Category : Databases and related files
Archive   : AN300.ZIP
Filename : OUTSIDE.DOC

OUTSIDE
A program for addressing envelopes sideways

(c) 1987 by Mark Harris
All rights reserved.

OUTSIDE is a program which prints addresses sideways so that
envelopes can fit in a standard dot matrix printer. The addresses
can be captured from the screen or printed directly from a file.

OUTSIDE is included with Ample Notice, a Shareware package
from Granny's Old-Fashioned Software. The registration cost is
$35 and includes the current disk, a printed manual, a coupon for
an update disk and telephone support. To register, phone (with MC
or VISA) (704) 264-6906 or mail payment to Granny's Old-Fashioned
Software, Rt 4, Box 216, Boone, NC 28607.

OUTSIDE works with Epson-compatible printers. We will
support other types for registered users; contact Granny for
details.


Using OUTSIDE in the screen mode.

One way to print an address is to capture it from the screen.
For example if the address is contained in the file MYFILE then
you can enter TYPE MYFILE and then stop the listing of the file
with or to 'freeze' the address on the
screen. Then type OUTSIDE; the screen will not be changed except
for an option summary at the upper right-hand corner and the
positioning of the cursor at the upper left. Printing the address
involves marking the upper left and lower right corners of the
appropriate text. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor and the
space bar to mark the upper left, then move the cursor to the
bottom right and press the space bar a second time to mark the
block. You will be shown the address selected and asked to verify
that it is correct; if not, the screen will return to its original
appearance and you can try again. If you approve of the address
you will be asked for the starting column for printing (with a
default shown in brackets).

The envelope will be printed in the following orientation:

----------------------------------------
| stamp | |
| | |
|------- |
| |
| |
| 1 2 |
| s n |
| t d |
| e |
| l l t |
| i i c |
| n n . |
| e e |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
----------------------------------------
^
|

The arrow points to the column at which printing will begin; you
have a lot of flexibility in how to position the envelope so long
as you accurately communicate the starting column. Most printers
have a guide with columns 1 - 80 marked; if yours doesn't then you
will need to experiment a little and make your own markings on
your printer. The value you enter in OUTSIDE is the column
relative to the left side extreme of your printer, not the left
side of the envelope. Printing will begin as soon as you complete
the entry.

You can get help when using OUTSIDE by pressing 'H' or the F1
key. You can exit the program at any time by pressing .


Using the file mode.

If you want to print several envelopes you may find the file
mode more convenient. Create a file in which addresses are
separated by one or more blank lines; for example:

Mr. Tom Worthington
153 Main St.
Wilkons, PA 34890

George Harrington
5890 N. Louise Lane
Oklahoma City, OK 73108

How you create the file is up to you - you can have your database
management program write it or you can enter the text directly
with a word processor. Assuming the file's name is MYFILE, type
OUTSIDE MYFILE. You will be shown each address in turn and asked
whether you wish to print it or move on the next address. Press
'P' to print, 'S' to skip and to exit the program. For each
address you will be asked for the starting column, with the last-
used column as the default.