Topp's Mailing Program System Requirements Hardware: IBM compatible Operating System: MS-Dos 2+ Ram Memory: 315K Available Minimum Disk Drive: A hard disk is recommended. System will operate on floppy (speed will be impaired). Monitor: Color is recommended. The system is self checking and will run on a monochrome monitor with or with out an advanced graphics card. Compatibility: All databases in the program are "dDase" (Trademark of Aston-Tate, Inc.) compatible. The program is written in "Clipper" (Trademark of Nantucket Corporation). If you are using a hard disk, go to the root directory (type "cd\" and press enter) and make a directory using the name you desire (type "md and press enter). Place the floppy containing the program in your A: drive and copy it to your directory ( type "copy a:\*.* c:\" for example ). Go to the new directory ( type "c:" enter "cd\" enter for example. ) and type "MAILING". The program will start and you are on your way. Introduction I needed a program to maintain my mailing list and print labels. I want to be able to keep track of where I sent programs and sales as a result, and I want to be able to write short letters and make notes. I wanted to track and control my business better. I found this program did the job and more. I created a file for names I used regularly to make a run of labels occasionally. I created a file for problems and orders. In this file I created the letters in the notes field. This gave me a good tracking system for problems and problem companies (I seem to find a fair number of them). I made another file for customers. Here I track programs registered, versions, any comments, and any problems (none so far). I have one to print labels for disk. This program has a million one uses! I'll bet you can find some new ones. System Checks The program runs the following system checks: Config.sys: If you do not have a config.sys file in your boot directory or the file does not contain at least 20 buffers and 20 files, the program will change it for you with your permission. Your machine will run better if it has enough files and the Topp's Mailing Program Page 2 correct number of buffers set. There are shareware programs available to help you determine the correct number of buffers for your machine. Disk space: After loading, the system will check for a minimum of 100K bytes operating space. An error message will appear informing you of a lack of space available. Databases/Indexes: The program creates all databases and indexes required. If the system must create a new help database, it will be empty. Use the one on the disk. Printer: The printer is checked before and during operation. The program does not recognize serial printers. If you run out of paper or labels while printing you have the option of printing the balance (less what is in the print buffer) to a disk file for later retrieval. Registration Topp's Mailing Program is a shareware program and the results of the author's toil. The registration fee is $19.95. For you registration fee, you will receive the newest version of the program, which does not mention shareware or registration even once. You will receive technical support for the life of the program (currently that support is in the form of written communications to the address below). Free upgrades for one year from date of registration (Free! You just get them.). You will be placed on the dreaded mailing list to receive shareware copies of new Topp's Home Software products as they become available. There is a deluxe version for those that want only the best. This version contains all of the above plus: print screen to file, a calculator, and additional label printing function, plus cards and envelopes. The deluxe version is only $24.95. For you developers and shareware junkies out there, I sell my personal shareware distributor mailing list to registered owners for $7.00 (contains over 300 names currently). Many with valuable notes and comments, phone numbers , and even contacts. From the main menu, you may press F10 and print an invoice to mail your registration, or use the information listed below. Topp's Home Software 16541 Redmond Way Suite 242 Redmond, WA 98052 I am sorry to mention I am not able to handle credit cards at this time. Send $19.95 for the Topp's Mailing Program , $24.95 for the deluxe version or more if you want. Price includes shipping, handling, etc. Topp's Mailing Program Page 3 Tell me where you heard about the program and any comments or suggestions. Another perk for registered owners, is if you write in a suggestion and it is incorporated into the program you will receive free upgrades for an additional year, and if you are the first (determined by postmark) to make the suggestion you will receive 1% of the selling price for the version in which the change is first offered (Example: 1000 programs @ $19.95 @ 1% = $199.50). Please note this is the current offer as of 8/15/90. General Program Use My menus use light bars. Use the arrows to move the selection you desire and press the enter key, or press the first letter of the menu selection (main menu only). I use hot keys which have a menu by pressing F2. Look at the bottom of the screen for notes and comments. F1 is the help key. Other hot keys are listed in your hot key menu by pressing F2. You may find some fields to be too small for what you wish to enter. It is ok to abbreviate. I have included an extra line which can be set before or after the city, state, and zip line just in case. It is not a good idea to use to esc key unless it is called for. I am not aware of any where it could hurt anything, but it is not a good practice. The note pad contained in this program is designed for SMALL files. Its just a scratch pad for reminders, short letters, etc. Error message occur where appropriate. System error messages are printed to a file called error.txt. The information in this file is necessary to determine programming or compatibility problems in the remote chance they may occur. You may use the DOS print command (Print Error.Txt) to print this file and send to me. These messages could occur if the computer was turned off or rebooted during program operation. This could cause the databases to become corrupt. The databases could become corrupt by a bad sector on your hard drive or by a ram caching program or a ram drive. Changing the databases from another program will cause many problems. Lack of ram memory could cause a program crash. It you are using a menu program or ram resident programs try turning them off. Topp's Mailing Program Page 4 If you are using a ram disk or ram caching program turn them off, and try the program again. If you think you might have a bad sector on your disk you should use a program to check your disk for bad sectors. You might try making a new directory and copying your files to the new directory and work from that directory. Run a dos chkdsk with to f option and see if you have any files which are overlapping. If you have changed the databases with another program the best thing to do would be the change them back. I swear to fix all errors immediately and ship replacement disk within 24 hours if possible. This program has been very thoroughly tested and this information is provided only for your knowledge should the unexpected occur. It is general enough it could be of use for other programs. Not to worry. Menu: File movement - Next - Next record. Prev - Previous record. First - Top of file. Last - Bottom of file. Search - Find records by company, state, city, zip, or code. File altering - Edit - Editing current record. Add - Add a new record. Delete - Delete current record, by date or record number. File reports - Reports - Ad hoc report generator. Create your own reports. Print labels. Make ascii files either standard or delimited. (called mailing.doc) Hot Key Programs Help Program - F1 - This program provides useful help messages throughout the program. Hot Key Menu - F2 - This is a menu for your hot keys you may use the arrows to find your selection and press enter to start the program or press to correct F key from the main menu. Note Pad - F3 - This is a SMALL text editor. It is useful as a scratch pad to make notes to remember, or letter of a universal nature. Set Fields - F4 - Removes the fields from the screen that you do not want to see or print. Example: If you are not interested in contact and phone, you can make them go away. You can even change your mind later and reinstate them. Topp's Mailing Program Page 5 Change Database - F5 - Select database from a list of current files. Press enter to change or esc to exit. Create Database - F6 - Enter path and name of new database to create (if you leave blank or press esc it will default to "mailing".) Single Label - F7 - Print a label for the currently displayed record. Single Letter - F8 - Print a letter from the note field of the currently displayed record. Single Report - F9 - Print a report for the currently displayed record. Print Invoice - F10 - Print an invoice to register program (please). Path is where the file is located (more information consult for dos manual). Example: Your program is at C:\Mailing and you want to keep your files on a floppy in your a drive to create "Labels.dbf" you would enter "A:\Labels" as your path and database statement. Back Up Requirements Backing up your files is always a good idea to prevent lose. This program produces everything it needs, except the information you have supplied to the databases. Anything ending in dbf or dbt should be backed up (if you are entering or changing data). If you do not have a backup program and feel uncomfortable with DOS's backup and restore commands (I do), try Topp's Database Utility Program. This program allows you to do limited database functions without buying an expensive database program, and it includes a simple database backup program, which I will supply with registion of this program for $5.00 , or non-registered individuals for $10.00. (Prices in US $'s as of 8/15/90). Hopefully that's everything you need to know. Your comments and suggests are requested and required to make this a better program. I look forward to hearing from you and wish luck in your endeavors.