* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * LEXCEL SYSTEMS, INC. (213) 674-8505 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Note: To printout this file, load System disk #1 in A: and type: TYPE README1.TXT > PRN This document can also be viewed/printed in the NOTEPAD section of Datacal Plus, or you may use a word processor . Warning: Do Not attempt to run unless you have configured Datacal by typing: DATACAL SETUP (See Below!) ---------------------------------------------------------------- INTRODUCTION DATACAL PLUS is designed to run on IBM compatible machines. The program requires at least 475K free available ram. Using ram resident programs is to to be avoided or monitored. Before running Datacal Plus for the first time you must run DATACAL SETUP as indicated below. If you are using a modem, you must set the baud rate and proper COM ports etc. If you have a color monitor, use the Color Change feature under the Utility menu within Datacal Plus to set the most pleasing color. Another crucial step is to confirm that you have a Config.sys file in your root directory (per below) or an error will occur. ---------------------------------------------------------------- INSTALLATION: (HARD DISK AND 640K REQUIRED) Verify that you have an adequate supply of files and buffers as per the Config.sys file. Example of minimal config.sys file: Higher files and buffers may be needed for your system Files = 20 Buffers = 15 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Run Datacal Setup: After all files are copied into a unique subdirectory, Type : DATACAL SETUP and press [Enter] Answer all the questions asked by the setup program. When finished, type: DC and press [Enter]. Note: Batch files accessing Datacal from the root directory should utilize the set clipper statement as shown below: cd\datacal (Sets memory usage) set clipper= v014;e000 datacal cd\ If you experience "SNOW" flickering on your COLOR MONITOR when running program, replace the 'set clipper=v014' statement above with 'set clipper=S1;v014'. This will eliminate the "SNOW". If your are expanding a trial copy to a new hard disk; here is the pkunzip syntax for the ZIP FILES: 1. Copy Zip files and pkunzip to target subdirectory. 2. Type: PKUNZIP DC*.ZIP 3. After files are expanded; type Datacal Setup. Call us if you have any problems etc. --------------------------------------------------------------- ---T I P S---- & ---- F E A T U R E S ---- --------------------------------------------------------------- Explore Datacal's menu oriented features at your own pace. You can begin adding records immediately. Here are some suggestions: 1. User Defined Fields. Setup the Client screen the way you like it with the User Definable Fields section (Under Database, U). 30 fields can be assigned new names; of these, 7 are Indexed for rapid retrieval (See Database FIND function). You can also redefine the Invoice fields (New for version 2.8). 2. Begin Adding names/addresses to the Database. Choose several appropriate codes to differentiate clients from vendors, etc. The Codes are later used for searching and for printing Reports. While you're there, create some (I)nvoices and quotes. Invoices are tracked with respect to Balance Due and Payments. Statements may be printed for individual companies showing current Balance. Hint: Under invoice "type", hit "W" to display a list of the 7 possible choices (Invoice or Credit or Receipt etc.). 3. Datacal features an Autodialer coupled to a Call Tracker! Simply press (F2) to begin the Dialing (Modem required), then hit the Return key. You next have the option of posting the Last Call Date and Follow Up Call dates automatically! Locate the Follow Up calls by using the (F)ind by Follow Up function Index. 4. Place a question mark (?) under the Part # section of an Invoice and hit Return. You will see the "Pop-Up" INVENTORY section where you can select a part # and the description and price will be pasted onto the Invoice automatically! To add additional items to the Inventory, Exit the Database and select the Datacal Inventory Section to Add/Edit etc. 5. Use the Calendar section to Add Meetings, Important Dates, filings and Closing dates, Sales meetings etc. Press #5 to select various display configurations I.E. Week-at-a-Glance etc. 6. Create Form Letters in the Mailmerge section by pressing C to Create/Modify letter description. Press the F4 key within the letter to add Merge Data to the letter such as Balance Due, or other Data contained on the Client Screens. Note: Do not use Quotes or Less than Brackets (" or > <) in the Mail-Merge letters or errors will occur. 7. Check out the Help screens (F1) and the Pop-up Rolodex (ALT-F10). The Pop-Up Rolodex is useful for routinely dialed numbers such as friends, relatives, restaurants etc. F9 === Popup Calculator ALT 0 ==== Macro List 8. Print out REPORTS! Try Report # 3, Followup Calls. <<<<<<<<<<<< Refer to the tutorial for more features! >>>>>>>>>> ---------------------------------------------------------------- Problem Section: * The most common problem is the file CONFIG.SYS is missing or not installed correctly causing an error message (4). Verify the presence of this file as per the above installation, then reboot to activate it. Also, make sure you ran Datacal Setup properly to assign the proper drives and modem information etc. * Insufficient Memory. The program fails to load because there is not enough FREE memory to run the program. Check for Ram Resident programs and eliminate them until 475+ free ram or more is available to Datacal after bootup. Use CHKDSK to verify the total RAM available for your programs. * "Strange" ERROR (Q/A/I). Sometimes an index file can get "corrupted". Use Utility, reindex (#5) to prevent this. If the problem persists, use the following "Heavy Duty Reindex":> At the prompt: Type: Datacal Fixer This will "cleanup" your records and eliminate 90% of all database errors caused by bad Indexes or Data. This error is usually caused by shutting off the computer without properly exiting Datacal FIRST (don't try it!!). * Error (2) message indicates File Not Found. The message usually gives the name of the missing file. Adding the missing file and/or reinstalling followed by reindexing Datacal is suggested. Caution: Don't overwrite existing data (.DBF Files)! ---------------------------------------------------------------- SPECIAL REMINDERS 1) NEVER shut off the computer until you have exited Datacal Plus and are at the DOS prompt or file damage/loss may occur. 2) NEVER, EVER REMOVE DISKS from the computer when Datacal is being used. PERMANENT FILE AND PROGRAM damage will probably result. This applies to floppy users ONLY! Exception: You may EXCHANGE data disks in Utilities, feature "E". ALWAYS Exit Datacal Properly! 3) Never use a valuable and highly productive software product like Datacal without making Archive copies of Program disks and backing up essential data files. Example: Diskcopy all three Datacal disks and regularly copy the Customer.dbf, Invoice.dbf, Payments.dbf and Notes.dbf file to a floppy disk for safekeeping. Several Very Good Commercial Backup Systems Exist for making professional and reliable backups...Use Them! --------------------------------------------------------------- We Have found Pkzip -es to be excellent for .DBF File compression and backup. We also recommend Mace Gold, Fastback and PC Tools as Perfectly Acceptable Data Insurance. ---------------------------------------------------------------- REFER TO THE DATACAL TUTORIAL FOR MORE FEATURES !! -----------------------S U M M A R Y---------------------------- DATACAL PLUS is a powerful yet easy to use Multi-Purpose Business or Personal Data Management Tool. You'll find that it can be your Best Business Partner. HERE IS A PARTIAL SUMMARY OF FEATURES: 1. Personal / Business Appointment & Notes CALENDAR 2. Pre-Formatted DATABASE Management System 3. Form Letter Generator that MERGES with Database Info. 4. NOTE Pad for small Word Processing tasks 5. TELEPHONE LOG for Important Phone Calls and Messages 6. Ability to Merge Letters using your own DBASE III Files 7. Built-In Pop Up CALCULATOR (F9) is linked to Invoice 8. Automatic TELEPHONE DIALER (F2 Dials 2 Numbers per Client) 9. Perform DOS Functions without leaving program 10. Automatic REMINDERS that update your daily Calendar 11. Quickly Create Invoices and STATEMENTS plus reports 12. Keep track of PAYMENTS made on invoices 13. Display GRAPH of Sales Activity with one key-stroke 14. Retrieve Your Database Records utilizing SEVEN Indexes 15. Total CALL TRACKING: Last Call and Follow Up date 16. PopUp Rolodex (TM) for INSTANT access to Dialer 17. UNLIMITED COMMENTS for each Client allows detailed notes 18. Built-in Macro writer (Alt M) satisfies POWER Users 19. TRANSFER function Imports Client Data (Dbase/Ascii) 20. Automates sales calls, LEAD tracking and telemarketing 21. Extensive DATABASE POWER without Programming 22. Pop-Up ENVELOPE and shipping label Maker (ALT-A) 23. INVENTORY System with Reports and Auto-pricing 24. PRINT Control Functions (Alt-P) provide font control 25. Browse Mode for viewing 9 clients CONCURRENTLY 26. NETWORK VERSION for multiple users on popular Networks 27. Design your own CUSTOM REPORTS and add them to Datacal Plus 28. Sophisticated Report Function allows very precise CRITERIA 29. Super Macro function for 128 character ADVANCED Macros 30. IMPORT Outside Letters (Ascii) into Datacal's Mailmerge 31. 36 User DEFINEABLE Fields allow you to Personalize Datacal 32. Popup Calendar (ALT-F9) available anywhere in program 33. New Locate Function (Find Any Record, Any Field FAST!) 34. Reduced Memory Usage - Now Down to 475K minimum! ---------------------------------------------------------------- The DATACAL PLUS EVALUATION COPY is limited to 200 Clients. ---------------------------------------------------------------- SEE YOUR DEALER OR CALL..... Avenue 18 Computer 1821 Wilshire Bl. #310 Santa Monica Ca 90403 213 829-3129 BBS 828-4029 (12-2400Baud N/8/1) --------------------------------------------------------------- COMPUTER DEALERS + CONSULTANTS CALL LEXCEL AT (213) 674-8505 FOR DEALER PRICING AND ORDER INFORMATION. Thank You. -- John Compton Revised 1/21/91 ----------------------------------------------------------------