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AnyBook: Small Publisher's Business Kit Readme
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The Small Publisher's Business Kit Version 9 Copyright (c) 1996-2004 Ron Watters / Great Rift This file includes helpful information about AnyBook Professional. TABLE OF CONTENTS ----------------- 1. General Information 2. Installing the Program 3. Installation Instructions for Current Anybook Users: Protecting Your Existing Data Files. 4. System Requirements 5. Removing the Program 6. On-line Help 7. How to Register the Program 8. Distributing the Program to Others 9. Date Format and Y2K Information 10. Version 9.0 11. A Comparison of AnyBook's Three Editions 12. Level I, II, III Download Package Differences and Level III Feature Limitations on Evaluation Copies 1. GENERAL INFORMATION ---------------------- Thank you for trying AnyBook Professional: The Small Publisher's Business Kit. This version includes all the features of AnyBook Classic, an award winning shareware program, plus many new ones, greatly expanding the scope and functionality of the program. Its core features include the ability to prepare invoices and billing statements, generate sales reports, keep track of inventory, handle book returns, produce mailing lists, and monitor activity with consignment wholesalers and distributors. It also also includes a Contract Manager, a weight calculator, larger field sizes, invoice coding, enhanced payment and filtering functions, back order processing, deposit reporting,export capabilities, advanced searching, search and replace, and many more. More information on the program and differences between AnyBook's editions are described in more detail at the end of this document. AnyBook! is a shareware program. The copy that you have downloaded is an evaluation version. That means you're welcome to try out the program at no cost and make sure it will work for you. You're also welcome to give the program to others or to make it available on your web site. (For more information on shareware, see "How to Register the Program," below). The set-up program with this software package is designed for computers running on Windows 95/98/2000/ME/XP. For more program tidbits, special announcements, and upgrade information, you are cordially invited to visit the author's web site at http://www.ronwatters.com (follow the software link). Additional contact information is included below. 2. INSTALLING THE PROGRAM ------------------------- (Note: If you are an existing user of AnyBook before installing a new version--or reinstalling your current version--be sure to make a back-up disk of your data files. Both your invoice and royalty data files should be backed up. For more information, see "Installation Instructions for Current AnyBook Users," which follows this section.) Depending on the download site, AnyBook! comes bundled as either a zip file or as a self-extracting zip file. If you receive a zip file (with a .zip extension), first unzip it. A number of different zip utilities are available for this purpose. Once the file is unzipped, RUN SetUp.exe. This will start the setup program and will install the program files. If you received the self-extracting zip file (with a .exe extension), RUN the file as it is. The program files will be unzipped, and the setup program will start automatically. IMPORTANT: Do not install the program to a root directory. In other words don't install it to "C:\" or "D:\" Rather you should install it to "C:\AnyBook" or "D:\AnyBook." 3. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR CURRENT ANYBOOK USERS: HOW TO PROTECT YOUR EXISTING DATA FILES. ------------------------------------------- If you are re-installing AnyBook, it's important that you do the following: 1) BACK-UP YOUR DATA FILES in the old program before installing the new program. BOTH the MAIN INVOICE and ROYALTY DATA FILES should be backed up. This is very important. Do not run the install program until you've backed up your files. 2) Files are normally backed-up each time you exit from the program, and we highly recommend that you always back-up your files. For an install, we suggest that you give yourself an added measure of security and back-up your files on a second disk. 3) If you pay royalties, you must also back-up your royalty files. (Note that the royalty back-up is not necessary if you don't pay royalties, but you still must back-up the main invoice files.) 4) Once you are certain that your important files have been safely backed up, install the new version of the program (or re-install the old one). 5) If you have installed AnyBook to a directory which is different from where your old version was installed, you'll see the sample files that come with the program. To replace the sample files with your own files, select FILE and RESTORE BACK-UP FILES. Once the restore process is complete you'll have access to all of your own data files. MANUALLY MAKING A BACK-UP DISK. If, for some reason, the old version of the program is non-operable and you are unable to create a back-up disk using the normal method, you can manually make one. In Windows, use "My Computer" or "Explore" and copy the following files from the AnyBook program directory to a disk. Any type of disk can be used: floppy, Zip, etc. This will become your back-up disk. Here are the files to copy: - Sales.dbf - Sales.dbt - Orders.dbf - SetUp.dbf - Cust_num.dbf - Cust_num.dbt - Cat_no.dbf - Cat_no.dbt - Contact.dbf - Contact.dbt - ShipVia.dbf - UserDef.dbf (Not necessary if you don't use User Defined Fields) - Category.dbf (Not necessary if you don't use product categories) - ExchRate.dbf (Not necessary if you don't use currency exchange rates) - Profile.dbf (Not necessary if you don't import data into AnyBook) - ImpList.dbf (Not necessary if you don't import data into AnyBook) - Profile2.dbf (Not necessary if you don't export data out of AnyBook) - RepList.dbf (Not necessary if you don't export data out of AnyBook) - RoyReprt.dbf (Not necessary if you don't pay royalties) - RoyInfo.dbf (Not necessary if you don't pay royalties) - RoyState.dbf (Not necessary if you don't pay royalties) - RoyItems.dbf Not necessary if you don't pay royalties) - PLUS ALL of the following: BALxxEND.dbf, BALxxMID.dbf and INVENDxx.dbf (Note that the xx in the file name means a number, i.e. BAL00END.dbf, BAL01MID.dbf, INVEND01.dbf, etc.) Make sure you get ALL of these files copied to your disk. Once the above files are copied, your back-up disk will be complete. With the freshly created back-up disk, you'll be ready to re-install the program or install the new version. 4. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ---------------------- HARDWARE: a) Pentium or Equivalent Processor b) A minimum of 64 MB RAM. 128-256MB suggested. c) A hard disk with 24 MB of available disk space d) VGA/SVGA monitor and graphics adapter e) Mouse OPERATING SYSTEM: Windows 95/98/2000/ME/XP 5. REMOVING THE PROGRAM ----------------------- The installer creates an uninstall program which will remove all files associated with AnyBook! The uninstall program is listed with the AnyBook program group in the Start Menu. You can also uninstall the program by using "Add/Remove Programs" found in the Windows Control Panel. When uninstalling, the final step in the process asks you whether or not to delete files created since the original installation. Before deleting the files, carefully re-check the list and make sure there are no files you want to keep. If you have any doubts, don't delete them. 6. ON-LINE HELP --------------- A complete on-line help system has been built into the program. It is accessed by selecting HELP from the Menu. The help system has been set up using standard Windows commands and procedures. Information on topics of general interest may be reached from the Contents page (accessed by selecting HELP and CONTENTS from the Menu Bar). Topics of a more specific nature may be located using the Windows Help Search feature. To help you get started, a short tour has been prepared which will guide you through the sample invoices that come with the program. The tour is automatically activated the first two times you start the program. After that, you can reach it by selecting HELP and TOUR ANYBOOK. In addition to the tour, new users will also want review the Getting Started section found in the Help information. It is reached by selecting HELP and GETTING STARTED from the Menu. Information on how to prepare the program so it is ready to work in your business is found in Help under the topic "Preparing the Program for Your Use." Information on which version of the program you are using is found in the "About" dialog box. It is accessed by selecting HELP and ABOUT from the Menu. Registered users who have specific questions or problems with the program are welcome to contact the program's author, Ron Watters by phone: 208-232-6857 or via email wattron@isu.edu. 7. HOW TO REGISTER ANYBOOK -------------------------- This is a shareware program. You have downloaded an evaluation copy. We invite you to try out the program and thoroughly test it for your business environment and the type of computer equipment that you use. There is no cost for evaluating the program. You are also welcome to pass it on to others who might be interested in it. If after evaluating AnyBook!, you find that it isn't what you need, simply erase the files. No registration is necessary. If, however, you find that it works for you, and you begin to use it on a regular basis, we ask that you register AnyBook and make a payment for its use. Once you're registered, we'll provide you with information on improvements and software updates. You'll also be provided with a registration code which removes the "unregistered" status of the program and officially registers it under your name. There are several ways to register: (1) Click on the registration link found in the Important Information Dialog Box. To access this dialog box, select HELP and IMPORTANT INFORMATION from the Menu Bar on top of AnyBook's screen. (2) Log on to Ron Watters' website. Ron is the developer of the program. His website is: http://www.ronwatters.com (Follow the software link) (3) Send him an email at wattron@isu.edu (4) Call 1-208-232-6857 (5) Write to Ron at 1135 East Bonneville, Pocatello, ID 83201. For your convenience, this software package includes an order form. It's found in the file "Order.frm" which can be loaded into a word processing program and printed. The cost of registering AnyBook Professional is: AnyBook Professional - Level I $89.00 ($99 Network Enabled) AnyBook Professional - Level II $139.00 ($159 Network Enabled) AnyBook Professional - Level III $239.00 ($269 Network Enabled) Lower cost 16-bit versions are also available. (Note that while the following older 16-bit programs are supported, no no further development work is being done. All new development and enhancements occur with the Professional Series.) AnyBook Classic (Basic) $39.00 AnyBook Classic (Standard) $59.00 AnyBook Classic (Advanced) $89.00 8. DISTRIBUTING THE PROGRAM TO OTHERS ------------------------------------- You may make as many copies of the evaluation version of this software and documentation as you wish; give exact copies of the original evaluation version to anyone; and distribute the evaluation version of the software and documentation in its unmodified form via electronic means. There is no charge for any of the above. You are, however, specifically prohibited from charging, or requesting donations, for any such copies, however made; and from distributing the software and/or documentation with other products (commercial or otherwise) without prior written permission. 9. DATE FORMAT AND Y2K INFORMATION ---------------------------------- AnyBook has been thoroughly tested and is fully Y2K compliant. AnyBook can, and is, used in other countries utilizing different date formats. No adjustment in the Regional settings in Windows are necessary. 10. ANYBOOK PROFESSIONAL: Version 9 ------------------------------------------------------ Version 9 is the most extensive upgrade ever to AnyBook. In version 9, hundreds of lines of code from AnyBook Classic programs were converted to full 32-bit operating code. During the code conversation, significant changes were made to the customer number, general customer and product pop-up lists. The lists include additional sorting options, one-letter and multi-letter searches. Other new features include: User Defined Fields; Secondary Print Engine; Alternative Modem Engine; numerous enhancements to Import and Advanced Export including a Flat File Utility; filter recall functions; product summary print-outs; a series of new address copy & paste functions; zip code & credit card copy, paste & formatting options; new menu and new set of Product Tools; non-taxable designation function; inventory level check; open and closed invoices; tracking number support; new shipping/subscription date field on the Main Invoice Screen; Item Area summary box; HTML printing directly from Print dialog box; dozens of new options and preferences in Basic Set-up; user controlled color settings; English & Metric weight measurement system choices; two or four digit year formatting; phone number extension support; search, filter, import & export support for User Defined Fields; new diagnostic features, international date formatting; unpaid invoices option in billing statements; drop down list for payment type; new Internal Use S-code. Another major addition was the incorporation of network capabilities into the program. The AnyBook Professional Series can be used on a network so that more than one user (or many users) can work with the program at the same time. HISTORIC INFORMATION: LIST OF CHANGES FROM VER 7 TO VERSION 8 The changes in Version 7 to Version 8 include a redesign of the invoice screen. It now includes buttons to activate a pop-up list of products and prices. The products can be inserted into the item area at the cursor or they can be appended at the end of the list depending on which button is selected. For multi-product choices, the pop-up list will stay visible until the desired number of products have been inserted. An alternative product entry dialog box can now be accessed from the Main Invoice Screen. This new feature provides an alternative way of entering products. All the same pop-up buttons are available for pasting or appending products to the item list. The alternative product entry box also shows other identifiers such as the ISBN or Part Number and it includes a speed button to access S-codes. Another major change associated with products is the ability to assign different discounts to different products. The item area on the Main Invoice Screen can be expanded to show a discount column and expanded further to show the discounted total. Along with this change, the Calculate Discount dialog box includes a new function to work back from a product's total and calculate the necessary discount. Still another major change with products is an increase in the amount of space available for catalog numbers and item descriptions. The catalog number space was more than doubled, from 6 to 13 characters. And the item description was increased from 25 to 36 characters. Two new fields were added to the Product Information Database: case size and an additional identifier. The identifier can be an ISBN number for books, part numbers for general items, or even color or size depending on the needs of the user. Finally, the last major change with products is the ability to place products in different categories by using prefix in the catalog number. For instance, one may categorized all books with a BK/ prefix, or all maps with a MP/ prefix. The prefix is utilized in the product pop-up list, making selections easier. You can, for example, change from a listing of books to a listing of maps. Along with this change, the inventory portion of the program was enhanced so it provides sales information for each of the product categories. To make changes to catalog numbers (or other fields on Main Invoice Screen), the program now includes a search and replace feature. If you decide to change a catalog number (or a billing name or address, etc.), the program will search and make the desired replacements. A series of new searching and locating features are now available in all portions of the program. Search functions are now found in the product information database, customer information database, billing statements, and inventory information. A new look-up list is also available in each of these areas. The look- up function enables you to pick from a list of customers or products and be directed to the appropriate record in the file. A new look-up list function is also available for the Main Invoice Screen. Also new with this version is the ability to print receipts and add graphics to invoices and billing statements. Several different placement options are available for graphics. A feature was added which allows you to prepare a deposit report for making bank deposits. For those who work with international customers, this version allows the printing of your country's ISO currency code on invoices. You can now add new invoices and copy the billing address, item area or notes area from the current invoice to the newly created invoice. The state field was increased to 3 places for Australian states, a by-pass was added to the inventory function for a quick look-up of a recent inventory. If you have to deal with backorders on an occasional or frequent basis, the new back ordering processing feature will help locate past invoices with back orders and automatically change their status when a new invoice is issued. This version includes new and versatile import and export functions. The import function allows you to move information from databases, spreadsheets, accounting programs, and word processing programs into AnyBook. One of the nice features of the function is that you can select which fields from the import file you want to use and where the data should be placed on AnyBook's main Invoice Screen. The placement information is saved in a "profile." The profile enables you to make future imports without having to re-select where the data should be placed. As an example, let's say you have contracted a third party to sell some of your products over the Internet. They will provide you with reports of their sales activity. If the reports are in a spreadsheet or database format, you can move the numbers and names of the products to AnyBook's Main Invoice Screen. That allows you to track your inventory and sales. Moreover, you'll have the necessary information for end of year reports. There are a number of helpful features built into this part of the program. For instance, if the third party uses different catalog numbers, you can utilize import tables to convert the catalog numbers so they match those in AnyBook. The same extensive system is available for exporting from AnyBook. You can decide which fields should be exported and in what order. You can add currency symbols to the numbers or leave them off. You can send your catalog numbers as is, or you use tables to convert them. You can even make up new fields and send constant data, like the name and address of your business. The Export feature is particularly useful if you use a fulfillment service. You can tailor the export file to their requirements and quickly and efficiently get information to them about which products you want shipped and to whom. Other new features include a currency conversion function. The conversion dialog box allows you to establish exchange rates for those countries with which you do business. Once the rates are established, you can choose a currency from the list, and the invoice will be converted into the appropriate values of the new currency. When printed, the invoice will also include the appropriate ISO country code of the currency. Moreover, AnyBook will internally remember the original values of the invoice, and when desired you can convert the invoice back to your base currency. Another feature includes the ability to start your email program and insert the billing name or shipping name into the "to" blank. You can also pick from a series of form letters that you've prepared in advance, and via the clipboard, insert the desired letter in your email message. The royalty portion of the program has an important and major new function. In addition to royalty reports, you can now prepare royalty statements. The statement summarizes advances, royalties owed, subsidiary rights, and payments. Information can be entered directly on the statement spreadsheet or it can be inserted by making choices from two pop-up lists. One pop-up list provides access to royalty reports (kept in the Royalty Report portion of the program). The other pop-up list shows a list of transactions such as advances, subsidiary sales or payments. The statement allows you to keep track of royalty information and make payments when appropriate. 11. COMPARISON OF ANYBOOK'S EDITIONS ------------------------------------------ AnyBook is available in two basic series: Classic and Professional. The Classic Series (based on 16-bit code) includes three editions: including Basic, Standard, Advanced. The Professional Series includes three editions: Professional Level I, II and III. ANYBOOK PROFESSIONAL LEVEL I ---------------------------- The Professional Level I edition is a comprehensive invoicing program, designed for self-publishers. The Profession Level I program generates invoices, handles book returns, produces sales reports, records customer payments, and creates customer mailing lists. It has the ability to apply discounts to products individually or altogether. Included among its features are polished and refined pop-ups to find and paste customers, products or customer numbers. You can copy a customer name and address from an email message or a word document and paste the whole works to an invoice. You can also add personal notes to an invoice. The program includes AnyBook's innovative system of marking invoices paid which makes it easy to readily locate unpaid invoices. And it will produce sales and sales tax reports. The cost to register AnyBook Level I is $89. Registration for a network enabled program (no workstation limit) is $99. Registered users of other versions can upgrade for discounted prices. ANYBOOK PROFESSIONAL LEVEL II ----------------------------- AnyBook Professional Level II is similar to AnyBook Classic Standard Edition with several key exceptions. The primary exception is that the program is based on full 32-bit code. That makes the program highly compatible with such operating systems as Windows 2000, ME and XP. The newly fine-tuned internal code base of the program also places it in an ideal position for upcoming operating system releases. An investment in AnyBook Professional assures you that the program will continue to work for you and provide dividends well into the future. AnyBook Professional differs from the Classic Standard Edition with more user friendly pop-up lists. The lists include additional sorting options, one-letter and multi-letter searches which enable you to find data quicker and more efficiently. AnyBook Professional also differs from its Classic counterpart by the having network capabilities built into the program. The program can be used on a network so that more than one user (or many users) can work with the program at the same time. Here's a list of its features: -Generates invoices and billing statements -Keeps track of inventory -Handles book returns -Produces sales reports -Records customer payments -Tracks consignment items -Creates customer mailing lists -Customer Contact Manager for keeping track of names, phone, email, etc. -Automatically starts your email program for email message -More space for catalog numbers and product names -Ability to assign different discounts to different products -Product information identifier (ISBN, part number, color, size, etc.) -Products can be placed in categories -Search and look-up functions throughout program. -Weight calculator: calculates the total weight of an order -Mark-up calculator: calculates selling price by percentage or mulitipler -Billing reports include "Date of Invoice" or "End of Month" billing cycles -Counting feature to count invoices according to selected specifications -Advanced Search allows you to search certain fields or select conditions -Filter invoices according to selected specifications -Ability to keep track of shipping expenses whether charged or not -Pop-up list of shipping methods -Ability to process back orders -Produce bank deposit reports, -Export basic invoice and sales data to other programs The cost to register the AnyBook Professional I is $139.00. Registration for a network enabled program (no workstation limit) is $159.00. Registered users of other versions can upgrade for discounted prices. ANYBOOK PROFESSIONAL LEVEL III ------------------------- AnyBook Professional Level III is similar to AnyBook Classic Advanced Edition with several key exceptions. The primary exception is that the program is based on full 32-bit code. That makes the program highly compatible with such operating systems as Windows 2000, ME and XP. The well-tuned internal code base of the program also places it in an ideal position for upcoming operating system releases. An investment in AnyBook Professional assures you that the program will continue to work for you and provide dividends well into the future. AnyBook Professional differs from the Classic Advanced Edition with more user friendly pop-up lists. The lists include additional sorting options, one-letter and multi-letter searches which enable you to find data quicker and more efficiently. AnyBook Professional also differs from its Classic counterparts by the having network capabilities into the program. The program can be used on a network so that more than one user (or many users) can work with the program at the same time. Here's a list of its features: -Generates invoices and billing statements -Keeps track of inventory -Handles book returns -Produces sales reports -Records customer payments -Tracks consignment items -Creates customer mailing lists -Customer Contact Manager for keeping track of names, phone, email, etc. -Automatically starts your email program for email message -More space for catalog numbers and product names -Ability to assign different discounts to different products -Product information identifier (ISBN, part number, color, size, etc.) -Products can be placed in categories -Search and look-up functions throughout program. -Weight calculator: calculates the total weight of an order -Mark-up calculator: calculates selling price by percentage or mulitipler -Billing reports include "Date of Invoice" or "End of Month" billing cycles -Counting feature to count invoices according to selected specifications -Advanced Search allows you to search certain fields or select conditions -Filter invoices according to selected specifications -Ability to keep track of shipping expenses whether charged or not -Pop-up list of shipping methods -Ability to processes back orders -Produce bank deposit reports, -Export basic invoice and sales data to other programs -Telephony features: dials phone number directly from the program -Phone dialer will dialer individual's extension or menu choice numbers -Batch printing routines for printing many invoices and statements -Sends HTML or text copies of the invoice as email attachment -Invoices can be placed into clipboard to paste in other programs -Select from form letters for customer email responses -Extensive import and export functions -Royalty accounting features include: Royalties based on cash or accrual accounting. They can be calculated on a percentage of the retail price, net sales, or a flat amount. Royalties can also be set up to change depending on the quantity of books sold and/or depending on the discount at which books are sold. Over 235 different royalty combinations are available for nearly any royalty arrangement. A special and innovative royalty statement function is available to record and track advances, royalties owed, subsidiary rights, and payments. -Credit card processing (Touch tone system: for small volumes of cards) -User Defined Fields -Flat file utility for EDI applications The cost to register the AnyBook Professional II is $239.00. Registration for a network enabled program (no workstation limit) is $269.00. Registered users of other versions can upgrade for greatly reduced prices. MORE INFORMATION. Information on how the program evolved and a listing of version numbers and new features can be found in History.txt included in the AnyBook software package. 12. PROFESSIONAL LEVEL I, II and III DOWNLOAD PACKAGE DIFFERENCES & PROFESSIONAL LEVEL III FEATURE LIMITATIONS ON EVALUATION COPIES ------------------------------------------------------ The three levels of the Professional series appear very similar-- and they are. The same core program files are included in the Level I and II packages. Level III includes the additional program and database files making up the Royalty program. These files include the main royalty program, its help system and related royalty database files. If you are evaluating a Level I program, then the features for Level II and Level III are disabled. The Level II and Level III evaluation programs are the same except that several advanced Level III features are not functional. They become fully functional only when the Level III program is registered. Nonetheless, the program allows access to advanced features. You can view dialog boxes, click on some of the functions, and learn more by consulting the Help system which has extensive descriptive material on advanced features. Additionally, a simple modem test has been included. The modem test gives you the opportunity to test your system prior to registering for the Advanced Edition. A successful test means that the phone dialer and card processor will work on your computer system.
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