======================================= Variation ======================================= This document applies to the Visual Basic programme 'Variation' when the files are distributed on floppy disc. To print this document, open it in Windows Write, or another word processing application, select the entire document and format the text in 10 point Courier before printing. 'Variation' is a Windows programme written in Visual Basic 3. It is a simulation tool which should be useful to anyone who wants to explore Statistical Process Control. I hope that it will give a feel for handling processes which contain variation, and quickly give experience in some aspects of using Shewhart control charts. Shareware --------- 'Variation' is shareware. This means that copying the files is both permitted and encouraged - and the programme can be run for the purpose of testing and appraisal. To pass a copy of the programme on to someone else, use the File Manager to copy the distribution disc, or make sure that you pass on all the files in the Packing List. (Microsoft allow their files to be copied without a licence). Shareware Agreement ------------------- If you run the programme for your own private use after the evaluation period, then I am asking you to send a contribution of 10 U.K. pounds or 15 U.S. dollars to me for the time I spent developing the programme. I will acknowledge all contributions received. I recognise that it is difficult to get foreign currency in some countries but I would appreciate it if you try. If it really is too difficult or expensive for such a small sum, I will understand, but please let me know that you are using the programme. Companies and institutions may distribute the files to individuals for their private use. However if 'Variation' is used as part of a training course, or it is installed on a computer to which many people have access, then a licence must be obtained. Please contact me for details. To extend the shareware principle of 'appraisal before purchase' to teaching, I will allow a teacher or lecturer to use the programme as part of a training course on one occasion only without obtaining a licence. Packing List ------------ The following files are included in the distribution disc: VARI.EXE (the executable file written in Visual Basic 3) CMDIALOG.VBX (a Microsoft file needed for the Open File dialogue box) COMMDLG.DLL (a Microsoft file needed for the Open File dialogue box) GRID.VBX (a Microsoft file needed to display tables) VBRUN300.DLL (a Microsoft file needed to run any programme written in Visual Basic 3) README.TXT (this file) TUTORIAL.TXT (a tutorial) TUT1.VAR (a variation file to use with the tutorial) TUT2.VAR (a variation file to use with the tutorial) INSTRUCT.TXT (detailed instructions for use) TECHNICL.TXT (technical notes on the .VAR file structure) TRIALS.TXT (results of trials to find the number of 'false alarms') VPROGxx.VAR (9 more variation files) (the first five files on the list are needed for the programme to run) How to run "Variation" from Floppy Disc --------------------------------------- Variation can be run straight from the distribution floppy disc. This is not recommended because it loads and runs very slowly. To run Variation from the distribution disc: a) put the disc in drive A b) in the Program Manager, choose RUN from the FILE menu and type A:\VARI Installing "Variation" on Hard Disc ----------------------------------- A better method is to transfer the files to the computer's hard disc before running the programme. To install "Variation" on a hard disc (these instructions are for Windows 3.1): a) create a new directory on the hard disc called VARI or something similar. b) copy all the files from the distribution disc to the new directory. c) ensure that parts of the Windows Program Manager and File Manager can be seen on the screen at the same time, then use the mouse to "drag" file VARI.EXE from the new directory to a group in the Program Manager. This will install an icon for Variation. If you do not know how to do any of the above, read the chapter on the File Manager in the Windows User's Guide. Tutorial -------- The best place for everyone to start is the tutorial. Load TUTORIAL.TXT into Windows Notepad or a word processor then follow the step-by-step instructions. As well as leading you through some of the features of the programme, the tutorial will give a brief introduction to the use of control charts. The tutorial requires you to load the files TUT1.VAR and TUT2.VAR into 'Variation'. Instructions ------------ The programme has on-line instructions. You can get these from the menu bar or by pressing F1 in the main window. More detailed instructions are contained in the file "INSTRUCT.TXT" on the distribution disc. Technical Notes: Installation ----------------------------- The files CMDIALOG.VBX, COMMDLG.DLL, GRID.VBX and VBRUN300.DLL are "Shared Application Resource" files. These are Microsoft files which could be needed by any Visual Basic programme. Strictly speaking they should be put in the "Windows\System" directory to make them available to any future Visual Basic programmes that you may install. This avoids having more than one copy on your computer. Leaving them in the same directory as the rest of the files avoids the need to check to see if any of the shared files are already in the System directory (older versions should be replaced). Leaving all the files in one directory also means that you can delete the directory and leave the computer exactly as it was before the files were installed. Steve Horn, 21 Benjamin Drive, Bo'ness, West Lothian EH51 0QS, United Kingdom CompuServe 100116,3151 Internet steve@horn.demon.co.uk 8 January 1995