Contents

Select an item from the list below to jump to that section.

Getting Started

An introduction to Hardware Calculator -

what it does, and how it works.

The Interface

Information to familiarize you to the user

interface of Hardware Calculator.

How To Use Hardware Calculator

Step-by-step instructions as to how to use each

part of Hardware Calculator.

Ordering /Preordering Information

Information for ordering or preordering

Hardware Calculator 1.00, the full release.

Bug List

A list of currently known bugs, and how to

submit a bug report.

Copyright

Copyright notice and other exciting legal

information.


Each of the following topics contains information

about the corresponding tab in Hardware Calculator.

Start!

Motherboards

Storage Media

Video

Peripherals

Results


Getting Started

The installation of Hardware Calculator 0.90 Beta should have placed program files into the directory C:\HWC090B.  As well, a new program group (Hardware Calculator 0.90 Beta) should have been added to Program Manager.  Three program items should be in this program group:

- Hardware Calculator 0.90 Beta,

- PRISM Information Technologies

- Read Me

Hardware Calculator is the program itself.  PRISM Information Technologies is an HTML file that contains information about PRISM, the company that produces Hardware Calculator.  The Read Me item is a Windows Write file containing last minute changes to the program.

Hardware Calculator was designed by PRISM Information Technologies to assess the value of different combinations of PC hardware.  It is an extremely useful utility for anyone who buys, sells, or trades hardware, whether new or used.

Hardware Calculator was designed with a very easy to use and understandable interface.  If you have any problems at all, please contact PRISM at chengd@cia.com


The Interface

There are basically four elements that compose Hardware Calculators interface:

- Standard Windows controls,

- Subject tabs,

- Button bar,

- Status area.

Standard Windows Controls

Hardware Calculator is designed like every other Windows application, and it has the standard Windows controls used to control its appearance in Windows.  At the top is the title bar, and dragging on the title bar will move Hardware Calculator.  At the top left corner is the standard control box.  Clicking on this box will display the following options: Move, Minimize, Close, or Switch to.  At the top right corner is a Minimize button.

Subject Tabs

The subject tabs are found just below the title bar.  They look like tabs from a notebook.  Each tab is labeled, and represents a different section of Hardware Calculator.  Clicking on any tab will bring you to its particular section.

Button Bar

The button bar can be found near the bottom of the screen.  It is a row of five buttons used to navigate through Hardware Calculator:

- OK, Next

- Calculate

- Reset

- Help

- About

- Quit

* Each of these buttons may be accessed by mnemonics.  Simply press ALT + the key that is underlined.  For example, to quit, press ALT + Q.

OK, Next

This button simply moves you to the next section.  It is an alternative to clicking on the next tab.

Calculate

This button takes you to the Results section (if you arent there already), and the total cost of the hardware is calculated and a report is automatically generated.

Reset

This button clears the Report window in the Results section, and resets all options.

Help

This button opens a Help window and displays the Contents topic.

About

This button opens the About Box, which contains information about PRISM, and a copyright notice.

Quit

Exits Hardware Calculator.

Status Area

This area contains several important features:

- Status bar: displays information about the element the mouse pointer is currently on.

- Date: shows todays date.

- V1.00 Status bar: displays information about the official release of Hardware Calculator.

- I button: when clicked, gives information about ordering Version 1.00.

- P button: preorder Version 1.00.

- O button: order Version 1.00.

- How to contact PRISM button: information on how to contact PRISM Information Technologies.


Start!

When you start up Hardware Calculator, you will begin with the Start! section.  The first part of the Start! section is Legal Stuff - Please Read!  This contains copyright, trademark, license, and distribution information.  Please have a look at this section.

Next is the Introduction.  It is a basic overview of Hardware Calculators functions and purposes.

Below the Introduction is the Currency radio group.  The twochoices available are: CDN$, or US$.  When you click on either CDN$ or US$, Hardware Calculator will calculate in the currency chosen  The default setting is on CDN$.

Click OK, Next to go to the next section.  Or, click on the Motherboards tab.


Motherboards

In the Motherboards section, you will notice that there are no default values for anything.  This is because the combination of hardware you are dealing with may not include motherboards.  If this is the case, click the tab to go to the section of hardware that you are dealing with.

At the very top of this section, there is a group box called CPU.  Within it are three subgroups: CPU brand, CPU type, and CPU speed.  In the CPU brand group box, select either Intel, AMD, or Cyrix.  If your brand is not included, choose the closest one.  In the CPU type box, select the appropriate processor type.  Or, to AutoDetect the processor on the computer you are running Hardware Calculator on, press the AutoDetect button.  In the third group box, CPU speed select your processors speed.  If the speed has not been included, choose the closest value.

Below the CPU group is a row of three group boxes.  The first is Chipset.  Choose the appropriate chipset from Intel Triton, Intel Neptune, Opti, or generic.  If youre not sure of the chipset, choose generic.  Next is the Options box.  This box contains two elements: Pipeline Burst, and ZIF socket.  Check all that apply.  The third box is Cache.  Choose the amount of cache RAM you have.

Below this is the RAM box.  Choose between 30 or 72 pin RAM, and check the EDO box if you have EDO RAM.  Next, choose the appropriate amount of RAM, and its speed.  The last box is the Bus Architecture.

At the very bottom of this section is a bar titled Notes.  Here, you may make any notes about the Motherboard.

Click OK, Next to go to the next section.  Or, click on the Storage Media tab.


Storage Media

In the Storage Media section, you will notice that there are no default values for anything.  This is because the combination of hardware you are dealing with may not include storage media.  If this is the case, click the tab to go to the section of hardware that you are dealing with.

The first box in the Storage Media section is Hard Drive.  Select the brand of the hard drive (or generic if youre not sure), and the size of the hard drive (or the closest one).

Following Hard Drive is a box called Interface.  From the drop-down menu, choose the appropriate interface.  Below this is the Floppy Drives box.  Check all that apply.  Last is a CD-ROM box.  Choose the appropriate speed of the CD-ROM.

At the very bottom of this section is a bar titled Notes.  Here, you may make any notes about Storage Media.

Click OK, Next to go to the next section.  Or, click on the Video tab.


Video

In the Video section, you will notice that there are no default values for anything.  This is because the combination of hardware you are dealing with may not include video devices.  If this is the case, click the tab to go to the section of hardware that you are dealing with.

The first item in the Video section is the Video Card group box.  Within this box are five items.  First is the video type.  Click on one of the radio buttons.  Next is the brand of the video card.  Choose the appropriate brand, or generic if you are unsure of the brand.  In the Video RAM box, specify the type of RAM, and the amount (most cards have 1 meg DRAM).  Following this is the Architecture group box.  Choose an architecture from the drop down menu.  The final item is the Bits group box.  From the drop down menu, specify the number of bits the card operates at.

Below the Video Card box is the Monitor box.  There are four items to be specified in the Monitor box.  First is the monitor type.  Choose the appropriate type and click on its radio button.  Next is the monitor brand.  If you are unsure of the brand, select generic.  More monitor brands may be added in the future.  The third item is the monitor size (diagonal) in inches.  Select the correct or closest size.  The final item is the monitors resolution.  Choose the correct resolution from the drop down menu.

At the very bottom of this section is a bar titled Notes.  Here, you may make any notes about Video devices.

Click OK, Next to go to the next section.  Or, click on the Peripherals tab.


Peripherals

In the Peripherals section, you will notice that there are no default values for anything.  This is because the combination of hardware you are dealing with may not include peripherals.  If this is the case, click the tab to go to the section of hardware that you are dealing with.

The first item in the Peripherals section is the Modem group box.  The first subgroup is Modem Brand.  Choose either U.S. Robotics or generic.  More brands may be included in Version 1.00.  Next, choose the modem speed from the drop down menu.  Finally, choose whether the modem is internal or external.

The second item is the Sound Card group box.  Like the Modem group, the first subgroup is Sound Card Brand.  Choose either Sound Blaster or generic.  Again, more brands may be included in Version 1.00.  Choose the sound type of the card (unless it explicitly says otherwise, the sound card is probably FM synthesis.)  Finally, choose the number of bits at which the sound card operates.

At the very bottom of this section is a bar titled Notes.  Here, you may make any notes about Peripherals.

Click OK, Next to go to the next section.  Or, click on the Results tab.


Results

Woohoo! Weve made it all the way to Results.  The first thing you will notice about the Results section is the Report, which, at the moment, is blank.  At the top right hand corner is the Summary, where the Total Cost: is currently blank.  Below the Summary is the Report Functions box.  Three buttons, Save Report, Print Report, and Load Report represent the three report functions available to the user.

So... how do I generate the report?  Simply click the Calculate button, and a report should be generated and placed in the Report box.  As well, the total cost will be placed in the Summary box.  Now you can read the report, save it, print it, or load another report to the Report box.


Please click on one of the following:

Version 1.00 Info

Information about Hardware Calculator

Version 1.00

PreOrder V1.00

Preorder Version 1.00

Before March 15, 1996 ONLY

Order V1.00

Order Version 1.00 anytime after March

15, 1996


Version 1.00 Info

HARDWARE CALCULATOR VERSION 1.00

The version of Hardware Calculator you are using now, 0.90, is a beta version only. Version 1.00, the official release, will be available starting March 15, 1996.  If you like the Beta version of Hardware Calculator, I strongly suggest you purchase Version 1.00, the official release.  This version will sport vast improvements over this beta release, namely:

- technical support

- optional printed manual

- bug fixes

- more hardware components to choose from

- a context-sensitive, more extensive online help system

- an improved interface

- discounted updates

HOW MUCH?

License Fees:

Delivered via EMAIL:

 Single User........................... $20 US ($27 CDN)

 Multi User (over 6 users)........ $15 US ($20 CDN) per user

 * Add $3 US / $4 CDN if you want a version on disk as well.

 * Add $5 US / $7 CDN for a printed manual (identical to Help file).

Delivered via SNAIL MAIL:

 Same rates as above plus $3 US/ $4 CDN for S&H.

 Add $5 US / $7 CDN for a printed manual (identical to Help file).

SPECIAL OFFER UNTIL MARCH 15, 1996 !!

Pre-order your copy of Hardware Calculator Version 1.00 !  You don't need to send me money to preorder - just give me some email or snail mail, and I will reserve a copy for you.  When it becomes available on March 15, you will be able to purchase it at 20% off.

(The $3 US/ $4 CDN charge for S&H is not included in this.)

For more information, please contact us at chengd@cia.com

Preorder Version 1.00 NOW!

Order Version 1.00 NOW!


Preorder Version 1.00

Preorder before March 15, 1996 for a 20 % discount!  Heres how:

Internet Email:

1. Send an email message to chengd@cia.com with the Subject as PREORDER.

2. In the body of the message, state your full name, and the number of licenses you want to purchase.

3. When March 15 rolls around, well send an email to remind you about Hardware Calculator.  You can then send us the license fee minus 20% !

Snail Mail:

1. Write a message stating your name and the number of licenses you want to purchase.

2.  Send the message to:

PRISM Information Technologies

PO Box 51063

Beddington PO

Calgary, Alberta

T3K 2P7

CANADA

3. You will receive a reply from us around March 15 to remind you about Hardware Calculator.  You can then send us the license fee minus 20%!


Order Version 1.00

Thanks for ordering Hardware Calculator!

Please print this form (File|Print Topic), and fill it out.

General

1. Name of Registrant:___________________________

2. How do you wish Hardware Calculator to be delivered:

    Internet Email	Snail Mail

    ($20US/$27CDN) per license 	($23US/$31CDN)

    if > 6 licenses,	if > 6 licenses,

   ($15US/$20CDN) per license	($18US/$24CDN) per license

    no disks; no manuals                                    disks; no manuals

3. Would you like to have a manual?

    Yes	No

    ($5US/$7CDN)

Email only

4. Email address:__________________________

5. Would you like to have disks?

    Yes	No

    ($3US/$4CDN)

Snail Mail only

6. Address:____________________________________________________________

7. City:______________________________ 8. Province/State:___________________

9. Postal Code:_______________________ 10. Country:________________________

Total

Add the values of numbers 2, 3, and 5 together.

Multiply by the number of licenses you are purchasing (one for each machine Hardware Calculator is going to be used on).

Place total here: $____________

[  ] Check to receive free copies of the PRISM Newsletter.

I hereby declare that all the information provided here is correct and I am responsible for any damages or losses caused by any inaccurate information I provide here.

Signature: __________________

When making payment, International Money Order is preferred.  Personal and business checks are accepted, but will be held until they clear. Make M.O.s and checks payable to PRISM Information Technologies.  Cash is also accepted, but is more dangerous to send through the mails. If you send payment by cash, you do so at your own risk.  Payment may be made in either US or Canadian funds ONLY.

Please send this form along with your payment to:

PRISM Information Technologies

PO Box 51063

Beddington PO

Calgary, Alberta

T3K 3V9

CANADA

Thank you for your business!

Any problems? Contact chengd@cia.com


Bug List

- The AutoDetect button under the Motherboards section may not work with all CPUs.  Also, it sometimes causes a crash.

- Ocassionally, some hardware prices may not be very accurate, as prices differ widely between two different geographic locations (especially if theres a sale going on).  Also, some of the older hardware (e.g. 286s) are no longer available brand new, so the prices are taken from FidoNet used hardware buy/sell/trade echoes, which may not be very accurate.  This problem may be fixed in Version 1.00 through user defined hardware prices.


Copyright

Hardware Calculator is Copyright © 1996 PRISM Information Technologies, All Rights Reserved.

Version 0.90 of Hardware Calculator is a Beta version only.

USER LICENSE

1. You may re-distribute Hardware Calculator, but only as the ORIGINAL, UNMODIFIED HWC090B.ZIP file.  You may not charge any fee for its distribution.  This software may  NOT be reverse-engineered or disassembled in any way.

2. This software is provided AS-IS.  PRISM Information Technologies makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, as to the software's function or suitability for any purpose.  PRISM Information Technologies is not responsible in any way for any possible damages or losses that may result from the use of this software.  Use of this software is at the user's risk.

*Use of this software indicates your acceptance of the terms of this license.  If you do not agree with the terms of this license, you must REMOVE THIS SOFTWARE FROM YOUR COMPUTER IMMEDIATELY!

TRADEMARKS

Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.

AMD is a registered trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

Cyrix is a registered trademark of Cyrix Corporation.

Sound Blaster is a trademark of Creative Technology, Ltd.

U.S. Robotics is a registered trademark of U.S. Robotics.

Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

All other brands and names are property of their respective owners.