_______ ____|__ | (R) --| | |------------------- | ____|__ | Association of | | |_| Shareware |__| o | Professionals -----| | |--------------------- |___|___| MEMBER =================== OMBUDSMAN STATEMENT =================== "This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you.if you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536." Page 1 VEHICLE COSTS V2.2 Vehicle Costs program is designed to keep track of all costs related to car/truck maintenance, fuel usage, last service details, and running costs such as registration, insurance, etc. It will provide display or print out of records in total, by category, by selected item name, or total amounts by category over a specified range of years. It will also split the purchase cost of the vehicle over the nominated years allowing you to calculate an actual yearly cost. An overview of its functions are as follows :- ADD NEW RECORDS. Enter purchases, i.e. repair items (punctures, etc) service items (oil, filters) cosmetic items (polish, accessories) running costs (registration, insurance) purchase price (finance payments) Enter date, speedo reading and category of item. SERVICE DATA. Provides a sub menu offering choices of :- ENTER SERVICE DATA. enter speedo reading and date of last service. VIEW SERVICE DATA. displays above information ENTER FUEL USAGE. enter date, volume purchased, cost, speedo reading. DISPLAY FUEL USAGE. Displays above plus cost per gallon and usage in Miles per Gallon format YEARLY FUEL REPORT Display or print by year Total Fuel purchased, Distance travelled, Total fuel cost, average consumption, cost per Km(mile) average price per litre(gallon) DELETE FUEL RECORDS. deletes records from start of file upto a specified date. RETURN TO MAIN MENU. Does exactly that. FIND ENTRY. Searches for and lists all entries containing a nominated word. For example entering the word "oil" would return items such as "1 Quart oil", "gearbox oilseal", etc. DELETE RECORD. Requests the name of the item to be deleted and, if more than one record is found, presents you with a list to chose from. Then tags records for deletion and deletes when you exit. NOTES. Displays a menu of notepad functions Create, Edit, View and Print Notes. DISPLAY FILE. Displays the entire file.(to screen or printer) DISPLAY YEARLY UPKEEP TOTALS. Requests year to start and finish then displays costs by category per year. Also gives vehicle purchase cost as a yearly figure. PRINT YEARLY UPKEEP TOTALS. As above but outputs to printer. Page 2 VEHICLE COSTS V2.2 CREATE NEW DATABASE. Allows you to keep separate records for your FORD and the wife's ROLLS ROYCE. Or to start a new set of records when you change vehicles. CHANGE DATABASE. Allows you to change databases from within the program. EXIT FROM PROGRAM. Returns to DOS. The Disc you have received should contain the following files VEHICLE.EXE VEHIOPER.NTX * When you first set up the VEHICLE.DBF * program DO NOT DELETE the VEHINOTE.DBF * files marked * until you VEHINOTE.DBT * have created your own VEHISERV.DBF * database VEHISPED.NTX * VEHIDATE.NTX * VEHIDTE2.NTX * VEHICLE.MEM VEHICLE.TXT REGISTER.TXT First make a working copy and/or create a directory on your hard disc and copy all files to it. If using a hard disc change to the directory containing these files and at the prompt type VEHICLE and press ENTER. You will be asked for the name of the database to use. On the right of the screen is a box listing the available files (only one at present). This will expand if you create more files. Type in VEHICLE and you will be presented with the main menu Options are controlled by up/down arrow, home and end keys. First try out the display functions. Press the DOWN ARROW to reach option 2 and press ENTER. You are now in the service menu, press the DOWN ARROW again for option 2 and hit ENTER. You should now see a display giving the speedometer reading and date of the last service. To change this press any key to return to the service menu. The light bar should be on option 1 (UPDATE INFORMATION) so just press ENTER and a window will appear requesting firstly a speedo reading. Type in any number you like but if less than six digits press enter when finished. The cursor will then jump to the next field for you to enter a date, the format is MMDDYY and do not type separators. You will then be returned to the service menu. Again select option 2 and check on your handiwork. Press any key to return to the menu. Now select option 4 (DISPLAY FUEL USAGE) and press ENTER a display will appear showing Date, Speedo reading, Gallons purchased, price paid, miles per gallon and price per gallon Make a note of the date and speedo reading of the last entry as the next step is to enter a record and the mathematics of the program require sequential speedo entries or strange things will happen. Press any key and a display will appear giving the average miles per gallon for the last ten entries. A drop in this figure can indicate the need for a tune up or other problems developing. Page 3 VEHICLE COSTS V2.2 A comment in regard to this average figure. The program is written so that on the first entry it will not attempt to display this as naturally there is no average. Up to record 10 it averages on all available records as they are entered, and from 11 on it averages on the last 10. So, if after creating your own database you don't get this display on your first entry don't panic, all is well (I hope). Now press any key to return to the service menu again. Select option 3 (ENTER FUEL USAGE) and press ENTER. You are now prompted for a date, speedo reading, number of gallons purchased, and price paid. Enter the appropriate information taking into account the figures you noted earlier and preferably keeping within the realms of probability. After the last entry you will be presented with a clean window, press ESC to return to the service menu. Again select option 4 and check on what you entered. While you are there note a date within the first few records, (The number of a month will do.) Return to the SERVICE MENU and select option 5 (DELETE FUEL RECORDS), enter the date you had previously decided on and press enter. All records prior to and including the nominated date will be permanently erased from the database. Note that if you enter an incorrect date (i.e. 06/31/91) the program will appear to function correctly but no records will be deleted so remember the 30 day months. When finished press ESC to return to the service menu and select option 5 (RETURN TO MAIN MENU), press ENTER and you are there. Select option 6 (DISPLAY FILE) and press ENTER, a window will appear asking if you wish to output to printer, for now use the RIGHT ARROW key to select NO and press ENTER. All records will be listed a page at a time showing item name, date of purchase, speedo reading, cost, and category. Pressing any key will scroll through the list page by page in date order and finally return you to the main menu. Select option 1 (ADD NEW RECORDS) and you will be asked to enter item, date, speedo reading (optional), cost, and category. If you do not completely fill a field press ENTER to progress to the next one. Until you complete the last field all ARROW keys, DELETE, and BACKSPACE, are operational for editing purposes. Completely filling the last field or pressing ENTER will cause the program to accept the information as entered and present a fresh screen for the next record. When you have finished entering records press ESC to return to the menu. Once again select option 6 and check on your entry. Page 4 VEHICLE COSTS V2.2 Select option 3 (FIND ENTRY). and you will be asked if you wish to output to the printer. Select NO (RIGHT ARROW & ENTER). You will then be asked for a name and a field. Type "OIL" (without the quotation marks) and press ENTER then "ITEM" and again press ENTER. You will be asked if you wish to output to the printer. Select NO (RIGHT ARROW & ENTER) then you will be shown a list of records containing the word "OIL" in the item description Press any key and the total value of the items listed will be shown. Again press any key to return to the menu. Select option 7 (DISPLAY YEARLY UPKEEP TOTALS) Press ENTER. You are now asked for a date to start, type in 1989 and for a date to finish type 1991. A display should appear giving costs by category for each year from 1989 to 1991 inclusive, also a line showing the purchase cost as a value per year over the same period. Once again press any key to return to the main menu. Option 8 (PRINT YEARLY UPKEEP TOTALS) operates in exactly the same way except it directs output to the printer. Once again use option 6 to display the file and decide on a record to delete. Note carefully the exact item description as, for for safety, when you come to delete it the program will look for an exact match. Now return to the main menu and select option 4 (DELETE RECORD) press ENTER and you will be asked for the item name. Type in the description you selected and you will either be asked if you wish to delete any other items, or, if more than one record matches your entry, shown a list of records to select from. When finished type "N" and press ENTER to return to the main menu. OPTION 5. NOTES MENU Selecting this will present you with a menu showing CREATE NOTE, VIEW/PRINT NOTE, EDIT NOTE, EXIT. You must create a note before you can do anything else so select "1" (create note). The first thing to enter is a reference. This can be Alpha, Numeric or a combination of both. Next type in the note. If you reach the bottom of the window it will scroll until you finish. At any time press F1 and the message will be saved. Press ESC to return to the menu. Select "2" (view/print note). At the top left of the screen is a window listing the available reference names for the notes that have been entered use the up/down arrows or PgUp/PgDn keys to select the note you want and press ENTER. The message relating to this reference will be displayed If the message is longer than the window the cursor/page keys will scroll it. Assuming that you have a printer and it is turned on, press F1 to print. Press ESC to return to the menu. 3 (edit note) shows the same screen as view notes to select the note you wish to edit. Make any changes you wish and press F1 to save. Once again ESC returns you to the notes menu and "4" (exit) returns you to the main menu. Page 5 VEHICLE COSTS V2.2 Option 9 (CREATE NEW DATABASE) After selecting this you will be asked to enter the name of the database you wish to create. This should consist of at least four characters preferably A-Z as these will be used in the creation of the relevant index and supplementary database files. Having done this your machine will grind away for a short time and then present you with a list of files relevant to your choice, which now exist in the current directory. Pressing any key will return you to the menu. ***NOTE********************************************************** * DO NOT use the same sequence of the first four digits more * * than once when creating files. If you do INDEX FILES WILL BE * * OVERWRITTEN AND YOUR FILES WILL BE UNUSABLE. * ***************************************************************** Option 10 (CHANGE DATABASE) Allows you to switch between vehicle databases from within the program. Select this and type in the name of the database you wish to use. If the file you nominate is not a valid filename you will see a message stating this to be the case and to try again. Otherwise press ENTER and you are returned to the main menu ready to start again. Option 11 (EXIT THE DATABASE) is selected with either the DOWN ARROW key or the END key. Pressing ENTER when the light bar is on this line will return you to DOS. SUGGESTIONS Set the caps lock on your keyboard on when you first access the program to create uniformity in your entries. This makes it less likely that searches and deletions will fail due to case sensitivity. Keep a small pad (post-it notes or similar) in your vehicle so you can note the required information when you fill up. Entering the speedometer reading when you purchase tyres, brake linings,etc will give you an indication of the quality of the product you are buying or your driving habits. If you use your vehicle for business you have a record of costs for your accountant (keep the invoices though.) When in a menu do not use the page up/down keys for movement as they function like the return key. Page 6 VEHICLE COSTS V2.2 SHORT CUTS. MENU OPTIONS Use up/down arrows OR options 1-9 use keyboard keys 1-9 as required option 10. use end then up arrow keys. option 11. use end key. YES OR NO CHOICES Use left/right arrows and ENTER key OR Use "Y" or "N" keys GENERAL COMMENTS I have tried to make this program as simple as possible to use, in most cases if you are in trouble or change your mind the ESCAPE key will return you to the menu. If you have to, a warm reboot probably wont damage your files but I can't guarantee it. Should you develop a problem which you believe may be program error write to me at the address below giving full details and I shall provide whatever assistance I can. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Colour or Mono screen. Can operate on a single 360K floppy drive but a hard disc is recommended due to the expected increase in the size of the database files. Program, and all related files must be in the same directory No more than 15 different vehicle files per directory. Epson or IBM compatible printer (optional). PC/MS DOS Version 2 and up Page 7 VEHICLE COSTS V2.2 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. DISCLAIMER - AGREEMENT Users of VEHICLE COSTS must accept this disclaimer of warranty: "VEHICLE COSTS is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or conse- quential, which may result from the use of VEHICLE COSTS." VEHICLE COSTS is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of another system. The essence of "user-supported" software is to provide personal computer users with quality software without high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to continue to develop new products. If you find this program useful and find that you are using VEHICLE COSTS and continue to use VEHICLE COSTS after a reasonable trial period, you must make a registration payment of $50(Aust) $50US(International) to the author. The registration fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time. You must treat this software just like a book. An example is that this software may be used by any number of people and may be freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as there is no possibility of it being used at one location while it's being used at another. Just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at the same time. Page 8 VEHICLE COSTS V2.2 Commercial users of VEHICLE COSTS must register and pay for their copies of VEHICLE COSTS within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn. Site-License arrangements may be made by contacting THE AUTHOR. Anyone distributing VEHICLE COSTS for any kind of remuneration must first contact THE AUTHOR at the address below for authorization.This authorization will be automatically granted to distributors recognized by the (ASP) as adhering to its guidelines for shareware distributors, and such distributors may begin offering VEHICLE COSTS immediately (However THE AUTHOR must still be advised so that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest version of VEHICLE COSTS.). You are encouraged to pass a copy of VEHICLE COSTS along to your friends for evaluation. Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that they can use it. All registered users will receive a copy of the latest version of the VEHICLE COSTS system. G. FERGUSON 3 CRISTATA AVE. ENDEAVOUR HILLS VIC...3802 AUSTRALIA (03) 700-3764