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Information about “CHECKMATE”
Keep an accurate account of your personal finances -- without all the
hassle. It records and maintains your checking and charge transactions
while giving you full editing capabilities at your fingertips. It sorts
and prints reports, searches for selected items, helps you reconcile
your statements, and even prints your checks for you. CHECKMATE can
also print checks and reports in any of three pitches, and reports can
be printed in two different layouts.
CHECKMATE is very intuitive. It has a user's guide and built-in,
context-sensitive help menus.
CHECKS.DOC
Ordering Checks
CheckMate allows you define your own check layout, and you do not need to use
continuous form checks.
However, CheckMate will automatically configure itself for computer form
checks (and save you the effort).
You may order continuous form checks compatible with CheckMate from
NEBS Computer Forms.
NEBS requires that your first order be by mail (since they need one of
your blank checks to create new ones). You can get an order form and
some sample checks by calling NEBS toll-free at
1-800-225-9550
Ask for an order form and sample checks. Be sure and mention that you are
using "Custom Technologies' CheckMate", and reference code Number "95024".
This code is unique to Custom Technologies and NEBS needs this in
order to send the correct sample package. This will also help expedite
your order.
CheckMate supports two checks from NEBS: product number is 9029-1 (no stub)
and product number 9025-1 (with a stub).
SPECIAL OFFER! Through a special arrangement with NEBS, users who register
CheckMate will receive a coupon for 250 window envelopes FREE with their
first check order. That's an $18.50 value! (Note: this offer applies to
product number 775 "Du-o-Vue" envelopes, and uses the 9025-1 checks with
stubs). Offer may end without notice.
If you have any other questions, call Custom Technologies directly. We
can also supply you with additional check samples and order forms.
See the CheckMate User's Guide for information regarding the proper setup
for these checks.
CM.DOC
------------------------------------------------------------------
CheckMate (tm) -- Introductory User's Guide
Version 1.70A
Released July 28, 1988
Copyright (c) 1986,87,88 by Custom Technologies
All Rights Reserved
1-800-541-6234 (Orders Only, 24 hrs/day)
(719) 282-0402 (Questions and Support)
------------------------------------------------------------------
Custom Technologies is a member of the
Association of Shareware Professionals
------------------------------------------------------------------
The CheckMate software is property of Custom Technologies. You
are granted a limited license to use this software on an
evaluation basis.
CheckMate is provided AS IS, with no warranty expressed or
implied. Custom Technologies specifically disclaims any and all
warranties including but not limited to fitness for a particular
purpose.
CONTENTS
1. Introduction.................................................2
1.1 Greetings
1.2 Features
1.3 Support
1.4 Other Products
2. Things You Need to Know......................................5
2.1 The Bottom Line
2.2 The Pull-Down Menu System
2.3 The Help System
2.4 Date Formats
2.5 Editing in CheckMate
3. Installing CheckMate.........................................7
3.1 Hardware Requirements
3.2 File Paths
4. Running CheckMate............................................8
4.1 Setting Up Accounts
4.2 Entering and Editing Transactions
4.3 Generating Reports
4.4 Financial Calculator
4.5 Setup
5. Final Thoughts..............................................17
Appendix A.....................................................18
CheckMate (tm) Introductory User's Guide 1
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Greetings
Greetings! Welcome to CheckMate, a full-featured, interactive
home financial program.
CheckMate is designed to help you keep an accurate track of your
personal financial activity... no more will you have to "guess" at
your balance, or labor furiously to make your checkbook match your
bank statement. CheckMate will record and maintain your
transactions, with full editing capabilities at your fingertips.
It will sort and print reports, search for selected items, help
you reconcile your statements, and even print your checks for you.
Your balances are automatically updated and reported, and your
records are accurate to the penny... guaranteed!
1.2 Features
- Uses intuitive pull-down menu system
- Supports up to eight accounts simultaneously
(total number of accounts is limited only by disk space)
- Supports Checking and Savings accounts
- Up to 32,767 transactions may be active per account
- Prints reports in standard format or in Borland Intl's
Traveling SideKick (tm) format
- Reports and Checks may be printed in PICA, ELITE or
CONDENSED print
- Transactions may be edited or printed and search criteria
may be specified on ANY field in the transaction
- Check printer supports continuous feed AND standard checks
(YOU define the check printing in the Check Set-Up form
and can use your own checks!)
- Allows 100 predefined transactions that can be called up
at a keystroke (such as mortgage payments, utility
bills, etc)
- Provides a financial calculator for quick figures on
loans, regular deposit accounts, and compounding
- Helps you reconcile your accounts when your statements
arrive, and prints a complete report of outstanding
transactions
- Includes extensive, context sensitive on-line help
CheckMate is very intuitive, and you should be able to evaluate it
effectively with this user's guide and the built-in context
sensitive HELP. We suggest that you make good use of the HELP
system by pressing the <F1> key (note that some help screens have
multiple pages, use <PgUp> and <PgDn> to move back and forth
through the message). Additional documentation is available,
however, and may be obtained by registering. The complete manual
is much more detailed than this introductory guide, and includes a
CheckMate (tm) Introductory User's Guide 2
"quick start tutorial" as well as a "commonly asked questions"
appendix.
We hope you enjoy CheckMate!
Tim Bougan
President, Custom Technologies
1.3 Support
CheckMate, like many other fine "shareware" products, has been
released by its authors to the public for evaluation. We allow
and encourage free copying and distribution of the program (in its
un-altered original form). We are committed to supporting and
improving CheckMate, as well as developing additional products.
If you find CheckMate useful, you should register your copy. The
shareware concept is meant to provide a full working copy to the
user for evaluation, and NOT to give away the author's hard work.
If you choose not to register, then erase or pass your copy on to
someone else. You can register by sending $29.95 (plus $3
shipping and handling).
When you register, you will be placed on our mailing list and will
receive a new disk and a complete, 112-page illustrated User's
Guide. The User's Guide is 5.5"x8.5", glossy covered, typeset,
offset press printed, and saddle stitched. You will also receive
the latest version of CheckMate on disk and be eligible for
telephone support. We also offer low cost upgrades and discounts
on future products to registered users.
We accept checks, money orders, CODs, MasterCard, and VISA. Make
checks payable to Custom Technologies. Colorado residents please
add 3% sales tax. Send your registration and all other
correspondence to:
Custom Technologies
PO Box 62118
Colorado Springs, CO 80962-2118
(719) 282-0402
You may also order our products (charge cards or COD) by calling
TOLL FREE:
1-800-541-6234 (Orders Only)
If you are outside the United States and can't call toll free, you
may reach our order line at:
(719) 597-8389 (Orders Only)
This line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you have
CheckMate (tm) Introductory User's Guide 3
questions, want to make a quantity or dealer purchase, or if you
need support, call:
(719) 282-0402
Thank you for your support!
1.4 Other Products
We also have released CheckMate-GL, a fully functional, multiple-
entry general ledger (accounting) package that integrates with
CheckMate. If you need a more detailed break-down of your
expenses and revenues, or if you run a business, then CheckMate-GL
is for you.
-- CheckMate-GL Features:
- Uses intuitive pull-down and pop-up menu system
- Fully implemeted "classical" general ledger system for
both home and business use
- Integrates with CheckMate (tm) Personal Financial Software
- Supports up to 256 accounts simultaneously
- Powerful search and filter routines available for all
databases and reports
- Unique "Quick-Look" reports (including pre-posting)
- Flexible pre-defined reports with output flow control
- Unique and powerful "custom" report command language for
the power user with automatic generation for the novice
- Fully editable journal entries allowing pen and ink
corrections (no reverse entries!) prior to posting
- Allows 50 predefined journal transactions that can be
called up at a keystroke
- Pop-up chart of accounts for quick reference
- Pop-up accountant's calculator with rolling tape
- Includes extensive, context sensitive on-line help
You can order CheckMate-GL by sending $39.95 plus $3 shipping and
handling.
CheckMate (tm) Introductory User's Guide 4
2. THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
This section discusses some of the "basics" of CheckMate's
operation.
2.1 The Bottom Line
As you run CheckMate, the bottom line of the screen summerizes the
functions that are available to you. It is always present, and
should speed your use of the program as you become familiar with
its many capabilities. Most of CheckMate's functions are
activated by the PC's function keys. The bottom line identifies
the operation of these keys (and others).
2.2 The Pull-Down Menu System
CheckMate uses the popular "pull-down" menu system as its primary
user interface. After your start CheckMate, you will see a row of
five "choices" for you to choose from. You may select any of the
choices in one of two ways: first, by moving the high-lighted bar
to the item of your choice (using the left or right arrow keys)
and then pressing "return" (which we will also refer to as <CR>),
or, by pressing the starting letter of your choosing. Either
method will instantly produce a secondary menu (with a bar that
moves up and down instead of left to right). Select individual
functions in the same manner.
2.3 The Help System
As mentioned earlier, CheckMate includes built in on-line help.
Just press <F1> at any time while running CheckMate for instant
help. Some help screens have multiple pages, so use <PgDn> and
<PgUp> to move through the message. The help screens are
contained in the file "CM.HLP" and this file must be present in
the program file path at runtime. The program file path is set
with CMINST.COM.
2.4 Date Formats
One of the most annoying aspects of many programs is rigid data
entry, especially DATES. Our goal is to make life (computing, at
least) a little bit easier, so we built a "free-format" date entry
into CheckMate. Whenever CheckMate calls for a date to be
entered, you can key it in almost any fashion you choose. Dates
like 7-12-84, 3/5/86, 12 Sept 82, and so forth are all valid. So
long as you include some delimiter between the month, the day, and
the year CheckMate should figure out what you mean. A delimiter
can be a space, a dash, a slash, or virtually any non-number or
CheckMate (tm) Introductory User's Guide 5
non-letter. You can even leave all or part of the date out, and
CheckMate will use defaults (the DOS date).
2.5 Editing within CheckMate
All data entry fields within CheckMate are fully "editable." The
following control-key combinations are defined within CheckMate:
Control Key Alternate Key Function
----------- ------------- -----------------------
Control-D right-arrow move one character right
Control-S left-arrow move one character left
Control-F move one word right
Control-A move one word left
Control-E up-arrow move up one field
Control-X down-arrow move down one field
Control-G DEL delete character at cursor
Control-T delete word right
Control-K delete field right
Control-Y delete entire field
Control-H BACKSPACE delete character left
INS toggle INSERT/OVERWRITE
Notice that the control sequences closely resemble those of
MicroPro's WordStar (tm). We chose these combinations because of
WordStar's popularity. For your convenience we have also
implemented the PC's standard editing keys as alternatives.
CheckMate (tm) Introductory User's Guide 6
3. INSTALLING CHECKMATE
3.1 Hardware Requirements
CheckMate will run on an IBM PC/XT/AT/jr/PS2 (or compatible) with
at least 256K of memory and 1 DSDD floppy disk drive (2
recommended). It supports all IBM compatible displays.
3.2 File Paths
You can specify the files paths for which CheckMate will look for
its overlay and data files with CMINST.COM. If you are using a
hard disk, you can put CheckMate's program and overlay files in
one directory and its data files in another. If you include the
program file path in a DOS "PATH", you can run CheckMate from any
drive or directory. If you are using a floppy disk system, you
should put you data files on drive B and your program files on
drive A. (You can use CheckMate on a single drive system, but you
will have limited space for data files. You should remove all
unnecessary files from your working disk, like CMINST.COM and
perhaps even CM.HLP). If you are using floppies but have a good
sized RAM disk, CheckMate's performance will increase
significantly if you copy its program files to the RAM disk.
Run CMINST (make sure that CM.COM is in the default directory
first) and set up your paths. CMINST will first display the
current default paths and then prompt you to enter new ones. In
order to save disk space, CMINST is a simple program and does not
include CheckMate's editing features. Note that entering only a
<CR> at the prompts will cause CMINST to clear the file paths (and
CheckMate will use the default directories when run). Before you
do run CheckMate, make sure that the paths you selected are valid
(you may need to create them).
CheckMate (tm) Introductory User's Guide 7
4. RUNNING CHECKMATE
4.1 Setting Up Accounts
The first pull-down menu includes five functions associated with
setting up and maintaining accounts. They are described below.
1) Enter Accounts --
Here is where you set up your accounts. The first field
holds the full name of the account. The next field is
for a shorter name that will appear on the menu. The
account type can be either Checking or Savings, with
checking the default. (You will find that virtually any
type of account can fit in one of these two general
categories). Enter your account number and the opening
balance. If the account is checking, you can enter the
number of the next check that you will write. When you
are satisfied with your entries, press <F10> to save the
account. You can create up to eight accounts.
2) Edit Account --
You can modify account data with this function. The
<F3> key will pop-up a menu with all your accounts
listed. Choose the account you want to change and
proceed as you did when you created it. Use <F10> to
save your changes. If you modify the opening balance,
CheckMate will automatically update the entire data
file.
3) Delete Account --
This is a drastic step. The data and index files for
the account are gone forever. Use the <F4> key to
delete. For safety, you will be prompted to confirm
your intention.
4) Select Default Account --
Use this function to select the account you wish to use
for transaction entry and for the reports. Note that
the first account that you enter will automatically be
selected at start-up, so enter your most active account
first.
5) Rebuild Account Files --
There are two reasons that you may want to use this
function. The first one is to condense the data file
after a significant number of deletions (ie after
purging old transactions). Deleted records will be
reused automatically, but you may want to use this
function anyway to make back-up files smaller. Another
reason for using this function is to repair corrupted
files. Abnormal shutdown (such as a power loss) can
cause files to be improperly closed. Other problems can
occur for a variety of reasons. If your files seem
CheckMate (tm) Introductory User's Guide 8
improper or CheckMate reports an error, try this
function. It should fix most problems. A <CR> will
start the process, <ESC> will abort the function.
4.2 Entering and Editing Transactions
The next pull-down menu list the four functions associated with
maintaining the transactions within the accounts.
1) Enter Transactions --
When you select this function, you will immediately see
another menu asking for the type of transaction you wish
to make. Select the type, and press <CR>. The screen
that appears next is based on the type of transaction
that you are making and the type of account you are
using. Fill in the blanks accordingly. The "Account
Number" field is not for the account you are using, but
rather a reference for the transaction (such as your
VISA credit card number if you are writing a check to
VISA). You can direct the check printer to print this
number anywhere on your check (more on this later). The
"Tax Flag" is simply a boolean value you can use to mark
checks that are tax deductible. "Printed" and "Cleared"
are used by CheckMate and will automatically be updated
as appropriate. You should set the "Printed" field
yourself if you are not going to use your printer to
print your checks or if you are entering old
transactions. You can mix use of your printer and
writing by hand to your heart's desire (Personally, I
hate writing checks!). The "Cleared" field is to help
reconcile your accounts. Mark this field ONLY if your
the transaction already appears on your bank statement.
The "Expensed" flag in used to indicate whether or
not the transaction has been "merged" into
CheckMate-GL (our full-fledged general ledger
complement to CheckMate).
At any time while entering transactions, you can bring
up a menu of frequent transactions by pressing <F2>.
You set these frequent transactions up in the Set-Up
menu. This is a powerful timesaver, and one that you
will really appreciate.
The <F3> key brings up the Transaction Type menu so that
you can change types (as you enter multiple
transactions).
The <F10> key will add the transaction. If the
transaction is entered out of sequence, the transaction
file will be updated to reflect the change.
Transactions are always stored chronologically. For
writing checks, the check number is incremented after
each transaction. You can change the number and write
CheckMate (tm) Introductory User's Guide 9
them out of sequence, but keep a close eye on the check
number since CheckMate has no way of knowing what you
are doing.
2) Editing Transactions
One of CheckMate's most powerful features is your
ability to edit any transaction quickly and without
reverse entries. Selecting the Edit Transactions
function will take you to the last transaction that was
entered. You can edit this transaction or move from
transaction to transaction with the <F7> and <F8> keys.
You can make changes to any field, and you can even pop-
up your frequent transactions menu just as you can while
entering transactions. You save your changes to disk
with <F10> (CheckMate will prompt you first for
confirmation). As always, CheckMate will update the
entire file to reflect the alterations.
To help you quickly find a particular transaction, we
have provided a robust "search" utility. Press <F5> to
activate the search window. Here you can specify
criteria that must match any transactions to be edited.
Of particular use is the EXACT MATCH versus the ANY
MATCH function. With ANY MATCH you can look for key
words within any field. For instance, you may enter the
word "gulf" in the Payto field and hit the <F6> key.
You would match entries like "Gulf Power", "Gulf Coast
Community College", or "Dr. Gulfman." CheckMate looks
for any occurance of the string "gulf" (regardless of
case). You can use <F7> and <F8> to move through the
different transactions that match your search
specifications.
You can also specify the type of transactions to search
for using the <F3> key. The default is "All Types."
SPECIAL NOTE: Since CheckMate's files are keyed ISAM,
specifying the starting and ending dates can
significantly increase search performance. CheckMate
maintains an index file based on dates, and limiting
your search dates will decrease the file accesses that
CheckMate has to make.
3) Deleting Transactions --
Select this function when you wish to remove individual
transactions. This function is identical to Editing
Transactions. When you want to delete an entry, simply
press <F4>. CheckMate will prompt you for confirmation
before proceeding, and then it will update the
transaction file.
4) Purging Transactions --
You will use this function to remove multiple
transactions, probably as you close out a year and start
CheckMate (tm) Introductory User's Guide 10
a new one. If you want to keep a backup, do it before
you purge, as purged transactions CANNOT be recovered.
You may want to rebuild your account files (as described
above) to reclaim the released space.
4.3 Generating Reports
The Reports menu has four options (for very different functions).
They are described below, but first there are a few common
features that should be discussed.
All of the reports may be printed in any of three "pitches", which
are PICA, ELITE, or CONDENSED. To use these pitches, your printer
must be capable of supporting them. You must enter the control
codes to configure your printer in the Printer Setup function
(discussed later). You may specify a separate pitch for your
checks and reports.
With the exception of printing the checks, you can choose from two
different "types" for you reports. The "Standard Type" is for
8.5x11 inch paper in a three ring binder. The alternate type is
"Traveling SideKick." (Traveling SideKick is a trademark of
Borland International). Selecting this option will generate
reports in a style suited for inclusion in the Traveling SideKick
binder. Borland International has been a breath of fresh air to
the microcomputing world, and many of their products served as
inspiration for CheckMate.
Some of the reports offer a choice of format as well. The short
format gives a one line, quick glance at the data. This is the
default. The long format gives a comprehensive view of all
available data (and consumes much more paper!).
In addition to the above options, you may also specify where you
wish the reports to go. You may channel them to the printer
(default), to a disk file, or to the screen. If you specify a
disk file, then you must enter a valid file name for the report to
be written to. If you choose the screen or the printer, then you
may choose between continuous printing or have it pause between
pages. You may abort any report at any time by pressing the <ESC>
key.
You may also supply an optional title to be printed at the top of
your reports.
1) Transaction Register --
Here is where you generate lists of all your
transactions. You may set any of the above options
before you start. You may also "selectively" print
transactions by invoking the same "search" window that
was described in the Editing Transactions function.
Only the transactions that match your pattern will be
printed. Press <F5> to bring up the search window, and
CheckMate (tm) Introductory User's Guide 11
either <F5> again to find exact matches, or <F6> for the
more powerful "any match" search. The short report
format will generate one line for each transaction,
while the long report includes all of the data. At the
end of the transaction report, CheckMate will list
totals for the transactions printed.
2) Print Checks --
Now for the best part -- printing the checks. With
CheckMate, you can let your printer write your checks
and you DO NOT have to buy expensive, computer form
checks (unless you want to). Virtually any checks will
work, and almost any printer. See the Check Setup
function in the Setup menu. When you first invoke this
function, you will see a search window appear. You must
specify the starting and stopping dates for printing.
The defaults are the beginning and end of the file, and
it could be slow if the computer always has to start at
the beginning to look for unprinted checks. Pressing
the <TAB> key in the search window will bring up the DOS
date. Press <F5> after you have specified the dates,
and you will be ready to print. If you are using
continuous form checks, you can print them all at once.
If not, the computer will prompt you one at a time. As
checks are printed, CheckMate will automatically update
the "Printed" field in the transaction. The <F7> and
<F8> keys will move you back and forth through the
available checks. When all the checks are printed,
CheckMate will display a message and return to the menu.
3) Reconcile Account --
At the end of each month there is a day of reckoning.
Its here that CheckMate can really help. When you enter
this function, press <F4> to start the reconciliation
process. CheckMate will prompt you, transaction by
transaction, for all entries that have cleared on your
current bank statement (you should have the statement in
front of you). When you have marked all of the
transactions, you generate the report with the <F10>
key. (Remember to select your format and print options
first). CheckMate will print a report listing all
remaining outstanding transactions, your actual balance,
your outstanding balance, and what your statement
balance should be. If there are no mistakes, this
figure will match the one on your statement. Most of
the time they will match perfectly. If not, you can use
CheckMate's report and editing features to find and
correct the mishap.
4) Account Report --
Use this function to print general reports of all
defined accounts. Again, you can select format, type
and print options before you proceed. The long report
CheckMate (tm) Introductory User's Guide 12
format generates a report similar to the one generated
in the Reconcile Accounts function.
4.4 Financial Calculator
The Calc menu includes three popular functions that we believe you
will find useful. Although they have no bearing or effect on
CheckMate's data files, they provide helpful information to assist
you making financial decisions. The functions are robust in that
you can calculate any one variable by providing the others. For
instance, you can calculate the interest rate on a loan by
providing the monthly payment, the amount borrowed, the length of
the loan, and the number of payments per year. Simple set the
interest rate to zero and press <F4>.
1) Loans --
Calculate loans based on APR (annual percentage rate).
This is the most popular and widely used method. To
reemphasize, you may calculate ANY of the variables that
you wish, but you can set only ONE variable to zero at a
time.
2) Regular Deposits --
These are savings accounts, IRAs, etc. The method for
calculating interest varies from bank to bank, so these
values may be slightly different from the ones your bank
generates.
3) Compounding --
This function is not widely used, but basically shows
how a fixed sum of money will grow if left unused.
4.5 Setup
Perhaps CheckMate's strongest point is its flexibility. The
following paragraphs describe the how you can configure CheckMate
to suit your particular needs.
1) File Directories --
By selecting this function, you can view the file paths
that CheckMate searches while looking for its program
and data files. For logistical reasons, we chose to
make manipulation of these paths available through a
separate installation program (CMINST.COM). CheckMate
fully supports the DOS 2.0 (and above) directory struc
ture.
2) Edit PayTos --
In this section you can pre-define checks that you write
often (such as monthly bills). When first invoked, a
menu appears. This menu lists previously defined
PayTos. Note that although only ten items are
CheckMate (tm) Introductory User's Guide 13
displayed, there are FIFTY that are available. The
<PgDn> and <PgUp> keys will scroll through the five
available pages. You may select any one to edit (if you
select a blank entry, you are essentially adding a new
PayTo). You can enter as many fields as you like, and
they will be automatically inserted in your check when
you select the item off the menu while entering
transactions. This can be a tremendous timesaver. The
<F10> key will save your changes to disk, while the <F4>
key deletes an entry. SPECIAL NOTE: On some items, the
amount of the check will change from month to month
(like your power bill). In these cases leave the amount
blank, and the cursor will automatically jump to it when
you select the item from the menu.
3) Edit Reasons --
This function is identical to Editing PayTos except that
"Reasons" are used for deposits, withdrawals, debits,
and credits instead of checks. You may, for instance,
make an entry for your paycheck or an automatic IRA
deposit.
4) Printer Setup --
The Printer Setup function allows you to select four
options and designate six printer control strings. It
is important to note that any changes made here are
temporary unless you use <F10> to write the changes to
disk. Saving the changes requires the presence of
CM.COM on the program file path, and you must not change
the name of the file!
The first option is for the type of printer that you are
using. You have two choices (IBM or generic). The only
place where this choice will make a difference is in
printing Traveling SideKick style reports. If you
select IBM, the reports will use IBM block graphics for
borders. The <F3> key brings up the menu. (Traveling
SideKick is a trademark of Borland Int'l, IBM is a
trademark of International Business Machines).
The next option that you have is for the type of reports
that you will print. You may select the standard style
or the Traveling SideKick style (which is suitable for
inclusion in the Traveling SideKick binder). Pressing
<F4> will pop-up the appropriate menu.
The third option sets the pitch for printing reports.
You have PICA (10 cpi), ELITE (12 cpi), or CONDENSED (17
cpi). To use this option you must specify the
appropriate control codes in the Printer Setup strings
(discussed below). The <F5> key brings up a menu for
selecting the report pitch.
CheckMate (tm) Introductory User's Guide 14
The last option allows you to specify the pitch that you
want your checks to be printed with. This is
independent of the report pitch but just as above you
must specify correct printer control codes in the
Printer Setup strings. Press <F6> for the menu.
The printer control codes can be found in your printer
manual. You have six available strings that you can
enter. The format for entry is
\<decimal code>\<decimal code>\....
The back-slashes delimit the codes. Below is an
example:
\27\85
This string represents an <ESC> 'U'. (That's an escape-
capital-U). This is a popular means of defining printer
codes. CheckMate comes pre-installed for an IBM
graphics printer.
The Half-Line Feed String should advance the carriage
one half line. If your printer supports this feature,
enter the correct string here. This will enable
CheckMate to print your checks on half-lines (this is
sometimes necessary to be able to effectively print
single feed checks). If you want to print on whole-lines
only, then leave this field blank.
The PICA, ELITE, and CONDENSED Pitch strings should
configure your printer to the correct pitch. The
Printer Setup and Exit strings are optional and provided
for your convenience.
5) Check Setup --
When you create an account, CheckMate will automatically
configure your check setup for NEBS COMPUTER FORMS
continuous feed checks. You may use this setup if you
wish, or you may erase the entries (by pressing <F9>)
and enter your own definition.
If you want to use NEBS checks, then call NEBS directly
at:
1-800-225-9550
Tell the operator that you want check samples for
"Custom Technologies' CheckMate", and give them code
number "95024". They should then send you an order form
and check samples suitable for CheckMate. The NEBS
product number is 9029-1.
CheckMate (tm) Introductory User's Guide 15
If you want to define your own layout, then press <F9>
to clear the definition that CheckMate created.
The Check Setup form allows 22 entries. Each entry has
4 parts, a Line Number, a Variable Number, a Column
Number, and a Length. The Line and Column Numbers refer
to the lines and columns on your checks. You will need
to print out a template to determine these locations.
Use the Print Template option on the SetUp menu to print
out your template.
The Variable Numbers are defined within CheckMate, and
their definitions are listed in appendix A. In each
entry, enter the line number of the variable, the
variable number, the column number, and the maximum
length that each variable can have. Note that you have
the option of printing checks in several different
pitches, and that these values will differ with the
different pitches. Also note that line numbers are in
increments of 1/2, so that the line numbers 1.5, 3.5,
etc are valid. In fact, you will most probably need to
define some variables on the check on these half-line
boundries (if so, you MUST define a valid half line feed
string as described above). It is a good idea to
experiment with some blank sheets of paper until you are
satisfied with your check layout.
You also need to indicate whether you are using
continuous form checks or not, and you must indicate the
length in lines of each check (regardless of whether or
not they are continuous).
The variable definitions are in Appendix A. Note that
you may maintain a separate check definition for each
checking account that you have. Pressing <F10> saves
the definition to disk (in your account data file, NOT
in CM.COM!).
6) Print Template --
Use this function to print a template on an 8.5x11 sheet
of paper (or continuous paper). You can then use the
template to help you define your checks. The template
will be printed out in the pitch that you selected to
print your checks in, and you will insert your checks
into the printer in the same manner that you inserted
your template.
CheckMate (tm) Introductory User's Guide 16
5. FINAL THOUGHTS
We sincerely hope that you find CheckMate to be work-saving,
friendly, and helpful. Please pass it along to your friends.
Remember that you can help us improve CheckMate with your support
(by registering) and with your comments and ideas. If you find
any bugs or need assistance, do not hesitate to write to us. We
try to answer all our correspondence and are committed to making
CheckMate everything that it can and should be. Happy computing!
CheckMate (tm) Introductory User's Guide 17
APPENDIX A -- CheckMate Variable Definitions:
Variable # Variable Format Example
0 Date MMM DD, YYYY May 4, 1986
1 Date MMM DD May 4
2 Date YYYY 1986
3 Date MMM May
4 Date DD 04
5 Date YY 86
6 Date MM 05
7 Date MM/DD/YY 05/04/86
8 Date MM/DD 05/04
20 Amount DD,DDD,DDD.CC 1,184,877.76
21 Amount DDDDDDDD.CC 1184877.76
22 Amount DD,DDD,DDD 1,184,877
23 Amount DDDDDDDD 1184877
24 Amount CC 76
25 Amount .CC .76
30 Amount DD,DDD,DDD.CC ***1,184,877.76
31 Amount DDDDDDDD.CC *****1184877.76
32 Amount DD,DDD,DDD ******1,184,877
33 Amount DDDDDDDD ********1184877
40 Balance DD,DDD,DDD.CC 1,184,877.76
41 Balance DDDDDDDD.CC 1184877.76
42 Balance DD,DDD,DDD 1,184,877
43 Balance DDDDDDDD 1184877
44 Balance CC 76
45 Balance .CC .76
60 Amount String (spelled out amount)
65 PayTo
66 For
67 Account Number (to be printed on check)
68 Comments
69 Addr1 (Address Line #1)
70 Addr1 (Address Line #1)
71 Addr1 (Address Line #1)
80 Tax Flag 'Tax Ded'
90 Check Number NNNNNNNN 1546
100 '.'
101 ','
102 '$'
103 '('
104 ')'
105 '*'
106 '-'
CheckMate (tm) Introductory User's Guide 18
107 '+'
108 'L' (British Pound Sign)
-
120 Bank Account Name
121 Bank Account Number
130 'Date:'
131 'Check Number:'
132 'Payto:'
133 'Amount:'
134 'Balance:'
135 'For:'
136 'Comments:'
137 'Account Number:'
138 'Address:'
139 'Dollars'
CheckMate (tm) Introductory User's Guide 19
FILES784.TXT
Disk No 784
Program Title: CHECKMATE version 1.70A
PC-SIG version 1.1
CHECKMATE is a financial program designed to help you keep an accurate
account of your personal financial activity with a minimum of hassle and
unnecessary work.
CHECKMATE will record and maintain your transactions, with full editing
capabilities at your fingertips. It will sort and print reports, search
for selected items, help you reconcile your statements, and even print
your checks for you. CHECKMATE can also print checks and reports in any
of three pitches, and reports in two different layouts.
CHECKMATE is very intuitive, and allows you to evaluate it effectively
with its user's guide and the built-in context sensitive HELP.
Additional documentation is available, however, by registering.
Usage: Financial
System Requirements: None.
How to Start: Type CM (press enter).
Suggested Registration: $29.95 (+ $3.00 S&H).
File Descriptions:
CM COM Main CheckMate program
CM 000 Data file
CM OVL Overlay file used by CheckMate
CM HLP Help file
CMINST COM Installation program
ORDER DOC Order form
CM DOC User`s guide
READ ME Information on update changes
CHECKS DOC Information on how to order checks for this program
PC-SIG
1030D E Duane Avenue
Sunnyvale Ca. 94086
(408) 730-9291
(c) Copyright 1987,88 PC-SIG Inc.
GO.TXT
╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ <<<< Disk #784 CHECKMATE >>>> ║
╠═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ To display information for the CheckMate program, type: ║
║ TYPE CM.DOC (press enter) ║
║ and TYPE READ.ME (press enter) ║
║ and TYPE CHECKS.DOC (press enter) ║
║ ║
║ To print out the manual on your printer, type: ║
║ COPY CM.DOC PRN (press enter) ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
ORDER.DOC
CheckMate Series Order Form
To: Custom Technologies
PO Box 62118
Colorado Springs, CO 80962-2118
Name: _________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
=======================================================
Where did you hear about (and/or receive a copy of)
CheckMate or CheckMate-GL?
[ ] BBS Name_________________ Ph______________
[ ] SIG Name___________________________________
[ ] CompuServe
[ ] Friend
[ ] Other ________________________________________
=======================================================
Indicate the Product and Quantity to Order:
Product Qty Price
------- --- -----
CheckMate @ $29.95 EA ___ ________
CheckMate-GL @ $39.95 EA ___ ________
CheckMate/CheckMate-GL Bundle Pack
@ $59.95 (save $10!) ___ ________
Shipping & Handling ($3 ea pc) ___ ________
($10 outside US/Canada)
Tax (Colorado Residents add 3%) ________
TOTAL..................................... ________
======================================================
Payment by:
[ ] Check/MO [ ] VISA [ ] MasterCard [ ] COD
(Make Checks Payable to Custom Technologies)
Credit Card Number __________________________________
Expires __________
Name on the Card ____________________________________
======================================================
YOU MAY ALSO ORDER BY CALLING TOLL FREE 1-800-541-6234
OR (719) 597-8389. Operators are on duty 24 hours a
day, seven days a week.
Directory of PC-SIG Library Disk #0784
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
CHECKS DOC 1556 6-30-88 7:27a
CM 000 111360 7-28-88 5:41a
CM COM 36530 7-28-88 5:41a
CM DOC 47851 7-28-88 6:25a
CM HLP 46144 6-27-88 5:30a
CM OVL 45498 7-11-88 5:00a
CMINST COM 5272 4-25-88 6:15a
FILES784 TXT 1418 9-16-88 3:08p
GO BAT 38 6-18-87 1:25p
GO TXT 848 9-16-88 11:11a
ORDER DOC 2221 6-26-88 8:16p
READ ME 5225 7-28-88 6:15a
12 file(s) 303961 bytes
11264 bytes free