N u m i s m a t i s t ' s A s s i s t a n t Copyright 1989 - 1992 Shareware Version 3.0 October, 1992 Luther & Associates 223 Edgewood Drive Bardstown, KY 40004 (502)348-2806 Numismatist's Assistant ... Version 3.0 Copyright and Ownership Information This is a legal agreement between you, the end user, and Luther and Associates. By loading and using the software, you are agreeing to be bound by the terms of this agreement. If you do not agree to the terms of the agreement, immediately cease use of the program, and if received directly from Luther and Associates on physical media, promptly return all materials received (within the limits of the warranty and limitation of liability statement below) for a refund of your purchase price. Luther and Associates grant you the right to use one copy of the software program on a single terminal connected to a single computer. You may not use the software on more than one computer or computer terminal at the same time. All versions of NUMISMATIST'S ASSISTANT are owned by Luther and Associates, and are protected by United States copyright laws and international treaty provisions. You may make copies of the software for backup purposes and for distribution under the shareware concept as long as you do not charge a fee for the program itself. Distribution charges may not exceed $10.00 per complete copy, and you must receive written permission from Luther and Associates for mass distribution of the software. You may not rent or lease the software. You may not continue use of the software beyond a 30 day trial period without payment of the registration and licensing fee. Warranty and Limitation of Liability If you received this product directly from Luther and Associates, we warrant the physical diskette and any physical documentation to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 60 days from the date of purchase. In the event of notification within the warranty period of defects in materials or workmanship, Luther and Associates will replace the defective diskette or documentation. If you need to return the item, call us to receive authorization! The remedy for breach of this warranty shall be limited to replacement and shall not encompass any other damages, including but not limited to loss of profit, and special, incidental, consequential, or other similar claims. Luther and Associates specifically disclaim all other warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to defects in the diskette and documentation, and the program license granted herein in particular, and without limiting operation of the program license with respect to any particular application, use, or purpose. In no event shall Luther and Associates be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage, including but not limited to loss of profit, and special, incidental, consequential, or other similar damages. This statement shall be construed, interpreted, and governed by the laws of the State of Kentucky. Luther & Associates Page 2 Numismatist's Assistant ... Version 3.0 Introduction and Overview Numismatist's Assistant is an easy to use U.S. Coin database program developed by a coin collector for coin collectors. The program is intended specifically for United States coinage but has application for world coins, although this is not its primary purpose. This release represents the third version of the program. Users of version 2.01 will note major enhancements in this release. Registered users of version 2.01 will need a file conversion utility to upgrade file structure. Previous versions files will cause an error message that the datafile structure has changed. At this point the nonregistered user has two choices: 1) Register and receive the data file conversion information. 2) Delete all the *.DAT and associated key files from your disk and reenter all the coins you had in your collection. (Whichever route you choose, the new version will be worth the trouble.) This file change was not done to punish unregistered users. It was done because of field additions necessary to establish the inclusion of buyer and seller files and their links to the main files. *************************************************************************** With the release of version 3.0, Luther and Associates suspended accepting registrations under 2.01 (and previous) version terms. The terms outlined in this document govern all aspects of this and previous versions. *************************************************************************** Numismatist's Assistant is not designed to do all things for all collectors. It will never replace a well-designed customized database that the enterprising computer user has built for himself (such as an xBase or Paradox application). Numismatist's Assistant is a program for the person who doesn't want to have to learn about relational databases in order to use one. The program is intended to be a United States specific coin utility, although many users report they have used it for foreign and ancient coins as well as paper money. This calls for creativity and an understanding of the program. Luther & Associates Page 3 Numismatist's Assistant ... Version 3.0 The secret to using non-US issue is to "trick" the face value field in the Denomination database by assigning a value that will establish the coin in the sorting order ... the lower the number, the lower it appears on the list. Although there may be no "realistic" value translation, the program really doesn't care what you assign to a denomination, it just needs to know how to assign the coin in the sort order. We assign Proof Sets a "face-value" of $99.99 so they will appear absolutely last in the list, but you can do anything you want. There is a large available comments field in each major inventory database that allows you to give any free-form description. Use this area for adding things that weren't accommodated in other fields. If the inquiries and requests for addition of foreign and ancient coinage keep coming in, we'll see what we can do to accommodate those needs in a future version, or perhaps develop new program outside of Numismatist's Assistant. Let us know what you want! Please call or write with your suggestions as to how you would like to see the program develop! The Shareware Concept Shareware is a concept that has gained momentum in the personal computer market. The basic idea is that programs are developed and placed into the market for use, on a trial basis, "try it before you buy it." If you get a shareware program and you continue to use it, you should support it by registering with the author and support further development of the software. Registration allows you as a user access to inexpensive (or sometimes free) upgrades to the program, and most important, direct access to the programmer with your ideas and enhancements (at least in the case of Numismatist's Assistant -- many of the enhancements in this version came from user suggestions). The key here is try and buy or try and not buy ... it is NOT FREE software. It is a way for small developers to reach a potentially large market without the overhead of advertising and marketing. It is a way for the user to "experiment" legally with software without an up-front financial commitment. General principles and guidelines: Numismatist's Assistant is not free software, it is shareware. If you use it, register. Feel free to distribute copies of the program as long as you do not charge a fee for the software itself. * Organizations or businesses using Numismatist's Assistant MUST register! * Software distribution firms who "charge only for the cost of materials and reproduction" must receive written permission to distribute Numismatist's Assistant. * Users who are not registered will have that fact noted in two areas: the configuration area and reports will bear the unmistakable mark that the program is unregistered. Although non registration does not cripple the program in any other way (it is fully functional), non registration does cripple future development efforts through non support. This version of Numismatist's Assistant represents virtually thousands of hours of design and custom programming. The product will only get better with the knowledge that it is being supported. . What you get with registration: * Telephone support (sorry, no collect calls accepted). Luther & Associates Page 4 Numismatist's Assistant ... Version 3.0 * Idea Integration (if your suggestions are reasonable and will enhance the program, I will do my best to implement them in future versions). Many enhancements in this version came about from registered users. * Elimination of the "Nonregistered User" on reports and configuration. * Low cost or free upgrades of future versions. * Advanced notification and access to future versions as they become available. * Conversion utilities (export to other file formats, i.e., dBase, Lotus, Basic, etc.) as they are developed. What's New in Version 3.0 This release of Numismatist's Assistant represents a quantum leap in functions and capabilities over Version 2.01. Among the additions and enhancements are: * Buyer and Seller Databases with the ability to transfer (buy or sell) data * Phone Dialer (Hayes compatible modem on COM1 or COM2 required) * On screen statistics * Improved report to screen with search and selective save to file * Report redirection options * Partial/selective report save * MOUSE support! * Streamlined help * Hot keys (mouse or keyboard) * Multiple sort options -- user selectable * SAA topline and pulldown menus * Improved overlay usage for less memory overhead * Virtual memory support (286 and higher systems required) * GOBBs and gobbs of new reports * Scroll/elevator bars * Record tagging * Batch action on tagged records * Automatic data repeat (user selectable) * "Buy" and "Sell" analysis * Profit and Loss tracking * Insurance tracking * Improved memory management for maximum available conventional memory * Improved calculator and calendar with paste functions * Windows and OS2 "aware" with clipboard support * Relational integrity for automatic updates and change processing * Much, much more ***** FILENAMES AND THEIR FUNCTIONS ***** The following files are used by Numismatist's Assistant: NUMISMAT.EXE -- main program file *.HLP -- help files called when F1 is pressed *.DAT -- main data files *.MEM -- memo files holding "comments" *.I## -- index files that reduces in-process overhead *.K## -- key files that speed file access and searches COINS30.TXT -- this manual that you are now reading Luther & Associates Page 5 Numismatist's Assistant ... Version 3.0 READ. ME -- short text file containing important information CHECKAKA -- mouse compatibility/availability indicator If using a hard disk system, all the files should be in the same directory. The datafiles are not accessible through any means other than the program itself. Future versions of the program will allow export of your data to ASCII, Basic, and dBase formats if registered user demand supports it. System Setup Numismatist's Assistant is an easy way for coin collectors to keep track of their coins with their personal computer. Currently, Numismatist's Assistant is only available for IBM and compatible Personal Computers. Because of the programming language used and the "intelligent handling" of data, there are basic things you need to have set up prior to running the program: System Requirements * IBM or compatible Personal Computer running DOS 2.01 or higher * Fixed disk (hard-drive) or 720K or greater diskette system (functional but not recommended) * CONFIG.SYS file set for FILES = 45 BUFFERS = 20 * 512K of Memory (640K recommended) * Parallel Printer (Epson compatible) capable of printing on continuous paper ******HARD DISK CONFIGURATION ****** It is recommended that you use a fast hard disk to store your program and data files. This will allow you faster access to the files and an almost unlimited file size (up to the space available on your disk). If you are booting from the Hard drive, be sure that the CONFIG.SYS file has commands as shown above. Either copy the distribution disk or unpack the archive in the directory on your hard drive where you want the files to reside (we suggest a directory named NUMISMAT). To run the program on the hard disk, change to the directory where the program and data files are located and type NUMISMAT at the prompt. *****INSTALLATION & STARTUP REVIEW***** Be sure that your system is booted with the CONFIG.SYS file configured with the commands FILES=45 (or more, some users set this to 60) BUFFERS=20 A fast hard disk installation is recommended. Create a directory on your hard disk and copy the program and data files to the directory. To run the program on the hard disk type NUMISMAT from the directory. Luther & Associates Page 6 Numismatist's Assistant ... Version 3.0 *****USING NUMISMATIST'S ASSISTANT ***** The program will take a few seconds to load. Once it is loaded you will be presented with our "Protection" screen that tells you that the program remains our property but you have been given license to use it and to distribute it as long as you are not gaining any type of profit or other compensation from the distribution. We also advise you that if you use the program you use it at your own risk and we will not accept responsibility for anything that may or may not happen while you're using it. We have done our best to design as "bug-free" a program as possible, but we cannot foresee each and every possible contingency that may occur, and we do not have the facilities to test the program on the many combinations and brands of hardware available. If you should encounter a problem running the program, stop using it and write or call us with a description of the problem. We'll do our best to help you with a solution to the problem. It is very important to write down any error messages, particularly error codes, PRIOR to contacting us. Press ENTER (also referred to as the RETURN key) or click on the opening screen with your left mouse button. The F1 key is also active and contains further user information. The most important thing to remember while using the program is that the F1 key (Function key #1) is used universally throughout Numismatist's Assistant as the HELP key. Global Keys or Mouse Actions The program will be automatically aware of a Microsoft or compatible mouse properly installed and active on the computer. If you have a mouse on the system, the first time that you run the program, you will be given a test screen that will allow you to select from a graphics (arrow) or plain (block) pointing device. If you run into trouble with the graphics (arrow) pointer when using the program (such as multiple pointers, scrambled screens, program freezing up), delete the file CHECKAKA from your directory and restart the program and when given the mouse setup screen, ESCape from it. This will reset the pointer to the plain mode and should solve your problems. Consistency is adhered to throughout the program in order not to cause confusion on the part of the user. Users of previous versions of the program will note that there have been changes made in this version to help establish that consistency and to allow a greater logic to the action of global key actions. This unfortunately will cause the previous user to "unlearn" some of the keystrokes that were available in the previous version that are no longer available here or are different. The main reason for changes in key combinations is the addition of mouse support and SAA menu conventions. The following is a list of keys or mouse actions that behave the same regardless of where you are in the program: F1 Global HELP F5 Calculator F6 Calendar INS Add a record (tables only) DEL Delete a record (tables only) CONTROL-ENTER Automatic "speed save" for forms ENTER edit (tables only), otherwise, global accept key (Left mouse button) CONTROL-ESCAPE Global abort (Right mouse button) Luther & Associates Page 7 Numismatist's Assistant ... Version 3.0 CONTROL-PGUP Top of table (Tables Only) CONTROL-PGDN Bottom of table (Tables Only) CONTROL-A Batch tag all records CONTROL-T Tag single records CONTROL-U Untag all records (if done by CTRL-A) Single untag (if CTRL-T used) *****MENU SYSTEMS***** All menu systems throughout the program function consistently and utilize the same mouse or keyboard steps. For the most part, the available selections are self explanatory as to their function. There are two types of menus, TOP LINE that is a solid horizontal light bar with item selections appearing at the top of the active window, and PULL-DOWNS that are horizontal item selections that appear in a box directly below the top line item that called it. Top Line Menus All top line menus you will be presented with in the program are activated in two ways, mouse or keyboard: Mouse users -- arrow to the selection that you want and click the left mouse button to activate it. The right mouse button acts as an ESC key that aborts whatever level you are at and returns you to the previous level. Keyboard users, press the ALT (alternate key) twice to activate the highlight bar and use your arrow keys to navigate the selections, using the ENTER key to activate the desired selection; OR press and hold the ALT key and the capitalized letter of the selection that you want. In all cases the ESC key will return you to the previous level. You may also use CONTROL ESC to abort the process you are in. Take special care with the right mouse button from the main top-line menu as it operates as a quick abort from the entire program. Pull-down Menus If a top line menu has further options available, you will be presented with a pull-down menu with those selections. Mouse users -- arrow to the selection that you want and click the left mouse button twice to activate it. If you press and hold the left mouse button and scroll up and down the menu selections, let go of the button on the one you want and it will be activated for you. The right mouse button acts as an ESC key that aborts the pull-down menu and returns you to the previous level. Keyboard Users -- you may use the up and down arrow keys to highlight the selection you want and hit the ENTER key to run it. You may also hit the capitalized letter of the selection you want to immediately activate it. The ESC key returns you to the previous level. *****TABLES***** When approaching access to the available databases, the program utilizes a Luther & Associates Page 8 Numismatist's Assistant ... Version 3.0 TABLE/FORM paradigm. You are presented with the "overview" of records in the database that allows you to quickly view and access individual records by scrolling up and down on the screen. To actually edit, delete, or add data, you need to access the form; which is the window into the actual record as it is stored on disk. A standard feature throughout the program is an identifier located in the lower left corner of each table or form that identifies the major function or database associated with the table or form. Each major coin database table is full screen with a topline menu selection as to the actions that are available for that particular database. Each has ADD EDIT DELETE EXIT HELP in common and can be accessed with mouse or keyboard as described previously. Remember, all top line menus operate in an identical manner. At the right of each table, just inside the outside track, is a vertical elevator bar that has an up-arrow at the top, a down-arrow at the bottom, and a block somewhere between. Mouse users may click on either the up or down arrows to move in that direction, or you may click and hold on the block and drag the elevator block up and down to quickly move to remote areas of the database. Keyboard users may use the CONTROL PAGE UP (DOWN) keys to accomplish the same purpose. You also have a TAG field that is located at the far right of the table, immediately to the left of the elevator bar. By placing the mouse pointer in this area and clicking the left button you can toggle the tag checkmark on and off. The tag option allows selected range printing or batch operations (such as deleting or editing) on the tagged records. This "batch" operation works only on tagged records. If you selectively tag a group of records and elect to do an edit or delete, each record will be individually be presented to you for approval of the action you have chosen. You may abort this process by choosing "cancel" or CONTROL-ESC. Tags are memory dynamic and not saved to disk ... tags clear themselves if you select an edit or delete batch action and either complete or abort it; or upon exiting the program. Each coin database has "Sorted View" selections that allow you to view the table in a different sorted order. Depending on which database you're in, you are presented with different sort selections. These selections are in the middle of the top line menu. The sort selection that is currently active is shown to you by a box drawn around the item header located just above the table data area. Each table has a fast find features that allow you to type in data (dependent on what the sort order selection is for the table) and quickly "jump" to it. For instance, if you are in your want list and have the priority option selected as your sort view, you need just type a "9" to get to the area of the database where all the items of that priority are located. The "Type" locator option is based on face value and not on the coin description...for instance, to get to all quarters you would first need to be sure that you are in the table sorted by type and then type "00.250" (numeric value for 25 cents). To get to nickels type in "00.050." To get to two-cent pieces type in "00.020." To get to half cents type in "00.005." This is a little uncomfortable at first, but becomes routine with increased experience of the program. Luther & Associates Page 9 Numismatist's Assistant ... Version 3.0 The main coins database has a SELL option which transfers a coin ("sell" it) to the sold database. The wanted coins database has a BUY option which transfers ("buys" it) to the main coin database. This buy/sell feature asks for specific information regarding the transaction and allows the option to proceed or cancel. If you proceed, the deed is done, the item is eliminated from the original database and received in the new database ... this process once approved is irreversible. If you cancel, none of the transfer takes place. Some tables also have a "filter" option, which allows you to display a single type of coin. When you select this option, you will be presented with a "pop-up" table to scroll through and choose. The Utilities Databases (Denominations, Grades, Buyers, Sellers) are self explanatory and straightforward in their available commands. (Please note that the DIAL option in the CUSTOMERS and SUPPLIERS tables is only functional if you have a modem that is set to COM1: or COM2:.) *****FORMS***** As previously mentioned the form is the gateway to changing data as it is stored in your database. Each form has the standard buttons on the bottom: OK -- Accept and save new data and changes CANCEL -- Do not save changes or new data LOOKUP -- Pop-up a "pick list" for the field you're on if there is one available HELP -- Call the help system These buttons may be accessed by mouse by pointing and clicking on the desired one or through the keyboard by using the ALT & capital letter combination or through the CONTROL ENTER, CONTROL ESC hot keys. When entering a form through a table, you are placed on the first field on the form and moved sequentially from left to right, top to bottom, through the form until you reach the bottom action selections. You may at any time use the mouse to place you on a desired field selection by highlighting it and clicking on the left mouse button, or tabbing with the keyboard key ... for fast saves use CONTROL-ENTER, for fast aborts, use CONTROL ESC. Some forms have required fields. These are fields that absolutely must have something entered into them for you to proceed further or for the form to be successfully completed and saved. If you run into one of these you will be given few options -- you will either be returned to the field and forced to enter something, or in some cases, a default response will be completed for you (such as ID Number). If you try to pass-up a field that requires input, you will be issued a warning beep, the field will flash, and you will remain on it until it is successfully completed. Some forms have check boxes (like the configuration form to select whether a call is long distance), these will always appear as square boxes and may be toggled on and off by a mouse click or from the keyboard by hitting the space bar. If it is toggled "ON" an X will appear in the box, otherwise it Luther & Associates Page 10 Numismatist's Assistant ... Version 3.0 will be empty. Some forms have multiple limited selection fields (like the configuration form which allows you to select which printer port you want to use). These will always appear as circles, the one selected will have a large dot in the center of it. As always, a mouse simply clicks on the one desired to activate it, keyboard users may type the first letter of the one desired, hit the spacebar, or tab through the selections. Some special notes about some of the forms: ** Forms that ask for a reverse grade -- if the reverse grade is left blank it will default to whatever is entered into the obverse grade field. ** If in multiadd mode, the last added record will appear for reference purposes in an outlined box near the bottom of the form. ** If in multiadd mode, the data that was entered into the previous form is carried over into the new form to prevent retyping. To change data in a field, simply start typing and the previous data in that field will be blanked. Error Checking in Data Entry The majority of error checking that occurs is for internal program housekeeping purposes. The program will compare the date of a coin to the range of dates that was entered in the Denomination database (first year and last year of issue), to be sure that it is valid, but the program does not know what constitutes a valid issue beyond that. For instance the program will gladly accept a 1909CC Lincoln Head Cent (which I would love to have, as I'm sure you would -- but the simple fact is that it does not exist). So please be careful in your entry to be sure that the data you're inputting is valid. *****REPORTS MENUS***** The Reports menu allows you to run many types of selective or nonselective reports for each of the databases. The reports may be sent to the screen, a parallel printer (LPT1, 2, or 3) or to the disk under a file name of your choice. (Remember, DOS naming conventions for files must be followed.) The options are varied and you may ask for a wide variety of combinations and types of reports. There are no secrets or tips to using the report features and it is suggested you experiment with them to familiarize yourself with their capabilities. When directing output to the printer, the program checks to see if the printer is active and on-line. If the printer is not active you will be given an error message and prompted to correct the problem. The redirection choices are parallel printer options only ... you may use the DOS "Mode" command to redirect to a COM port. The program is set up to run on 8.5" x 11" paper and does not use any special features such as fonts, sizes, or graphics characters. Because of this there is no need for special printer drivers to tell the program what type of printer the output is going to. Luther & Associates Page 11 Numismatist's Assistant ... Version 3.0 When printing to the screen, you can navigate through the report by using the mouse (in the same manner that you navigate tables) or arrow Page Up/Down keys. The ESC key aborts the report. The top line menu bar lists the commands available to you. Note that you can not only scroll up and down the report, but you may also scroll left and right. If you are running under Windows or OS2, the program will be aware of the condition and allow a CLIP option which dumps off the whole report or selected tagged lines to the CLIPBOARD. If you tag specific lines and SAVE a report off to disk under a file name, only those lines that are tagged will be saved. Otherwise, saving a report off to disk will save the entire report. Be cautious when sending reports to disk not to name the report by the same name as any of your "necessary" files (the program, overlay, data, and key files). The program will not intentionally allow you to save a report to disk which overwrites the names of necessary program data files, but it cannot know all names of previous files that you have saved that you may want to keep. In these cases, you will be given an overwrite warning and allowed to continue or cancel. The filename holder is long enough that you could specify a drive and directory along with the filename if you didn't want the report sent to your current drive. (For instance A:\BUFFALO.RPT would send the report BUFFALO.RPT to your A: drive.) (Reports to disk are in ASCII format and are readable by any editor and suitable for import into most any type of program from databases to spreadsheets ... please consult the documentation of the program you wish to import the data into.) It is VERY IMPORTANT to remember that the program is preconfigured for a continuous form parallel printer!!! You may search for a specific bit of text in the report by selecting the SEARCH feature. You may also JUMP to a specific line number. PRINTing from a report that was sent to screen will allow you to select the number of copies that you want printed. *****UTILITY MENU***** The Utility menu has a variety of simple options and supporting databases available to you. The Rebuild files options will be necessary to run if your key files (files with names ending in K##) have somehow been corrupted through power failure or other disk damage. If this option is needed, it means that the automatic rebuild features in the program have somehow been bypassed, and you will receive an error message that you will need to manually run this feature. If you do a lot of deleting, you will also want to use this feature to "PACK" your data files and get rid of the deleted records. A dead give-away that this feature needs to be used is an ERROR 46 either on program start-up or when trying to access a database. If you are unable to access the program to use the rebuild option, the other fix is to delete all files ending in .K## (K followed by two numbers, usually .K00, .K01 and .K02). The program will sense the absence of these files on start-up and rebuild them for you. The other databases represented here: DENOMINATIONS, GRADES, CUSTOMERS, SUPPLIERS, are all "supporting" databases. Although they may stand alone in and of themselves, they link to the main inventory databases and supply needed information to them. They operate in the same manner that the main inventory databases do. It is suggested that you begin entering data into these databases before you start entering inventory data into your main databases ... this will reduce the amount of "referential integrity" Luther & Associates Page 12 Numismatist's Assistant ... Version 3.0 updating that may have to be accomplished later. One concept to keep in mind in regard to these databases is the concept of "referential integrity." This is intelligently handled for you by the program. What it basically means is that a change made in one file is dynamically made in related files. For instance, if you have used the grade Fine 12 or more commonly abbreviated F-12 (note the dash between F and 12) and added coins into the main databases that are of that grade, then you later go into the Denominations database and mistakenly or purposely change the grade to F12 (without the dash), the items in the related database must be searched and updated to maintain the exact relationship in those databases where the reference exists or the description would not link properly. All of the databases found under the Utility menu are related to the main databases and establish these relational links. The program handles these changes for you without any action on your part, and depending on the size of your main inventory databases, the process may take some time to accomplish ... if this relational updating begins DO NOT INTERRUPT IT!!! *****OTHER MASTER MENU TOP LINE SELECTIONS***** Statistics The System Statistics feature displays date, time, directory, selected printer port, and available conventional and virtual memory. NUMISMATIST'S ASSISTANT does not yet take advantage of any EMS, extended, or expanded memory but does work well in a cache or virtual disk situation. You are also given a count of the number of items in each database, as well as an indicator showing the current date and the current directory, as well as a reminder of your registration status. If you have used RAMDRIVE or VDISK (Available on most DOS disks) to create a virtual disk on your computer, you may utilize the virtual drive to "offload" a portion of memory overhead and return a substantial portion of your conventional memory. To set up the program to do this you must enter the following environment commands into your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, or place them in a batch file that calls NUMISMATIST'S ASSISTANT. This example assumes that your virtual disk is set up as drive "D," simply substitute your drive letter for the "D" if yours is any different: set clatmp=d:\ set clavm0=d:\,512 (note the number can be any # up to the size of your virtual disk) set clavm1=memory,32 (keep the number set below 64) Configuration Selection This form allows you to set up various aspects of the look and feel of Numismatist's Assistant. If you have a modem with a handset attached to it, you may wish to take advantage of the automatic dialer features, but first you must properly set up the COM port ... if the COM port is set to 0, this tells the program that no modem is available. Only COM1 and COM2 are available for modem addresses. The Initial Dial Delay is the amount of time you tell the program to wait between the time in seconds the modem picks up the line and Luther & Associates Page 13 Numismatist's Assistant ... Version 3.0 begins to dial ... set this to 2 or more. The Dial Wait Time is the amount of time that the modem will hold the line waiting for you to pick up your handset ... at the expiration of this time, the modem will automatically hang up the phone -- set this number to 20 seconds or more or the program may drop the line before you have a chance to pick up the handset. The repeat add feature sets the FORM mode to automatic add. If this is set to Y (Yes), when you select add, the form will repeat after a successful add rather than returning you to the table that called it. This is active for all forms called from tables in the program. The repeat feature is apparent and you are alerted that you are in auto-add mode when after completing a form, you are beeped, another form pops up with duplicate information of the form you just added, and a box appears above the bottom button selections reminding you that there was "LAST ADDED INFORMATION." Use this feature if you're doing lots of data addition of similar information, it should reduce your typing. The message line is included to allow a future version to customize mailings or letters you may want to send and isn't used in this version. Calculator and Calendar Features The program offers a globally present calculator and calendar, available anywhere in the program. To access the calculator press F5 ... to access the calendar press F6. Both of these utilities allow you to "paste" data into a receiving field in the database. For instance if you are adding a roll of coins (pennies) and want to figure a per coin value but maintain the entry as a roll (50 coins), you could get a base figure of 3.56 per coin times 50 to arrive at the whole roll value from the calculator while you are on the current value field, select "paste" from the calculator and the amount will be entered into the field for you. Be sure that your keyboard is toggled to overwrite or the field is empty, or the new data will be appended to the old data. The calculator and calendar both have individual on line help that will give you more extensive information as to use by pressing the F1 key. Error Screen Should a problem occur, the dreaded red screen pops up in the center of your monitor and flashes a message and in most cases an error number, as well as a short description of the error. Write down this information because it will help pinpoint the cause of the problem. Also write down as much as you can about what you were doing and where you were at in the program when the problem occurred. When you call, this information will be invaluable and help us to help you. *****OPERATING UNDER WINDOWS OR OS2***** If program will sense if you are running in one of these multitasking environments. This allows it to adjust internal operations to eliminate conflicts particularly on mouse hardware demands. If you are running in a window, the mouse will be rendered inoperable and you must use the keyboard. If you are running full screen, the mouse will be converted to block mode and work as usual. Luther & Associates Page 14 Numismatist's Assistant ... Version 3.0 *****NETWORK OPERATION***** The shareware version of the program is designed as single user and will not allow multiple to use the program simultaneously in a network environment. A network ready version of the program is available directly from Luther & Associates. Please call or write for details. *****THOU SHALT BACK UP***** Whether you believe in a higher power or not, this is the 11th commandment and you should observe it religiously. BACK UP YOUR DATA!!! This will save you maximum grief and long hours of data reinput!!! *****SINCERE APPRECIATION***** Thank you for looking at our program. We feel that it is a strong contender (if not the best) U.S. program in the market. We are looking at many avenues for upgrade, particularly in the area of foreign and ancient coinage addition, dealers' versions (to include mailing labels, invoicing, sales tracking, etc.). What we really want to add to the program though is what you want to see in it. This is an attempt to listen to the collector and allow direct and responsible feedback to your needs. If you tried the program and aren't registering it because it doesn't do something that you want, TELL US! If enough users (or potential users) tell us they want it, we won't argue with you, we'll get you to register after we've added it! Luther & Associates Page 15 NUMISMATIST'S ASSISTANT DEVELOPMENT HISTORY March, 1989 Version 1.0 released as a market test. Program limited to main coin database and 2 types of reports Versions numbered between 1.0 and 2.0 test versions (nondistributed) used for testing and feedback. July 15, 1989 Version 2.0 released. Extensive and exhaustive upgrade to include addition of want lists, sold item lists, addition of many types of reports, fast search and filter capabilities, report redirection, individual and mass record tagging added, user registration verification added. Limited advanced release sent to registered users and uploaded to BBS's in the Northern Nevada and California areas. This version did not make use of an overlay structure and required 512K RAM and a 720K disk drive or hard disk to run. July 21, 1989 Version 2.01 released. Same features as 2.0. Overlay structure added allowing for use on 360K disk systems but ran slowly on these types of systems. Reduced DOS available memory requirement to 319K. October, 1992 Version 3.0. Major overhaul of entire program to include mouse support, improved sorting functions, report availability, memory usage, addition of customer/source databases, dialer, calculator and calendar features, SAA compliant menu structure, scroll/elevator bars, virtual memory use available. Changed file structure from encrypted to nonencryped to allow future use of user designed reports module. Version no longer supports single or dual 360K drive systems, requires 720K or higher, hard disk strongly recommended. Program may be able to run in as little as 384K available memory, however 640K original is recommended Other information: Numismatist's Assistant was written in Clarion Professional Developer (version 2109) from Clarion Development Corporation of Pompano Beach, Florida. Luther and Associates gratefully thank the developers of this fine language for providing a product that has greatly enhanced the development and evolution of Numismatist's Assistant. The program takes advantage of the inherent relational database capabilities of the Clarion programming language and uses extensions in the form of third party utilities and custom designed functions and add-ons. Luther & Associates Page 16 ------------------------------------------------------------ R E G I S T R A T I O N F O R M ------------------------------------------------------------ Please register me as a user of Numismatist's Assistant Ver 3.0. My registration fee is enclosed for $47.50 _______ . (KY addresses please add 6% sales tax) ____ Check ____ Money Order/Cashier's Check ($47.50) (Personal checks, please allow 3 weeks to clear) Name: ____________________________________ Address: _________________________________ City: _________________ State: _____ Zip Code: ___________ Telephone: ___________________(day) __________________ (night) Send to: Luther & Associates (502)348-2806 223 Edgewood Drive Bardstown, KY 40004 I prefer _____ 5.25" ___ 360K media ___ 1.2M media _____ 3.5" ___ 720K media ___ 1.44M media