
                   CHECKS Release 1.5 - 01/08/92
                   =============================

Features ( | indicates new feature in this release )
--------

    - Print any style single checks and address envelopes on
      your laser printer

    - Stores names and addresses in a permanent file for reuse

    - Saves the last check written for each name in the file

    - Allows customizing the print routines for your checks and envelopes

    - Allows multiple check and envelope setups stored by name

    - Allows customizing the printer command sequences for your laser
      printer

    - Context sensitive help screens available at all times using F1

System Requirements
-------------------

    - Any IBM PC or compatible.  Will work with either monochrome or
      color displays.  Does not use graphics

    - Hewlett-Packard LaserJet Plus or compatible laser printer

    - Hard disk recommended but will work with diskette

Restrictions
------------

    - Presently requires printer on LPT1



I have had a laser printer for some time now and after writing out a
large number of checks one day, thought about how I could write checks
using the laser printer.  Thus, I wrote CHECKS, a program to print the
typical picket banker checks on the laser printer.  The checks are fed
in the manual feed tray, one at a time.

The program allows you to set the various dimensions for your 
particular checks as well as the printer control sequences to reset
the printer and set the font.  The printer reset is simply <ESC>E for
the HP LaserJet Plus, but can be up to 32 characters long.  This is
handy for other printers that emulate the LaserJet Plus.  You can put
in the sequence to set the emulation mode to LaserJet Plus in here.
The font attribute sequence is similar.  It also is up to 32
characters and can be used to set the font in your printers native
command mode.  It is not necessary to put the escape character in the 
control sequences, since the program will send an escape before the 
control sequence you specify.  However, you can enter an escape in a
sequence by holding down the ALt key while entering 027 on the numeric 
keypad.

I did the above since my printer (an OASYS LaserPro Express) emulates
the LaserJet Plus but won't select a 12 pitch landscape font in
emulation mode, since that font is not resident in the LaserJet Plus.
Thus I can use a sequence like:

            (0];FONT 3;EXIT,E;

for the LaserPro to set the desired font.  My reset sequence is:

            (0];RES:SEM 6;EXIT,E;

to reset the printer, set emulation to 6 (HP LaserJet Plus) and exit
command mode.  If your printer commands do not require an escape
character as the first character, make the first character of the
command sequences a blank, otherwise the printer will "swallow" the
first character and misinterpret the command.

You may also want to change the command sequence for Cassette
selection.  I have it set to select paper input 2, which is the manual
feed tray on my printer.  Check your printer manual for the proper
code sequence.

The easiest way to set up the position measurements is to print a 
check on plain paper.  Lay a blank check over the paper where it would 
normally print and use a ruler to measure the offsets in inches to 
properly place the Payee.  This will give you the offsets to the upper 
left corner of the check without worrying about the margins.  Then,
just measure the check to get the offsets to the date, payee, amount,
amount in words and memo fields.  These are in inces and decimals.
The program does its offsets in decipoints (1/720") so you can be as
precise as you want.  Print a sample on plain paper again and overlay
a blank check to check the placement.  Adjust as necessary.  Remember,
all field offsets are relative to the upper left corner of the check,
so if you change that offset, all of the others will change by the
same amount.


After I had the checks printing, I thought why not print envelopes
too.  I had multiple files set up to address envelopes, but this was a
real chore every time I had a new name and address to set up.  Thus, I
added an envelope addressing routine to the program.  The same printer
control sequences are used here, and there is a very simple
measurement screen.  The only offsets needed are the upper left corner
of the envelope and the start of the name and address.  Since I used
envelopes with a return address preprinted, I have not provided for a
return address.  Perhaps this will be an option in a future version.
All names and addresses are saved in a file for future use.  If the
name is left blank, a table of names and address will pop up and you
can select from it.  Pressing the Insert key will open a form to add a
new name and address.  Pressing F9 when a name is highlited will open
a form to change the information.  Also, any changes made on the
envelope form will also be made in the permanent file.

I have some ideas about enhancing the program and I welcome any
suggestions anyone may have.  This is a filler project for me, so
don't look for new releases very often.  The better the program is
accepted (i.e. registrations) the more encouraged I am to improve it.
I hope you find it as useful as I do.  Since I don't have a roomful of
printers to test with, I rely on you to try to make it work with your
printer if the LaserJet emulation is imperfect.  I will make
suggestions but I can't actually test it on your "Acme SuperJet
PlusPlus" laser printer emulator.


Some common editing keystrokes
------------------------------

The following keys are used for editing entries on the forms:

    Home        Beginning of field
    End         End of field
    Enter       Complete field and go to next field
    Ctl-End     Erase to end of field
    Esc         Cancel changes in field and go to beginning of field
    Esc         (In position 1 of field) Cancel changes in field and
                go to previous field
    Esc         (In first field) Exit form
    Ctl-Esc     Exit form immediately
    Cursor Keys Pretty much as you would expect them to


Licensing
---------

    The program and documentation are Copyright (c) 1991 by
                    Analytical Services Corp.

CHECKS is a shareware program.  If you use it you are expected to pay
for it.  If you don't find it useful, just delete it or give it to
someone else to try.  However, if you decide to keep it after a two
week trial period, please send $25.00 along with the registration form
on the next page.  This shareware fee will allow unlimited use of the
CHECKS program by one person.  You will also be notified of any future
releases of the program that may not be shareware.  You may give away
(and are encouraged to do so) copies of CHECKS with the understanding
that each person receiving a copy is under the same obligation to
register and pay the shareware fee if they decide to keep the program.
You may upload this program and documentation to any computer system,
either free or commercial, as long as the original archive
(CHECKS.ZIP) is sent intact with all copyright and shareware notices
unchanged.

This program is offered as is with no guarantee that it will function 
correctly with any particular computer or printer.  I have tested it 
thoroughly on my equipment and several others without problems.  
However, if it doesn't work on your system, delete it and don't pay 
the shareware fee.  Or contact me with your specific problem and 
system configuration (computer, printer, etc.) and I will try to help 
you.

Please support the shareware concept.  Shareware means useful programs
at a fraction of the cost you might pay for them commercially.  You
can try before you buy, and you are not subjected to copy protection
or other unfriendly schemes that many software vendors inflict on
their customers.  Software updates can also be distributed much faster
than is possible throught normal channels.

Any questions, suggestions, or problem reports can be sent to me via
E-Mail at the following addresses:

    Compuserve
    70040,612

    Ned Reiter
    Exec-PC BBS (subscribers only)
    414-789-4210

Exec-PC is one of the largest, and (I think) the best bulletin board
system available anywhere.  The subscription charge is quite
reasonable and the services are all-encompassing.  Try it, you'll like
it.

Enjoy this program, I have enjoyed writing it.

Ned Reiter
Analytical Services Corp.


Registration Form
=================

    Send to:                        From:

    Analytical Services Corp.       Name: ____________________________
    8826 W. Center St.
    Milwaukee, WI 53222-4652     Company: ____________________________

                                   Title: ____________________________

                                 Address: ____________________________

                          City,State,Zip: ____________________________

                               Telephone: ____________________________


I would like to register ____ copies of CHECKS for single person
use at $25.00 per copy.

I would like to see the following enhancements to the program:

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________


Signed: ____________________

Note: For multiple copy registration for corporate use, please contact
      Analytical Services via E-Mail or at the above address.

