Copyright: Centaur Multimedia Inc


Welcome

Centaur Academic Media

presents

The Student Organizer

The Ultimate Organizational Software

Designed Exclusively for Students

Product Focus:

  The Student Organizer is the flagship product of Centaur Academic Media. This single retail title is comprised of 6 "core" modules/ products and an OEM Internet suite.

  The 6 "core" products include:

Scheduler

Timeline

Financial Organizer

Grade Calculator

Major/ Minor Planner

Address Book

  Each module was written specifically for University/ College students.

The Internet suite is made up of:

Netcom - a national Internet Service Provider

MS Internet Explorer 4.0 browser

Qualcomm Eudora Light Email

Claris Home Page Light

VocalTec Internet Phone Light

McAfee WebScan

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Macromedia Shockwave

Company focus:

Centaur Academic Media is a software manufacturer devoted to developing titles for the University and High School markets. Each year, more than 14.4 million students attend College and over 14 million students attend High School.

It is Centaur's contention that there are currently very few products written specifically for University and High School students. Outside of the courseware titles, Scholastic Testing study guides, and "What College Should I attend" products, the only software directed at this market segment are discounted business titles.

A few of these products, such as the "Office Suites" and programming languages, are great buys for the students; however, the bulk of these business products are virtually useless to students. This NON-utility arises from the business orientation of the software titles.

Basically, a student has very different needs and demands than a person in the business world.

Centaur Academic Media is a company adamant at filling this product void. Centaur produces software titles written specifically for University and High School students.


Opening Splash Screen

Opening splash screen has seven buttons, which lead user to the different modules of the program.

Reminder box should give Date/ Description/ Time of Alerted Scheduled events.

Modules / Icons

•	Scheduler

•	Address

•	Timeline

•	Financial Planner

•	Grade Calculator

•	Major/Minor Planner

•	Internet Suite


Preferences

In this section, user sets up:

University/ Semester/ and Quarter dates.

General Holidays.

Grade point scales.

Internet Browser.

First time users should go here first.

1.	Click on "File" on main toolbar to pull down File Menu. Click on "Preferences".

2.	Select Designated Browser - Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or Netscape Communicator.

3.	Click on "University" Tab.

4.	Click "View" button to see sample year.

5.	Click "New" or "Edit" buttons to set up new school semester.

a. Enter Academic Year (i.e. 1998-99).

b. Enter name of University.

c. Choose between Semester or Quarter.

d. Enter Begin and End dates for each semester/ quarter.

e. Enter Projected Units for each semester/ quarter

   (This is Optional).

f. Click "Save".

6.	Click "Grade Point Equivalent" button.

a. Look at Grade Point Equivalents - If they do not match your schools' equivalents, then click "Edit" and change them. This information will be found in your school catalog.

b. Click "Holiday" Tab.

c. Click "New", "Edit", or "Delete" dates to set holidays.

d. User can select any holidays desired. We recommend that you enter the holidays set by your school. These dates can be found in your school catalog.


Scheduler

User can view your schedule by Day, Week, Month, and Year.

Courses are entered in this module also. Once a course is entered, there are additional screens to enter the Tests, Books and Homework Assignments associated with that course.


Common Buttons

These buttons are common to the Day, Week, Month and Year screens.

Buttons Listed:

Schedule Button

Today Button

Jump to date

Previous / Next Button

SCHEDULE BUTTON

a)	"Term" field should be current term (i.e. - Fall '98) - if term dates are set in preferences. This automatically sets start dates and end dates for term. You can change the term by clicking the arrow next to term. This should pull down a menu of entered terms.

b)	When scheduling an event from Day, Week, Month and Year screens, the Type - "Other" should come up automatically. User should keep this Type. Additional Types should be entered from appropriate screens.

c)	It is not possible to Schedule events before current date.

d)	Enter location, description, time (Needs to be in 4 digit format - i.e.10:00 AM), and duration of event. User should press TAB key to alternate through fields.

Frequency - if the event is a one time event, leave this area alone. If event is a recurring event, select either Daily, Weekly, Monthly or Yearly. Only pick days for Weekly events. Also enter Start and End dates for recurring events.

TODAY BUTTON

This button brings scheduler to current day.

JUMP TO DATE BUTTON

This button allows user to jump directly to a desired date. User can either type date in field using MM/DD/YY format, or user can hit pull down menu to see mini month view.

PREVIOUS/ NEXT BUTTON

These buttons allow user to easily go to next time period - Day, Week, or Month.


Day

This screen should show all events scheduled on a day. Main screen shows Times/ Description and Location on a Calendar screen - user can scroll up and down to see different hours of day.

Bottom of screen is a Quick Activities List that shows "at a glance" all events for day.


Week

User should see Description of event (e.g. ART 200) in upper week screen. Time/ Description/ Location of event should be given.

User should have Quick Activities Box at bottom of page. Time/ Description/ Location of event should be given.

User can click on specific day to see a Quick List for that day.


Month

If user clicks on day, Quick Activities Box at bottom should show events for that day. Time/ Description/ Location of event should be given.

Certain events are highlighted in the day screen. A legend depicts these colors. Green - Project, Pink - Holiday, Red - Test, Bright Green - Bill. There is a hierarchy of coloring for this screen if multiple events occur on same day. Red/ Test is top in hierarchy.


Year

Year screen gives year at a glance view.

Legend gives color of specified events.


Course

This screen allows user to enter each of the courses, which you are taking.

To enter a new class:

a)	Click "New" button.

CLASS INFO MUST BE ENTERED and SAVED BEFORE TIMES ARE SCHEDULED. DO NOT ENTER IN CLASS TIMES BEFORE YOU HIT SCHEDULE BUTTON.

Term Field - User must specify term (i.e. Fall '97). Terms were set in Preferences section.

Course ID - Enter School ID # associated with course. This number can usually be found in class catalog.

Class - Enter class abbreviation (i.e. Eco 444 - for Economics 444).

Description - Enter class name (i.e. Macro Economics).

g) Course info:

1) Professor - Enter Professor’s name.

2) Location - Enter location of class (i.e. Bear Hall - Rm. 222).

h) Section info:

1) Enter class section # (i.e. 4C).

2) Enter instructor’s name.

3) Enter location.

i) Miscellaneous

1) Choose course classification - Major, Minor or GED.

2) Enter number of course units received for class.

j) Notes - enter personal comments on class or professor.

k) Click "SAVE" button.

l) Now click "Schedule" button to schedule times of class and section.


Homework

a)	Click "Homework" button from Course screen or Click Icon on toolbar.

b)	If entered from Course screen, correct class should be selected.

c)	Click "New" button.

d)	Enter Due Date (in MM/DD/YY format) and Description of Assignment.

e)	Place check in Completed and/ or Remind Me boxes if appropriate.

f) Click "Save" button.


Books

a)	Click "Books" button from Course screen or Click Icon on toolbar.

b)	If entered from Course screen, correct class should be selected.

c)	Click "New" button.

d)	Enter Date (in MM/DD/YY format), Description and Cost of book.

e) Click "Save" button.


Test - Quizzes
Test – Quizzes

a)	Click "Homework" button from Course screen or click icon on toolbar.

b)	If entered from Course screen, correct class should be selected.

c)	Click "New" button.

d)	Enter Date (in MM/DD/YY format), Time (in 12:00 AM format), Description and Percent of final grade.

e)	If Test already taken, enter Grade.

f)	Click "Save" Button.


Address Book

Microsoft Outlook Express is launched by the toolbar icon.

SEE Microsoft Help files within Outlook Express for Help.


Timeline

Timeline shows all courses on one screen. Important events such as Tests are highlighted with icons.

User must select Term that needs to be viewed. User can either use pull down menu or Previous/ Next buttons. When cursor is placed over Test Icon, details of event appear on Event Information toolbar below.


Financial Planner

Click on Finance Icon, and a Finance Splash Screen will come up. Eight more icons will be on splash screen.

This module allows users to keep track of their personal finances.


Accounts

This module allows user to keep a record of all accounts (i.e. Checking, Savings, etc.)

To enter new account info, always click "New" and "Save" buttons.

Fields to be entered: (** means required field)

Account Name**: Name on account - i.e. Ted Maher

Beginning Balance: Opening deposit

Date: Date of first deposit

Account Type**: Checking, Savings, Credit Card, etc.

Credit Limit: If credit card or loan

Automatic Sequence: Check to have accounts numerically ordered - i.e. 1,2,3

Company name: i.e. Bank of America

Contact: Bank contact name - i.e. loan officer

Interest Rate: i.e. 6%

Phone Number: Customer support number

Note: Random notes on account - i.e. School Financial Aide program


Register

This section allows user to track individual payments such as checks. When entering information, always select the "Account" (i.e. Checking) that the money is being drawn from, the Budget which money is associated with (i.e. Budget) and the "Category" (i.e. Utilities).

Fields to be entered (** required field)

Number**: Check/ Payment number

Date**: Date issued

Budget**: Pick Budget which check is coming out of

Account**: Which Account drawn from - i.e. Checking

Category**: What type of expense - i.e. Utilities

Balance: Program shows what your current balance is in the account.

Payee: Who payment is to

Note: i.e. Tennis shoes

Pay/ Deposit**: Expense or Income


Categories

This section allows user to create and choose categories that will be included in budget.

To create a new Category

This section describes how to create a new Category - not how to add a category to an existing budget. SEE: To enter new categories to existing budget if this desired.

a)	Enter Category Screen - (go directly to Category screen - not through budget screen)

b)	Click "New" button

c)	Type in category name such as Rent, Phone Bill, Etc.

d) Click "Save" button.


Budget

(First time users must create a budget or edit sample budget)

This section allows user to track finances. Separate budgets can be made for school years, vacations, etc.

A sample budget will be given. User can either edit sample budget or create a new budget.

Procedures included in this section are:

Upon entering Budget Screen

Creating a New Budget

  Entering New Categories in an existing Budget

Editing an existing Budget


IOUs

This section allows user to keep track of IOU's Due to you or that you Owe. Keep a record - everyone always forgets.

To enter an IOU, click "New" button. Enter in all information including. Due or Owe and then click "Save" button.


Bills

 This section allows users to keep track of upcoming bills. When user receives a bill in mail (i.e. Phone Bill), enter amount and due date of bill. Program will remind user to pay bill before it is due.

a) To enter a new Bill, click "New" button.

b) Input required information.

c) We recommend that you click "Remind Me" option.

d) When finished, click "Save" button.


Tuition and Fees

This section allows user to track amounts paid for school tuition and fees.

To enter New Fee, always start by clicking "New" button. End by clicking "Save" button.


Class Costs

This section allows user to track extra class costs (i.e. Film for Photo class).

To enter new course cost, start by clicking "New" button. End by clicking "Save" button. Choose associated course from drop down box.


Grade Calculator

This module lets students track and project overall GPA for college career and grades in individual classes.

Grade tracking allows students to keep a record of all courses and tests taken. Grade projection allows students to calculate what grades are needed to raise overall GPA or improve grade in specific class. This is very handy when user needs to reapply to their major, need to maintain a minimum GPA for financial aid, or are applying to Graduate School.

GPA tracking / projection

a)	Select Term desired.

Current GPA should be displayed.

c)	Click on any class.

d)	Click on "Projected GPA".

e)	Enter number of classes left until deadline.

f)	Enter GPA desired (i.e. "3.7") and click "Calculate" button.

Necessary Average should appear to right.

h)	Enter alternate Averages (i.e. B) and click "Calculate" button.

New GPA will be shown to right.

Class grade tracking / projection

a)	Click on desired class.

b) Click "View Course Details" button.

c) A list of tests will be given. Current grade in class is also shown.

d) Click on "Projected Grade".

a)	Enter possible grades on future tests (Letter Grades - A, B, etc) to project future grade in class.

b)	Click "Calculate" Button.

h) Grade projection will appear at the bottom.


Internet Suite

Internet Icon launches Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0.

An OEM bundle is included with this CD. They are not automatically installed. Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 is needed to run the Address Book and Help files of this program. If user wants to install them, please open folders from Windows Explorer and click setup.

The following programs are included with this CD:

Netcom - a National ISP

MS Internet Explorer 4.0 browser

Qualcomm Eudora Light Email

Claris Home Page Light

VocalTec Internet Phone Light

McAfee WebScan

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Macromedia Shockwave


Major - Minor Planner

There are three separate screens included in this module - Planning, Review, and Transfer Courses. Each can be accessed through icons on the upper toolbar.

Major/ Minor Planning

This section allows you to project what classes you need to or might take to meet school requirements.

a)	Click on "Planning" icon.

b) Courses are divided into three classifications - Major, Minor and GED.

c) Choose term.

d)	In "Requirements" section, please enter School Requirements for your Major, Minor and GED. This information can be found in your school catalog.

e)	Clicks "New" button in order to enter classes you are planning to take.

f)	Enter specified information in appropriate fields.

g)	Click "OK".


Review

This section reviews all classes taken. Information is taken from Course screen of the Scheduler module. Enter all previous classes in Course screen.

a)	Click on "Review" icon.

b) Select Term.

c) Select Major/ Minor/ GED.


Transfer Courses

This section reviews classes that user attended at other Schools.

Enter this screen by clicking "Transfer" icon.

To enter a class:

a)	Click "New" button.

b) Enter required information.

c) Click "Save" button.

d) Clicking "Transfer" button will switch class to "Review" section.


Upon entering Budget screen

a)	User must click "View" button to see budgets.

b)	"Budget 1" will be displayed.

c)	In Categories section (Lower left), click "+" signs next to "Expenses" and "Incomes". This will expand categories.

d)	Click "Snapshot" button to see sample Balance sheet.

e)	Click "OK" button to return to next section.


Creating a New Budget

a)	Click "New" button.

b)	Enter name of budget and Start and End dates.

c)	Click "Save" button.

d)	Click "View" button.

e)	Select Budget.

f)	Now the only two Categories seen will be Expenses and Incomes.


Entering New Categories in an existing Budget

a)	Enter Budget screen.

b)	Click "View" button.

c)	Select budget.

d)	Click "Edit" button.

e)	Click "Categories" button - this will pull up new screen.

f)	Click "New" button.

g)	Choose either Income or Expense.

h)	Choose category desired by clicking down arrow next to Category field. This will give a list of possible categories. Select one of these categories.

i)	If user wants category to be a sub-category, select "Parent Category" from pull down menu.

j)	Enter "Allocation" - Amount you wish to spend on this.

k)	Select time frame in Units section (i.e. Day, Week, Month, and Year).

l) Click "Save" button.

******* If desired category is not listed, a new category must be created. This must be accomplished WITHOUT a budget selected. Cancel out of screen, return to Budget screen, and click "Cancel". SEE: To create a new Category in previous help section - Categories. *******


Editing an existing Budget

This section describes how to edit an existing budget or to edit allocation amounts of existing categories.

a)	Enter budget screen.

b)	Click "View" button.

c)	Select budget.

d)	Click "Edit" button.

e)	Click "Category" button.

Category screen will be entered.

g)	Click "View" button.

h)	Select category from pull down menu.

i)	Click "Edit" button.

j)	Change desired information such as allocation amounts, time periods, etc..

k) Click "Save" button.