.TOPIC: Contents Click the mouse over one of the topics below for more information. Or press TAB to select a topic and press ENTER to retrieve it. Author Introduction to COMINFO v.2.0 Opening screen Sort Label size Add new Edit Delete Find Display Print Print all Special file Desktop Hardware requirements What is Shareware How to register Disclaimer of Warranty Copyright and Trade mark notice Catalogue .TOPIC: Author Author: Tomas Martin Address:Compusoft International P.O.Box 411 Kilkenny SA 5009 Australia Telephone and fax: 08-47 7405 or 618-47 7405 if overseas Note there will be a telephone and a fax number change from September 1996; an '84' will be added to our existing local numbers, so 47 7405 will become 8447 7405. Date of release of this product: 1st October, 1995 Version: 2.0 .TOPIC: Introduction to COMINFO v.2.0 This product is an updated and upgraded version of our original database management system ComInfo v.1.0. It has been re-written with a new design and new features. It took a lot of work to successfully finish all tasks, nevertheless COMINFO version 2.0 is here, up and running. So - what kind of a program have you got. To put simply, you are about to run a database system that will help you keep information about people and businesses. The program will help you keep track of people, their names and addresses, their companies, phone, fax, and E-mail numbers. All these records can be added, edited, deleted, sorted, printed, and displayed. See Add new, Edit, Delete, Find, Sort, Display, Print. Moreover, to each record you can now add a special file that can contain up to 32kB of information. These extra files don't have to be uploaded separately, on the contrary, when you display a record on the screen and decide to add a special file to it, just one click with your mouse will do it. For more information see Special file. Editing and printing, either whole record or just an address label can be done from anywhere in the program. We have also added a File viewer and a Calculator to COMINFO. See Desktop. COMINFO is fully menu driven and has a full mouse and a keyboard support. Before you start please review all information contained in this HELP file. This file will tell you not only about the program itself, but also about the system requirements (see also Hardware requirements), about Shareware concept (see topic What is Shareware) and it also contains information on condi- tions of using this program and registering it How to register. The program has been written for DOS users. However, it can also be run from Windows. To START COMINFO just type "INFO" and press Enter. .TOPIC: Opening screen Opening screen contains the main menu and automatically displayes your data from the file, sorted by the selected option. The upper menu bar allows you to choose from five sort options (sort by last name, company, city, state, or country) and make your choice default, and to set the address label size. the lower command buttons allow you to add new records, find records, display selected records and print record(s). The Main menu can be activated either by pressing the ALT key, or simply click the mouse button over an item. .TOPIC: Sort The opening screen automatically uploads your data from the file, sorted by the selected option, and the list box will display them. You can change the sort option whenever you like, the list box will always respond by resorting the displayed data. The selected sort option will become default until the new selection is added. .TOPIC: Label size The options for label size are either 4 lines label or 5 lines one. The 4 lines label will contain first and last name on the first line, street address on the second line, city, state and post code or zip on the third line. The last, fourth line will contains name of a country. If you have no country entry, the line will remain blank. The 5 line label size will put first and last name on the first line, the name of the company will be displayed on the second line, the third line will contain street address, the fourth line city, state and post code or Zip. Again, the last, fifth line is reserved for the name of a country. If there is no country entry, the line will remain blank. This feature is to help you make a list of addresses or it can also serve as a simple mailing label-maker, should you decide to use it for this purpose. .TOPIC: Add new This feature allows you to enter new record. Built-in editor supports all commands necessary for easy entering. These are as follows: Arrow key Right ... Moves right 1 space Arrow key Left ... Moves left 1 space Arrow key Up ... Moves 1 line up Arrow key Down ... Moves 1 line down Backspace ... Moves and deletes 1 space left left End ... Moves to end of text in line Home ... Moves to beginning of text in line Page Down ... Moves to end of record Page Up ... Moves to beginning of record Insert ... Selects overwrite or insert mode (default is overwrite) Space ... Moves and deletes 1 space right Shift ... Selects uppercase Delete ... Deletes 1 space right Ctrl+F3 ... Deletes line Ctrl+F4 ... Copy line Ctrl+F5 ... Paste line Enter ... Accepts each entry When the job is done, you will be asked whether to add next record or not. If the answer is Yes, the added record will be automatically saved and new blank form displayed. If you opt to leave the editor the added record will also be saved and program will return to the main menu. The number of records you can add to the database is only limited by your computer memory capacity. .TOPIC: Edit If you want to change the displayed record, click the mouse over the Edit option and the program will call up editor. Its supported commands are identical to Add option. Arrow key Right ... Moves right 1 space Arrow key Left ... Moves left 1 space Arrow key Up ... Moves 1 line up Arrow key Down ... Moves 1 line down Backspace ... Moves and deletes 1 space left left End ... Moves to end of text in line Home ... Moves to beginning of text in line Page Down ... Moves to end of record Page Up ... Moves to beginning of record Insert ... Selects overwrite or insert mode (default is overwrite) Space ... Moves and deletes 1 space right Shift ... Selects uppercase Delete ... Deletes 1 space right Ctrl+F3 ... Deletes line Ctrl+F4 ... Copy line Ctrl+F5 ... Paste line Enter ... Accepts each entry Saving the edited record is done automatically when you leave the editor. .TOPIC: Delete This option removes an unwanted record from the list of records. If you want to swap the old record for a new one, you can use Edit and simply overwrite the old record with a new one. The list box will automatically respond to changes (either re- move or rewrite) and will display the updated list (depending on the selected sort option). .TOPIC: Find This option allows you to find any record by entering a search string. Find will search all record fields except the Special file field and the Note because information quantity in these fields could cause an unwanted and unrelated display of records. If there is more than one record with an identical string, the Find option will display the first one for you and a built-in submenu gives you an option to search for the next match. You will be given a message if there is no other match. The found record can be either just displayed, or you can call out editor to make changes to the record. You can also print it all or print address labels only. Searching is very fast. .TOPIC: Display This option will display a record, selected by the highlighted bar from the list box. Again, the displayed record can be also edited and printed. Remember that if you have a record displayed without highlighting it from the list box, the first record from the file will be displayed. The same will happen in case you highlight an empty field. .TOPIC: Print The print option will display a record, selected by the highlighted bar. The built-in submenu allows you to choose from the option to print all record or address labels only. This option was already mentioned above, see Label size; if you choose Print all, the full record will be printed out, exactly as they are displayed on the screen. .TOPIC: Print all This feature will allow you to print all your records, from the first one to the end of a file. To print selected records, you choose Print record from the submenu, while displaying a record Print, to print out an address label, choose Print label from the submenu. .TOPIC: Special file This feature extends the address database with a file of up to 32 kB in size. You have a field named Special file in each database record. If you give it a name (it can be abbreviation of person's actual name, or it can be a special name to specify a person or a company), then click the mouse over the menu item 'Special file' and the file will be automatically uploaded. It can contain any notes and comments related to the record such as letters, bills, e.t.c. Any such record can be edited in any way and can be send straight away to the printer. .TOPIC: Desktop Built-in TEXT FILE VIEWER is suitable for easy reading of documentation and other files without using additional file viewer. To navigate through a text file, the following keys are recognized: Page Up ... Pages the view window up; Page Down ... Pages the view window down; Arrow Up ... Scrolls the view window up one line; Arrow Down ... Scrolls the view window down one line; Arrow Left ... Scrolls the view window one character to the left; Arrow Right ... Scrolls the view window one character to the right; Home ... Positions the view window at the beginning of the file; End ... Positions the view window at the end of the file; Esc ... Exit CALCULATOR supports all basic arithmetical functions. Its design imitates simple pocket calculator with commonly known features. .TOPIC: Hardware requirements IBM compatible 286 or better EGA/VGA monitor 350kB free conventional memory DOS 5.0 or better printer optional These are requirements needed for an efficient running of COMINFO. That does not mean that the program will not satisfactorily run under lower configuration. .TOPIC: What is Shareware Shareware is an exciting marketing method which allows you to try top-quality software before you pay the author. With share- ware, you cannot be disappointed spending money for a program that's not right for you. The small fee you pay to a Shareware distributor does not cover the cost of the program itself. If you continue to use the program, you must send the author an additional payment which may entitle you to technical support, and other benefits. This is termed Registration (see How to register). Each evaluation copy is supplied to you "on approval" for the period of 21 days. After that time you are obliged either to register the program or stop using it. Copying or using the program without paying for it, except as provided above, is a breach of copyright. Each evaluation copy is fully working, it is not limited in any way and no features of the registered version have been omitted. The only difference between evaluation and the registered version are the closing and opening screen that will be removed in registered version. Also see How to register and Disclaimer of Warranty .TOPIC: How to register We accept cash, cheques, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard and Bankcard), or Money Order or International Money Order. All cheques must be drawn on an Australian bank in AU$, US$ or UK pounds. Credit cards will always be billed in AU$ so you can get the latest and best exchange rate. There are two easy ways to register: - Print Order Form using built-in feature under menu item About (or use file Register.doc) and fill it in. Include your credit card details or enclose cash, cheque, money order and post it to us. If you haven't got a printer you can supply all necessary details on a piece of paper. - If you have a fax you can send your order via fax. Make sure all your credit card details and your signature are there, then fax it to us. The registration price is AU$ 30.00 or US$ 24.00 or UKœ 14.00 shipped anywhere in the world. For shipping within Australia add AU$ 3.00, for shipping to other countries add AU$ 6.00 or US$ 4.50 or UKœ 3.00. All registered users will receive: - a copy of the latest version of the program; - a minimum of three months free phone, fax and mail technical support; - 25% discount on any update, when it becomes available; - free evaluation copy of Hold It v.1.1; - the satisfaction you did the right thing. Send the Order form and registration payment to: Compusoft International Phone and fax: P.O.Box 411 08-47 7405 Kilkenny SA 5009 or 618-47 7405 if overseas Australia Note: There will be a telephone and a fax number change from September 1996; an '84' will be added to our existing local numbers, so 47 7405 will become 8447 7405. Also see What is Shareware and Disclaimer of Warranty .TOPIC: Copyright and Trade mark notice The following expressions, used anywhere in this software, are Copyright, Trade Mark and/or property as follows: DOS is registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation WINDOWS is trademark of Microsoft Corporation .TOPIC: Disclaimer of Warranty TOMAS MARTIN AND/OR COMPUSOFT INTERNATIONAL DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES RELATING TO THIS SOFTWARE, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHENTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ALL SUCH WARRANTIES ARE EXPRESSLY AND SPECIFICALY DISCLAIMED. NEITHER TOMAS MARTIN NOR ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CREATION, PRODUCTION, OR DELIVERY OF THIS SOFTWARE SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE SUCH SOFTWARE EVEN IF TOMAS MARTIN OR ANYONE ELSE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR CLAIMS. THE PERSON USING THE SOFTWARE BEARS ALL RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE. This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and/or the State of South Australia and shall inure to the benefit of Tomas Martin and any successors, administrators, heirs and assigns. Any action or proceeding brought by either party against the other arising out of or related to this agreement shall be brought only in a state or federal court of competent jurisdiction located in Adelaide, South Australia. The parties hereby consent to in personal jurisdiction of said courts. Also see What is Shareware and How to register .TOPIC: Catalogue OTHER SHAREWARE PRODUCTS FOR DOS FROM COMPUSOFT INTERNATIONAL: INFORMATION MANAGER v.1.1 - Combines many features usually found in several separate programs.Address Database will help you keep track of people and their addresses, phones, faxes, etc., Book Database will manage your book library, CD/Cassettes Database will help you to manage your CD/Cassettes library. The Info utility will also show calendar and give you other useful infor- mation about date and times. Requires: IBM 286+ or compat.,EGA/VGA, 500kB RAM, DOS 3.1+ HOLD IT v.1.1 - Database Management System that will store records of just about anything. You give a name to each record field, you decide what to store. The search facility allows you to find any record, the sort feature allows you to sort records alphabetically. Unlimited number of entries. Browse/ Edit feature. Support for most printers. Designed with user in mind, very easy to set-up and follow. Requires: IBM 286+ or compat., EGA/VGA, 350kB RAM, DOS 3.1+ AUSTRALIAN POSTCODES v.1.0 - Easy to use, automatic, fast searching program to match required town/suburb with postcode, and vice versa. No need to know exact spelling of places, just enter partial name or partial postcode and the Find option will find a match for you. The program also comes with print option and shows exact time and date. Requires: IBM 286+ or compatible, EGA/VGA, 300 kB RAM, DOS 3.1+ BUSINESS INVENTORY ORGANIZER v.2.0 - Bio will allow you to organize and group your business belongings. Unlimited number of entries, sort feature, fast search option, browse and edit options. Records can be displayed on the screen or printed out. Requires: IBM 286+ or compat., EGA/VGA, 450 kB RAM, DOS 3.1+ EASY ADDRESSES v.2.0 - Updated version of popular database address system. New in this version: very fast search facility, upgraded sort option, can now print mailing labels. New print option allow you to print out all records or just selected ones. Requires: IBM 286+ or compat., EGA/VGA, 350 kB RAM, DOS 3.1+ DATA MASTER v.2.5 - is a free-form database system that lets you store, retrieve, sort, and print any kind of information quickly, simply, and safely. Very fast Find option will search for string (word or words) related to your record and you can also find your record by entering Keyword. Browse option lists all records forwards or backwards, Sort feature sorts your records by Keyword. The number of entries is unlimited. Simple to use, no setup. More Requires: IBM 286+ or compat., EGA/VGA, 450 kb RAM, DOS 3.1+ COMAR v.2.1 - is an archive shell for DOS. Very easy to use, but with a lot of potential. Supports LHA, ZIP, ARC, ARJ and PAK, viewer, all self-extracting archives. Full mouse and keyboard support. Requires: IBM 286+ or compat. TEST AND STUDY v.1.2 - is both educational program and interactive game. It allows you to test your knowledges in a variety of subject areas and learn new facts from our files. You will be given hundreds of questions about world history, great events, personalities, art and architecture, about world capital cities, population, rivers and mountains, about music, both classic and pop music, etc. Each of your answers will be scored and results will be entered to the Hall of Fame. You can compete with your friends, your children, or just yourself to reach the best possible results. Fully menu driven, full mouse and keyboard support. Requires: IBM 286+ or compat.,EGA/VGA, DOS 5.0+ COMFI, File and Disk Manager v.2.2 - is a collection of utility programs which will increase the power and flexibility of your computer. It includes File attributes, copy and diskcopy, delete, format diskette, system info, and file viewer. Full mouse and keyboard support. Requires: IBM 286+ or compat., EGA/VGA, DOS 6.0+ All these programs are shareware.