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1. I N T R O D U C T I O N *********************** 1.1 - G R E E T I N G S ---------------------------------------------------------------- WELCOME TO THE EASY BANKING PROGRAM (shareware ver. 1.4) a full featured up to date interactive home or small business financial program (c) Copyright, 1992 All Rights Reserved THE EB WAS WRITTEN BY R.J. ZELLER FOR THE DUROL COMPANY. TO PURCHASE A COPY OF THE EB OR ANY OTHER DUROL SOFTWARE OR FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT (HELP), WRITE TO: ROLF J. ZELLER THE DUROL COMPANY 5825 MALVERN AVE., BURNABY, B.C. V5E 3E6 CANADA 1.2 - P R E F A C E ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This file contains an introduction to, and a description of the EB Program. This file also contains a listing of the Program Files, Program Requirements, How to Install, What the Program Does, Detailed Instructions, Disclaimers, Problems and Correspondence. ABOUT SHAREWARE (this program) =============== (Definition supplied by the Association of Shareware Professionals) Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details, some request registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using the software to an updated program with a printed manual. Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. For example, some authors require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware. So, Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate money- back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it. You are granted a license to try this program for a period of 30 days. If you continue to use this program after the trial period is over, you must register by sending the registration form with name & address along with a check of $ 28.50 to the DUROL Co. who in return will send the latest updated version (without these pesky shareware messages) and a printed user manual. To register a copy use the registration form provided. Have the printer ready, type at the (c:\durol) or (a:\) prompt "TYPE REGISTER. DOC > PRN" OR "COPY REGISTER.DOC > PRN" Then fill in the requested information and send it along with a check for the appropriate amount (including the postage please) to the DUROL Co. 1.3 - C O N T E N T S ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Introduction............................................1 1.1 Greetings 1.2 Preface 1.3 Contents 1.4 Other Products 1.5 Disclaimers 2. Description..............................................2 2.1 Overview 2.2 Features 2.3 Table of Files 2.4 Requirements 2.5 Installation 2.6 Getting Started 3. Instructions............................................3 3.1 Conventions 3.2 General Instructions 3.3 Main Menu Listings 3.4 Sub-Menu Listings 3.5 Detailed Instructions 3.6 Problems 1.4 - O T H E R P R O D U C T S --------------------------------------------------------------------- The Durol Company provides several other software products whitch were all written by R. J. Zeller for the domestic or small business market. It also provides a customer service in that it can produce programs of all sizes and tailored to customer supplied specifications. Durol programs currently available: PdP ** Personal Data Program PiP ** Personal Information Program PeP ** Personal Events Program MdM ** Membership Data Manager One of the Durol Company's outstanding features is the customizing service that it provides. Durol will take any of the above listed software products and upon request will tailor them to any special needs or re- quirements. 1.5 - D I S C L A I M E R --------------------------------------------------------------------- The Easy Banking Program offers no written, expressed or implied warranties. The Durol Company will not be liable or res- ponsible for anything with respect to any loss or damage that may or may not be associated with The Easy Banking Program, including but not limited to loss of profits, interruption of service, loss of business or consequential damages resulting from the use of such programs. It is distributed as is, without any ill intent. If a problem does arise, every effort will be made to correct the problem and satisfy you as quickly as possible. This program is designed to track banking activities and is not meant to affect the actual bank functions. When starting the use of any new software package it is always good practice to test the programs with sample data, and to run the pro- grams in parallel with any previous system for a period of time sufficient to ensure satisfactory results. 2. D E S C R I P T I O N ********************* 2.1 - O V E R V I E W --------------------------------------------------------------------- This operational overview provides the user with a feeling of how the program works in common every day usage (this short tutorial gives a good start). A more detailed look into setting up and run- ning the program is given in sections 2.4 to 3.5 of this manual. The program allows the user to track checks issued, withdrawals, and deposits made and track automatic monthly payments and deposits. EB makes a transaction record of each of the above which can be edited, voided and cleared (posted) or viewed in the Reports Sec- tion. EB produces monthly statements which can be compared with the actual statement received from the bank, to reconcile the program account balance manually or automatically. EB also serves as a notepad for storing and quick retrieval of frequently used information regarding the banks and accounts, such as certificates, safety deposit boxes, credit cards. EB was designed with the intention of saving time, provide the user with quicker access to records and generally make banking more accurate and painless for a household or small business. EB will work with one account and only several entries per month or can accomodate as many as 98 separate accounts with literally hundreds of thou- sands of entries. The actual number of records that this program is capable of keeping is in the millions. It has advanced features such as back-up, and restore, user configuration. " MOST " of EB's features will run on 384K RAM and two floppy disks, but its speed and performance will greatly increase by using a hard drive or a high density disk (1.2 or 1.44 meg) and a full 640k RAM. 2.2 - F E A T U R E S --------------------------------------------------------------------- Some of the major advantages that this program offers are: an easy to use, intuitive pulldown/popup window user interface, fast data entry with maximum editing capability, simple to in- stall and configure, partly runs on minimum hardware (like a 4.77 mg hz PC XT with 384K ram and a single HD floppy). EASY BANKING program also offers easy account reconciling, flexible viewing, flexible listings and most important, flexible, effective reports. Below is an itemized list of some of the other major features of EASY BANKING. - MINIMAL TIME REQUIRED FOR DATA ENTRY. To enter and clear a hundred transactions usually takes very little time. - ADVANCED FAST ENTRY FEATURE. For the expert user a feature to speed up daily entries without safety features. - AN INTUITIVE AND EASY-TO-LEARN pop-up/pulldown window driven, user interface. - CONTINUAL HELP LINE on the bottom of the screen that guides the user through each step. - MAXIMUM "ON SCREEN" INFORMATION. Program constantly displays on the Main Menu the actual net worth time and date. - LARGE DETAILED HELP FEATURE that gives detailed information on every menu option as well as on sub-menu and sub-sub-menu - USER DEFINED AUTOMATIC PAYMENTS for every account in use EB will use and track maximum of 5 pre-authorized payments. - USER DEFINED AUTOMATIC LOAN PAYMENTS for every account in use EB will use and track maximum of 2 pre-authorized loan payments. - USER DEFINED AUTOMATIC BANKING FEES for every account in use EB will use and track maximum of 3 pre-authorized fee payments. - USER DEFINED AUTOMATIC DEPOSITS for every account in use EB will use and track maximum of 5 pre-authorized deposits. - FULL EDITING CONTROL of entries. When entering or editing data Move left/right, delete character, insert, or type-over. - EDITING AND VOIDING of transactions . Any record not yet cleared can be voided (cancelled) or edited as often as required. - CLEARING OR POSTING of all records is done very quickly and easily with 2 key strokes by selecting a transaction from the screen. - BUDGET OR EXPENSE (TAX) CATEGORIES up to 98 user defined expense categories to facilitate budgeting or expenditure tracking. - FAST AND EASY RECONCILIATION lets you check each entry with your bank statement to be sure the transactions match with the bank. - FAST NUMBER CALCULATIONS fast calculations are done in only a few seconds even with thousands of entries. - FLEXIBLE TRANSACTION VIEWING. You can view all of your entries in any order from any/all accounts or any/all budget categories. - FAST TRANSACTION SORTING. If an unsuccessful search occurs the program automatically resorts (re-index) all data files. - FAST AND FLEXIBLE ENTRY SEARCHING. Search by Payee, Paid to, or Paid from, transaction numbers or entry date for any transaction. - FLEXIBLE KEYBOARD OPERATION. Menu selections can be done by enter- ing numbers or letters the same as in the popular Word Perfect. - EASY INSTALLATION The program has pre-defined BAT or installation files for many possible hardware configuration. - MINIMAL HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS. Some of the program will run on a single HD. floppy disk, 384K RAM, 4.77mghz PC clock speed. - FLEXIBLE MONTHLY STATEMENTS (REPORTS) summary reports keyed on accounts and expense categories. - TRANSFER BETWEEN ACCOUNTS if a transfer of funds was done between accounts, this program can record this trnsaction. - INFORMATION TRACKING the EB tracks up to 80 items of informat- ion such as, safety box contents, bank certificates, credit cards. 2.3 - TABLE OF FILES --------------------------------------------------------------------- EB.EXE ------ MAIN PROGRAM FILE EB1.OVL ------ UPKEEP OVERLAY FILE EB2.OVL ------ PAYMENTS OVERLAY FILE EB3.OVL ------ CORRECTIONS OVERLAY FILE EB4.OVL ------ REPORT1 OVERLAY FILE EB5.OVL ------ REPORT2 OVERLAY FILE EB6.OVL ------ HELP OVERLAY FILE EB7.OVL ------ ENTER OVERLAY FILE EBCCOUNT.DBF --- ACCOUNT INFO. DATA FILE EBTRAN1.DBF ---- TRANSACTION TRACKING DATA FILE EBPAY.DBF ----- PAYMENTS TRACKING DATA FILE EBTAX.DBF ------ EXPENSE CATEGORY DATA FILE EBBILD.MEM ---- DISPLAY CONFIGURATION MEMORY FILE EBPLATTE.MEM -- DRIVE CONFIGURATION MEMORY FILE BESITZER.MEM -- OWNER INFORMATION MEMORY FILE NBALANCE.MEM -- NET WORTH MEMORY FILE KONTO.NTX ----- ACCOUNT NUMBER INDEX FILE BDATE1.NTX ---- DATE INDEX FILE BCHKNO1.NTX --- CHECK NUMBER INDEX FILE BDEPNO1.NTX --- DEPOSIT NUMBER INDEX FILE BNUMWI1.NTX --- WITHDRAWAL NUMBER INDEX FILE BPAIDF1.NTX --- PAID FROM INDEX FILE BPAYFO1.NTX --- PAY FOR INDEX FILE BPAYTO1.NTX --- PAY TO INDEX FILE EB.DOC -------- MANUAL TEXT FILE HARDRIVE.BAT --- HARD DRIVE INSTALLATION FILE HIDENSTY.BAT --- HIGH DENSITY DISK CONVERSION FILE READDOC.BAT --- SCREEN DISPLAY OF DOCUMENT FILE TYPEDOC.BAT --- TRANSFER MANUAL TO PAPER FILE NOTE: SOME OF THE ABOVE FILES WILL ONLY APPEAR AFTER USAGE 2.4 - R E Q U I R E M E N T S ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This program runs on the IBM PC family of computers, including the PC, XT (8086), AT (286),(386), (486), PS/2 and all true IBM compatibles. Requires: MS-DOS or PC-DOS version 3.3 or higher, at least 384K of RAM, any IBM type 80 column color or monochrome display and at least two 360k floppy disk drives. For best results a hard drive or high density disk and a full 640K of RAM shuold be used. 2.5 - I N S T A L L A T I O N --------------------------------------------------------------------- HARD DISK SYSTEM: MANUAL INSTALLATION A. Make a DUROL directory on the C:\ drive. At the C:\> prompt type, "MD \DUROL" and press <Enter>. B. Change to subdirectory DUROL, At the C:\> prompt type, "CD \DUROL" and press <Enter>. C. Insert into the A: drive, the EB floppy disk <A> containing the EB.EXE program. D. At the C:\DUROL> prompt type, "COPY A: *.*" and press the <Enter> key. E. Remove the EB <A> disk from the A:\ drive and repeat steps "C","D","E" with EB disk F. To run EASY BANKING PROGRAM the user must first change to the C:\DUROL sub-directory by typing "CD \DUROL" <Enter>. Now to run the program type "EB" and <Enter>. AUTOMATIC INSTALLATION A. Insert the DUROL Disk <A> into drive A:\ type hardrive and press <Enter> B. Repeat the same with Durol Disk as was done with Durol disk <A>. The Program will now ask configuration questions. C. Put both disks in a safe place. FLOPPY DISK SYSTEM: MAKING BACK-UP DISKS A. Get two blank formatted disks one with the DOS system files on it (bootable). - If the floppy has not yet been formatted then refer to your DOS reference manual. B. Put the Easy Banking program disk <A> into drive B: and a bootable blank disk into drive A: - If a single floppy system is being used - skip this step. C. Type, "COPY B:*.* A:" and press the <Enter> key. - If a single floppy system is being used the computer will prompt to insert and remove the source and target disks. D. Repeat steps B. and C. as above with EB disk in drive B: and formatted non system disk in drive A: E. Store the original Easy Banking Program floppy disk <A> and away for safekeeping and backup. RUNNING ON TWO FLOPPIES To run the program: 1) Boot the computer with the MS-DOS system disk. 2) At the Dos prompt (A:>) type in " PATH B:\ " 3) Replace the MS-DOS disk with Easy Banking <A> disk in drive A: insert EB Disk into drive B:. 4) Run the program by typing "EB" <Enter>. RUNNING ON A SINGLE HD. FLOPPY To run the program: both 360k floppies have to be transferred to a single high density (1.44mg / 720k) disk. If a single floppy system is being used to run the program, the file hidensty.bat may be used to transfer all files on disk <A> & to the HD. disk. 1) Boot the computer with a MS-DOS system disk. 2) Replace the MS-DOS system disk with EASY BANKING 3) Type in "EB" at the dos prompt 2.6 - G E T T I N G S T A R T E D --------------------------------------------------------------------- With a 2 floppy system it is important to type in a path for the program to find its overlay files (PATH B:\) before starting the program. The program is started by typing in EB. When the program is started up for the first time EB will be asking some configuration questions. The program checks the computer for the presence of a color graphics card, if none is located it turns the display to monochrome mode automatically.If a color card is located the program will ask if a color monitor is being used. Next the program checks for its data files. If it does not find its files on the same drive and directory that the program file is located, it will ask what drive will be used for data files. The screen will offer five drive letters to choose from. Depending on the configuartion of the computer this question will be repeated later on. At this point the Computer will ask which date format to use, enter for USA or <C> for Canadian. The program comes with some practice data installed to offer the user some practice before legitimate banking data is entered. It is strogly recommended that a novice practice with this data until familiarity with the program is achieved. In option 9 on the menu, the program provides a means to add additional accounts and delete unwanted accounts. In option M on the Menu (Maintenance) a means is provided to delete all practice data before entering pertinent data. When the program is started without any practice data installed it will ask additional configuration questions not mentioned above such as the users name and address and information about the bank account to be used. The name and address of the user of this program is required on the checks. The bank account information is required to identify the account in use. It is strongly recommended that the user read this manual at least once before using this program to get an overall sense of direction and purpose. Once the program is up and running the opera- tor should make ample use of the on screen help file to familiarize himself with the individual options. 3. I N S T R U C T I O N S *********************** 3.1 - C O N V E N T I O N S --------------------------------------------------------------------- <key> - The letter or word between the <> brackets corresponds to a key on the computers keyboard. EXAMPLE: <A> - this is the letter "A" on the keyboard lo- cated on the left side next to the letter"S". <Esc> - this is the "Escape" key located in the upper left corner of most IBM PC keyboards or in the upper left corner of the Number Pad on IBM PC/AT keyboards. In EB this key is disabled (turned off) to prevent disastrous user interference. <Enter> - this is the key as the <Return> key which is known as the "Carriage Return" key on most typewriters or the "Enter" key. Usually the largest key on the keyboard. The AT keyboard has 2 <Enter> Keys. One large one on the type- writer keyboard section, and one long narrow one on the numeric pad. Numlock Key - When editing if the NumLock is ON only numbers will appear. If the NumLock is OFF then the user will move the editors cursor. The Help line - One or more lines near the bottom of the screen is the users prompt or help line. This line always tells what the program is expecting and what some of the options are. Entry Fields - A variable size space that appears on the screen when an entry is required. If the entry fills the provided space no entry key press is required. If the space is not filled the entry key must be pressed after each data entry. Cursor Movement - The arrow keys are called the cursor keys which allow the cursor to move about the screen. Press Any Key - This expression does not include keys such as, shift, control, alt or escape. When this expression appears it is best to press the <Enter> key, a numeric or letter key will also be correct. 3.2 - G E N E R A L I N S T R U C T I O N S --------------------------------------------------------------------- When the program is started it will do a security check (if turned on) then do the automatic monthly transactions (if there are any in use) then it totals the balances of all the accounts in use, then comes up with a Main Menu display. The menu is made up of 14 options of which 7 are sub-menus which in turn contain several more sub-sub menus, in all there are approximately 65 menus or windows in total. With all the above mentioned menus and the bottom of the screen, and in some cases the top of the screen help lines (instruction lines) and a detailed instruction on each of the menu options in the dedicated on screen help file, this program should not take an over-abundance of train- ing to enable the user to become thoroughly familiar with it. To make a menu selection the touch typist has the option of using the highlighted letters without leaving the keyboard and the accounting type users can use the numeric keypad to enter the corresponding numbers to make a selection in all sub-menus. The first 3 choices on the menu, checks, withdrawals, and deposits, are provided to enter very simple and fast, any one of the above transactions with a minimum of keystrokes. It is re- commended that the novice user use these three and all other options on the menu in practice sessions before entering per- tinent information. After a minimum of four each entries (checks deposits, withdrawals) are made, the program offers the user a choice of quick entry or regular entry methods. The advanced (Quick) Entry Method, gives the user the opportunity to bypass all the safety and confirmation features, therefore reducing the time required to complete an entry. All entries can be voided and edited in the appropriate menu option. All final entries require confirmation by the user to avoid time consuming mistakes. All these features are designed to make the user feel at ease while using this program. Outstanding transactions should be cleared (posted) in the appropriate option every time an actual bank statement is received. Transactions can be retrieved to look at on an individual basis with issue date, payee, or entry number as search criteria. All entries can be listed in an abundance of ways in the Generate Report Option on the menu. With the automatic payment option loan payments, banking fee payments, pre-authorized payments and automatic deposits can be initiated a pre-determined number of each for each account in use. In this option these automatic transactions can be started or stopped. The banking information option is mostly designed to enter and quickly retrieve frequently used banking information. This information can be entered or edited by the user without any effect on other program operations. When using more than one account (up to a maximum of 98) this option provides a means to transfer funds between accounts with- in the program, look at the latest account standing, (deposit, checks, withdrawals and balances). Show all accounts in use, balances, on one page, and start or end any account except number one. The purpose of the maintenance program option is provided to back-up or restore data with very little technical knowledge to re-sort or index all files, should this become necessary. This option provides a sub-sub menu to enable the user to configure or reconfigure the program such as drive and directory specifica- tions. It provides a means to clear out all data files, which was mainly meant to remove the practice data and to restart the program with pertinent data. It also provides options to do some year end house cleaning. 3.3 - M A I N M E N U L I S T I N G S --------------------------------------------------------------------- 0. Quit ------------------- Option to quit EB (return to DOS) 1. Help ------------------- Option to invoke the help menu 2. Issue Checks ----------- Option to write checks 3. Deposit Funds ---------- Option to make a deposit 4. Cash Withdrawals ------- Option to make a withdrawal 5. Payment Menu ----------- A sub-menu offering 4 auto. transactions 6. Entries Clear Menu ----- A sub-menu offering 3 clear options 7. Banking Info. Menu ----- A sub-menu offering 9 info. options 8. Void & Edit Menu ------- A sub-menu offering 3 edit/void options 9. Other Accounts Menu ---- A sub-menu offering 5 accounts options 10. Generate Reports Menu -- A sub-menu offering 9 report sub-options 11. Reconcile Accounts ----- Option to reconcile bank accounts 12. Maintenance Menu ------- A sub-menu offering 9 maintenance options 13. Adjust Date ------------ Option to reset the program date 3.4 - S U B - M E N U L I S T I N G S --------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Payment menu 1. Loan Payment ------------ Option to start or stop a loan 2. Pre-Authorized Payments -- Option to start or stop payments 3. Monthly Banking Fees ---- Option to list monthly bank fees 4. Automatic Deposits ------ Option to make automatic deposits 6. Entries Clear Menu 1. Clear Checks ------------ Option to clear checks 2. Clear Deposits ---------- Option to clear deposits 3. Clear Withdrawals ------- Option to clear withdrawals 7. Banking Info. Menu 1. Account Description ----- Option to describe an account 2. Last Transaction -------- Option to view last transaction 3. Interest and Service Fees- Option to view Int. & Ser. Fees 4. Automatic Deposits ------- Option to view automatic deposits 5. Loan Information -------- Option to view loan information 6. Automatic Payments ------- Option to view auto. payments 7. Credit Card Information -- Option to view credit card info. 8. Certificate Data --------- Option to view certificate data 9. Safety Box and Contents -- Option to view contents of box. 8. Edit & Void Menu 1. Void or Edit Checks ------ Option to void or edit checks 2. Void or Edit Deposits --- Option to void or edit deposits 3. Void or Edit Withdrawals - Option to void or edit withdrawals 9. Other Accounts Menu 1. Transfer Funds ----------- Option to transfer funds 2. Accounts in use Info. --- Option to view acct info. 3. Accts Current Balances --- Option to view current balances 4. Start another Account ---- Option to start another acct. 5. Delete an Account -------- Option to delete an account 10. Generate Reports Menu 1. Find a specified Trans -------- Option to find specified trans. 2. List all specified Trans ------- Option to list spec.transactions 3. List Trans. for a time period - Option to transactions 4. List Exp. Categ. for a period - Option to Expense Categories 5. List a bank stmnt. for a month - Option to list bank stmnt. 12. Maintenance Menu 1. Re-index all existing Data Files - Option to re-index 2. Back-up all Data Files ----------- Option to back-up data 3. Restore Data from Back-up -------- Option to restore data 4. Run Programs without Quitting ---- Option to run other programs 5. Set Drive and Variables Menu ----- Option to set variables 5. Set Variables Sub-Menu 1. Change the DOS Path 2. Change the Security Check Option 3. Change the Drive that holds the Data 4. Change the drive that holds the Program 5. Change the directory that holds the Data 6. Change the drive that holds the Back-up 6. Clear Out all Data Files ---------- Option to clear data files 7. Saving Last Year's Data to Disk --- Option to save data 8. Closing out Data for Year End ----- Option to close year end 9. Enter and Edit Expense Categories - Option to edit exp. cat. 3.5 - D E T A I L E D I N S T R U C T I O N S --------------------------------------------------------------------- (2) ENTER CHECKS This selection will allow the user to enter in checks. When entering " 2 " or " C " on the Main Menu the program will provide a list of " Accounts in use " up to 10 Accounts on the first page. If more are in use there will be a prompt to make either a selection or ask for additional accounts to be listed. If only one account is being used this function is disabled. When the account to be used is chosen, a blank check will appear on the screen. The EB program will ask for confirmation on all essential entries before it saves the new data on file to give a chance for correction or a change of mind. After four checks have been entered, the program offers a choice of a Quick Advanced or the Regular Entry Method. The quick entry method is provided for the advanced user. It eliminates all editing and confirmation features that are listed below. Some features of this program are checking for duplicate check numbers, checking for a valid date, not allowing blank entries, that a positive, non-zero amount exists, and categor- izing the check into " 98 " user-defined tax deductible or expense categories . (3) ENTER DEPOSITS This selection ("3" or "F" on the Main Menu) is for entering a deposit slip. The "Choose Account" option applies to this function as in Section 2, above. Deposits can be made manually or automatically.The manual deposit is straight forward no blank entries, positive amount only with editing and confirmation on all essential entries. After four deposits have been entered, the program offers a choice of a Quick Advanced or the Regular Entry Method. The quick entry method is provided for the advanced user. It eliminates all editing and confirmation features that are listed above. The automatic deposit is accessed in option 5 - 4, up to 5 deposits per account (490 maximum),is an option that is meant to enter a monthly deposit of a fixed amount (example: pension cheques, rent income) automatically at a predetermined date every month. Once an automatic entry has been entered the EB Program will make up a special file which then makes a deposit record on the given date every month and updates the balance of the particular account as well as the total of all accounts on the Main Menu. Some of the features of this entry include keeping track of the individual deposits by number, where the amount was received from and a memo field capable of storing a message 75 characters long. It checks for positive non-zero amounts and an entry for deducting a cash withdrawal. (4) ENTER CASH WITHDRAWALS This selection (" 4 " or " F ")is for those who make a direct cash withdrawal from the bank, either from a human teller or an automatic teller (ATM) Cash Machine. The "Choose Account" option applies to this function as in Section 2, above. The withdrawal is straightforward no blank entries, positive amount only, with editing and confirm- ation on all essential entries. Some of the features of this entry include keeping track of the individual withdrawals by number, what the amount was used for and a memo field capable of storing a message 75 characters long. When the space provided on the screen, for an entry is filled no <Enter> is required but if the space is not filled pressing the <Enter> is necessary to complete an entry. After four withdrawals have been entered, the program offers a choice of a Quick Advanced or the Regular Entry Method. The quick entry method is provided for the advanced user. It eliminates all editing and confirmation features that are listed above. (5) AUTOMATIC FUNCTION MENU This selection ( " 5 " or " U " ) on the Main Menu is a sub- menu. It consists of four choices: 1. Monthly Loan Payment 2. Pre-Authorized Payments 3. Monthly Banking Fees 4. Automatic Deposits 1. Monthly Loan Payments - Every account can accomodate 2 automatic loan payments. With this function an automatic loan payment can be initiated or cancelled. (Maximum 196). 2. Pre-Authorized Payments - Every account can accomodate 5 automatic pre-author- ized payments. Each set of payments must be of identical amounts. (Maximum 490). 3. Monthly Banking Fees - Every account can accomodate 3 Monthly Banking Fees. Each fee must be the same amount monthly. (Maximum 294). 4. Automatic Deposits - Every account can accomodate 5 Monthly Automatic Deposits. Each set of deposits must be identical amounts every month. (Maximum 490). The "Choose Account" option applies to this function as in Section 2, above. The Automatic Payments and Deposits can be started or stopped in this section. If the Manual Entry is selected the information entered will be for display only and will not result in any automatic transactions. This information can be viewed in option 7- 3,4,5, & 6 on the Main Menu. It is important to note that all pre-determined trans- actions must be of a constant amount (the same amount every month).The above automatic transactions will produce a record the same as if it had been entered manually. The computer checks the date that these automatic trans- actions are due every time the EB Program is started and carries out the transactions which are due automatically. The first payment or deposit will made on the date given not at the time of entry. (6) ENTRIES CLEAR MENU This selection ( " 6 " or " C " ) on the Main Menu is a sub- menu. It consists of three choices: 1. Clear Checks 2. Clear Deposits 3. Clear Withdrawals 1. Clear Checks - This option is provided to post or clear checks after they have been returned by the bank. 2. Clear Deposits - This option is provided to post or clear deposits after the bank statement has been received. 3. Clear Withdrawals - This option is provided to post or clear with- drawals the same as in sub-option 2 above. The "Choose Account" option applies to this function as in Section 2, above. When selecting this option the screen will display all outstanding checks (deposits, withdrawals)(one page at a time) Choose the transaction to be cleared by entering the record not the check number, that coincides with the transaction to be cleared. CAUTION! once a transaction has been cleared it can not be uncleared. Transactions that have been cleared can be viewed but not altered, in the Generate Report Menu on the Main Menu. (7) BANKING INFORMATION MENU This selection ( " 7 " or " I " ) on the Main Menu is a sub- menu. It consists of nine choices: 1. Account Description 2. Last Transaction 3. Interest and Service Fees 4. Automatic Deposits 5. Loan Information 6. Automatic Payments 7. Credit Card Information 8. Certificate Data 9. Safety Deposit Box and Contents 1. Account Description - This sub-option displays the name of the bank, type of account, bank managers name and phone number. This in- formation is entered when the account is first initiated. All this information can be edited except for the account number. To change the account number the account has to be erased and re-entered (option 9 - 5 on the Main Menu) 2. Last Transaction - This sub-option displays the last check, deposit, and withdrawal amount, date, number and the balance of all accounts on file, one at a time. This information can not be altered in this option. 3. Interest and Service Fees - This sub- option displays the Interest and Service Fees that are being paid or charged by the bank. These fees can be for display only or the automatic transactions as decscribed in option 5 - 3. This information can either be entered at the start of a new account or when an automatic transaction is initiated. Editing this information will not affect the monthly automatic trans- actions. 4. Automatic Deposits - This sub-option displays the Automatic Deposits (see option 5 - 4 ) that are in use. This information can be entered at this point (for display only) or when an auto- matic deposit is initiated. Editing or changing this data at this point will not affect the monthly automatic deposits in use. 5. Loan Information - This sub-option displays the information on Loans presently in force (see option 5 -1 ). Information can be entered or edited at this point, but it will not affect or result in any automatic function. 6. Automatic Payments - This sub-option displays the information on all Pre- Authorized Payments in force. See Option 5 - 2. The same rules apply as stated in sections 3, 4, and 5 in this option above. 7. Credit Cards - This-sub option displays information regarding Credit Cards that are issued by this bank on this account. This information can be entered or edited at this point. It is for quick or instant retrieval of initial information only. It does not affect any functions in the program. 8. Certificate Data - This sub-option stores and displays for quick and easy retrieval, basic information on banking certificates such as retirement plans, savings plans, investment cert- ificates. Renewal and annuity dates can be looked up with as little as two key strokes. 9. Safety Deposit Box and Contents - This sub-option stores and displays the basic infor- mation and contents of the Safety Deposit Box registered to this account. (8) EDIT AND VOID MENU This selection ( " 8 " or " V " ) on the Main Menu is a sub- menu. It consists of three choices: 1. Void or Edit Checks 2. Void or Edit Deposits 3. Void or Edit Withdrawals The "Choose Account" option applies to this function as in Section 2, above. 1. Void or Edit Checks - This sub-option enables the user to edit or void any check that has not been cleared (posted). 2. Void or Edit Deposits - This sub-option provides the same editing capabili- ties as in sub-option 1 on all deposits prior to clearing with bank statement. 3. Void or Edit Withdrawals - This sub-option provides the same editing capabili- ties with withdrawals as in sub-option 2 does with de- posits. When a transaction's amount is edited or voided the balance of all entries from the forward to the last entry will be updated to reflect the changes made. The voided transactions will not appear in the General State- ments, but they can be viewed in the Report Option. (9) OTHER ACCOUNT MENU This selection ( " 9 " or " O " ) on the Main Menu is a sub- menu. It consists of five choices: 1. Transfer Funds 2. Accounts in use Information. 3. Accounts Current Balances. 4. Start another Account. 5. Delete an Account The "Choose Account" option applies to this function as in Section 2 above. 1. Transfer Funds - This sub-option enables the user to transfer funds between different accounts. The routine provides a blank check which is written on the account from which the funds will be withdrawn and then provides a list of accounts in use from which to choose the account which the funds are going to be deposited to. By entering the number beside the account, not the account number, the deposit into the destination account is done acutomatically. Two trans- action records of this transfer will be created in the transaction file. This option is to track banking act- ivities and is not meant to affect the actual bank func- tion. 2. Accounts in use Information - This sub-option enables the user to quickly view information pertaining to all accounts, in use such as name of bank , account number, managers name. It also provides a quick and easy check on all last transactions. It gives the amount, date and transaction number of all accounts in use. No data can be edited at this point. 3. Accounts Current Balances - This sub-option provides the user with a status report of the balances of all accounts in use. Only the balance, the account number, and the bank name is provided for a quick uncluttered look. The total balance of all accounts together is constantly provided on the Main Menu. For a more detailed look at balances and status, use sub-option 2 above. 4. Start Another Account - This sub-option enables the user to start additional accounts by entering all information necessary and option- nal information pertaining to an account. The program can handle up to 98 accounts. When a new account is initiated a minimum of eight files will be created to hold and track the data for the new account. Each automatic transaction (payment, deposit) will further create an additional file. 5. Delete an Account - This sub-option allows the user to delete all data and data files that track the information and transactions pertaining to an account. All but the first account can be deleted. To delete the data in the first account, option 6 on the Maintenance sub-menu must be used. (10) GENERATE REPORTS MENU This selection ( " G " or " g " ) on the Main Menu is a sub- menu. It consists of five choices: 1. Find a specified Transaction 2. List all specified Transaction 3. List Transaction for a time period 4. List Expense Categories for a period 5. List a bank statement for a month The "Choose Account" option applies to this function as in Section 2 above. To get a print-out (hard copy) of all the reports generated, use the print screen key on the keyboard. 1. Find a specified Transaction This sub-option enables the user to look for and display an individual transaction such as a check, deposit or withdrawal by the entry date, the payee, or the entry number if the transaction is not found the computer will re-index (sort all files) and return to the menu so that the search can be repeated. This option consists of 12 sub-options. 2. List all specified Transactions This sub-option enables the user to list transactions (checks, deposits, withdrawals and payments), in groups of transactions issued, outstanding, cleared, voided (cancelled) and displays the totals of same at the end of the listings. This option consists of 16 sub-options. 3. List Transaction for a time period This sub-option enables the user to list all trans- actions (checks, deposits, withdrawals and payments), in groups of all transactions issued, outstanding, cleared voided (cancelled) and displays the totals of same at the end of the listings. In addition it gives the option to list the above for a given time period such as a day, a month, the year to date or a specified period with a beginning date and an ending date. This option consists of 64 sub-options. 4. List Expense Categories for a time period This sub-option enables the user to list all checks in groups of user defined expense or tax categories (up to 98) for a given time period. The Periods defined are any given day, any given month, year to date or any period specified by a starting and ending date or a listing of all categories on file year to date. This option is especially useful with budgeting or doing income tax. This option can consist of up to a maximum of 393 sub-options. 5. List a monthly statement for a given month This sub-option enables the user to list a bank statement with all transactions icluding a running balance for a given time period. The time period consisting of any day, any month, year to date, or a period specified by a beginning and an ending date. It will list all transactions issued for that period. This option consists of four sub-options. (11) RECONCILIATE ACCOUNTS This selection ("R" or "r" on the Main Menu) is for reconcil- iating the program balance with the bank account balance. The "Choose Account" option applies to this function as in Section 2, above. This operation should only be performed after all the transactions are cleared with the latest bank statement. After choosing the account to be reconciled, the screen asks for the actual balance of the statement received from the bank. The program then counts, adds, and subtracts all out- standing transactions and compares that total to the total in the program. If the balances are the same, it says so and returns to the menu, if the balances are not the same the program offers three options, a) enter the difference, b) search for the dis- crepancy, or c) quit and return to the menu. In a) the program offers to enter the difference either automatically or manually. Choosing automatically, the program adds or subtracts the necessary amount to equalize the balances, then makes out a deposit or withdrawal with "account adjustment" in the payee space and returns to the menu. Choosing manually, the program offers 4 entry spaces to enter the overlooked interest paid or service fees and two spaces to enter miscellaneous amounts to either add or subtract to bring the balance even with the true bank balance. In b) search for the discrepancy, the program lists all outstanding transactions the same as a bank statement to give the user the opportunity to review such transactions with the statements from the bank. The user can then proceed to option 8 (edit and void) on the main menu and rectify the problem by editing the incorrect transaction. (12) FILE MAINTENANCE MENU This selection ( " M " or " m " ) on the Main Menu is a sub- menu. It consists of nine choices: 1. Re-index all existing Data Files 2. Back-up all Data Files 3. Restore Data from Back-up 4. Run Other Programs without Quitting EB 5. Set Drive and Other Variables Menu 6. Clear Out all Data Files 7. Saving Last Year's Data to Disk 8. Closing out Data for Year End 9. Enter and Edit Expense Categories 1. Re-Index All Exisiting Data Files - This sub-option enables the user to re-sort (index) all data files. In order to ensure successful searches for individual transactions in the General Report Option, it may be necessary from time to time to make use of this option. 2. Back-Up All Data Files - This sub-option enables the user to protect himself against the loss of valuable data. By the frequent use of this option data will be available from a secondary source should a computer or disk failure occur. It is recommended that this option be utilized after each usage of the program or as often as possible. To utilize this option blank formatted disks must be available. This option is designed for hard drives only. If only Floppy Drives are used, a DOS DISK COPY should be done to the Disk B: (Data Disk) of the EB Program. Before the backup option can be used, the sub sub-option 5 on the Maintenance Menu ( drive information) must be completed to tell the program which drives are being used. Back-ups can also be done by other programs which specialize in backing up data files or with the Dos back up utility. When backing up this program all files with the endings DBF and MEM should be backed up. 3. Restore Data from Backup Disk- This sub-option allows the user to restore data from the back-up disk in case of computer or disk failure as well as in case of data file corruption. This option can only benefit if sub-option 2 above is used on a regular basis. For more details refer to sub-option 2 above or your DOS Manual. CAUTION! If the Restore Data Option is used, all data that was entered after the last back-up was done, will be lost. When restoring back-up data it is important that the same means be used, either the above option, other programs, or the DOS utility that were used backing this data up. 4. Run Other Programs Without Quitting EB - This sub-option gives the user the opportunity to run DOS options such as disk formatting or and other smaller programs not directly related to EB without exiting the EB Program. Before trying to run a program while EB is active ensure that there will be enough RAM space left to accomodate the second program. To force an unwanted crash or closure of EB could result in a data file corruption of EB. If the program to be run is larger than 200 K or the basic RAM available in the computer is less than 640 K a crash could result. 5. Set Drives and Other Variables Menu - This option consists of a sub-sub-menu with 6 sub- sub-options. 1. Change the DOS Path 2. Change the Security Check Option 3. Change the Drive that holds the Data 4. Change the drive that holds the Program 5. Change the directory that holds the Data 6. Change the drive that holds the Back-up 1. Change the DOS Path This sub-sub option enables the user to reset the drive and path name to the DOS location. It is only needed if the Run Other Program Options 4 is being utilized. 2. Change the Security Check Option - This sub-sub option enables the user to (a) turn the security check option on and off.(b) change or select the security password. Caution! When the Security Option is activated, access to this program without the pre-selected pass- word can only be gained by deleting all files with the MEM extension, which will result in loss of a lot of important data and will cause a considerable amount of data re-entering. For that reason it is strongly advised to write down the Password that was selected. Note: When enter- ing the Password on regular Start-Up (after it has been selected) it is necessary to press the <Enter> key once before entering the Password. When the Security Option appears on the screen on Start-Up a timer of 30 seconds is initiated after which the program will quit and return to DOS prompt. 3. Change the Drive that Holds the Data Files - This sub-sub option is semi-automatic in that the program on first start-up checks for its Data Files. If it finds the files on the same drive and/or directory as the program files it will configure it- self to look for those files in the same location thereafter. If it can not locate the files in the same drive or directory as the program files it will ask which drive is to be used for the data files and the pro- gram will set up a file to remember where to look. This file can be edited with this sub-sub option. 4. Change the Drive that Holds the Program Files - This sub-sub option provides a means to change the drive configuration (example: to change from a two floppy system to a hard drive system) this en- ables the user to change the computer or its config- uration. This information is required for the back-up and restore options above. 5. Change the Directory that Holds the Data Files - This sub-sub-option enables the user to rename or change the directory on the hard drive that holds the entire program. It also gives the user the oppor- tunity to locate the data files in a separate sub- directory for faster disk access. The information stored in the memory file that is created with this option is also used in the restore and back-up option above. 6. Change the Drive that holds the Back-up Floppies - This sub-sub-option data is required for the operation of the back-up and restore options above. This information has to be supplied before the back- up and restore options can be implemented. If a back-up has been done and the data in this option is changed, a renewed back-up has to be carried out to prevent major problems. 6. Clearing out all Data Files - This sub-option enables the user to re-install or restart the program. After this option has been used all data has been unretrievably deleted. This option provides a means to remove the practice data that is provided with the program. Before the user enters pertinent data this option should be used to cleanse the program first. 7. Saving Last Year's Data to Disk - This sub-option provides a means to the user to save the data that was copied from the transaction files for safekeeping to another disk. It is recom- mended that this be done if option 8 is carried out because it will speed up the disk access by having less files to look through in the directory. 8. Closing out Data For Year's End - This sub-option can be used after the Year End and after the last of last year's bank statements has been reconciled. This option creates a file with the last two digits of the previous year and the number of the bank account (1 to 98) in it's name. Then the program copies all records with the last years date that have been cleared (posted) to this new file. It can then delete the records that have been copied to shrink the main transaction file for faster operation. These files can then be copied or saved to another disk with option 7 above. The deletion part of this option should be car- ried out only if the program speed is diminishing because of extra large transaction data files. Once the data has been deleted from the transaction files it can no longer be accessed for comparisons. 9. Enter & Edit Expense Categories- This sub-option allows the user to enter or edit up to 98 expense catagories, which enables the user to track all spending throughout the year in as many different categories as found necessary. A word of caution, entering too many and unecessary categories will make writing checks needlessly slow and cumber- some. The categories can be edited at any time, but the checks that have been written on a category, prior to its editing, can not be listed. For that reason it is advisable not to edit but add a new category instead. (13) CHANGE DATE No explanation needed with this. This is a nice little touch which allows the user to correct the date without leaving the program. 3.6 - P R O B L E M S --------------------------------------------------------------------- If you encounter a problem with this program or if you would like to comment on anything, please write to the address below. To help in trouble shooting please specify: The program you are using, program version, name and model of the machine you are using, the specifications of your computer (type of display, memory, disk drives), DOS version, any device drivers or TSR's running, the nature of the problem, along with any messages or anything that seems odd or out of place. If your problem is not of the utmost urgency, write instead of calling. The problem often can't be resolved over the phone anyway, since it usually requires that we have a copy of your data file to recreate the problem on our computer. When writing include a diskette with a copy of your data file and the data mentioned above. Also include any screen dumps or messages which may be useful in researching the problem. If you find it necessary to call for technical support, please have all the information available. If possible, call from a phone near your computer, in case you need to run the EASY BANKING Program to troubleshoot or explain the problem. ROLF J. ZELLER THE DUROL COMPANY 5825 Malvern Ave., Burnaby, B.C. V5E 3E6 CANADA Telephone (604) 524-1765 Good Computing!