Category : Databases and related files
Archive   : KWKLBL34.ZIP
Filename : KWIKLABL.DOC

* * KWIKLABL * *

Version 3.4/A

B & B Enterprises




John F. Cram
9788 Eastridge Drive
El Paso, Texas 79925

GEnie address: J.CRAM2

























COPYRIGHT (c) 1991-1992 BY John F. Cram
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED















CREDITS

----------------------------------------------

I want to thank those who helped with all improvements
leading up to this version of a unique and useful program.
I am especially indebted to my friend Tony Caine for urging me
to write a 9-pin version and then checking my efforts to put
me on the right path. So, thanks a million, Tony...

Also, I'd like to give my brother, Paul, my heartfelt thanks
for his efforts to get my program to run on his ten year old
9-pin printer. His work paid off and resulted in a fix
which allows KWIKLABL to run successfully on the older 9-pin
printers.

I also want to thank the KWIKLABL users for their suggestions,
especially those who urged that I include the capability to
print to envelopes.

[[[[[[[[[[[[[*]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

NOTE! Tony Caine is a superior programmer and has written a
little program that I now consider a must. It's called 2COL
and does just that...prints doc files(or any ASCII files) in
small print, two columns to the page. It eliminates blank
space and will average 4 to 6 pages to the page.. Quite a
saving on some of these big DOC files. You can download
2COL from most networks and BBS's. It usually is titled
2COLxx.ZIP and is a shareware program. For those of you
with the right equipment his JETCOL is a laserjet version of
2COL that has specially designed soft fonts and other goodies.

--------------------

























Registration and Distribution

Since I waited until the age of 72 to start programming I
am told I should call my program "Codgerware" instead of
Shareware. At any rate, for quite some time now, during
an experimental period, I allowed the "A" or short version
to be considered "Freeware". Now, I consider the program
a complete, useful utility and cannot treat it so lightly.
Besides, your Social Security Tax will probably rise if I
don't start getting some returns for all my investments in
the program.

You are welcome to use this all-new version of KWIKLABL for
reasonable length of time (30 days?) but if you continue to
use it and enjoy it, then I would expect you to register.
I'm sure you'll want to register and receive all the added
benefits of the "B" version. These valuable added benefits
include many, many more attractive borders, a capability of
maintaining a mailing list database, a custom border database,
a monthly planning calendar program, and a program for making
your own Zipcode barcode labels. More details are included
at the end of this documentation.

You are encouraged to give copies of this program to your
friends or to upload it to any networks or BBS's. Just make
sure that all files are included with the .EXE program when
you distribute it.
------------------------

DISCLAIMER

Please note that KWIKLABL is distributed on an as-is basis.
NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND IS MADE, EXPRESSLY OR IMPLIED,
REGARDING KWIKLABL AND/OR ITS ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION.
B & B Enterprises or John F. Cram will not be responsible
for any damages, whether direct or indirect, incurred by
users as a result of running this program, or due to failure
of this product to meet any and/or all the stated
specifications.

This documentation contains references to both software and
hardware names which are trademarks of various manufacturers.
This program was written using Microsoft BASIC PDS 7.1.
It was written in part using R.Magnanti's WINDOWS R-E-Z
routines.
--------------------------

REQUIREMENTS

IBMPC or compatable, 9 or 24 pin Dot matrix printer compatible
with the Epson ESC type commands, at least DOS 3.3 or later
and will probably work with any version but I have not tried
earlier versions of DOS. Memory requirement is minimal.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION

KWIKLABL has always been a little different from other
labelling programs in that most of them stress the regular
mailing label while KWIKLABL uses the graphic capabilities of
the Epson compatable dot matrix printer to make attractive,
small return address labels for the upper left corner of the
envelope. KWIKLABL will make the regular labels with a choice
of fonts for special effects but the difference is the return
address label. KWIKLABL has always printed two side-by-side
on a one inch by three and a half inch label with a variety of
borders that make them stand out. Now, several new
capabilities have been added. KWIKLABL can be used equally
well on 9-pin printers. Best of all, there is now the new
capability of printing any address or return address directly
on the envelope. A latest addition "Envelope Printing" will
print the entire envelope at one time.
BRAND NEW!! In this version is the capability of designing
your own custom borders.

---------------------------------------

INSTALLATION

It is always a good idea to make a backup copy of your
program and put the original in a safe place. Then you can
use the backup to operate your program from the floppy
slot(A:\) or to install the program on a hard disk.

To start the program, just type "KWIKLABL" at the DOS prompt
and press ENTER, like so:

A:\>KWIKLABL (press ENTER)

A menu is presented listing the different sub-programs of
KWIKLABL with brief explanations of each in the info-line
below the menu. Each operation then has its own menu for its
operation.




* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* *
* --- PRINTER --- *
* *
* IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE!! Make sure your internal *
* printer switches are set for Epson/Standard mode and *
* not IBM mode. If you have a front panel pitch selector *
* on your printer, it must be set to Program mode. Your *
* printer should be set to LQ mode and not DRAFT mode. *
* *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *













---- Data Entry ----

While the cursor is present in the Data Entry box, you can
enter and correct your input pretty much as you would in
your favorite data processor. You can move around, go back
and correct as you wish. The arrows, backspace, delete are
at your disposal. The only limitations are number of lines
and length (30 characters on regular and 24 on return
address.)


---- Fonts ----

The choice of fonts is only available on the regular size
labels. Select fonts and you will see the list of fonts
on the right side of your screen and a help box at the
bottom. You can move up or down through the list with
the arrow keys and mark your choices with the (+) plus key.
If you make a mistake you can unmark with the (-) minus key.
When you are satisfied with your choices press ENTER to
conclude. If you change your mind at this point and choose
fonts from the menu again you should select RESET this time
to cancel previous choices and start anew.
As the warning states in the help box, some combination of
choices are not compatable. You wouldn't select 15
characters per inch and double wide characters at the same
time. Also, if you select double wide characters, don't
expect 30 double wide characters to fit on a 3 1/2 inch
label. Trial and error will teach a lot here.

One note: I have removed the typestyle selection from the
font menu since the various printers have different
typestyles and most users choose to set their favorite
one at the printer.


--- Regular Labels ---

I have reduced the number of label sizes in this version to
the two that seem to be most popular, one inch and one and
one-half inch. The registered version will still have these
and the two larger sizes, two inch and three inch. You have
the choice of fonts as discussed earlier and when printing
labels you can print up to 99 at one time. A new feature
allows you to print directly to an envelope. Here you have
two options; Print in the usual addressee location (lower
right portion) or you can choose to print in the top center.
In the first option, the addressee location is positioned
suitable for the standard business envelope (4 1/8" by 9 1/2").
Smaller envelopes can be positioned in the printer so that the
address location comes out right. In the second option, all
text is centered and it can be used for two purposes. You can
use it to print a large return address on the back flap of an
envelope or you can use it to make your own letterheads.






--- Return Address Labels ---
(9-pin AND 24-pin printers)

I consider this the feature attraction as lots of programs
make large labels but I haven't seen any that make the small
return address labels and especially ones with attractive
borders. The big difference here is only three lines and only
24 characters per line. I would like to apologize to those
of you with long names. Some compromises had to be made and
this was one of them. After the name and address
information is entered you should press F10 for menu and
select borders. Move the bar to the border of your choice and
press enter. Also from the menu you can cancel the emphasized
or bold printing which seems to give some of the older 9-pin
printers some problems. Now you should be ready to print your
labels or envelopes. If you choose "Print Labels" then you
will be asked to enter the number of labels you wish to print.
Each label will then have two small return addresses with
borders printed on it. If you choose "Envelope Printing" then
only a single copy will be printed. You will have the choice
of placing the single return address either in the top left
corner or in the top center of the envelope. The latter is
available so you can print your return address on the back flap.
Since the borders are made by your printer I cannot show you in
this documentation what the various borders look like but you can
run them off one at a time in short order and will then have a
sample sheet from which to make your selection.
Note for users with 24-pin printers: If you are in the habit of
operating in the "DRAFT" mode, you may find after using KWIKLABL
that your printer in now in the "LQ" mode. KWIKLABL cannot make
the 24-pin graphics when your printer is in DRAFT mode. So the
command is given in the program to force your printer into the
"LQ" mode. This is true only if you use 24-pin borders.

---- Envelope Printing ----

Another relatively new feature of the program. After typing
both addresses, press F10 and return to the menu. Borders may
be selected in the same manner for the return address. You also
have the option here to cancel the "Bold Print" command if you
have an older 9-pin printer and the return address doesn't print
right. Only one copy is printed. Once again, the location for
the addressee printing is appropriate for the standard business
envelope only. You should be able place the envelope so that
the return address is in the top left corner. If you experience
a problem with the "Out of Paper" signal, try lightly taping a
standard sheet of paper to the back of the envelope so it trails
behind, preventing the "Out of Paper" problem.

---- Custom Border Editor ----

The big, new addition to this version of KWIKLABL. It is easy
to use and with a little practice you will be making much better
borders than I've given you. You just move around the form with
the directional or "arrow" keys and mark or un-mark your points
with the SPACEBAR. Remember that your border is made of seven
reproductions of what you draw on the form. When you are








satisfied with your drawing, just press ESC or ENTER to return
to the main menu. Then, in either Return Address Labels or
Envelope printing, select Custom under the Standard borders.
Now, print away and see your custom border come to life.

DIRECTORY LISTING

This feature is the ability to print all files in a given
directory in very small print and in a format(six across)
that will allow approximately 150 filenames to be printed
on front of a 5 1/4" floppy disk sleeve. You could either
print them directly on the sleeve or print them on regular
paper, then cut them out and attach to the sleeve with tape
or glue. The program will ignore sub-directories and will
only print filenames. Select Load File from the menu and
type in the directory you wish to print. Due to space
limitations, a large directory might not all be shown on
the screen. This presentation is just to verify that you
have selected the right directory. However, the listing by
the printer will be complete.

[@] [@] [@] [@] - REGISTRATION - [@] [@] [@] [@]

Registration has a number of advantages and benefits. It
will make you feel better, make me feel better and give you
a complete and full program with all the additions listed
here that are included in registered Versions 3.3/B and 3.4/B.

--- Database of names and addresses ---

The registered version will allow you to maintain a separate
database of names and addresses for each type label and for
envelope printing. So now if you want to address a label to
Aunt Ida you just call up the directory and select Aunt Ida...
lo and behold, her name and address appear in the entry box.

--- More and Better Borders ---

The registered version also has several more interesting
borders for the return address labels..sunrise,hearts, lace
and living in the great southwest I had to include several
that remind us of the early Americans or Indians. There are
several blanket type designs, arrowheads and cute pottery
designs.
Postal Barcodes for zipcodes

Now you can print a zipcode barcode on a label that can be
placed on an envelope or you will also have the choice of
printing directly on the envelope. This program was designed
to produce a barcode that would meet U. S. Postal Department
Specifications. The Postal Department states that having the
barcode on the envelope definitely speeds up delivery since
one complete step in the Post Office is eliminated. And for
some users a lower Postal Rate is possible. Information on
this is available from the Postal Department Office in your
vicinity.








--- Envelopes ---

As a result of several user requests, the registered version
will now print not only the standard business size envelope,
but the smaller six and one-half inch by three and five-eighth
inch size.

--- Monthly Calendar ---

A bonus in the registered version is the ability to make a
full page monthly planning calendar. It has a number of
uses....a reminder of birthdays and special occasions,
planning a trip around other commitments, etc...

--- Database of Custom Borders ---

In the registered version 3.4/B you will be able to save the
borders you design to disk, allowing you to call them up
anytime for printing or for re-design. This way you can build
your own database of beautiful designs.

---- Choice of Versions ----

You will notice on the registration form that you can still
register the popular Version 3.3/B without Custom Border Editor
for the same fee($8.50). I realize that there may be some
users that are not interested in designing their own borders.
But, if you intrigued by the thought of designing custom borders,
the version 3.4/B with Custom Border Editor costs slightly more
to register($13.50). But, regardless of the choice you make,
please register or, at least let me hear from you. I think you
will find that KWIKLABL is a user friendly program. Easy to
operate and I hope you enjoy it. If you do like it, I hope you
will register. It would do worlds for my ego...as well as
helping to bolster the economy....at this household. But whether
you want one of the registered versions or not, use the form in
REGISTER.FRM to let me know what your opinions or wishes are.

And Thank You for trying KWIKLABL...