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1993-02-25
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ROBERT F. KEBER JR
336 Swain Blvd.
Greenacres, Florida 33463-3342
(407) 969-3643 Voice Fax (407) 964-0785
SOFTWARE SALES TRACKER
"Software Sales Tracker" is a feature packed program designed for the use
of software authors who sell and distribute their own products directly to
the "PC User".
It's purpose is to assist with the sometimes complicated tasks of keeping
track of the "Who, What, When, Where, Why and How Much" involved in the
sale of most products. It will also help you to get the most mileage out of
your "Program Distribution Dollar".
To make this text easier to read, we will refer to "Software Sales
Tracker" simply as "SST" from this point forward.
SST has "a ton" of features which are very useful to every program author
who distributes software (especially Shareware). It's "best" and most
powerful feature will be especially useful to those who spend a lot of time
and money "promoting" their own software products.
With many Shareware authors, their entire effort at program distri-
bution consists of uploading their latest creation to a few BBSs and "Pay
Nets". Then they simply sit back and wait for the "Mail Man" to bring them
thousands of orders, each one stuffed with a check.
They might as well save themselves the time and trouble and go buy a
"LOTTO" ticket instead, because it's very rare to get the kind of results
they hope for without a little more effort than that.
To get anywhere in this "crazy" market, you have to constantly "sell",
"Sell" and "RE-SELL" your product with more "dedication" and "persistence"
than it may have taken to "write" it.
If you are the kind of author who "pushes" one or more products..., who
has spent many sleepless nights on long distance, uploading programs to far
off BBSs..., who has spent lots of time and money preparing, packaging and
mailing countless disks to User Groups and Distributors..., if you produce
updates and revisions on a regular basis to keep your software "up to date"
and "active"..., if you try to keep Users informed about updates, revisions
and support programs..., and above all, if you're NOT doing all of this
just for "fun"..., and you expect to "make a buck" for all of your efforts,
then SST is written especially with you in mind.
If used properly, SST can save you a great deal of time, effort and
money, as it will allow you to organize your sales and program distribution
into a "tracking system" that is much more intelligent, mechanized and
productive than simply using a "Shot Gun" approach.
Aside from simply keeping track of registered users, you will come to
know "Who" is producing sales for you..., and "Who" is not.
SST will allow you to organize your sales into separate files for each
different product, and then switch from file to file with ease through the
use of "Directory Pop-up Windows".
As new entries are made, SST will automatically issue a unique product
Serial Number for each item sold. SST will then keep track of quantities
sold, customer addresses, telephone numbers, product serial numbers,
product versions or models, prices charged, shipping charges, sales tax,
and the dates sold and paid (as well as any Purchase Order & Check
numbers).
SST offers you the ability to automatically "patch" or modify your sold
"EXE" programs with a Customer Name, Date of Sale, and assigned Serial
Number. This feature is primarily designed to work with "EXE" files which
were Compiled & Linked with MICROSOFT Compilers & Linkers.
It will print customer statements for all unpaid records, or print a
single statement for any record which you select.
SST has a wide variety of other "print" options as well.
- Customer Address Book
- Customer Telephone Book
- Address & Telephone Book
- Complete Information Book
- Index & Rolodex Cards
- Labels (1, 2, 3 across)
- "Pick & Choose" Records For Mailing Labels
- Shipping Labels & Envelopes
- Print To a Disk File
In addition, SST will provide "gross income" information for each file,
and will give a wide variety of totals, sub totals and averages. Beyond
this, SST will get these figures for either the entire file, or for any
range of dates you select (last week, last month, last year, etc.).
REGISTRATION
"SOFTWARE SALES TRACKER" ("SST") is sold and packaged as a "Shareware"
software package. The term "Shareware" means that we provide you with a
copy of the program for you to "try out" for a short evaluation time. After
a few weeks of use, you are required to either dispose of the program or
send us the purchase price for registration. Extended use without proper
registration is a violation of our rights under the Copyright Laws of the
United States.
WARNING: "Shareware" versions of any TypeRight program are, and will
remain, fully functional. But any of several safeguards may exist to
encourage User Registration and to help detect and expose unauthorized
retailing of any version which may have been "Doctored" or "Altered".
USER SUPPORT: While "User Support" is usually intended for "Registered
Users", we NEVER "turn our backs" on anyone who needs help or information
with any of our products.
Because we produce and support MANY different software packages, and each
package usually has several updated releases and revisions, please have the
following information available whenever you contact us for any reason: -
Program's Full Name, Version Number, and Serial Number (even if NOT a
Registered Program)
(Example: "SST Version 3.0 - Serial# 12151990261")
(Serial Numbers are listed on the bottom of the Main Menu screen).
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
BONUS FOR REGISTERING
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
All Users who register will receive the latest updated, improved and
"Debugged" version of this program. They are also kept advised of any
"Support Programs", as well as our new programs, and many times, Registered
Users are offered special discounts toward (or Demos of) our new programs.
To Register, print out the enclosed file named "REGISTER.DOC" with the
following DOS Command.... "COPY REGISTER.DOC LPT1" <...hit 'Enter'>
When the printing is complete, you will have a "Registration Form". Use of
the form will help insure that all necessary information is included, so we
can quickly fill your order. When you have completed the form, mail it to
us with your Payment. Make all checks payable to "R. KEBER JR.".
(All Prices & Features Are Subject To Change Without Notice)
FILES INCLUDED WITH SST
SST.EXE .... - Main program
SST.DOC .... - These instructions
REG.DAT .... - Registration File - User Name & Number
SST-SCR.OVL. - Overlay - display screens
SAMPLE.RAN . - Sample Work File
SSTPATCH.EXE - Auto-Patcher for your programs
SSTPATCH.DOC - Instructions for SSTPATCH
SAMPLE.BAS . - Example - how to patch source code
SAMPLE.EXE . - Sample.Bas - Compiled
BRUN45.EXE . - Microsoft Run-Time Module
DO.DAT ..... - Sample Command File For SSTPATCH
INSTALL.EXE. - Prints User Manual & Installs SST
REGISTER.DOC - Registration Form
Shipped With Registered Versions Only:
COMBINE.BAT. - Combines Multiple Copies Of Different SST Data
Files Into One Larger File For Printing List
Directories & For Getting "Total Income" data.
Other files that will be created through using SST:
FILENAME.RAN - Work Files - Random Format
FILENAME.SEQ - Work Files - Sequential Format
FILENAME.KON - Files For Storing "Constant" Field Entries
SORTED .RAN - The Output File From The Sorting Routine
SST-HDG .DAT - Your Name & Address For Statement Headings
FILENAME.LST - Assorted "Print To Disk" Files
WHO .DAT - Hidden Customer Name File For Floppy Disks
Hardware Requirements:
- PC/XT/AT or Clone
- DOS/MS-DOS 3.0 or newer
- 512k RAM Minimum - 640k Recommended
- 360k Floppy - Hard Drive Recommended
- 25x80 Monitor - B&W/MONO/COLOR
- Dot Matrix Parallel Printer - IBM/EPSON Compatible
GETTING STARTED
Print this Instruction Manual. The easiest way to do this is to run the
"INSTALL.EXE" program (included). When run, a menu will appear containing
the "PRINT USER MANUAL" option.
Next, copy all the SST files to whatever disk, drive or directory you
wish to use it on. If you have a Hard Drive, the easiest and fastest way to
get started is to run the SST INSTALL program (which will set up all the
SST programs in C:\SST).
Then, to run the SST program, enter.... SST <... hit enter>
OPENING SCREEN:
The first screen is the "Opening" screen. It contains information such
as our address and the name and version number of the program. On a
registered copy, your name and assigned serial number will also appear at
the bottom of this screen. To get past this screen, just hit "any" key.
YES/NO QUESTIONS:
Many times SST will ask a question which requires a "Y" or "N" (yes/no)
response from the user. In almost every case, hitting the "Enter" key will
have the same effect as hitting the "Y" (yes) key.
There are only two exceptions to this rule, "DELETE THIS RECORD?" and
"PRINT A CUSTOMER STATEMENT?". In those two cases, hitting the "Enter" key
is the same as entering an "N" (no).
CHOOSE OR CREATE A FILE:
If you wish to create a NEW file, just type in file name you wish to use
(maximum 8 characters). Since ALL work files must be in "random" file
format, the program will append an extension of ".RAN" to your file name.
If it is a new file (does not yet exist), the program will ask for your
confirmation (in case of typing errors) before it creates the new file on
your disk.
If you wish to edit an existing file, you have two choices. Either
enter the file name (the same as above), or hit the "F2" key.
When the "F2" key is pressed, a "Window" will appear on screen
containing a list of all the "*.RAN" files in your default directory. Use
your "arrow" keys to move the highlighted bar in the window to the file
that you want, and then hit the "Enter" key to select that file.
If you hit the "F2" key by accident, or want to exit from the window
without choosing a file, just hit the "Esc" key.
"THE TRACKING SYSTEM"
As a suggestion on how to set up the names for your work files, we
offer the following system which "we" use and which seems to work best for
our needs.
AC.RAN ------- Product Sales file
SST.RAN ------ Another Product Sales file
KNAP.RAN ----- Another Product Sales file
GIST.RAN ----- Another Product Sales file
GP.RAN ------- Another Product Sales file
CLUB.RAN ----- List of User Groups to whom we send copies
DISTRIB.RAN -- List of Distributors to whom we send copies
BBS.RAN ------ List of BBSs to whom we upload/send copies
DEADWOOD.RAN - List of Non-Productive Clubs/Distributors/BBSs
The "product" files are used to keep information on our registered
users. By keeping separate files for each product, it's easier and faster
to send updates and notices about support programs, and you can use
different serial number ranges for each product. The User's registered
serial numbers are kept in those files (and also on several of the various
printouts for backup).
The last four files are "Distribution" files. They are used in a
slightly different manner. In those files we assign the unique Serial
Number to each "organization" in the file, rather than to the software
product itself.
Then, whenever we send programs to those distributors, we use
"SSTPATCH" (included with SST) to patch the organization's serial number
into each and every copy of any of software product sent to them. The
organization's serial number never changes, no matter how many updates or
new products we may send to them.
We then "edit" the records in the distribution files, and insert
information in the "Date & Comment" fields about our latest transaction
with each organization.
By doing this we will always be able to tell "To Whom" any of our
programs were originally sent to (even years later). Knowing that
information enables us to track where our best distribution points are, or
which methods of distribution are working best for us. This method also
saves us time and money by eliminating the mailing of "duplicate" copies to
the same Distributors.
We get this "Tracking" information by requesting any User who contacts
us (for any reason) to provide the "serial number" from the Shareware copy
that they already have. We ask for this information on our order forms,
during phone calls and in correspondence. Once enough information has been
gathered, it will begin to form a pattern.
The information gathered from just one or two releases of the "same"
program will begin to form a pattern, but only for "That" particular kind
of program. This kind of information is very useful (especially if you only
market one program). But it would be a mistake to reach final conclusions
based on such data and then apply it to all other kinds of software. At any
organization, a "Game" might attract more interest than a "Spread Sheet".
It's only after several releases with different kinds of programs, that
you begin to really "get a feel" for what's happening in general, and you
can then begin to see "Who" isn't doing much of anything no matter what you
send to them.
If you keep accurate records (and insist upon getting serial numbers
from your users..., which is tougher than it sounds), patterns will become
evident. Then it's just a matter of eliminating the "Dead Wood" from the
appropriate file.
"We" even take it a step further by keeping track of unproductive
distributors in yet another SST file ("DEADWOOD.RAN") so that we won't re-
enter those same accounts again the next time we add some new records to
our "distribution" files.
FILE CONFIRMATION SCREEN:
The third screen simply shows the name of the file you have selected,
shows how many records are in that file, and asks if this is the correct
file. If you answer "N" (for "NO"), you will be returned to the second
screen again (file selection).
MAIN MENU SCREEN:
The fourth screen presents the "Main Menu" to you. Everything the
program does starts from this screen, and usually returns to it again when
any menu choice has been completed.
As you progress into the various features of the program, you will
notice that in the lower left corner of most screens "F1 = Main Menu" will
appear. That simply means that to "quit" what you are doing and return to
the main menu, just hit the "F1" key.
There are two other "Fn" keys that have special meaning. From the main
menu, the "F2" key will present a window containing a directory of ALL
(*.*) files in your default directory. If there are more files than will
fit inside of the window, you can scroll the list of files with your
"arrow" keys. This directory is only for observation and information. You
can't change to (or select) another file from inside of this window. To
"quit" from the window, just hit the "Esc" key.
The "F10" key (like the "F1" key) will appear at the bottom right corner
of most screens in the program. Pressing that key will instantly "Exit"
(quit) from the SST program and return you to System Command mode.
MAIN MENU - SELECTION "A" - ADD A NEW RECORD
This menu selection lets you enter a new entry into your record
file. But the program checks for a couple of items before displaying
the Data Entry Screen.
First, it checks to see if the selected file is a brand new (empty) file
which has just been created. If it is, you will then be presented with a
"Serial Number" screen. This feature allows you to "start" your numbering
range anywhere from "1000" to "96,000".
But be cautious! Once you set a starting serial number for a file, and
then enter some records, you WILL NOT be able to change the numbering range
for that file again. Once a record in a file has been issued a serial
number (to avoid duplicate numbers) that serial number range is "locked" in
and can't ever be changed from within the SST program.
Once you have assigned a "starting" serial number, the next screen to
appear will be the "Data Entry Screen".
But if the program finds that this is NOT a brand new file, and that it
already contains some records, still another screen will appear while SST
calculates the next higher serial number for this file. This screen simply
requires you to wait until it's done with it's calculating, and then the
"Data Entry Screen" will appear automatically.
This Serial Number Calculating routine will only be activated the first
time that you try to add a new record to a newly selected file. After it
has calculated the next higher serial number, it will remember that number
until you exit from the program, or edit/create another work file.
DATA ENTRY SCREEN:
The Data Entry Screen contains 27 separate fields and can store up to
393 characters per record. The next few pages explain how to make your
entries in the various fields on the "Data Entry Screen". There are many
features you will miss unless you read these instructions.
FIELD EDITING & CURSOR MOVEMENT:
To move the cursor around the screen...
From field to field FORWARD -----: Enter or Down Arrow Keys
From field to field REVERSE -----: UP Arrow or LEFT Arrow or "<"
To the TOP DATE field -----------: Page Up Key
To the LAST (COMMENT) field -----: Page Down Key
To move the cursor within an "existing" field entry....
To END of "existing" field entry --: End Key
To START of "existing" field entry : Home Key
To move RIGHT one space -----------: Right Arrow Key
To move LEFT one space ------------: Left Arrow Key
To edit or change an "existing" field entry....
To DELETE the entire field entry -------: CTRL + Y
To DELETE character at cursor position -: DEL Key
To DELETE character to left of cursor --: BACKSPACE
To INSERT character at cursor position -: Just type the character
Each field will hold a predetermined maximum number of characters. The
number of dash's ("-") shown in each of the various fields is the maximum
length allotted for each field.
When you finish entering a field entry, and it hasn't completely
filled up the field, hit the Enter key to move onto the next field. If you
do completely fill up a field, the cursor will automatically move to the
next field for you.
If you fill up a field while "inserting" characters into an "existing"
field entry, and then try to enter more, the program will BEEP, and a small
window will appear near the top of the screen warning that "The Field Is
Full". You will then have to delete some of the characters in the field
before you can insert any more replacement characters.
COMMAS & QUOTES:
This program has the ability to convert your Random work files into much
more compact "Comma Delineated" Sequential files. The reasons for this
file conversion feature is to allow making backups of very large files onto
small floppy disks, and for easier adaptation of work files to other
program formats (WordStar, DBASE, 123, etc.). Because we wanted to convert
to the smallest possible Sequential files, we used a format that will NOT
allow the use of "commas" or "quote marks" in any of the file records.
As a result, a filter has been installed which will not accept a comma
or quote as an entry character. SST will simply "beep" if you try to enter
one of those characters. In place of a "comma", a "space" or "dash" will
usually do the job. In place of a "quote", and apostrophe (') works quite
well (see sample records in SAMPLE.RAN).
ID# FIELD:
The top left field is the ID# field. Each new record will
automatically be issued and ID# by the SST program. The ID# is actually
the number of the record's position in the file (+1000).
DATE FIELDS:
The top right field is the "DATE" field. If you have your system date
set properly, today's date will already be filled in for you. If you change
or edit the date, the date must be entered in a format of MM/DD/YY.
ShortCut-Dates can be entered as 021691 (for 02/16/91). Make sure you
use zero's with single digit numbers ("01/08/90" not "1/8/90"). All dates
are checked for validity before being accepted by SST.
NAME FIELDS:
There are two fields reserved for names. The combined length of both
name fields is 50 characters. For reasons of spacing on paper and labels,
only the first 30 characters will be printed on your printouts.
If your two name entries exceed 30 characters, a warning message will
appear on the screen. If you ignore the warning, all the characters will be
saved in your file, but your printouts will only show the first 30
characters of the names.
Caution! Each record MUST have some kind of entry in the "Last Name"
field. If you leave this field blank, the entire record will be treated as
a "blank" record and will be deleted during the sorting routine.
ATTENTION FIELD:
This field can be used for "ATTN: OF" information, or can be used as
part of a two line street address. If this field is left "blank" (no entry)
it will simply be ignored during the various printing routines. In other
words, it won't leave a blank line on a label, statement, etc..
STREET, CITY & STATE FIELDS:
Self explanatory.
ZIP CODE FIELD:
Room has been provided for the nine digit Zip Codes with a space or dash
between the two groups of numbers.
TELEPHONE NUMBER FIELDS:
The two telephone number fields will be saved in a "right justified"
manner. If you enter a number (without an area code) such as "999-9999", it
will be saved in the file as "(---) 999-9999" (even if you enter the number
in the first eight spaces).
TELEPHONE EXTENSION FIELDS:
These two fields can be used for telephone extension numbers, or can be
used to designate the category of it's companion telephone number (Home,
Work, Fax, Telex, Sales, Data, Voice, etc.). See our sample entries in
"SAMPLE.RAN" included with this package for examples.
PRODUCT FIELD:
Intended to contain the name of your software product.
VERSION FIELD:
Intended to contain the version number of your software product. We
suggest that you make your entries something like "Version 1.0" rather than
simply "1.0". Making entries in this manner will look better on the various
printouts.
QUANTITY FIELD:
Intended to contain the number of items sold to this customer, in this
transaction, on this date.
If you enter more than "1" as the quantity, then more than one serial
number will be issued. In other words, if you enter "10", then ten serial
numbers (in sequential order) will be issued for this sale.
We suggest that you enter something in this field anytime one of your
software packages leaves your possession, even if it's a gift to a friend,
uploaded to a BBS, or a demo to a Shareware Distributor.
By doing this, each and every item distributed will have a serial number
assigned to it for tracking purposes.
Then, if you go a step further, and take the time and trouble to "patch"
the assigned serial numbers into each and every copy of the software that
leaves your hands, you will always be able to tell exactly "Who, What When
& Where" any copy was originally sent to. In cases of copyright
violations, this can be a most valuable aid (See SSTPATCH.EXE and
SAMPLE.BAS for help on patching your files).
In addition, SST has a routine for getting "totals" and "averages" on
the sales and distribution performance of your product. If you leave the
"quantity" field blank, then that record will not be calculated in those
totals.
Once a record has been "saved" (recorded in the disk file), you will NOT
be able to change your entries in the "Quantity" or the "Serial Number"
fields. This is necessary to avoid issuing duplicate serial numbers. The
only way to correct an error in this field is to either delete the record
and enter it again, or enter a second record for the same customer.
PRICE EACH FIELD:
Intended to contain the price charged to this customer, in this
transaction, on this date. If there is "no charge" for the item, then enter
a zero (0) or "Enter" for this entry.
PRICE TOTAL FIELD:
This field is a "calculated" field, which means that it is filled in
automatically by your computer based upon the information you entered in
the "quantity" and "price each" fields.
SALES TAX FIELD:
Intended to calculate and store the Sales Tax (or any other type of tax)
that you may be required to charge to your customers.
There are TWO methods for entering data in this field. If you already
know the amount of the tax, you can enter it in the same manner as any
other field.
Or, you can have the computer calculate the tax and make the entry for
you. To use this method, instead of entering the dollar amount of the tax,
enter the sales tax rate followed by a percent sign ("%").
For example, if your tax rate is .06 percent, just enter ".O6%" and then
hit the Enter key. Or, for a rate of .0735 percent, enter ".0735%".
Whenever you "end" a Sales Tax entry with a "percent sign" (%), the
amount will be calculated for you and entered in the field.
NOTE: Because Sales Tax is an "unusual" field, it may sometimes be a bit
stubborn about being edited after an entry has been made. If you have
trouble changing the Sales Tax entry, or with moving the cursor past the
Sales Tax field, hit the "PAGE UP" key. This will move the cursor up to the
top date field. Then approach the Sales Tax field from the top of the
screen instead of the bottom. That will reset all of the numeric values
which the Sales Tax field needs to do it's calculations and should clear up
any problems.
SHIPPING & HANDLING FIELD:
Intended to contain the dollar amount of any shipping and handling
charges (or any other sales tax exempt charges).
SALE TOTAL FIELD:
This field is a "calculated" field, which means that it is filled in
automatically by your computer based upon the information you entered in
the previous numeric fields.
PURCHASE ORDER FIELD:
Purchase orders are issued by many companies and government agencies.
This field is included for keeping track of these numbers.
PAID DATE FIELD:
If you have your system date set properly, today's date will already be
filled in for you.
If you change or edit the date, the date must be entered in a format of
"MM/DD/YY" or "MM-DD-YY". Also, make sure you use zero's with single digit
numbers ("01/08/90" not "1/8/90"). If any other date format is used,
certain other routines in SST may not work as they should.
If this record is an "unpaid" or "charged" (not paid) account, then
enter the date in this field as "00/00/00" or "00-00-00".
To make things a little easier, if you simply DELETE the entire existing
date (Control + Y" keys) it will be automatically replaced with "00-00-00".
SST will then print a customer statement for that record when you run the
"Print Customer Statements" routine.
CHECK NUMBER FIELD:
Intended for keeping track of customer's check numbers.
SERIAL NUMBER FIELDS:
There are two fields for serial numbers, "From" and "To". The quantity
of serial numbers issued by SST is determined by the number that you
entered into the "Quantity" field.
If you entered a zero (0) in that field, then no serial numbers are
issued. Both of the serial number fields will be left "blank".
If you entered a "1" in the quantity field, then one serial number will
be issued by SST. It will appear in the Serial Number "From" field, and the
"To" field will be left blank.
If you entered more than 1 in the "Quantity" field, then the beginning
serial number will appear in the "From" field, and the ending serial number
will appear in the "To" field.
The numbers displayed are "inclusive" (part of) the range of serial
numbers issued. In other words, if the fields show "5234" and "5238" then
five serial numbers have been issued (5234, 5235, 5236, 5237, 5238).
Both Serial Number fields are calculated fields. As a result, you cannot
directly enter or change any serial number entry (to avoid duplicate
numbers).
We suggest that you "make use" of these serial numbers anytime one of
your software packages leaves your possession, even if it's a gift to a
friend, uploaded to a BBS, or a demo to a Shareware Distributor.
By "make use" we mean that you should take the time to "patch" the
assigned serial number into each and every copy of the software that you
sell or distribute. By doing this, you will always be able to tell exactly
"Who, What When & Where" any copy was originally sent to. In cases of
copyright violations, this can be a most valuable asset.
There are lots of programs (Binary Editors) on good BBSs (and in
commercial packages) to make patching a serial number into a compiled
program very easy. To use such programs, just enter a few DATA STATEMENTS
or PRINT STRING STATEMENTS into your uncompiled source code which consist
of unique, easily recognizable "English Words/Phrases". Then compile the
source code, and "View" the "EXE" file with a Binary Editor and locate
those statements. Then substitute your customer's Name & Number (or
anything else) for those same DATA STATEMENTS (NO extra or missing
characters allowed).
But to make things a bit easier for you, we have included a file called
"SSTPATCH.EXE" which will allow you to patch any of your Microsoft's Quick
Basic "EXE" programs with extreme ease (and possibly "other" brands of
EXE's too).
The instructions for using "SSTPATCH" are in the included file called
"SAMPLE.BAS" which is saved in ASCII and can be displayed the same as any
other "DOC" file. "SSTPATCH" will easily patch your customer's name,
today's date and the product serial number into your programs.
It stands to reason that if you went to all the trouble to write and
distribute your software, that you must think it's "worth something". And
if that's true, then why not take just a little more time to protect your
creation?
COMMENT FIELD:
The comment field is a very useful field. It is intended to be used for
entering comments, information, explanations, arrangements, etc., about the
record. The comment field is 65 characters in length.
MAIN MENU SELECTION B: - EDIT A RECORD
This menu selection will bring you back to the Data Entry Screen, with
the cursor located in the ID# field. If you enter the ID# of the record you
wish to edit, it will be found and displayed on the screen for editing.
The ID# of each record can be found in several of the printout routines
printed output of the records.
If you don't know the ID#, then use the Main Menu routines for "Browse"
or "Search" to find the record you want. You can then "edit" the record
directly from either of those two routines.
MAIN MENU SELECTION C: - BROWSE
The "browse" routine lets you skim through the record list with extreme
ease and speed.
Pressing the Down Arrow key will move you one record at a time, toward
the end of the file, displaying each record on the screen as it moves
through the file.
Pressing The Up Arrow key does the same thing, but in the opposite
direction (back toward the beginning of the file).
Pressing the Page Down key, will move you toward the end of the file in
jumps of 25 records at a time.
Pressing the Page Up key takes you back toward the beginning of the file
in jumps of 25 records at a time.
The "Home" key will take you all the way back to the first record, while
the "End" key will take you to the last record in the file.
If you have the records in sorted order, finding a record is quick and
easy. Once you find the record you wanted, you can either "edit" the record
or "print" the address by entering either an "E" (for edit) or a "P" (for
print).
If the record you are looking for has been recently entered, and the
file has not been sorted, you will always find the newest entries at the
end of the file in unsorted order.
Using "Browse" allows you to print multiple mailing labels, shipping
labels or envelopes to the same address. Beyond that, if you put a roll of
mailing labels in your printer, you can then browse through the records and
"Pick & Choose" who to print a label for, and who to skip over. This is
very handy when doing a mailout to users about an update that has been
developed.
MAIN MENU SELECTION D: - SWITCH TO ANOTHER FILE
Use of this selection takes you back to the "File Selection" screen
where you can select another work file to edit or create.
MAIN MENU SELECTION E: - GO TO PRINTING MENU
This selection will take you to the Printing Menu.
MAIN MENU SELECTION F: - GO TO CONVERSION MENU
This selection will take you to the "File Conversion" menu.
MAIN MENU SELECTION G: - SEARCH FOR A RECORD
Search will present you with a screen which lets you choose which field
to search, and a "Key String" to search for.
The "Key String" can be one or more characters long, consisting of the
first few letters of the entry in the field you're searching for.
For instance, suppose you wanted to find a record with someone's name
that you can't remember. But you think the last name started with a "POS".
Choose the "Last Name" field as the one to be screened, and enter "POS" as
your "Key String".
SST will search all the records in the file and present every one which
has a last name that "begins" with "POS" (Post, Post Office, Posh, etc.).
Understand that the "Key String" will match only the "first" characters
(beginning) of the screened field. In the above examples, "U. S. Post
Office" would NOT have been selected.
Once the correct record is found, you can then edit the record or print
the address or a customer statement using the same method as in "Browse".
MAIN MENU SELECTION H: - SORTING WORKFILES
Sorting is automatic, and begins as soon as you hit the "H" key from the
Main Menu. Your default work file is always the one being sorted.
The sorting routine performs three different tasks as it sorts your
file. The first task performed is to check your file for any "Deleted"
records, or "Blank" records. This routine considers any with a "Blank" Last
Name field as being a "Blank" record. These types of records will NOT be
copied to the sorting array, in effect eliminating them.
The second task is to sort the remaining records.
And the third and longest task is to rewrite your workfile's records in
sorted order to a new file called "SORTED.RAN", creating new ID#'s for each
record at the same time.
After the sort has been completed, you will be presented with a screen
which gives a breakdown of the "Records In", "Records Deleted", and
"Records Out".
The next screen offers the option of replacing your default work file
with "SORTED.RAN".
If you answer "Y" for yes, then your work file is deleted, and
"SORTED.RAN" is renamed as your work file.
If you answer "N" for no, then both your work file and "SORTED.RAN" are
left as separate files on your disk, and no changes are made to your
original file.
During the sorting routine your "Fn" keys are disabled to avoid possible
damage to the files through abrupt and unexpected interruptions during
Read/Write operations.
MAIN MENU SELECTION I: CONSTANT FIELD ENTRIES
The term "Constant" means to "Lock" a predefined field entry into any
field. This feature is very helpful when you have many new records to
enter, and much of the same information is needed on each record. Things
such as the "Product Name", "Version", "Price", "Sales Tax", "Dates", and
so on.
The "Constant" selection takes you to another menu screen, which gives
you three options. Create a Constant File for this workfile, use an
existing Constant file for new entries, or stop using a Constant File for
new entries.
If you choose to create a Constant File, the Data Entry Screen will then
be presented for you to enter your Constants in any of the fields.
When you are finished making your entries, a disk file will be created
with the same name as your work file, but with an extension of ".KON". If
a file with the same name already exists, it will be overwritten. If it
does not exist, it will be created.
Once activated, when you use Main Menu selection "A" to add new records,
the fields you just entered will already be filled in for you (saving you
all those error free keystrokes on each record).
Of course, SST will allow you to delete (CTRL+Y) any of these entries,
or edit them the same as any other field entry.
When entering many records, the SST "Constant" feature can be a BIG time
and error saver.
MAIN MENU SELECTION J: - SYNOPSIS - TOTALS FOR THE FILE
This selection offers the option of getting information on the entire
file, or just for the records which fall within a chosen date range (last
month, last year, etc.).
After SST does some "number crunching", it will display a screen which
is designed to give you a breakdown on this file's sales performance.
While not intended to be a "bookkeeping" routine, it should give you a
better idea about how you're doing than simply "Guesstimating".
The totals and averages presented will only be as accurate as your
record entries were. But if you followed these instructions closely as far
as making your "numeric" and "date" field entries properly, the figures
should be pretty close to accurate.
If you need a copy of this screen for any reason, then just hit your
"Shift + Print Screen" keys.
MAIN MENU SELECTION S: - SHELL TO SYSTEM
Allows a temporary exit from SST back to the "System Command Line". This
allows you to make or get backup copies of files, and so on.
To return to SST, just type the command "EXIT".
If you get the old "Out Of Memory" message on your screen, then you're
trying to do too much with too little RAM memory. Sorry about that.
MAIN MENU SELECTION X: EXIT TO SYSTEM
Quits using the SST program and returns to "System". The "F10" key will
perform the same task from most places in the SST program without having to
return to the Main Menu.
THE PRINTING MENU
PRINT MENU SELECTION "A": PRINT ONE SINGLE ADDRESS
This selection is intended for users who have the ability to put an
envelope into their printer. In such cases, the program can then print the
selected address directly onto your envelope without the use of a label or
a typewriter. The record ID Number is required for this selection. To print
an address without knowing the ID number, use Main Menu selection for
either "Browse" of "Search"
This feature is also useful when you have a need for several address
labels to the same address for the shipping of several separate packages.
PRINTING TO A DISK FILE
The next seven Print Menu Selections (B,C,D,E,F,G,H) have a special
feature attached to them. Each of them gives the User the option of sending
the output intended for the printer to a disk file instead.
Each of the seven disk files that this feature can create will have a
different first name, but with a common extension name of ".LST" (short for
"LIST").
LABEL.LST ADDPHONE.LST STATEMNT.LST
PHONE.LST COMPLETE.LST
ADDRESS.LST CARD.LST
This feature can be a real time and money saver in several ways,
starting with the fact that it will only take a fraction of the normal
printing time to print a disk file.
The User can then use the DOS or MS-DOS file called "PRINT.COM" to print
the file "in the background". Printing the file in this manner will free up
the computer to do other tasks at the same time as the file is being
printed.
In other words, YOUR COMPUTER CAN DO TWO THINGS AT ONCE, and NOT make
you sit around waiting until the printing is finished. See your DOS or MS-
DOS manual for instructions on how to use PRINT.COM.
But even if you don't have "PRINT.COM" you (or anyone else) can still
print these files with the command "COPY PHONE.LST LPT1:". Using this
method won't print "in the background" as PRINT.COM does, but it WILL print
the file without any need for the SST programs to be present.
Another benefit is that you can run these printing routines on a
computer with NO PRINTER, and then send a disk containing the output files
to another computer (with a printer) for printing at a later time.
Or, in the case of one printer being shared between several computers,
it is usually faster to send the printer a disk file to be added to the
"PRINT QUEUE" than to sit around idly waiting for "your turn up at bat".
Another benefit! You can send the print files by telephone modem, or
mail a disk instead of many heavy pages of printed material, saving
postage, paper and printing time. Others can then print out the file
themselves, using the same commands we explained above.
And finally, you can sell or share the address lists with other Authors
or Users without allowing them to have access to your registered copy of
this program.
This option (print to file or printer) will appear on the screen on each
of the next seven menu selections. You can choose which way the output goes
by entering either an "F" (for file) or a "P" (for printer).
PRINT MENU SELECTION "B": PRINTING OF MAILING LABELS
Print Menu Selection "B" prints your mailing labels. The size of the
labels that you use is very important. This program was designed for use
with 2 1/2 inch by 15/16 inch labels. We chose this size of label for our
program because (in a 3 across format) they will fit in most of the smaller
80 column printers. If you use this size of label (and position them in
your printer properly) you should have no problems.
And again, it is recommended that you SORT your workfile BEFORE
proceeding with this menu selection.
After confirmation of the correct workfile for printout, you will be
asked if you wish to print ALL of the address in the current workfile. If
you answer "Y", you will proceed directly to the printing part of the
program.
But if you answer "N", you will then go to the "Discrimination" menu.
This menu allows you to print only certain groups of addresses that fall
within your chosen parameters.
=================================================================
SELECTION BY DISCRIMINATION
#1 = ID NUMBER #7 = CITY
#2 = DATE #8 = STATE
#3 = COMPANY NAME #9 = ZIP CODE
#4 = FIRST NAME #10 = TELEPHONE 1ST
#5 = ATTENTION #12 = TELEPHONE 2ND
#6 = STREET #14 = PRODUCT
#15 = VERSION
Enter The NUMBER Of The Discriminating Field: 9
Enter The LOWEST Field Value To Be Accepted: 33460
Enter The HIGHEST Field Value To Be Accepted: 33469
==================================================================
For instance, suppose you just wanted to print addresses that had a DATE
of "01/15/90". First you would choose selection #2 (Date field) as the
discriminating field. Then you would enter "01/15/90" for the lowest value
you wish to print, and then "01/15/90" (again) for the highest value you
wish to print.
If you wanted to print only the addresses with LAST NAMES that started
with an "F", then you would choose selection #3 (Last Name Field) as the
discriminating field, and enter "F" for both the high and low value
questions.
To print all addresses with last names starting with "A" through "F",
then enter "A" for the low value and "F" for the high value.
In the example listed in the above display, all addresses with Zip Codes
ranging from "33460" through "33469" will be selected.
Before starting to print any of the address labels, the program will ask
if you want to print some TEST LABELS. The purpose of this is to help you
obtain proper label alignment in your printer.
You may keep printing TEST LABELS over and over, and adjusting your
printer and labels both left and right, and up and down, until the printing
on the labels is centered and acceptable to you.
PRINT MENU SELECTION "C": PRINT NAME & PHONE DIRECTORY
This selection will produce a directory containing only the Name fields,
both Telephone Number fields, and both Telephone Extension fields. (Names &
Telephone Numbers - NO Addresses)
The print out will have one record per line and be in 10 pitch type.
Enough space has been provided that, with proper paper placement in the
printer, there is room to use a report cover or binder without covering up
the ends of the records.
PRINT MENU SELECTION "D": PRINT NAME & ADDRESS DIRECTORY
This selection will produce a directory containing only the complete
names and addresses of record entries. The print will have one record per
line and be in condensed print mode. Again, space has been provided for use
of a binder or report cover. (Names & Addresses - NO Telephone Numbers)
PRINT MENU SELECTION "E": PRINT NAME/ADDRESS/PHONE DIRECTORY
This selection will produce a directory containing full names, complete
addresses, all telephone numbers and extension numbers, and the customer
ID# and Serial Number. The printout will be in condensed print mode, and
use three lines per address.
PRINT MENU SELECTION "F": PRINT COMPLETE DATA DIRECTORY
This selection will produce a directory containing ALL of the
information entered on each address entry in the file. The printout will
be in condensed print mode, and use four lines per address entry.
PRINT MENU SELECTION "G": PRINT INDEX & ROLODEX CARDS
This selection will print either Index or Rolodex cards. The cards must
be of the "continuous form" type (attached to each other like computer
paper) in a "one across" format.
This program was written for specific sizes of cards. The Rolodex card
size should be 2 1/6 inches by 4 inches, while the Index card size should
be 3 X 5 inches. Use of any other sized cards will cause printout problems.
Again, you will be presented with an opportunity to print TEST cards to
line up your printed output before the printing of the file begins.
Finally, it is strongly suggested that you SORT your address list BEFORE
you proceed with the printing of these cards (unless you don't mind
"manually" sorting the cards by hand "after" the printing is completed).
FILE CONVERSION MENU
FILE CONVERSION MENU - SELECTION "A": MERGE TWO FILES INTO ONE
This menu selection will take any two different workfiles and merge them
together into a third workfile.
Once this is done, it is strongly suggested that the newly created
merged file be sorted.
FILE CONVERSION MENU - SELECTION "B": FILE EXTRACTION
This menu selection works very much like the printing of labels with
"discrimination", except that it creates a separate work file containing
only the desired addresses instead of printing labels.
This feature allows file separation by Zip Code, City Names, all names
starting with "A" (or "A" through "F"), and so on.
FILE CONVERSION MENU - SELECTION "C": CONVERTING TO SEQUENTIAL
There are many different ways to store data in a disk file. Each
different method is best suited for different types of applications. The
two most common methods are generally referred to as "RANDOM" and
"SEQUENTIAL" files.
The files which you create with SST are "RANDOM" files. This menu
selection allows you to transform your Random workfile into a different
kind of disk file, called a "Comma Delineated Sequential File".
The new file will have all non essential characters removed from all the
fields. All converted files will automatically be given a file name
extension of ".SEQ" to designate them as Sequential files.
Once converted, this new file can be more easily adapted for use with
the "Mail Merge" capabilities of some popular Word Processing programs, or
be "Imported" into several other well known business programs.
This new file can be more easily read (and edited) by most good word
processing programs.
However, if you use a word processor to edit or change your records,
NEVER change or delete any of the ID numbers. To do so may make the file
incompatible with SST, or at the very least, will make various operations
unreliable and unpredictable.
Also, do not delete any of the commas inserted into each record as they
are "delineators" and are used to separate each field from the other. There
MUST be 26 commas present in each record (no more,... no less).
Another benefit of the Sequential ASCII file is that it will be much
smaller in size than the original workfile. This helps make backing up
large files on small floppy disks a bit easier for the user.
FILE CONVERSION MENU - SELECTION "D": CONVERTING TO RANDOM FILE
This selection simply converts the Sequential files back into a working
Random file again.
Caution is emphasized! MAKE SURE that you have a BACKUP of your current
workfile BEFORE using this menu selection. Because during this conversion,
the first thing the program does is ERASE your default workfile. Once that
happens, it's too late to find out that there is something wrong with the
Sequential file that is being converted. There are extensive "On Screen"
warnings to this effect before deletion takes place.
COMBINING OR MERGING DATA FILES
COMBINE.BAT: File is only included with registered versions of SST. When
run, this small program will combine copies of ALL SST RAN Files in the
default drive and directory into one larger RAN file named "$MERGED$.RAN".
The new file is very handy for printing complete Address/Phone directories
of all Users, and for printing labels for mailouts to everyone. But it is
especially useful for getting the "Total Income" from all product lines.
SSTPATCH INSTRUCTIONS
For the instructions on how to use the file "SSTPATCH.EXE" to patch your
programs, read the file called "SAMPLE.BAS". Even though it is a Basic
Source Code file, it's saved in ASCII format, and can be read the same as
any other "DOC" file.
<<<<<<<<<<**************************************************>>>>>>>>>>
|||||||||| ADDITIONAL TypeRight SOFTWARE PRODUCTS ||||||||||
<<<<<<<<<<**************************************************>>>>>>>>>>
ADDRESS CONTROLLER: Powerful yet Simple Address & Phone List Manager:
Handles Multiple Address Files. Does Multiple Label Outputs. Prints 2
Phone Book Directories & 3 Address Book Directories. Prints Index &
Rolodex Cards. Find records by ID# or SEARCH & FIND on ANY field.
Address Records have fields for 2 Telephone Numbers & 2 Extension
Numbers. Also has a 67 Character COMMENT field and an Address CATEGORY
field. BROWSE through Address Lists with Arrow Keys. Pick/Choose "Who"
to print Labels for. LOCK-IN repetitious field entries when entering
records from "City Directories". Sends ANY "Printed Output" (even
Labels) to the printer OR to a "Disk File". Maximum size of address
files is 9,350 records, with an unlimited number of files. Can MERGE,
EXTRACT & SORT address files. CONVERTS address files To/From RANDOM,
SEQUENTIAL & DBASE formats. By: BOB KEBER - Shareware $42.00
"KEBER's NICE ADDRESS PROGRAM" ("K.N.A.P."):
HEAVY DUTY ADDRESS & TELEPHONE program. Has most of the same features
as Address Controller, but handles up to 725,000 Records per Address
File. NO LIMIT on Files. Files never need Sorting, as new records are
sorted as they are entered. Finds records by Partial NAME or ID#. Mail
Labels are printed according to the Oct.-90 Post Office Address Layout
suggestions. Does International Addresses. Many Other Features. Super
Fast & Feature Packed. By: BOB KEBER - Shareware: $42.00
GENERAL INVOICE SALES TRACKER - ORIGINAL ("GIST-ORIG"):
INCOME & BILLING program for firms who produce a majority of their
Invoices from "OUTSIDE" of their own office (such as Service Firms).
Provides all of the "Gross Income Tracking Information" required by
most Accountants. Knowledge of BOOKKEEPING IS NOT NECESSARY! Prints
Invoices, Statements, Labels, Reports, & Invoice/Customer Directories.
Does Acc/Rec Customer Statements automatically. Holds about 1.5
million records. Quickly find any record by ID# or CUSTOMER NAME.
Compact data files, good for smaller disk drives. Very Fast Data
entry. Numbers only - placed into any of 13 Sales Categories (NO
Descriptions). Eleven of the 13 Sales Categories can be "Renamed" to
suit your type of business. Ready to use! No Inventory to type in, no
special forms to purchase. Almost NO program preparation at all. Just
set up "Your" Name/Address/Phone, Sales Tax Rate, etc., and it's ready
to go to work for you. By: BOB KEBER - Shareware - $69
GENERAL INVOICE SALES TRACKER PLUS ("GP"):
INCOME & BILLING program for firms who produce most Invoices from
"Inside" of their own offices, and who need "Descriptive - Computer
Generated Invoices" which contain more than just "Numbers". Provides
all Gross Income information required by most Accountants. BOOKKEEPING
knowledge IS NOT NECESSARY! Prints Invoices, Statements, Labels,
Reports, Invoice Directories & Customer Telephone/Address Books. Does
Acc/Rec Customer Statements (with matching Mailing Labels, or set up
for use with Window Envelopes). Holds about 1.5 million records. Find
any record by PARTIAL NAME or NUMBER. Creates much larger Data files
than "GIST-ORIG", so a Hard Drive is recommended. Saves BOTH the
Numbers & Product/Part/Labor Descriptions. Many Adjustable features
can set up "GP" to fit different business needs and local laws. Like
"GIST-ORIG", "GP" is pretty much "Ready To Go To Work" for you, and
very little program "Set-Up" is required. There are NO extra purchases
required or needed. This package also includes a "Pop-Up" Inventory
program, a Packing List Manager, and a Currency Conversion Program.
Easily adaptable for most business uses. By: BOB KEBER - $89.00
"R-TRIM": (AN ASCII Text File & Source Code Manipulator & Adjuster)
-----------
STANDARD OPERATION: Shortens TEXT Files and ANY ASCII Source Codes by
removing ALL "Trailing" Blanks, Spacebars and NULLS from the right end
of each line of text and from "Blank" lines.
-----------
OPTIONS:
- INSERT or REMOVE a 1 To 9 Space wide LEFT MARGIN (Page Offset)
- Make room for using Report Covers & for Punching Holes for Binders
- Eliminate Excessive "Blank Lines" - MAX of 2 In-a-Row saves paper
- Converts Wordstar "High-Bit" Files to Standard ASCII TEXT Files
- UN-JUSTIFY: Removes Double & Triple Spacebars from between words.
- Run from DOS Command Line or with on-screen HELP & OPTIONS MENUS
- Use WildCard FileNames - Does Multiple Files with one command
-----------
Ideal for Authors & Editors. By: Bob Keber - $10.00
"POP-LABEL" ("P.L."):
A small, fast, "Pop-Up-Window" that will allow you to quickly type up
and print a "Label" (or multiple copies of a Label) for most any
purpose (contents labels, address labels, report cover labels, etc.).
Each Label can hold up to five lines (32 characters per line) of data.
Printed output is straight ASCII Text (Plain Vanilla - without any
"Printer Escape Codes") and should work with most parallel printers.
This program can eliminate many of those label typing sessions still
done on your old typewriter. By BOB KEBER - Shareware - $18.00
TAKE ONE OF THE PROGRAMS ABOVE FOR A TEST DRIVE?
If you would like to "Try" one or more of the above programs, and are
unable to obtain them from your normal software supplier, we will be
glad to send "UnRegistered Evaluation" versions directly to you for a
small fee to cover Shipping & Handling expenses.
ANY 1 PROGRAM = $5
ANY 2 PROGRAMS = $7
ANY 3 PROGRAMS = $9
ANY 4 PROGRAMS = $10
ANY 5 PROGRAMS = $10 (no extra charge)
ANY 6 PROGRAMS = $11
Send us a note stating which program(s) you would like to try.
Please specify the programs by NAME (not just "Send All Programs"). As
time goes by, new programs will be added to this list. That's why we
will need Program Names to properly fill your order. Be sure to include
your Name, Return Address, Telephone and Check. Orders are are usually
shipped within 24 hours of receipt. Make Checks Payable To: "R. KEBER"
ROBERT F. KEBER JR.
336 Swain Blvd.
Greenacres, Florida 33463-3342
(407) 969-3643
If you wish to purchase a "REGISTERED" version of any of the above
programs, send a check for the amount shown at the bottom corner of
each program's description. There is NO Shipping & Handling Charge on
any Registered Version. Florida residents, ADD Sales Tax.
After January, 1993 we suggest that you call us for an updated
price quote BEFORE you send in your order. All prices and features are
subject to periodic changes without notice.
<<<<<<<<<<*************************************>>>>>>>>>>
COPYRIGHT (C) - TypeRight Corporation
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The Term IBM Is A Trademark Of International Business Machines Corp
The Term DOS Is A Trademark Of International Business Machines Corp
The Term QUICK BASIC Is A Trademark Of The Microsoft Corp.
The Term MS/DOS Is A Trademark Of The Microsoft Corp.
The Term EPSON Is A Trademark Of The Epson Corp.