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1991-10-17
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1.1 INTRODUCTION (a)
==============================================================================
This program TASKIT is a FREE sample of our EASY RUNNER software for the
IBM computer. I hope you will find this software easy and enjoyable to use.
My name is Chris Boss. I am the designer of this software line. My goal is
to offer quality software at an affordable price. I have noticed that in the
last few years, software prices have been rising. If you are like me, you most
likely have a limited amount of money you can spend on software. Another
problem many face is that some of the software you buy is difficult to use and
poorly designed. A third problem is that no two software packages work alike.
So called Public domain software and shareware software have seemed to be
the answer for some. But even this has it's problems. You may buy your disks
from one store or catalog, but you must recognize that each program was
designed by a different author. One program may be good and the next be bad.
Another problem has been the format these programs are offered in. Since most
of these packages were originally distributed over the phone through BBS's
the programs come on a disk in a compacted format, usually ARC or ZIP files.
Many find this very confusing when they first try to start up their newly
purchased program.
==============================================================================
1.1 INTRODUCTION (b)
==============================================================================
My product line overcomes many of these problems. First, I use a powerful
program generation system that allows me to design a single software package
in an extremely short period of time compared to the months or maybe years
that other developers would take. Second, the documentation comes on the disk
, but instead of simply putting a document file on the disk a special program
for reading and printing the manual is also included. These two methods allow
me to offer these programs at a very low price (which is what you want).
Third, the programs are all created in the exact same format. This means
they all work alike. After you learn how to use your first program, the others
you buy will take minutes to get up and running. This saves you time.
Finely, all the programs are as easy to use as I can possibly make them.
No computer program can be made so easy to use that you can be up a running in
five minutes. Computer software is naturally a little confusing at first, but
a well designed software package keeps the complexities down to a minimum.
This FREE software program (TASKIT) doesn't come with the README program
that accompanies all the other EASY RUNNER programs. The manual file was
converted to a document file and included in the ZIP file for BBS's.
==============================================================================
1.2 WHY IS THIS IS FREE
==============================================================================
This program TASKIT is not only FREE (you got it ! NO REGISTRATION FEE),
but I would like to encourage you to give as many copies as you can to your
friends and to upload it to as many BBS's as possible.
Why am I doing this you may ask ? It's because the EASY RUNNER software
line is an excellent value at just $15 each, but advertising costs could force
me to sell these programs for much, much more. By giving this one program away
for FREE through BBS's, it will keep my advertising costs down to a minimum.
By keeping advertising costs down, I keep the software costs down, and isn't
that what you want. Low cost software !
I would like to hear from you about what you think of this software.
You may write to me at: COMPUTER WORKSHOP
Rt. 2 Box 331-A
Wytheville, Va. 24382
or call at: (703)228-5279
(please call between 6:00 and 7:00 pm)
(Yes ! We do custom programming. You can get a custom EASY RUNNER for $159)
==============================================================================
1.3 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
==============================================================================
The Easy Runner software line requires the following:
* 100% IBM compatible computer.
* 5 1/4" floppy drive
(if you have a 3 1/2" drive have your local computer store copy
this disk to a 3 1/2" disk)
* Color or Monochrome monitor
* 512 K ram memory (minimum)
* IBM compatible or Epson compatible printer
(If you have neither of these printers use the ASCII [generic]
printer option when the print menus appear)
==============================================================================
1.4 HOW TO START
==============================================================================
If you have a hard disk, you will probably want to copy this program to it.
To do that, simply log onto the floppy drive in which you have put this disk.
If the drive is the A: drive simply type: A: {Enter} at the DOS prompt.
({Enter} means the Enter key). Then type: copy *.* C: {Enter}
This will copy all the files to your hard disk.
To start the program there will be a program filename on the disk label.
The directions: To Start Program Type filename {Enter}
For this program type: TASKIT {Enter}
The manual for this program is in the file TASKIT.DOC
==============================================================================
1.5 MENUS How to use them.
==============================================================================
The menus in this program are very easy to use. Most menus will appear at
the bottom of the screen (except the Print Menus). The menu items listed can
be chosen by using the arrow keys to move the cursor bar (highlighted item) to
your choice and then press <Enter>. There is also a fast-key method you may
use in choosing a menu item. If the menu is at the bottom of the screen one of
the characters will be highlighted by another color (or underlined if you are
using a monochrome monitor). This is the fast-key. For example, one menu item
may be EDIT. The letter E would be highlighted. To choose the item simply
press the fast-key. You need not press <Enter> afterward. In some menus there
may be some items that do not have a fast-key highlighted and the item's
normal color has changed. This means that the menu item is not available at
that moment. For example, If the ADD NEW RECORD menu choice is not available
this would indicate that you have reached the maximum number of records
allowed for the file and cannot add any new records. Most any menu can be
exited by pressing the <Esc> key. This will return you to the previous menu in
most cases. When you are ready to use macros (See USING MACROS) it is best to
use the fast-key method.
==============================================================================
1.6 DEFINITIONS (a)
==============================================================================
To better understand the directions for using an Easy Runner program here
are a few definitions of terms used often in this manual.
FILE - Each Easy Runner program can save the data (or information) you type
into it onto a floppy disk (or hard-disk). This allows you to have a
permanant record of what you created that can be called back in the
future. The floppy disk works very similiar to a cassette recorder
that can record sound (instead of information). The term FILE or DATA
FILE refers to the information you saved to a floppy disk. Each file
is given a name for future reference so as to differentiate it from
other information saved previously to it.
RECORD - The data files created with this program are what is called a Flat
File Format. This simply means that the file is basically a list of
of items called Records. For example, if this program was a list of
phone numbers and related information, one phone number (with it's
related information such as name, address, etc.) would be also called
one Record. If there were ten phone numbers in the list that would
means there are ten Records also.
==============================================================================
1.6 DEFINITIONS (b)
==============================================================================
FIELD - In each record there will be a group of individual items of data. Each
item is called a field. For example, if the file contains a group of
records made up of phone numbers and related data, then each item such
as the phone number, name, date, etc. is called a field.
MACRO - A macro, in the context of this program, is a group of key presses
that have been assigned to a single key on the keyboard. For example,
say you need to type the business name JOHN'S COMPUTER SERVICES many
times in your data file. You could create a single macro that would
simplify this task. If you assigned this text to the F1 key then any
time you pressed the F1 key the program would act as if you had typed
JOHN'S COMPUTER SERVICES instead. This is a real time saver.
MENU - To give commands to this program, there must be some interface
between you and the program. The interface is called a menu. A menu is
simply a group or list of choices of which you can only pick one at a
time. Most menus in this software are at the bottom of the screen.
If no menu appears then most likely a command line will appear at the
bottom of the screen listing the keyboard commands available.
==============================================================================
2.1 MAIN MENU
==============================================================================
You will see the following options on the MAIN MENU:
CREATE OPEN MACROS HELP AD EQUIPMENT OPTIONS EXIT
CREATE ----> Creates a NEW file and then displays EDIT menu #1
(This is how you create a New or empty file)
OPEN ------> Displays the open file screen and then displays EDIT menu #1
(This is how you load in [Open] an existing file that was
previously saved to a disk)
MACROS ----> Save, Load, and clear user defined macros
HELP ------> Displays the help screens. They give an overview of the program
AD --------> Displays an advertisements screen
EQUIPMENT--> Displays a list showing what your computer is equipped with
OPTIONS ---> Displays a list of start up options for this program
EXIT ------> Exit program and returns to the DOS prompt
To start using your program pick the CREATE option and the edit screen appears
==============================================================================
2.2 DATA FILES. New & old.
==============================================================================
To create a New data file simply choose the CREATE option on the main
menu. You will then see the edit file screen appear and EDIT menu #1 will
be displayed at the bottom of the screen. You are now ready to add new records
to the new file. Please note, at the top left corner of the screen is where
the files name will appear, but since this is a new file there will be a
question mark (?) instead of a file name. No name will appear until you save
the file and give it a name.
To open (or load) an existing file (old) simply choose the OPEN option
on the main menu. The Open File screen will appear which will allow you to
search any directory on any disk drive for any data files that match this
programs data file extension (the three characters after the period [.] in the
filename).
To change to a new directory, just move the cursor bar to the directory
name (<DIR> should appear after the name) and then press <Enter>. To change
to another disk drive, use the left or right arrow keys and move the disk
drive cursor at the bottom of the Open File box to the desired drive and press
<Enter>. To choose a file move cursor bar to filename and press <Enter>.
==============================================================================
3.1 EDIT MENU #1
==============================================================================
EDIT Menu #1 should look like this:
ADD EDIT NEXT PREVIOUS FIRST LAST MENU 2 HELP EXIT
ADD -----> Displays ADD Record/INSERT Record menu.
ADD RECORD - Add a new empty record at the end of file.
INSERT RECORD - Insert new record before displayed record.
EDIT ----> Displays EDIT/Cut & Paste menu.
EDIT - Edit (enter data) displayed record.
CUT & PASTE - Use Cut & Paste buffers.
NEXT ----> Move to next record.
PREVIOUS > Move to previous record.
FIRST ---> Move to first record in file.
LAST ----> Move to last record in file.
MENU 2 --> Display Menu #2
HELP ----> Display help screens.
EXIT ----> Exit edit mode and return to main menu.
==============================================================================
3.2 KEYBOARD COMMANDS
==============================================================================
When you are in the Edit Record mode there are special keys that allow
movement and editing capabilities. They are:
<Arrow Keys> - Move from one field (item) to another.
<Ctrl><Left> - Move the cursor one character to the left within a field.
<Ctrl><Right> - Move the cursor one character to the right within a field.
<Del> - Delete a character and shift remaining text left one space.
<Ins> - Toggles Insert Mode on and off.
<Backspace> - Deletes a character and moves back (left) one space. If the
insert mode is on the remaining text is shifted left.
<Home> - Moves the cursor to the first character in the field.
<End> - Moves the cursor to the last character in the field.
<Esc> - Exits the Edit Mode and returns to the previous menu.
<Alt>P - Display Print Record Menu.
<F1> to <F10> - User defined macro keys. (See USING MACROS)
<Alt>D - System Macro. Types date from computers internal clock.
<Alt>T - System Macro. Types time from clock. Format #1
<Alt>M - System Macro. Types time from clock. Format #2
==============================================================================
3.3 DATABASE DESCRIPTION
==============================================================================
The program TASKIT was designed as a simple notepad for remembering
tasks (or things to do). Most of the fields are self explanitory.
The date fields allow you to group (and search) tasks that need to be
done on the same day or within the same week.
The time field cannot be searched, so if you need to group tasks together
that need to be done during a particular part of the day, I suggest using one
of the Index fields to put a code for different parts of the day (for ex.
MORNING, NOON, AFTERNOON, EVENING, 9-5, 10-12, 1-3, 4-6, etc.).
The four numeric fields were added just in case you need to record any
numeric values that may need to added up later. For instance, you may record
how much money you need to accomplish the task. You could input the user
defined description CASH NEEDED and say the value 50.00 (fifty dollars).
This information can be summed up later when using the CALC option after
doing a search.
==============================================================================
3.4 SPECIAL COMMANDS
==============================================================================
There are no special command keys in this program.
==============================================================================
3.5 CUT & PASTE
==============================================================================
The CUT & PASTE menu allows you to Cut (copy) and Paste (write) records.
Remember, a record is one screen. This is not a single field or entire file.
Cut & Paste works with records only. You cannot cut & paste single fields.
There are ten (10) buffers (temperary holding places) to cut & paste with
. They are labeled B1 to B10.
If you choose the Cut option and then choose which buffer to copy to,
then the displayed record (the one you see on the screen) will be copied to
that buffer.
If you choose the Paste option and then choose which buffer to copy from,
then the record in that buffer will be copied to the record that is displayed
on the screen. The old record is now lost and has been replaced by what was in
the buffer.
With ten (10) buffers you can easily move large amounts of data between
files if you choose. Simply load in one file, then copy (cut) up to ten
records into the buffers. Now you need to exit to the main menu and then load
in the other file. Add as many new (blank) records as you may need and then
copy (paste) the contents of the buffers into these blank records.
==============================================================================
4.1 EDIT MENU #2
==============================================================================
The Edit Menu #2 should look like this:
GOTO RECORD # DELETE EDIT FIND SAVE HELP MENU 1
GOTO RECORD # - At the top right corner of the screen as prompt will appear.
simply type the number record you want and press {Enter}.
The record with that number will now be displayed.
DELETE - This option allows you to delete the record that is displayed.
Once deleted, the record is lost. Use this with descretion.
EDIT - Displays the edit menu. (Same as EDIT on Edit Menu #1)
FIND - Displays the FIND (Search) menu.
SAVE - Displays the Save File screen. It is good to save the file
you are working on at least once every fifteen minutes. If
you were to lose your power on your computer all data is lost
except what was saved the last time you saved your file.
HELP - Displays the Help screens. (Same as on Edit menu #1)
MENU 1 - Returns to Edit Menu #1 (pressing {ESC} will do the same)
==============================================================================
5.1 FIND MENU (Search)
==============================================================================
The Find Menu should look like this:
SEARCH FIRST NEXT PREVIOUS EDIT PRINT ALL SAVE CALC EXIT
SEARCH - Input search parameters. Not all fields may allow searching.
FIRST - Move to the first record That MATCHES Search Parameters.
NEXT - Move to the next record That MATCHES Search Parameters.
PREVIOUS - Move to the previous record That MATCHES Search Parameters.
EDIT - Edit displayed record. (same as Edit on Edit Menu #1)
PRINT ALL - Print (send a hardcopy to printer) all the records
That MATCHES Search Parameters.
SAVE - NOTE: This is Different than the other SAVE on Edit Menu #2.
This option allows you to save only the records that Matched the
Search parameters. You can also save the searched records in a
document format. This allows you to load the file into a word
processing program. The file extension .DOC will be added.
CALC - NOTE: ( not every program has this option).
Certain numeric fields can be added up for all matched records.
EXIT - Return to Edit Menu #2 (pressing {ESC} will do the same)
==============================================================================
5.2 SEARCHING DATABASE (a)
==============================================================================
To search the database for specific records simply go to the FIND Menu. The
FIND menu has the menu options:
SEARCH FIRST NEXT PREVIOUS EDIT PRINT ALL SAVE CALC EXIT
The CALC option may not appear in some programs. When you first go to this
menu all the options will be unavailable, except the SEARCH option. You must
first choose the SEARCH option and the program will enter Edit mode and allow
you to enter the search parameters. A parameter is one of the input fields
on the screen that you would like to search by. It may be a name, description,
index key, etc.. Not all the input fields may be used as a search parameter.
More than one parameter field may be used to search by. If you want the search
to ignore a parameter simple leave the field blank, otherwise type in each
parameter field some text you are searching for. When you are finished simply
press <Esc>. Then a menu will appear that asks for the type of search. Left
Justified means that the search will look for a match for the parameter text
starting from the left of the field. For example, you could search for all the
records with a word starting with the letter B, C or the letters SP, etc..
Search Within means search for the parameter text anywhere within the field.
==============================================================================
5.2 SEARCHING DATABASE (b)
==============================================================================
The search Within function allows you to search for a last name or a middle
name within a text field.
Next, you will be asked if you would like to search between two dates for
a date field that may exist in the file. The start and stop dates are
inclusive, meaning that if you entered the dates 01/01/91 and 12/31/91 that
the search will match any record that has a date between and including those
dates.
Once the parameters have been entered, the program searchs for all the
records that match. If more than one parameter is used, all the parameters
must match in the record or the record will not be matched.
Once the search is complete, the rest of the options in the FIND menu will
become active (if a least one record matches the search parameters). You can
now move through the file matched record by matched record. Calculations,
printing, saving as a file, or saving as document file may be done for all the
matched records from within the FIND menu. Once you exit the FIND menu the
search parameters are forgotten and you reenter the normal editing mode of the
program. Now all the records are accessable.
==============================================================================
5.3 WHY USE SEARCHES
==============================================================================
The full power of this software is contained in it's search capabilities.
By using more than one search parameter very complex and informative searches
can be performed. I strongly suggest you experiment with this feature fully.
Especially with EASY RUNNER programs that have both numeric fields that
can be added up (CALC option) and date fields can this be very useful.
At first glance your database may seem very simple compared to other
software programs and their databases. But by learning how to search your
database effectively you will find that this program can produce very complex
information. Especially is this so with the programs TELEPHONE Filer, HOME
Records, and SMALL Business Records. These programs can do far more than it
may appear, but that power hinges on the use of their search capabilities.
Most of the EASY RUNNER programs have at least one USER Definable Index
field. By being creative and using logical and descriptive index codes or
index words, you will increase the power and usefullness of the search option.
You will also notice that this software loads an entire file into memory
instead of reading one record at a time from the disk. Even though this limits
the file size, this greatly increases the SPEED at which searches are done.
==============================================================================
6.1 MACROS. How to use.
==============================================================================
There are ten user defined macros assigned to the function keys <F1> to
<F10>. The purpose of a macro is to allow the user to assign to one function
key a number of key presses so as to speed up data input. For example, say
there is some text that is repeated over and over again in a file such as a
name and address. It would be much easier to assign that name and address to a
function key so when ever it was needed to be typed you could simply press
that function key and the program would type the address for you. Menus can
also be controled with a macro.
To create a macro, move to the part of the program that the macro will be
used first. If you were using the macro for a name and address for example,
you would enter the Edit Record mode and then move the cursor to the name
field. Then simply press <Ctrl>R to start recording the macro. A small prompt
will appear in the center of the screen waiting for you to assign a function
key to this new macro. Press the function key you want to use and the prompt
will disappear. Now every key you type will be recorded into that macro until
either the macro is full (approximately 50 to 100 keys) or until you press
<Ctrl>E to end recording. Now that function key is a user defined macro.
==============================================================================
6.2 MACROS Load/Save/Clear
==============================================================================
When exiting the program the computer forgets all the macros you may have
created. The next time you use this program you would have to retype all your
macros. To eliminate this problem the Easy Runner series of software can save
and load the macros from a disk file. On the Main Menu you will notice the
menu item MACROS. Choose this option and the Macro Menu will appear. The three
options are LOAD MACRO FILE, SAVE MACRO FILE, CLEAR ALL MACROS.
The program can load and save the macros into up to 9 different files.
The program controls the filenames and where the files are saved. All you have
to do is tell it which file (1 to 9) you want to load or to save to. For
example, say you choose to save the existing macros (in memory) to a file.
Choose the SAVE MACRO FILE option and another menu will appear with 9 numbers
(1 to 9). Pick which number file you want to use to save the macros and that's
it. The program will automatically save the file on the same disk and in the
same directory from which the program was started from.
To clear (or erase) all the macros (in memory) simply choose the CLEAR
ALL MACROS option.
Remember, macros can only be loaded or saved from the Main Menu.
==============================================================================
7.1 OPEN/SAVE FILE SCREEN
==============================================================================
The OPEN & SAVE FILE screens may seem a little confusing at first. Here
are a few tips to help you make more sense of them.
The top line of the OPEN/SAVE FILE box (or window) displays the drive
letter and directory that is active. If you are saving a file the filename
will also be there (the file extension cannot be changed from what the
software expects).
The scroll window will show all the files or directories accessable from
the active drive and directory. The text <DIR> indicates that the listing is a
directory and not a file (see your DOS manual about directories). If a file is
listed, it's size, date and time are also listed. At the bottom of the scroll
window is a box that may give you some directions on what a key press will
accomplish.
At the very bottom left corner of the entire window, all the possible
disks drives will be listed. To change drives simply use the left or right
arrow key and move to the desired drive and then press {Enter}.
The SAVE FILE window requires the use of the {TAB} key to alternate
between the input name prompt at the top and the scroll window below.
==============================================================================
8.1 PRINTING RECORDS (a)
==============================================================================
To print a record when in the edit mode, simply press {ALT}P .
You may also print all the records that match a search from the FIND Menu
with the PRINT ALL option. If you desire to print the entire file, you just
search the file with no parameters (all parameters blank). Since the blank
parameters are ignored, every record will match your search. Now you can
choose the PRINT ALL option and the entire file will be printed.
When you choose a print option (either {ALT}P or PRINT ALL) the print
menus will appear in the middle of the screen. First you must OK the print
command in the first menu. Another menu will then appear and ask you what type
of printer you are using. Most (if not all) printers are either EPSON
compatible or IBM (Proprinter) compatible. If you are not sure what your
printer is compatible with please see your printer manual. Some printers are
compatible with both EPSON and IBM. If this is the case a dip switch on the
back of the printer or a control panel on the front probably controls which
printer is emulated.
If you have problems printing using the EPSON or IBM option, then try the
ASCII (generic) option. This should work on almost any printer there is.
==============================================================================
8.1 PRINTING RECORDS (b)
==============================================================================
At this point, the next print menu may be a special menu that asks for
options during printing, such as spacing, etc. Not all programs have a option
menu.
The last print menu will ask you if you want DRAFT mode or LETTER QUALITY
mode. DRAFT mode is not as good quality text as LETTER QUALITY. If you have
problems printing in LETTER QUALITY mode, try changing the Print Quality from
the control panel on your printer and then print using DRAFT mode.
LETTER QUALITY is not available when using the ASCII (generic) printer
option.
When using the PRINT ALL option on the FIND Menu, some programs may
offer more that one print format (ex. list format or record format). Try both
printouts as a test so you will see the difference
If you need to print out the records in a search in a way that this
program cannot handle (ex. special fonts, etc..), another way to accomplish
this, is to save the records as document. Then you can load this document file
into your word processor . Then you can edit the file if you like and then
print it out using the word processors capabilities.
==============================================================================
9.1 INCREASING FILE SIZE
==============================================================================
Every EASY RUNNER program has a preset maximum file size. If you choose
the EQUIPMENT option on the Main Menu a list displaying what your computer is
equipped with will appear. At the bottom of the list the amount of free memory
will be listed. Also the maximum number of records will listed.
This software normally can only use about 128 K memory for the data file.
If your computer has 640 K memory this software may (not always) be able to
increase the maximum file size to 256 K memory. If this is possible, a
notation will appear at the bottom of the EQUIPMENT screen indicating how many
records are possible. The program will suggest what to increase the maximum
records to.
To do this, you must exit the program and return to the DOS prompt. Then
start the program again, except this time add the startup option command
/R=#### after the program name and then press {Enter}.
The #### is a number from 10 to 9999. Use the number that was suggested
on the EQUIPMENT screen earlier.
This will allow you to use the maximum amount of memory available up to
640 K. Future versions of this software will allow the use of extended memory.
==============================================================================
9.2 MONITOR PROBLEMS
==============================================================================
If you have problems with your monitor because of a strange graphic
adapter, there are two startup commands that may solve the problem.
Normally, this only happens when the adapter thinks it is a Mono adapter
yet it can handle a color monitor or when the adapter thinks it is color
adapter and yet it can handle a mono monitor.
The startup command /C tells the program to use color codes even if it
finds the adapter thinks it is a mono adapter.
The startup command /M tells the program to use mono codes even if it
finds the adapter thinks it is a color adapter.
To use these commands, simply type them after the program name at the DOS
prompt, when starting the program.
==============================================================================
9.3 PRINTER PROBLEMS
==============================================================================
If your printer is not set up for the standard LPT1:, but is set up for
LPT2: (only happens when there are two parrallel ports) you can change the
programs default setting of LPT1: to LPT2: by using the startup command /P2
after the program name at the DOS prompt.
If you get an error message from the program when printing some of the
likely problems are:
-cause- -solution-
ON LINE button is OFF - Turn button ON
Out of PAPER - Put more paper in printer
Printer is OFF - Turn printer ON
Cable not connected - Connect printer cable to printer & computer
==============================================================================