Findit Fast
Find-it Fast

The ULTRA FAST way to Organize and file your records.

Not a Word processor .......... An Information Processor

Contents

Installation

Installation

Overview

Overview

Basic Skills

Quick Start

Menu Options

Menus

(Click with mouse on any underlined topics to display)


Quick Start

Creating a new File

Adding new records to a File

Saving Records

Finding records

Printing records


Overview

Find-it Fast is an extremely fast and easy way of storing all your ideas and records.

There is no limit in the registered version to the number of records you can store.

Each record can be up to 32000 characters long.

Using the fast search, any record you tell it to find,will appear instantly.

As you press each key Find-it Fast will Zero in on the record you are looking for !

By the time your finger leaves the last key, Find-it Fast  will have found it!

Find-it Fast  is quick and easy enough to use in the real world.

No need for scraps of paper to jot down notes or messages, only to lose later.

Use Find-it Fast  and you will always be able to recall any of your information within moments.

The more you use it the more you benefit.

Find-it Fast  is Very easy to learn and use.

Most procedures can usually be accessed by one keystroke or clicking one of four large icons.

No limit to its uses.

If you can put words on paper you can put them on Find-it Fast and Find them Fast  .

All records can be printed in total or by selection.

No limit to number of Files or Databases you can create or the number of Records each can contain. (Subject to  limits of your hardware)

Each database can be protected by a multi-level password system.

Auto date & time logging.

Search by record description (Instant finds) or the actual text in each record.

Speed and Ease of use.

Multi users systems to be available.


New Record

A record in Find-it Fast   consists of text you enter by either keyboard, pasting text from the Windows(TM) clipboard or importing a text file from your computers disk into the Text Window

Each new record is stored in a file or database on your hard disk.   The only limit to how many records you store in each file, is the capacity of your hard disk. Each record can hold up to 32000 characters of text.

To add a new record

With your mouse click the large Icon marked New.

or From the keyboard enter Ctrl+N, Alt+N or Alt+F+N.

You can now type in text, paste or import text into your record.

You can change the Font styles used in each record, as well as setting other options for the record that display in the text window

To save the record

Click the Save icon

or Ctrl+S or Alt+F+S to update record.

If you forget to save the record you will be prompted to save before exiting.

As a visual reminder the Save icon is dimmed each time you save.


Creating a New File

Find-it Fast   comes with a pre-defined File or Database  named Facts containing some ideas for use and reference.  You can use as is or if you prefer, rename the file using Windows(TM) File Manager.

Creating a new File.

From the File menu select

1.	Create New Database. (If you have a database in use you must close it from the file menu before continuing)

2.	Enter a unique file name in the File name Box. 8 characters maximum.

3.	Select  OK

This will now create a new file or database for you to Open and use.


Finding Records

Find-it Fast  will find most of your records instantly.

Finding Records

With the Mouse click on the large Icon titled Search

From the keyboard press the function key F4 or Alt+C

The search screen shown below will then appear.

Click on any area below for more information


Saving Records

Saving a record adds it to your current file or database.

Each new record needs a name or key to identify it.

Names or Keys only need to be entered when adding a new record or at any time you wish to change the name or key.

You can use  words or characters up to a total of  70  characters.

Naming Records

The simpler the name or key, the quicker it will be to find

Find-it Fast  will automatically as you type start to zero in on the record you are looking for.

For example. As you type the characters   Bar    Barry Higgs and any other names or keys starting with Bar will instantly be displayed

Dont worry if you forget the exact name or key was because you can  Search on any part of the name or even inside each individual record for the required information

Saving Records

1.	If creating a new record or editing record name, with the mouse click in the box marked key or press Alt+K on the keyboard. Enter or edit a record name(s)

2.	With the mouse click on the Large Icon titled save. From the Keyboard press Ctrl+S or Alt+S

If you forget to save the record you will be prompted before losing the information to save it.  As a reminder the word Save in the save icon is dimmed when ever you save the record.


Printing Records

Enables you to print the displayed record. You can print a highlighted section or all of the record.

Printing Records

With the mouse click on the Large Icon titled Print.

From the Keyboard press Ctrl+P or Alt+F+P

You can then

change print quality,

change your printer (If you have a fax modem you can send faxes direct from Find-it Fast  by selecting your fax printer.)

change the number of copies you wish to print

change your printer setup.

Click OK to start printing.


Installation

You need to be in the Windows(TM) environment to complete this installation.  It is recommended that no

other Windows(TM) Application programs are running during the installation of this software.

To install, simply insert the floppy disk (#1) in your drive and go to the Windows(TM) Program Manager menu

Click (depress and release the left mouse button) on File, and then Run. Then type A:setup (or B:setup)

and follow the instructions.


Key Search
Key Search Window

Entering text in this window will immediately display names of any matches.

The more you type the more it Find-it Fast  will zero in.

For example      Typing in

He  will instantly display

Hebrew manuscripts

Hectic schedule for sales trip

Hedges trimmed by John Smith

Helmer David Tel: 919-919-919

Typing in

Heb  will instantly display

Hebrew manuscripts

To display the desired record in the text window

Using Keyboard. Press Enter if desired record name is highlighted else use the arrow keys to scroll and highlight then press Enter

Double click with the mouse on any displayed record name

Click on the Display Record button to display highlighted record


Pattern Matching

Provides a versatile tool for search comparisons.  The pattern-matching

features allow you to use wildcard characters, such as those recognized by the computers operating system, to match strings.  The wildcard characters and what they match are shown in the following table:

To Find	Operator  Examples

Any Single	?	s?t finds sat,set ,sit

character

Any string	*	s*d finds sad,send,Started

of characters	h?d* finds Hedges

or words	He* Smith  finds Hedges trimmed by John Smith


Key Text Search

Entering text in this window will enable you to enter any part of the record name not just characters starting from the left of the name.

To Find a Record

1.	Enter the text you wish to search for (not case sensitive)

2.	Press Enter or click the Search button to display a list of matching record names.

Important.  You can use a powerful PATTERN MATCHING  system when typing in the search criteria. This enables you to find records on a much more selective basis.

To display the desired record in the text window

Using Keyboard. Press Enter if desired record name is highlighted else use the arrow keys to scroll and highlight then press Enter

Double click with the mouse on any displayed record name

Click on the Display Record button to display highlighted record


Text Search

When searching for records in this box you will be looking inside the records for a match, rather than looking for matches in the record names or Keys.

To Find a Record

1.	Enter the text you wish to search for (not case sensitive)

2.	Press Enter or click the Search button to display a list of matching record names.

To display the desired record in the text window

Using Keyboard. Press Enter if desired record name is highlighted else use the arrow keys to scroll and highlight then press Enter

Double click with the mouse on any displayed record name

Click on the Display Record button to display highlighted record

Note: When the record is displayed the text that you were searching for will be highlighted in the text window.  Pressing F3 will find the next occurrence if any,  in the text window.


Records Found Window

This window displays any records or keys that were found in a search.

Display records  From this window you can display any selected record. To display

Double click with the mouse on any record

Click Display record Button to display highlighted record

Using the keyboard arrow keys scroll and select. Press Enter key.


Search Button

To Find a Record

1.	Enter the text you wish to search for

2.	Press Enter or click the Search button to display a list of matching record names.


Display Button

After a record has been highlighted in the records found window, click with the mouse or press Enter on the keyboard to display record in the text window


Cancel Button

This cancels and removes the search screen.

Tip: you can press Esc on the keyboard to cancel.


Basic Skills

Editing Keys

Mouse

Manipulating a Window

Reference


Mouse Control

Although a mouse is strongly recommended, you may use this software with or without a mouse.

If you have a mouse, simply click (depress the left mouse button) a button to initiate an operation or click a box area to select or enter text.

You may select a button or text box without a mouse by pressing the "Alt" key and the letter underlined in the button title or by repeatedly pressing the "TAB" key until the desired selection is made and then pressing the "Enter" key.

If you have a mouse, the vertical scroll bars are a convenient way to move around in the text.  "Arrow" keys and  "Page Up" and "Page Down" keys are also effective in navigating in the text window.

Mouse Pointer and Cursor Shape

The Mouse Pointer or the Cursor will occasionally change to an Hour glass symbol. This is telling you that Find-it Fast  is busy and to momentarily wait.


Manipulating Windows
Manipulating a Window

The size of the Main Window may be changed and the location of any window can be modified so that the user can customize screen space to personal tastes.  Next time you load Find-it Fast  the size and position of the main window and search windows will be reused. If you have a mouse, drag (depress the left mouse button while moving the mouse) the title bar of the window you wish to move to a new location or select a border or corner of the Main Window and drag to the desired location.  If you don't have a mouse, press "Alt" and "Spacebar" at the same time to open the control menu and select the "Move" or "Size" commands with the "arrow" keys and press "Enter".

To minimize a window (shrink to an icon), use your mouse to click the "Minimize" (down-arrow) button in the upper-right corner of the window.  Or, press "Alt" and "Spacebar" simultaneously to open the control menu and select the "Minimize" command and press "Enter".


Editing & Moving

Cursor Movement Keystrokes

KeyPress	Result

Home	Cursor to beginning of line

End	Cursor to end of line

Ctrl+Home	Cursor to beginning of record

Ctrl+End	Cursor to end of record

Ctrl+Arrow	Cursor moves one word at a time

Page Up	Cursor moves up one screen

Page Down	Cursor moves down one screen

Editing Keystrokes

KeyPress	Result

Delete 	Deletes to right of cursor or highlighted text

Shift+Delete	Cuts the highlighted text to Windows(TM) clipboard

Ctrl+Ins	Copies the highlighted text to Windows(TM) clipboard

Shift+Ins	Pastes the highlighted text into text a cursor point

Home+Shift	Highlights from Cursor to beginning of line

End+Shift	Highlights from Cursor to end of line

Ctrl+Home+Shift	Highlights from Cursor to beginning of record

Ctrl+End+Shift	Highlights from Cursor to end of record

Ctrl+Arrow+Shift	Highlights from Cursor moves one word at a time

Page Up+Shift	Highlights from Cursor moves up one screen

Page Down+Shift	Highlights from Cursor moves down one screen


Reference

If you are a new to Windows, spend some time in the "Basic Skills" section of the "Microsoft Windows(TM) User's Guide" included in the Windows(TM) 3.x documentation.


Menus

File

Edit

Search

Options


File Menu

New Record

Save Record

Delete Record

Open Existing Database

Close Database

Create New Database

Import Text File

Export Text File

Repair Database

Compact Database

Print

Exit


Delete Record

Enables you to delete and permanently remove a record from your file or database. Once deleted you can not bring it back. Make sure you have no further use for the record before you delete it.

Delete Record

Display the record you wish to delete

From the keyboard enter Ctrl+D or Alt+F+D

Click OK to Delete or Cancel to abort deletion.


Open Existing Database

Enables you to Open and use any File or Database you have previously created using Find-it Fast  .

You can create as many Files or Databases as you required.

They can all be located in the same drive and directory or you can use different drives and directories.

You do not need to close down an open File or Database before re opening another.

Open Existing Database

With the mouse click on the small open Icon.

From the Keyboard press Alt+F+O

If needed change to the Drive or Directory were your files are located

NOTE All Find-it Fast  fast Files or Databases have the extension  MDB. E.g. Facts.MDB.   You can only use Files or Databases that have been created with Find-it Fast. Trying to use any other will NOT WORK! And could lead to loss of data.

Click or Highlight the file required, then click OK.


Close Database

Enables you to Close any File or Database you have previously opened.

You do not have to Close a File or Database before you Open another.

You have to Close a File or Database before you Create a New Database

Find-it Fast  can not be used unless a File or Database is open.

Close a Database

From the Keyboard press Alt+F+C


Import a text File

You can import a ASCII text file into an existing record or a New record. Do not try and import a file from other applications unless they have been exported in the ASCII format or as a  standard text file.

You can also import text files from other applications by using Windows(TM) Clipboard functions, and the Paste function.

Importing a text file

From the Keyboard press Alt+F+I

If needed change to the Drive or Directory were your files are located

NOTE  Make sure the file you select is a standard text file or a file in ASCII format

Click or Highlight the file require and click OK.

See Also: Exporting a text file


Export a text file

Enables you to highlight any existing text in a record an export it to a text file on your disk.

You can also export text files from other applications by using Windows(TM) Clipboard functions, and the Cut function.

Importing a text file

From the Keyboard press Alt+F+E

If needed change to the Drive or Directory were your files are located

Type in a name for the file you wish to store.

NOTE  The file will be exported as a standard text file or a file in ASCII format

Click OK or press return.

See Also: Importing a text file


Repair Database

Repair a database may enable you to reconstruct a File or Database that has become damaged through a power failure or other type of damage. It will not bring back a deleted File or Database

Please note the only way you can try to safeguard you valuable information is to make regular and reliable backups of same. See you Windows(TM) manual for instructions on backing up.

You must close a File or Database before you attempt to repair a database.

Make a backup of your File or Database  before you try to repair.

Repair a File or Database

Make a backup of your File or Database

From the Keyboard press Alt+F+R

If needed change to the Drive or Directory were your files are located

NOTE All Find-it Fast  fast Files or Databases have the extension  MDB. E.g. Facts.MDB.   You can only use Files or Databases that have been created with Find-it Fast. Trying to use any other will NOT WORK! And could lead to loss of data.

Click or Highlight the file require and click OK.

To consolidate space we recommend that you compact the database after repairing same.


Compact Database

After numerous deletions and general day to day use of your File or Database you might find your database has grown to a larger than expected size.  You can reduce the size of your database by Compacting same.

You must close a File or Database before you attempt to compact a database.

Make a backup of your File or Database  before you try to compact

Compact a database

Make a backup of your File or Database

From the Keyboard press Alt+F+M

If needed change to the Drive or Directory were your files are located

NOTE All Find-it Fast  fast Files or Databases have the extension  MDB. E.g. Facts.MDB.   You can only use Files or Databases that have been created with Find-it Fast. Trying to use any other will NOT WORK! And could lead to loss of data.

Click or Highlight the file require and click OK.


Exit

Will close down Find-it Fast

You will be prompted to save any records that need saving.

Exit Find-it Fast

With the mouse click on the Large Icon titled Exit

From the Keyboard press ALT+X or Alt+F+X


Edit Menu

Unerase

Copy

Cut

Paste

Insert Date

Insert Time


Unerase

To unerase text in the main text window that has been highlighted and then deleted.

Unerase

With the mouse click on the Icon

From the Keyboard press Ctrl+Z


Copy

Copies highlighted text to Windows(TM) clipboard

Copy

 highlight the text to copy.

With the mouse click on the icon

From the Keyboard press Ctrl+C or Ctrl+Insert

See also Cut, Paste,Editing & Moving


Highlited Text

 Marks text ready for copying, cutting, deleting or printing selection.

To Highlight text

By Mouse: Position the mouse pointer on the text, then press and hold the left mouse button while moving or dragging the pointer to a new location.

By Keyboard. Using arrow keys position cursor on the text, then while holding down the Shift key move the cursor to a new location with the arrow keys.


Cut

Cuts highlighted text to Windows(TM) clipboard

Cut

Highlight text to copy.

With the mouse click on the icon

From the Keyboard press Ctrl+X or Shift+Delete

See also Copy,  Paste,Editing & Moving


Paste

Pastes or inserts text that has been cut, or copied to the Windows(TM) clipboard.

Paste

Position mouse pointer or cursor at position you wish to paste the text.

With the mouse click on the icon

From the Keyboard press Ctrl+V or Shift+Insert

See also Copy, Cut,Editing & Moving


Insert Date

Insert the computers current date into the text.

Insert Date

Position mouse pointer or keyboard cursor at position you wish to insert the Date.

From the Keyboard press F5

See also: Time insert,  Auto log date & time


Insert Time

Insert the computers current date into the text.

Insert Time

Position mouse pointer or keyboard cursor at position you wish to insert the Time.

From the Keyboard press F6

See also:  Date insert, Auto log date & time


Search Menu

Find Text

Find Next

Find Key Records


Finding Text

Finds requested text in currently displayed record.

Finding Text

From the Keyboard press  F2

Type in text to search for. The search is not case sensitive.

Any finds will be highlighted.

You can repeat a find by pressing F3 Find next


Find Next

Repeats a Find text  in currently displayed record.

Find Next

From the Keyboard press  F3

Any repeat finds will be highlighted.


Options Menu

 Auto Load Last Database

Change Record Fonts

Change Record Settings

Set Record Password

Passwords


Auto Load Database

Auto Load Database if checked on menu will automatically load the last File or Database in use by Find-it Fast  .

The Auto load feature will be overridden if you have set in Windows(TM) Program manager, program item properties, a file name for Find-it Fast  to automatically load. This will get preference.

Setting Auto Load Database.

From the keyboard press ALT+F+A

The Auto Load Database will display a check (Function enabled) or no check (Function disabled)

With the mouse click on the menu option to enable or disable the function.

From the Keyboard press enter to enable or disable the function.


Change Record Fonts

Each record can be stored with its own Font, Font Style and Font Size.

Change Record Font

From the Keyboard press F7 or Alt+O+F

Change the font used.

Change the font style

Change the font size

Dont forget to save the record so its new fonts will take effect.


Customize Record

From this screen you can:

check the date & time a record was created.

check the date & time a record was last updated.

Set the auto log date & time, so that every time the record is displayed it will insert the current date and time at the end of the record. Very useful when keeping chronological or time spent per project records.

Set various print options.

Customize Record

From the keyboard press the function key F8 or Alt+S

The customize screen below will then appear.

Click on any area below for more information


Date Created

This information is kept automatically by Find-it Fast  It shows the  initial date and time the record was created.


Date & Time Updated

This information is kept automatically by Find-it Fast  It updates every time the record is changed.


Log Date & Time

Enables the date & time to be automatically logged each time the record is opened.

Log Date & Time

From the keyboard press the function key F8 or Alt+O+S

Check the box marked Auto log date - time.


Margins

Enables the top and left margins to be set.  The right margin is dependent on how wide you make the main window. See manipulating a window

Margins

From the keyboard press the function key F8 or Alt+O+S

Click the option button marked Inches or Centimeters to change default measurement.

Click in the boxes marked Top and Left to change the margins.


Print Page Numbers

Give you the choice to either print page numbers on each page printed or not.

Print Page Numbers

From the keyboard press the function key F8 or Alt+O+S

Check the box marked Print page numbers if you want each printed page numbered.


Units of Measure

Used to store your preference of using either inches or centimeters. Automatically converts figures.

Units of measure

From the keyboard press the function key F8 or Alt+O+S

Click the option button marked Inches or Centimeters to change default measurement.


OK

Click OK when done.  Make sure if you wish to keep the settings you save the record.


Creating Passwords

If you want to keep you information confidential you can use a password on your Find-it Fast  file.  Find-it Fast  uses three different passwords to provide you with more flexible security.

Private

You can read and write all information and can mark any record as confidential

Read-Write

You can read and write all information except for those marked confidential. You cannot view confidential records

Read Only

You can read all information except those marked confidential. You can not save records.

Private password holders can mark a record confidential by clicking the icon [image].

It will change colour from a gray to blue signifing a password had been set. Click again to cancel.  From the Keyboard press ATL+O+P

If you decide to use a password system, the Private password can not be blank.

Leaving Read Write  or  Read Only blank gives any user, access up to the level at which a password has been set, by merely press Return in reply for a password request.


Setting a Record Password

Private password holders can mark a record confidential by clicking the icon [image].

It will change colour from a gray to blue to signify a password has been set. Click again to reverse.

From the Keyboard press  Alt+O+P


Request for a password

If a password system has been set to gain access to a File or Database you are requested to enter a valid password.

If you enter a valid pasword you will be given access to the information up to the preset level for this password

If you enter an invalid password, press Esc, or hit Enter when Enter is not a valid password, Find-it Fast  will load but not the File or Database requested. You must either try again with a valid password or open another file or database.


Key Window

This is the window where you enter a name or key that identifies the main record.

Each new record needs a unique name or key to identify it.

Names or Keys only need to be entered when adding a new record or at any time you wish to change the name or key.

You can use  words or characters up to a total of  70  characters.

Naming Records

The simpler the name or key, the quicker it will be to find

Find-it Fast  will automatically as you type start to zero in on the record you are looking for.

For example. As you type the characters   Bar    Barry Higgs and any other names or keys starting with Bar will instantly be displayed

Dont worry if you forget the exact name or key was because you can  Search on any part of the name or even inside each individual record for the required information

See also : Text window, Save Record , Contents


Text Window

This is the window where you create new and edit existing records

A record in Find-it Fast   is text you enter by either keyboard, pasting text from the Windows(TM) clipboard or importing a text file from your computers disk.

Each new record is stored in a file or database on your hard disk.   The only limit to how many records you store in each file, is the capacity of your hard disk. Each record can hold up to 32000 characters of text.

See also: New record, Editing & moving, Contents