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- FLODRAW 1.1 USER GUIDE
-
- The purpose of this User Guide is to help you get started using
- FLODRAW. Use this User Guide instead of the FLODRAW Reference Manual
- while you're still learning how to use FLODRAW. If you're already familiar
- with FLODRAW, just review the section "New Features in FLODRAW 1.1."
-
- I suggest you print this six page guide so you have a manual to
- refer to while you're learning FLODRAW. You can print it using your own
- word processor or you can use the DOS TYPE command. Use the following
- procedure to print README.1 with the DOS TYPE command.
-
- 1. Put this disk in drive A.
- 2. Type TYPE README.1, but don't press the carriage return yet.
- 3. Press Ctrl Prtsc.
- 4. Press the carriage return.
- 5. At the end of printing, press Ctrl Prtsc.
-
- --------------------- User Guide - Table of Contents ----------------------
-
- 1. Description of FLODRAW.
- 2. System requirements for FLODRAW.
- 3. Files on this disk.
- 4. How to use the 15 minute tutorial called DEMO.
- 5. How to start your first flowchart.
- 6. New features in FLODRAW 1.1.
- 7. Limited license.
- 8. Registration.
-
- ------------------------ 1. Description of FLODRAW ------------------------
-
- FLODRAW is a 'what-you-see-is-what-you-get' graphics editor that
- produces black and white full page diagrams on an IBM PC or compatible
- computer. FLODRAW has been designed to handle symbols quickly and easily.
- It is ideal for documents such as flowcharts, organization charts, system
- diagrams, and other symbol oriented documents. FLODRAW is keyboard
- controlled only. But best of all, it's easy to learn.
-
- FLODRAW offers a choice of character fonts for entering text. And you
- can combine text and graphics on the same document. You can do basic
- graphics editing to generate lines and circles, and you can edit your
- document at the pixel level if you need to (each dot on the screen is a
- pixel). FLODRAW will generate lines and arrows to help you create
- diagrams like flowcharts.
-
- FLODRAW comes with symbol libraries for flowcharts, HIPO charts, and
- electric diagrams. You can design your own symbols, save them, and
- combine them into new libraries, or add them to existing libraries.
-
- FLODRAW documents can be saved, printed, and edited again. All
- FLODRAW document files are compressed to take up a minimum amount of space
- on your disk. FLODRAW supports three formats for printing documents.
-
- 1. Portrait 8.5 x 11 inches
- 2. Landscape 11 x 8.5 inches (printed sideways on 8.5 x 11)
- 3. Large landscape 16 x 11 inches (printed on two 8.5 x 11)
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- ------------------------ 2. System Requirements ------------------------
-
- FLODRAW requires:
-
- - An IBM PC, XT, AT or close compatible. Some "compatible" PC's may
- not be compatible enough to run FLODRAW.
-
- - 320k of memory.
-
- - A color graphics adapter with either a color or black and white
- monitor. FLODRAW does not support the EGA, although FLODRAW will run on
- an EGA in CGA mode. FLODRAW might work with a Hercules board using
- software to emulate a CGA, but I haven't tried it.
-
- - DOS 2.0 or later.
-
- - EPSON FX printer or IBM Proprinter. An EPSON MX printer can be used
- for draft quality documents. I recommend an EPSON FX printer for speed.
- Printers that are graphics compatible with the EPSON FX or the IBM
- Proprinter may also work, but you will have to try your printer to find
- out. I am planning support for Toshiba printers and the HP LaserJet.
-
-
- ------------------------- 3. Files on this Disk ------------------------
-
- The following files are included on this disk. These files are
- required to run the tutorial and to start your first flowchart.
-
- FLODRAW.EXE is the FLODRAW program.
- OPTION.FIL is the file of default options including printer
- type and font.
- SYMBOL.LIB is the default FLODRAW symbol library. It is
- distributed as a library of flowchart symbols.
- DEMO is the document used as a FLODRAW tutorial.
- README.1 is what you're reading.
-
-
- ----------------------------- 4. FLODRAW Tutorial -------------------------
-
- Please take the 15 minute tutorial called DEMO before trying FLODRAW
- 1.1 on your own. Although I've tried to make the program as intuitive as
- possible, you'll learn much faster if you let the tutorial guide you
- through FLODRAW. The tutorial was designed to show you how to use most
- of the editing features in 15 minutes or less.
-
- Taking the tutorial is easy.
-
- 1. Make a backup copy of this disk.
- 2. Put this disk in drive A.
- 3. At the A> prompt, type FLODRAW DEMO and press carriage return.
- 4. Your computer will load FLODRAW into memory. FLODRAW will
- read the option and symbol files, and then read the DEMO file.
- FLODRAW will display the DEMO file on the edit screen. Then just
- follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
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- ------------------------ 5. Your First Flowchart -----------------------
-
- After the tutorial, you're ready to start on your own. The symbol
- library on this disk is a library of flowchart symbols. So you're all set
- to make your first flowchart. The following instructions will help you
- get started. Let's assume you have an idea for a flowchart. If not, you
- can make one up as you go.
-
- 1. Put this disk in drive A.
-
- 2. Put an empty formatted disk in drive B as the data disk for
- your flowchart. If you have a single drive system, see step 3.
-
- 3. At the A> prompt, type FLODRAW B:MY_CHART.FLO where
- MY_CHART.FLO is any valid filename you've chosen for your file.
-
- For single drive systems, type FLODRAW then wait for the entry
- menu. Remove this disk and insert your data disk. Press
- F3 to load a new document, then type MY_CHART.FLO
-
- 4. FLODRAW will prompt you for a document format. Select portrait
- for your first flowchart.
-
- 5. When the edit screen appears, let's add a heading to your
- flowchart. Press HOME twice to move the cursor to the upper
- left corner of the screen. Now press F10 to display the symbol
- library. Press F10 twice again to display the last symbols in the
- symbol library. Press F3 to select the heading symbol. When the
- heading appears on the screen, press ESC to return to the TEXT
- menu.
-
- 6. Use the TAB keys to move the cursor to the location of your
- first symbol. Use Alt C to find the center of the page, then
- Alt D to tab down to where you want to put your first symbol.
- You can press Alt H if you forget what keys are used to tab.
-
- 7. Press F10 for the symbol menu again. You may have to press
- F10 several times to find the symbol you want to use.
-
- 8. Remember to let FLODRAW draw the lines between symbols. When
- you return to the TEXT menu, press F6 for the line function.
-
- 9. You're on your own, now. When you're finished with your
- flowchart, press ESC to return to the entry menu.
-
- 10. At the entry menu, press F4 to save your flowchart.
-
- 11. Press F6 for the print menu. Press F5 until your printer
- type appears on the menu.
-
- 12. Turn your printer on and align the print head with the top of
- the page.
-
- 13. Press F6 to start printing.
-
- 14. After printing is finished, press ESC to return to DOS.
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- ------------------- 6. New Features in FLODRAW 1.1 --------------------
-
- The following are new features.
-
- 1. Multiple fonts. You can choose from six character fonts when
- typing in TEXT mode. I've also added a small size font that
- you can select from the FONT menu. The FONT menu is F4 on the
- TEXT menu.
- 2. Option file. You can save options like tab lines, font type,
- and printer model on the option file. FLODRAW reads the option
- file when it starts and uses your saved options. The OPTION menu
- is F8 on the ENTRY menu.
- 3. Printer support. The Epson FX is now supported with a single
- strike mode and a bold strike mode. I've added support for
- the IBM Proprinter with single strike mode and bold strike
- mode.
-
- The following are changes to existing features.
-
- 1. The PgUp and PgDn keys now page half a screen (11 lines).
- 2. The HOME key moves the cursor differently if pressed
- consecutively.
- - the 1st press moves the cursor to the start of the screen line
- - the 2nd press moves the cursor to the screen top left
- - the 3rd press moves the cursor to the start of document line
- - the 4th press moves the cursor to the document top left
- 3. The END key moves the cursor differently if pressed
- consecutively.
- - the 1st press moves the cursor to the end of the screen line
- - the 2nd press moves the cursor to the screen bottom left
- - the 3rd press moves the cursor to the end of the document line
- - the 4th press moves the cursor to the document bottom left
- 4. Alt T moves the screen to the top of the document, but the
- cursor position is maintained within the screen.
- 5. Alt L and Alt R have been added to duplicate the grey '+' and
- grey '-' keys.
- - Alt L pages left 1/2 screen
- - Alt R pages right 1/2 screen
- 6. You can now enter text while using the symbol menu.
- 7. The print later flag is automatically set on when you save a
- document.
-
- I have received feedback from both registered and trial (not
- registered) users about features you need or features you would like to
- see. I can't always add the features that you ask for, but your feedback
- helps determine how I will improve FLODRAW. I appreciate your comments
- and suggestions. The following are some of the features you asked for
- that I am considering for the next release of FLODRAW.
-
- 1. Another small font.
- 2. Large fonts for headings or titles.
- 3. Support for Toshiba printers.
- 4. Support for the HP LaserJet printer.
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- ------------------------- 7. Limited License ---------------------------
-
- FLODRAW is copyright by George Freund and is distributed as user
- supported software under a limited license. This limited license means
- that I allow you to use the program on your own to find out if it is
- useful to you. If you decide to keep it, I ask that you support
- development of the program by making a contribution. I depend on your
- contribution to continue development of FLODRAW. Whether you contribute
- and use the program or not, I encourage you to copy and share this program
- with others.
-
- LIMITED LICENSE
-
- I grant you a limited license to use this program to find out if it
- is useful to you. You may copy and share this program with others with
- the following restrictions.
-
- 1. You cannot charge a fee for this program. But you may charge a
- distribution fee to cover costs, as long as the fee does not
- exceed $10.00.
-
- 2. You cannot distribute this program with another product.
-
- 3. You cannot distribute this program if you have modified it.
-
- 4. You must distribute this program with all the files on this disk
- and the accompanying documentation disk.
-
- You may post FLODRAW on electronic bulletin boards as long as the
- above conditions are satisfied. All the files on this disk should be
- archived as one file for uploading to a bulletin board. All the files on
- the accompanying documentation disk should be archived as a separate file
- for uploading.
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- ---------------------------- 9. Registration --------------------------
-
-
- I suggest a contribution of $25.00 for registration. But you can
- decide what the program is worth to you. I appreciate your support!
-
- Registered users will receive written notice of upgrades.
-
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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- Mail check or money order to:
-
- George Freund
- P.O. Box 203
- Mentor, Ohio 44061
-
-
-
- I have enclosed a contribution of __________.
-
- Please register my copy of FLODRAW to:
-
-
- Name _____________________________________________________
-
- Company _____________________________________________________
-
- Address _____________________________________________________
-
- City ___________________________ State _____ Zip _______
-
-
-
- I am using FLODRAW on the following personal computer.
-
-
- Personal computer brand ___________ model ________________.
-
- Printer brand ___________ model ________________.
-
- Graphics (check one) CGA ___ EGA ___ Hercules ___ Other ___.
-
- Monitor (check one) Color ___ B&W ___.
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- Comments:
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- ---------------------------- The end of README.1 ----------------------------