Category : Databases and related files
Archive   : USMAIL30.ZIP
Filename : MANUAL.TXT

UNITED STATES MAIL ON DISK SOFTWARE VERSION 3.0
=================================================
(C) COPYRIGHT 1992

MADDEN SOFTWARE SERVICE
PO BOX 647
HUDSON, MA 01749-0006
TEL # (508) 568-0864









All Rights are reserved and protected under the U.S. Federal
Government and State Copyright laws. Please read the LICENSE.DOC
file before using this program. Thank you.
























I. TABLE OF CONTENTS
====================

I. TABLE OF CONTENTS................................... PAGE 2

II. INTRODUCTION........................................ PAGE 3

III. GETTING STARTED..................................... PAGE 4

IV. SCREEN SELECTIONS................................... PAGE 5

V. SCREEN SELECTIONS IN DETAIL......................... PAGE 6-10

VI. FORMS................................................PAGE 11-12

VII. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS................................ PAGE 13



SHAREWARE
FILES ON DISK
=============

USMAIL.EXE - Program File used for start up
LICENSE.DOC - Warranty and License agreement
MANUAL.TXT - This file. Complete Manual of program
QUEST.TXT - Questionnaire File for future updates
README - Last minute advice!
ORDER.FRM - Order Form to receive registered versions





























II. INTRODUCTION
================

This program was developed to eliminate the need to go to the post office
and be surprised at the cost of mailing a particular parcel to someone.
Now, you will know before you go!

Have you ever stopped to think how long it takes to get the cost of a
letter being sent to someone? It is easy to remember .29 cents. But, what
about the letter that weighs 3 ounces. The cost is not 3 * .29 as you might
think. It is (2 * .23 + .29) = .75 cents. If you are like most people, you
would have paid .87 cents for that letter and thought nothing more. Or, you
might have taken that letter or package to the post office, stood in line for
5 minutes or so, and then the clerk would have said "that'll be .75 cents".

Sometimes, they may give you more than one choice to choose from and then you
have to decide on the spot, because there are people behind you waiting in
line. Well no more! Now you have access most of the common routes available
the Post Office provides. Now you can have the money ready when you get
there. Or go to the stamp machine, get the total postage and mail your
letter. Or, if you rent a Pitney Bowes Postal Machine, you can put the
correct postage on the parcel and wait for the mail currier to pick it up, or
pop it in a mail box.

U.S. Mail on Disk Software eliminates the waiting, provides you with several
options of delivery, and provides you with the cost to mail it.

The only requirement besides this program, is an accurate scale, and of
course, the mail item to be sent. Keep in mind that the post office's scale
is what makes the final determination of the cost. Not this program! Madden
Software Service assumes NO liability for any losses you incur as a result of
any form of discrepancy, or misinterpretation of the material in this
program. If at any time information contained within this program is
inaccurate, please contact us as soon as possible, so we can make the
necessary updates. At the time of this printing, all prices are believed to
be accurate according to the February 3, 1992 Postal Bulletins provided to
the general public. See complete license agreement for details. Technical
support can be provided for the software portion of the program. The rates
and fee schedule inquiries need to be directed to the U.S. Post Office in
your local area. They can assist you to the fullest capacity.

Thank you and please mail in your registration fee today, if you like this
program and continue to use it. See the ORDER.FRM file included with this
package.


Sincerely,


Steve Madden
President







III. GETTING STARTED
=====================

A. USING A FLOPPY DISK:

It is advisable to make a backup copy of your disk and use the backup
copy only. A floppy disk may last a long time if used properly.
properly. Always keep them out of extreme heat, direct sunlight and
extreme cold. Never bend them or spill any liquids on it. Also, keep
paper clips away from them. A paper clip if magnetized can erase a disk
completely.

To make a backup copy of your U.S. Mail on Disk Software, refer to your
DOS manual for instructions for the DISKCOPY command. After making your
backup copy, use that copy for accessing the program. This will always
give you the original for future use, in the event that your backup copy
disk fails.

Place the U.S. MAIL backup copy disk in drive A: and type in A: at the
C:\ prompt. Press Enter. Type in USMAIL and press ENTER. Follow
directions on the screen and you are all set. Refer to Section V for
screen details.

B. Using a Hard Disk:

It is advisable to make a backup copy of your disk and use the backup
copy only. A floppy disk may last a long time if used properly. Always
keep them out of extreme heat, direct sunlight and extreme cold. Never
bend them or spill any liquids on it. Also, keep paper clips away from
them. A paper clip if magnetized can erase a disk completely.

To make a backup copy of your U.S. Mail on Disk Software, refer to your
DOS manual for instructions for the DISKCOPY command. After making your
backup copy, use the backup copy for the hard disk installation. This
will always give you the original for future use, in the event that your
backup copy disk fails.

At the C:\ prompt, type in MD MAIL and press enter. Next, type in
CD\MAIL and press enter. Place the backup copy in drive A: and type in
COPY A:\*.* and press enter. The program has been loaded to your hard
disk. Type in USMAIL and press ENTER to execute the program. Follow
the directions on the screen and you are all set. Refer to Section IV
for screen details.















IV. SCREEN SELECTIONS
======================

1. MASTER MENU 2. UNITED STATES

UNITED STATES MENU FIRST CLASS RATE
FOREIGN COUNTRIES MENU ZIPCODE ZONE CHART
SPECIAL SERVICES MENU THIRD CLASS MAIL
ENVELOPES - STAMPS - POST CARDS SEE FOURTH CLASS RATES
MISCELLANEOUS FORMS - RECEIPTS EXPRESS MAIL (OVERNIGHT)
QUIT PROGRAM PRIORITY MAIL (2 DAYS)
LEAVE THIS MENU


3. FOREIGN COUNTRIES 4. CANADIAN MAIL CATEGORIES

CANADA FIRST CLASS MAIL
MEXICO SURFACE PARCEL POST MAIL
OTHER COUNTRIES AIR PARCEL POST MAIL
LEAVE THIS MENU LEAVE THIS MENU


5. MEXICO 6. OTHER COUNTRIES

FIRST CLASS MAIL VIEW THE COUNTRY LIST
SURFACE PARCEL POST MAIL PRINTED MATTER RATES - CATALOGS
AIR PARCEL POST MAIL CUSTOM DESIGNED EXPRESS MAIL RATES
LEAVE THIS MENU ON DEMAND EXPRESS MAIL RATES
AIR PARCEL POST RATES
LEAVE THIS MENU


7. SPECIAL SERVICES 8. FORMS MENU

CERTIFIED MAIL REGISTERED MAIL RECEIPT #3806
INSURED MAIL INSURED MAIL RECEIPT #3813-P
REGISTERED C.O.D. MAIL CERTIFIED MAIL RECEIPT #3800
MONEY ORDERS DOMESTIC RETURNED MAIL RECEIPT #3811
SPECIAL DELIVERY & HANDLING EXPRESS MAIL RECEIPT LABEL 11-B
BUSINESS REPLY MAIL OTHER FORMS AVAILABLE PAGE 2
LEAVE THIS MENU LEAVE THIS MENU


9. FORMS MENU PAGE 2 10. CUSTOMS DECLARATION FORMS

INTERNATIONAL RETURN RECEIPT FORM CUSTOMS FORM #2976
CUSTOMS DECLARATION FORMS CUSTOMS FORM #2976-A
WHO GETS WHAT CUSTOMS FORM CUSTOMS FORM #2966-A
AUTHORIZATION TO HOLD MAIL FORM CUSTOMS FORM #2966-B
LEAVE THIS MENU RETURN TO MENU








V. SCREEN SELECTIONS IN DETAIL
===============================

1. U.S. MAIL MASTER MENU

UNITED STATES MENU - This option will produce a sub-menu for sending a
letter or parcel anywhere in the United States.

FOREIGN COUNTRIES MENU - This option will produce a sub-menu for sending
a letter or parcel anywhere in the world, except the United States.

SPECIAL SERVICES MENU - This option will produce a sub-menu identifying
other options which can be used in conjunction with the United States
Menu options and the Foreign Countries Option.

ENVELOPES - STAMPS - POST CARDS - Selecting this from the master menu
will produce 3 pages of information on the availability of stamps, the
unit in which they can be sold by, envelopes and their fees and post
card fees.

MISCELLANEOUS FORMS - RECEIPTS - Selecting this from the Master Menu
will produce the FORMS MENU. There are 12 forms provided with this
program.

QUIT PROGRAM - You may exit the program by selecting 'Q' from the Master
Menu. By selecting the Quit Program option, you exit this program and
return to DOS. The program is now removed from memory, but not from
disk. You may re-enter the program by re-typing in USMAIL and pressing
ENTER.


2. UNITED STATES

FIRST CLASS MAIL - You will be prompted with a question stating:
HOW MANY OUNCES DOES IT WEIGH? You must type in any weight in a
whole number form (no decimals) may be entered in from 1 ounce
up to 11 ounces and arrive at a cost for that package. The total
cost would depend on the weight which should be rounded up to the
nearest whole number. For instance, if a letter weighs 1.35
(digital scale), then the total ounces is 2. The postal service
always rounds up, never down. Keeping this in mind will better
serve you throughout this program. You are given the opportunity
to continue entering a weight, or leave this option.

ZIPCODE ZONE CHART - You will be prompted with a question stating:
PLEASE ENTER IN THE FIRST DIGIT OF THE ZIP CODE: By typing in the
first digit, you will see a chart identifying zip codes and their
corresponding ZONE. This ZONE number will be required in order to
send a parcel via Priority Mail. So, it is important to know what
zip code the package or letter is going to. The first 3 is sufficient.
Select this option and note what zone number (1-8) the zip code is
categorized under, then proceed to the Priority Mail rate category.
You are given the opportunity to continue entering in another first
digit of a zip cod, or leave this option.




THIRD CLASS MAIL - This selection will give you the cost of mailing a
small package (printed matter). Usually this (printed matter) is a
catalog or bound paperback. The minimum weight requirement is 1 ounce
and cannot exceed 15.99 ounces. This option is especially useful in
businesses who send out product information to their customers on a
special order request. Depending upon the quantity being sent, it may
be a good idea to have a BULK RATE PERMIT to send mass quantities at
the lowest possible rate. Contact your local post office for more
information on BULK RATE PERMITS and their restrictions.

FOURTH CLASS MAIL - This selection will give you the cost to mailing a
large package. The minimum weight requirement is 2 pounds and cannot
exceed the 70 pound maximum. This option is useful in businesses who
send out product information in bulk quantities to dealers or Regional
Sales Offices. Depending upon the quantity being sent, it may be a good
idea to have a BULK RATE PERMIT to send mass quantities at the lowest
possible rate. Contact your local post office for more information on
BULK RATE PERMITS and their restrictions.

EXPRESS MAIL - This selection will give you the cost of mailing a
package on an overnight delivery request, to anywhere in the United
States. Very useful for an important piece of information which must be
there the next day. Using this option is one of the most expensive
methods to send a mail item, but if time is of the essence, this is the
BEST method.

PRIORITY MAIL - This selection will give you the cost of mailing a
package or oversized letter anywhere in the United States at a slightly
higher cost than first class. Delivery time is generally 2 days.
Affixing a Priority Mail Sticker on the package gives it Priority Mail
handling. Next to Express Mail, this is an excellent method to ship a
package to someone.

LEAVE THIS MENU - Selecting this option returns you to the Master Menu.


3. FOREIGN COUNTRIES:

CANADA - Selecting Canada will invoke another menu with the options of
First Class Mail, Surface and Air Parcel Post(s).

MEXICO - Selecting Mexico will invoke another menu with the options of
First Class Mail, Surface and Air Parcel Post(s).

OTHER COUNTRIES - This option will invoke another menu with the
following categories: View the Country List, Catalog
- Printed Matter Rates, Express Mail Custom Designed,
Express Mail On Demand, Air Parcel Post Rates and
Leave This Menu.

LEAVE THIS MENU - This option returns you to the Master Menu.







4. CANADIAN MAIL CATEGORIES

FIRST CLASS - Selection of this option will enable you to enter in a
specified weight in ounces from 1 oz to 4 pounds. Any weight over 4
pounds, you should consider either Air Parcel Post or Surface Parcel
Post mail. Remember to enter in a weight that is rounded up to the
nearest whole number.

SURFACE PARCEL POST - This option is particularly helpful when you have
a package to be sent and it weighs over the 4 pound limit of First
Class. The minimum entry is 1 pound with a maximum of 66 pounds. You
must enter in a weight which is rounded up to the nearest whole number.

AIR PARCEL POST - This option is the similar to above, but the time is
quicker in delivery and the cost is slightly higher. The weight limits
are the same. Minimum of 1 pound and maximum of 66 pounds. You must
enter in a weight which is rounded up to the nearest whole number.

LEAVE THIS MENU - Select this to return to the Foreign Countries Menu.


5. MEXICO

FIRST CLASS - Selection of this option will enable you to enter in a
specified weight in ounces from 1 oz to 4 pounds. Any weight over 4
pounds, you should consider either Air Parcel Post or Surface Parcel
Post mail. Remember to enter in a weight that is rounded up to the
nearest whole number.

SURFACE PARCEL POST - This option is particularly helpful when you have
a package to be sent and it weighs over the 4 pound limit of First
Class. The minimum entry is 1 pound with a maximum of 44 pounds. You
must enter in a weight which is rounded up to the nearest whole number.

AIR PARCEL POST - This option is the similar to above, but the time is
quicker in delivery and the cost is slightly higher. The weight limits
are the same. Minimum of 1 pound and maximum of 44 pounds. You must
enter in a weight which is rounded up to the nearest whole number.

LEAVE THIS MENU - Select this to return to the Foreign Countries Menu.


6. OTHER COUNTRIES

VIEW THE COUNTRY LIST - This is the first step in determining which is
the best way to send a package to another country. Selecting this
option will enable you to view any countries weight restrictions. Most
countries have weight restrictions up to 44 pounds. Most countries
require special U.S. Customs forms to be attached to the parcel. See
the section on FORMS for more information.








PRINTED MATTER RATES (CATALOGS) - This option is particularly useful
when sending printed matter, usually a catalog or brochure identifying
business products. This option is sent via Air and is relatively
inexpensive. This chart is in ounces. There are 4 specific areas in
the world which it covers. They are: Western Hemisphere, Europe,
Asia/Africa and the Pacific Rim. You will need to view the country list
before selecting this option. In the country list, you will see at the
top of the screen: CATALOG. Under this column, will be two letters and
to their right is a maximum weight restriction (in pounds). The letters
are abbreviations to the 4 specific areas in the world. For example,
WH = Western Hemisphere, EU = Europe, AA = Asia/Africa and PR = Pacific
Rim. For the most part, 4 pounds is the maximum allowed for this rate.

CUSTOM DESIGNED EXPRESS MAIL RATES - This is a great option to have when
you are using your own packaging. The rates contained within are much
higher than using the Postal Services packaging, but they receive the
same attention. It is recommended that you use the Postal Services
packages whenever possible to reduce your costs. Special U.S. Customs
Forms are required along with the Express Mail Forms which must be
completed. See the FORMS section of this manual for more detail.

ON DEMAND EXPRESS MAIL RATE - This is the option to use when you are
sending a parcel in a Postal Services package/envelope. The rates are
much lower than the CUSTOM DESIGNED EXPRESS MAIL RATES, but they also
receive the same attention. This is the recommended option when sending
a package via Express Mail. Special U.S. Customs Forms are required
along with the Express Mail Forms which must be completed. See the
FORMS section of this manual for more detail.

AIR PARCEL POST RATES - Selecting this option will enable you to
determine the cost of a parcel being sent to any country in the world.
This chart is in pounds. As with any other method of delivery, a
special U.S. Customs Form is required for this parcel. See the FORMS
section of this manual for more detail.

LEAVE THIS MENU - Select this to return to the Foreign Countries Menu.


7. SPECIAL SERVICES

CERTIFIED MAIL - This option identifies 5 items of the certified mail
category. The fee is $1 and return receipts are also available for an
additional fee as listed in the program.

INSURED MAIL - This is a very nice feature the postal service provides
to its customers. You may insure a package up to and including $600.00
for a nominal fee. The total amount of insurance is regulated by
destination address. Postage for the package is not included in this
fee. You must add the fees together to get a final cost. Return
Receipts are also available at an additional charge.








REGISTERED C.O.D. MAIL - Selecting this option is a benefit to almost
anyone who cannot pay or does not have to pay, for the sending of a
parcel. What this means is that, if you have an item, with a value of
say $55.23, and you want the receiver to pay for the contents and the
cost of mailing, this is the selection you want to choose. The U.S.
Postal Service Carrier will collect the $55.23 and the $3.25 fee for the
shipment. The postage is not included in this amount. That amount is
separate and must be paid in advance. Contact your local Post Office
for more details, or see the FORMS section of this manual.

MONEY ORDERS - The Post Office has 2 types of Money Orders. The first
one is a military money order, which is available to only those on
military installations. The other type is a domestic money order which
at present, sells for $.75 cents. Getting a copy of a paid money order
can also be done at an additional fee to the customer. Financial
Institutions, Banks, and Government Agencies which process the Money
Order directly are exempt from these fees. Each request requires the
completion of a 6401 FORM.

SPECIAL DELIVERY & HANDLING - Special Delivery can be a parcel you are
sending and it must be there on a specific day or time. The fee ranges
from $7.65 to $9.30 depending upon the weight. Postage is not included.
Special Handling could be a refrigerated item or a delicate parcel which
must be treated with the extreme care. The fee can range from $1.80 to
$2.50 depending upon the weight. Postage is also not included in this.

BUSINESS REPLY MAIL - This option is for businesses which use a return
envelope for their mailings. Special restrictions apply to this type of
mailing. To get the lowest rate available on return mailings, a permit
is required and a set per piece rate is applicable. If anyone is
interested in setting up this type of account, contact your local Post
Office for details.

LEAVE THIS MENU - Select this to return to the Master Menu.
























VI FORMS
==========
8. FORMS MENU

REGISTERED MAIL RECEIPT #3806 - This option will explain in detail how
to complete the form, what it looks like, and what is pre-printed on it.
The fees associated with this form are listed under the Special Services
Menu.

INSURED MAIL RECEIPT #3813-P - This option will explain in detail how to
complete the form, what it looks like, and what is pre-printed on it.
The fees associated with this form are listed under the Special Services
Menu.

CERTIFIED MAIL RECEIPT #3800 - This option will explain in detail how to
complete the form, what it looks like, and what is pre-printed on it.
The fees associated with this form are listed under the Special Services
Menu.

DOMESTIC RETURN RECEIPT #3811 - This option will explain in detail how
to complete the form, what it looks like, and what is pre-printed on it.
The fees associated with this form are listed under the Special Services
Menu.

EXPRESS MAIL RECEIPT LABEL 11-B - This option will explain in detail
how to complete the form, what it looks like, and what is pre-printed on
it. The fees associated with this form are listed under: Special
Services Menu.

OTHER FORMS AVAILABLE - PAGE 2 - Select this option to see more forms on
page 2. Page 2 will identify the remaining forms included in this
program.

LEAVE THIS MENU - This option will return you to the Master Menu.


9. FORMS MENU - PAGE 2

INTERNATIONAL RETURN RECEIPT FORM - This option will explain in detail
how to complete the form, what it looks like, and what is pre-printed on
it. The fees associated with this form are listed under: Special
Services Menu.

CUSTOMS DECLARATION FORMS - This option invokes a sub-menu which
identifies 4 customs forms which can be used. These forms are #2976,
2976-A, 2966-A and 2966-B. Selecting any one form will give you a
description of the form and general directions on what to do with it.

WHO GETS WHAT CUSTOMS FORM - A complete listing of all the countries in
the world and what custom form is required (if any).

AUTHORIZATION TO HOLD MAIL FORM - This is the form used to hold all your
mail up to 30 days. This option will explain in detail how to complete
the form, what it looks like, and what is pre-printed on it. There is
no fee associated with this form.

LEAVE THIS MENU - Select this to return you to the FORMS MENU, page 1.

10. CUSTOMS DECLARATION FORMS

CUSTOMS FORM #2976 - This form is used to put on small packages and
letters which are sent to another country. Program will explain this
form in more detail.

CUSTOMS FORM #2976-A - This form is used in conjunction with #2976 for
large packages which have a higher value than $300. Program will
explain this form in more detail.

CUSTOMS FORM #2966-A - This form is used to identify what is in a parcel
which is being sent to another country. Program will explain this form
in more detail.

CUSTOMS FORM #2966-B - This form is used to identify what is in a parcel
which is being sent to another country. Program will explain this form
in more detail.

RETURN TO MENU - Select this to return to Page 2 of the Forms Menu.







































VII. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
=========================

This program requires the following:

DOS Version: 3.3 or greater

IBM PC,XT,AT or compatible

Memory needed: 470k free

Graphics Adapter: CGA, to receive program in color

Storage: Hard Disk 250 kilobytes, or one 360 kilobyte floppy disk

config.Sys file should be set for:

files=10
buffers=20

Even though the program uses less than 470k of memory, this setting
is the recommended setting for maximum performance of the program.