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HISTORY.DOC
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1993-06-05
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History
Note that this is a free program that I use for my
own internal needs. I try not to release it until
all bugs are cleared up, but sometimes I don't
get to test all possible modes and "syntax errors"
will show up in the field. If you notify me of these,
they will be corrected immediately. Otherwise you will
simply have to wait until I run across them.
A syntax error will rarely, if ever, cause a loss of
data. But to be on the safe side, frequent backups
are recommended. Also, you can always reload the older
version to get yourself back in business.
When moving to a new version, back up your \zipmail
directory in case that has to be restored.
RECOVERY INSTRUCTIONS: If an update error occurs, there
is a procedure that copies your pathes.dbf (that is the
name for the master database) to your root directory.
Your old pathes.dbf is deleted, which will force a
new installation when you re-enter. Once the update
has been successfully made, enter the following at
the dos cursor:
copy \pathes.dbf \zipmail
del \pathes.dbf
Jack Lohman can be reached on Exec-PC at
414-789-4210 (2400,N,8,1)
414-789-4352 (9600,N,8,1)
or by voice at 414-545-4128
V3.89
Added a function in Utils/System/Page 4 to allow you to add area
codes to all records that are missing them, even if a phone
number does not exist. No harm can be done. It will not overwrite
area codes or phone numbers that already exist.
Added a function in ADD that, when you enter a zipcode that is
shared by two cities, it gives you a choice to select from
(assuming that you are using the ZIP.DBF described in files.lst)
Improved (hopefully) the process of updating system files
Eliminated the clock at top of screen (it was a pain in the rear)
V3.88
Added a switch in the ADD mode to turn on/off duplicate institute
checking. Enter a minus sign (-) as first and only character
of LAST or ZIP (if names are turned off)
Added ability to save commonly used field lists upon which you
creat indexes. (one day I will add that capability to those
fields commonly printed)
Added counts when doing a CTRL-C at menu #1 to display codes
V3.87
Added feature to "walk" through names in Rapid Review mode:
<W> Activates/deactivates mode
<P> Pauses scrolling
Left Arrow Slows speed
Right Arrow Increases speed
Down Arrow moves forard
Up Arrow moves in reverse
Added feature to "page" through names in Rapid Review mode:
Ctl-PgDn shows 20 names at a time
Any alpha letter will move you directly to that letter
Improved Rapid Review to allow backing up beyond top of screen
Added feature to save last SRCH code used (when ADDing records)
Corrected Alt-S disk space feature at Menu #1
Added automatic download of laser fonts when enterring label printing.
Added a feature in EDIT that, if you fail to enter the first
character as a capital, or accidentally leave the CAPS lock on,
ZipMail will find it anyway (if it exists).
Added a feature to allow the system, upon initial boot up, to
immediately go onto the ADD mode (if, and only if, a dummy
file by the name of ADD.TST is in the zipmail directory.
This allows an unskilled data entry person the use of the
system without knowing their way around in it.
V3.86
Added Alt-A in ADD screen. This lets you select which fields you
want to use in the ADD mode.
Fixed <F4> function to allow setting days of follow-up when [ is
hit in Rapid Review and SET mode.
Removed SetFilter option (who knows why it was even there?)
Corrected form letter, now prints "Dear FirstName:" when appropriate.
Corrected code that allows you to save a field list as default.
Corrected obscure bug when attempt was made to delete current directory
V3.85
Added Alt-E in ADD screen. If used in the LASTNAME field only, it
will pull up last record enterred so that corrections can be made
without leaving the ADD function. PgUp and PgDn will then let you
flip backwards in the reverse order of entry.
Corrected bug in Print List that caused failure whenever a SRCH
string was not used in conjunction with the function.
Corrected an obscure bug that created some wierd strings while in
the SET mode and changing SRCH strings.
Changed POSITION (in the ADD mode) to where it will carry forward
the previous position, but will let you edit it.
Changed default to question "Do you want record numbers" to No.
V3.84
Added feature to allow excluding some fields that are in the
database but not availlable at time of ADDing the new records.
Menu #1/"A". Displays only the fields as selected upon entry.
While in ADD, if the zip code is not available, it will now ask
for city and then give a list of available zip codes to chose
from. (if ZIP.DBF is in use)
V3.84
Added feature to allow entry of records without a name. Enter a '='
as lastname and names are turned off. Enter a '=' as zipcode
and names are turned back on. Obviously, you would want to
do this on a fresh record so as not to screw things up on data
already entered.
Added feature to allow saving your favorite indexes in a database.
It is stored on a directory basis (rather than a global basis
affecting all directories.
If index is set to "institute" while in Rapid Review, it displays
the institute on the left rather than the last name.
The *.set files that were created to store various SRCH strings
were all going into the default \zipmail directory (rather than
into the appropriate subdirectory). This has been corrected, but
you will have to move those already corrected into their correct
subdirectory.
Corrected Print List problem whereby first database record was
always being printed with the list.
V3.83
Corrected where signature is printed. Was at a certain x/y coordinate,
but the "desired" line would vary depending on how many lines were
printed in the address.
Added a scroll feature in zipcode database (Menu #1/<Z>). Activate
and deactivate with <F8>. Shows in ZIP order. The follong keys
allow you to replace the field in the record highlighted with the
data from the previous or following record:
Previous: <2> STATE <3> City <4> Area <5> County
Following: <6> STATE <7> City <8> Area <9> County
You can also edit by hitting <ENTER> on a highlighted zipcode to
edit any portion of it.
Added printers.dbf record for HP LaserJet 4/4m
V3.82
Fixed a couple of bugs (maybe even added some new ones)
Now updates system.dbf globally, rather than when you change databases.
Now you can add a description to your individual databases beyond
the cryptic 8 DOS characters. You may revise the "system description"
by hitting <F6> from:
Menues #1, 2, 3
"UTILS/<S>/ page 3"
"0" at main menu or "A" at menu #3 lets you scroll through
each directory and name them.
V3.81
In Rapid Review, you can now set Transform and Insert with Alt-I,
and once set it displays status at lower right side of screen.
When printing labels you can now print one label per 8.5 x 11 page
strategically placed so that when folded in thirds, it can be
folded, stamped and mailed without an envelope. It is on the red
screen and labeled "<T>arget coordinates". The defaults are 30
lines down and 30 columns in.
V3.80
Can now "set" to search on empty SRCH field.
Now shows all codes when "excluding" SRCH codes. (Menu 1, <R>, <ENTER>)
Corrected conversion to "cap first" (UTIL/U) to properly handle
McConnell, McDonald, O'Connell, etc.
V3.79
Moved the FRSTNAME feature from UTILS/S to Menu #2, and added
the ability to revamp the "hello" field of the current database.
From here you may also (re)create a FRSTNAME database or enter its
edit mode.
Added an enhancement in the Alt-V function from the main menu. When
you "view" your events calendar, if an exclaimation (!) is in the
description, the entry will blink on the screen.
V3.78
Corrected two minor bugs that could have caused a syntax error.
V3.77
Added a function in the Event Calendar to allow printing the
indicated calendar(s) (1,3,6 or 12 months) (LaserJet only)
Added the ability to append a signature to mailmerge letters
(LaserJet only). To use, you must have the desired signature
scanned into a PCX file and then converted to an HP .PCL file.
However, this can be tricky. The resulting PCL cannot have
a fixed position, i.e. the graphic signature must be relocatable
by the ZipMail x/y coordinates.
I have tried using CGP, but have not gotten this to work yet.
I send my signatures off the following company to have them
convert it (for a fee). You may do the same, at least until I
can create them myself. Let me know if you find a better way.
Mr. Joe Lopez
Texas Associated Software
523 La Cresta Drive
Red Oak, TX 75154
(214) 617-5260
To facilitate locating the signature on the document, Alt-T prints
a template giving horizontal and vertical grid locations. A
sample "signture.pcl" is included to play with. If this one
works and yours does not, then you have a .PCL format problem.
Also note that the signature may not print unless the fonts
have first been downloaded.
When entering EVENT LIST (alt-V), ZipMail now gives warning and a
list of old events that are going to be deleted (according to the
days as listed in UTILS/S)
Added an automatic function in ADD to append the Mr or Ms whenever
the firstname matches one already in the new "frstname.dbf".
This database is created either by request during the UPDATE
or INSTALL procedure, or manually from the UTILS/S/Page 3 screen
and then <F7>. <F6> allows you to rebuild it at any time.
Two items of interest:
If used, it requires about 50K of disk space, and
It cannot differentiate between names common to both sexes
(like Pat). These will have to be edited as you go along.
You can, however, make a name unisex by hitting CTRL-U key.
while on display, the selection can be made specific to:
Select Male = Alt-M
Select Female = Alt-F
Select Both = Alt-B
Select Unisex = Alt-U
Convert to Unisex = Ctl-U
V3.76
Corrected a bug in the UPDATE function.
V3.75
Added color to the "event list" <alt-V>. From now on:
Dates before current date = blue /cyan
Current date = white/cyan
Dates after current date = black/cyan
Changed the way you add company name in the word processor. Now
you set up a signature block in Menu #3/<S>ystem (page 3)/<F5>
to include a complete sign-off signature block that can be
accessed anywhere from within the letter with <ALT-F3>.
Hopefully corrected an obscure problem which sometimes prevented
the system database in the subdirectory from getting updated
with a new structure.
Added some code that provides automatic error recovery in the
event a certain obscure error occurs.
V3.74
Moved a function to an area not so memory-sensitive.
Added a function to allow an overview of calendar events scheduled.
If you have the calendar on the screen, hit <L> to list.
If at menues #1, 2, or 3 hit <Alt-V> to view list of events.
While you are there, you may <P>rint the list.
V3.73
Corrected problem with ADD when not all fields are present (phone
and institute, when not a selected field, crashed.)
V3.72
Added feature: Now when you edit a name and it is not found, ZipMail
will ask if you want all other databases searched as well.
You may hit <N>o or <ESC> to terminate this mode.
Note that if you DO have other databases on the system
but it does not query you, hit <0> twice (from Menu #1)
to create the directory inventory database.
Corrected the Rapid Review "end of file" problem. When you hit
bottom, it now truly returns to the top of file. (It used to
return to the second record matching the SRCH string.
Reinstated the "Department Head" feature. Somehow it got dropped in
earlier revisions. But I tied it into the "Default Name" feature.
Let me know if this turns out to be inconvenient.
Moved all .set files to their appropriate subdirectories (.set files
simply "remember" the SRCH code last used.)
V3.71
Corrected another bug. Sorry, but there is some tricky code that
got the best of me. Hope its okay now. I released two quick
versions to solve immediate problems, but would not be surprised
if another bug pops up.
V3.70
Corrected a bug. (What else can I say?)
V3.69
Made the following keys active from menu #1 (but did not disable
the old ones, which are still good for use in Menues 2 & 3)
Old New Function
___ __________________
Menu #1 Menu #2,3
= V= = eVents Calendar
\ T\ \ ToDo list
From Menu #1, the CTRL-S now lights up an "on/off" so you always have
an indicator of whether SUPERsrch is on or off.
Added ability to enable/disable the search for files on floppy drives.
If you never use floppies, disable it in UTILS/"S"/Page 3
Disabled <F2> Calendar in word processor because it conflicted with
WP internal commands.
In word processor, provided default export file as the filename
in the mailmerge screen. Change it if you intend it to be
something else.
Added code to correct a wierd bug that (you don't really want to
know this) multiple records in the system.dbf. It did no harm,
except when it filled up your disk. This new code will search
all system files, check their length, and reset them to one
record.
V3.68
Corrected the ADD screen modes 2 & 3 (constant address and city).
These went south when the zipcode database was implemented.
Made the "default name" unique to the individual databases. This is
the name that is inserted whenever the record lacks a first and
last name (like, it will add "Director of Marketing")
Corrected spelling on Menu #1 (index selection)
Added a check for a weird bug that may have only affected one of
my friends databases (one of my beta sites). It caused the
USER index to crash when attempting to index.
V3.67
Added an elapsed time indicator at Menu #1 <Alt-T>
Corrected a bug that may or may not have affected you, depending
on whether or not you had Super SRCH turned ON.
V3.66
Added an expanded "duplicate file lister" to menu #1 <D> <D>
Added a ToDo list function from Menues 1,2,3
Corrected minor problem while in system and using <F5> sortsrch
Modified "date creation" to update at each new Menu #1 (for those
who don't turn their systems off overnight)
Please note: When doing a mailmerge of letters, if you have not
filled the "hello" field (i.e. Mr or Ms), zipmail will not know
what to put behind the "Dear ....", so it defaults to something
like "Dear Jack Lohman: ".
V3.65
Corrected a bug in calling the new TICKLER function
V3.64
If the clock is annoying to you, place a dummy file called
"clock.tst" in your \zipmail directory.
Added a Date/Calendar and Tickler function by Ross Poppel
Hit the "equal" sign at Menues # 1,2,3
Added a Merge function from the Utilities <M> menu. This is similar
the that in the mailmerge section, and you'll have to judge which
one works best for you. Note that there is a "query" option that
provides you with a complex selection capability. See QUERY.DOC
for help.
V3.63
Corrected bug that affected new user startups.
V3.62
Not released
V3.61
Changed HELP colors to black on cyan (for better EGA display)
Added ERASE String (when entering Rapid Review with preexisting string)
Added Ctrl-C call for code list display while in SET string mode.
Added ability (in SET string) to INclude or EXclude any parameter
(however, be careful that you fully understand the formula when
attempting a complex string)
The SRCH string is now database sensitive so you do not erase an
old SRCH string when moving to a new database. When you return to
a database, it will restore the last string used or ask if you wish
to carry forward the string from the current database. If you have
directories of the same name on different drives, ZipMail will ignore
the drive number and restore the string anyway. If it is wrong, it
can be easily corrected.
Note that if you move to a new directory and wish to use the SRCH
string from a directory that you didn't carry forward, you can go
to Rapid Review <S>et and use the <Alt-R> string restore command,
and pick the appropriate directory name.
In SET, added the ability to purge the disk of unwanted SRCH string
files via <Ctrl-D>. Note that the right arrow is equivalent to
the <Ctrl-D> sequence, as is the left arrow = <Ctrl-S>. This is
a DOS parculiarity.
V3.60
Restored the printing of the counts at the end of a label run.
Now it _really_ saves and restores the last SRCH string.
Improved reliability of complex search strings.
You may now set an "auto pack" flag in UTILS/S to automatically
pack records when deleted records exist.
For unattended indexing on large databases, now allows you to give
prior approval to the PACK operation (so you don't have to sit
around and wait for it to count deletions).
You can now output "lists" to an ascii file (Menu#1/P)
V3.59
Cleaned up a couple of areas that were bothering me. One is the
screen for selection for "previous code" (in the label sequence).
It now shows a pick list that lets you select or deselect your
choices.
Added ZipCode RANGES to SET screen (Cntrl-Z). When in "range" mode
and you want to enter 'exact' zipcode, enter it as both the
TO and the FROM zip.
Added Access to ZipCode database when in Rapid Review (Alt-Z).
Automatically save last SRCH string and restore it on ZipMail reentry.
Implemented printers.dbf DELETE mode. Printers must be deleted one
at a time.
Made adding printers easier/more reliable.
NOTE TO LASER USERS: The "printers.dbf" database that was originally
distributed may have an error in the codes. Check your manual for
the 6lpi, 8lpi and underline ON codes. My manual differed from the
database, and after correcting the database (HP Series II) with the
following codes, it solved one of my problems. Your old printers.dbf
is not overwritten on updates for fear of destroying your additions.
6lpi should be: &l6D (that's a lower case L)
8lpi should be: &l8D (that's a lower case L)
Underline ON : &d0D (that's a zero)
V3.58
Added a "filter" switch to the SET mode. In some cases it may be
quicker to scan Rapid Review and to print lists, so you can turn
it ON. However, "locate" and "goto" will not find a record if it
doesn't meet the search string specs. I've added a timer on Print
Lists so you can test it both ways.
Corrected state count (Menu #2 sTate)
Before, in the ADD mode, the Salutation would be carried forward
from the last record (in the event you were entering from a list
of all of the same sex). Now you can turn that feature on/off
in UTILS/<S> page 2.
Corrected labels printout when the FIRST1 and FIRST2 fields did
not exist.
V3.57
Added a "pick list" feature to Menu #1 <D>elete <D>uplicates that
copies the deleted records to a picklist.dbf and then lets you
scan them and mark the ones whose Deleted/Undeleted status
should be reversed. You always have the option of deleting or not
deleting when doing a duplicate print list, and which you choose
depends on whether it is your first pass (delete) or final pass
(don't delete). If you delete, of course, you have to make sure
you undelete the ones you want to save or they're a gonner. The
picklist.dbf is created in the respective directory for technical
reasons, and you can delete it after you are through with it.
Added <F>irstname to SET string mode (moved "followup" days to
CNTRL-F.
Corrected a problem that occurred only after eliminated a field
from your database. Was not updating the "field list" with the
new structure.
V3.56
Corrected a small bug when importing into the word processor.
(Small, hell, it crashed dead in its tracks.)
V3.55
ZipMail now supports 102 printers (printers.dbf). It starts with the
"Generic" printer and is changeable by the user (UTILS/P/P). If
you select a new printer, it transfers it to the default printer
database (prndflt.dbf), from which ZipMail receives its queues.
You may edit or add to this database, but you are on your own
here. In the future the printers.dbf will probably come in a
separate zip file so I don't overwrite any printers your you've
added to your printers.dbf.
Incidentally, because I do not have 102 printers laying around, it
is difficult for me to verify the printers.dbf (which someone got
off of a BBS). It seems to work on the Okidata Pacemark 2410, and
I will try to ensure that it works on most LaserJet's, but that's
as far as I can go with it.
Check out the <F>ont selection function. You can set various
commands to send to the printer on startup.
ZipMail now also contains an excellent Clipper function for word
processing written by Frank R. Genus, Jr. (P.O. Box 503,
South River, NJ 08882, Voice/Fax (908)390-1672). If you have
something that works, you may want to keep it. But I recommend
that you at least try this one. It has search and replace, but the
best feature is its ability to store the records in a "letters.dbf"
with real names (rather than DOS filenames). However, this does
require you to export your letter to an ascii file so ZipMail can
read it. Some day I may make this easier.
To load it: Menu #2, <M> , <F5> ---- and once in, hit <F4> to
load the first letter (actually it is the documentation file).
Incidentally, it will only load from the MailMerge screen if your
<S>ystem database does not have a specified word processor. It
otherwise will load from UTIL/<W>. If you enter your name or
company name in UTIL/<S> (page 3), it can be inserted in letters.
V3.54
This is one of those great moments when one very good feature added
caused another feature to fail. It had to do with picking fields.
(It was the ability to escape back to the main menu, but the <F10>
key in that function did the same thing, so there was no way to go
forward. It works now.
Corrected a small bug when using <0> at main menu and selecting a
database that had fewer fields than the previous.
Added to the Rapid Review Help screen, and changed the colors on
some of the other screens to be more readable with more monitors.
Expanded the sensitivity of the <D>elete to <P>rinter and <D>elete to
<S> functions on Menu #1. Three levels of First Name, 5 levels of
Zip code, and 2 levels of Order are provided. In all cases the
"1st pass" is more selective than the 2nd, and so on. The most
effective (and most time consuming) is multiple passes, with a
PACK and Index between eacg one of them. But you should get all
duplicates this way. [Incidentally, there is no trick to deleting
"exact" duplicates. This feature allows deleting when the same
person is in the database twice; once with home address and again
with office address. Or, once with complete name and again with
just initials).
Added the ability to use the PACK in menu #2 after printing the
duplicates thru Menu #1 <D> <P>. The advantage to this is that
Zipmail will save the data in the following fields according to:
phone if empty in the saved record, will save from deleted
institute saves the longest of the two
first saves the longest of the two
srch saves a combination of both SRCH fields
notes will save the notes (mailings) from both, at
least to the point of filling up the field.
If that is not what you intend to happen, use the PACK in the
index command instead. And remember, when auto delete is selected,
you must review and edit the deletions you want to remain as
deletions.
V3.53
Got smart. Figured out a way to check your particular FIELD
configuration in a much faster way, and this allowed much
faster painting of screens in EDIT, RAPID REVIEW, and the
FLEXIPRINT screen.
Added ability to print individual envelope addresses at the
Rapid Review screen (LASER only). Hitting Alt-P now gives
the choice of ENVELOPE or PAGE OF LABELS. Prints in landscape
mode then switches back to portrait. Access positioning via
UTILS/L screen.
For LASER users, added ability to print labels directly to
envelopes when set for 1-up and <E> is selected (where INDEX
and SPECIAL were previously selected). If you set HP to manual
feed, you will not get the "pause" message as before. You need
to keep feeding envelopes. If set to 'ZipMail will ask', you
need to insert envelope and then hit a key.
V3.52
Corrected a small bug when using the PgDn key in Rapid Review
(It turns out that it is the same inkey code as Cntrl-C, which
calls the Codes.dbf from the main screen, and a syntax error
occurs when returning to Rapid Review.)
Corrected PrintList so it would start at top of file.
Added display of code list when <T>ransfering records to a new
database (so that an informed decision can be made).
Expanded the <F1> Help screens on Menues 1 & 3
Corrected a weird bug that only occurred when first going into
ZIP search, doing a wildcard search, and then going into Rapid Review.
V3.51
This version corrects an error in the UTILS/TRANSFER/APPEND that
has been in there for some time, but has not been reported. I found
it, but that just goes to show you how infrequently I use that
particular command.
Added CNTRL-C at Menues 1,2,3 for a peek at the SRCH codes.
Modified "0" directory list so that it uses existing list rather
than updating each time. Directory list now updates only when
changes have been made. However, if you add directories outside
of ZipMail, they will not show up on the list. Hit the numeric "0"
to force an update.
V3.50
When going into labels, changed the 5-page selection routine to
one page, with <F4>, <F5> and <F6> options for State, Zip and
area code. Note that if you have already established a "SUPER"
string, anything here will be additive.
V3.49
Corrected MailMerge function (wasn't adding name to address block).
In the interest of cutting 60% off of the time it takes to print
labels, I have inserted a "filter" command. The only negative
result is that it gives eroneous "percent completed" numbers.
I think that's a small price to pay, since few would sit and
watch this number advance. I would appreciate feedback on this.
V3.48
Because of the recursive nature of the SUPER srch function, I've
had to remove the Alt-S option while in the SRCH string build
screen. Instead, you can set your preference for the abbreviated
search string (the old way) vs the SUPER srch (the new way) by
going into UTIL/"S" Page 3. Thereafter, you can toggle it with
the CNTRL-S key.
Corrected a problem in the Print List string that cried "Invalid
Fields" even when they weren't invalid.
Fixed another couple of harmless bugs, but can't promise I got 'em all.
V3.47
Corrected weird bug when returning from rapid review and reentering.
(Note that there is still a weird but harmless bug when going from
Rapid Review -> Super String -> Rapid Review -> SET
Somewhere along the line it loses the "description". I'll get to
that soon, but the bug fix above needs immediate uploading.
V3.46
Added "Record Number" to the available fields for indexing. In
effect, this is the order in which the records were entered
into the system. To be effective, it must be used exclusive
of all other fields.
The "SET" and SUPER SRCH commands have been changed as follows:
Corrected the syntax error when leaving the SET command without
a selected string.
Added AND/OR switching. But this can be tricky and you should
read the two help screens first.
Added "(" and ")" for more complex search strings.
Added SAVE and RESTORE of your favorite search strings.
Added "memory left" and "Index" to the "border" of menues 1,2,3
("on screen" index now applies only with "USER" index)
V3.45
Corrected TRANSFORM bug.
Added a SUPER SRCH CODE function that allows you to set up unlimited
combinations of SRCH and other "set" strings. This is an expansion
of the previous SET command in Rapid Review. Access it with the
<S>et command in Rapid Review, or <Alt-S> when setting up the
SCRH formula.
Cleaned up the following areas to accomodate the additional POSITION
and expanded TITLE and HELLO fields:
Rapid Review SET commands
(substantial change, see the ? screen)
Rapid Review FlexiEdit
V3.44
Added a new "POSITION" field (30 characters) and provided an
option to expand the TITLE field to 10 characters.
Modified ADD so that an Alt-A brings up area codes (rather than
being forced to write over them).
Added <Alt-A>, <Alt-Z>, <Alt-U> to the Menues #1, #2 and #3 (Util)
to toggle index from Alpha, Zip and User.
At Rapid Review screen, added <Alt-E> for Eject Paper and <Alt-T>
to toggle Flexiprint on and off.
Notes:
With a 'title' field set at 2, the entryies will be forced to
upper case (i.e., MD,DO,RN, etc.). With it set at 10, though,
that can't be done (because of Ph.D., etc.). Therefore, if you
use the latter, set one of the Function keys to "MD" or "M.D."
(or whatever).
If you are using the optional ZIP.DBF (indexed on both city and
zipcode), you can reassign the function keys to POSITION's like
"President or C.E.O. or Director of Nursing" for the insertion
into the new POSITION field. Also, understand that the data
within the position field will be printed on the line immediately
below the name, so you can use it for things other than "position":
Department: i.e., Department of Radiology
Manufacturing Department
An extra address lin for those long governmental addresses.
V3.43
Fixed a bug in Rapid Review Options
Added, in Rapid Review, and for LaserJet users only, the ability
to highlight a name and hit <Alt-P> for a page of labels.
But remember: your "labels" font must first be loaded!
Totally revamped the Menu #2 Backup command. It will now automatically
walk through every directory and ask if you want it backed up.
You may also command it to run continuously, but it will stop
after your floppy reaches a point that its available space does
not equal 25% of the directory being backed up at the moment.
(It assumes that you are getting a minimum of 75% reduction in
the zipping process.) Of course, PKZIP.EXE must be in your
DOS path for this whole thing to work.
Version 3.44 will have a field added for "position" (i.e., CEO,
President, Director of Personnel, etc.)
V3.42
Removed requirement to request access to certain fields in the
UTLIS/S screens. If they exist in the active database, they
are automatically accessed.
Now permit setting (in UTIL/S Page 1) whether you want the SRCH
codes to be automatically sorted (by alpha, numeric, other),
and whether you want "C" to always lead the SRCH code if a client.
*** (Hit <F5> at this screen to sort the then current database)
Now includes the OFFICIAL 2-char. canadian province abbreviations.
You may now totally exclude certain fields, and if done it will
also eliminate the one-character dummy field.
Expanded USER index to additional fields, although only the first
three will be displayed on Menu #1 and Menu #2. The fields that
can now be indexed are as follows:
TITLE ADDRESS SRCH
HELLO CITY NOTES
LAST STATE REMARKS
FIRST ZIP LASTDATE
FIRST1 PHONE NEXTDATE
FIRST2 HPHONE ENTRYDATE
INSTITUTE FPHONE AGE
This feature can be extremely useful when wishing to move all
of the records with, say, blank institutes or phone numbers to
the top of the indexed list (blanks appear before the letter A
of the alphabet).
V3.41
Corrected syntax error when using <F7> from labels setup screen.
Added code to accomodate selection of states > 2 characters in
length when running labels or Rapid Review.
Expanded (ALT-S) to properly display space on all drives.
Enhanced some displays in the "labels" printing string.
Added ability to totally eliminate lastdate and nextdate fields
to save diskspace on those databases not needing them.
(I will be doing the same on other fields in the next version.)
Added the field "ENTRYDATE" which, if present will append the date
the name is added to the database. This date cannot be edited
but can be displayed.
V3.40
Added ALT-S for Disk <S>pace at menues #1, #2, Utils, Transfer
Muted lastdate/nextdate in the EDIT mode (when system lastdate/
nextdate is turned off in UTILS/S mode).
Moved printer setup from UTILS/S to a different area (UTILS/P/S)
AND Added an optional delay before zipmail quits trying the
printer (when it is out of paper).
You can now set up a special format in UTILS/P/C or during the
process of printing labels (as before).
Added laserjet font control to print labels and mailmerge with
desired fonts. However, I have found that some fonts work well
for me (usually with .SFP/.USP extension), and others do not.
You can only experiment. Do not use landscape fonts.
And, it is recommended that you use only fixed width fonts for
address labels. (Otherwise, the labels 2 & 3 will not print in
a straight line on the page). Two fixed width fonts are included
(fix_norm.usp and fix_bold.usp). Proportional fonts can be used
in the mailmerge section without difficulty.
If you do not have your own favorite HP fonts, download file:
ZMAIL_LJ.ZIP (the FONTS.LST within it should
reside in the \zipmail directory.
FONTS.LST can be edited with an
ASCII editor.)
If you unzip this file to \zipmail, it will be
moved to \zipmail for you.
Install all fonts you've determined to be compatible (plus the
fonts with the above file) in a directory called:
\zipmail\fonts
First ensure that the system is set for laser printer
(UTILS/P/S). It must have "LASER" in its name.
Then enter UTILS/L and tell the system if you are using
Avery 5351 or 5375 copier labels. If not, customize for
your own labels.
Then enter UTILS/P/L and give it your font directory name,
an extension mask (i.e., "??P")
Use <F5> to select a fixed font for your address, and
another similar font for your body of mailmerged letter
(if applicable).
When you go into <L>abels from the main menu, you'll see
another new screen.
PLEASE NOTE: This feature relies on the DOS DIR command when
printing the <F6> list. If character #36 is not
a colon (:) when running the DIR on your system,
let me know so I can make the necessary changes.
Also note that the font list will display in DOS
order. If you want that alphabetical, use a
directory sorter like Norton's DS.EXE.
At this point in time, this laser feature does
not work with the DOS Share.exe loaded. If I can
correct this, I will.
Added optional INSTALL switches (for new installations only):
/M if Monochrome
/C if Color
/T if function keys are on TOP
/L if function keys are on LEFT
Any order, but DO NOT use spaces in the argument.
Example of new installation:
ZIPMAIL /MT Monochrome with function keys on Top
ZIPMAIL /ML Monochrome with function keys on Left
ZIPMAIL /LC Color, with function keys on Left
ZIPMAIL /L Color, and absence of M or C causes prompt
V3.38 & V3.39 not released
V3.37
Expanded the "hello" field expansion capabilities from 10 to 15.
Added a message in the update file regarding the use of area codes.
If you ever have the area codes turned OFF in the UTILS/"S"
section (on page 1), this affects you. I plan to make area codes
(or the spaces for area codes) mandatory to simplify some coding.
I can't imagine anybody without the need for area codes, but if
there is someone out there that uses phone numbers ALL within
the same area code, you best contact me if you want that feature
left in. If you do not use phone numbers at all, this does not
apply to you.
Rewrote the UTILS/"R" function to leave the exact database on the
temporary drive so that if you failed to make a backup, all data
is preserved. If a failure occurs anywhere in the process, that
database is automatically restored. HOWEVER, this does not remove
your responsibility to make a backup before using this function.
V3.36
Fixed a very stupid bug that was harmless but rendered the last
version inoperative.
V3.35
You may now use UTILS/"R" to customize an existing database by
eliminating some of the fields you don't use. Note that if
you shorten a database with records in it, you will not be
able to recall the data in the fields you eliminated. The
system should be smart enough to avoid displaying NUL fields,
but I haven't tested all areas yet. You may peek at it, but
DO NOT use this function without backing up your data.
Also, based on the size of the current database, it will tell
you how much savings/costs should be expected in Kbytes.
You may now move from Menu #1 to Menu #2 to UTILS by just hitting
the <ENTER> key. Repetitive hits gets you 1,2,U,1,2,U etc.
But from Menu #2 you may bypass UTIL with an <ESC>.
In Rapid review, you can swap the work and home phones with <ALT-S>.
If you want to do a GLOBAL swap, use <ALT-G). These features
were put in because the home/work/fax number fields were an
afterthought, and some folks put their home phone numbers in
what is now called WORK phone.
V3.34
Eliminated need for strip.com to be used for Wordstar conversions.
Corrected minor problem in mailmerge screen file selection
Corrected problem with converting zip.dbf to include area codes.
It did not work if some zipcodes had previously been deleted.
V3.33
Added <Q>uit and <0> to UTILS menu, although they are not listed
Made a few other changes to ensure a reliable "rebuilding" of the
databases, however, a BACKUP beforehand is recommended.
* Note that a problem may still exist that causes the DBF header
to become corrupted. This does not cause a problem except when
sometimes using the "append from" function in UTILS/"Transfer".
If an error occurs here, you must go into the 'append from'
database and rebuild the structure (via UTILS/"M")
* If, after once rebuilding, this error recurs, please note the
sequence and let me know.
V3.32
Added feature UTILS/"V" to validate integrity of all databases.
Added feature UTILS/"O" to delete BAK file after remaking database
structure via UTILS/"M"
Corrected problem when using "0" from Menu #1 (a problem with
Clipper would not permit it to succeed on first try.)
Corrected formletter printing when seleting from marked list
V3.31
Corrected stupid mistake when selecting fields (Menu #1, "P")
Corrected another stupid mistake in ADD (telephone numbers)
NOTE: To add area codes to ZIP.DBF, go to zipcode maintenance,
<F4> and <M>odify
V3.30
Zipcode.dbf can now be expanded to include the area codes of the
cities entered. These codes are not already in the database, they
will be collected as you use the system. If anyone out there has
a total zipcode:areacode list, please let me know.
If zip.dbf is modified via your zip "maintenance" function, area
codes will be automatically requested/appended in the ADD mode.
Added HPLaser support in "Print Reports" mode from Menu #1, but you
must have it selected in Menu #2 <S>ystem setup.
Added a SUPER feature to both "Print Reports" and "Labels"
modes from Menu #1 to allow greater flexibility.
Added Phone fields for Work, Home and FAX (Note, however, that
since you may have directories that you do not want to waste
the disk space on, you must select the ones you wish to have
additional numbers from the "Utilities" menu.
Made duplicate screening (Menu #1, <D>, <S>) more flexible
V3.29
Corrected another minor problem in Rapid Review, related to last
problem.
V3.28
Corrected a problem in Rapid Review while in an index order other
than ALPHA or ZIP. Now starts at top of indexed file, and you can
now LOCATE zips and addresses (when indexed on zip or address).
V3.27
Corrected a loading bug for new users only
V3.26
Added feature to allow bulk indexing of all directories.
Added feature to allow selecting which directories are to be
placed in "hot key" pathes 3-9 (UTIL/A).
Added ZAP all records (Menu #1/D). Useful when using temp databases.
Added a feature in the UTIL/Transfer/Append function to allow
differentiation not only by SRCH code, but also zip range.
In three areas, I have now allow selection of a new directory/
database from a list of all directories on all drives (not just
the current drive). The three areas are (a) indexing (UTIL/I),
(b) Transfer/Append (UTIL/T) and (c) the "0" selection from
menues 1 & 2.
The two above capabilities allows users to select from any zipmail
directory on any drive, plus manipulate temporary files to your
hearts content. Example: Select a directory and transfer its
structure to \zipmail\temp by specifying an unused SRCH code.
Then select \zipmail\temp and append records into it by both
SRCH code and a zip range. Append again for zip ranges #2 and
#3 and so forth. Now you have a special database whose selection
critera is based on multiple zip ranges. Note that if you intend
to create labels it gets a bit tricky if you want to insert
"mail codes", which will be inserted only in the temp directory.
You could delete from source as you, and then append back, but
if you drew from multiple sources you would have a problem.
V3.25
Eliminated superfluous print after ASCII label print
Removed restriction for printing labels with empty LAST/FIRST name
fields.
Fixed minor bug when printing letters (was omitting institute)
Eliminated unused printer codes
Added ability to manually send Font code to printer (UTILS/P/F)
V3.24
Added ability to print labels to an ASCII disk file (last question
prior to printing label)
Added an external .EXE file for indexing (hopefully will eliminate
memory index errors)
Can now select zip/state lengths when creating new databases
Convert to Upper/Lower case did not work (in Utils/U)
Updated State "Counts" in menu #2 for 4-char state compatibility
Upper/lower case conversion now also converts first1, first2 fields
Extended index memory to 128K
In ADD mode, "local" now accepts upper or lower case
"Q" now departs util and rapid review screens (Quit to previous?)
V3.23
Corrected error (for those NOT using optional ZIP.DBF) while in
the ADD mode.
V3.22
Corrects error in automatic state verification (sorry 'bout that)
Reinstates capability to add remarks while in the ADD mode.
V3.21
Corrects minor bug (non-destructive crash) when exiting UTILS/SYSTEM
mode.
V3.20
Corrects some problems for those using multiple databases.
Allows expansion of ZIP codes to 10 characters (zip+4, foreign, etc)
Allows selectable spaces between date and name/address in mailmerge
Automatic State help when an incorrect state has been enterred.
Automatic search of complete hard drive and partitions for zipmail
directories during the update process.
Note that you can have one database that is strickly foreign and the
others domestic (with 5 character ZIP code).
V3.14
Allows DELETE of entire directory and its contents
Allow calling Utilities from Menu #2
V3.13
Now allows copying records selected by SRCH code out of the
current directory into a new directory. Also allows appending
records from a selected directory into the current directory
(also by SRCH code). Optionally delete to eliminate duplicates.
Can now Delete by SRCH code.
Corrected a minor bug in EDIT screen print with <F5>.
V3.11
Very minor bug fixes. Calling zip codes from edit screen caused an
error when the zipcode database was not used. Those using the dialer
received an error if the right sequence was not followed. Nothing
else major.
V3.10
Switched to Blinker compiler to better utilize memory. Rather than
running close to the edge, now have over 100K available at any one time.
Also corrected mailing labels problem when using zip code index order.
V3.03
MailMerge no longer displays the screen asking for label margins.
Added automatic positioning of body text during MailMerge.
Corrected dialer bug
Added ability to delete unwanted records in PRINTER database.
Added dialer <Alt-D> to Rapid Review and Edit screen
Added Form Letter print to individual records <Alt-F> in Rapid
Review and Edit screen
Made the number of directories for your databases virtually unlimited.
Corrected a number of minor bugs (including Help)
V3.01
Now allows the use of database #2 for other than the master directory.
However, do not use the master directory (\zipmail) for your personal
files. Always use a subdirectory off of \zipmail (i.e., \zipmail\names)
Added a warning whenever a macro contains the word FORMAT.
Added the automatic dialer to EDIT screen.
V3.00
VIDPOP is no longer needed (saves 38K of memory)
BROWSE can now select records to EDIT, with selectable fields
SRCH codes are now both selectable and deselectable (or combined)
Up to 10 MACROS can be assigned to run programs external to ZipMail
Multiple directories can now be indexed over night
A SuperFunction shell allows creating/manipulating your own databases
No changes in NAMES.DBF, but new pathes.str is included
Memory utilization has been improved with overlay()
Will overwrite your PRINTER.DBF, so if yours is special save it and
then restore it after 3.00 installation.