AUTO PRICE 93 READ ME FILE Thank for using AUTO PRICE 93. PURPOSE OF PROGRAM This program was originally written for individuals who planed on purchasing a new automobile. The program provide a easy way of price comparisons between cars and/or options and provide price information when dealing with a new car salesman. The program provides singular information found in car pricing books that are sold in the magazine racks. AUTO PRICE 93 replaces the book, scratch pad, and calculator, while providing instant running cost as changes are made. SHAREWARE AUTO PRICE 93 for shareware is being released on Dec 15, 1993. Some of the cars data has not been completed or received. Most of these are marked with a '?' in front of their name. Trucks are supported this year, however, they are in process of being entered at the time of this release. Note: All mini-vans, utility, pickups, and vans are included in the truck section of AUTO PRICE 93. I would like to encourage you to register AUTO PRICE 93. When you register the program, the latest update will be sent, and INVOICE prices will be included. INSTALLATION The shareware version of AUTO PRICE 93 can run from a diskette larger than 360k, however, a hard disk is recommended. The only requirement to run AUTO PRICE 93, is that all files must reside in the same directory. If you want to install the system on a hard disk, create a new directory and then "COPY" or "PKUNZIP" the diskette into that directory. For example, to unzip a diskette from drive 'A' to a directory named "93AP" on drive 'C', type the following from the "C>" prompt: MD 93AP CD 93AP [path]PKUNZIP A:AP93 STARTING AUTO PRICE 93 To run AUTO PRICE93, switch control to the disk/directory containing AUTO PRICE 93 and type "AP93". This version of AUTO PRICE 93 does direct screen IO. If you have display problems, start the program with an "AP93 m" or "AP93 b" command. The "AP93 m" command does direct screen IO in monochrome (black & white). The "AP93 b" command uses BIOS for screen IO in black & white. The displays will be noticeably slower using BIOS. WARNING Do not attempt to modify the data files. Many of them have been encrypted, and any modification to them may make them unusable. USER GUIDE There is a on-line user guide the can be viewed and/or printed from within AUTO PRICE 93. The GUIDE.TXT and ORDER.TXT files are normal text file and can also be printed via DOS print or copy command. Most user can run AUTO PRICE 93 without reading the Users Guide, however, it does contain information that will explain many features of the program. The current data base may not have all of the interactions programmed into it. It may be possible to select two conflicting options, or some other contradictory conditions. These discrepancy will be corrected in time, but should not make the program any less useful. Use the override features, described in USER GUIDE, if the data base prevents a legitimate selection. COMMERCIAL USERS In addition to individual user, loan officers, car dealers, insurance agents, etc. may find this program useful in their business. The program is not recommended for lease company, car brokers, or other business that purchase automobiles and base their cost on this program. AUTO PRICE is updated only two or three times a year, therefore the prices are usually several months behind manufactures price. No fees can be charged for any output from the AUTO PRICE 93 program. Any commercial client may provide a IBM PC compatible computer with AUTO PRICE 93 program installed for their customers use. For instance, a credit union may provide a computer and printer in the lobby for its customers to price out a new car. A XT computer with a hard drive is sufficient to run AUTO PRICE 93. AUTO PRICE can be setup to run on such a machine without the "Quit" option on the main menu. REGISTER AUTO PRICE 93 Registering AUTO PRICE 93 has two advantages. First the register version contains INVOICE PRICES. Second, you will receive the latest update which is a continues process until approximately June. UPDATE PROCEDURE Shareware version will be released once a year (around Jan). Subscription buyers will be sent a renewal notice. Individual purchasers will be sent a new release notice. PROGRAM INFORMATION The AUTO PRICE 93 program is written in "C". The 1993 data is increpted ASCII files. AUTO PRICE is flexible enough to support most any product that is priced similar to automobiles, therefore, anyone interested in a special product line may call (800) 443-5152. Examples of products that could be priced by this program are boats, computers, trailers, etc.