Specifications and Requirements ------------------------------- Software Title: BusinessDialer (Version 1.0) Author or Company: Michael Dvorkin P.O. Box 862 San Bruno, CA, 94066-0862 TEL: 415-588-6215 FAX: 415-588-6149 E-Mail: MiD@aol.com 73773.2527@compuserve.com Registration Fee: (Included with $29.95 registration fee for BusinessCards v3.01) Availability: Windows Forum Software Library Filename: BCR301.ZIP (Comes bundled with BusinessCards v3.01. This file will be renamed BCARDS.ZIP in subsequent versions.) Filesize (ZIPped): 206,831 bytes (Includes BCards v3.01) Filesize (unZIPped): 466,518 bytes (Includes BCards v3.01) Keywords: Dvorkin, Data base, Address, Cardfile, Blackbook VB, Win 3.1 Requirements: Windows 3.1, mouse recommended. Rating (1-10): 9 Date of Review: 6/21/95 Installation ------------ Installation Rating: (Manual Installation) Description of Installation Process: (These are the instructions for installing BusinessCards v3.01. This installs BusinessDialer v1.0 at the same time.) First, create a permanent directory for the program's files to be placed into. Next, unzip the program's files (from the downloaded BCR301.ZIP), into the directory you created. Finally, add the program's icon to an existing Program Manager group (or create a new group for it). To use BusinessDialer has a stand-alone product you will need to add its icon to an existing or new Program Manager group. Features -------- Listing/Description of Features: BusinessDialer has an attractive, easy to use interface which has a number field (displays phone numbers and allows for keyboard number entry), a keypad (with pound and star keys) for easy entry of numbers with your mouse, and buttons for Dial (dials whatever number is currently displayed in the number field), Talk (lets you speak to your party once they answer), Clear (clears the number field, cancels a call or ends a phone call), SetUp (calls up the Modem Configuration and Options Dialog Box), and SpeedDial (extends BusinessDialer window to display SpeedDial Buttons). BusinessDialer's SpeedDial feature has a nine button display where you can store your frequently (or not so frequently) used phone numbers. Each entry has a name field which allows for the entry of a descriptive name (up to eight characters in length) which will appear on its SpeedDial button (for easy reference). There are 10 SpeedDial pages available so you can store up to 90 numbers! Clicking on a SpeedDial button places the number associated with it into Dialers number field. To place the call just click on "Dial". The SetUp option allows you to choose your phone dial type (tone or pulse), which COM port you modem is connected to and your modem's Baud rate. Other options you can choose from are: Immediate Dialing (dials selected number immediately), Use Prefix/Suffix (this is useful for International/Area Codes, outside-line numbers (PBX's), extensions, etc), and setting the length of time (in seconds) before BusinessDialer will hang up a line (this is really handy in dealing with busy signals or unanswered calls). When used in conjuction with BusinessCards it will scan the current card for any phone numbers and automatically place them in Dialers number field for you! (NOTE: This feature is limited to 30 days use in the unregistered version. Once registered the integration between the two programs is reactivated.) Its System Menu has options for "Always on Top (keeps BusinessDialer on top of all other windows), an Area Codes List (displays a database of International Codes (listing country and city codes) and USA Area Codes (listing state and city codes)), Help, and About BusinessDialer. Some of BusinessDialer's other features are: It has a timer which displays exactly how long you have been on the phone (which can really help keep those phone bills under control). It recognizes and dials mnemonic phone numbers, such as 1-555-MYTH. Help/Documentation Rating: 8.75 The program comes with "readme" text and Windows format Help files which adequately answer most of the questions you may have. Summary ------- Business Dialer v1.0 is a power packed yet, very easy to use telephone dialing program. It operates perfectly as a stand-alone program but, it is also fully integrated with Michael Dvorkin's other great software product BusinessCards v3.01 (see my review of BusinessCards elsewhere in this edition). The programs display is attractive and does not take up much room on the screen. I liked all of its features but, I really like its SpeedDial and its ability to transfer phone numbers directly from BusinessCards the best (although the timer is a nice touch too). Another feature I really liked is the Area Codes List (it sure saves time not having to obtain them from traditional phone books or by calling the operator). BusinessDialer v1.0, like its cousin BusinessCards v3.01 is one of the best bits of shareware around. It makes organizing your phone activities a pleasure. I give both of Mr. Dvorkin's products my highest recommendation (they have both already been added to my list of all-time favorite/best shareware programs). Download and register them TODAY! You will not be sorry you did. Problems and Suggestions ------------------------ List of Problems Found: There were no conflicts, General Protection Faults (GPF's) or program errors encountered during my evaluation of this software. Suggestions for Improvements: The only improvement I could think of would be to add a phone activity log which could record who you called, when you called and how long you talked for. Technical Support ----------------- Technical Support Rating: 9.5 Description: Inquiries made about the program were answered in less than 24 hours (via E-Mail) with comprehensive and intelligent responses. What do you get when you register? ---------------------------------- You are entitled to an original diskette containing the most recent versions of both BusinessCards and BusinessDialer plus (as a registration bonus) you will receive a copy of "BrainCubes" (a game for Windows). You also receive a personal serial number which registers both programs (If you provide an E-Mail address, your serial number will be E-Mailed to you within 24 hours (in most cases)so, you can quickly register your existing copies). Entering this serial number removes the initial registration reminder dialog box which appears at the beginning of the programs, displays your name in the Help/About dialog box, removes the word UNREGISTERED from the programs title bar, removes registration reminder phrases from your printed output and BusinessDialer will once again become a completely integrated part of BusinessCards (beyond the initial 30 day trial period BusinessDialer cannot access phone numbers directly from any cards until the program is registered). Registered users are also entitled to free minor updates of the program and significant discounts on major upgrades. They are also entitled to free unlimited technical support (via E-Mail or FAX) for both BusinessCards and BusinessDialer. Disclaimer ---------- (DISCLAIMER: This review is provided for information/entertainment purposes only. The author will not be held responsible or liable for any problems which may occur in the use of any of the reviewed software. The author will also not be held responsible if the program reviewed does not operate, in the way stated. With there being so many system configurations possible confilcts/problems can arise which may prevent the reviewed software from operating in the way indicated. This is not the responsibility of the reviewer.)