Contents

           The Raven 	(Shareware and Registered Version Help)

Introduction	Note: Updates for Registered Users

How to Use the Program

Advanced Functionality

Registration Information  (e.g. How to Order)

System Requirements

What is Shareware

Getting Support and Help

Copyright Notice


Introduction

The Raven    Quoth the Raven... Nevermore!

The Raven is a text management utility.

Text is placed onto the Windows clipboard by pressing buttons within Raven.  Raven allows you to call up frequently used blocks of text and paste them into documents, email messages, or anywhere else that accepts inserted input.

To see this in action, open a word processing program or text editor, click once on one of the buttons and perform a paste operation.  You will see the associated text within the document.

The design of the program is based upon a tabbed look which allows you to organize your text blocks into easy to use categories. Each category (or section) can contain as many as 50 different text blocks.  You may also create as many as 40 sections.

This program was written for

  attorneys who frequently construct legal documents out of a pre-written paragraphs

  computer programmers for use as a source code library

  support personnel who frequently need to post the same messages over and over again in email messages

  anyone else who needs rapid access to pre-written textual material

Refer to the next help topic on How to Use the Program for an overview of the interface elements used within the program.


How to Use the Program

Use the mouse to select specific information about each screen element from the graphic below.  Simply click once where you see the mouse pointer change to a pointing finger and you will trigger an on-screen description of the graphic.   Note: See Control Panel


Registration Information

See Ordering Information

Features and benefits of Registered Version:

  Elimination of all references to registration and other "nag" screens.

  Additional updates, corrections and bug fixes implemented after the release of the shareware version.

  You will be alerted to new releases when available.


Ordering Information

Registration for The Raven is $30 plus shipping/Handling  You may either pay by check, money order, or via credit card.

Credit cards accepted:   Visa, MasterCard or American Express   Read This.

Via PHONE Direct from Fineware.   (800) 544-1740

Via FAX Direct from Fineware.   (405) 942-7819

Via e-mail Direct from Fineware.

E-Mail Addresses

Al Meadows   -  Fineware Systems

CompuServe.........70650,2022

Prodigy............BBTK05A

America Online.....VB AL

Microsoft Network..FINEWARE

              Note:  Web Site : http://WWW.fineware.com

Order Form Direct from Fineware using US Mail

Available: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Check or Money Order

See Site License Ordering for multi-unit sales.

Ordering Online  via CompuServe SWReg Service

Available: Conviently billed to your CompuServe Account

PsL Ordering Information    Credit Card Orders ONLY

Available: 800 Number, Fax, MasterCard, Visa, Amex, or Discover

See About PsL

Order form for United Kingdom

  via Oakley Data Systems

Available: Fax, voice, email, credit cards


Order Form

The Raven Ver 1.56

Note: Select "File-Print Topic" from the menu bar to   print   this form.

You can order The Zoo mail with payment by check , money order or credit card.

Name:_____________________________________

Company:__________________________________

Street:___________________________________

Street:___________________________________

City:_____________________________________

State:________________________ZIP:________

Country:__________________________________

Telephone Number:_________________________

Credit Card Type:  Visa  MasterCard  American Express

  (circle one)

Credit Card Number:_______________________

Expiration Date:__________________________

Signature:________________________________

(Unless otherwise requested we ship a 3.5" HD disk)

The Raven                                 $30.00  _______

Oklahoma residents add 8.375% sales tax           _______

Shipping/Handling - US or Canada           $2.00  _______

Shipping/Handling - Outside of US/Canada   $4.00  _______

Total in US Funds drawn on a US Bank      _______

Make checks payable to: Fineware Systems

Mail to:

Fineware Systems

P.O. Box 75776

Oklahoma City, Ok. 73147

By the way, where did you initially hear about The Raven?

_____________________________     (If CompuServe, which forum)


Definition of Shareware

Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs  differ on details -- some request registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using the software to an updated program with printed manual.

Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. For example, some authors require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware.

Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it.


System Requirements

The Raven requires Windows 3.1 or later or Windows for Work groups 3.11 or later.  I have tried to provide keyboard support for most functions but a mouse or other pointing device is required.

A PC (386 processor or above) with at least 4 MB of RAM.


Product Support

Technical support is available at no charge by sending electronic mail to:

Al Meadows  (Fineware Systems)

70650,2022 on CompuServe

70650.2022@CompuServe.com on Internet   Note: Web Site = http://www.fineware.com

BBTK05A on Prodigy

VB AL on America On line

FINEWARE on Microsoft Network (See our BBS on msn - Go FINEWARE)

I prefer to handle support via e-mail but realize this is not possible for some users.  Therefore, I also provide software support via fax at (405) 942-7819.

Technical support also available by sending US Mail to Fineware Systems  , P.O. Box 75776, Oklahoma City, Ok 73147.

Registered users have priority but I will try to answer all questions.


Copyright Notice

Copyright ©  1995 - 1996 Fineware Systems   and Al Meadows .  All rights reserved.


Site Licensing

Site License pricing is applicable to orders of 10 or more copies only.  Quantities under 10 are priced at the standard rate (see order form).

For quantities of 10 or more, the price is $200.00 + $10 per additional license over 10.

Example:  a 50 user site license would be $200.00 + ($10 x 40) = $600.00.

Note:   Only a single master diskette containing the program will be distributed on a site license unless requested otherwise.  If you desire additional diskettes, please add $1 per diskette desired.


Ordering Online

You may order using CompuServe's Software Registration Service:

enter GO SWREG at the ! prompt and follow the menus.

The Raven's registration id is 7549.      The indicated price will be $30 plus $2 shipping and handling ($4 outside US, Canada, and Mexico).

Other Fineware Systems  Products:

Space Hound Pro's registration id is 2594.    The indicated price will be $37.95 which includes FREE shipping and handling.

Note:  Ordering On line via CompuServe is an exceptionally easy way for those users who live outside the United States to pay for Shareware.


Credit Card Requirements

When ordering with a credit card, it is important that you include the following information.

  Credit Card Number

  Expiration Date

  Name as it appears on the card

  Address that your statements are delivered to (Note: This will be a requirement for all credit card transactions in the future when the card itself cannot be imprinted.  It is for your own protection.)

  Address that the product is to be delivered to if different then your billing address.


Upgrading to Latest Version

The Raven will be continually upgraded to add features and correct programming errors as they are detected.  In addition, changes to the underlying operating systems may make some features of the program redundant while creating new capabilities that can be enhanced by the program.

The policy of Fineware Systems  on upgrades to registered users is as follows:

If you are already a registered user of The Raven, you may be able to update your existing registered version to the latest edition by simply downloading the most recent version while retaining the program's registered features.  As program errors and bugs are detected and resolved, Fineware will make available additional releases on the main commercial services such as CompuServe, America Online, Prodigy, and the Microsoft Network.

You may update your existing copy to the new version as long as the version number on the new release is 1.99 or less.

To update an existing installation, simply replace all existing files with any which are included within the zipped file.

If you do not have access to these commercial online services, then we must provide you with diskettes via regular US Mail.

There is a $5.00 Shipping/Handling charge for this service.  You will receive a complete set of installation disks for the latest release.

Site license holders should contact Fineware Systems for a price quote.

NOTE: Visit our Internet WEB SITE:  http://www.fineware.com


About PsL

PsL   is short for "Public (software) Library". PsL has been distributing public domain and shareware software on disks since 1982. PsL has been recommended in every major (PC) computer magazine, many computer books, and many non-computer publications such as NY Times.

PsL offers a shareware registration order taking service primarily for the benefit of shareware authors and  their customers. The service began in January 1989 and presently takes orders for many hundreds of  shareware authors.

PsL can take orders via our 800#, non-800#, CIS#, and FAX#. Their operators are available from 7:00 a.m. to  7:00 p.m. CST Monday-Friday and normally from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends. They provide an easy and direct way to register shareware via CompuServe - via e-mail. FAX and credit cards are the primary means of registration for overseas customers.

Please note that support and usability problems are not to be reported to PsL.  They do

not have support technicians who are trained about the usage and capabilities of  The Raven and simply refer such calls to me anyway "after" charging me a service charge.


PsL Ordering Information

You can order with MasterCard, Visa, Amex, or Discover from Public (software) Library by calling 1-(800) 2424-PsL or 1-(713) 524-6394 or by FAX to 1-(713) 524-6398 or by CompuServe E-mail to 71355,470. You can also mail credit card orders to PsL   at P.O.Box 35705, Houston, TX 77235-5705.

THE ABOVE NUMBERS ARE FOR ORDERS ONLY. NOT TECHNICAL SUPPORT.

  PsL Order Form

Any questions about the status of the shipment of the order, refunds, registration options, product details, technical support, volume discounts, dealer pricing, site licenses, etc., must be directed to Fineware Systems  .

To insure that you get the latest version, PsL will notify us the day of your order and we will ship the product directly to you.


PsL Order Form

PsL  Order Form      (ver 1.56)

Note: Select "File-Print Topic" from the menu bar to print this form.

You can order The Raven by Phone, Mail or FAX with payment by credit card.

PsL  Product# 14214

Name:____________________________________

Company:_________________________________

Street:__________________________________

Street:__________________________________

City:____________________________________

State:_______________________ZIP:________

Country:_________________________________

Telephone Number:________________________

Credit Card Type:________________________

Credit Card Number:______________________

Expiration Date:_________________________

Signature:_______________________________

 (Unless otherwise requested we ship a 3.5" HD disk)

The Raven                                    30.00 _______

Texas residents add 8.25% sales tax                _______

Shipping/Handling - US or Canada              2.00 _______

Shipping/Handling - Outside of US/Canada      4.00 _______

             Total in US Funds:   	        _______

FAX or Mail

Public (software) Library

P.O. Box 35705

Houston, TX 77235-5705

Orders: 1-800-2424-PsL or 1-713-524-6394

FAX Orders: 1-713-524-6398

By the way, where did you obtain the shareware version

of The Raven:_____________________________


Oakley Data Systems
Oakley Data Services Ordering Info

The Raven Ver 1.56

Note: Select "File-Print Topic" from the menu bar to   print   this form.

You can order The Raven by Phone, Mail, E-mail or Fax with payment by credit card.

Oakley Data Services,

3 Oakley Close,

Sandbach,

Cheshire CW11 9RQ,

England.

Call +44 (0)270 759739

Fax +44 (0)270 765272

CIS: 74774,1347

The Raven

Name:____________________________________

Company:_________________________________

Address:_________________________________

       :_________________________________

       :_________________________________

       :_________________________________

       :_________________________________

Telephone Number:________________________

Credit Card Type:________________________

Credit Card Number:______________________

Expiration Date:_________________________

Signature:_______________________________

(unless otherwise requested we ship a 3.5" HD disk)

The Raven                                   20.00  _______

Shipping/Handling                            2.00  _______

UK and EEC add 17.5% VAT                     3.85  _______

                 Total in Pounds Sterling:         _______

By the way, where did you initially hear about The Raven:_____________________


Advanced Functionality

Miscellaneous Drag & Drop Operations

The Right Mouse Button can be used for dragging a Text Block Button between the tabbed sections.  You cannot drop it onto the tab labeled Control (see Control Panel).    Only one Text Block Button can be dragged at a time.

Files can be dragged onto The Raven from the Windows File Manager.   This provides a very easy way to bring a group of documents and text files into The Raven in a single step.  You may select multiple files within the Windows File Manager by using the Mouse and the Control Key while Selecting to select non-contigious items or you can use the Mouse and the Shift  Key to Select a range.  Please refer to your Windows File Manager Help file for furthur instructions.

If a Text Block Button is dragged and dropped into it's own tab section, it moves to the end of all existing Text Block Buttons.    It isn't possible to insert a Button between existing Buttons but by moving each of the existing Buttons one at a time, you can assign the desired order.

Command Line Operations

You can start The Raven with a command line prompt to specify the initialization file that is to be used.  This allows you to use the program with even more quotes and text groupings.   Some examples of the use of a command line prompt follow:

RAVEN.EXE myini.txt

RAVEN.EXE c:\dev\source.txt

RAVEN.EXE F:\users\law\para.txt


Fineware Accepts

Fineware Systems  accepts Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.  Call our order phone (800-544-1740) today!


Control Panel

The control panel allows you to view the options and entries which have been set for each section  at a glance.  You may edit these settings by using the buttons to perform additional functions.

Note:  Virtually all of the control panel operations can be performed by using the Right Mouse Button while viewing one of the tabbed sections.

Note:  Use the Edit Entries button to change the settings of the highlighted launch item.


Text Description
Text Description Label

A short description of the text which is bound to the Text Block Button belongs here.  Use the Right Mouse Button to click on the Text Description Label to edit the description.


Text Block Button

Press the Text Block Button desired and the text that has been bound to the button will be placed onto the Windows clipboard.  The next step would be to paste the data into the intended document or email message.


Edgar

This is Edgar.  If you feel that he takes up too much room on your screen, you can set an option using the pull down menu to hide the logo.


Section Background

You may assign a background color or image to each section.  Images may be tiled , centered, or stretched.  Use the Right Mouse Button to show a pop-up menu that will give you options on adding or changing the background as well as other functions.


Windows Resources

When system resources fall below certain critical vaules, you can experience a myriad of problems such as screen updates which are incomplete, font style changes, and even program crashes and faults.  The values will have a gray background when resources are adequate.  Yellow indicates that resources are getting scarce and red indicates that they are dangerously low and that you should close down non-essential applications.


Sections Tabs

The Raven supports up to 39 Tab Sections for storing Text Blocks.  One tab (Control) is reserved for program functions and maintenance.

There are three ways to create a new section.

 Use the Right Mouse Button to click on the background of an existing section.  This will display a popup menu that as "Make New Section" as an option.

  Use the Pull Down Menu and select Options | Group Options | Make New Section.

  Use the Control Tab to enter the control section of the program.  You will find a button labeled Make New Sction there.


Selected Control Tab

This is the tab that must be selected in order to view the control panel shown in this image.


Current Section

The highlighted entry is the section currently being displayed within the control panel.  All entries in the list boxes (Quote Description, Source File Name, etc) are associated with this section.


Make New Section

To create a new section, type in the desired section name and press the OK button.

Note:  You may only change an existing section name by creating a new section with the new name and moving all the Text Block Buttons to the new section

Or

by performing a manual edit of the Raven.ini file.  Be very carefull when doing this.  The proper procedure is to locate the EXACT text of the current section name and replace all occurances of this EXACT string within the .INI file.  You should probably make a backup of the .INI before doing this.


Set Section Options

You can asign background colors, Text Block Label foreground colors, and set background images to graphic files.


Foreground Color

Click here with the mouse once to display a color selection dialog.


Background Color

 Click here with the mouse once to display a color selection dialog.    Note: Some graphic formats (such as .WMF)  will allow background colors to be seen while an image is used. Other formats (such as  .BMP ) will totally overlay the background color.


Vertical Entries

As new Text Block Buttons are placed within a section, they are placed one below the other until the limit is reached.  By default, the limit is 8 but can be set to anywhere between 2 and 12.  Once the limit is reached, the next Text Block Button is placed to the right of the first column of selections.  Each section can have it's own stacking limit.


Text Block Label Font

You may assign any of your available fonts to the Text Block Labels.  Each section may have it's own unique font assignment.


Misc Options: Highlighted Section

You do not have to return to your previous point to set options for other sections.  Simply highlight the section you wish to change and continue.


Close Button

Closes this Window.


Set Background Image

Use the mouse and click on the image below to view specific information about the various screen elements.


Select Disk Drive

Select the disk drive which contains the graphic images with this control.


Select File Directory

Select the file directory which contains the graphic images with this control.


Set Image File

Highlight the image file that you wish to use as a background matte and press the OK button.  You can see a thumbnail image of the file in the picture box to the right of the file list.


Thumbnail image

This picture box will display the image contained within the file that is currently highlighted in the File List Box to the left of this image.


Image Style

You can control how the image is displayed within the Tab section by selection from these options.  Tiled means that the image is replicated as many times as necessary to fill the space.

Stretched uses only one instance of the image and resizes it as you resize the section or the program itself.

Centered places only one image on the section at the center.


Ok Button

Press OK to set the image.


Cancel Button

Press this button to abort the changes.


Delete Section

Press this button to delete the current section.  Note:  The underlying files (text blocks)  will NOT be deleted.


Max Tabs

Press this button to set the maximum number of Section Tabs in a row.


Sound Option

You may turn off that annoying "Caw Caw" sound here.


Create New Quote Text Block Button
Create/Edit New Quote Text Block Button

Use the mouse and click on the image below to view specific information about the various screen elements.


Delete Quote

Use this button to delete the currently highlighted quote.  Note:  The underlying file is NOT deleted by this operation.


Quote Description List Box

This list shows the Text Block Quote Descriptive Name.  This is the same text that appears within the Text Block Label on the Tab Section.


Text Block Source File

Each Text Block used by the program must be stored within it's own disk file.


Icon Resource

You may use any valid icon file or other file which contains icons as the source for the image displayed upon the buttons you assign to text blocks.  By default, the notepad icon will be used for all .TXT files assigned.


Shortcut Key

Use can assign a Ctrl + Alt + [ key ] to any Text Block Quote.  Note:  The Tab Section containing the desired Text Block must be the current one fort the shortcut to function.


Quit Button

Press this to terminate the program.


Section Name

Key in desired section name here.


Select Text Block Disk Drive

Select the disk drive that contains the Text Block file you wish to assign.


Select Text Block Directory

Select the directory that contains the Text Block file desired.


Select Text Block File

Any ascii text file qualifies as an input source to this program.  Select the desired file here.


Show .TXT Files Only

You have the option of limiting the contents of the file list box to only those files which have a file extention of TXT.


Quote Description Entry Field

You may place any text desired in this field.  It will be displayed in the Text Block Label for this item.    It will default to the fully qualified file name.


Source File Name Field

This field defines the fully qualified path to the file.


Icon Resource Field

This field displays the fully qualified path to the file which contains the icon used on the Text Block Button.  Note: You should use the BROWSE Button to set this field and select the specific icon desired.


Shortcut Key

You can assign a shortcut key to a Text Block Button to automate and speed up the process for keyboard centric users.


Browse Button

Use the mouse to select specific information about each screen element from the graphic below.  Simply click once where you see the mouse pointer change to a pointing finger and you will trigger an on-screen description of the graphic.


Add New Text Block Item

Press the OK Button to add the item to the currently selected section.


Abort Add New Text Block Item

Press this button to abort the addition of a new Text Block Item.


Icon Disk Drive

Use this control to select the disk drive that contains the desired icon resource .


Icon View Window

All icons within the currently selected file will be displayed in the scrollable view window.


Icon Directory

Select the directory  that contains the icon resource  file that you want to use.


Icon Resource File List

Select the icon resource  file by highlighting it within this list box.  All available icons within will be displayed in the icon view window.


Tab Alignment

You can align the tabs across the top of the window or near the bottom.


Glossary

A

Al Meadows

C

Computer Critter

F

Fineware Systems

G

Gates

I

icon resource

L

launched

P

positioned

PsL

S

shell

T

tiled

Z

Zoo Pen


Fineware Systems

Fineware Systems

PO Box 75776

Oklahoma City, OK 73147


Al Meadows

Custom programming services available.


PsL

Public (software) Library

P.O. Box 35705

Houston, TX 77235-5705


shell

Program Manager or substitute shell such as the PC Tools for Windows Shell or the Norton Desktop for Windows.


Computer Critter

A computer program, document, or file.


Zoo Pen

Similar to a Program Manager Group under Windows 3.1


Gates

Tabs aligned across the top of the Zoo Pen .  You may press them to close the current Zoo Pen and open the selected one.


positioned

Think of it as putting your Ducks in a Row (apologies to user's outside the US.  This is a local saying for getting things organized in a logical manner).


launched

This means RUN (Launch) or RAN (Launched)


tiled

Repeated again and again until the area is 100% covered.


icon resource

Any file that contains one or more icons.