2,000 Greater & Lesser Mysteries

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A S T R O The Program For Astrological Analysis For IBM PC and Compatibles User Manual Effective Date: November 8, 1993 (C) Copyright 1985, 1988-1993 By Christopher J. Noyes T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S : License For Use........................3 Warranty...............................7 Support................................7 New To Astrology?......................8 Introduction to ASTRO..................9 System Requirements to Run ASTRO......12 Notation Used in This Manual..........14 Installing ASTRO......................15 Starting Up ASTRO.....................19 Installing ASTRO......................19 Using Screens & Menus.................22 Installing ASTRO......................22 Quick Reference Guide.................29 Installing ASTRO......................29 Entering and Editing Data.............31 Viewing and Printing the Results......37 ASTRO Utilities.......................41 ASTRO Graphics........................43 Using Options.........................49 Handling Errors.......................59 Glossary of Astrological Terms........62 Glossary of Computer Terms............67 Bibliography..........................70 Page 2 L I C E N S E F O R U S E : Shareware Trial Edition. ----------------------------------------------------------------- WARNING! THIS IS NOT FREE OR PUBLIC DOMAIN SOFTWARE. THIS IS A COPYRIGHTED COMMERCIALLY PUBLISHED PROGRAM. ----------------------------------------------------------------- WHAT IS SHAREWARE? Shareware is a means of register and upgrade. Running a marketing Software at a small business costs money. If reasonable price. Developers of you enjoy using a shareware Software use Shareware to product, either register it or distribute their products using tell the developer what they Shareware because it provides a can do to provide a product minimal advertising cost. that you will register. If you Advertising costs money. In don't register remove the order to market a program on a product from your system and retail basis, a developer don't use it. Shareware is not typically needs to sell a Free or Public Domain Software. minimum of 5000 copies a month. You can't expect timely Shareware circumvents this upgrades and fixes from Free or somewhat and helps provide you Public Domain Software. With a the customer with a good value Product like ASTRO, if you at a much lower price than you register, and you find there would receive from a commercial are problems I will do source. everything I can to see that In order for shareware to the product works well for you. work, If users are actually I will provide you as much using a product, they must assistance as I can. This register. Developers can't unfortunately costs money. I continue to develop and improve can't do it without your products if customers don't registration. ----------------------------------------------------------------- This software is provided minimal level of technical for Trial Purposes Only! The support to any caller who calls purpose of this is to give you asking for help without the user the opportunity to try registration. out ASTRO without having to buy When you register this it in order to try it. program, I will send you the This version allows you to latest version of ASTRO, free use all features of this of limitations and reminders, version unimpaired. You are complete with all utilities. Entitled to Use this Shareware Since this package is Version for Up to 30 days from provided for trial purposes, purchase without Obligation. you may copy the original .ZIP You may not use this version or .LZH files or disks you for any Commercial Purpose. I received as many times as you will attempt to provide a Page 3 wish, and upload, download it The only thing I ask is to to your heart's content. upload or copy the entire This version is provided package intact, in the original in two different versions One ZIP file (provided you got this shipped in .ZIP format files package on a BBS) or disk form, compatible with PKZIP/PKUNZIP, and not change the program or this version is preferred for any of the documentation. BBSs. The other is shipped with Unauthorized alterations a proprietary install program versions to this package will which works with LHA.EXE uses be considered "Pirated" or .LZH compressed files. These hacked. This is to protect you files can be decompressed using the user from receiving a LHA as well. If you wish to damaged files that may damage upload the .LZH version, you your system or disk. The disks should create an archive called I send you once you register AST271-0.LZH containing this program may not be copied, INSTALL.EXE, INSTALL.DAT, and except for archival or backup INSTALL.3. purposes only. ----------------------------------------------------------------- NOTICE: If you wish to use this program for Commercial purposes, Please print out two copies of COMAGRE.DOC, sign and return with the Registration form. Please contact me if you have any questions about this. ----------------------------------------------------------------- THREE REGISTERED VERSIONS There are several different registered packages available at different price levels, depending on what you need or want. There are three different Versions of the Program. All registered versions include the 1200 location Extended Location Database. This contains mainly U.S. and Canadian Locations, but has some other locations as well. In the description of each version I show what will be provided for the registration. Each version comes with free technical support for a limited period of time (stated below). This is the stated minimum period. After that time I will do my best to provide any additional help that you may need. Technical support is provided by phone and by writing. I can also be reached via several BBS systems. See the Support section for details. LITE VERSION A LITE Version which is basically this version. This is mainly provided for beginners, and those who don't need the advantages of the more advanced versions. The LITE version also works on a Two 360k 5-1/4" floppy disk system. If you send $39.95 Page 4 you will get this version. This registration level only provides the disks, No printed manual is provided. Registering this Package entitles you to access to technical support for 90 days. Earlier shareware versions included a Progressed Report and midpoints which were taken out due to lack of disk space. In their place are better graphics printing, and true Astrological Glyphs. If you want these features you will want the DELUXE version Below. FEATURES OF LITE VERSION. * Works With Mice. * Location Database of 1200 * Natal (Birth Reports). Locations. * Compatibility Reports. * Birth Database includes * Transits (or Day To Day) examples, You can add your Charts. own to this database. * Shows Aspect Lines on * Print to Epson and compatible Graphics. 9 and 24 pin printers (B&W * Astrological Glyphs or Letter and Color), HP LaserJet and Abbreviations. DeskJet Printers DELUXE VERSION. A DELUXE Version Which offers all the features that The Lite Version does, but adds more Reports and adds other Features and supports more printers. This version costs $54.95 and Includes a Printed Manual. Most users will find this version best for their needs. Registering this Package entitles you to access to technical support for 90 days. FEATURES OF DELUXE VERSION IN ADDITION TO LITE FEATURES. * Relocation Report With Text The Ascendant, Med Coeli or a Interpretations. House Cusp Should Be, ASTRO * Progression Report With Text can calculate the birth time. Interpretations. * Support for HP PaintJet, and * Composite Report With Text Canon Laser Printers. Interpretations. * Support For Microsoft Word * Solar and Lunar Return and Microsoft Word For Report. Gives Dates and Times Windows and other Windows that Sun and Moon return to Word Processors using .RTF the Natal location. file format. * Midpoints. * Printed Manual. * Advanced Birth Rectification. If you can determine where In addition to these features, for an additional $20, I will send you the Text Source files used to create ASTRO's Text interpretations. These are in ASCII. You can edit these files with any Word Processing program that accepts plain text or ASCII. This package also includes the programs required to build Page 5 these files into ASTRO's Proprietary Indexed Compressed format. This is all controlled by a few batch files which eliminates the need to understand all the details of these programs. As a special Offer, You can order both the DELUXE Program and the Text Source and Compiler's Package for $69.95 a savings of $5. PROFESSIONAL VERSION The third version is a more professional version. This version goes far beyond the features of the DELUXE PROGRAM, in that all the reports can be customized. This version comes with a Printed manual and is packaged in two packages. One which contains the Program itself with the necessary stuff. The second also contains all the stuff to Customize the text and the reports. A New Text Source and Compilers package is supplied with this that makes modifying text and reports easier and more automated. FEATURES PROFESSIONAL VERSION IN ADDITION TO DELUXE. * Totally customize output of * Visual Graphic Chart reports and appearance of Rectification. reports and manner of * Create Cover Page. presentation. * Create Comment Page Files. * Separate Size and Typeface * Heliocentric Chart. for Headlines. * Fixed Stars Chart. * Center Headlines. * Arabic Parts Chart. * Better Handling of He/She in * Progress almost any chart. Compatibility and Composited * Relocate almost any chart. Charts. * Tag Multiple Charts to Print, * Batch Programming Language. Delete Convert. * Macros. * Better Text Printing and * Keyboard Files. conversion, particularly * Save Graphics to .PCX handling of tabs. Graphics. * Supports Publisher's * Graphically Step through Powerpak. Transits. * Better Text Modification. The Professional Program prices at $89.95 for the Basic Professional Package and $119.95 for the entire package including the Text Source Files package which is required to modify text or reports. This package also includes 120 days access to technical support by telephone or other means. The text source files package that accompanies the PRO Program is much easier to use and includes a program which controls the process, rather than a batch file. This makes it easier to control the process and only rebuilds files that have changed. This package also allows you to use the native file Page 6 format of several word processing programs (WordPerfect 4.2, WordPerfect 5.0-5.1, WordStar). By registering you will be entitled to technical support and future upgrades at reasonable prices. If You are in a rush I can notify you of the password for your program till your Updated copy arrives. You may distribute the Shareware version of ASTRO as long as you do not charge more than $5.00 per disk. A lot of hard work went into ASTRO. In order to continue improving ASTRO and providing extensions to it, you must register it. Without your support, I cannot afford to justify the expense and energy necessary, if you will not register and support this product. Thanks in Advance, Christopher J. Noyes Page 7 W A R R A N T Y : If I am unable to resolve any problems you have with ASTRO, once you register it, I will refund your money provided you return all disks and this manual that I shipped you when you register. While every attempt has been made to assure that ASTRO will work properly, I will not be held responsible for any damage, loss of profit, or other losses caused by ASTRO. S U P P O R T If you did not purchase ASTRO Directly from Me, I suggest first trying to get support from the company you bought ASTRO from. If they are unable to solve your problem, I will be happy to help you. For technical support on ASTRO: * Call me at (728) 625-2262 between the hours of 10:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. (EST), any day. If I am not available, please leave a message, I will call you back as soon as I can. * Contact me on Compuserve Mail using the ID 71570,3055. * Contact me on America On-Line using the ID CJNoyesSW. * Contact me on The Internet using 71570.3055@compuserve.com or cjnoyessw@aol.com. * Contact me on ILINK bulletin board systems using the name Chris Noyes. * FAX Me At (718) 625-6766. * Contact me by Mail at the address below. CHRISTOPHER J. NOYES SOFTWARE 144 Union Street--Store A Brooklyn, NY 11231. Page 8 N E W T O A S T R O L O G Y ? To get the most out of this program you will need some understanding of astrology. ASTRO does provide some help in this area via the ASTRO-Helper found in the Utilities menu, and the "Astrological Glossary" in the back of this manual, you will be more able to make use of this program if you do some background reading. I suggest the following reading material: Instant Astrology. By Mort Gale. Published by Warner Books, New York, 1980. Compendium of Astrology. By Rose Lineman and Jan Popelka. Published by Para Research, West Chester PA, 1984. The New Compleat Astrologer. By Derek and Julia Parker. Published in the United States by Harmony Books, a division of Crown Publishers, Inc. Current edition published 1984. The New A To Z Horoscope Maker and Delineator. By Llewellyn George. Revised and Expanded, Revised and Edited by Marylee Bytheriver. Published by Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, Minnesota, Current version Copyright 1981. These Are a few more books that may be good for users with any degree of experience with astrology or with ASTRO. The Houses: Power Places of the Horoscope. Edited by Joan McEvers. Published by Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, Minnesota, Copyright 1989. Planets in Combination. By Lynne Burmyn. Published by ACS Publications, San Diego CA, Copyright 1985. Progressions Directions and Rectification, or the Great Guessing Game...What Time Where You Born? By Zipporah Pottenger Dobyns. Published by T.I.A. Publications, Copyright 1975. The Rising Sign--Your Astrological Mask. By Jeanne Avery. A Dolphin Book, Published by Doubleday, New York, Copyright 1982. Astrological Assistance. By Saul P. Larner. Published By Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, Copyright 1972. The International Atlas, Second Edtion, World latitude, Longitudes and Time Changes. Compiled and Programmed by Thomas G. Shanks. Published by ACS Publications, San Diego, CA, Copyright 1985, 1988. The American Atlas, Revised, US Latitudes and Longitudes. Time Changes and Time Zones. Compiled and Programmed by Thomas G. Shanks. Published by ACS Publications, San Diego, CA, Copyright 1978, 1987 Page 9 I N T R O D U C T I O N T O A S T R O : BACKGROUND. many improvements over earlier ASTRO was conceived of in 1985, versions. Many new features back when I was programming on have been introduced and many a Commodore 128 computer. I other fine spots have been started working on ASTRO out of ironed out. curiosity mostly, and soon got deeply involved. I soon ported WHY USE ASTRO? it over to the IBM PC when I ASTRO The Program for discovered I couldn't get ASTRO Astrological Analysis, or ASTRO to do what I wanted on the for short is a powerful Commodore due to limited tools computer program. Where many available, and the limited astrological computer programs capabilities of the computer. produce accurate results, they The original Version of mostly produce just the numbers ASTRO that appeared on the IBM and the facts. They tell you PC in early 1987 was good at very little about yourself or some things, particularly its others without doing a whole simplicity, speed, and ease of lot of research into the use. It did have some problems 'delineation' or interpretation though. It particularly had of the numbers and the signs. problems for advanced ASTRO is different. ASTRO astrologers and those people is designed to produce a who were very new to computers. textual type of output, It also had problems, primarily consisting of the numbers, text in lack of accuracy and interpreting the results into problems due to not following significant terms. ASTRO also common astrological standards. provides a graphics cartwheel It was good though for people printout as well that helps in who were really only casually understanding the individual's interested in astrology. chart. I got so much feedback ASTRO is excellent for the from more advanced astrologers new astrologer who really that I decided to rebuild ASTRO doesn't understand all the from scratch and resolve the details in interpretation, and majority of their problems. is seeking to learn more, more This version of ASTRO is for about others, more about all intensive purposes a brand themselves. ASTRO provides an new program. The only things excellent learning aide in the kept were some of the text that ASTRO-Helper. I am not was generated, the "ASTRO suggesting though that ASTRO Helper" text, and some of the can totally replace an modes used. excellent astrologers' This release is the third delineation of a highly major release of ASTRO. It accurate chart, it can though breaks major ground and makes Page 10 provide an excellent starting called the Pro version will be point. released. This will offer many ASTRO is also excellent advanced features that only for the experienced astrologer. advanced astrologers will make It can provide charts that use of or will understand. rival those provided by hand or other computer systems. NEW AND ENHANCED CAPABILITIES. There are many improvements in TWO VERSIONS. the deluxe version of this This release of ASTRO is release, as well as the Lite provided in two different version. versions. Both have equal ASTRO has an easy-to-use accuracy and performance. intuitive user interface. It is The Lite version is a limited easy to use, and is much more version that provides most of powerful. This version also the major functions but leaves features support for Microsoft, out many of the advanced and Mouse Systems and mice whose new features that a novice drivers are compatible with won't understand or be able to these. use. This version also will ASTRO has several built in work on a two 360k 5-1/4" databases. One for people's floppy disk system. birth dates, time and places. The Deluxe version provides The other is a database of many new features that the locations, giving all the advanced astrologer may necessary data for understand and make use of. The approximately 100 U.S. cities beginner may have difficulty and approximately 100 foreign with these, or may not need cities. A 1200 city database of them. If you bought the Lite locations (primarily US and version you will be able to Canadian cities) is also upgrade to the Deluxe version available. It can be used to when you are ready. store the locations of your own These are the features birth date, your birth left out of the Lite version location, locations and births and present in the deluxe of all your friends, associates version: midpoints, and other people you do charts progressions, solar and lunar for regularly. returns, relocated charts, This version of ASTRO uses composite charts and enhanced Highly accurate routines to birth rectification. A few generate the planet positions, minor features under utilities house cusps, and aspects. have also been omitted as well. Planetary positions are Each major feature that is accurate to no more than 5 present only in the Deluxe Minutes in Arc. version will be marked in this House cusps can be manual as such. generated using Equal House, M- At some point in the House, Placidus, Companus, and future, a third version, to be Regiomontanus house systems. Page 11 ASTRO also provides the processing formats retain all following: midpoints, and formatting information. aspects to midpoints, along Also introduced in this with decans, midheaven, Moon's version are enhanced printing Nodes, Part of Fortune, Vertex capabilities. This version and East-Point, and other creates reports that utilize important calculations and bold and underscore determinations. Also provided capabilities of your printer, is Birth Rectification, by and screen, along with a which basic houses can be numeric only report format, in roughly determined, even if you case you only want the numbers. don't know a person's exact In the old version your time of birth, and optional day horoscope was only stored in for a year progressions. memory until you chose to view The graphics cartwheel it or print it and it was over- display can be used with any of written when you chose to do many standard graphics adapter another. This version produces and monitor combinations. The all files directly to the disk graphics cartwheel printed on in a special compressed format. the screen can also be printed The names of the files to the printer with built in generated to the disk are kept printer support. in a file list stored on disk ASTRO directly supports and in memory. You can select IBM/Epson compatible printers from many different charts that (9 and 24 pin, B&W and Color) you may have calculated and or HP LaserJet, DeskJet and kept on disk. These charts can compatible printers, but the be marked with comments when setup file can be altered to compiling, that can aid you in support many others as well. determining which chart to look This version also allows you to at, print, convert, or view as convert your horoscope to an a graphics-cartwheel. ASCII text file, or convert If you have a math co- your horoscope to the format processor chip either an 8087, used by WordStar 3.x or 4.x, 80287 or 80387, ASTRO supports WordPerfect 4.x or 5.x, or this chip and producing a XYWrite. The Deluxe Program faster chart, and faster also provides support for graphics drawing when doing the converting to an Microsoft Word graphics cartwheel. If you do RTF type file. not have the math coprocessor, Many word processors are ASTRO will emulate the compatible with at least one of coprocessor. these file formats. Word Page 12 S Y S T E M R E Q U I R E M E N T S T O R U N A S T R O: Though ASTRO is a flexible system and can be run on a number of different type of system setups, it does have some requirements for hardware. 1. Hard Disk and One Floppy COMPUTER AND DOS. disk any capacity. This is ASTRO requires at least an IBM- recommended for the Deluxe PC or at least a close Version. compatible or BIOS Compatible computer running either MS-DOS 2. Two or More floppy disk or PC-DOS version 2.0 or later. drives, either 360k, 5-1/4" Memory. or 720k 3-1/2". Two 360k ASTRO will work on as diskettes are not little as 300k of Free Memory. recommended, and the Deluxe You can determine the amount of version cannot be installed free memory by using the dos on this type of system. program chkdsk. If ASTRO has more memory it will run better 3. One High capacity floppy and faster. ASTRO will take disk drive either 1.2Mb, advantage of any LIM EMS 3.2+ 5-1/4" or 1.44Mb 3-1/2". Expanded memory on a system and These are usually found will use Extended memory (not on either IBM PC-AT or to be confused with LIM EMS or compatibles, or IBM- PC PS2 Expanded memory) as well as LIM models 50-80 systems, or EMS for caching of overlays to other compatibles. There may improve speed be some difficulty in installing the deluxe DISK SETUP. version on the 1.2MB floppy Though ASTRO does not 'Require' as it may not leave much a Hard disk, one is Strongly working room. Recommended though, as it will If you choose to use a 2 enhance performance and speed floppy 360k disk setup, you up operations. Using ASTRO with will only be able to store a two 360k floppy disk drives limited amount of information will be rather difficult and is on a given disk before you have not recommended because of the to erase files. Second you will degree of disk swapping have to swap disks when ASTRO required and charts on disk needs different files. take up a considerable amount of free space. ASTRO requires at least one of the following three possible setups: Page 13 ------------------------------- compatible with the above NOTE: You should be able to standards, though some will not install a limited capacity Hard operate such as the ATI EGA drive (10MB or 20MB) on most Wonder card. The program is any system for under $350, compatible with AT&T graphics though one with more capacity adapters, made by Olivetti, or speed. will cost more. which are generally enhanced ------------------------------- versions of the above VIDEO. standards. To use the graphics capability In order to print the that ASTRO provides, you will graphics cartwheel properly to need one of the following: some printers and EGA or VGA should be "register compatible" 1. VGA (or compatible) graphics with the IBM VGA standard. adapter and digital or There are some that are not analog monitor, either B&W compatible enough. or color. If you are using a 9 pin 2. EGA (or compatible) graphics B&W printer there is a special adapter and enhanced color compatibility "BIOS" mode, that or TTL monochrome monitor. will make use of the code built For Full 640 pixel x 350 into your graphics board, to pixel graphics, that ASTRO get the image from the screen. is capable of supporting you This is code not fast enough will need at least 128K of though for the other printer video memory, some early EGA drivers. cards had only 64k). Printer. 3. Hercules graphics card (HGC) ASTRO directly supports many or mono-chrome graphics different printers, as most adapter capable of emulating printers are compatible with the HGC completely (Many either the Epson/IBM dot matrix Monochrome cards do this printer standard, or are well) and a monochrome compatible with the Hewlett monitor. An IBM Monochrome Packard PCL Standard. Display Printer Adapter ASTRO supports both 9 and (MDPA) will allow ASTRO to 24 pin Epson/IBM compatible run, but won't work with the printers, both B&W and Color. graphics display. A Hercules ASTRO also supports compatible adapter can be Hewlett Packard LaserJet, installed in most systems DeskJet, PaintJet and for under $100. compatible printers, as well as 4. CGA, MCGA (or compatible) the Canon Laser printers. graphics adapter and color Other printers are monitor or monochrome indirectly supported, by the monitor. user typing in codes into data ASTRO is compatible with screens or the graphics setup most compatible graphics file. adapter cards that are Page 14 N O T A T I O N U S E D I N T H I S M A N U A L : This section describes the notation that is used in this manual for your clarification. Words typed in ALL CAPS indicate a file, directory or system command. An ALL CAPS word followed by a colon such as A: indicates a disk drive or output device. A 'Path', is a series of directory names separated by '\' marks and may begin with a drive, or the symbols '..' meaning the previous directory, or '.' meaning the current directory. A path beginning with a '\' indicates a path that starts at the root directory or at the start of the disk. A file you will notice is usually constructed with a 'Name' of up to 8 letters or numbers, a '.' and an up to 3 letter 'Extension'. A key on the keyboard will either be signified by surrounding it with ' and ' such as 'c'. or surrounded by { and } such as {ALT} signifying the ALT key on your keyboard. {Fn} refers the function keys at the top or left of your keyboard, where n indicates a number from 1 to 10 or 12 depending on your system such as {F1} for the F1 key. Notation such as {ALT}+'A' indicates that you hold down the ALT key while pressing the 'A' key. Page 15 I N S T A L L I N G A S T R O : Most people will probably be able to run the install program and go. Though, if you wish to, you can easily change the configuration using the setup function found under the options menu. ################################################################# I M P O R T A N T ! YOU MUST RUN THE INSTALL PROGRAM! Before you start using ASTRO, I suggest that you make backup copies so the original master diskettes are not destroyed or harmed in any way. This way you can make additional copies if the original is damaged. This is particularly important to floppy disk users, though hard disk users will probably want to make a backup as well, and put the original away in a safe place after copying the master diskettes to your hard disk. You should check to see that your CONFIG.SYS file has the following two entries in it. This file is usually found in your root directory or your startup floppy disk. This file can be edited with any editor that will edit and produce a straight ASCII file. The two values should be considered minimum. On most systems you may be able to use more, though check your DOS manual just to be sure. You should have a line in the CONFIG.SYS has the entry FILES=12 and BUFFERS=10. The numbers are not important as long as you have more than these numbers in the file. If these are not present in your file, you should add them or alter them so you have at least these values. If you are using MS-DOS or PC-DOS 2.1 or less you will only be able to set FILES=20 and no more. If you are in the main directory on your startup disk you can see the CONFIG.SYS file by typing TYPE CONFIG.SYS {ENTER} ############################################################### FLOPPY DISK BASICS. second side has not been Floppy disks come in several tested. different varieties, so it is Before any of the important to buy the right type following operations, make sure for your computer, though the the diskette is securely in the brand doesn't really matter as drive before closing the latch. long as you buy a high quality The label on the disk should be diskette. You should usually facing up when you insert the buy "Double Sided" diskettes. disk in the drive. Single sided diskettes are actually two sided, but the Page 16 ------------------------------- FILE COPYING. IMPORTANT: Handle Floppy disks This function allows you to with care, they are easily copy only one file or a few damaged. Never write on a like named files to a disk. You floppy disk with a ball point can also use this function to pen as that can damage the copy all the files on this disk disk. Keep the disk away from to a different type of disk magnetic fields such a TV sets, The general format for the motors, telephones, etc., as copy command is COPY source the disk may be erased by them. [destination] {ENTER}, where Also do not put your finger on source and destination are the the disk area itself and keep source diskette and file name, cigarettes and food away from and destination is the your disks. destination diskette or disk ------------------------------- drive and path. Destination is optional in that if you were DISK FORMATTING. using the A: drive and wanted This function initializes a to copy the file MYCHART.TXT blank disk ready for use by from the B: drive to the A: your computer. drive you would just type COPY To format a floppy disk: B:MYCHART.TXT {ENTER} or COPY At the DOS prompt ("A>" or any B:MYCHART.TXT{ENTER} would be other letter followed by the equivalent. '>' mark. Type FORMAT If you wanted to copy all A:{ENTER}. the files on one diskette to another you would type COPY DISK COPYING. A:*.* B:{ENTER}. You could copy This function will make an all the files with the .EXE exact copy of a floppy disk extension with COPY A:*.EXE that you can use as you would B:{ENTER}, etc. You can also the master. copy all the files beginning To Copy a Disk. At the with the letter 'A' like this prompt with the DOS disk in the COPY A:A*.* B:{ENTER}. drive, type DISKCOPY A: B: {ENTER}. will work even if you INSTALLING. only have one floppy disk, as If you are installing ASTRO on DOS will simulate the use of a floppy disk type system and two disks by using swapping. don't have a hard disk to This function will tell you to install ASTRO on, the following put the source or master into tells you how many disks you the A: drive and the require. If your computer will destination into the B: drive. take the higher capacity disks, If you only have one drive. you I suggest using them. will swap disks later on in the If you are installing process. ASTRO on floppy disks, you should very carefully label the disks Exactly as the install program tells you to. Page 17 DISK SIZE # NEEDED Com-pilers. If You did not *360kb 5-1/4" 5 receive a disk marked "Text 720kb 3-1/2" 3 Source and Compilers", don't 1.2mb 5-1/4" 1 answer Yes. This is an optional 1.44mb 3-1/2" 1 item and is not required. You You will want to backup can purchase this later to both the original Master Disks customize the text and install and your copies particularly if it separately. you are using Floppy Disks. The install program will If you had the shareware ask you if you want to install version of ASTRO, or an earlier the Extended Database. There version of ASTRO on that disk are two databases supplied with or directory delete the setup ASTRO. One is 200 locations and data files by typing ERASE another is 1200 locations. If ASTRO*.DAT {ENTER}. you only have 360k floppies, Insert the disk Marked don't answer yes. "ASTRO Main Program Disk" Into If you already have a copy your disk drive. of ASTRO installed and you want If you inserted the disk to install this copy of ASTRO into your A: Drive you can over that copy the install either log onto that drive by program will ask you if you typing A:, and then typing want to overwrite several INSTALL{ENTER}, and following files. If you have made the instructions. You can also additions to these files and type A:INSTALL{ENTER}. you haven't backed these files If you inserted the disk up, you should not answer yes. into your B: Drive you can If you have chosen to install either log onto that drive by the Extended Database, this typing B:, and then typing process will occur twice as INSTALL{ENTER}, and following ASTRO installs the small the instructions. You can also database system first and type B:INSTALL{ENTER}. overwrites it with the Extended The install program will Database. ask you what type of system you The install program will want to install it on. This ask you if you want to install refers to the number of disk the Documentation. This is a drives you want to install disk version of this manual. ASTRO on. If you are installing ------------------------------- ASTRO on a system with a hard NOTE: If another company's disk, choose 4. You will also install program starts up it is have to choose between two usally because you don't have different installation the right disk in the drive you approaches. The First, Install specified when you type in One Directory is simpler and install, or you haven't logged is suggested. onto the drive before typing The install program will INSTALL. also ask you if you want to ------------------------------- install the Text Source and Page 18 At the end of the install DISK CONFIGURATION. program, you will be asked to If ASTRO finds your current check your CONFIG.SYS file for disk is a High density disk FILES= and BUFFERS=. This is then ASTRO will set you up for not an error. Nothing is wrong. one floppy disk operation that This is just a reminder to will not require swapping. check. If you don't understand If ASTRO finds 3-1/2" 720k this, check with the person who floppies it will setup two installed your system, or disks that may not require disk consult a computer book. swapping. Otherwise it you are using floppies ASTRO will set VIDEO ADAPTER/MONITOR AND COLOR you up to use two 360k floppies CONFIGURATION. that will need to be swapped to When ASTRO starts up it get access to all the files automatically configures itself needed. Because of the complex for the type of video adapter swapping needed ASTRO shouldn't and mon-itor configuration that be run on a single 360k floppy you are using and sets the drive system. screen colors to appropriate If You are using a hard default values. disk, ASTRO will look for ASTRO automatically sets itself, first in the current itself up to use a fast RAM directory, then following the video driver that updates the DOS path variable. If it can't screen in the fastest way find itself it will set you up possible. Some computers will to use the current directory. not operate properly with this configuration. For those KEEPING SAVED FILES. systems, you can change ASTRO If you want to keep reports you to use BIOS compatible routines have generated, you can store for its video. them off-line on floppy disks This can be configured on and copy them back to your User the command line and using the disk or directory when you need Setup screen on the Options them. Use the Scan For Files sub-menu. Default screen colors Not in List to read the files are assigned for your current into the list once they have screen configuration though you been copied, or erase the file can reconfigure the screen ASTFILE.LST from your user disk colors using the Setup Screen or directory and one will be accessed using the Options sub- created. menu. These colors are saved to the setup file ASTROSYS.DAT. Page 19 S T A R T I N G U P A S T R O : You are now ready to start using ASTRO. When you start ASTRO, you will need to be in the directory and logged into the disk that the ASTRO.EXE file is stored on, or have the DOS PATH variable set to that disk and directory. If you are using a hard disk and ASTRO is in the C:\ASTRO directory, and you are in the C: drive, you can do this by typing CD \ASTRO. You would set that BIOS COMPATIBILITY. directory using the command If you are using a computer PATH C:\BIN;C:\ASTRO{ENTER}, that is not closely compatible assuming that your DOS files with the PC-DOS standard for are stored in the directory video displays (e.g. using C:\BIN, and ASTRO is stored in standard MDA, Hercules, CGA, the C:\ASTRO directory. You can EGA, MCGA, VGA or compatible start ASTRO from the DOS type display), you may have to command line prompt by typing use the BIOS compatibility ASTRO {ENTER} and ASTRO start mode. ASTRO will attempt to do up. quick RAM screen writing, when- I don't suggest that you ever possible but this may start up ASTRO using a command cause problems on incompatible line such as C:\ASTRO\ASTRO systems. If you have difficulty {ENTER} as ASTRO may not be with your screen, start ASTRO able to find the setup file with the following command line (ASTROSYS.DAT) if one existed ASTRO -BIOS {ENTER}. at this time. If you are in You can also select this that directory in which case mode from the Setup Screen in you wouldn't need to restate the Options sub-menu. Once you the directory by using the full have started ASTRO once in BIOS path, or if the path variable mode, it will stay in that mode contains the directory that and will use it whenever it ASTRO, and the ASTROSYS.DAT is starts up as long as the ASTRO- in which case you don't need to SYS.DAT file can be found in use the full path as well. the same directory as the I suggest typing CD \ASTRO ASTRO.EXE file, or until it is {ENTER} ASTRO {ENTER} to start changed using the setup screen. ASTRO assuming astro is in your EMS Memory. ASTRO directory. Laptop LCD If you have LIM EMS that Screens. If you are using a you don't wish to use or that laptop computer that uses and is not working correctly, you LCD type screen that does not can tell ASTRO to ignore it by support the normal and bright using the option -NOEMS. If you attributes, you should start have EMS it will help ASTRO's ASTRO in LCD mode using the performance. You may need to -LCD flag. use this if your EMS causes compatibility problems. Page 20 OVERLAY CACHING. CUSTOMIZING THE SETUP. Overlays are portions of ASTRO If you wish to view or which can't all fit into ASTRO customize this information for at once and are kept on disk. your own unique and special ASTRO attempts to keep fre- needs use the Setup Screen on quently used overlays in EMS or the Options sub-menu. If an XMS memory, that saves accesses ASTROSYS.DAT file is found that to disk. is configured for a color You may not be able to use screen and the system is now this feature if your EMS or running on a monochrome mode or Extended memory is monochrome adap-ter card, ASTRO malfunctioning or you are will reconfigure it for mono- currently using extended memory chrome and adjust the screen and you are not using XMS. In colors accordingly. The ASTRO- this case you may get errors SYS.DAT file will then be from ASTRO when you start it saved. up. If for some reason you do FINDING OTHER IMPORTANT FILES. not wish ASTRO to cache over- When ASTRO starts up, it will lays in EMS or Extended memory attempt to find the help file (ASTRO Will only cache overlays ASTROHLP.HLP that is stored in EMS if there is enough free either on the help disk in a memory for it's own use first, floppy disk system, or in the ASTRO's EMS needs take help directory in a hard disk priority) use the option - system. On a 720k floppy type NOCACHE. system this will be on the Main Program Disk. If that file THE SETUP INFORMATION FILE. can't be found, ASTRO will If the setup information file, display an error message called ASTROSYS.DAT can't be telling you that you won't have found (ASTRO searches first in access to the help system. the current directory then the If you get this error, you directories pointed to by the should check as to where the DOS PATH variable), ASTRO will help files were saved and make create it, intelligently sure the setup screen in the setting up for your system as options directory is set it is best able to do from the properly. hardware it finds. For example if you had ASTRO looks for sub- created a multi-directory setup directories called HELP, USER, with the install program and DB and DATA when creating the called the help directory initial setup and uses them C:\ASTRO\HLP, you would need to when possible. If it does not update the setup screen to find these subdirectories, the this. setup defaults to the basic directory and you will have to setup ASTRO. Page 21 When ASTRO is creating its You may also load a mouse default setup, ASTRO looks for driver by loading a program, a directory called HELP other- called MOUSE.COM, (or your wise it sets it to be the same mouse driver's name) either as the main directory. before you start ASTRO or in ASTRO will next attempt to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file on your read the list of compiled chart startup disk in your main or files on disk into memory. This root directory. file is a list of all the files USING HERCULES GRAPHICS created the last session. This ADAPTERS. file is called ASTFILE.LST and If you plan to display graphics is stored on the data disk in a using A Hercules type graphics floppy type system or in the adapter or compatible graphics user directory in a hard disk board, you will need to start type system. If this file can't the program MSHERC.COM before be found it is assumed to have starting ASTRO. To start this been erased by ASTRO, or never program type MSHERC {ENTER}. existed before. Then start ASTRO. ASTRO then reads the file I suggest putting the ASTRODAT .HIS (if it exists). command to start MSHERC either This is the History file, data in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file or that was in the Enter/Edit create a batch file to start screens at the time that ASTRO MSHERC and then ASTRO. The quit last. Then ASTRO reads the batch file I suggest is: file ASTRODAT.DEF (if it COPY CON: AS.BAT exists). This is the default ECHO OFF data. This is loaded every time MSHERC ASTRO starts up. If you want ASTRO certain chart information ECHO ON loaded every time ASTRO starts {F6} (^Z appears on the screen) up save that information to the Then you would type AS{ENTER} file ASTRODAT .DEF, using the to start ASTRO. Save Data To Disk function. USING A MOUSE. If You wish mouse support, your mouse driver must be loaded when you start ASTRO. You may do this using a file called MOUSE.SYS (or your mouse driver's name) that must be in your CONFIG.SYS with a line that reads DEVICE= MOUSE.SYS. Page 22 8087 MATH COPROCESSOR CHIPS. COPY CON: AS.BAT If you are using a computer ECHO OFF with a 8087, 80287, or 80387 SET NO87=1 chip in it and do not wish to ASTRO use it perhaps because of ECHO ON malfunction or other problem {F6} (^Z appears on the screen) you should set the following Then you would type AS{ENTER} option before starting up. At to start ASTRO. If you have a the dos command line type SET math coprocessor and ASTRO NO87=1 {ENTER}. I suggest freezes while compiling a putting this and starting ASTRO chart, this may solve your in a batch file if this is a problem. problem by typing: Page 23 U S I N G S C R E E N S & M E N U S : The user interface of a program basically deals with the screens and menus that you deal with as you use ASTRO. ASTRO features an easy-to-use intuitive user interface. All the menus are structured in a logical way and should be easy to follow. ASTRO works similarly to other programs used on the IBM PC and a person with even some experience using a computer should find it relatively simple to use. This version of ASTRO features support for mice, Mouse Systems, Microsoft and all compatible mice. ----------------------------------------------------------------- I M P O R T A N T I N F O R M A T I O N . Should you have any trouble at any time with this program, there are several things you should remember. In any menu or data screen, you can get help by pressing the {F1} key on your keyboard. The {F1} key is found at the top left of the keyboard on most keyboards. You can back out of any screen or series of screens by pressing the {ESC} or Escape key. The {ESC} key is found at the right side of usual 84 key keyboard to the left of the "NUM LOCK" key and to the right of the {BACKSPACE} or {<-} key. On 101 key keyboards the {ESC} key is usually found at the top left of the keyboard. Pressing this key will get you back to the main menu. If you are in a data screen, you can use the cursor keys ({UP}, {DOWN}, {TAB}, {SHIFT} + {TAB}, and {ENTER}) to move through the fields on a screen. When you want to complete that screen and continue, you have several approaches. If you want to get back to the menu system press the {ESC} key. This cancels your earlier choice. If you ready to continue, either press the {F10} key, or press the {ENTER} key on the last field on the screen. You can at any time print the screen to the standard printer by pressing the {PRINT SCREEN} key on your keyboard. If you are in a field that asks for a Yes/No choice, pressing the word space key will toggle that choice, or pressing Y or N can select one choice or the other. If you are in a field that accepts multiple choices. Press the word space key and you will see a list of choices presented on the screen. You can move the cursor to the correct choice and accept that choice by pressing {ENTER} or {ESCAPE} to keep the choice you had before using the list. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Page 24 MOUSE SUPPORT. validates the data in the If You are using a mouse, you screen and does final will see a mouse cursor on the calculations. screen. This is a rectangular block, that will appear in the MOVING TO A FIELD.. opposite of whatever the As long as you are in a spe- screen's color is. If You move cific screen, you can move to the mouse, you will see it move any other field in a screen by around the screen. moving the mouse cursor to a I am assuming that your field and pressing the Left mouse has at least two buttons Mouse Cursor on that field. The on it. If you have more than Highlight will move to that two buttons such as Mouse screen. Systems, Genius, and Some other mice do, you can ignore the USING A MOUSE IN A MENU. center button. ASTRO will use If You are in a menu screen, the left button and the right you can move to a choice by button. pressing the Left Mouse Button. You must have a mouse Once you are on that choice and driver loaded before starting the choice is highlighted, you astro, see information in the can choose a choice by pressing previous section for more the Left Mouse button. If You information on this. are not on a choice, you can ------------------------------- move the choice around by NOTE: Do not use a mouse menu pressing the Left Button down program. This is unnecessary as and moving the mouse. The ASTRO has full mouse support, highlighted choice will follow and may be easier to use. the mouse movement where ------------------------------- possible. EXITING A SCREEN. You can exit a screen as though USING A MOUSE IN A YES/NO OR you had pressed {ESC}, by SELECTION FIELD. pressing the Right hand mouse In a Yes/No field, you can button. This records a screen toggle a choice from Yes to No as incomplete and does not or No to Yes by pressing the validate and does not do final Left Mouse button on the field. calculations done when pressing In a Multiple Selection {F10} or pressing {ENTER} on field, you can press the left the last line of a screen or on mouse button. This will cause a a menu. menu of choices to be presented If You want to exit a on the screen. Then use the screen as though you had Mouse as you would in a menu pressed {F10}, you can place screen. the mouse cursor over any of the boxes surrounding any USING A MOUSE IN A VIEW SCREEN. screen, and press the Left Hand If you are in a text view Mouse button. This records the screen and you can see one of screen as complete. It the scroll Light arrows at the Page 25 left side of the screen, corresponds to that selection's pressing the Left Mouse button first letter. You will notice on an up-arrow causes the that the highlighted bar moves screen to page up. Pressing the to the next choice along with Left Mouse button on a down- the sub-menu revealing that arrow, causes the screen to main menu selection's sub-menu. page down. You can scroll the ------------------------------- screen, by pressing the Left NOTE: You need to be aware of Mouse button down anywhere on the level of the menu that you the screen but on the borders are on. There are two menu or arrows and moving the mouse levels. The Top level, and the up or down. Bottom Level. When you are in the Top Level, you will need to THE MAIN MENU SYSTEM. select an entry before being Once the title screen is able to choose a Bottom Level cleared you will see the main Entry. Press {ESC} to access menu screen. This screen is the Top Level Menu. composed of a horizontal box ------------------------------- with words inside it connected To choose that main menu to a box beneath. choice and entering the sub- The horizontal bar is the menu, press the {ENTER}, or the main menu. The box beneath is {DOWN} cursor key. the sub-menu. At the bottom of You will notice that the the screen is a prompt line highlight has moved to the sub- that is used to remind you of menu. You can only get to a frequently used keystrokes that sub-menu by selecting a main- you can use at this time. menu choice. The highlight will ------------------------------- move to the last sub-menu NOTE: You should also notice choice you used last, making that the choices on the main repeated choices easier. menu are arranged primarily in You can select the sub- a logical progression, i.e. menu choice you wish by using you will need to "Enter Data" the cursor keys ({UP}, {DOWN}, before you "Compile Chart", {HOME}, {END}), or by pressing and you will need to "Compile the key corresponding to that Chart" before you print one, choice. If you want to move to etc. The exceptions to this another main menu choice and rule is the "Options" and its corresponding sub-menu, use "Utility" menu choices. these the left or right cursor keys. are placed near the end since If you chose to use the they are used less often than first key method, the system the others. will automatically accept your ------------------------------- choice and start that oper- You can select any main ation. Though if you use the menu topic by either selecting cursor keys you will need to it using a cursor key ({LEFT}, press the {ENTER} key to select {RIGHT}, {HOME} or {END}), or your choice and start the by pressing the key that operation in question. At any Page 26 point in the main menu and sub- learn some basic information menu system, you can get help about astrology. This is by pressing the {F1} key. accessed through the "Utility" ------------------------------- main menu. - GETTING HELP. VIEW ASTRO-HELPER FILE. As was stated earlier, you can This option allows you to get help at any time while you select a topic to view and view are entering or editing data or that information. You will see you are in a menu system by a menu that you can use to pressing the {F1} key. This select from a list of topics to will search the help database view. Select your choice using for information on that topic the cursor keys ({UP}, {DOWN}, and show it on the screen. {HOME}, and {END}) or press the The help screen shows you key corresponding to the first the purpose, and meaning of a character of a choice. data entry field or menu choice Press the {ENTER} key to and can give you suggestions as accept that choice and a view far as its intended use. At the screen is drawn on the screen bottom of the help screen you showing you information about will see a one or more this topic. You can scroll highlighted choice. through this text as you would The choice that has black with a word processor using the letters on a gray or white cursor keys ({UP}, {DOWN}, background is usually your {PGUP}, {PGDN}, {HOME} and "Cursor" (that can be changed {END}). Press {ESC} to exit however), and indicates the this selection. choice you have selected. You can see help PRINT ASTRO-HELPER FILE. associated with that choice by This option allows you to pressing the {ENTER} key. You select a topic and print it out can move the "Cursor" around to your printer or a file for using the cursor keys ({UP}, future printing. You will see a {DOWN}, {LEFT}, {RIGHT}, {HOME} menu on which you can select and {END}). If you want to go from a list of topics to view. back to a screen you viewed Select a choice using the earlier press the {BACKSPACE} cursor keys ({UP}, {DOWN}, or {<-} key on your keyboard. {HOME}, and {END}) or press the You exit the help system key corresponding to the first by pressing the {ESC} key, character of a choice. which returns you to either the Press the {ENTER} key to main menu or the screen that accept that choice and a print you were working on. screen is presented. Leave the first field ASTRO-HELPER ASTROLOGICAL HELP blank if you want to print out SYSTEM. to your printer, otherwise type ASTRO is equipped with a helper the name of the file to save that the beginner can use to to. Page 27 Change the width and left You will notice that one indent fields if you want to. field on the screen is high- Normally every page but the lighted. This is where the first has a header, you can cursor is located, but in though select to put a header certain types of fields the on the first page also. If you cursor is not visible. If you are printing to the printer, are using a color display you you can ignore the last field will notice that the fields on and just press {F10} to the screen are differentiated continue. The last field is from the rest of the screen, so used for printing to files, you can see where the fields where you might want to create are. If you are using a one big file on disk to print monochrome monitor, the fields later. will not be differentiated, but If you change the values the field the cursor is no will on this screen your new values be in reverse video. will be saved to the setup file for future use, though if you MOVING AROUND entered a file name it will not You can move from field to be saved, though a LPT1:, field using the keys ({UP}, LPT2:, LPT3:, COM1:, etc. {DOWN}, {TAB}, {SHIFT} + {TAB}, designation will be saved. and {ENTER}). In addition these keys can help you navigate your DATA ENTRY SCREENS. way around a larger screen: ASTRO uses data entry screens {CNTRL}+{HOME} Left-Most Field to get information about the {CNTRL}+{END} Right-Most Field person, or the horoscope you {CNTRL}+{PGUP} First Field are working on, or other {CNTRL}+{PGDN} Last Field information. Most of these screens are consistent in FIELDS. format and operation. If you are in a field that accepts a limited range of Each screen has a title at numeric or character values, the top left that indicates the such as date and time fields, type of information that the you won't be allowed to leave screen is asking for. You will that field till you satisfy notice at the bottom of the that field's requirements. When screen a line of text. This is you are in most field types, a prompt. This will give you you can move around in that valuable information as to what field using the cursor keys ASTRO expects in each field, ({LEFT}, {RIGHT}). and the limits of that data. In insert mode in which This changes as you move from you will see the 1/2 block field to field. It also cursor, characters you type are displays an error if you enter inserted, otherwise they are the wrong information or your overwritten. You can delete information is invalid. characters with the {DEL} key and the {BACKSPACE} or {<-} Page 28 key, that also could be marked the key corresponding to the {BS}. first letter of your choice. There are also fields that Repeated pressing of that accept a range of answers. key will cycle through all the First Press the Space Bar. Then possible choices available. If a list of choices will be shown you see an up arrow or down on the screen. You can now move arrow at the left side of the the highlite with the cursor screen then you can scroll keys or select one using the through the list. These are first letter. Use the Enter Key called "Scroll Lights". These to select an entry. indicate if there are any more In fields that accept a choices off the screen. Press "Yes" or "No" answer you can the {ENTER} key to select your select the answer by pressing entry and that data is read either 'Y', 'N' or the space from the database. bar (caps or lower case). In the case of the location fields, the data will DATABASE FIELDS. only be read from the database In the "Info" type of field once you have used the popup such as "Birth Info", several screen on the location field fields have databases attached. itself. The location fields are The first field (Person's Name) "Hierarchal" meaning that first has a database of birth dates you select a country, then you attached to that field. will see all the states or Through that database, you regions available from that can save the entire contents of country, and after you select this screen, by name, for that state or region, you can whoever you wish to enter. The see all the locations in that birth location (Country, State region. of Region and Location) fields ------------------------------- also have a database attached NOTE: In order for a name or to them, this only one having location to be in the popup the location related data such screen, it must be first added as longitude, latitude, and to the database, using the time zone. You can instantly database menus and the "Make access these database by using Popup" function from the the 'Popup Screen'. "Utility" menu must have been run to update the popup list. POPUP SCREEN. If an entry has not been Where a popup screen is added to the popup list, you available (see the prompt at can still make use of that the bottom of the screen for record in the database by availability), you can press entering the name in the proper the {F2} key to call it up. You field and calling the proper can select an entry from this database menu. When you receive list by using the cursor keys ASTRO, default popup files have ({UP}, {DOWN}, {PGDN}, {PGUP}, already been created for you. {HOME}, {END}), or by pressing ------------------------------- Page 29 FINDING INFORMATION IN THE ------------------------------- DATABASE. To access the birth When the database finds database, either press the {F3} information it ignores case, so key or press {ALT} + B. This you can type the name ALL CAPS database uses the person's name or all lower case or anything field as the key to the data- in between and you will have no base. A key is used to find the trouble finding the data you information you want. want. To access the location You can also find partial database, either press the {F4} data in the database by key or press {ALT}+L. This entering just part of it. If database uses a combined key you were looking for a person's made up of the country, state birth-data and didn't quite and location fields. remember the spelling of their ------------------------------- last name you could enter what NOTE: Serious users will want you remembered of the last to consult a serious reference name. Suppose you had "John such as The American Atlas or MacNeil" in your database and The International Atlas wanted to find his data you published by ACS Publications could enter "John", "John M", of San Diego, CA, for exact or "John Mac" and might find birth location and applicable the information depending on time zone data. how many other entries were in ------------------------------- the database that were similar. LEAVING/FINISHING A SCREEN. ------------------------------- At some point you will want to NOTE: These databases do not either escape from a screen or allow more than one identical finish and continue. If you entry with the same key field. want to escape from the screen ------------------------------- that you are working with, DATABASE MENUS. press the {ESC} or the escape The databases have menus that key on your keyboard. you can use to access, infor- ------------------------------- mation, add records, update NOTE: If you press {ESC} in one records, and delete records. of the birth or date data There is a database menu for related screens, you will have the birth database and there is to complete that screen before a menu for the location ASTRO will allow you to compile database. that chart. When you want to ------------------------------- complete a screen and continue, NOTE: These databases have no you have several approaches. connection to the file list Either press the {F10} key, or that files that you compile press the {ENTER} key on the turn up in. In order for last field on the screen. information to be added to ------------------------------- these databased, you must add Pressing {F10} or pressing them to the databases and run {ENTER} on the last field the Make Popups utility signifies to ASTRO that the Page 30 screen is complete. That tells List Entry choice in the ASTRO that your data is Utility Menu. You use this accurate and ready to go. If screen to select a chart to you have just completed a date display. This operates like a data screen, ASTRO will check menu and you can use the normal the data that you have entered cursor keys to move around this to verify that the date and screen. You will note that the time you have entered are prompt displays in long form valid. It will look to see if the type of file the cursor is you have entered a valid date, currently on. If you see the checking for a date such as "Scroll Lights" then there are 2/30/1980 which would be more entries than this screen illegal since February never can show at once, and you can has a 30th. It also knows about scroll through them. leap years and can determine if You can also access a the year given is a leap year choice using the first char- or not. If your data is acter of the entry. Repeated incorrect, ASTRO will give you pressing that character cycles a warning message, and will put you through all the possible you back at the first illegal choices available. Select a entry in the date screen. choice by pressing the {ENTER} key. FILE LISTING. This screen will show you all TEXT VIEW SCREEN. the files that you have created This type of screen allows you this session or have kept from to view text as though you had a previous session. It contains it in a word processing the person's name that you program, though you can't edit assigned to it, contents and this text. You can scroll type of chart created. This through this text using the information prints in the cursor keys ({UP}, {DOWN}, headers on printouts, but is {PGUP}, and {PGDN}) keys. You mainly for your information to can instantly reach the end of help you keep track of all your the file by pressing the files. Having these files handy {CNTRL}+ {PGDN} keys or reach are useful for you so that you the beginning by pressing the can see other people with {CNTRL}+ {PGUP} keys. Exit this similar charts and make screen by pressing the {ESC} comparisons. key. You can edit any of these entries using the Edit File Page 31 Q U I C K R E F E R E N C E G U I D E This is a quick step-by-step guide to how to produce the charts that ASTRO is capable of producing. HOW TO DO A BIRTH (NATAL) Now repeat the first two CHART. steps using the Compatibility Choose the Enter/Edit Main Information Screen and the Com- Menu. Choose the menu choice patibility Birth Rectification "Birth Info". Fill in the Screen for the second person. information on the screen. Use Move over to the Compile the Location or birth database, Menu. Choose "Compatibility", see below for information, when or choose "Composite" Fill in finished, press {F10} to the information about the Complete. chart. Choose the menu choice "Birth *Rectification". If you HOW TO DO TRANSITS CHARTS. know the person's birth, answer For example we want to know how "Yes" to the First Question, the coming week will be for us. then press {F10}. the rest of Choose the Enter/Edit Main the information on this screen Menu. Choose the menu choice is applicable only if you don't "Birth Info". Fill in the know the birth time. information on the screen. Use Move over to the Compile the Location or birth database, Menu. Choose one of the charts. see below for information, when For Example, choose "Birth finished, press {F10} to Signs, Houses & Aspects." Fill Complete. in the information about the Choose the menu choice chart "Birth Rectification". If you How To Do A Compatibility or know the person's birth, answer Composite Chart. "Yes" to the First Question, Choose the Enter/Edit Main then press {F10}. the rest of Menu. Choose the menu choice the information on this screen "Birth Info". Fill in the is applicable only if you don't information on the screen about know the birth time. the first person. Use the Loca- Choose the menu choice tion or birth database, see "Transits Info". Fill in the below for information, when information about the first finished, press {F10} to date you wish to analyze. Rough Complete. location and time of day help Choose the menu choice to localize the chart and make "Birth Rectification". If you it more exact. For this example know the first person's birth, we enter Monday's date and our answer "Yes" to the First present location. Question, then press {F10}. the Choose the menu choice rest of the information on this "Transits Data". Fill in the screen is applicable only if number of charts to do. For you don't know the birth time. this example we want to do 7 Page 32 charts, one for each day of When in the Birth Info, Compat- this week. Choose the Starting ibility Info, Transits Info Planet to include. I suggest screen, or Relocation Data the Sun. Choose the Ending screen, move to the Country Planet to include, since the field. Press {F2}. Select a outer planets don't move very Country. Press {ENTER}. Press often, don't include them. I {F2}. Select a State or Region suggest using Venus or Mars as (all the states or regions on the ending planet. Enter the file within the country are period between charts. In this shown).Press {F2}. Select a example, we would enter 0 Location (all the locations months and 1 day, which will do within the State or region 7 charts each one day apart. within the selected country are Move over to the Compile shown). All the information Menu. Choose "Transits." Fill about the country will be in the information about the filled in. chart. HOW TO ADD LOCATION INFORMATION HOW TO GET A PERSON'S TO THE DATABASE. INFORMATION FROM THE DATABASE. When in the Birth Info, When in the Birth Info, Compatibility Info, Transits Compatibility Info or Transits Info screen, or Relocation Data Info screen, and on the "Name" screen, fill in the infor- field, Press {F2} and select. mation for the location. Press How to Add A Person's Birth {F4}. A Menu will appear. Information to the database. Select "Add". Once complete, go When in the Birth Info, Com- to the Utilities menu and pick patibility Info or Transits "Make Popups" Info screen, fill in the infor- mation in the birth screen. HOW TO GET INFORMATION FROM AN Press {F3}. A Menu will appear. EARLIER COMPILED CHART. Select "Add". Once complete, go Go to the Utilities Menu. to the Utilities menu and pick Choose "Read File into Birth "Make Popups" Data". The information will be put back into the screens that HOW TO GET A LOCATION FROM THE the information came from LOCATION DATABASE. originally. Page 33 E N T E R I N G & E D I T I N G D A T A : You will use the main menu option "ENTER/ EDIT DATA" to enter information on the dates in question and other data for transits, progressions, returns, etc. Most of the questions asked and information you will need to enter is pretty self-explanatory, you can get information for each field by pressing {F1} or from the prompt at the bottom of the screen. This is how to use these screens: BIRTH INFO. NOTE: Beware entering times Use this screen to enter the around Noon and Midnight! main birth data needed for Serious users will want to doing a birth or Natal consult a serious reference horoscope. Enter the data on such as The American Atlas or this screen that indicates The International Atlas person, birth date and time, published by ACS Publications place and geographic latitude of San Diego, CA, for exact and longitude as well as time birth location and applicable zone and adjustment. time zone data. This field has two ------------------------------- powerful databases attached to Use the Time Zone field to the Name, Country, State or set the proper time zone for Region, and Location fields. If the person in question. Try to you press {F2} you will call up be certain as possible because a list of available choices in this is crucial and some the database. If you wish to locations differed from one add information to the data- year to another, and in some bases, fill in the information locations, time zones change on the screen and press {F3} between town and county lines. for the birth database menu and If You don't know the time zone {F4} for the location database but do know the offset from GMT menu. You can use these menu to select Other. add, delete and replace Use the Special Code Field information in the databases. to set the proper special time In order for the lists that you code field. Try to be certain see when you press {F2} to be as daylight time changes from updated, you need to run "Make year to year, and is different Popups" in the Utility Menu. between towns, counties and It is important to know as states. If You don't know this much information about the zone but you know how the time person who you are going to is affected, choose Other. analyze as far as birth time, If you did not select date and place of birth as well Other in the Time Zone and as the prevailing time zones Special Code fields, the GMT being used at the time. field will be filled in for ------------------------------- you. You won't be able to override this field unless you Page 34 had set the other two fields to Other. The adjustment for War Time, Daylight Savings Time, etc. is added to the basic GMT offset. Locations West of Greenwich are have positive GMT offsets, East, negative GMT offsets. Page 35 ------------------------------- Use this screen to enter NOTE: Enter only the normal the date for your transits clock offset from GMT, such as computation. This operation Eastern Standard time is 5 uses your the birth info and hours from GMT. ASTRO makes the this screen to do the transits minor fine adjustments to GMT along with the next screen. for you. Enter the data on this screen ------------------------------- that indicates place, date and MOUSE USERS.When the time, place and geographic highlighted field is the Name latitude and longitude as well field, the Country field, State as time zone and adjustment. or Region field, or the Loca- The information entered into tion field and the mouse cursor this screen does not need to be is on that field. Pressing the as exact as for the above Left Mouse button will bring up screens. the scrolling list as though See the Birth Info screen you had pressed {F2}. for more information on this screen. COMPATIBILITY INFO. ------------------------------- Use this screen to enter the NOTE: This screen indicates a data for your partner. The starting point for a series of compatibility operation uses transits. ASTRO calculates the birth info screen as well transits as a series of charts, as this screen to get the a certain period apart. information needed to do your ------------------------------ compatibility chart. Enter the TRANSITS DATA. data on this screen that This screen is used with the indicates person, birth date "Transits Info" screen and the and time, place and geographic Birth Info screen to do latitude and longitude as well transits chart. This screen as time zone and adjustment. It allows the program to calculate is important to know as much a series of transit charts at information about the person one time for a specific period who you are going to analyze as of time and a specific interval far as birth time, date and period. This will allow ASTRO place of birth as well as the to work with only a specific prevailing time zones being range of planets. used at the time. See the Birth If you are doing transits Info Screen for more one day apart, you will want to information. narrow your planet selection to Sun - Mars. If you are doing TRANSITS INFO. transits one week apart, you Transits compares the planet will want your planet range to positions for a series of be Sun - Mars and you will want future dates to your birth to more or less ignore the Moon planet positions, and tells you as the moon makes significant about the events at hand. changes every day. The outer planets change houses and Page 36 change transiting aspects much You can choose Flat Chart more slowly. which sets your Ascendant and first house cusp to be 0 BIRTH RECTIFICATION. degrees Aries. You can also try Use this screen if you do not Sunrise Birth time, and enter know the exact birth time of the best guess of the the person you are using for appropriate sunrise time. This primary birth data. Enter what is similar to Trial and Error. you do know, or select how to This frequently works since calculate the chart to get the many people are born near best results, even though you sunrise. don't have the exact NOTE: If you are using Flat information. If you know the Chart or Solar Chart, you exact birth time you don't need should use 12:00 AM for the this chart, so answer Yes and Trial Birth time. exit the screen by pressing {F10}. COMPATIBILITY BIRTH If You don't know the RECTIFICATION. exact birth time, you have If you do not know the exact several different choices. You birth time of the person you can choose Trial and error, are using for compatibility which means you try a given birth data, use this screen to time and see how it fits the enter what you do know or how individual and you try it again to calculate the chart to get till you get what you want. the best results even though You can choose Solar Chart you don't have the exact which sets your Ascendant and information. See the above first house cusp to be the same material for more information. as your sun sign. Page 37 C O M P I L I N G C H A R T S : Now that you have entered your data into the data screens, you are ready to compile a horoscope. With exception of the first choice, (Default Chart) they are grouped from simpler to more difficult in terms of data. The later charts produce more data and more text (with exception of the Compatibility, Transits, and Progressions, Returns, Relocations or Composite options). The simpler ones may be better for a person with less experience in understanding astrology, though with some practice and learning, most of the information on the charts will be useful. The Progressions, Returns, were options in the previous Relocations, and Composite mode are now standard in the charts may be more useful for next mode. users who have more astro- logical background. DEFAULT CHART. Certain aspects of these This mode produces a chart that charts will be based on the directly reflects the contents Options screens in the Options of the options data. The chart sub-menu. There is an option that this mode produces is a screen for each of the major rather complete one, and is chart types, though most of the suggested that it be used only information will be adequate for advanced astrologers. You without changing the data in can customize this mode by these screens. changing the options screen. With all these options, The most powerful aspect of you will be asked to fill in this mode is that you can information to mark the file practically create a custom entry with for this chart. This horoscope setup as your default information will help you treatment and use it as a identify this chart in the file default all the time if you listing. You may edit or change wish. this information as you wish, ------------------------------- with exception for the type NOTE: For this type of chart, field which is for your you need to fill in the Birth information only, and not to be Info Screen and the Birth changed. Rectification Screen. Once you have compiled a ------------------------------- chart you can change the name and comment lines as well. This BIRTH SIGNS ONLY. information will help you keep This is the least complex mode track of what you have on file. available. It provides only You will notice that in information on the individual most of these modes each mode planets locations in the zodiac add one or more options to it. at a given point in time, along One or more of the items which with descriptive text about Page 38 them (this can be turned off ------------------------------- from the options screen). You NOTE: For this type of chart, will also find a summary which you need to fill in Both the you can turn off from the Birth Info Screen and the Birth options screen also. Rectification Screen. ------------------------------- ------------------------------- NOTE: For this type of chart, you need to fill in the Birth COMPLETE CHART. Info Screen and the Birth This mode adds the miscel- Rectification Screen. laneous calculations that are ------------------------------- optional in the last section. In this selection, if midpoints BIRTH SIGNS & HOUSES. are activated using the options This mode provides all the screen, they will be used. Note information as does the previ- no text is generated for the ous one does, but adds the midpoints and midpoint aspects. house information. This pro- ------------------------------- vides the houses that each NOTE: For this type of chart, planet falls, and descriptive you need to fill in Both the text about each one. This also Birth Info Screen and the Birth provides the coordinates of Rectification Screen. each house cusp for your infor- ------------------------------- mation. Also provided is in- formation on which signs the COMPATIBILITY CHART. various house cusps fall in, This mode calculates a compati- and text describing what each bility chart. means to you. The compatibility chart ------------------------------- is calculated from the compar- NOTE: For this type of chart, ison of two full charts. Basi- you need to fill in Both the cally this mode calculates Birth Info Screen and the Birth aspects between the two charts, Rectification Screen. and which house of one partner, ------------------------------- the other's planets are located in, and vice versa. BIRTH SIGNS, HOUSES & ASPECTS. It also calculates a Use this mode if you want to special summary comparing the add aspects to your chart. This two individuals based on the will produce aspects between summary. As with all the other all major points and produce modes, ASTRO produces text text about each. You can also describing the influences of add other miscellaneous calcu- all the information described. lations into this type of printout from the options screen. This information is on top of all the information provided by the other two options. Page 39 ------------------------------- interval between that date and NOTE: For this type of chart, the next date. The dates and you need to fill in the Birth times in the Transit Info Info Screen and the Birth screen don't have to be as Rectification Screen for the exact as the birth screens main subject and Compatibility require, and time and exact Info Screen and Compatibility latitude and longitude are Rectification Screen for the optional, but they do help subject's partner. refine the data. ------------------------------- ------------------------------- NOTE: For this type of chart, TRANSITS CHART. you need to fill in the Birth This mode calculates a series Info Screen and the Birth of transit charts. The transit Rectification Screen for the charts are calculated from the subject along With the Transits comparison of a birth chart and Info Screen for the first date a transit chart. ASTRO calcu- and Transits Data Screen. lates a series of charts based ------------------------------- on a starting date and a date Page 40 V I E W I N G & P R I N T I N G T H E R E S U L T S : ASTRO has several different ways of printing or viewing the results which are available through the "VIEW/PRINT" main menu selection. All of these procedures rely on the file list that was described in the User Interface section. The file list is a list of files created by ASTRO in this session or kept from another session. This can be erased when ASTRO ends or can be saved. Every time you compile a chart a new file is added to this list. This list is limited only by disk space, and memory, and available space on disk to keep the reports until they are erased. ------------------------------- VIEWING CHART. NOTE: This function can only This selection allows you to display a file with a maximum view a chart in text form on expanded size of 65,530 bytes. your computer display monitor. If a file is too long the file To use this selection, pick the will be clipped to 65,530 bytes file you want to from the file in length. Some midpoint with list and press the {ENTER} key aspects displays may cause to view that choice. problems with this limitation. ASTRO will then read that Note that this limitation is file into memory and decompress also dependent on your system's it (ASTRO charts are stored in available memory. If you don't a special compressed format to have 128k bytes left when you save space on disk). want to display a large chart, The text is wrapped to the you will get an Out-of-Memory width of the display box and error. You are limited to displayed. Text is displayed displaying a file that with attributes similar to how (expanded) takes up 1/2 your they would be printed on a available free memory or 65,530 printer. bytes whichever comes first. This function allows you Mouse Users. You can scroll to view the text as though you this screen by pressing down were using a word processing the Left Mouse button and program, though you can't edit moving the mouse up to scroll this text. You can scroll up and down to scroll down. If through this text using the you wish to page up and down cursor keys ({UP}, {DOWN}, through the file, you can do {PGUP}, and {PGDN}) keys. You this by positioning the mouse can instantly reach the end of cursor over the Scroll Light the file by pressing the Arrows at the left of the {CNTRL}+{PGDN} keys or reach screen and pressing the Left the beginning by pressing the Mouse button. The up pointing {CNTRL}+{PGUP} keys. Exit this arrow causes a page up and the screen by pressing the {ESC} down pointing arrow causes a key. page down to happen. Page 41 ------------------------------- output at the start of the PRINT REPORT. printout to initialize the This selection lets you print printer for such options as out the text report to your print quality, page depth, and printer or to a disk file for font, line spacing and other later printing. ASTRO formats important data. the text for output, giving you Also defined in the Setup a variable left margin (that screen is the page depth. this you can set) and wraps the text is the maximum number of text to whatever width you like. A lines that can be printed on header is printed from the file one page. Usually you take the list information on every page maximum printable lines on the but the first. paper and subtract five lines You should setup your for the top of the top and printer in the Printer Setup bottom margin. Screen before choosing this To use this selection, option. pick the file from the file If you want the header list that you want to printout. printer on the first page, you Press the {ENTER} key to print can select that option on the the file. You will see a screen print screen. The output is asking you for information on printed Using text attributes how you want the report such as underline and bold printed. (double-strike) etc, and is If you want to print the directly compatible with Epson file to your main default and IBM Printers, or HP printer, just leave the first LaserJet or DeskJet but is field blank. The output will be configurable for any type directed to your system's printer. current default printer. If you If you are using a HP wanted to print to your second LaserJet or DeskJet Printer or printer or LPT2:, you would compatible ASTRO can take enter LPT2. You can enter any advantage of many cartridge or valid DOS device currently internal fonts you own. used. The pages are You can also direct the intelligently broken. If a printout to a disk file. To paragraph would spill over onto direct it to a disk file or a new page then the entire device, enter the file or paragraph is printed on the new device name. If you just enter page, making the printout the disk file without the easier to follow. The resulting directory, the file will be printout can be printed to any saved to the user directory. If legal DOS device. You can also you enter the full file name print to a file for later starting with the disk name or printing. the initial '\' root path, the In the Printer Setup file will be directed to that screen you can define a printer directory and file name. If you control string which will be entered a device name such as Page 42 LPT2:, you would not enter the saved to the setup file for colon at the end. future use, though if you You can select whatever entered a file name it will not text width and left margin you be saved, though a LPT1:, want to. The text width field lPT2:, LPT3:, COM1:, etc. can range from 40 to 160 designation will be saved. columns wide. This is just the text width, not including the CONVERT REPORT TO TEXT. left or right margin. The left This selection allows you to margin can vary from zero to 40 convert an ASTRO file to many columns wide. different types files that most ------------------------------- any text editor or word NOTE: The Left Margin and Text processing program can operate Width (for proportional spacing on. This will allow you to edit fonts such as are used on the the converted file and make HP LaserJet, refer to a 10 whatever changes you wish to character per inch column. before printing or whatever you ------------------------------- wish to use it for. Normally ASTRO prints a You can convert a file to header on every page but the either ASCII, WordStar 3.x or first. Most of the information 4.x, WordPerfect 4.x or 5.x, that the header reflects is XYWrite, or if you are using printed on the first page the Deluxe version, Microsoft anyway. You can change this to Word RTF (Rich Text) format. print the header to the first ASCII and XYWrite files can page if you want. also be saved without any soft If you are printing to the line breaks you can rebreak the printer, you can ignore the file easier when you read it last field on the screen, and into your word processor, since just press the {ENTER} key on soft and hard line breaks are the last field or {F10} to the same. These files are saved print the file. If you are with all attributes intact. printing to a disk file the ------------------------------- last field is important. ASTRO NOTE: Files saved in will either append this WordPerfect format will not printout to an existing file or have their column width, left open a new file with this name. margin, printer, default font, If this file already exists and or other document or default the file is opened, then the specific information saved to existing file is overwritten. the file. These will be written Select either choice and to the file when you save it continue. from WordPerfect. You can press the {ESC} Files saved in WordStar key at any time while the format will not have any font printout is being printed, and or printer setup information the printout will stop. Note if encoded in them. They will be you change the values on this formatted as though for a screen your new values will be default dot matrix printer. Page 43 This will be saved to the file graphics display. To use this when you save from WordStar. function, you will select a Files saved in XYWrite file from a file screen, as you format have no printer, font, would if you want to view a or setup information encoded in file or print out a file. them. You may need to read a When you view a graphics Insert a file into your default cartwheel for a compatibility, document to use it in XYWRITE. transits or progression, The ------------------------------- first The files saved using this person's chart will be seen in function are entirely the outer circle, and the unformatted without page breaks second person or date will be or headers. This file is though seen in the inner circle. wrapped to whatever text width You can exit the graphics you wish, and has a left by pressing {ESC}. If you press margin, making it easier for any other key you will select a your word processing program to menu from which you can chose work with. options. If you are converting to Use the "Setup Graphic ASCII, The Text Attributes are Display" screen to configure translated into strings that and customize the appearance of your can change from the "Word this graphics screen. Processing Conversion Screen". This function operates PRINT GRAPHICS CARTWHEEL. almost exactly like the Print This is similar to the previous Report function with a few choice, though this one goes minor exceptions. The first directly from drawing the being that you will need to screen to printing it out on enter a file name in the file your printer. You must have name field. It won't operate setup your printer in the without a file name. The second "Setup Graphics Modes & Print- is that one the printout has ing" screen in order to do begun, you can't stop it by this. pressing the {ESC} key. The conversion takes very little ------------------------------- time so shouldn't pose a NOTE: This option draws the problem. screen as indicated by the ------------------------------- Information you enter in the NOTE: If you change the Width, "Setup Graphics Display" Left Margin or Conversion on screen. You won't have an his screen your new values will opportunity to change the be saved to the setup file for screen. future use. ------------------------------- ------------------------------- KILL FILE IN FILE LIST. VIEW GRAPHICS CARTWHEEL. This selection allows you to This selection will display kill an ASTRO text output file a graphics cartwheel on a or an ASTRO graphics data file. Page 44 You would use this function to respond 'Yes', and press erase files on your disk, so return. If you don't want to you can have room on your disk delete the file, either respond for more files, particularly if 'No' or press {ESC} to exit. you are using floppy disk Note you see the files name. drives. This is important as well if you wish to leave files EDIT FILE IN FILE LIST. standing in your file list when This option will allow you to you shut down ASTRO, but do not edit the information in the wish to save all the files. file list, if for example you To use this function, you forgot to enter a comment and would select a file from the later wanted to put one in or file list. ASTRO will show you change the comment. Note that a description of the file you the file's actual file name is selected. This screen asks if displayed on the screen as you want to delete the file. If well. you want to delete the file, Page 45 A S T R O U T I L I T I E S : These are functions and utilities, that you can use to help you with ASTRO. VIEW ASTRO-HELPER FILES. you reboot before leaving the The Astro-Helper files are Birth Info Screens you may need reference files on disk which to re-index. you can use to learn basic When you select this astrological concepts. option, you will see a small If you select this menu screen asking you which utility, you will be asked to files to re-index. Choose the choose a file to view from a index or indexes to reindex, list of topics. If you choose a and the utility will be called. topic it will be displayed on If there are duplicate entries the screen. in your database, you may see an error, but those can be PRINT ASTRO-HELPER FILES. ignored, as they won't harm This allows you to print out your database. the Astro-Helper files to your printer. This will allow you to MAKE POPUPS. print copies of these files to When you add locations to your give to people you create Location database or Births to charts for. your birth database, you will If you select this need to use this function to utility, you will be asked to add the new records to the choose a file to print from a popup files. You may also need list of topics. If you choose a to use this function if you've topic, you can print the file. had to Re-Index the databases When you select this DOS SHELL. option, you will see a small This function allows you to menu screen asking you which get access to the DOS command files to make popups for. line from within ASTRO. Note: Choose the file to Make Popups you will need enough memory for for, and the utility will be the program you wish to run and run. the DOS command interpreter COMMAND.COM. To get back to SCAN FOR FILES NOT IN LIST. ASTRO type EXIT {ENTER}. If you have archived files off to other disks and now wish to RE-INDEX DATABASES. use them again and have copied Normally when you are using them to your directory, you can ASTRO, the database indexes are use this function to add the continually kept up to date, files to the file list. This and normally do not need to be function will scan for ASTRO reindexed. If the index is version 2.25+ file headers in damaged, erased, or power is all files in the User shut off to your computer or directory. Page 46 birth information back into the READ FILE INTO BIRTH DATA. data screens. Note this func- This function allows you to tion brings the information read one of ASTRO's compiled back into the screens that they files and get the original were earlier associated with. Page 47 A S T R O G R A P H I C S : ASTRO produces the graphics cartwheel that is produced by reading the .GRA file that is produced by ASTRO and displays it on the screen. Depending on the type of file displayed, ASTRO will either display one or two concentric circles with the data in question displayed. You can exit the graphics program at any time by pressing {ESC}. If you press any other key, a menu will be displayed from which you can select several different options. Press either the number corresponding to your choice or the number in Parentheses. Press any other key to clear the menu. SETTING UP. mode that is setup in the You can customize the way that startup data file won't work the graphics screen is dis- properly, ASTRO will adjust played by using the Graphics itself to use the best possible Setup Screen, and the Graphics mode available on that adapter/ Options Screen so that if you monitor combination. want your file displayed a This program will set certain way all the time, you itself up to print the graphics can do that. This is essential screen to any EPSON FX/MX or if you wish to use the Print IBM Proprinter or compatible Graphics Cartwheel function printer on startup. You can from the main menu as you will select other printers from the have no opportunity to fine Graphics Setup screen, includ- tune the display. ing HP LaserJet, DeskJet and ASTRO will adapt itself to Compatibles, 9 and 24 pin dot many different types of gra- matrix printers including color phics adapters and graphics printers when using a color modes. ASTRO is compatible with adapter and color mode.If you CGA, EGA, MCGA, VGA, Hercules move ASTRO from one computer to graphics adapters and most another, or add a different compatible adapters. It will graphics adapter to it, or adapt to the best available upgrade, you may need to erase graphics mode on that adapter the file ASTROGRA.DAT. this board, maximizing the capa- file is the setup information. bility of that adapter. It will Otherwise you won't be able to also run on the Olivetti setup the graphics for your graphics boards which are adapter. supplied with the AT&T PC's, ------------------------------- which are a superset of the NOTE: When you first start up standard IBM style adapters. ASTRO.EXE on your compute the It configures itself first time, you will see a automatically on startup the warning "Can't Find ASTROGRA first time, and if a graphics .DAT file will Create!", this Page 48 is just a warning and is normal GRAPHICS ADAPTER SPECIFIC for this program to do this. DIFFERENCES. When you start up it will auto- This program is not compatible matically create this file, and with the ATI EGA Wonder Card save it for future use. and other non-standard graphic ------------------------------- adapters. It will try to use a mode which seems to be correct SCREEN AND PRINTER FONTS. but the display or printing ASTRO uses special custom won't work. screen and printer fonts to ASTRO on a CGA or MCGA provide the glyphs that you can type graphics adapter defaults use on the screen. It also uses to use the 200 x 640 pixel custom printer fonts which give Black and White Graphics mode, you high printer resolution. but you can use 200 x 320 pixel There are Three sets of screen/ 4-color modes as well. ASTRO printer fonts, one for each can make use of either of four type of printer. ASTROEP9 .FON different screen palettes by is used for changing the information in the 9-pin Epson/IBM compatible Graphics Setup Screen. printers. ASTRO24P.FON is used I suggest that you use the for 24-pin Epson/IBM compatible 200 x 640 pixel mode because it printers, and ASTROHPL.FON is will be easier to view and used for HP LaserJet, DeskJet read. and compatible printers. On a EGA type adapter with If You are using the Lite appropriate type monitor, Version of ASTRO the install provided you have 256k memory, program will install One ASTRO will use the 640 x 350 Printer font set and one pixel mode using 16 colors. If printer driver each time you you only have 64k on an early set it up. EGA type adapter you will be ------------------------------- able either to use the 320 x NOTE: These fonts must be (if 200 pixel mode or the 640 x 200 you are using a hard disk) in pixel mode using 16 colors. On the data directory. See the a VGA ASTRO will use the 480 Setup Screen to determine which pixel x 640 pixel 16 color is the data directory. mode. If you are using a floppy disk drive system, these fonts COLORS. must be on the same disk drive You can change any of these as the data files (.TXT and colors using the Graphics Setup corresponding .NDX files) and screen and a utility described temp or user files (.GRA and later called PALTEST.EXE, corresponding .OUT files). You allows you to preview colors. can though change the location ASTRO makes use of a total of of this file as well from the 10 different colors, and where Setup Screen. enough do not exist due to the ------------------------------- system's hardware, the program will compensate for this by Page 49 using dashed lines where 5. SHOW/HIDE 0, 30, 60, 90, applicable. 120... This displays or hides the displays showing THE GRAPHICS MENU OPTIONS. the true, total degree While the graphics display is values around the cartwheel. on the screen you can change Zero Degrees Cancer corre- the display by pressing any sponds to 60 degrees, Zero key. This will call up a Degrees Pisces corresponds Graphics options menu. This is to 330 degrees. This is a summary of what happens with Rarely Used. each option. 6. SHOW/HIDE ASPECTS. In a 1. PRINT SCREEN. This option Natal chart which was does as it says. It Prints compiled using Compile Natal the graphics screen to your Chart Signs, Houses and printer. This works by Aspects or Greater, or you printing the screen on its compiled a default chart side in many sections. This with aspects turned on, improves the resolution. You lines showing the aspects can press any key to stop will be drawn in the middle printing. of the screen. These are useful for seeing the types 2. SHOW/HIDE SIGN NAMES. This of aspects involved. turns on or off display of the sign Names around the 7. USE/DON'T USE GLYPHS. This screen. When glyphs are used switches between the use of these are displayed as the Classical Astrological glyphs. This is more useful Glyphs and two and three for beginners, particularly letter abbreviations for the if only the signs are signs and planets. The displayed. glyphs display more neatly and cleanly, and once you 3. SHOW/HIDE HOUSE NUMBERS. know all the signs, this is This turns on or off display the way to display charts. A of the house numbers. These novice can use the abbrevi- are placed midway between ations until they are com- each pair of house cusp. fortable and switch over to This is useful and one of the glyphs. the more used options. If you are using a CGA type adapter, the display of 4. SHOW/HIDE HOUSE DEGREES. glyphs is hard to read so This turns on or off display you may want to use the of the degrees of each house abbreviations. If you are cusp. These are placed at using the 200 x 320 pixel each house cusp. This will mode you will only be able be useful for most people to use the abbreviations knowledgeable about since the glyphs are unable astrology. to display in this mode. You Page 50 can though select this mode You can print the screen and print using glyphs. that ASTRO produces to the printer by selecting it from 8. SHOW/HIDE SIGN LINES. This the menu. You can stop the option shows or hides the printer at any time by pressing display of the sign divi- any key. sions on the screen. If a ------------------------------- novice and you are only NOTE: You will notice while the displaying the planets in screen is printing, that the the signs you will want this screen is printed in large option. chunks. This is normal. This allows the screen to be printed 9. USE INNER/OUTER HOUSE CUSPS. at the highest resolution your This option is only used for printer can use. You will also compatibility, though it hear periodic beeps. This is might be used for transits. also normal and tells you the This allows you to switch screen is printing. which set of house cusps is ------------------------------- being used to draw the house ASTRO is compatible with cusp lines, place the EPSON, IBM Graphics printers (9 ascendant and generally and 24 pins color and B&W) and organize where everything any dot matrix printer falls. compatible with these printers. ASTRO can also print to a HP USING ASTRO WITH A HERCULES OR LaserJet, DeskJet or compatible COMPATIBLE printer. Unless ASTRO is not TYPE GRAPHICS ADAPTER. compatible with your printer, If you use ASTRO with a Hercu- do not use GRAPHICS.COM or an les type graphics adapter, you equivalent program in your must load the program MSHERC system when you start up ASTRO, .COM before starting ASTRO. You as it has all the necessary may not start MSHERC.COM from logic to print the screen to within the ASTRO DOS shell. the printer for any Don't use an emulator such as graphics mode. MGA.EXE or IBMHGC.COM in your ASTRO will always try to system, the results with MSHERC print out the best and most will be much higher quality and efficient printout it can but resolution than either one of the print mode can be changed, these can produce. dependent though on the I suggest putting the capabilities of the printer or commands to start MSHERC and the driver. In the case of the ASTRO together in a batch file, HP LaserJet and DeskJet, only call it AST.BAT. Then all you one mode is used (150 dpi). have to do to start ASTRO is type AST{ENTER}. Printing A Graphics Cartwheel on Your Printer. Page 51 ------------------------------- Graphics Setup Screen and NOTE: If you are using either a Graphics Options Screen to read non-standard printer you may about customizing the graphics. need to setup the printer strings used by your printer. USING PALTEST.EXE TO DETERMINE See the Graphics setup screen PALETTE SETTINGS. for more information. PALTEST.EXE is a utility These strings are only program which you can use to applicable for dot matrix play with all the available printers. color values, palette numbers, ------------------------------- etc for your graphics adapter. This program will tell you the USING A SYSTEM WITH TWO DISPLAY information you need to ADAPTERS. customize ASTRO's graphics from ASTRO are only designed to the graphics setup screen. be used with a single graphics To start PALTEST.EXE type adapter. If you use a system on the DOS command line. with more than one video board PALTEST {ENTER}. If you are and monitor, you should set up using a VGA graphics adapter and use only one of them. This and want to start it in EGA program must run on the same mode you would type PALTEST -E video adapter/monitor {ENTER}, This will force it combination all the time, and into the best EGA mode the Graphics Setup screen must available. If you are using a be setup for this adapter VGA, MCGA, or EGA graphics monitor combination, and astro adapter or equivalent and want must be using a video mode to start in CGA mode, you would appropriate for the setup. type For example if you have a PALTEST {ENTER}, this forces it monochrome adapter and a VGA, into the CGA 200 x 320 pixel you must setup ASTRO or run it mode. on one adapter or the other, Once you have arrived at and if you wish to switch, the colors that you like write down graphics setup screen must be the color values so your erased. remember when you go back to ASTRO. Once you have finished MODIFYING THE STARTUP DATA with this program press {ESC} FILE. to exit the program. In earlier versions of ASTRO, the graphics setup file USING CGA MODE. In this mode could be edited with any editor you will see a display of the which could edit an ASCII file. current background color and a This is no longer true, but display of the three available there is now a screen which foreground colors. To Change allows you to easier set up the the background color press 'B' information that you used to be or 'b', this will cycle you able to edit. See the section through all the available of this manual under Options, background colors, you will Page 52 note that in some cases where mode press {BS}, {<-} or the the foreground colors are the Backspace key on your keyboard. same as the background colors, Using VGA Mode. This mode that foreground color won't be allows you to set each color visible. To see the available used to be any of the 262,144 color selection for the available colors. In this mode foreground press 'P' or 'p'. In you can basically edit each CGA mode you can't set each color by changing the Red, Blue color but you can pick from and Green components of the several palettes or groups of color. colors. This command will cycle To Change the Red, press you through these palettes. 'R' or 'r', this will increase the red part of the color. To USING EGA MODE. This mode Change the Blue, press 'B' or allows you to set each color 'b', this will increase the used to be any of the 64 Blue part of the color. To available colors. In this mode change the Green part press 'G' you can basically edit each or 'g'. In EGA mode each color by changing the Red, Blue component may have any value and Green components of the from 0 to 63. If the value of a color. color component is 63 and you To Change the Red, press increase it again it will turn 'R' or 'r', this will increase over to 0. the red part of the color. To Since each component has Change the Blue, press 'B' or 64 steps in this mode, there is 'b', this will increase the a shortcut in this mode. To Blue part of the color. To speed up the steps, press the change the Green part press 'G' '+' key on your keyboard, now or 'g'. In EGA mode each the steps will be in 10's component may have 4 different instead of 1's. To go back to values 0, 21, 42, or 63. If the steps of 1, press '-'. value of a color component is When you enter this mode 63 and you increase it again it you will start in Background will turn over to 0. Mode, and you will be making When you enter this mode changes to the Background you will start in Background color. Once you have set this Mode, and you will be making press {ENTER}, and you will changes to the Background move to Foreground Mode. You color. Once you have set this will now see a display of press {ENTER}, and you will shapes and lines so you can see move to Foreground Mode. You how this color might be used in will now see a display of contrast with the background shapes and lines so you can see color. If at any time you want how this color might be used in to get back to the Background contrast with the background mode press {BS}, {<-} or the color. If at any time you want Backspace key on your keyboard. to get back to the Background Page 53 U S I N G O P T I O N S : Use these screens to change the setup and defaults that ASTRO uses when horoscopes are created. You can also use the setup function to change screen colors, disk and directory choices, page length, screen driver, and printer string. You can setup options for each major type of horoscope independently. You can setup many different types of characteristics to customize or setup a default type of setup. SETUP SCREEN. a directory for each type of This screen allows you to file. customize screen colors, disk Note: the swap attribute tells and directory usages, printer ASTRO that it will need to swap page length, screen driver and disks on a floppy disk drive. special printer output string. On a hard disk system or a single high density floppy 1.2M SCREEN COLORS. or 1.44M, or two 720k drives The first section allows you to you would turn all these fields setup the screen colors. You off, but with two 360k drives select each of the four compo- all these fields should be nents of each screen attribute: turned on. background color, foreground The Program Directory is color, the bright attribute, where ASTRO itself, the utility and blink for blinking color. programs, and the overlays There are seven different (files ending with .OVL) are screen types used by ASTRO. found. These files end with If you are using a .COM or .EXE. monochrome adapter you will The Help Directory is only be able to use the fore- where the help file and the ground and background colors Astro-Helper files are found. white and black, though you can These files end with .HLP. use the bright and blink The Database directory is where attributes. If you are using an the database files are located. LCD type system, you won't be These are files for the Birth able to use the bright and Location database. These attribute and may not be able files end with .DAT, .NDX and to use the blink attribute .LST. depending on the capability of The Data Directory is your system. where the files that produce ASTRO's text is found as well DISK DIRECTORIES. as the screen and printer fonts This section allows you to for the graphics. These files setup the drives you wish to end with .TXT, .NDX, and .FON. use for ASTRO, this will be Note there is one .NDX file for useful if you are using a hard every .TXT file of the same disk system and want to create main name. Page 54 The User Directory is where the TROPICAL OR SIDEREAL ZODIAC. charts that astro compiles are You will probably not use written. If you convert a file this option. Some European to a text file, or print to a astrologers tend to use the disk file, ASTRO writes that 'Sidereal' zodiac, in which file to the user directory the first point of Aries unless you say otherwise. When corresponds to the star You save and load the birth constellation, instead of data, you save and load from the 'Tropical' zodiac where this directory unless you say the first point of Aries otherwise. corresponds to the Vernal Equinox or the first point FAST SCREEN WRITES. If you of spring. Currently these started ASTRO up with the two systems are off by about -BIOS flag this would be set 24 degrees and it is always to 'No', otherwise it would changing. ASTRO uses be set to 'Yes', but you can "Fagan's Ayanasma" in change it. If you answer calculating this option. 'No' ASTRO will direct all ------------------------------- disk activity through your NOTE: Don't select Sidereal computer's BIOS which is unless you know that you want slower than direct RAM this option. EXPERT ONLY access, but necessary for ------------------------------- some non- standard computer systems. HOUSE PROCEDURE. There are many different ways of calcu- CHART OPTION SCREENS lating your house cusps. This option allows you to select one of the more BIRTH OPTION SCREEN. popular systems. ASTRO sup- Use this screen to setup the ports Equal House, Placidus, options used by the Compile Koch, Regiomontanus, Cam- Default Birth Chart selection. panus, and M-House systems. This selection also affects Placidus is the most popular various aspects of other Birth for general purpose astro- charts. For the most part logy, but fails at high though you won't have to change latitudes, where you may any of these options except to want to use another. The setup a default chart. You may Equal House system is the wish to change some of these simplest, and often used, once you have experience with but may not produce accurate ASTRO to customize it to your results. See an Astrology personal preferences. These are text for more information on a few of the more important house division techniques. options and what they mean to you. FIND HOUSES. Self explanatory. Determines if ASTRO will determine house cusps. Page 55 FIND ASPECTS. Self explanatory. For More Information About Determines if ASTRO will These Options. See the section determine planetary aspects. "Compiling a Chart" for more information. You can get more FIND EXTENDED ASPECTS. When information on each option from this is 'No', ASTRO will the help system. only find Conjunct, Sextile, Trine, Squared, and Oppos- COMPATIBILITY OPTION SCREEN. ition aspects. When 'Yes' Use this screen to setup the ASTRO will find Semi-Sex- options used by the Compile tile, Semi- Square, and Compatibility Chart selection. Semi-Sesquiquadrate and The options operate as they do aspects to house cusps as in the birth options screen. well. Though these aspects are found, there is no text TRANSITS OPTION SCREEN. available for them at this Use this screen to setup the time. options used by the Compile Transits Chart selection. The SUMMARY AT END OF REPORT. If options operate as they do in this is 'Yes' a report is the birth options screen. placed at the end of the report, summarizing numbers of different trends and O U T P U T O P T I O N S tells you what they mean. MISCELLANEOUS CALCS. If this is 'Yes', ASTRO will calculate PRINTER SETUP SCREEN. several different miscel- laneous values such as Dec- Use this screen to change anates of signs, Critical printing and conversion data. Degrees, and Anaretic Included in this screen are Degrees. translation information for translating attributes in the VERTEX AND EAST POINT. If this output files to printers and is 'Yes', ASTRO will cal- ASCII file conversion. culate the 'Vertex' and 'East Point' for the chart PRINTER TYPE. This is either in question. These angles "Epson or Compatible Dot are highly theoretical in Matrix", "HP LaserJet, nature. No text on these is DeskJet or Compatible", or available. "Generic Printer". This will update all the control Strings Below to Default GENERATE GRAPHICS DATA. If set values for the specific to 'Yes' this option pro- printers. If You use a duces graphics data to run printer that is for example using the graphics cartwheel 90% compatible with option. Epson/IBM, you can choose Page 56 that printer and edit the language report version, You string chosen. The "Generic must be using a font which Printer" driver allows you supports the PC-8 Symbol set to use printers which might or the Characters or Accents not normally be supported will be incorrect. This does such as daisy-wheel prin- not apply to dot matrix ters, or other non-compa- printers. tible printers. This type of a printer must only be able SYMBOL SET NAME. This is the to Backspace, have an technical name for the underscore character (_), symbol set referred to and do a form feed. above. When you select the "Other Specify -->" symbol ------------------------------- set choice, use this field NOTE: The following three to specify the actual symbol fields applies only to HP set code. It must end in a LaserJet, HP DeskJet Laser Capital Letter. drivers ------------------------------- USE ITALICS OR UNDERSCORE. If HP Printer Font. If you are you are using a HP LaserJet Using a HP LaserJet, DeskJet or DeskJet compatible, and or Compatible, you can your font supports an select the font you wish to italic, you can use Italics use for your printout. Note, by selecting this option, you must have this font otherwise key phrases will loaded, either as a soft be underscored. Selecting font, Cartridge or Internal this option will change the font before Printing. The applicable printer strings. Printout uses the Regular This doesn't apply to dot and Bold font as well as matrix printers. Italics if you wish. This doesn't apply to dot matrix PRINTER CONVERSION STRINGS. printers. In these strings enter the ------------------------------- commands that your printer uses SYMBOL SET TO USE. If you are for these attributes as using a HP LaserJet, DeskJet described above in Printer or compatible, this field Control String. If you are allows you to select the using a standard printer you symbol set for the HP font don't need to change these. Chosen above. When you chose ------------------------------- a font the default symbol NOTE: Non-typeable codes can set is selected. The Symbol be entered by typing their set must be supported by the ASCII decimal codes in between font Cartridge or font '<' and '>'. for the escape loaded. If you have modified character which is ASCII the text source for foreign decimal code 27, you would languages with accents, or enter <27>. are using the Spanish ------------------------------- Page 57 PRINTER CONTROL STRING. This margin and the text to be 6- string provides basic 1/2 inch wide, you would set parameters that the printer these two fields as requires to start printing suggested here. This will your report. These include give you a one inch right justification, line spacing, margin. basic font, print quality, etc. LINES PER PAGE. This is the total number of lines avail- BOLD ON STRING. This string able on your page. This turns on the printer's bold includes top and bottom face or double strike. With margin. A value of 66 is some printers this is called appropriate with dot matrix "emphasized text". printers printing six lines per inch. A value of 60 is BOLD OFF STRING. This string appropriate with laser turns off the printer's bold printers. face, double strike or emphasized text. This must PRINT HEAD ON PAGE 1. If This turn off what the previous option is turned on, a command turned on. header is printed on page one. If this is turned off, UNDERSCORE ON STRING. This there is no header printed string turns on the on page one. printer's underscore function. PRINTING DEVICE. If you wish to print to your default UNDERSCORE OFF STRING. This printer leave this field string turns off the blank. For most people this printer's underscore will be sufficient. If you function. want to print to your second printer, enter "LPT2". If COLUMN WIDTH. This is the you want to print to a width, based on 10 char- specific device driver enter acters per inch, of the the device here. text. A 6-1/2 inch width would be entered as 60. END LINE WITH. This field indicates how lines on your OTHER OPTIONS. printer must be ended with. On a laser printer, ignore LEFT MARGIN WIDTH. This is the this field, this will be set width, based on 10 by the program. Try to use characters per inch, of the the field the way the left margin. A 1 inch left program sets it. margin would be entered as 10. If you have 8-1/2" wide paper, and want a one inch Page 58 ------------------------------- ------------------------------- NOTE: If when you print a NOTE: The file conversion does report, the lines end and start not concern itself with fonts. erratically, at strange places, If You are using a laser choose "Line Feed + Carriage printer you will have to set Return". If your pages wind up the font, provide settings and with always more than one line reformat the document once you space between lines, choose are in your word processing "Carriage Return Only". program. ------------------------------- ------------------------------- LEFT INDENT. This is the width, WORD PROCESSOR CONVERSION based on 10 characters per SETUP. inch, of the left margin. A 1 inch left margin would be This screen allows your to cus- entered as 10. tomize the way ASTRO converts If you have 8-1/2" wide files to word processing and paper, and want a one inch ASCII. The following strings margin and the text to be 6- don't have any effect on word 1/2 inch wide, you would set processing conversion other these two fields as sug- than ASCII conversions. gested here. This will give you a one inch right margin. BOLD ON STRING. This string marks the start of bold face CONVERSION. This is your in the file. default standard word processing conversion. Pick BOLD OFF STRING. This string one that your favorite word marks the end of bold face processor supports. This in the file. This must turn will most likely either be off what the previous one of the two WordStar command turned on. types, one of the two Word Perfect Choices, or ASCII. Underscore On String. This If you are using ASCII, string marks the beginning you can eliminate the soft of underscore or italics. line breaks and only have the paragraph/hard line UNDERSCORE OFF STRING. This breaks in the file. This may string marks the end of make reformatting more easy underscore or italic started once it gets into your word above function. processor. COLUMN WIDTH. This is the SETUP GRAPHICS MODES & width, based on 10 char- PRINTING. acters per inch, of the text. A 6-1/2 inch width This screen will allow you to would be entered as 60. change the graphics configuration, and customize it to your needs. You can change Page 59 graphics mode, screen colors font name to be used. This and printer configurations. version of ASTRO uses This screen will allow you to special screen and printer support printers other than font combinations to provide Epson/IBM or HP LaserJet and the high graphics resolution DeskJets for a graphics and the glyphs displayed on printout, by allowing you to the screen. There is a font enter the specific printer file for each major printer codes for your printer, if driver. This field will be needed. set by the program when If a graphics setup file setting the printer. (ASTROGRA.DAT) has not been For 9 pin printers, the created already, you will see a font name is ASTROEP9. For message to the effect that one 24 pin printers, the font will be created. ASTRO does name is ASTRO24P. For HP this if it can't find the setup LaserJet and DeskJet data or the setup data is printers the font name is invalid. If the file ASTROGRA ASTROHPL. .DAT already exists you should erase it before starting ASTRO. FONT FILE NAME AND PATH. This is the font file's full file GRAPHICS MODE. This field will name and directory path allow you to select from any locating where it can be of the valid Graphics Modes found. This is usually the that you have available for same place where the Data your hardware configuration. files are kept, but it can Press the space bar or the be changed. On a floppy disk first letter of an adapter system it would be where the to select from the choices. .OUT and .GRA files are The first choice that is written. displayed is the highest resolution screen mode PRINTER TYPE. This is the available and will probably printer driver type. This be the one you want unless will update all the control there is a problem with your Strings Below to Default graphics adapter, in which values for the specific case you can try one of the printers. other modes. The choice you ASTRO in this version make will also update other supports Epson/IBM & key fields on this screen compatible 9 pin dot matrix with applicable values. printers (both B&W and Frequently the choice that Color), Epson/IBM & ASTRO starts out with will compatible 24 pin dot matrix be the best general choice printers (both B&W and available to you. Color), and HP LaserJet, DeskJets and Compatibles. FONT NAME. This field allows you to specify the name of a Page 60 ------------------------------- isn't quite compatible enough NOTE: If you are using a 9 pin but still operates the same, printer and are using a EGA or you can change these. VGA and are having difficulty ------------------------------- getting a printout on your NOTE: The strings below don't printer, select "Epson & have any effect on laser compat. 9pin--BIOS Driver". printer drivers. This gets the image from the ------------------------------- screen using the bios. For GRAPHICS INITIALIZATION STRING. other printers this is too slow This field allows you to to be practical. customize the string sent to ------------------------------- the printer which sets up This version of ASTRO uses the graphics mode and line a more compatible way of spacing. If you want to obtaining the graphics data enter an ASCII value which from the screen and should be can't be typed on the more compatible. If You use a keyboard enter it as a printer that is for example 90% number in between < and > compatible with Epson/IBM, you such as the Escape char can choose that printer and number 27 is represented by edit the string chosen. <27>. Generally speaking, on PRINTING MODE. Use this field most dot matrix printers to customize the printing this string sets the line mode, to either get a faster spacing to 7/72" or 21/216" draft quality printout or whatever the printers normal get a higher quality graphics line spacing will printout. be. If your printer leaves ------------------------------- excessive white space NOTE: If You are using a 24 pin between rows, this is the printer, this selection field to edit. supports the 360 dpi mode. this should not be necessary. The TEXT RESET STRING. This field 180 dpi mode is efficient and allows you to enter the code very sharp, actually sharper for resetting the printer to than the HP LaserJet driver, text mode and text line but less dense. spacing. For 9 pin printers, 120 dpi slow speed is usually the GRAPHICS LINE HEADER STRING. best choice, though 240 dpi is This field allows you to definitely sharper but it takes enter the code which tells longer to print. the printer that the next ------------------------------- chunk of data coming is for PRINTER SETUP STRINGS. graphics and for which These are the actual control graphics setup. Normally strings that are being used by this code is set up setting the printing drivers. If you the graphics mode and want to use a printer which telling it two ASCII codes Page 61 following telling it how You can also enter many printer columns are to <27>$<0><0> which will just follow with the graphics return the printer carriage. data. In some printers you may For dot matrix Printers need to enter ASTRO supports a screen mode <27>$<0><0><27>J<1>, which independent way of will home the cursor and expressing this. In this step the head down one unit. field you will probably see The extra spacing allows the <27>(a Letter) <%></> where printing to fill in the (a Letter) is either 'L', space between the dots on 'Y' or 'Z' depending on the the paper. You will also graphics hardware and want to answer yes to "Print printer mode. <%> represents Two Passes" below. This is the remainder when the only applicable for 9 pin Screen pixels vertically Dot Matrix B&W Printers. (either 200, 348, 350, or 480) depending on screen PRINTER PORT. If You have more mode is divided by 256. </> than one printer you may represents the pixels need to set this field to vertically divided by 256. your proper printer. If your printer requires Normally "PRN:/LPT1: is these to be in the opposite normal and is used for your order, i.e. </><%>, ASTRO first printer port. LPT2: will deal with this, though would be used for your these two parameters must be second printer. right next to each other in the string. PRINT TWO PASSES. If you want to enhance print quality by END OF FIRST PASS STRING. In using a second pass, answer order to get a real sharp yes to this. This unfortu- crisp dark printout, you may nately slows down the print- want all the graphics image ing process by a factor of printed twice, similar to two. This is only applicable NLQ printing, which will only to 9 pin B&W Dot Matrix make the printout a little Printers. sharper and definitely blacker. In that case this CGA PARAMETERS. field holds the string which These two fields apply only to will tell the printer to go CGA color modes only (200 x back to the left margin and 320 pixels 4 colors). Use go down it's smallest spac- the Paltest program to ing increment. On an Epson/ arrive at these values. IBM printer this is 1/216", NOTE: This graphics mode is which also moves the print not suggested. head back to the left margin. Page 62 PALETTE NUMBER. This field house division lines, are allows you to select a drawn in. palette when displayed on a This allows you to change PLANETS COLOR. LIGHT GREY. This the colors that are used. is the darker color for the are basically four choices planets. This is not used at in the regular mode and two this time. in the no color mode. CIRCLES COLOR. DARK GREY. This BACKGROUND COLOR. This field is the color used for the allows you to set the circles themselves. background color for CGA color screens. BRIGHT SIGNS COLOR. BRIGHT GREEN. This is the bright EGA/VGA PALETTES. color for the sign division These fields only apply to EGA lines. This is the color and VGA modes. These fields that the sign names are allow you to specify the exact printed in. color valid for your adapter allowing you to customize the BRIGHT HOUSES. BRIGHT RED. This colors used. Use the PALTEST is the color that house program to arrive at these numbers and house data when values. When using an EGA mode displayed are printed in. the final values are rounded to the previous 21 multiple, i.e. ASCENDANT COLOR. YELLOW AND 0, 21, 42, and 63. VGA modes DOT-DASHED. This is the have no such restriction. These color that the Ascendant/ values are entered in their Descendant line is displayed red, green and blue component in and the data for the parts. Underlined are the Ascendant is printed in. EGA/VGA COLORS USED. BRIGHT PLANETS. WHITE. This is BACKGROUND COLOR. BLUE. This is the color that the indivi- for the general background dual planet glyphs and their color and is on color accompanying positions are screens normally blue. You displayed with. can change this to black by entering 0 in all three SETUP GRAPHICS DISPLAY. fields . This screen sets up how a default cartwheel is displayed. SIGN COLOR. GREEN OR DASHED. It also sets up how a cartwheel This is the color which the is printed when you choose actual sign division lines "Print Graphics Cartwheel" on are drawn in. the View/Print menu. In these fields, respond HOUSES COLOR. RED OR DOTTED. Yes or No depending on how you This is the color which the want these options dealt with. Page 63 These are useful for seeing SHOW SIGN NAMES. This turns on the types of aspects or off display of the sign involved. Names around the screen. If the chart does not have When glyphs are used these any aspects, the inner are displayed as glyphs. aspect circle won't be drawn This is more useful for and no aspects will be beginners, particularly if drawn. only the signs are displayed. USE GLYPHS. This switches This option may also not between the use of the want to be used because it Classical Astrological clutters up the screen when Glyphs and two and three combined with the house cusp letter abbreviations for the number and house cusp signs and planets. The degrees. glyphs display more neatly and cleanly, and once you SHOW HOUSE CUSP DEGREES. This know all the signs, this is turns on or off display of the way to display charts. A the degrees of each house novice can use the abbrevi- cusp. These are placed at ations until they are com- each house cusp. This will fortable and switch over to be useful for most people the glyphs. knowledgeable about ------------------------------- astrology. NOTE: If you are using a CGA type adapter, the display of SHOW HOUSE CUSP NUMBERS. This glyphs is hard to read so you turns on or off display of may want to use the abbrevi- the house numbers. These are ations. If you are using the placed midway between each 200 x 320 pixel mode you will pair of house cusp. This is only be able to use the abbrev- useful and one of the more iations since the glyphs are used options. unable to display in this mode. You can though select this mode SHOW ASPECT LINES. In a Natal and print using glyphs. chart which was compiled ------------------------------- using Compile Natal Chart SHOW SIGN LINES. This option Signs, Houses and Aspects or shows or hides the display Greater, or you compiled of the sign divisions on the default chart with aspects screen. If a novice and you turned on, lines showing are only displaying the the aspects will be drawn in planets in the signs you the middle of the screen. will want this option. Page 64 H A N D L I N G E R R O R S : There are several different levels of errors that may occur when using ASTRO. There are several internal errors, such as 'Screen Errors' that may occur. If these occur, you will be asked to report them to 'Technical Support'. 3.0 or later you may see MINOR DATA ENTRY ERRORS. '(F)ail' in which case you will If you make an error when be able to just fail the DOS entering data, the system will operation that caused the beep and you will see a message problem. Though If you see in the prompt area which will '(A)bort' and select it ASTRO tell you about the error. itself will end, without properly shutting down. When OTHER ERRORS AND WARNINGS. You see one of these, correct If a minor error occurs while the situation, and make a you are using ASTRO, a box will choice. Make a choice by popup on the screen and will pressing the letter describe it for you. You will corresponding to the choice. be asked to press any key to ------------------------------- continue. You will see at the NOTE: you can also press any top left of that box a title other key to continue. If you saying either 'A Note From use this option you may need to ASTRO...' which is an extremely repeat this several times. Then minor situation, 'Warning!' is you will see an error alert box a minor situation that you may which you can ignore and you need to be warned about, and will return to the screen or 'Error!!' is an error situation menu system. of a more serious nature. ------------------------------- If you are in the graphics DOS CRITICAL ERRORS. program and are attempting to If a serious system error printout the screen to the occurs, you will hear a beep, printer, and your printer is and an error will be displayed off, or the program is unable at the bottom row of the to write to the printer, you screen. You may be asked to do will hear several beeps. No one or more of the following message will be displayed "(I)gnore (R)etry (F)ail because it would disrupt the (A)bort". screen. Once you have checked If you see '(I)nore, you your printer and it is on and may be able to ignore the operating, press 'R' to Retry, situation and continue. If you or press 'A' to Abort the see '(R)etry', you will be able graphics program. to correct the situation and retry the operation that caused the error. If you are using DOS Page 65 MEMORY ERRORS. happen due to memory limitations, and are minor. If you run out of memory there These are never due to the are two kinds of errors that user. may occur. The first is a Here are some of the more 'Fatal' error. A fatal error common errors that may occur will cause ASTRO to shut down and what may cause them to immediately. A 'Non-Fatal' happen: error is an error that ASTRO can recover from, though you SYSTEM ERRORS. will not be able to complete or repeat that operation without FILE OR DIRECTORY DOES NOT additional memory. This type of EXIST! Check to make sure an error is displayed at the that the directories and bottom of the screen much as a files that this message 'Critical Error', in this case concerns exists, copy them you will be asked to just press from your master diskette, any key to continue. or verify that the infor- Sometimes these happen mation on the setup screen because the system's memory has is accurate. Check the setup been fragmented, which means it screen. has been broken into too many little pieces to be used. This NO SPACE LEFT ON DRIVE! Delete can be solved by quitting ASTRO files on that drive to make and restarting the program or room or switch to a new disk rebooting your system. or drive. SCREEN ERRORS. NOT ENOUGH FILES IN CONFIG.SYS, If something goes wrong in NEED AT LEAST 12! Check the one of the screens that ASTRO Installation information. uses, an error may occur. You This program requires a will not be able to do anything minimum of 12 files in the about these errors. These CONFIG.SYS, but 20 is errors are always fatal and suggested. You can find this should be reported to the ASTRO file on your boot disk in Technical Support at your the root or '\' directory. soonest convenience, along with This file can be edited with your system configuration and a word processor that can the situation that caused it to work with ascii files. happen. Many of these type of DOS CRITICAL ERRORS. situations are minor. The prog- ram exits at that time to pre- DATA CORRUPTED! The disk is vent a problem from continuing trying to read a disk that to corrupt the system or dos. has been corrupted, perhaps I suggest that you restart by a magnetic field or other the program after that error damage. Recopy the disk occurs. Many of these errors from a master and try again. Page 66 disk or device. Try it DEVICE OR PRINTER OUT OF PAPER again, reboot, try again, or OR NOT READY! This error see a competent repair indicates that your printer technician. This may suggest may not be turned on, is out a bad disk, or a disk which of paper, or the device you is not formatted. are printing or writing to such as a modem or communi- TRYING TO WRITE TO WRITE cation port is not ready to PROTECTED DISK! Remove the be used, and may be off-line disk from the drive and or turned off. remove the write protect tab from the disk if you are DRIVE NOT READY! The drive door using a 5-1/4" disk or check is not closed. Close it and the write protect tab on a choose retry. 3-1/2" diskette. ERROR READING DATA! Your drive UNKNOWN DRIVE OR UNIT! ASTRO is is reporting errors as it trying to write to a disk or reads the data. You will device that does not exist. need to either reformat this A system error may have disk or start with another clobbered a device or a part one. In any case the data of DOS that you are trying you are trying to read may to use. If you are sure the not be usable. disk or device is present, reboot your system and try ERROR WRITING DATA! Your drive again. If it still is a is reporting errors as it problem, see a repair writes the data. You will technician. Make sure of the need to either reformat this drive or device you are disk or start with another trying to use. one. This may as well be an error UNKNOWN DISK TYPE! You are with a printer if you are trying to use a diskette printing at the time the that your system does not error happened. Check to recognize. Such as trying to make sure the printer you use a 1.2M floppy on a 360k have selected is plugged system. Or trying to use a into your computer. diskette from another computer system that uses GENERAL FAILURE! There has been another operating system. a general failure on this Page 67 G L O S S A R Y O F A S T R O L O G I C A L T E R M S : AFFLICTION. An outdated term that describes either a ASPECT. An angular relationship difficult aspect (i.e. between two planets, Squared or Opposition), or angles, etc. These rela- a placement of a planet or tionships are based on angle in a sign that does harmonics or multiples. not suit it, (i.e. Mars in The major aspects are Pisces). Also describes a Conjunct, Trine, Sextile relationship with a Squared, and Opposition, "Malefic", such as Saturn. though there are many intermediate minor AIR SIGNS. Aquarius, Gemini, or aspects. The first three Libra. These signs are aspects are generally generally associated with considered to be bene- the air. The air signs are ficial and the last two usually connected with considered to be dif- communication and the ficult, though the more intellect. difficult aspects can act as teachers and help you ANGLES. Refers to the Major to learn and grow. angles in a chart. Includes: the Ascendant ASTROLOGER. A professional who or Rising Sign, the Des- practices astrology. cendant, which is opposite the Ascendant, the Med BENEFIC. Planets and aspects Coeli or Midheaven, and that were thought to give Immum Coeli, which is positive influences. opposite the Med Coeli. Traditionally Jupiter and Venus are the two Major ANGULAR HOUSES. The first, Benefics in that order, fourth, seventh, and tenth though Mercury and the houses. These houses are Moon are also considered generally connected with Benefic. Conjunct, Sex- the Cardinal signs and tile, and Trine aspects Cardinal Qualities. are also considered Benefic. ASCENDANT. The point of the zodiac that falls on the CADENT. The third, sixth, ninth eastern horizon at the and twelfth houses. These time of your birth. This are ruled by Mutable is the same as the first Signs, and are generally house cusp and describes associated with the your personality and Mutable Qualities. character and how you relate to your world. Page 68 CAMPANUS. Thirteenth century CUSP. A line dividing the mathematician and astro- houses or signs. When loger who devised the dealing with signs it Campanus House System. represents a gray area where the individual may CARDINAL SIGNS. The signs be affected by both signs. Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. These fall at DECAN, DECANATES. A division of the Cardinal Points of the the signs into 10 degrees Zodiac, with Aries begin- each of which is subtly ning at the "Vernal Equi- different from one another nox" or first point of due to the different Spring, or the beginning rulers involved. of the Zodiac. These signs are generally associated DESCENDANT. The angle that is with action and begin- exactly across from the nings. They are also asso- Ascendant. It is the cusp ciated with initiatory and of the seventh house. Your dynamic actions. descendant relates to your marriage and partnership COMPOSITE CHART. A Chart for and interaction with two people which is others. This is also the created by taking their Seventh House Cusp. planet positions and taking the midpoints EARTH SIGNS. The signs Taurus, between. Represents the Virgo and Capricorn. These relationship. signs represent "Earthly" qualities such as sta- CONJUNCTION. An aspect formed bility, responsibility, when two angles or planets and practicality. are at roughly the same angle (usually within 8 EAST POINT. The angle which is degrees). rising over the eastern horizon at the earth's CRITICAL DEGREES. 13, and 26 equator at any time. degrees of Aries, Cancer, Occasionally used for Libra and Capricorn. 9, Compatibility analysis. and 21 degrees in Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. EASY ASPECT. A harmonious Also 4 and 17 degrees in aspect such as Conjunct, Gemini, Virgo, Sagit- Trine, or Sextile. tarius, and Pisces. Comes from the Hindus. Thought ECLIPTIC. The apparent path to be a sensitive point that the sun would take if that strengthens the power it actually rotated around of the sign. the earth. Page 69 ELEMENTS. Air, Water, Earth and HARD ASPECTS. Inharmonious Fire. aspects. Generally considered to be Squared, EQUAL HOUSE SYSTEM. The system and Opposition, and that takes the first house others. Aspects when the being the Ascendant and energies do not always dividing the remaining 11 help. houses into equal 30 degree slices. The M-House HARMONIOUS ASPECTS. Conjunct, system starts with the Med Sextile, and Trine. Also Coeli or Midheaven being referred to as Easy the cusp of the 10th house aspects. and dividing the other 11 houses as equal 30 degree HOUSE. A section of the zodiac, slices. mathematically defined, which represents a FEMININE SIGNS. Earth and water particular area of life. signs. Feminine refers to receptivity, not gender. IMMUM COELI. The bottom of the heavens. The fourth house FIRE SIGNS. Aries, Leo, and cusp in non-equal or Sagittarius. These signs Quadrant house system. are considered fiery, Represents The family passionate, and relations and home life. spontaneous. INTERCEPTED SIGN. A sign that FIXED SIGNS. Taurus, Leo, falls between two adjacent Scorpio, and Aquarius. house cusps, but neither These signs are associated of those house cusps are with fixed and stable in that sign. emotional characteristics. KOCH. Dr. Walter Koch, a German FLAT CHART. A chart in which astrologer who founded the the first house is set at Koch House System or degrees Aries. Frequently Birthplace House System. used when the birth time and therefore the LOCALITY CHART. See Relocation Ascendant is not known. Chart. GREATER BENEFIC. Jupiter. MALEFIC. An old term used to Assumed to bring your refer to planets or major blessings. aspects thought to cause harm. It usually refers to GREATER MALEFIC. Saturn. the planet Saturn and Assumed to be the cause of Mars. Minor Malefics are evil in your life. also Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. Page 70 MASCULINE SIGNS. Air and Fire from the sum of Ascendant Signs. Those signs are and Moon positions in suggested to manifest degrees. Suggests aggressiveness, sometimes fortunate circumstances. referred to as Positive signs. PLACIDUS. Spanish Monk, Placidus de Tito, 17th MEDIUM COELI, Med. Coeli, MC. century. Creator of the The Midheaven. Taken to be Placidus House System. the point directly over- Most commonly used house head in the chart. In an system today. unequal chart it is the cusp of the tenth house. PLANET. From Greek "Planetes" This describes your career or the wanderer. Describes and public ambitions any body that appears, andyour relations with from the Earth, to move. superiors. PROGRESSIONS. Term used for MUTABLE SIGNS. The Signs advancing planets and Gemini, Virgo, house cusps from birth to Sagittarius, and Pisces. a second point in time. Signs associated with Usually 1 day for each adaptability and year of life. flexibility. RECTIFICATION. Correction for NODE. The point of interception inexact birth-time. between a planet's orbit and the ecliptic. REGIOMONTANUS. German Astrol- oger 15th century who OPPOSITION. An aspect devised the Regiomontanus representing an angular House System. difference of 180 degrees or a situation where two RELATIVE HOUSES. Houses 3, 7, planets are directly and 11. Associated with across a chart from each the Air Signs. other. Generally causes difficulty and discord. RELOCATION CHART. A Chart for ORB. The difference between an which the house cusps have exact aspect and the been changed to be where actual aspect. It also they would be if the describes the maximum individual had been born difference where an aspect in another location. See still takes place. Locality Chart. PART OF FORTUNE. Arabian part RETROGRADE MOTION. Apparent most commonly used by Backward Motion, thought astrologers. Found by to cause difficulty in a subtracting Sun's position person's chart. Page 71 RETURN CHART. A Chart Which TERMINAL HOUSES. Houses 4, 8, shows the time that a and 12. Associated with particular body returns to the Water Signs. the position where it was when you were born. TRANSIT. Aspects or angles between, the position on RISING SIGN. Another word for any given day and the Ascendant. positions on a person's birth chart. SEXTILE. An aspect with a difference of 60 degrees. TRINE. An aspect with a A generally helpful and difference of 120 degrees. 'Positive' aspect. A generally helpful and positive aspect. SIDEREAL TIME. Time in relation to the fixed stars, rather TROPICAL ZODIAC. Zodiac that than clock time. follows the path of the Sun. The First point of SIDEREAL ZODIAC. A zodiac based Aries corresponds to the on the placement of the Vernal Equinox, not an stars, not the Vernal actual star position. Equinox. VERTEX. A point in the Western SIGNS. Division of the zodiac section of the Zodiac that into twelve equal indicates the intersection divisions, related to the of the Prime Vertical and constellations. the Ecliptic. Sometimes associated with fate and SQUARE. Aspect with a wish fulfillment. difference of 90 degrees. Generally causes WATER SIGNS. Signs Cancer, difficulty and discord. Scorpio, and Pisces. Signs which represent recep- SUCCEDENT HOUSES. Houses 2, 5, tivity, sensitivity, and 8 and 11. Associated with the emotions. the Fixed Signs. ZODIAC. From the Greek "Zodia- TEMPORAL HOUSES. Houses 2, 6, kos", meaning circle of 10. Usually associated animals. with the Earth Signs. Page 72 G L O S S A R Y O F C O M P U T E R T E R M S : ASCII. An anacronym repre- about the files that are senting a Standard of de- stored on that disk. fining which codes repre- sent what characters. DOS/PC-DOS/MS-DOS. Literally ASCII code number 64 "Disk Operating System". A represents 'A'. set of programs stored in invisible files on your ASCII FILE. A File containing disk. Handles many of the only characters from the basic operations of your ASCII character set. Also computer. Usable versions referred to as "Generic" may range from 2.1 - 5.0. and "Text Only". A text Avoid versions 3.0, 3.1 or file containing no control 3.20 as they may have characters. problems. BIOS. A Set of ROM chips in EGA, Enhanced Graphics Adapter. your computer storing A board that you may have instructions on how to do in your computer capable basic operations. Means of displaying a minimum of literally "Basic Input 16 of 64 possible colors, Output System". and 16 color text. If you have 128k or 256k of BIT. Smallest Unit of storage memory on that board you in a computer. Capable of should be able to display recording only 1 or 0. 350x640 graphics. If you have 64k of BYTE. Unit of Storage in a memory you will only be computer. Generally 8 bits able to display 200x640 or wide. Capable of recording 200x320 graphics. This a character, or a number board is usually used with from 0 to 255, or -128 to an Enhanced Color Monitor. 128. It also can be used with a TTL onochrome monitor for CGA, Color Graphics Adapter. An 350x 640 monochrome electronic board that may graphics and mono-chrome be in your computer text. capable of displaying 200x320 graphics in four ENVIRONMENT VARIABLE. A part of possible colors. Also can memory used by DOS to display text in 16 colors store information used by as well. Used with a Color your program. You can view Display Monitor. these variables or set them by using the DOS DIRECTORY. An area of a disk command SET{ENTER}. that stores information Page 73 You can set a databases in the birth variable by the command screens. line SET VAR=AAA; BBB {ENTER}, where var is the HARD DISK. An extremely high variable you wanted to set density disk that may be and AAA and BBB were permanently located in directories, which can be your computer. Stores from combined using ';'. 10 million bytes up to 40 million bytes in most ESCAPE KEY. Key on your commonly used computers. keyboard used to back out or "Escape" out of a HGC, Hercules Graphics Card. A section of a program. card that may be in your Usually marked "ESC". computer that is used to display monochrome text EXTENDED MEMORY. Memory above and monochrome graphics. the 640k limit of DOS, Many generic monochrome available only on AT and graphics cards are capable compatible computers in a of emulating Hercules special mode that is Cards. It is usually accessed by special connected to a TTL software such as RAM- monochrome monitor. You Disks. ASTRO can make use Must run MSHERC.COM to use of this memory for caching this type of adapter. of overlays. KEY. A Field used by a database FILE. A collection of bytes to find information. stored on your disk. KILOBYTE, Kbyte or K. 1024 FLOPPY DISK. The type of disk bytes. The closest that this program is measurement used to one supplied on. Currently thousand bytes. From Kilo used in two major sizes 3- meaning thousand. 1/2" and 5-1/4". Comes in two major densities high LIM EMS Expanded Memory. density capable of storing Special type of memory many more bytes, and a usable on PC, XT and AT regular density. and compatible computers with special boards. These FUNCTION KEY. The keys on your boards map portions of keyboard marked "F1" to this memory into an unused "F10" or "F12". The F1 key memory space in high is used for help, F10 for memory. completing screens, and F2 ASTRO can make use of calls up popup screens this type of memory for where available. Keys F3 Overlays as well as and F4 are used for storing different types of other information. Page 74 MCGA, Multicolor Graphics PATH ENVIRONMENT VARIABLE. The Array. An advanced video DOS environment variable adapter used in the IBM used by DOS to find an PS2-25 and 30 Series of executable program. You computers. Similar in can set this one by capabilities to the CGA. entering the command line PATH C:\DIR; C:\DIR\PATH, MDA, Monochrome Display using whatever directories Adapter. A card that may you were using separating be in your computer that different directory paths is used to display mono- using the ';' mark. chrome text, and possibly graphics if it is Hercules RAM. Rapid Access Memory. The Compatible. chips in your computer used to store this program MEGABYTE or MB. 1024 Kilobytes. while it operates. Approximately one million bytes. From Mega meaning RAM-DISK. Using memory instead million. of a magnetic disk such as a floppy or hard disk for MEMORY. The chips in your storage. This requires a computer used to store special driver such as is this program and the data supplied with MS-DOS 3.3. that is uses when in This type of storage is operation. This program much faster than disk needs at least 348k of storage, but the contents memory for basic operation are forgotten when your and works best with 512k computer is turned off. to 640k of memory. ROM. Read Only Memory. The OVERLAYS. Parts of the program chips used in your that are not currently in computer used for the memory. Of the ASTRO.EXE BIOS. Information in these file only about 200k is chips is permanent and kept in memory all the can't be reprogrammed. time. The rest is kept on your disk and is loaded TTL. The logic used in most when needed. computers. Usually in display monitors used for PATH. Your disk may be setup computers as well. Usually with different levels of only able to respond to directories. The path is digital on or off levels, the direction that the rather than the smooth disk takes to find your progression of levels that file in a given directory. your home television set Different levels of responds to. directories are separated with '\' marks. Page 75 VGA, Video Gate Array. An Able to show 640x480 advanced video adapter and better graphics in 256 used in the IBM PS2 Series of approximately 100,000 of computers. Now available colors. Usually available for other IBM attached to an Analog compatible computers as Monitor that is capable of well. displaying these colors. Page 76 B I B L I O G R A P H Y : Duffett-Smith, Peter, Practical Astronomy With Your Calculator. Cambridge, UK: Press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge, 1979, 1981. Duffett-Smith, Peter, Astronomy With Your Personal Computer. Cambridge, UK: Press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge, 1985. Erlewine, Michael, Manual of Computer Programming for Astrologers. Tempe, AZ: American Federation of Astrologers, Inc., 1980. Filby, John and Filby Peter, The Astrologer's Companion. Wellingsborough, Northhamptonshire England: The Aquarian Press, 1986. Gale, Mort, Instant Astrology. New York, NY: Warner Books, Inc., 1980. George, Llewellyn, Revised and edited by Marylee Bytheriver, The New A To Z Horoscope Maker and Delineator. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 1981. Lineman, Rose and Popelka, Jan, Compendium of Astrology. West Chester PA: Para Research, Inc., 1984. Michelson, Neil F., The Koch Book of Tables. San Diego, CA: ACS Publications, Inc., 1985. Michelson, Neil F., The American Book of Tables. San Diego, CA: ACS Publications, Inc., 1976. Parker, Derek and Julia, The New Compleat Astrologer. London, England: Mitchell Beazley International Ltd., Harmony Books a division of Crown Publishing, New York, 1971, 1975, 1981, 1984. Quigley, Joan, Astrology for Adults. New York, NY: Holt, Rhinehart & Winston, Inc., 1969. Pottenger Dobyns, Zipporah, Progressions Directions and Rectification, or the Great Guessing Game...What Time Where You Born? T.I.A. Publications, 1975. Page 77