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Take advantage of professional forms created with the popular EZ Forms
form generator. Included in EZ FORMS FIRST are 13 standard business
forms that you can customize with your own business data. These forms
will help you track expenses, invoice labor, take a sales order, plan a
meeting, bill a customer, keep track of appointments and more.
EZ FORMS FIRST is not a custom form generator such as EZ Forms or EZ
Forms Lite. Instead, the job of creating the forms has been done for
you. You can jump right into customizing these forms with your own
data. Print these forms and use them as masters to be filled out in
ink, or fill in the forms on your computer and keep each as a computer
record. And if you find these forms useful, an additional registration
fee buys 50+ more business forms.
**********************
* *
* E Z - F O R M S *
* *
* F I R S T *
**********************
Reference Manual
TEST DRIVE Version 1.1
August 1990
(c) 1985-1990, EZX Publishing
All rights reserved. P.O. Box 58177
Webster, TX 77598 USA
713/280-9900
FAX: 713/280-0525
CREATE / REVISE / FILL-IN / FILE / PRINT ALL KINDS OF FORMS.
WORD PROCESSING FEATURES AND PROTECTED FIELDS MAKE IT EASY!
EZ-Forms First, EZ-Forms Lite, and EZ-Forms Executive are
trademarks of EZX Publishing.
If you use this TEST DRIVE version of EZ-FORMS FIRST
for more than a 10-15 day evaluation, you are exptected
to regi$ter it. See below for pricing, etc.
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 2
REGISTRATION, PREFACE, DISCLAIMER
EZ-FORMS FIRST (trademark of EZX Corporation) is published by: EZX
Publishing, P.O. BOX 58177, Webster, Texas 77598 U.S.A. (713)
280-9900. Published and printed in the United States of America.
(c) Copyright 1984,85,86,87,88,89,90 by EZX Corporation.
All domestic and international rights reserved.
This TestDrive of EZ-FORMS FIRST is being distributed as "shareware".
That is, try it before you register it. Basic registration is $39
plus shipping and handling. Subject to change without notice.
See end of document. s/h is $6 USA-48, $12 AK/HI/PR/VI/Cda, $22 fgn.
For additional registration information and a registration form
(REGISTER.FRM), consult the program (EZFF.COM).
A printed copy of this reference manual cannot be copied,
reproduced, transmitted (e.g. FAX) or transferred in any form,
electronic or otherwise, except with the expressed written consent
of EZX Corporation.
EZX hereby grants basic or advanced registered users a limited use
license for this copy of EZ-FORMS FIRST. You man use the program
on your computer and share complete copies (with all distribution
files) of this program with anyone you wish as long as the purpose
is to encourage registration of the program. The program must be
shared in its complete form. Archiving or compression for
distribution or BBS convenience is allowed.
You may not sell copies of EZ-FORMS FIRST. Bonafide "Shareware
libraries" may distribute this version of EZ-FORMS FIRST as long as
a duplication fee of no more than $10 is charged and it is clear to
the purchaser that no support or registration is included for the
duplication fee. Note that each copy of EZ-FORMS FIRST has a unique
embedded serial number for traceability.
EZ-FORMS, EZ-FORMS FIRST, EZ-FORMS LITE, EZ-FORMS EXECUTIVE, EZ-
DATABASE, EZ-SPREADSHEET, EZ-COPY LITE, EZ-COPY PLUS, EZ-CRYPT LITE,
EZX-WRITE, EZ-WORD, EZX-BASE, EZX-TALK, EZ-DISK ADMIRAL, MENU-EZX,
are trademarks belonging to EZX Corporation with all rights
reserved. Any other trademarks belonging to others are hereby
acknowledged.
Pricing, specifications, and conditions are subject to change
without notice. Send inquiries for site (multiple CPU or network)
licensing to EZX Publishing at the above address or number.
Disclaimer:
EZX Corporation (dba EZX Publishing) makes NO claims AND offers NO
warranties of any sort for EZ-FORMS FIRST. This program and any
utilities/forms included are not warranted as to merchantability or
fitness for their ultimate use. User has full responsibility for
this suitability determination. EZX Corporation assumes NO
responsibility for any sort of damage resulting from the apparent
or actual use of EZ-FORMS FIRST (mental or physical). Use
indicates acceptance of these and above terms.
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
----------------- ------
1.0 INTRODUCTION 4
2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION 4
2.1 Installation of EZ-Forms 5
3.0 USING EZ-FORMS FIRST 6
3.1 EZ-Forms Main menu 7
3.2 Suggestions/example usage 8
3.3 EZ-Forms Second Level Menus 10
3.3.1 Print Menu 10
3.3.2 Utilities Menu 11
3.4 Setting up fields 12
3.5 Key descriptions 13
3.6 Printing 16
3.6.1 General 16
3.6.2 EpsGraph (also see 3.3.1) 18
3.6.3 HPGraph 18
3.7 Notes on EZ-Forms 18
3.8 Information on included forms 20
4.0 USING FFINSTAL 21
4.1 FFInstal Main menu 21
4.2 Example usage 22
4.3 Second level menus 23
4.3.1 Define colors 24
4.3.2 Printer options 25
4.3.3 Editor options 26
4.3.4 Misc. options 28
4.3.5 Status of options 29
APPENDIX A Printer Selection Menu 30
REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE 31
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 4
1.0 INTRODUCTION
-----------------
EZ-Forms First (EZ-Forms for short) is a forms manager which lets
you, the user, generate master forms tailored to your unique
needs. Version 1.0 of EZ-Forms consists of an installation
program, called FFInstal and the main program, EZ-Forms.
FFInstal, a companion program, lets you customize EZ-Forms to
suit your preferences.
EZ-Forms is a stand-alone program and will work without you EVER
having to specify any defaults unless you want to. Those of us
who have color monitors like to be able to choose colors,
FFInstal allows you to choose ALL of the default colors. Other
options include support for different printers and customizing
the editor (help level, INS/OVR default, and tab distance).
2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION
------------------------
EZ-Forms allows you to create or revise a master form or a
completed (filled out) form. A master form can be altered only
when in the "create or revise a master form" mode. Master and
completed forms can be stored as well as printed. Once a master
form has been created and saved, you can recall it an unlimited
number of times to fill out and then store as a completed form.
EZ-Forms supports IBM (Epson) compatible printers as well as
several other printers, however only Epson, Prowriter, and
certain other printers can take advantage of the compressed mode
used by EZ-Forms for printing out larger forms.
EZ-Forms requires an IBM PC or IBM PC compatible with at least
256K of RAM (only 192K of this is needed by EZ-Forms). Direct
screen memory access is used to provide high speed screen
updates. This may make EZ-Forms unusable on some "not too close"
IBM PC compatibles. If after loading EZ-Forms, you see only
text, no borders, then you have a compatibility problem. IBM
monochrome, color, and enhanced graphics adaptors are known to
work with EZ-Forms. If you are using an IBM color graphics card
with a "green screen" then you must use the DOS MODE command that
is on your DOS diskette to default to black and white (type MODE
BW80 and then run EZ-Forms). If you are using a serial printer,
then use the DOS MODE command to route the serial printer to LPT1
(see your DOS manual for details).
EZ-Forms has grown so large that it now uses a second file to
hold additional commands. This file is called an overlay file
and is named EZFF.000. Please ensure that it is on the default
drive when you run EZ-Forms. To check for EZFF.000, use the DOS
command DIR <Enter>. All the names of the files on your drive
will be listed on the screen. EZFF.000 MUST remain available
during the entire time you are running EZ-Forms. Sections of this
file are brought into the computer's memory for some of the
NOTE: For the TestDrive, EZFF.COM is EZFF-TD.COM
^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 5
commands in EZ-Forms. This is one of the penalties for a more
powerful program. EZ-Forms "knows" where to find EZFF.000 (drive
and directory), so you still can change drives and directories.
2.1 INSTALLATION OF EZ-FORMS:
------------------------------
Your package should contain a diskette labeled EZ-Forms First.
MAKE A BACKUP COPY of this diskette using the DOS DISKCOPY
command. Store the original in a safe place. See the license
notice on page 2 for limitations on distribution. Remember that
your registration number is embedded in the program for
traceability.
Note: <cr> = Enter = Return
Diskette System:
----------------
Make sure you have DOS (Disk Operating System) loaded and are at
the A> prompt. Copy all of the files from the distribution
diskette to a formatted diskette (with SYSTEM files and your own
AUTOEXEC.BAT if you want to boot your PC from this diskette).
See your Disk Operating System manual or contact your local
computer "guru" for details on DOS. You may want to delete some
of the forms to provide additional work space. To run the
program, type "EZFF" <cr>. ("EZFF-TD" for the TestDrive version.
Hard Disk System (DOS already loaded at the C>):
------------------------------------------------
First, create a subdirectory called "EZFF". eg, at the prompt C>
type MD\EZFF <cr>. Copy all of the files from the distribution
diskette to this subdirectory.
That is, put the distribution diskette into drive A and type:
COPY A:*.* C:\EZFF <cr>
Make sure you log to the C:\EZFF subdirectory:
At C> type, CD \EZFF <cr>
You can then run FFInstal.COM, GO.BAT, or EZFF.COM as explained
above (i.e., type EZFF <cr>). Run EpsGraph.EXE before EZFF.COM
if applicable (see section 3.6.2 for details).
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 6
3.0 USING EZ-FORMS FIRST
------------------------
Everything has a beginning. The ballerina begins by sticking her
foot into her slipper, the college professor by finding his box
of multicolored chalk, and you'll begin by loading DOS into your
computer. If you are an experienced computer user then type EZFF
and skip to the description of the menu items.
However, if you're not a long time PC user you may need to take
it slowly. So after loading DOS, insert your work diskette, type
EZFF and press enter. If you have a hard drive see section 2.1.
At this point, some nice to know information will come up.
Basically, if you are this far along, your computer has enough
memory to run EZ-Forms. Press any key to continue.
3.1 EZ-FORMS MAIN MENU
-----------------------
-----------[*** EZ-FORMS ***]------------
| |
| |
| <1> Create/Revise Master Form |
| <2> Complete a Master Form |
| |
| <3> Revise Completed Form |
| <4> Print Form |
| |
| <5> Utilities |
| <6> General Information |
| |
| <7> Exit to DOS |
| |
| |
| Press Your Selection |
| |
| |
-----------------------------------------
The Main Menu options with descriptions are below.
1. Create/Revise Master Form: This option allows you to create
a new master form or revise an existing one. You can
designate the form size (maximum size is 86 lines by 130
columns), add (or delete) a border and draw horizontal or
vertical lines. The cursor control keys are enabled, so you
can "walk around" a newly created form.
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 7
2. Complete a Master Form: With this option, you can retrieve,
and complete a copy of a master form. Text added to the
original master form can be manipulated. However, any text
which is part of the master form can't be changed.
3. Revise Completed Form: Here you can recall a completed form
for revision. This option is the same as option two, except
that you're not starting with a "clean slate" master
form. You have complete freedom to revise any portion of the
form except for the master form outline and text.
4. Print a Form: This option gives you full access to the
computer directories and drives to allow you flexibility in
searching out and printing forms. If you have an Epson or
Epson compatible, then you can take advantage of the
solid lines and compressed print format for larger forms.
5. Utilities: This section lets advanced users really "play"
with EZ-Forms. You will be able to manipulate forms --
erase, copy, and even rename forms.
6. General Information: For those of you who will just have to
run EZ-Forms before reading the documentation, here is a
short overview.
7. Exit to DOS: All good things must come to an end. Choose this
option if you want to leave EZ-Forms and return to DOS.
3.2 SUGGESTIONS/EXAMPLE USAGE
------------------------------
STEPS FOR EXAMPLE: Creating a master form named TEMP.
1. Bring up EZ-Forms. (i.e. Run it.)
NOTE: You must be in DOS with EZFF.COM and EZFF.000 in the
active drive or have it on your hard disk in the active
directory. Type EZFF, then press enter.
2. Press any key to go from the EZ-Forms logo to the Main Menu.
3. Select 1 for Create/Revise Master Form. The screen will
clear and you will be presented with a menu of all the
existing master forms.
4. Press enter to signal that you are ready to select a form.
Type TEMP and press enter. A menu will appear asking you
to define the form size.
5. Select 3 for a 40 line by 80 column form. You are now in the
edit mode for a master form.
6. Press F7. A border will appear around the entire form.
Notice that the bottom of the form is missing. We are only
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 8
looking at the 1st 24 lines of a 40 line form.
7. Press PgDn. The rest of the form will now appear.
8. Press F5 for a line. Move the cursor to the right side of
the form by pressing Ctrl and the keypad right arrow. Press
F5 again. We have just drawn a horizontal line on line 17 of
our form. Don't worry about the "-" in column 1 of the
form overwriting part of the border. Just press F7 once
more to restore the border.
9. Be creative. Walk around on the form and type in text, make
vertical lines, or anything you desire. Refer to this manual
or press F1 (Help) for more information on the key functions.
Refer to section 3.4 (Setting up fields) for information on
how to add fields to the form. Don't forget to press any key
to resume editing.
10. For some boxes in the form, hold down the Alt key and press
one of the keys between F1 and F10 or Ctrl F1. This will
allow you to insert graphic characters into the text. This
allows you to make intersecting lines.
11. Press F10 (Exit). We are ready to save our masterpiece.
12. Select 6 (Save and Exit). When asked for the file name type
TEMP and press enter. TEMP will now be saved.
13. Select 2 (Complete a Master Form). A directory of master
forms will be displayed. Press enter, type TEMP, and press
enter again.
14. You are now in the "complete a form" mode. Walk around on
the screen and "fill out" the form you generated earlier.
Notice how the master form itself is protected from erasure.
15. Press F10 (Exit). We have now completed a master form.
16. Select 6 (Save and Exit). When asked for the file name type
TEMP01 and press enter. We have just saved our first
completed form (notice the 01 we added after TEMP in the file
name, this allows easy reference later).
17. We are now back at the Main Menu. From here you can print
TEMP or call it in for further revision.
18. When you are done, press 7 (Exit to DOS).
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 9
NOTE: EZ-Forms can import normal ASCII text files into any form.
This area of the EZ-Forms should be reserved for the
expert user.
You can import ASCII text files produced by wordprocessors or
even the forms from some of the commercial forms packages. Steps
for importing text files are listed below.
1. Ensure the text file to be imported is in ASCII format.
2. Create a new master form using option 1 from the main menu.
A good size is number 1 -- 84 lines by 130 columns, you can
always use F2 later to resize the form.
3. Move the cursor to line 2, column 2 allowing room for a
border you may want to add later.
4. Press CtrlK R to read in a file at the current cursor
position. You will be given the option to start at a line
other than the beginning of the file. Next type in the
complete file name you want to import (read in) and press
enter. You will need to enter an offset starting line the
next time you use CtrlK R to read the rest of the file.
5. When asked if you want to convert high ASCII characters to
spaces, answer Y. What this means is the EZ-Forms will
convert some of the "strange" (ASCII 1-31 and 127-255)
characters to spaces.
6. Resize form as necessary. Insert field markers as needed.
7. Use F7 to draw a border around the form.
8. Press F10 when finished. Repeat the above steps until you
have all the pages in the text file converted to separate
master forms.
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 10
3.3 EZ-FORMS SECOND LEVEL MENUS
--------------------------------
The following menus can only be reached by selecting an option
from a earlier menu. From the main menu - options 4 and 5
present you with the second level menus for printing and
utilities. These menus are described below.
3.3.1 PRINT MENU
----------------
----------[*** PRINT MENU ***]-----------
| |
| |
| <1> Print Master Form |
| <2> Print Completed Form |
| |
| <3> Change logged drive |
| <4> Change Directory |
| |
| <5> Return -- I'm Done! |
| |
| |
| Press Your Selection |
-----------------------------------------
From the print menu you can select either a master or completed
form for printing. If the form you want to print is on another
drive or directory then you can use options 3 or 4 to get to the
form and then print it or specify a drive as the first two
characters (example --> A:myform).
For notes on how to do the printing and what capability the
different printers have please refer to section 3.6 PRINTING.
If you have an Epson or "Epson Code Compatible" printer, EZ-Forms
installed for use with EpsGraph, and EpsGraph loaded then an
additional menu will come up at this point allowing you to choose
print quality. To load EpsGraph, copy EpsGraph.EXE from the
original diskette to your current drive and directory. Type
EpsGraph and press enter. Within EZ-Forms you will now be able
to choose a quick draft, medium quality with solid lines, or go
for high quality with everything in solid bold lines. This
really produces a nice form on the Epson series printers.
Printers that can use EpsGraph include Epson, Gemini Star, IBM
Graphics, Panasonic, and many others. You can even print
compressed forms with completely solid lines!
If you have a HP LaserJet compatible printer you must load
HPGraph prior to running the program if you want solid lines,
etc. Read HPGRAPH.DOC for more details on this. You must also
use FFInstall to install the Extended ASCII printer option (type O).
If you select printer type "HP LaserJet compatible with Y cartridge"
(type E), and use HPGraph, you will be able to get 66 lines on a
8.5" by 11 inch piece of paper. We compress the line spacing
slightly to do this. IF you must have true 6 lpi, select the
Extended ASCII (type O) printer option. Then you will have to watch
out for the fact that some HP LaseJets and compatibles will only
print 60 or 62 lines per 11" long page. You may have to experiment,
or you will experience "page creep".
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 11
HPGraph is a memory resident program that will convert the
Extended ASCII line drawing characters into graphic codes that
your HP LaserJet/compatible can understand. HPGraph supports only
10 characters per inch horizontally, and 6 (6.4 slightly compressed
if printer type "E" or something like "LASER66.COM" is used)
vertically. Landscape printing is not supported. See HPGraph.DOC
for more details.
3.3.2 UTILITIES MENU
--------------------
--------[*** UTILITIES MENU ***]---------
| |
| |
| <1> Erase a Form |
| <2> Copy a Form |
| |
| <3> Rename a Form |
| <4> Display Directory |
| |
| <5> Check Free Disk Space |
| <6> Change Directory |
| |
| <7> Change Default Drive |
| <8> Return to Main Menu |
| |
| |
| Press Your Selection |
| |
| |
-----------------------------------------
From the utilities menu you can erase, copy, or rename a master
or completed form. Option 4 on this menu will display ALL files,
not just those related to EZ-Forms. If you are using this
section it is assumed that you are fairly familiar with your PC's
operation.
Please note that you cannot use option 3 to rename a form to its
current name or use option 5 to check free disk space on any
drive other than the default drive.
WARNING: EZ-Forms consists of EZFF.COM and EZFF.000, the overlay
file. You MUST leave EZFF.000 in the same
directory/drive you started EZ-Forms in, even if you
use option 6 or 7 above. Example: Do NOT bring EZ-
Forms up on drive A, use option 7 to switch to drive B,
and then remove the diskette from drive A. EZ-Forms
still needs to access EZFF.000 on drive A. If it isn't
found then EZ-Forms will return to DOS!
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 12
3.4 SETTING UP FIELDS
----------------------
EZ-Forms doesn't support data fields in the normal sense. Since
EZ-Forms is based around a wordprocessor model instead a data
base model, a unique method is used to simulate fields. By using
the wordprocessing approach EZ-Forms gains a great deal of
flexibility. This works by your setting up the master form such
that only blank areas in the form are where you want the "fields"
to be. In the completed form the tab key will then allow you to
move to the next unprotected area.
Two methods are provided to allow easy field set up.
1. If you have a master form that has very few areas that you
want to write in, then use F3 to fill the entire form with
field markers '~' (tilde). Then just walk around with the
cursor and clear out the area you want to be able to fill in
for the completed form. The space bar works well for this.
Or you may want to use CtrlK E to erase field markers from a
section after marking it as a block. A field marker, tilde,
can be entered from the keyboard simply by pressing that key
for small touchups.
2. To selectively protect a section of the master form, use the
block functions (CtrlK plus I) to selectively insert the
field markers. You can follow this up with the CtrlK E after
marking a block to selectively erase field markers.
Don't worry about the field markers from the master form showing
up in the completed form. Field markers from the master form
will remain invisible. They are used only to keep track of what
is protected. Also the field markers will not show up when you
print the form. Converting field markers to spaces is automatic
when you export a block from a form.
When you are completing a master form, use insert field markers
(F3) to show the unprotected parts. The field markers will show
up in the unprotected text color, highlighting where the main
form is unprotected. These tildes will show you where you can
type. They will appear in the same text color as any other text
you type in but won't print or have any affect on anything you
are doing.
Setting up fields isn't really that hard. All you are doing is
limiting the unprotected areas to where you REALLY want to type.
EZ-Forms then tabs between these areas in the completed form.
Don't forget that shift+Tab takes you backwards thru the fields.
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 13
3.5 KEY DESCRIPTIONS
---------------------
Generating a master form consists of determining form dimensions,
drawing lines, and adding appropriate text. EZ-Forms defines the
numeric keypad keys, the keyboard keys, and function keys to make
this task easy.
KEYPAD KEYS: With the exception of the insert and delete keys,
all keypad keys are non-destructive, that is, the
character under the cursor is not changed.
FUNCTION KEYS: These keys perform different functions depending
on whether you are working on a master form or a
completed form.
FUNCTION KEYS ARE NUMERIC KEY PAD CURSOR MOVEMENT KEYS
F1 HELP Up Arrow ONE LINE UP
F2 RESIZE FORM Down Arrow ONE LINE DOWN
F3 INSERT FIELD MARKERS Right Arrow ONE COLUMN RIGHT
F4 REMOVE FIELD MARKERS Left Arrow ONE COLUMN LEFT
F5 DRAW LINE Ctrl Right Arrow RIGHT SIDE OF FORM
F6 ERASE LINE Ctrl Left Arrow LEFT SIDE OF FORM
F7 DRAW BORDER PpUp ONE PAGE UP
F8 ERASE BORDER PgDn ONE PAGE DOWN
F9 CLEAR FORM Home UPPER LEFT OF PAGE
F10 EXIT -- SAVE MENU End LOWER LEFT OF PAGE
Ctrl Home UPPER LEFT OF FORM
NOTE: F3 and F4 work with Ctrl End LOWER LEFT OF FORM
field markers for ENTIRE Ctrl PgUp TOP OF FORM
form. Use CtrlK I and E CTRL PgDn BOTTOM OF FORM " "
for sections of a form.
Alt F1-F10 and Ctrl F1 will allow you to draw the border
characters at any point within the form. You may need to use
some of these characters to touch up after drawing lines or
making a border around the form.
Notes:
F3 and F4 work with field markers for the entire form, not just a
portion (use CtrlK I and E for a portion). These field markers
can be inserted using the tilde from the keyboard and erased
simply by spacing over them.
For F5 and F6 position the cursor at the beginning point and
press the function key once. Then position cursor at the ending
point and press the function key again. F5 and F6 can be used
for either vertical or horizontal line drawing/erasing.
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 14
KEYBOARD KEYS: All letters and numbers are entered as you
normally would from the keyboard. Some keys are
special keyboard keys which are a combination of
the control key (or ALT) and another key. In
these cases (for example the control right
arrow), hold the control (or ALT) key down and
press the second key (in this case, the right
arrow key).
The special keyboard keys are:
enter/return: move one line down, start of line
backspace: move cursor one position left along with the rest
of the line
ins: toggle between insert and overwrite for the editor
CURRENT DATE/TIME FEED INSERT OR DELETE LINE
CtrlF + D FEED DATE Ctrl Enter INSERT LINE
CtrlF + T FEED TIME Ctrl Y DELETE LINE
NOTE: Must have room on the NOTE: Insert may cause the last
line to display full time or line of the form to be pushed off
date otherwise only part of the end. Also text will be lost
the time or date will appear. if you try to write over a
The system time and date must protected character. Insert line
be set correctly for these to will cause EACH and EVERY line
return the correct values. to move down by one. BE CAREFUL!
AUTO NUMBERING: - To set up auto numbering in the master form
press CtrlN. Ensure there is enough space to
insert the number between the cursor position
and the right side of the form. Each time you
complete it (Main Menu #2) the number will
increment. If you need to change the number in
the master form, start with a different
sequence number then just type over the old
number. The sequence number MUST be a valid
number (if you choose a five digit number it
MUST be between 00000 and 99999)!
SELECT ASSISTANCE LEVEL - Use the Esc key to select help mode.
All of the block operations and many of
the operations in EZ-Forms will give
extra information and prompt you prior
to performing the function. In the
regular mode you receive all messages.
The regular mode is the default.
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 15
BLOCK TEXT OPERATIONS BLOCK FILE OPERATIONS
B BEGIN BLOCK W WRITE BLOCK TO DISK
K END BLOCK R READ BLOCK FROM DISK
V MOVE MARKED BLOCK
C COPY MARKED BLOCK
Y DELETE MARKED BLOCK BLOCK PRINTER OPERATIONS
U UNMARK BLOCK
I INSERT FIELD MARKERS P PRINT COPY AS IS
E ERASE FIELD MARKERS
NOTE: Block operations consist of two keystrokes -- CtrlK +
above key. CtrlK means while holding down the Ctrl key
press the K key. Block text and block file operations use
the marked text area and the current cursor location.
Examples for block operations:
In a block move operation the block will be moved from the
highlighted area to where the cursor was when you pressed the
CtrlK V key combination. A block consists of at least one line
and one column. The beginning of the block, CtrlK B, must be no
greater than the end of the block, CtrlK E.
If the beginning of the block is line 2, column 2 then the end of
the block must be at LEAST line 2, column 2. A valid block would
be from line 2, column 2 to line 3, column 5.
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 16
3.6 PRINTING
-------------
If you don't have a printer, then you've got problems. This
section assumes you have no problems (at least not printer type
problems). EZ-Forms supports various dot matrix and daisy wheel
printers such as type Epson MX, FX, and RX series, the Prowriter
dot matrix, and the C.ITOH Starwriter series printers.
3.6.1 General
--------------
EZ-Forms does not require you to define your printer type before
you can print. A default printer type is assumed which should
work with any printer but will not be able to print out the
larger forms. All you have to do is run the install program
(FFInstal) and select your printer type from the menu to enable
printing out larger forms. That is, if your printer supports it.
Note: If you have a printer (example MX-100) which can handle
wide forms and want to use compressed print for large
forms on narrow (80 column) paper, then select MX-80
instead of MX-100.
Once you get past the option 4 from the main menu or the CtrlK P
while in the editing mode, you will see the following menu.
--------------[*** PRINT OPTIONS ***]--------------
| |
| <1> Print only master form portion |
| <2> Print only completed form portion |
| (Clear Forms Overlay) |
| <3> Print all portions of form |
| <4> Print multiple copies |
| <5> Abort printing |
| <6> Ready to print -- Do it! |
| |
| Status: Print all portions of the form. |
| Print 1 copy(ies). |
| |
| Press your selection (1-6)? |
| |
---------------------------------------------------
Options 1&2 - Allows you to selectively print out only a portion
of the form. One use for option 2 is if you have
preprinted forms, then on completed forms you can
print only the filled in portion on the preprinted
form (clear forms overlay).
Option 3 - Allows you to return the printing mode to the
default -- print all portions of the form.
Option 4 - Provides the capability to print multiple copies.
This might come in handy if you need to print 2
copies for your records or the customer.
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 17
Option 5 - Allows you to return to what you were doing without
going thru the printing. This is the OOPS option.
Once you have everything set up, option 6 allows you to go ahead
and print. Please note that the status section on the menu will
always reflect the portion of the form to be printed and the
number of copies desired. Press any key to abort printing. EZ-
Forms will then give you a chance to stop printing.
Here are some notes to help keep your association with EZ-Forms
on a friendly basis.
1. Most printers can print 66 lines per page. Most of the pre-
defined forms are 64 lines x 80 columns, allowing a couple of
extra lines at the end to compensate for paper alignment.
Adjust your printer so that the first line prints at the VERY
top of the page. If you don't, some of the forms may spill
over onto the next page.
2. Some printers have micro-justification (usually controlled
by a switch inside the printer). Make sure this switch is
off before using EZ-Forms (usually this means turning off the
switch AND turning the printer off and back on). If your
printer uses micro-justification then the right border of the
printed form will NOT line up vertically.
3. If you do not have an Epson compatible, Prowriter, Toshiba
dot matrix printer, or certain other printers then you can't
use the compressed print mode.
4. FFInstal will allow you to describe to EZ-Forms the codes
needed for any printer. If you use this option to install a
new printer type and would like for it to be supported in
future versions of FFInstal then do a print screen on the
printer code summary display. This summary display is
available in the custom printer installation area. Mail the
printout to us and we will try to include direct support for
your printer in the next software update.
5. Some laser printers may require that you save the form to an
ASCII file via the export provisions in EZ-Forms. Then after
proper printer initialization, you can print the ASCII file
from DOS with the command: COPY "filename" PRN (or LPT1:,
COM1, ETC.).
6. You may have noticed that the HP LaserJet printer is now
supported by FFInstal. Completely solid vertical and
horizontal lines are supported (you MUST use font cartridge
"Y"). Also compressed print and 88 lines per page is
supported. Due to the way the HP LaserJet works, you must
completely finish printing one form under EZ-Forms before
printing another. Let the machine rest a few seconds until
the motor turns off. You will then be able to print another
form. If you see error 22 (printer buffer overflow) flash on
the LaserJet display then you need to press a key to stop EZ-
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 18
Forms from printing, take the printer off line, and do a form
feed. This will allow you to get your printer set up
correctly to begin printing another form.
7. Sideways printing. Sideways 3.0 by Funk Software, Inc.
supports sideways printing of text containing the character
graphics symbols like those used in the EZ-Forms forms. If
you have a wide form and want to print it out sideways then
continue reading. You must export a form before it can be
printed under Sideways. To do this:
a. Call up a form under option 1, 2, or 3 from the main EZ-
Forms menu.
b. Press CtrlK W.
c. Answer yes to mark the entire form for export.
d. Do NOT translate the border characters, we want them left
as character graphics, not translated to : and -.
e. Specify a temporary file name (example: temp).
f. Exit EZ-Forms and call up Sideways.
g. Tell it to print your exported file, NOT the EZ-Forms
form.
h. Using normal sized print, you should be able to print a
form 130 columns by 53 lines on a single page. Good
luck.
3.6.2 EpsGraph
--------------
EZ-Forms now comes with a special program, EpsGraph, for the
Epson series printers. Use FFInstal to select either EpsGraph 80
or EpsGraph 100 type printer. Load EpsGraph before you try to
print a form under EZ-Forms. EpsGraph allows your printer to
print completely solid vertical and horizontal lines within EZ-
Forms. Draft, medium, and high quality printing is also
selectable. EpsGraph.EXE was written in assembly language to
ensure the highest possible speed. Outstanding print quality!
If you have EpsGraph 80 or 100 installed as the default printer
type and you hear a beep from your printer while you are printing
a form, then you have forgotten to load EpsGraph and the printer
is reacting to one of the codes EZ-Forms uses for EpsGraph.
3.6.3 HPGraph
-------------
HPGraph is a memory resident Extended ASCII to HP LaserJet
graphic converter. It will allow you to print the line drawing
characters on your HP LaserJet. HPGraph must be loaded prior to
using EZ-Forms AND you must use FFInstal to select the Extended
ASCII printer driver.
3.7 NOTES ON EZ-FORMS
----------------------
EZ-Forms has been in development over four years. EZ-Forms First
is based on our EZ-Forms C.30 release and represents about the
midpoint in EZ-Forms' development. Advanced versions of EZ-Forms
are available (10-100 times more powerful).
3.8 24 pin printers
-------------------
See the file called 24PINDOC.COM on the distribution disk.
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 19
GENERAL:
1. Screen manipulation, including windowing, is handled by
writing directly to screen memory. This provides extremely
fast screen updates and allows high speed text scrolling on
the screen. Checks are performed to determine if your system
is color or monochrome. The corresponding section of memory
is used.
2. If you have chosen an Epson compatible printer, then EZ-
Forms will use compressed print and adjust the line spacing
as necessary to fit your form on a single sheet of paper.
3. The limit on the number of files in a directory for EZ-Forms
is 2000 files. If you have more files that this in a SINGLE
directory, then please divide the directory prior to running
EZ-Forms.
4. EZ-Forms First can read forms created by EZ-Forms rev C and
earlier versions. The only things lost using a form created
under a earlier version is the solid lines and recognition of
the border in the editor. The editor won't automatically
place the cursor in column 2 when you press enter.
5. If you would like to print a compressed version of a normal
sized form (64x80), then read the form into the editor using
1, 2, or 3 from the main menu. Use F2 to resize the form to
84x130. Press CtrlK P to print the form from the editor.
The form will be printed in a much smaller version IF your
printer supports this feature (works with Epson and HP
LaserJet to mention a couple) AND you used FFInstal to
install your printer type.
SAVING:
1. Retyping the file name is required only if you have created a
new master form or filled out a master form. If you are
editing an existing form then press enter when asked for file
name and the original file name will be used.
2. Before saving, a check is made to ensure sufficient space is
left on the diskette and that the file doesn't already exist.
If a problem occurs, EZ-Forms will prompt you for the
necessary action. Space is checked ONLY on the default
drive!
DEFAULT DRIVE:
EZ-Forms allows you to change the default drive so that you can
have full access to all the drives on your system. If an error
occurs while saving to one drive, you can always switch to
another drive and try again. You MUST leave EZFF.000 available
in the same drive and directory where you brought up EZ-Forms.
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 20
CHANGE DIRECTORY:
Many of the menus allow you to change directories. You can
access all the directories available on the default drive if you
are using DOS ver 2.0 or later.
FILE NAME EXTENSIONS
1. EZ-Forms uses the file name extensions FRM and FOF to
designate master form and completed (filled out) form
respectively. You won't see the extensions unless you ask
for a complete directory listing from the utilities menu or
from DOS.
2. Master forms, when saved to disk, consist of only the text
with a 128 byte header containing information about the form
size. The file is written without a carriage return/line
feed added to the end of each line. This saves diskette
space but makes the file unusable by most word processors
UNLESS you export the form (see the section on exporting
forms).
3. Completed forms, when saved to disk consist, of the text
alternated with the character attribute for protected/non-
protected along with the 128 byte header.
MEMORY USAGE:
Memory resident programs, such as SideKick or printer spoolers
will subtract from the amount of memory available to run EZ-
Forms. If you have only 256K of memory and load in any memory
resident programs, then EZ-Forms may not run. Yes, this includes
EpsGraph. Don't worry, EpsGraph is very small and won't affect
available memory by much (only about 1200 bytes).
3.8 INFORMATION ON INCLUDED FORMS
---------------------------------
Many pre-designed forms are provided with EZ-Forms. Their names
are mneumonic, that is, their names roughly indicate what the form
is for. Call them up from the edit menu and view each one
individually for more information.
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 21
4.0 USING FFINSTAL
-------------------
The EZ-Forms diskette contains a program you will never need to
run -- unless you want to customize the way EZ-Forms runs.
FFInstal is the installation program for EZ-Forms. Everything in
EZ-Forms is defaulted such that most users will never NEED to
reconfigure it, except for printer type. If you run FFInstal you
will see the following menu after the opening credits.
4.1 FFInstal Main Menu
-----------------------
-----[*** EZ-FORMS Installation ***]-----
| |
| |
| <1> Define Colors |
| <2> Printer Options |
| |
| <3> Editor Options |
| <4> Misc Options |
| |
| <5> Show Options |
| <6> Abandon -- No Changes |
| |
| <7> Exit and Retain Changes |
| |
| |
| Press Your Selection |
| |
| |
-----------------------------------------
What these options offer you is laid out in the following menus.
When you select any of the first 5 options you will see one of
the menus listed in the second level menus area (4.3). Option 6
will abandon (fancy for throw away) any changes made during
running FFInstal. Option 7 will exit and update the configuration
file (EZ-Forms.CNF) on the default drive and directory.
EZ-Forms.CNF contains ALL the installation options you have
selected. You can have multiple configuration files defined so
long as you rename EZ-Forms.CNF to another name. Look at the
configuration files provided on disk number 1. You should see
COLOR.CNF and BW.CNF. These are all configuration files but are
used based on the type of display you have. You can use the same
method to handle several printers connected to a single computer,
each printer needing a special configuration file. Simply copy
the appropriate configuration file to EZ-Forms.CNF before using
that printer type (don't forget to use the DOS MODE command to
route your printer to LPT1 if it isn't already on LPT1).
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 22
4.2 EXAMPLE USAGE
------------------
STEPS FOR EXAMPLE: Updating configuration file for printer type.
1. Bring up FFInstal. To do this insert the diskette with
FFInstal.COM on it. Type FFInstal and press enter.
2. After you admire the opening menu for a few seconds press any
key to get rid of it.
3. Press option 5 for a display showing the status of ALL
the EZ-Forms installable options.
4. Take note of the default printer type. It will be buried
about one half of the way down in the text at the bottom of
the screen. It should be "Plain Dot Matrix". Not many of us
have a "plain" anything. So lets install it for our printer
type.
5. Press any key to return to the main installation menu.
6. Press 2 for printer options. A menu containing different
printer options will appear.
7. Press 1 to select a new printer type. If you see your
printer type on the menu that now appears, then press the
letter by it. If not, then probably the "Plain Dot Matrix"
printer type will be a good guess. Press the letter by it.
8. After you select your printer type, the previous menu will
return. Press 5 to exit (return to the main menu).
9. The main menu will appear.
10. Feel free to redefine the colors or any other items you would
like. If you change the default colors, please ensure they
are different from each other (i.e. don't use black text on
a black background). Use the show options 5, to see how all
the colors look together.
11. At this point you can press 5 to view the options again or 7
to save your configuration and return to DOS.
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 23
4.3 SECOND LEVEL MENUS
----------------------
The following menus are used only if you make the corresponding
selection from the main FFInstal menu.
4.3.1 DEFINE COLORS
-------------------
---------[CHANGE DEFAULT COLORS]---------
| |
| |
| <1> Change Main Text Color |
| <2> Change Secondary Text Color |
| |
| <3> Change Warning/Status Text |
| <4> Change Text Background Color |
| |
| <5> Change Normal Border Color |
| <6> Change Warning Border Color |
| |
| <7> Change Block Text Background |
| <8> Exit |
| |
| |
| Press Your Selection |
| |
| |
-----------------------------------------
This menu allows you to change ALL colors used in EZ-Forms. A
brief description of how each color is used for follows.
Main Text Color - This is the main text color used throughout EZ-
Forms. This is the text color for protected characters. For the
master forms, this will be the only character text color. For
completed forms this is the protected text color.
Secondary Text Color - This is the text color for unprotected
text in the completed form mode.
Warning/Status Text Color - This color calls your attention to
important items in EZ-Forms. This color is used for the status
on the bottom line when in the editor and for warning messages
when you are about to do something that could cause a problem.
Normal Border Color - The normal border color is used for all
normal window borders. Try to choose a color that is restful but
still stands out from the background. The light blue used in the
default may not be your best choice.
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 24
Warning Border Color - A special border color is used if
something is likely to cause a problem or if you are in a high
accident area. Normally red works well for this.
Normal Text Background Color - This color is used throughout EZ-
FORMS as the background color for the entire screen.
Block Text Background Color - This color highlights the text that
is to be operated on in the block text operations (that is the
CtrlK type functions).
Listed below are some of the colors that seem to work well for
EZ-Forms First.
Color definitions:
Dark Colors Light Colors
0 Black 8 Dark Gray
1 Blue 9 Light Blue
2 Green 10 Light Green
3 Cyan 11 Light Cyan
4 Red 12 Light Red
5 Magenta 13 Light Magenta
6 Brown 14 Yellow
7 LightGray 15 White
Some colors that seem to work well:
COLOR COLOR COMPOSITE
USED FOR SET #1 SET #2 B&W 3270 PC
-------- -------- ------- ----------- -------
Main text color: 14 0 15 14
Secondary text: 7 1 8 1
Warning/status: 4 4 15 4
Normal window: 9 6 7 6
Warning window: 4 4 15 4
Text background: 0 7 0 0
Block background: 2 2 7 2
NOTE: Some RGB monitors do not have the capability to vary the
intensity. What this means really is that your RGB
monitor may have the capability to display only the dark
colors and not the light colors. Most newer color RGB
systems do not have this problem.
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 25
4.3.2 PRINTER OPTIONS
----------------------
--------[CHANGE PRINTER OPTIONS]---------
| |
| |
| <1> Select different printer |
| <2> Change printer lf/cr |
| |
| <3> Change lf print delay |
| <4> Line feed to top of page |
| |
| <5> Exit |
| |
| |
| Press Your Selection |
| |
| |
-----------------------------------------
With the printer options menu you have the capability to
customize how EZ-Forms works with your printer.
Option 1 - Allows you to select a different type of printer.
Many of the printers listed in option 1 support the
larger form sizes (up to 86 lines by 130 columns).
Some of the printers such as the Epson series, will
even support printing FULL graphic characters
resulting in SOLID lines on the printed form.
See Appendix A for current list.
Option 2 - Enables you to compensate for some printers which
automatically give you a line feed when you send a
carriage return, resulting in double spacing. If your
printer has a tendency to double space, then this
option tells EZ-Forms not to send a line feed when
printing. If you make a mistake on this selection and
disable the line feeds when you actually need them,
then EZ-Forms will print the entire form on a single
line without advancing the paper.
Option 3 - Change line feed print delay. Certain printers have
trouble advancing the paper to the next line if you
send a line feed too soon after a carriage return.
This option allows you to slow down only this one
portion of printing. For example, the IBM Graphics
Printer seems to require a delay of about 50. In
contrast, my Gemini-10X works fine with 0 print delay.
Don't adjust this delay unless just a couple of lines
out of the ENTIRE form print too closely together
(vertical spacing). The required delay is probably
specific to each individual printer and not the entire
class itself.
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 26
Option 4 - Provides you the capability to disable the automatic
paper advance to the top of the next page after
printing a form. This could prove very useful if you
like to print short forms with several on a single
page.
Option 5 - Returns you to the main menu after you're finished.
4.3.3 EDITOR OPTIONS
---------------------
--------[EDITOR/DISPLAY OPTIONS]---------
| |
| |
| <1> Disable display adaptor |
| <2> Set tab length |
| |
| <3> Sort file directories |
| <4> Regular/Expert mode |
| |
| <5> INS/OVR default |
| <6> Exit |
| |
| |
| Press Your Selection |
| |
| |
-----------------------------------------
This part of the EZ-Forms install program lets you work with some
of the less obvious features and gives you the power to make EZ-
Forms virtually unusable to anyone but the expert user. Lets see
how to go about that.
Option 1 - Many computers contain display adaptors that cause
snow on your screen whenever you output text on the
screen in a rapid manner. EZ-Forms routinely turns
off the display adaptor to prevent this snowy effect.
That's why you see the entire screen blank at times.
If your computer doesn't have problems with snow then
you can tell EZ-Forms not to disable the screen. By
not disabling the screen you'll see quicker updates of
text with virtually no screen blinking.
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 27
Option 2 - The tab key performs two functions in EZ-Forms. In
the master form mode it is a normal tab. This option
allows you to set the number of spaces the cursor
moves to the right when you press the tab key ONLY in
the master form mode. The form is divided up into
equal sections, each the default tab length. In
completed form mode it jumps between
"fields"/unprotected text areas. When you press the
tab key in the completed form mode, the cursor moves
to the start of the next section. See the section of
this manual dealing with "fields" to get a better feel
for how the tab key works with "fields".
Option 3 - Directory listings are normally sorted. Sort time
ranges from a couple of seconds for a small collection
of forms up to a couple of minutes for the maximum
number of forms supported by EZ-Forms (2000 in a
single directory). If your patience is shorter than
the sort time then use option 3 to disable it (the
sorting that is). A quick sort routine (one of the
fastest sort routines around) is used but even it
takes some time to do the job. (Be advised, without
the sort routine, you'll have a dickens of a time
finding your file. Better to lengthen your patience).
Option 4 - This option allows you to set EZ-Forms up for a
regular or expert user. Many of the operations in EZ-
Forms provide additional information about selections.
If the expert mode is selected then none of the
additional information is provided. The user always
has the option to press Esc while in the EZ-Forms
editor to alter the default. We recommend that if
several people normally use the program, then leave
the default set to regular user and let the experts
use Esc to temporarily alter the default.
Option 5 - The INS/OVR option allows you to alter the default
for the EZ-Forms editor to either insert or overwrite.
The normal default is overwrite. This seems to be the
best compromise if you deal a lot with both master and
completed forms. If you work mostly with completed
forms then insert may be a better default.
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 28
4.3.4 MISC OPTIONS
-------------------
----------[CHANGE MISC OPTIONS]----------
| |
| |
| <1> Enable/Disable sounds |
| <2> Exit |
| |
| |
| Press Your Selection |
| |
| |
-----------------------------------------
This menu is a kind of catch all for items that didn't fit in any
other area of the install program. Look for new options to show
up here in future revisions of FFInstal.
Option 1 - Allows you to turn off all sounds within EZ-Forms.
That includes all warning beeps before you are about
to exit from editing a form and haven't saved your
revisions. So disable sounds only if the beeps really
get to you.
Option 2 - Allows you to Exit this menu and return to the main
FFInstal menu. If you have any suggestions for
additional user installable options be sure and let me
know. We hate to have just one item listed here.
Seems like there should be more.
EZ-Forms First v1.1 USERS GUIDE Page 29
4.3.5 STATUS OF OPTIONS
------------------------
------------------------[DEFINED OPTIONS]------------------------
| |
|Dark Colors Light Colors Current defaults: |
| |
|0 Black 8 Dark Gray Main text color is: 0 |
|1 Blue 9 Light Blue Secondary text color is: 1 |
|2 Green 10 Light Green Warning/status text color is: 4 |
|3 Cyan 11 Light Cyan Normal window border color is: 6|
|4 Red 12 Light Red Warning window border color is:4|
|5 Magenta 13 Light Magenta Text background color is: 7 |
|6 Brown 14 Yellow Block text background color is:2|
|7 LightGray 15 White |
| |
|Disable display adaptor during direct access of video memory. |
|Sort files when doing a directory listing. |
|Set tab distance to 6 spaces. |
|Default printer name is: Plain Dot Matrix. |
|Use line feeds to advance printer paper to top of next page. |
|Use a line feed/carriage return at the end of printing a line. |
|Delay 50 ms after printing each line. |
|Editor insert/overwrite default is to overwrite. |
| |
| Press any key to continue. |
| |
-----------------------------------------------------------------
When you press option 5 from the main menu you will see a display
like the one above. The colors and status of the options will
depend on how you have your default configuration file set up.
This display is a very useful one because it shows you how ALL of
the colors are going to look when you use EZ-Forms. Look at the
text under "Current defaults". If any of the seven lines are
missing, then you have chosen an incompatible color set. For
example, you can't choose black text on a black background.
Most of the installable options for EZ-Forms are displayed here
for your review. We hope you have as much fun modifying the
options as we did when we initially checked everything out.
APPENDIX A
SELECT PRINTER OPTIONS (From within FFINSTAL.COM)
A. EpsGraph 80 series Epson printers -- best! Don't change printer name!!
B. EpsGraph 100 series Epson printers -- best! Don't change printer name!!
Note: EpsGraph gives full graphics support on any Epson dot matrix
printer (solid lines). Don't change printer name with option N.
For A or B, ALWAYS load EpsGraph from disk #2 before running EZ-Forms.
C. IBM Graphics(lg frms), Epson RX/MX/FX-80, Gemini 10X (try type A first!)
D. Epson RX/MX/FX-100, Gemini 15X (try type B first!)
E. HP LaserJet *** MUST use font cartridge "Y" *** Great!!!
F. HP ThinkJet 2225C
G. Banana
H. Toshibia P1351
I. Prowriter M8510B (supports character graphics)
J. C.Itoh Starwriter
K. Okidata 92A
L. Plain Dot Matrix
M. Plain Daisywheel
N. Custom printer installation (NOT for the beginner)
O. Extended ASCII. Use with HPGraph for HP LaserJet. Max form size: 60x80.
Use for printers like the FX-85 that can print Extended ASCII directly.
P. Return -- No Changes!
Press your selection (A-P)?
Also see the file called 24PINDOC.EXE for information of 24 pin printes.
24PINDOC <cr>
THANK YOU
This TestDrive/Valueware version of EZ-Forms First may be "shared" with others,
for evaluation purposes only. If you use it for more than 10 days, you are
expected to regi$ter. See info below.
EZ-Forms First(tm) is produced and (C) 1989 & 1990 copyrighted by:
EZX Publishing
P.O. Box 58177-FF11
Webster, Texas 77598 USA
For information call 713/280-9900. InfoFAX: 713/280-0525
WE ACCEPT VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, AMERICAN EXPRESS, and OPTIMA orders.
Refer to REGISTER.EXE (will print form with the "T" option) for the
latest pricing, etc. At DOS, just type REGISTER <cr>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Within EZ-FORMS FIRST, refer to REGISTER.FRM (you can view/print it).
For information on all other EZX ... products, refer to EZXINFO.COM
At DOS, just type: EZXINFO <cr>
Registration for EZ-FORMS FIRST is $39. That's right, only 39 bucks!
Send $39 plus shipping (see below) to the above address along with
your name and address to register this version. We will send the manual, etc.
notify you of future product enhancements. Refer to the main menu item 6 for
additional information on registration benefits. You can fill out the printed
certificate generated when you print the result of REGISTER.FRM.
Also see EZXINFO.EXE.
Dear Users of EZ-Forms First ver 1.1: August 1990
EZ-Forms First provides a documentation file (EZFF.DOC) to help you get
started quickly. Refer to the on-line help in the editor (F1 while the form
is visible) for a listing of the commands. Disk space is limited so you may
want to delete the documentation file from your work disk (keep a backup copy).
To print the EZ-FORMS FIRST MANUAL, make sure your printer has about 32 sheets
of paper loaded. Then at the DOS prompt, and with the file EZFF.DOC in the DOS
path or the default directory, type
COPY EZFF.DOC PRN (you may have to use LPT1:, LPT2:, etc.)
For information on EPSGRAPH.EXE, EPSGPH24.EXE, and HPGRAPH.EXE, type:
EPSGRDOC <cr>, <cr>, and/or HPGRDOC <cr>.
Print via the "T" option.
Capabilities in EZ-Forms First:
===============================
- Create master forms from scratch using solid graphic lines
- Fill out those forms in a protected mode where only the text can be added
- Save filled out forms for later printing or revision
- Printer support for IBM Extended ASCII line drawing characters
- Graphic driver programs to support Epson and HP LaserJet printers
- Forms are printed out using solid graphic lines with no breaks
- Support for pre-printed forms using the Clear Forms Overlay (CFO) option
at print time
- Resize master forms at any time without typing in form again
- Auto number, date, and time functions
- Forms created with EZ-Forms First are convertible if you should ever
move up to EZ-Forms Lite or EZ-Forms Executive, conversion is automatic.
- For more information about EZ-FORMS LITE & EXECUTIVE and about other EZX
products, see EZXINFO.COM. Just type EZXINFO <cr> at the DOS prompt.
Please help distribute this fully functional version of EZ-Forms First.
Pass copies to friends and upload to your local bulletin boards. Any
suggestions for improving the EZ-Forms... prodcut line would be appreciated.
Regards, Dave Black Software Development Manager, EZX Publishing
EZ-FORMS FIRST<tm> REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE
MAIL TO:
~~~~~~~~ EZX Publishing FAX TO: 1-713-280-0525
P.O. BOX 58177 - FF REG. Voice: 1-713-280-9900
Webster, TX 77598, USA VISA/MaterCard/AmeX/Discover accepted.
REGISTRATION INFO (Please fill out & mail.) Also see REGISTER.EXE
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
EZ-FORMS FIRST - Benefits include a printed manual, 90 days of free
phone support. Additional untilties and over 50
pre-designed forms are included. Unlimited use of
EZ-HOST BBS for customer support is also included.
Cost is only $39 plus shipping and handling.
EZ-FORMS LITE - Adds light bar menus and extensive, context sensitive
on-line help/manual. Also has basic math. Only $69 +s/h.
EZ-FORMS EXECUTIVE - Adds big-time math, macros, much, much more!
Only $129 plus s/h.
EZ-FORMS'DATABASE - Adds a ".DBF" comptible database with all the power
you'll ever need. Only $239 plus s/h.
Shipping is $6 USA-48, $12 AK,HI,PR,Canada,FPO,APO, $22 other foreign.
See EZXINFO.EXE for more details on s/h and EZX's other software products.
(Updated 8/90. Pricing, terms, etc. are subject to change without notice.)
See REGISTER.FRM, README.EXE, write, or call 713-280-9900 for latest details.
To the gang at EZX, please register my EZ-FORMS FIRST as follows:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
REGISTRATION DESIRED:___________________ OTHER PRODUCTS:__________________
(Note: For other products, see REGISTER.FRM or REGISTER.EXE)
COST:______________________ + SHIPPING:____________ = TOTAL:_____________
PAYMENT: Discover/VISA/MC/AX (Circle) NUMBER: ________________________________
SIGNATURE:____________________________ EXPIRATION DATE:________________
Signature and Phone Number _________________________ reqd. for cc orders.
CHECK NUMBER/AMOUNT:______________________________________________________
Make checks and money orders payable to EZX Publishing. USA funds drawn on
USA banks/branches only please. May be held until funds are clear. no CODs
Your Own Name (required):_________________________________________________
Company Name (optional):_________________________________________________
Street Address:_________________________________________________
City, State, Postal Code:_________________________________________________
Country: _______________ Phone/FAX Numbers:______________________________
How did you hear about EZX..? ___________________________________________
Would your like to be on our mailing list? ______________________________
Type of computer? ___________ _______Kram ______ FDD Monitor:_______
Hard Drive: _________________ Printer:________________________________
COMMENTS:________________________________________________________________
FAX to 713/280-0525 THANK YOU
EZ-FORMS FIRST
by EZX Publishing
EZ-FORMS FIRST (EZ-FORMS for short) gives you the capability to use your
computer to create master forms tailor-made to suit your unique needs.
Once created, these forms can be filled out and stored under code names
pertaining to their use (i.e. billing, invoice, comments, etc). EZ-FORMS
also gives you the capability to print and/or store completed or master
forms.
Comments or suggestions for improving EZ-FORMS will be appreciated.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
EZ-FORMS requires an IBM PC or compatible with at least 256K of RAM.
Printers supported include the Epson graphics printer and daisywheel
printers like the Bytewriter. Display adapters known to work with
EZ-FORMS are IBM monochrome, color, and enhanced graphics adapters.
Because direct screen access is used to enable high speed updating
of screen information, EZ-FORMS may be unuseable on the not too close
IBM PC compatibles. If this occurs please provide information on
your screen memory starting address and we will try to include your
display adapter particulars in the EZ-FORMS defaults.
If you have a "green screen" monitor attached to your color graphics
card, don't forget to use the DOS mode command -- MODE BW80. This
will ensure correct conversion of colors for your monitor.
HELP FOR DIRECTORY SCREEN
To edit an existing form simply press enter/return and type in one
of the names in the directory listing. If you want to generate a
new form then select option 1 from the main menu and enter a new
name when prompted for the file name during a directory listing.
All files in the directory listing are sorted if this option has not
been disabled with the EZ-FORMS install program. A very fast sort
routine is used, but with a large directory it may take a few seconds.
EZ-FORMS can handle a directory containing up to 2000 files. If you
have more files than that in a SINGLE directory then please break the
directory into smaller ones prior to running EZ-FORMS in that directory.
MORE HELP FOR DIRECTORY SCREEN
When a directory is displayed, the files will be sorted and displayed
left to right -- top of screen to bottom in order. Please take note
of the highlighted commands listed at the bottom of the screen.
If "Enter --> Input Filename" is displayed then you are expected to
look over the directory entries using the commands listed in the window
at the bottom of the screen. After you do this, use enter/return to
signal that you are ready to select a form to work with. Simply type
in the form name at the prompt and press enter/return again. If you
got here by accident the press enter/return without a filename entered
and EZ-FORMS will return you to the main menu.
If "Enter --> Input Filename" is not displayed then the directory is
there as a status and you are expected to press F10 to exit after you
finish looking it over.
You can always use F10 to exit without further action.
HELP FOR EDITING FORM
FUNCTION KEYS ARE NUMERIC KEY PAD CURSOR MOVEMENT KEYS
F1 HELP Up Arrow ONE LINE UP
F2 RESIZE FORM Down Arrow ONE LINE DOWN
F3 INSERT FIELD MARKERS Right Arrow ONE COLUMN RIGHT
F4 REMOVE FIELD MARKERS Left Arrow ONE COLUMN LEFT
F5 DRAW LINE Ctrl Right Arrow RIGHT SIDE OF FORM
F6 ERASE LINE Ctrl Left Arrow LEFT SIDE OF FORM
F7 DRAW BORDER PgUp ONE PAGE UP
F8 ERASE BORDER PgDn ONE PAGE DOWN
F9 CLEAR FORM Home UPPER LEFT OF PAGE
F10 EXIT -- SAVE MENU End LOWER LEFT OF PAGE
Ctrl Home UPPER LEFT OF FORM
NOTE: F3 and F4 work with Ctrl End LOWER LEFT OF FORM
field markers for ENTIRE Ctrl PgUp TOP OF FORM SAME COL
form. Use CtrlK I and E Ctrl PgDn BOTTOM OF FORM " "
for sections of form.
OTHER KEYS
CURRENT DATE/TIME FEED INSERT OR DELETE LINE
CtrlF + D FEED DATE Ctrl Enter INSERT LINE
CtrlF + T FEED TIME Ctrl Y DELETE LINE
NOTE: Must have room on line NOTE: Insert may cause the last line of
to display full time or date. the form to be pushed off the end. Also
Also current system time and text will be lost if you try to write
date must be correct (see doc). over a protected character (see doc).
AUTO NUMBERING -- To set up auto numbering go to the master form and press
CtrlN. Each time you complete it (Main Menu #2) the number will increment.
Esc SELECT ASSISTANCE LEVEL -- All of the block operations and many of the
other operations in EZ-FORMS will give extra information prompt prior to
performing the function. In the regular mode you receive all messages.
The regular mode is the default.
HELP FOR BLOCK OPERATIONS
BLOCK TEXT OPERATIONS BLOCK FILE OPERATIONS BLOCK PRINTER OPERATIONS
B BEGIN BLOCK W WRITE BLOCK TO DISK P PRINT COPY AS IS
K END BLOCK R READ BLOCK FROM DISK
V MOVE MARKED BLOCK
C COPY MARKED BLOCK FIELD MARKERS: Use F3 or F4 to work with field
Y DELETE MARKED BLOCK markers for the entire form.
U UNMARK BLOCK Field markers are just like
I INSERT FIELD MARKERS any other character. The ~ can
E ERASE FIELD MARKERS be entered from the keyboard or
erase by typing over it.
NOTE: Block operations consist of two keystrokes -- CtrlK + above key.
CtrlK means while holding down the Ctrl key press the K key. Block text
and block file operations use the marked text area and the current cursor
location. Example -- for a block move the block will be moved from the
highlighted area to where the cursor was when you pressed the CtrlK V
key combination.
HELP FOR CHARACTER DRAWING
Using the F7 key for a border and the F6 key for a line often don't fill
in all the areas that you might want for forms. The keys Alt F1-F10 and
Ctrl F1 have been added to provide the capability for COMPLETELY solid
forms. These keys are:
Alt F1 --> ┌ NOTE: These characters are handled in the editor just as
Alt F2 --> ┐ any other characters typed in from the keyboard.
Alt F3 --> └ If insert is ON then these characters will be
Alt F4 --> ┘ inserted into the text on the screen, moving other
Alt F5 --> ─ characters over.
Alt F6 --> │
Alt F7 --> ├ EZ-FORMS will translate these special characters to
Alt F8 --> ┤ characters your printer can understand. If your
Alt F9 --> ┬ printer can print character graphics AND you have
Alt F10--> ┴ selected it (must use EZINSTAL), then you will get
Ctrl F1--> ┼ COMPLETELY solid lines. DEPENDS ON PRINTER!
REGISTRATION for EZ-FORMS FIRST and other versions of EZ-FORMS
EZ-FORMS FIRST - Benefits include a printed manual, 90 days of free
phone support. Additional untilties and over 50
pre-designed forms are included. Unlimited use of
EZ-HOST BBS for customer support is also included.
Cost is only $39 plus shipping and handling.
EZ-FORMS LITE - Adds light bar menus and extensive, context sensitive
on-line help/manual. Also has basic math. Only $69 +s/h.
EZ-FORMS EXECUTIVE - Adds big-time math, macros, much, much more!
Only $129 plus s/h.
EZ-FORMS'DATABASE - Adds a ".DBF" comptible database with all the power
you'll ever need. Only $239 plus s/h.
See EZXINFO.EXE for more details on s/h and EZX's other software products.
(Updated 8/90. Pricing, terms, etc. are subject to change without notice.)
NOTES:
1. None of the versions of EZ-Forms First have any hooks of any kind.
We don't slow down printing, limit help, or limit the user's manual.
2. We at EZX Publishing realize that many people don't need the power of
EZ-Forms Lite or EZ-Forms Executive. Placing an older version of our
forms product on the BBSs is our way of introducing you to EZ-Forms
and showing how it can help you. Thanks for your support.
DISCLAIMER (we have to cover ourselves):
EZX Publishing, Inc. makes NO claims AND offers NO warranties of any sort
with EZ-Forms First. EZX Publishing assumes NO responsibility for any
sort of damage resulting from the apparent or actual use of EZ-Forms
First (mental or physical). The forms and program provided are not
guaranteed as to merchantability or fitness for their ultimate use. The
user accepts all responsibility for use and may not resell the program
or any supplied form.
Disk No: 1838
Disk Title: EZ-Forms First
PC-SIG Version: S1.1
Program Title: EZ-FORMS FIRST
Author Version: 1.1
Author Registration: $25.00
Special Requirements: Printer.
Take advantage of professional forms created with the popular EZ Forms
form generator. Included in EZ FORMS FIRST are 13 standard business
forms that you can customize with your own business data. These forms
will help you track expenses, invoice labor, take a sales order, plan a
meeting, bill a customer, keep track of appointments and more.
EZ FORMS FIRST is not a custom form generator such as EZ Forms or EZ
Forms Lite. Instead, the job of creating the forms has been done for
you. You can jump right into customizing these forms with your own
data. Print these forms and use them as masters to be filled out in
ink, or fill in the forms on your computer and keep each as a computer
record. And if you find these forms useful, an additional registration
fee buys 50+ more business forms.
PC-SIG
1030D East Duane Avenue
Sunnyvale Ca. 94086
(408) 730-9291
(c) Copyright 1989 PC-SIG, Inc.
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
EZFF 000 14848 8-02-90 10:41a
HPGRAPH EXE 1627 5-14-90 12:35p
README EXE 5851 8-02-90 7:22a
SUPPORT EXE 6779 9-17-90 1:53p
EZFF DOC 86241 8-02-90 6:57a
REGISTER FRM 5376 8-01-90 9:46p
EZFFHELP TXT 9586 8-01-90 8:53p
EPSGRAPH EXE 2811 5-14-90 12:35p
HPGRDOC EXE 4155 5-14-90 12:16p
EZFF-TD COM 57856 8-02-90 10:41a
REGISTER EXE 4107 8-01-90 9:51p
EPSGRDOC EXE 3419 5-14-90 12:11p
EZXINFO EXE 16011 9-17-90 1:52p
WEEKPLAN FRM 5248 9-02-88 9:08p
SALESORD FRM 5376 9-02-88 9:08p
RENTLINV FRM 4480 9-02-88 9:08p
PHONEDIR FRM 5248 9-02-88 9:07p
ORDER FRM 5248 9-02-88 9:07p
MEETAGEN FRM 5376 9-02-88 9:07p
LABORINV FRM 4480 9-02-88 9:07p
INVOICE FRM 5376 9-02-88 9:06p
EXPENSES FRM 5376 9-02-88 9:06p
DATAENTR FRM 5248 9-02-88 9:06p
CUSTBILL FRM 5376 9-02-88 9:06p
CALENDAR FRM 5376 9-02-88 9:05p
AVOIDVO FRM 5376 9-02-88 9:05p
24PIN COM 512 2-17-90 5:16p
EPSGPH24 EXE 2779 5-14-90 12:35p
!EZFF11A 1527 8-01-90 9:47p
24PINDOC EXE 2699 2-17-90 5:32p
FFINSTAL EXE 30731 8-01-90 9:04p
!EZX!!!! 1574 9-17-90 1:53p
! 1574 9-17-90 1:53p
FILE1838 TXT 2073 11-14-90 8:41a
34 file(s) 329720 bytes
10240 bytes free