compressed" mode (17
characters per inch), you can print 132 characters on a
standard letter-sized sheet of paper.
+ NOTE: You can use the "Printer Setup Strings"
(discussed below) to "command" your printer into
compressed mode.
Page Control You can tell LottoMATIC to "pause" after each page to let
you feed paper (if you're not using a laser printer or
continuous feed paper).
Printer Port LottoMATIC lets you direct your printed reports to LPT1,
LPT2, COM1, or COM2. Set your printer port in the
"Printer Port for Reports" field. (This is a "menu
field", so press [alt-F10] or the center mouse button to
"pop" the menu up).
Setup Strings LottoMATIC lets you define printer "setup" and "exit"
strings to control such things as margins, character
pitch, attributes, etc. LottoMATIC sends the "setup"
strings to your printer before it starts the report and
the "exit" strings after the report is completed.
For instance, you may want to "command" your printer to
print 17 characters per inch for some of the reports.
You would enter the proper "control codes" in the
"Printer Setup Strings" field.
You'll probably want to use the "exit" strings to reset
your printer (for normal operation).
The printer control codes can be found in your printer
manual. The format for entry is
\<decimal code>\<decimal code>\....
The back-slashes delimit the codes. Here is an example:
\27\85
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 27
This string represents an <ESC> 'U'. (That's an escape-
capital-U). This is a popular means of defining printer
codes.
To save you default options to disk, press [F10]. [ESC] returns you to the
"Setup" menu.
7.8 Report Headings
When you select "Report Headings" from the "Setup" menu, LottoMATIC opens
the "Report Heading Setup Window".
You can enter up to ten lines of information (and LottoMATIC will center
each line as you go).
LottoMATIC prints these lines at the top of the first page of each report
(except for blank lines at the bottom).
Press [F10] to save your headings, and then [ESC] to return to the "Setup"
menu. Press [ESC] without pressing [F10] to abort the changes you've made.
7.9 Import Winning Numbers
LottoMATIC has the ability to "import" lottery history from an ASCII text
file. You'll find this useful if you want to enter a lot of previous
winning numbers, but don't want to key them in one at a time.
The text file can have any name, but make sure it's free of "strange"
characters. That is, if you use a word processor to create the file, be
sure and save it as a straight ASCII file (without the word processor's
formatting characters).
Each line of the file must contain the date of the drawing and the numbers
drawn on that date. For example:
Dec 14, 1991 1,5,17,28,31,41
is a valid entry. The date can be in almost any format (as long as you
have some sort of delimiter between the month, day, and year). Usually,
the month precedes the day (although if the day is greater than 12,
LottoMATIC will figure that out even if it precedes the month).
The numbers must have at least one non-numeric delimiter between them (a
space is OK). Here are some valid examples of lines in the file:
12/14/91 11 2 13 34 15 6
19 Dec 1991 4/5/12/19/23/40
12-26-91 12,5,17,43,2,11
Notice that the numbers don't necessarily have to be in order, LottoMATIC
will sort them for you. The entries don't need to be in date sequence
either.
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 28
LottoMATIC checks each entry as it imports. If the date you entered is
already in the database, LottoMATIC rejects it. Also, if any of the
numbers are out of range, if you have duplicate numbers (and duplicates are
not allowed), or if the date is not a "drawing day", the entry will be
rejected.
After you enter the name of the file, press [F10] to start importing the
data. (You can include a complete file path while entering the file's
name, including the drive and directory). Press [ESC] to return to the
"Setup" menu.
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 29
Chapter 8
Configuring LottoMATIC
In this chapter, you'll learn how to configure LottoMATIC to play and track
virtually any lottery game, as long as:
o No more than six "balls" are drawn per drawing
o The highest "ball" used is 99
8.1 How Data is Stored
For each lottery game you want LottoMATIC to track, LottoMATIC creates two
files:
PICKS.??? and DRAWS.???
where ??? is the file extension that identifies the lottery game. For
instance, "PICKS.FL" is the "picks" file for the Florida lotto game.
LottoMATIC requires a third file, CONFIG.??? for each game you want to
track. LottoMATIC comes equipped with CONFIG.FL and PICKS.FL (already
setup for the Florida lotto game. If you want to track another state's
lottery, you'll need to create a "custom" CONFIG file.
8.2 The CONFIG File
The CONFIG file is simply an ASCII text file with a series of commands that
configure LottoMATIC. An example is worth a thousand words... here's the
CONFIG.FL file (for the Florida state LOTTO game):
game = Florida Lotto
highest number = 49
lowest number = 1
draws per game = 6
minimum win = 3
duplicates allowed = false
day = Saturday
price per play = 1.00
Now let's discuss each line in the file:
game This line simply tells LottoMATIC what name to display on
the main screen. It's useful to remind you what game
you're playing (if you track multiple lotteries).
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 30
highest number On this line, you tell LottoMATIC what the highest guess
is. Florida picks 1 to 49, Colorado picks 1 to 42, etc.
lowest number This is almost always 1, but some games do start at zero.
draws per game Most lotto games pick 6 balls. Some, however, like
Florida's Cash 3 or Play 4 pick fewer balls.
minimum win This number tells LottoMATIC how many numbers must
"match" for a play to win. In most lotto games, you must
match at least three numbers.
duplicates allowed
Most lotto games have one set of balls (numbered from 1
to the highest number), and you can't get duplicates in
one drawing. Some games, like Florida's Cash 3, pick
from separate sets of balls (and duplicates can occur).
day This line tells LottoMATIC what day the drawings are held
(usually Saturday). Some games are played two or more
times a week and require a separate "day" line for each.
price per play Usually $1.00. This number tells LottoMATIC how much
each ticket costs.
As another example, suppose you want to make a CONFIG file for the Colorado
Lottery. The Colorado Lottery is a pick 6 of 42 game played every
Wednesday and Saturday night. No duplicates can occur, you must match at
least three numbers to win, and each ticket costs $1.00. Here's what the
CONFIG file would look like:
game = Colorado Lottery
highest number = 42
lowest number = 1
draws per game = 6
minimum win = 3
duplicates allowed = false
day = Saturday
day = Wednesday
price per play = 1.00
You could name the file "CONFIG.CO". Then, to run LottoMATIC and use this
file, you'd type:
LOTTO CO
and press [ENTER]. LottoMATIC looks for the database files "PICKS.CO" and
"DRAWS.CO". If it can't find them, it creates new, blank ones.
The "Winning Numbers" database will be blank for a new game. If you want
to load past winning numbers so LottoMATIC can use it's algorithms more
effectively, you'll need to get a list of previous wins (probably from your
state's lottery commission) and enter them in the "Enter Winning Numbers"
window (under the "Numbers" menu). Or, if you have the winning numbers
recorded in an ASCII file, you can import them directly into LottoMATIC and
save a lot of time! (See "Import Winning Numbers" above).
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 31
Appendix A
How and Where to get Help
A.1 Technical Support
Technical support by telephone, mail, or FAX is ordinarily reserved for
registered users. We'll help you ONE TIME before you register to help
install LottoMATIC for evaluation or to answer general questions.
If you have questions or require technical support, call our technical
support line at (904) 871-5479. Do not call our tollfree order number with
questions, as the operators there can't help you (they are completely
unfamiliar with the program's operation). Our FAX number is also (904)
871-5479 (we have a phone/fax switch on the line).
You may write us a letter if you wish, but we are often swamped with
letters and it may be some time before you receive a reply.
Custom Technologies
PO Box 10551
Panama City, FL 32404-1551
You can also reach us for technical support on CompuServe. We are topic 7
in the PC Vendor A Support Forum. Just type "GO PCVENA" at any CompuServe
prompt.
Technical support is available to all users (registered or not) on
CompuServe with no time limit.
If you're not a CompuServe subscriber and would like a FREE IntroPak, call
1-800-848-8199 and ask for operator 154. The IntroPak includes FREE sign-
up and $15 on-line credit (so you can explore CompuServe without spending a
dime!). This free offer is courtesy of CompuServe and Custom Technologies.
A.2 Association of Shareware Professionals Statement
This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware
Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle
works for you. If you're unable to resolve a shareware-related problem
with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to
help.
The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP
member, but does not provide technical support for member's products.
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 32
Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at PO Box 5786, Bellevue, WA 98006 or
send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 33
Index
[alt-C] 12, 13 H
[alt-F10] 12, 13 headings
[alt-M] 13 report 28
[F1] 12, 13 help 12, 13
[INS] 13 online 12
Hercules 8
A high-roller 4, 17
algorithms 4, 6, 24 highest number 30
ASP 32
Association of Shareware I
Professionals 32 import
winning numbers 28
B insert 11, 13
balls per drawing 30 installation 8
bottom line 11
L
C laser printers 27
calculator 12, 13 LaserJet 27
CGA 8 local menu key 12
colors local menus 12
customizing 25 lowest number 30, 31
CompuServe 32 lucky number 7, 24
CONFIG file 30
configuring LottoMATIC 30 M
memory requirements 8
D Memory status 13
data entry 13 menu key 13
database 19 Menus 11
winning numbers 19 minimum win 30, 31
your plays 19 Mouse 14
date format 26 mouse 8
Date Formats 14 mouse driver 8
dates MSDOS 8
entering 12
draws per game 30, 31 O
duplicates allowed 30, 31 overwrite 11, 13
E P
Editing Keys 14 Page Control 27
EGA 8 Paper size 27
exit strings 27 paste 12
exploding windows 26 price per play 30, 31
printer 8
G Printer Port 27
game 30 printer strings 27
getting started 9 printing to the printer 22
printing to the screen 21
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 34
Q sound effects 25
quick pick 16, 24 special effects 25
Special Keys 13
R state 9
report headings 28 system requirements 8
reports 21
Drawing Analysis 23 T
Print Plays 22 technical support 32
printer setups 26 top line 11
Win Analysis 22
Winning Plays 22 V
running LottoMATIC 9 VGA 8
virtual paper 21
S
screen saver 24 W
setup strings 27 working messages 11
LottoMATIC User's Guide Page 35