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P C I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M S ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ ▒▒ ▒▒ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▒▒ ▒▒ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ V E R S I O N 2 . 3 D O C U M E N T A T I O N PCStat is a descriptive statistical report program providing statistics and histograms for two related data sets. Reports are easy to produce using pull-down menus and uncomplicated to comprehend. Context sensitive help provides online documentation. Data for PCStat may come from Lotus, ASCII, DIF and prepared dBase compatible files or be manually keyed in. PCSTATnn (nn = version) archive should include: PCSTAT.EXE, PCSTAT.HLP, PCSTAT.WKB, PCSTAT.DOC, SAMPLE.WKB, SWAPLPT.COM and README.COM. 640k of memory and 500k disk storage space is required. Graphics is not needed. Standard records capacity is 500 but may be easily increased to 5000. _______ ____|__ | (R) --| | |------------------- Select menu | ____|__ | Association of Thank you PCStat for | | |_| Shareware for your information |__| o | Professionals support! -----| | |--------------------- |___|___| MEMBER P C S t a t M A N U A L T A B L E OF C O N T E N T S Page Subject ---- ----------------------------------------------------------- 1 Shareware concept 1 PCStat distribution 1 PCStat warranty 2 How to use PCStat's menus and other features 2 What is PCStat and what statistics does it provide 2 Where to use PCStat and suggestions on reporting 3 PCStat's report structure showing item locations 3 PCStat data sources (Lotus 1-2-3, ASCII, DIF, dBase, Keyin) 3 Initialize: Typing in report titles, histogram format, etc. 5 Data: Combine, Import, DIF, Other, Keyin, View, Erase ... 6 Calculate: Processing your data 7 Report: Print, Options, View, Line, Top 8 File: Save, Retrieve, Directory, NewReport, List, Erase ... 9 Sample: Retrieve PCStat demonstration report to see features 10 PCStat: Shareware, Distribution, Warranty, Registration ... 10 Spreadsheet type commands in Data > View and Report > View 11 Errors and correction 12 Miscellaneous information (Displays, Version history) 13 Registration and Ombudsman information 14 Technical Support information Page 1 S H A R E W A R E PCStat is distributed on a 30 day trial basis. This provides potential users a chance to try the program before buying it. We believe you can benefit from PCStat. If you agree and plan to continue using it then please register. PC Information Systems will ship you the latest PCStat version upon your registration. Additionally you'll receive a complete manual, technical support plus information on updates and related items. PCStat's author is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals and the program meets all ASP standards. Please show your support for shareware by registering PCStat. D I S T R I B U T I O N PCStat is COPYRIGHT 1991 by PC Information Systems with ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PC Information Systems does authorize the copying and free distribution of PCStat for evaluation. Please use the archive file name PCSTATnn.ZIP (nn = version number) and include the following files: README.COM PCSTAT.EXE PCSTAT.WKB PCSTAT.HLP PCSTAT.DOC SAMPLE.WKB SWAPLPT.COM Thank you for ensuring these steps are followed. P C S t a t W A R R A N T Y Any shareware copy of PCStat is provided AS IS WITHOUT WARRANTY. PC Information Systems does warrant the physical diskette and manual of a registered copy to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ninety days from the date of registration. The entire and exclusive liability and remedy for breach of this Limited Warranty shall be confined to replacement of the defective diskette and/or documentation. PC Information Systems makes no warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, as to PCStat's fitness for a particular purpose. Additionally it assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of PCStat. Page 2 How to use PCStat's menus and other features PCstat uses an menu interface similar to Lotus 1-2-3 (tm) but enhanced. Menu selections may be made two different ways: (1) Positioning to them with your arrow keys and either pressing " Enter " or " Pulling-down ". (2) Entering the first character of your choice. The " Esc " key cancels a selection with the exception of certain operations in which the bottom line will instruct you to press " Ctrl Break " to abort if desired. To return to the Main menu press " F10 " or if it is more convenient press " Alt M ". When entering initialization items or data the " F2 " key will permit editing of an existing entry. The " F1 " key when allowed accesses the context sensitive help you are viewing. What is PCStat PCStat is a descriptive statistical report program providing basic statistics and histograms for two related data sets. Statistics for both data sets and their difference include: QUANTITY MAXIMUM VALUE +3 STD DEVIATION +2 STD DEVIATION +3 STD DEVIATION AVERAGE STD DEVIATION VARIATION RANGE -1 STD DEVIATION -2 STD DEVIATION -3 STD DEVIATION MINIMUM VALUE Histograms provide for 30 bins showing frequency distributions. The quantities and percent of totals for each bin is also displayed along with the cumulative percent of totals for both ascending and descending directions. Where to use PCStat PCStat produces an exceptionally easy to comprehend statistical report for all levels. It is particularly useful to show comparisons between two related data sets. These might be a before and after situation, one tool or tester versus another, one process line versus another, one period versus another, etc. If you only have one data set to start with you may wish to prepare a report on that and when you have an additional period of data keep the old data and prepare a report showing their comparison. PCStat's Data > Modify > Move feature can be used to switch data sets or store data in holding areas. PCStat reports distributed to management and technical personnel have proven to be a highly effective means of communication. Page 3 PCStat Report Structure The top of the report displays items you defined in Initialize: Report Title, Report Item, Specification, Unit of Measure, Data Periods From and To, Notes 1 and 2, Prepared by and File Name. Statistics for Data Set 1: Statistics for Data Set 2: Quantity, Maximum, Average, Quantity, Maximum, Average, Standard Deviation, Variation, Standard Deviation, Variation, Range, Minimum Range, Minimum Histogram for Data Set 1: Histogram for Data Set 2: 30 bin bar graph, Quantity 30 bin bar graph, Quantity for each bin, Percent of for each bin, Percent of total for each bin, Cum total for each bin, Cum percent of totals percent of totals PCStat data sources Data for PCStat can come from many sources. Data in Lotus 1-2-3 (tm) compatible worksheets may be combined by directing the data to a specific data set or holding area. Next you select a file name and reference a specific range name or range address in that file. All data from a compatible worksheet also may be combined to an area starting with data set 1. ASCII number files may be imported into a specific data set or data holding area or all the data starting with data set 1. DIF column files may be also be imported similar to ASCII files. dBase (tm) compatible delimited files may be also imported. See Data > Other for instructions. Data also may be manually keyed in and with Data > View spreadsheet type commands are available. Initialize: Typing in report titles, format, etc. Initialize is typically the first step you must select. It takes you to a screen for defining your report items and puts you in a range input mode. Type in the requested items changing positions with the arrow keys. Press " Enter " again when completed. If you desire titles, periods, notes, etc. may be left blank but the HISTOGRAM BIN START VALUE and STEP VALUE along with DECIMAL PLACES and FILE NAME entries are required. Specific initialization items and recommendations follow. REPORT TITLE: Enter a report title, maximum of 30 characters, can be printed with larger characters per inch Page 4 Initialize: Typing in report titles, format, etc. (cont) REPORTING ITEM: Enter item measured or tested and being reported on, maximum of 24 characters SPECIFICATION: Enter Less than 5, etc. Enter as label with maximum of 14 characters UNIT OF MEASURE: Enter Volts, seconds, inches, etc. Enter maximum of 8 characters DATA SOURCE: Enter source such as Final Tester, Receiving Insp, etc., maximum of 24 characters DATA PERIOD FROM: Enter date as label with apostrophe and mm/dd/yy DATA PERIOD TO: Enter date as label with apostrophe and mm/dd/yy REPORT NOTE 1: Enter optional information relative to report, maximum of 35 characters REPORT NOTE 2: Enter optional information relative to report, maximum of 35 characters DATA SET 1 TITLE: Enter title for data set, maximum of 12 characters DATA SET 2 TITLE: Enter title for data set, maximum of 12 characters HISTOGRAM BIN ID: Enter abbreviated heading for histogram bins, maximum of 8 characters BIN START VALUE: Enter value for lowest or starting bin BIN STEP VALUE: Enter value for each bin to be stepped (total number of bins is 30) DECIMAL PLACES: Enter value from 0 to 3 for number of decimal places data will be displayed PREPARED BY: Enter name of individual preparing report, maximum of 16 characters FILE NAME: Enter as label a valid DOS filename of from 1 to 8 characters with no extension (extension WKB is automatically provided for data files) Note: To enter a number in a non-value item enter a ' first. Page 5 Data: Combine, Import, DIF, Other, Keyin, View, Erase ... Data is typically the second step you will select. It provides for getting the data and then if desired viewing and modifying it. When you select view you will have access to spreadsheet type commands to make corrections, etc. on your data. When you select Modify you may copy, move or rearrange your data. You may also access capability to increase the maximum records capacity of your PCStat report from the default of 500 to a maximum of 1000, 2500 or 5000. Memory and disk storage requirements will increase if you change the maximum. Specific Data menu choices follow. COMBINE: Data may be combined from a Lotus 1-2-3 (tm) or compatible worksheet. When you select menu items 1 through 6 you will be first be prompted for a file name and then a range name or range cell reference. That specific range will then be placed in the specified data or holding area as defined by the menu. When you select All you will not be prompted for a file name and the entire worksheet will be combined starting at Data Set 1. In Data > View you may access spreadsheet type commands to clean up the data areas. IMPORT: Data may be imported from an ASCII number file. When you select menu items 1 through 6 the data imported will be placed in the specified data or holding area as defined by the menu. When you select All the data imported will be placed starting at Data Set 1. In Data > View you may access spreadsheet type commands to clean up the data areas. DIF: Data from a Data Interchange Format column file may be imported. Selecting different menu items will affect where data is placed as described in the Import. OTHER (dBASE): Selecting Other provides a description of two methods in which data from a prepared dBase (tm) or compatible database file may be imported into PCStat. You may wish to use your "Print Screen" key to keep this for later reference. KEYIN: If desired you or someone else may manually keyin data. Select the desired data set or holding area and you will be put into a range input mode. Type in the data and press " Enter " again when complete. Page 6 Data: Combine, Import, DIF, Other, Keyin, View ... (cont) VIEW: Selecting View first takes you to an instruction screen. After pressing " Esc " you move to the data area. Once there you may access spreadsheet type commands to clean up any data by pressing " F8 ". Press " F10 " to return to the Main menu. Do not press " F8 " then " F10 ". ERASE: Data may be erased from any data or holding area or combination thereof by selecting appropriate item. MODIFY: Data may be copied or moved from data or holding areas by selecting appropriate item. Additionally data may be rearranged to facilitate easier review and clean up. RECORDS: The maximum records capacity of the standard PCStat report file is 500. This may be increased to 1000, 2500 or 5000. Increasing maximum records will require increased memory and disk storage even if not fully used so you may wish to keep the maximum records at a minimum level for the specific report you are generating. Selecting a lower maximum after selecting a higher maximum will change records capacity but will not reduce memory or disk storage unless reloaded. Calculate: Processing your data Calculate is typically the third step you will select. Selecting calculate sends you to a wait screen and proceeds to calculate all statistical formulas and histograms. When calculations are complete you are returned to the Main menu. Typically the next step will be to select the Report menu. Page 7 Report: Print, Options, View, Line, Top Report is typically the fourth step you will select. In it you may choose to Print your report immediately or first change Options such as printer ports or initialization strings. Often you may wish to select View before printing to check the report. Specific Report menu choices follow. PRINT: Prints PCStat report on 8.5 x 11.0 inch paper. LPT1 is the default interface port but can be swapped to LPT2 in Options menu. DotMatrix (IBM ProPrinter) initialization strings are default but can be modified or alternate strings selected in Options. Graphics is not required. OPTIONS: Selecting Options provides the following choices. INTERFACE: Selecting Interface will swap the printer port from LPT1 to LPT2. Selecting it again will swap it back to LPT1. DOTMATRIX: Selecting DotMatrix will take you to a screen showing initialization strings for an IBM ProPrinter. These will work on many dot matrix printers but you are also put into a range input mode allowing them to be changed as desired. You must enter a " ||\ " followed by the string. HPPCL: Selecting HPPCL will take you to a screen showing HP Printer Command Language initialization strings. These work on most HP LaserJet and DeskJet printers or compatibles but you are also put in range input mode allowing them to be changed as desired. You must enter a " ||\ " followed by the string. OTHER: Selecting Other takes you to an additional screen with no preset initialization strings for input as above. Note condensed print and 8 lines per inch is required. Once you choose and accept the codes they will be utilized. LEFTMARGIN: Selecting LeftMargin will allow changing it. The default is 8 characters but you may change it depending on your condensed print size. RIGHTMARGIN: Selecting RightMargin will allow changing it. The default is 136 characters and it should not normally need to be changed. NUMBERLINES: Selecting NumberLines will allow changing it however the default of 88 lines is normally required. Page 8 Report: Print, Options, View, Line, Top (cont) VIEW: Selecting View first takes you to an instruction screen. After pressing " Esc " you move to the report area. Once there you may access spreadsheet type commands to make any changes desired by pressing " F8 ". Press " F10 " to return to the Main menu. Do not press " F8 " then " F10 ". LINE: Selecting Line causes the printer to step one line. TOP: Selecting Top causes the printer to advance to the top of the page. File: Save, Retrieve, Directory, NewReport, List, Erase .. File then Save is typically the fifth step you will select. This will cause your report to be saved in the current directory with the file name as defined in Initialize and the file extension WKB. Specific File menu choices follow. SAVE: Selecting Save prepares to save the report in the current directory with the file name as defined in Initialize with the file extension WKB. Press " Enter " to accept this or any character to modify directory or file name. If the file already exists you will prompted to replace. RETRIEVE: Selecting Retrieve will allow you to retrieve a different PCStat report. This replaces the one you have in memory. Available report files in the current directory will be displayed. Position with arrow keys and select with " Enter " key. Alternatively you may enter a file name, use standard DOS wild cards to limit display or change current directory. If desired when you load PCStat you may specify a specific report file by entering the following: PCSTAT filename Page 9 File: Save, Retrieve, Directory, NewReport, List.. (cont) DIRECTORY: Selecting Directory displays the current directory. To change type in a new one starting with the drive specifier and the appropriate path or select key " F2 " and you may edit the path shown. NEWREPORT: Selecting NewReport will retrieve a blank report file replacing the one you have in memory. LIST: Selecting List will display all files in the current directory. Type in any character to change the directory or use DOS wild cards to limit the display. Pressing " Backspace " will list files in the directory above. ERASE: Selecting Erase will display all files in the current directory. Use the arrow keys to point to a file name and press " Enter ". That file will then be erased from your disk. Alternatively you may enter a specific file name, use standard DOS wild cards to limit display or change current directory by first entering any character. CAUTION-If you reached this screen and do not wish to erase a file you must press " Ctrl Break " to abort. GOTODOS: Selecting GotoDOS will temporary take you out of PCStat and into DOS for normal operating system commands. To return to PCStat you must enter " EXIT " in DOS. Memory limitations may restrict commands. Sample: Retrieve sample PCStat report to see features When you select Sample the demonstration data file SAMPLE.WKB will be loaded into PCStat. After loading the Report menu will come up allowing you to View or Print the report. The purpose of the sample is show what a typical PCStat report can look like and provide an example for you to develop your own reports. Page 10 PCStat: Shareware, Distribution, Warranty .. When you select PCStat you access information about the PCStat program and registration. Specific PCStat menu choices are: SHAREWARE: Shareware, PCStat and technical support information. DISTRIBUTION: PCStat redistribution and files information. WARRANTY: PC Information Systems PCStat warranty information. OMBUDSMAN: Association of Shareware Professionals information. REGISTRATION: Order form for registering. Also information on using toll free line and credit card to regisiter. PRINTREGISTRATION: Prints order form on default printer. Spreadsheet type commands in Data > View and Report > View When you select either Data > View or Report > View you may may access a group of spreadsheet type commands by pressing " F8 ". This occurs after passing the instruction sheet. Specific Spreadsheet menu choices follow. COPY: Copy a cell or range of cells. First you must establish the From range. Do this by either using the arrow keys to establish a range from where the cell pointer is now or press backspace to reset the range and the period to anchor. After the From range is established move the cell pointer to the To range. ERASE: Erase an unprotected cell or range of unprotected cells. Use the arrow keys to establish a range from where the cell pointer is now. Alternatively press backspace to reset range and period to anchor. FORMAT: Format a cell or range of cells to a fixed decimal place format. Use arrow keys to establish range or backspace to reset and period to anchor. UNPROTECT: Unprotect a cell or range of cells to allow changes. Use arrow keys to establish range or backspace to reset and period to anchor. PROTECT: Protect a cell or range of cells to disallow changes. Use arrow keys to establish range or backspace to reset and period to anchor. Page 11 Spreadsheet type commands in Data > View .. (cont) ABSOLUTE: Selecting absolute will change a value in the current cell to an absolute value and move the cell pointer down one cell. If you have minus numbers in your data that you wish to make absolute values you may wish to first use the Data > Modify > Rearrange menu feature and then use Absolute to change the numbers. HIDE: Hide a cell or range of cells from normal viewing and printing. Use arrow keys to establish range or backspace to reset and period to anchor. You may desire to use this in Report > View to eliminate any unwanted items. RESET: Reset or unhide a cell or range of cells. Use arrow keys to establish range or backspace to reset and period to anchor. You may need to select Format after resetting. XTRACT: File extract a range to a Lotus 1-2-3 (tm) compatible file. Use arrow keys to establish range or backspace to reset and period to anchor. You must define a new file name as you can not replace an existing file. Errors and correction When PCStat fails normal execution you will be sent to an error screen. This will show the error message along with possible causes and corrective action recommendations. If no possible cause or corrective action is defined it will indicate Undefined. Later versions of PCStat will have additional corrective action defined as experience is gained. Review the information and perform any corrective action. When ready to resume processing return to the Main menu by pressing " F10 ". Page 12 Miscellaneous information Display Adapters: PCStat automatically detects which video display adapter you are using. If you are using a Color Graphics Adapter (CGA) and experience snow on your display press keys " Ctrl F10 ". PCStat Version History: Version 2.1 Initial shareware release March 1991. Version 2.2 Minor documentation changes May 1991. Version 2.3 ASP approval changes August 1991. Page 13 P C S t a t R E G I S T R A T I O N I N V O I C E Please remit to: PC INFORMATION SYSTEMS 1517 S VIRGINIA ST SUITE 259 RENO, NV 89502-2807 Enclosed is a $45.00 check for registration of program PCStat. * If you prefer you may call 800-242-4775 (PsL) and register * * with a MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express card. * Upon registration the latest version of PCStat plus a complete manual listing technical support information will be sent. Send the diskette and manual to: ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ We obtained the shareware copy of PCStat from: ______________________________________________________________ Your backing of shareware software is appreciated. Please include any questions, suggestions or other comments. O M B U D S M A N This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536. Page 14 Technical Support Technical support contact information is only available to registered users. To register PCStat refer to page 13 of this documentation or select " PCStat " after loading the program. Thank you.