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Text File | 1990-01-11 | 26.0 KB | 647 lines

PCA.Exe Version 7.1 (c) Nov., 1989 by Rad Delaroderie PO Box 1991 Columbus, Ga. 31902 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ********************* Program Requirements: ********************* 128K RAM DOS 2.0 or later IBM or compatible --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ************* Idiosyncrasy: ************* My programming philosophy is that a program shows its first sign of failure the moment you have to pick up a user's manual to see what to do next. With this in mind, let me make a few points, and then you should never have to read this file again. If you do, leave me a scathing message. I can be contacted at the PO Box listed above, or at Columbus Connection BBS 1-404-687-7309 Rad Delaroderie --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ************* Packing List: ************* This package, whether compressed or normal, should contain at least the following files: PCA.Exe (The executable program file) PCA.Doc (This documentation file that you're reading now) PCA7Vert.Exe (Conversion program to update older PCA data files to the new v7.x format) RadCat.Txt (A catalog of other available RAD Software programs) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ******************** Program Description: ******************** PCA.Exe is a personal checking account program. I've seen many checking account programs, some of them incomprehensible, all of them tedious. Many of them are obviously geared toward small business usage, and have account coding procedures, etc. that I have no use for. Most importantly, none of them LOOK like a checking account, if you know what I mean. All my life I've looked at a checkbook, and I'm comfortable with it. I wanted a program that LOOKS like a checkbook ledger when I make entries. So I wrote one. A PERSONAL checking account, if you get my emphasis. It LOOKS like a checkbook. It FEELS like a personal checkbook. It contains all the information a regular checkbook does, and nothing more. But it does so much more-- Like print out the entire account, or any page you wish (11 transactions per page), balance your account automatically; search and find any entries by any parameter you want it to search with, give a listing and total amounts and print it out if you wish, let's you mark entries as "Cleared" from the bank, void checks, make corrections of previous entries with immediate updating of all subsequent balances, and on and on... I wrote it in late '86 and used it during all of 1987. No problems. I've been adding new features to the program ever since, making more and more convenient and practical. I've been real happy with it, and I'm not easy to please. Computers are fun to play with, and create things, but personal practical use is not an easy thing to program. For me to use a computer in a practical sense, it really does have to be practical. Word processing is practical; keeping recipes on a computer is not, unless you keep a convenient terminal in the kitchen. If a personal checking account program is going to be practical, it has to just as easy and convenient to enter information on it as my "regular" checkbook section (which I haven't seen in over 3 years now...). I made sure it would be. As a matter of fact, it's much easier, because I haven't had to spent one second figuring my balance since '86, and my account has been accurate to the penny the whole time. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ***************** To Install & Run: ***************** The following instructions assume that you know next to nothing about DOS or installing and running programs. I always try to remember that new computer users are many, and I wish to make things as easy and clear as possible for these new users. Floppy disk system (no hard drive)- Insert a blank floppy disk into Drive A. At the DOS prompt, type the following: a: (Enter) format a: /v/s (Enter) When the system finishes formatting the disk, it will ask for a Volume Label. Type PCA (Enter) Now remove this newly formatted disk from Drive A and insert the disk containing the PCA program files into Drive A. Type the following: Copy a:\*.* b: (Enter) Follow the instructions as they appear on the screen. New users should note that, on a single floppy disk system, your computer considers your single drive to be both Drive A and Drive B. When you are finished, you now have a usable program disk. Label the disk and make a copy for safekeeping. To run the program, insert the program disk into Drive A. If the computer is off, turn it on. Type the following: a: (Enter) PCA (Enter) The program will now run. Hard Disk System- At the DOS prompt, type the following: c: (Enter) cd\ (Enter) md \PCA (Enter) cd \PCA (Enter) If the original program files are on a floppy disk, insert that disk into Drive A and type the following: copy a:\*.* c:\PCA (Enter) If the original program files are already somewhere on your hard disk, I'll assume that, if you knew enough to get them on your hard disk already, you know enough to copy them to the PCA sub- directory. To start the program, type the following: c: (Enter) cd \PCA (Enter) PCA PCA.Exe creates external data files, named PCAName.Dat & PCACheck.Dat, when you start entering your items. Database-type programs are by their very nature "read/write" intensive. For that reason, performance is slowest on a floppy disk, very fast on a hard disk, and lightning on a RAM disk. If a small set of sample data files is included in this package, you may immediately get some idea of the PCA's features without having to enter your own items right away. When you are ready to establish your own personal data files, you simply erase the sample files by typing the following: del *.Dat (Enter) at the DOS prompt while in the \PCA sub-directory, then start from scratch with your own data file. NOTE: If you have a hard drive, you might want to consider how I arrange my hard disk to use PCA.Exe-- First, I made a sub-directory called \PCA and put PCA.Exe in it. I then created sub-directories under PCA, naming each for the appropriate year of checking records. For instance, I have my hard disk structured as follows: \Root Directory | |--\PCA (containing PCA.Exe) | | | |--\1987 (containing 1987 checking data files) | | | | | |-- PCAName.Dat & PCACheck.Dat | | | |--\1988 (containing 1988 checking data files) | | | | | |-- PCAName.Dat & PCACheck.Dat | | | |--\1989 (containing 1989 checking data files) | |--\Some other sub-directory | |--\etc. I then include the \PCA sub-directory in my Path command in my AutoExec.Bat file. (If you're not familiar with the Path command, look it up in your DOS manual-- It's a must once you understand it.) Then, if I want to look at any given checking account year, I simply change to the appropriate sub-directory year and type PCA. The Path command will find PCA.Exe and execute it in the appropriate sub-directory. If you have a floppy disk system, you should use one floppy disk per calendar year, carrying the end-of-year balance from the previous year forward as the beginning balance. If you have a RAM disk, you can copy the *.Dat files to the RAM disk, go to the RAM disk, and type PCA. When you're through, make sure to copy the updated *.Dat files back to the appropriate sub-directory on your physical disk so you don't lose the information. ************************* Conversion of Version 6.x *.Dat Files: ************************* If you have been using version 6.x of PCA.Exe, and you want to use the Version 6.x *.Dat files with Version 7.x, then you need to convert the Version 6.x *.Dat files to a format that Version 7.x uses with PCA7Vert.Exe. If PCA7Vert.Exe is not included in this package, include a note with your contribution saying that you need the PCA7Vert.Exe program, and I'll include it with the latest full-featured version of PCA. If all you have is a 3-1/2" drive, tell me. If this is the first time you have ever used PCA.Exe, then you don't need PCA7Vert.Exe. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ****************** Using the program: ****************** PCA starts with a title page containing author and copyright information. If you have not established an account yet, the program will detect that and provide an entry screen to start your account. The program needs your name, account number, account year, name of the bank, and the beginning balance. Once you provide that information, or if there is already an established account, the program presents you with a display that looks like the last page of your checkbook ledger. Your last checkbook entry is highlighted. This is the main screen-- the focal point of the program. In this screen, you can look over your entire account and highlight any given transaction using the UpArrow & DownArrow cursor control keys. You can also mark/unmark any entry in your account as cleared with the TAB key. The bottom line of the screen lists the options available at any point. You can highlight the desired option with the cursor control keys, or by pressing the first letter of the option word. Pressing the ENTER key then executes the highlighted option. Each option is examined in detail below: ********* New Entry ********* If you highlight this choice and press ENTER, you will be presented with an entry screen for entering a check. Help screens assist you as you enter. NOTE: When you enter the description of the transaction, like "Ga. Power Company", or whatever, remember that this program can search and find previous records, so put some thought into how you enter the description to make it easy to find later. For example, I always put "Rx" in the description of any medical bill that I write so I can get a summarized listing of all Medical Expenses by telling the program to find all listings that have "Rx" in them. This is just a practical hint that you'll see for yourself as you use the program. I'm just telling you now to save you the trouble of modifying info when you understand how the search feature works. AMOUNT Entries: PCA lets you go in the red up to one hundred thousand dollars! It also lets you maintain up to a one million dollar balance. Should be enough, huh? ***************** Print the account ***************** You can print any displayed screen page (12 entries), or the entire account. Suggestion: Set your printer in the compressed mode when printing. The display looks cleaner and, at least for me, is easier to read. *************** Modify an Entry *************** Highlight a transaction, then highlight "Modify" and press ENTER, and you can change that transaction's date, type transaction, description, or amount. Amounts are automatically updated if necessary. *************** Delete an Entry *************** Highlight a transaction, then highlight "Delete" and press ENTER, and you can delete that transaction entry from your account. Amounts are automatically updated. ************* Void an Entry ************* Highlight a transaction, then highlight "Void" and press ENTER, and you can void that transaction without removing it from the account ledger. Amounts are automatically updated. ***************** Clear the Account ***************** When you receive your statement from the bank, PCA can reconcile your balance for you automatically. Choosing this option will cause the program to generate a list of all uncleared entries listed in your account. Using your bank statement's listing of cleared transactions, you simply clear each appropriate entry in your account with the TAB key. As you clear the entries, the display updates the outstanding debits, credits, and the balance the bank thinks you have. When you are finished, the displayed bank balance should agree with the balance shown on your bank statement. Reconciling has never been easier! ***** Find ***** This is the feature mentioned in the "New Entry" section above. PCA will let you find one entry, or a sub-list of entries, in the following manner: PCA will ask you if you wish to find according to the month of the entry, the check number or type of transaction, any part of the description, any debit amount, or any credit amount. Upon responding, PCA asks you to enter what you are looking for. PCA will then search the account extremely quickly and present you with a list of matches with debit and credit totals. You can print out this list if you wish. This powerful feature lets you query and learn about your spending habits, and provide useful information (such as tax information) in ways only limited by your imagination. Previous careful thought of your description in your entries will let you generate lists in a practical and revealing manner. ********* Help Page ********* This will present you with a help page that summarizes this documentation ***************** Quit the Program- ***************** If you wish to Quit the program, simply highlight that option and press the ENTER key. PCA will ask you if you want to see a statistical summary of the your account. If you answer yes, you'll be presented with a summary screen that gives you a statistical picture of your spending history for that year. If you answer no, the program will exit to DOS. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ******** Request: ******** I love compliments. I welcome critiques. I'm open to suggestions. I'll listen to advice. I'll consider criticisms. I'll ignore sarcasm. I'll seethe over insults. No matter what, I encourage feedback one way or the other. The bottom line is that someone else's point of view always gives me a wider perspective on my work. So if you have something to say, make the effort and get in touch with me. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ************* Expectations: ************* If you find that you use the review version of this program regularly, and you are any kind of gentleman or lady, I know you'd send a miserly $20 for a full-featured version of a program that is commercially worth a lot more than that. Make sure that you specify the program name, version number, and the type floppy disk you need. (Use the order form at the bottom of the accompanying RadCat.Txt file) If you wish to use this program in a commercial or institutional environment, contact me and we'll make arrangements. Finally, if this is the review version, you are encouraged to freely distribute copies of this program for others to review. However, please make sure to include this PCA.Doc file, the RadCat.Txt catalog file, and the sample PCA*.Dat files along with the PCA.Exe file. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ******** History: ******** Checking.Bas Version 1.0 Dec.'86 Original version Checking.Exe Version 1.4 Aug.'87 * About 150% faster Checking.Exe Version 2.0 Dec.'87 * About 50% faster * Windowed options added Checking.Exe Version 2.1 Feb.'88 *bug in Marking routine fixed PCA.Exe (Personal Checking Account) Version 3.0 June '88 * About 25% faster * Display vastly improved with extensive scrolling capability * Binary encryption of the data files for speed and compactness * Printout options added PCA.Exe (Personal Checking Account) Version 3.2 Sept. '88 * Display bug corrected PCA.Exe (Personal Checking Account) Version 4.0 March '89 * About 10% faster * User response scheme greatly simplified * New Entries inserted into the existing entries according to date of transaction instead of simply being added sequentially to the end of the list of entries * Delete option added * Void option added * Help page for Main Menu options added * "Clear" option added. Reconciling your bank statement now takes seconds, the program does all the math automatically, and shows you the balance the bank thinks you have See Help Page in program for details. PCA.Exe (Personal Checking Account) Version 5.0 May '89 * A couple of display bugs fixed. Thanks for the user input! * User response scheme even simpler, yet more versatile. PCA.Exe (Personal Checking Account) Version 5.3 July '89 * Inline Assembly code incorporated to save screens during windows. Saves and Restores now occur instantly, whether on RAM disk or slow floppies! PCA.Exe (Personal Checking Account) Version 5.4 July '89 * Bug in printing routines fixed. Thanks for the user input! * Several minor display changes * Printout of "Find" matches now includes debit and credit totals. Thanks for the user input! PCA.Exe (Personal Checking Account) Version 5.5 Aug. '89 * Bug fixed. If a credit entry was date inserted into the transaction record, the program displayed incorrect subtotals from the date of the transaction to the end of the record. Current users, note that the displayed math error was internal and temporary. That is, it was not a "permanent" error. If you quit and re-entered the program, the math became correct again. Regardless, displayed subtotals under such circumstances are now always correct. Thanks for the user input! PCA.Exe (Personal Checking Account) Version 6.0 Sept. '89 * Complete screen display revision that allows the program to run on a monochrome as well as color monitor. * Considerable "tightening" of certain algorithms for increased efficiency and speed. * Minor bug fixed in printing routine. Thanks for the user input! * Limited version released PCA.Exe (Personal Checking Account) Version 6.1 Sept. '89 * Minor user response changes for quicker user input. PCA.Exe (Personal Checking Account) Version 6.2 Oct. '89 * Bug fix in printing routine and other minor changes. PCA.Exe (Personal Checking Account) Version 6.3 Nov. '89 * Full-featured version available upon contribution. PCA.Exe (Personal Checking Account) Version 7.0 Dec. '89 * Converted all amounts to double-precision real numbers with an internal precision of up to 17 digits. (Conversion program, PCA7Vert.Exe, available to update older PCA data files.) * Several screen display enhancements * Data entry fields now have "default" entries that are based on your last entry in that field, including automatic check number incrementing. * Increased Heading/Description entry by 10 Characters PCA.Exe (Personal Checking Account) Version 7.1 Jan. '90 * Minor bug in screen display during searches cleared up. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of PCA.Doc File