
                         * * *  My Little Realm, v2.0  * * *

                              -  The Checking Routine  -
          ____________________________________________________________________
          
                                  General Information
          ____________________________________________________________________

                                      Important

          This is the evaluation version of My Little Realm's Checking
          Routine.  It is a full-featured, fully functional program.

          The registered version of Checking comes with a Review program which 
          allows you to view your checking file in a scrollable window, query 
          the file, and generate a year-to-date summary.  Review is a powerful 
          complement to your Checking program.  The registered version comes
          with a menu driver so your programs are never more than a keypress 
          away.  The menu has a documentation viewer, a screen saver, and 
          cursor control.

          Thank you for trying the Checking routine!
          ____________________________________________________________________

                                     Introduction

          When it comes to maintaining records, keeping it simple is keeping
          it fun.  Well, maybe not fun exactly, but it's certainly a lot less
          work.

          The Working Window in Checking is in the form of a check that you 
          write.  The yellow box inside it displays your running balance.  
          Just below and attached to the Working Window is the Information Box 
          through which Checking communicates with you about field data 
          (reminders called field prompts) and any entry errors you might 
          make.  The Viewing Window is on the right side of the screen.  It 
          lists the Quickeys that simplify data entry.

          Due to the size of this document, it is divided into two sections.
          If you're new to Checking be sure to read Section 2 before you 
          attempt to use the Checking Routine.  It's an introduction to 
          Checking, replete with examples and detailed explanations.  Section 
          1 is the reference portion of the documentation.
          ____________________________________________________________________

                                   The Interface
          
          Windows.
          
          Checking's screen consists of three types of windows:  a Working 
          Window, a Viewing Window, and an Options Window.  If you are using 
          a color monitor the Viewing Window is always green, the Working 
          Window red and the Options Window blue.  

          You select processes (like writing a new check) in the Options 
          Window.  You create records in the Working Window, and you find your 
          Quickeys in the Viewing Window.  

                             ----------------------------

          Extended processing options.

          Several processing tasks, called extended processing options or 
          EPO's, are not listed in the Options Windows, because they are 
          functions that only occasionally need to be performed.  EPO's are
          used to "extend" a program's power and functionality.

          To find out what EPO commands are employed by Checking, enter 
          <?> (the question mark) in the Options Window.  The EPO's of 
          Checking are defined at the end of this document.

                             ----------------------------

          Quickeys.

          The Quickeys in Checking give you single key access to the names of 
          your creditors (all those people and companies to whom you give/mail
          your checks).  Enter the names of your Pay To recipients once and 
          forget about typing them in ever again.  You can store up to 
          thirty-six Quickey Pay To names.
          ____________________________________________________________________

                                   Getting Started

          Note:  If you have a color monitor, press <#>, the pound sign in the
          Options Window to install the color mode.

          The very first thing you'll want to do with Checking is make the 
          program uniquely yours.  To do that, you should create your Pay To 
          names Quickey list.  You can do that in two ways.

          First, you can simply start using Checking.  As you create your 
          records, Checking will look at the Pay To names to see if they 
          are already on the Quickey list.  If they aren't, Checking will 
          append the names to the Quickey list for you automatically and 
          display them in the Viewing Window.

          Second, you can create your Quickey list by using the Change 
          Quickeys EPO.  Enter <\>, the backslash, in the Options Window.  
          This method also allows you to sort the Quickey Pay To names, 
          change the names that appear in the Working Window and change the 
          Tax Codes.
               
               Note:  If you are already using MLR's Charging program, 
               you can put Checking in the same directory to let both 
               programs share the Tax code file.  They do this 
               automatically.  If you'd rather they used different Tax 
               codes, you must put each program in a separate directory.

          You have thirty-six Quickeys to use.  Experience suggests you first
          go through your checkbook register and use the Change Quickeys
          function to enter the twenty or twenty-five most used Pay To names.
          Sort them if you like.  Then let Checking automatically insert the
          Pay To names that crop up after that.  Remember, you can use the
          Change Quickeys EPO to change and sort them at any time.

          Checking is a powerful program that can do a lot for you, but
          you have to know how to make it work properly to get the most out 
          of it.  Please read the rest of this documentation carefully.  
          ____________________________________________________________________
          ____________________________________________________________________
          
                                  Program Information
          ____________________________________________________________________

                                        Section 1
          ____________________________________________________________________

          You have four processing choices in the Options Window:
                 
                  _________________________________________________
                 |                                                 |
                 |       Please enter your selection:  __          |             
                 |                                                 |
                 |    1  Checks/Deposits   2  Balancing Books      |
                 |    3  Change            4  Print/Delete         |
                 |_________________________________________________|                   
                

          There are several EPO's available in Checking as well.  Refer to the 
          section entitled "Extended Processing Options" at the end of this
          document.
                                   __________________

          Option # 1, entering new checks and deposits.
                               
                               ~    Field Definitions     ~ 

          - Check number field (required).

          This field allows you to declare the type of record you want to 
          enter, such as personal checks, regular deposits, autowithdrawals, 
          and interest deposits.  Checking displays your next check number in 
          this field and a field prompt in the Information Box (which is part
          of the Working Window) to remind you of the choices you have in the 
          check number field.  When you have finished entering new checks and 
          deposits, you return to the Options Window by pressing <esc> in 
          this field.

          Information Box with Check Number field prompt:
                    ___________________________________________________
                   |                                                   |
                   |  To enter a check number or make a deposit press: |
                   |  <I>  Bank Interest          <A>  Autowithdrawal  |
                   | <esc>  Exit    <D>  Deposit    <enter>  Accept #  |
                   |        or enter your own number (1 to 9999)       |
                   |___________________________________________________|

               Key     Description

               <I>     Creates a bank interest record (the interest earned 
                       on your checking account).  The bank interest is 
                       entered after you receive your bank statement, so the 
                       record is cleared automatically when you create the 
                       record since the amount has already been credited to 
                       your account.

               <A>     Creates an autowithdrawal record (non-personal check).
                       This type of record represents those amounts withdrawn 
                       from your account that are not accounted for by your
                       personal checks.  Use this key to create records for 
                       amounts withdrawn from your account automatically by 
                       creditors.  Examples include:
                           
                           1  Life insurance autowithdrawals
                           2  Mortgage payment autowithdrawals
                           3  Deductions by your bank for writing checks
                           4  Automated teller machine (ATM) cash withdrawals 
                           5  Deductions by your bank for a line of credit

                       Any amount drawn against your account that is not 
                       entered as a personal check must be accounted for as 
                       an <A> (autowithdrawal) type record.

                       The autowithdrawal record may be entered when you make 
                       the actual withdrawal or when you receive your bank 
                       statement.  If the withdrawal has already been cleared, 
                       i.e., you're entering the record from your bank 
                       statement, clear the record when you create it.  If the 
                       record is for an ATM cash withdrawal, you can either 
                       enter the record when you make the withdrawal and 
                       declare it outstanding, or wait until you receive the 
                       bank statement listing the withdrawal, at which time 
                       you would enter the record and declare it cleared.  
                       Refer to Section 2, sub-section "Automated Teller 
                       Machines" for more information.

               <D>     Creates a deposit record (to your checking account).
                       This record, like an ordinary check entry, must be 
                       cleared manually.  Use this record type for your 
                       automatic payroll deposits as well as your ordinary 
                       deposits.

               <esc>   Ends the input session and returns you to the Options 
                       Window.  Pressing <esc> in any other field in the 
                       Working Window also returns you to the Options Window, 
                       but without creating a record of the data you have 
                       currently showing in the Working Window.

               <enter> Means you accept the displayed check number to create
                       a personal check record which must be manually cleared.  
                       Checking automatically displays the next check number 
                       in the sequence and displays it in the check number 
                       field.  [Note:  When the check number reaches 9999, 
                       Checking automatically resets the check number count to 
                       1.  If your new series begins with a different check 
                       number, you will have to enter it manually the first 
                       time as described in the following paragraph.]

               ####    Enters a new check number to create a personal check.
                       This last item listed in the Information Box gives you 
                       the means to enter a new check number from one to four 
                       digits long.  This is an auto-entry if the number is 
                       four digits long, but you must press <enter> after 
                       anything less.  An ordinary check is created and must 
                       be manually cleared when you balance your checkbook.  
                       Once you have entered a check number, Checking 
                       continues the sequence by automatically displaying the 
                       next check number as described in the preceding 
                       paragraph.
                                                         
          In general, you will simply press <enter> when Checking asks you for 
          the next check number since most checks are written sequentially.  
          If you're just starting out with Checking, the first check number 
          displayed is 1.  To override the displayed check number you merely 
          type in the check number you want to start with (somewhere between 1 
          and 9999).  

          From that point on, Checking will keep track of your check numbers.  
          If for some reason your checks are written out of order, you can 
          enter a new check number at any time, and Checking will pick up the 
          sequence at that point.  If you press a deposit, autowithdrawal or 
          bank interest key (<D>, <A>, and <I>, respectively), Checking will 
          remember your next check number and present it to you again after 
          you finish the current entry.  

          The displayed check number does not have to be erased to enter any 
          of the letter keys or to enter a new check number.  For example, if 
          Checking is displaying:

                                   Check # 1234_

          just press <D> to make a deposit record, or <I> to create a bank 
          interest record, or <A> to make an autowithdrawal record, or you 
          can simply key in a new check number.  There is no need to delete 
          the displayed check number.  

          If you accidentally begin an entry by pressing the wrong, albeit
          acceptable key (an <I> instead of a <D>, for example), you can press
          <esc> at any point during the record's creation and return to the
          Options Window and no record will be created.  Then simply press <1>
          in the Options Window to begin again.

          The check number field is an automatic field if your entry is four
          numbers long, so you do not press <enter> after a four digit entry.  
          Furthermore, you need not enter a one, two or three digit check 
          number with leading zeroes (e.g., 0023).  You can if you wish, of 
          course, it's a matter of preference.  It takes as many keypresses to 
          enter:

                                    0234     [auto-entry]

          as it does to enter:

                                    234      <enter>

          See the section called Special Situations near the end of this 
          document for more details regarding automatic teller machines, 
          bank interest, automatic salary deposits, and bank deductions.
                                   __________________

          - Date field (required).

          The date must be entered in the standard American format of 
          mm/dd/yy.  Only the month and day need be entered (but both must be 
          entered as double digits).  You do not enter the slashes.  The year 
          is automatically generated by Checking and displayed.  If it is 
          acceptable, just press <enter>.  If you wish to change the year you 
          can simply backspace one or two spaces to enter the correction.

          The Checking Routine will accept dates for the current month and 
          the four preceding months.  You cannot enter future dates in the 
          Checking Routine.
                                   __________________

          - Pay To field (22, required).

          Enter the name of the check recipient on this line either manually
          or by using the Quickeys found in the Viewing Window.  
          
          If you type in a name that does not appear in the Quickey list and 
          you have space for another name in the list, Checking will 
          automatically append that Pay To name to the list and display it in 
          the Viewing Window.

          In some cases Checking enters the Pay To field name for you.  If 
          the entry is a deposit (that is, if in the check number field you 
          pressed <D>), Checking will automatically write in "Deposit" for 
          you.  If you entered <I> in the check number field, Checking will 
          insert "Bank Interest" in this field.

          To enter a name that appears on your Quickey list, type the 
          corresponding Quickey in the Pay To field and press <enter>.  The 
          Quickeys can be entered in upper or lower case.  Use the Quickeys 
          whenever possible to avoid unnecessary keystrokes.

          One note of caution ... If there is a chance that you might purchase
          Checking, remember that you'll receive as a bonus the Review
          Checking Files program, too.  The Review program uses your checking 
          file to create a year-to-date summary of all your Quickey Pay To 
          names, but it requires that you use the Quickeys consistently, 
          otherwise the accuracy of the tabulations in the Y-T-D Summary, 
          found in the Review Routine, may be called into question.  

          For example, if when entering checks you sometimes press Quickey 
          <J> for "Ye Local Grocer" and sometimes enter "YLG" on the Pay To 
          line manually, the records you entered as "YLG" will not be tallied 
          along with those you entered using Quickey <J>.

          The reason for this is that the Pay To names do not match as far as 
          Checking is concerned.   So if you think there is a chance that 
          you'll purchase Checking and utilize the Y-T-D Summary feature (and 
          you probably will), you should always use the Quickeys.  Otherwise 
          you must enter the Pay To name exactly as it appears in the Viewing 
          Window ... which defeats the purpose of the Quickeys.
                                   __________________

          - Amount field (currency precision, required).

          The next entry is the Amount field.  An amount may be as large as
          99999.99.  (That's $99,999.99.)  Do not enter dollar signs or 
          commas, only numbers and decimal points are allowed.  You need not 
          enter a decimal point followed by two digits when keying in a whole
          amount.  The following examples illustrate acceptable figures:

               For $90.00 enter ->     90  or  90.  or  90.0  or  90.00
               For $90.70 enter ->     90.7  or 90.70
               For $90.75 enter ->     90.75
                                   __________________

          - Tax Code field (single character entry, optional).

          If you've taken the time to set up your Tax codes, Checking will 
          display them in the Information Box when your response to this field 
          is required.  If you want to skip this field press <enter>.  If you 
          have not set up any Tax codes, Checking will automatically skip this 
          field when you are entering checks and deposits.  (The Tax Code 
          field label will not even be displayed if you delete all of the Tax 
          codes.)

          The Tax Code field allows you to tag each check or deposit with a 
          particular classification that can later be used to sum on.  You can 
          define up to four categories.  Checking comes with four Tax codes as 
          defaults, but you can easily change them at the time you create your
          own Pay To name Quickeys by using the <\> EPO (the Change Quickeys 
          function).

          These codes correspond to the tax item box found in most ordinary
          checkbook registers.  The difference here is that you don't have to
          manually go through all of your checking records at the end of the 
          year, sort them into their proper categories, and tally them with 
          your solar powered calculator.  All you have to do to get a complete 
          listing of your deductions for all four categories is run the 
          Checking Routine, and choose option <4>, and select <3> in the 
          sub-menu to print the Tax Summary.

          Income can be tracked using the Tax codes.  If you want to track your 
          part-time income (which you deposit into your checking account), set 
          up one of the Tax codes as PT Income.   Then, when you deposit a 
          check from a client, tag the record of that deposit with the 
          appropriate Tax code.

          If you deposit that income along with the rebate you received on 
          your new portcullis and some spare cash you found in Merlin's 
          Cave, be sure you deduct that portion of the deposit that is not 
          part of your income on the Memo line using the <+> command, called 
          the plus command, (see the Memo field description below).  
          
          Example:

                        175.00      income from part-time job       
                         25.00      rebate on new portcullis
                         36.75      cash from Merlin's Cave
                       -------
                        236.75      total deposit (goes on Amount line)
                       -175.00      less taxable income being deposited
                       -------
                         61.75      equals amount to go on Memo line
                                         (using the "+" command)

          The <+> command on the Memo line is used in conjunction with the Tax
          codes to report an overage (i.e., an excess) in a record's amount to 
          Checking.  Thus, this record's Memo line would look like:

                                   Memo:  +61.75

          Checking would then deduct the $61.75 from the total amount of the 
          Tax code category you set up as PT Income when it printed that 
          amount (when you print out the Tax Summary Report).

          It's a good idea to double-check your figures, especially those
          used for tax purposes.  It doesn't take much time to keep accurate 
          records in Checking, and by keeping accurate records you can 
          significantly reduce the amount of time you spend working on the 
          Internal Revenue Service's wish list.

          The Tax codes do not have to represent those items that are solely 
          additions or deductions to your income.  In other words, they do not 
          have to have anything at all to do with taxes.

          If you're planning a major renovation to the realm, for example, you 
          might want to track costs.  Make one of the Tax codes Home Costs, 
          and whenever you pay for something pertaining to that home 
          improvement, be sure you tag that record as a Home Costs item.  

          Another way to utilize the Tax codes is to assign each code a more
          domestic function.  Would you like to know what you spend in
          groceries every year?  Make Tax code <1> Groceries.  If you want to 
          keep track of your rental payments, make Tax code <2> Rent.  And if 
          you pay your gasoline bills with gasoline credit cards, you can make 
          Tax code <3> Gasoline, and every time you pay a gasoline credit card 
          bill with a check, tag the entry with a <3> in the Tax Code field.  

          You can also use the Tax Code field to track your cash expenditures.  
          Define one of the Tax codes as Cash.  Then, when you make the entry 
          for the cash withdrawal (be it a check made out to cash or to 
          yourself) tag that record with the Cash Tax code.  You can then 
          print out the results using the Tax Summary function in the Checking 
          Routine.

          If you wish to change Tax codes in mid-year, be sure you use the <+>
          EPO to reset the Tax codes you want to change.  For example, if you
          had set up Tax code <1> to be business expense and later that same 
          year you decided to change it to charity, you would have to reset 
          Tax code <1> to blank before making the change.  Otherwise, all of 
          those records with a Tax code of <1> which were business expenses 
          would be included with your new Tax code records that are charitable 
          deductions.  Refer to the section entitled Extended Processing 
          Options at the end of this document for more information.
                                   __________________

          - Memo field (24, optional).

          The Memo field allows you to put a reminder on your records if you 
          wish, just as you might with a real check.  You can include almost
          anything, but there is one symbol you can place on the Memo line in 
          Checking that has special significance.  It's the plus sign, <+>, 
          (called the plus command).

          The <+> Command.

          The <+> command on the Memo line is used in conjunction with the Tax
          codes to report an overage (i.e., an excess) in a record's amount to 
          Checking.  Checking uses this information when it generates the Tax 
          Summary Report.  

          If you decide to make one of your categories Groceries, for example, 
          you can use the Memo field to deduct any cash you get while at the 
          store.  Let's say you bought groceries that cost $135.48 and then 
          you wrote out your personal check for an amount that was fifty 
          dollars greater so you'd have some cash.  On that record's Amount 
          line you would enter 185.48 (the total amount of the check), and on 
          the Memo line you would enter: 

                                Memo:  +50 got some cash

          which tells Checking that it should subtract that amount, $50.00, 
          when it calculates the Tax code totals.  

          When you run the Tax Summary function, you'll find out exactly how 
          much you spent on groceries and how much you withdrew as cash, 
          because at the end of the Tax Summary Report the final tabulations 
          are listed in this fashion:

                                Groceries    Bus. Exp.   Bus. Inc.    Charity
                  Tax totals:    $2500.36     $650.55     $3021.33   $1002.00
             Less deductions:     $430.00       $0.00        $0.00      $0.00
               Final results:    $2070.36     $650.55     $3021.00   $1002.00

          From the final tabulations you can see that $2500.36 was spent at 
          grocery stores, but that $430 was deducted as cash.

          Note:  If a record does not have a Tax code (i.e., the Tax code 
                 field is blank), Checking ignores any <+> command that 
                 appears on that record's Memo line.
                                         __________

                                <+> command rules summary
                    
                    1.  Amount must immediately follow a plus (+) sign
                    2.  Amount must be followed immediately by a blank space
                    3.  Amount can appear anywhere on the line, along with
                             other notes you wish to append
                    4.  Amount must be less than $1,000.00
                    5.  Amount must be a positive number
                    6.  There can be only one <+> command on a Memo line 
                    7.  Amount on Memo line must be <= the Amount line amount
                    8.  Do not include dollar signs or commas

          Checking will notify you if it finds a valid amount on the Memo line 
          that is greater than the amount of the check at the time the Memo 
          line amount is entered.  Checking will not flag what it considers to 
          be invalid amounts on the Memo line at the time of entry.  If an 
          amount you enter is not valid to Checking (even if it finds the <+> 
          symbol), Checking will assume you have entered data not meant to be 
          numeric, and consequently, not meant to be subtracted from the check 
          amount.  Memo line amounts do not need to be entered as dollar 
          amounts (e.g., 50.00 can be entered as 50).  You need not enter 
          decimal points for whole amounts.  

          Valid Memo line amount examples include:
                                
                                cash at store+++50 
                                +32.3 
                                deducting gift+27.56

          To be sure you are getting the deductions you want, run the Tax 
          Summary function (option <4>, selection <3>).  In addition to the 
          Pay To name, the check number, and the record number, Checking will 
          print, in parentheses, any valid Memo line amount it finds.  If you 
          aren't getting an amount in parentheses when you should be, you have 
          entered the Memo line amount incorrectly.  If so, you can use the 
          Change function in the Options Window to correct the record.  Refer 
          to the <+> command rules summary above when making corrections.  The 
          record numbers appear on the Tax Summary printout so you can go 
          directly to the records in question if you need to make any changes.  

          Checking ignores the Memo line's <+> command for bank interest (<I> 
          type) records.
          ____________________________________________________________________

          Option # 2, clearing checks/deposits and balancing the register.

          Balancing Books allows you to update your checks and deposits by
          simply answering the question: 
          
                    Has this one cleared?  <Y>  <N>  <C>

          You respond yes, no, or you can change the contents of the record by
          entering <C> if you notice an error in the Amount field.

               [Note:  If you haven't used the Balancing function 
               before, you should read Balancing Your Checking Account 
               With Checking found in Section 2 of this document.  
               It takes you through the entire procedure step by step.]

          You invoke this procedure after you receive your bank statement.
          After you enter the balancing function, Checking will display the 
          first outstanding check or deposit it has on record and ask you if 
          it has cleared.  With your balance sheet in hand you simply compare 
          the check number and the amount on the screen that Checking displays 
          with the check number and amount printed on the balance statement.  
          If everything is in order, press <Y> or <enter> to select it.  Be 
          sure you mark it returned in your register, too.  After you've gone 
          through all of the records appearing on your bank statement, 
          Checking asks you if you wish to balance your checkbook register.

          If you've already entered your bank interest and autowithdrawal 
          checks, as you should have, then by all means balance your 
          checkbook.  Enter the final balance appearing on your bank statement, 
          and Checking will do the rest.  If the numbers balance, Checking 
          will so notify you.  If there's a problem, Checking will tell you 
          and display the difference.

          If you forget to enter your autowithdrawals and bank interest 
          records before you clear your personal checks and deposits, press 
          <esc> when Checking asks you if you want to balance your checkbook.  
          Enter your <A> and <I> records using option <1>.  Then go back into 
          option <2>, Balancing Books.  When Checking asks if the next record 
          has cleared, press <esc>.  (Remember, your <I> records are cleared 
          when you create them, and you should have cleared the <A> records 
          when you entered them since they have already cleared your account.)  
          Checking will then ask if you want to balance your account, at which 
          point you reply <Y>, yes.  

          If you accidentally mark a record cleared, you can undo the mistake 
          by using the left or up arrow keys to back up through the 
          outstanding records to that record, and when Checking asks if that 
          record has cleared, reply <N>.  The right and down arrow keys will 
          take you toward the end of your file.  The keys <home> and <end> 
          bring you to the first and last records, respectively.

          When clearing checks and deposits be sure you verify the amounts 
          that you entered in Checking against those on the bank statement.  
          This is the first step in preventing balancing problems.  If you 
          find an entry error, press <C> to correct the problem before 
          continuing.

          After you've cleared all of the appropriate records, you simply 
          press <esc> to advance to the next phase of this function, 
          balancing your account.  Give Checking the bank's final balance, and 
          Checking will do the rest.

          If all goes well and your account balances, Checking offers its 
          congratulations and you merely press any key to return to the 
          Options Window.  If something is amiss, Checking displays the 
          difference between what your running balance is and what it should 
          be.  Jot down that amount.  Directly beneath that information 
          Checking displays a sub-menu offering you two choices.  
          
          You can:  <A> review the current batch of outstanding records and
          change any amounts you find that are incorrect, or <B>) reenter the 
          bank's final balance, just in case you entered that incorrectly.  If 
          you wish to exit the Balancing Books function and attempt to find 
          the error elsewhere, press <esc>.  
          
          Refer to "When Books Don't Balance" in Section 2 of this document 
          for more helpful tips.
          ____________________________________________________________________

          Option # 3, changing the information in a record.

          This option allows you to make changes and corrections quickly and
          easily.  It also allows you to void checks if the need arises.  

          Checking asks for the record number.  By entering the record number, 
          Checking can take you directly to the record you want to change.  If 
          you don't know the number of the record,  you can find the record 
          quickly and easily.  Just press <enter> when the record number is 
          requested.  You can then use the arrow keys to browse through the 
          file.  If you have a lot of records in your file, enter an 
          approximate record number and then use the arrow keys to search the 
          file from that point.  When Checking displays the record you want to 
          change, press <Y> or <enter> to select it.

          After you find the record, Checking will display a sub-menu of the 
          changes that you're allowed to make.  Select the appropriate hotkey 
          and Checking will erase the field contents and place the cursor in 
          that field awaiting your new entry.  Should you press an incorrect 
          hotkey, press <esc>, and Checking will reinstate that field's old 
          value.

          When Checking displays the sub-menu, you will oft-times notice that 
          one or more of the hotkeys of the selections are not highlighted.  
          This simply means that you cannot make those changes for that 
          record.  For example, if you are changing a deposit record, Checking 
          will not allow you to change the Pay To field contents.  If you're 
          working on a bank interest record, Checking will not accept a Tax 
          Code change.  Finally, you are not allowed to change the record type 
          of an entry.  That is, you cannot change a deposit to a check, a
          deposit to an autowithdrawal, an autowithdrawal to a deposit, etc.  
          ____________________________________________________________________

          Option # 4, printing and deleting the file records.
                
          Checking displays a sub-menu from which you can choose to perform 
          any of the following tasks:
                          
                    1.  Print the entire checking file
                    2.  Print the outstanding checks only
                    3.  Print a tax record summary
                    4.  Delete old records and compress file
                    5.  Return to the Options Window

          If you want to abort any of the above printouts (selections 1, 2, or 
          3) press <esc>.
                                   __________________

          Selection # 1, print the entire file.

          This selection prints out your entire checking account file in 
          register form, beginning with your starting balance and ending with 
          your current running balance.  It also prints the total outstanding
          amounts for your checks and deposits.
                                   __________________

          Selection # 2, print the outstanding records.

          Selection 2 prints your outstanding check amounts and deposit 
          amounts in separate columns and totals each.
                                   __________________

          Selection # 3, print a tax record summary.

          The third selection prints only those records that have been tagged 
          with a Tax code.  The four Tax code categories are listed in 
          separate columns.  After all of the Tax code records have been 
          listed with their amounts under the appropriate Tax code headings, 
          the sub-totals and final totals are shown in a chart similar to the 
          one in the following example.

                                Groceries    Bus. Exp.   Bus. Inc.    Charity
             Tax totals:         $2500.36     $650.55     $3021.33   $1002.00
             Less deductions:     $430.00       $0.00        $0.00      $0.00
             Final results:      $2070.36     $650.55     $3021.00   $1002.00

          You can choose to run the Tax Summary function on either the current 
          year or the previous year.  

          Each tax record generates two or three lines of output.  On the 
          first line are the record number, the check number (in angled 
          brackets), the date (in MM/DD format), and any valid Memo Line
          amount (in parentheses).  On the second line are the Pay To name 
          followed by the check's amount under the appropriate category 
          heading.  If there is a memo, the third line will consist of the 
          memo.  Example:

                                                 Charity   Bus. Exp.  .......
               107  <3213>  10/08  ( 21.75)
               Benny's Beanery                                120.45
               +21.75 for a present  

          This sample tax record is record number 107, check number 3213, 
          created on October 8 of the selected year (which appears at the top
          of the report), and it has a valid Memo Line amount of $21.75.  The
          second line has the Pay To name and the check's amount printed 
          under the appropriate category heading.  The third line shows the 
          memo which is "+21.75 for a present".

          At the end of the Tax Summary report, Checking prints the totals 
          for each category, subtracts the deductions, and shows you the
          final tallies.

          If you have not defined your Tax Code fields, you will not be able 
          to run the Tax Summary function.  And remember, the Tax Code fields 
          can be used to categorize your records any way you want.  They do 
          not have to be used solely for tax purposes.  You can categorize 
          your checks as educational expenses, music lessons, or travel 
          expenses; and your deposits as part-time income, if you so desire.  
          The only requirement is that they refer to your checking account.

          One final note.
          If you are using the Tax Summary Report for tax purposes, always 
          double-check each entry to ensure its validity.  Be sure you have a
          receipt for every medical deduction, charitable deduction, and so 
          on.  If you are using the <+> command, make certain that the Memo 
          line amounts are correct.  When you're positive that all of the 
          amounts are correct, print out a final copy and keep it with your 
          tax records.
                                   __________________

          Selection # 4, delete old records and compress file.

          The final task performed under the # 4 option is the record delete 
          and file compression function.  This should be run once a year, 
          ideally at the beginning of the year after you've run the Tax 
          Summary Report and after most of the previous year's checks and 
          deposits have cleared.  
          
          This task removes many of the records in your file that are not 
          outstanding that have a year date less than the system's year date.
          You don't have to save the deleted records, but you might want to 
          find some piece of information stored on one.  If you decide to 
          save them, Checking will create a dump file called SAVECHCK.MLR on
          the floppy in your A: drive.

               Note:  If you purchase MLR's Checking, the bonus program 
                      is a Review routine that, among other things, lets 
                      you view your dump files.

          You do not have to save any subsequent year's deleted records on the 
          same disk that you are saving this year's deleted records.  If you 
          do, Checking notifies you that there is a previous dump file on the 
          disk and asks you to select an appropriate action from the following 
          sub-menu.

                         1  Abort this function
                         2  Delete the old dump file
                         3  Replaced the floppy, try again
                         4  Rename old dump file

          If you decide you want to keep the old dump file, you must either 
          remove the floppy and put in another (selection 3) or tell Checking 
          to rename the old file (selection 4).  Checking keeps the base name 
          SAVECHCK and appends a unique extension.  You can also direct 
          Checking to erase the older version of the dump file (selection 2) 
          and proceed with the Delete/Compress function or, finally, you can 
          elect to abort the D/C function altogether (selection 1).  

                    [Suggestion:  Keep your old records for one year.  
                    Then, the following year, tell Checking to delete 
                    the old dump file and store the new one there, 
                    selection 2.]

          Do not run the Delete/Compress function too often.  As already 
          noted, once a year is ideal.  If you are not cramped for hard disk 
          space, you can probably afford to run it every other year.  Given 
          that situation, however, Checking would, when you did run 
          Delete/Compress, erase two years of records, putting them in the 
          dump file if you requested one.  If you would rather have each dump 
          file contain a single year, then you should maintain a yearly 
          delete/compress regimen.

          Important!  

          If you plan to generate the Tax Summary Report, do not run the 
          Delete/Compress function until after you have created that report.  
          That report can only be created from the records that exist on 
          your hard disk drive (i.e., in your master file).  If you are 
          planning to maintain a yearly housekeeping regimen, print your Tax 
          Summary Report and make sure it is correct before you run the 
          Delete/Compress function.

                                   Warning!

          Potential problems await you if you do not keep your system's date 
          accurate, especially with this function.  You risk losing your 
          entire file, for example, if you've allowed your system date to lag 
          a year or two behind and then correct it before running this 
          procedure.  If, for instance, you've been creating records while the 
          system year date was 1991, when in fact the real date was 1992, and 
          then you correct the date prior to running this function, Checking 
          will delete all of the records that have a year date that is less 
          than the current year date that are not outstanding ... which in 
          this case could be most of your file.  Please, keep the date 
          accurate.
          ____________________________________________________________________
          ____________________________________________________________________

                                        Section 2
          ____________________________________________________________________

                      Using the Checking Routine for the First Time

          After you've run the Change Quickeys function, you'll have the 
          Quickey Pay To list necessary to run the Checking Routine.  While 
          you can run Checking without the Quickeys, you gain no advantages by 
          doing so because you would have to enter all of the Pay To names 
          manually.

          The only choice in the Options Window available the first time you 
          run the Checking Routine is <1>, Checks/Deposits, which you use to
          enter your new checks and deposits.  Checking will know that you 
          have no records in your file and will ask for a starting balance.  
          You must enter a starting balance.  The starting balance should 
          be entered without dollar signs or commas, and it must be greater 
          than zero.

          > Finding your starting balance.

          Since you probably won't be starting a new checking account at the
          same time you start using the Checking Routine, you'll have to 
          determine a starting balance by delving into your checkbook 
          register.

          Assuming you balance your checkbook regularly, go back in your 
          register to the last time you balanced it.  If (and this is 
          important) there are no outstanding checks or deposits occurring 
          before that date, use the running balance you have as of that date 
          as your starting balance. 

          If there are outstanding entries that predate the most recent 
          register balancing, go to the previous register balancing and see if 
          there are any outstanding entries that predate it.  If there aren't, 
          then use that amount and enter all of the checks and deposits that 
          have been written since then.

          Hint:  If you haven't balanced your checkbook recently, you might 
          want to postpone using the Checking Routine until you bring your 
          register up to date.  Wait until your bank sends you a new bank 
          statement and balance the account.  Then follow the advice given in 
          the preceding paragraphs.  

          ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
          ??                                                               ??
          ??   Is your checking account beyond hope?   You might find it   ?? 
          ??   advantageous to start a new account  ...  just a thought.   ??
          ??                                                               ??
          ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

          > Bringing your Checking checking account up to date.

          Once you have told Checking your starting balance, enter all of the 
          checks and deposits that have occurred since that time (even those 
          checks and deposits that have cleared).  Enter these transactions in 
          the order in which you have them listed in your register.

          Checking will display your running balance in the yellow box (called 
          the Running Balance Box) you see in the Working Window.  As you 
          enter checks and deposits, that running balance is adjusted 
          accordingly.  The running balance Checking displays and the running 
          balance you have in your register (assuming you've entered a running 
          balance after every transaction in your register) should match as 
          you make your entries.  

          If, at any point, a discrepancy arises between the two amounts, you 
          should resolve the inconsistency before you continue.

          Enter all of your register transactions into Checking.  When you've
          finished, return to the Options Window by pressing <esc>.  You
          must now invoke Option <2>, Balancing Books, to clear all of those 
          records that have already cleared your bank.  If you've marked them 
          cleared in your checkbook register as you've balanced your checking 
          account in the past, simply use your register to determine which 
          checks and deposits have cleared.

          This should bring your account up to the present.  Your running
          balance, shown in the Running Balance Box in the Working Window
          should be the same as the last balance entry in your register.

          If it isn't, return to the Options Window and invoke the Change
          function, option <3>.  View your records using the arrow keys,
          paying special attention to each record's amount and record type
          (make sure you entered checks as checks, deposits as deposits).
          If you see an error, correct it at this time.  If you still can't
          figure out where the problem is, choose option <4>, and select
          <1>, Print Entire File.  This comprehensive report will give you
          a detailed listing of your checking account, showing your running
          balance after each entry.

          If you are still wondering where the problem lies, make certain that
          you've entered your starting balance correctly.  Enter <|> in the
          Options Window to bring up the Change Starting Balance function.  If
          the starting balance needs to be corrected, you can do so now.  If it
          looks correct, press <esc>.

          > Entering records on a regular basis.

          It isn't necessary to run the Checking Routine every time you write
          a check or make a deposit.  Unless you need to know precisely how
          much you have at any given point in time, simply write checks and 
          make deposits, noting the necessary data in your register.  Then let 
          the transactions accumulate for a couple weeks.  After you have a 
          half dozen or even a dozen (it depends on you) transactions to 
          record, enter them in the Checking Routine in a single session.

          As mentioned earlier, Checking adjusts the balance in the Running 
          Balance Box after each record you enter.  You need not write the 
          new running balance in your register after every transaction you 
          enter.  It's a lot easier to enter all of your transactions and then 
          make a note of the running balance at the end of that session on the 
          line with your last check or deposit in the Balance column of your 
          register before you leave the Checking Routine.

          Be sure you write the running balance in your register after you've
          updated your account so that you'll remember where you stopped.  If
          you don't, you could accidentally reenter several transactions in 
          your register.  (Should that ever happen, use the <-> EPO to delete
          them.)

                                     Sample Register
           __________________________________________________________________
          |  Check  Date  Pay To              Payment    Deposit    Balance  |
          |                                                        $1000.00  |
          |  1001   3/10  Meat Market           10.26                        |
          |  1002   3/11  Millwright           210.33                        |
          |  DPST   3/13  (sold some geese)                56.74             |
          |  1003   3/16  Molly Milliner         8.21                        |
          |  1004   3/17  Moe's Moat Makers     27.47                        |
          |  1005   3/20  Master Maccaby        11.94                788.53  |
          |__________________________________________________________________|

          Notice in the above sample register that the running balance was not
          entered into the Balance column after every transaction.  The user
          entered all six of the transactions in a single session and then 
          copied the running balance from Running Balance Box in the Working 
          Window to the Balance column in the register.

          The user would then wait until another half dozen or so transactions
          had been entered into the register before updating Checking's 
          checking account again.  If you want to copy the running balance 
          into your register after every transaction, feel free to do so.  
          It's just more work, and that's what Checking is designed to help 
          you avoid.
          ____________________________________________________________________

          Balancing Your Checking Account With Checking.

          To balance your account you'll need your register, bank statement, 
          deposit slips, autowithdrawal receipts, ATM receipts, autodeposit 
          receipts, canceled checks, etc.  You might not need or have all of 
          the items listed here.  Different banks do things differently.  Some 
          banks will send receipts of your autowithdrawals, some will merely 
          provide the data you find printed on your statement, and still 
          others will do it both ways.  The trick is to make sure you have all 
          of the information you need.

          Then ...

          1.   Bring your register up to date by writing in it all of the 
               automatic withdrawals, bank interest, and bank charges which 
               are listed on your bank statement but which do not appear in 
               your register.  All of the withdrawals and deposits that do not
               already appear in your register (but are listed on the bank
               statement) must be entered.  You should mark all of these 
               transactions cleared in your register since they have already 
               cleared your account.

          2.   Bring your Checking checking account up to date by entering 
               all of the new transactions you now have in your register using 
               option <1> in the Options Window.  

                    [Note:  Any amount deducted from your account that is
                    not represented by a personal check is made an <A> type
                    (autowithdrawal) record.  Bank interest entries are <I>
                    type records.  <A> type records can be declared cleared
                    or outstanding when you create them.  If you are getting
                    the information for the creation of these records from the 
                    bank statement, then you should mark them cleared.  If,
                    however, you've decided to enter your ATM cash withdrawals
                    when you make the withdrawal rather than when you receive
                    your bank statement, enter those records as <A> type and
                    declare them outstanding.]

               After you've entered all of your new transactions from your
               bank statement, write your running balance in your register's 
               Balance column.

          3.   Return to the Options Window and choose option <2>, Balancing
               Books.  Checking will display your records beginning with the 
               oldest and ask if each has cleared.  Refer to your bank 
               statement.  If the record Checking shows you is listed there, 
               mark the transaction cleared in your register and reply <Y>, 
               yes, to Checking's query.  You should also make a little 
               checkmark next to the transaction on the bank statement.  If it 
               isn't listed on your bank statement (i.e., if it hasn't yet 
               cleared your bank), press <N>.  When you've cleared all of the 
               transactions on your bank statement, press <esc>. 

                    [Note:  Remember that your bank interest records are 
                    cleared upon entry.  That means they will not be 
                    displayed to you when you are clearing your normal 
                    records.  Your <A> type records may or may not appear,
                    depending on whether you declared them outstanding or
                    cleared when you created the records.]

               As you mark your records cleared, be sure you compare the 
               amount of the check or deposit as it appears on your bank 
               statement to the amount in the corresponding checking account 
               record in Checking.  It's easy, fast, and it's the single most 
               important step you can perform to prevent balancing problems.

               If you inadvertently mark a record cleared that isn't, use 
               the left pointing arrow key to move back to that record and 
               press <N>.

          4.   After you've updated all of your outstanding records, press 
               <esc> to go to the second phase of Balancing Books.  Checking 
               will ask if you want to balance your checking account.  Press 
               <Y>.  Then all Checking needs to know is the ending balance on 
               your bank statement.  It will make all of the necessary 
               calculations and report its results.  If everything balances, 
               make a note in your register to that effect.  If the books 
               don't balance, Checking will display the difference, and you'll 
               have some sleuthing to do.
          ____________________________________________________________________

                            ++  When Books Don't Balance  ++

          If a discrepancy arises between what your running balance is and 
          what the bank claims you have, Checking displays the following 
          information in the Working Window and Information Box.

                          Working Window and Information Box
             ______________________________________________________________  
            |                                     _______________________  |
            |  User name # 1                     |                       | |
            |  User name # 2                     | Balance:  $1,174.70   | |
            |                                    |_______________________| |
            |                                                              |
            |   Bank's balance  ==>  $1,222.50                  ^          |
            |    Plus deposits  ==>  $  232.20                  |          |
            |     Minus checks  ==>  $  302.10                  |          |
            | Your balance           ---------                  |          |
            |      should be    ==>  $1,152.60       < ----- Trouble!      |
            |--------------------------------------------------------------|
            |        Difference ==>  $   22.10                             |
            |            A   Review current outstanding records            |
            |            B   Reenter the bank's final balance              |
            |______________________________________________________________|

          The difference between what your balance is (found in the Running 
          Balance Box) and what it should be, using the amount you entered as
          the bank's final balance, is displayed in the Information Box along 
          with two options as shown in the example above.  Jot it down before 
          proceeding.
                                        _________

          The bank's final balance.
          When Checking displays the blinking Trouble! warning, the very first 
          item to check is the bank's final balance.  If the amount you 
          entered as the bank's final amount (shown at the top of Checking's 
          computations) is incorrect, press <B> to reenter it.  (Refer to the 
          sample Warning! screen above.)
                                        _________

          Reviewing the outstanding records.
          If you've made an error by declaring one of the records cleared when 
          it wasn't (or you left one outstanding when it should have been 
          cleared), you can quickly change that record's status and rerun the 
          balancing portion of the Balancing Books function by selecting <A>.
          You can also make changes to the Amount fields in your outstanding 
          records, if necessary.

          After you press <A>, Checking will let you review your outstanding 
          records.  If it appears that the problem is that a record was 
          cleared erroneously, find the record using the directional keys.
          Checking will ask if that record has cleared, reply <N>, no, and 
          Checking will change that record's status from "Cleared" to 
          "Outstanding".  Then press <esc> to advance to the balancing 
          portion of the function.

          If the error is an incorrect amount in one of the records, display
          that record and press <C> while Checking asks if this record has
          cleared.  This starts the Change function from where you can change 
          the amount, and if necessary, any <+> command amount you might have 
          on the Memo line.

          Once you leave the Balancing Books function, Checking updates your 
          file.  That means that all of the records you declared as cleared 
          would no longer be accessible to the Balancing Books function the 
          next time you run it since it can only handle the currently 
          outstanding records.  To alter the status of a record once the file 
          has been updated, you must use the Change function.
                                        _________

          Missing an entry?
          Make sure you have a record for every line item listed on your bank
          statement.  You can use the Change function, option 3, to peruse
          your records.

          Autowithdrawals are easy to overlook, especially the `incidentals' 
          banks frequently charge such as check cashing fees, late payment 
          interest charges, costs for new checks, etc.

          Make sure you didn't forget one of your deposits, either.  That 
          includes the bank interest your account has earned.  It's frequently
          very little money, but it's enough to cause a balancing problem.
                                        _________

          Double check your amount entries.
          You can also use the Change function to double check your amount 
          entries.  Note the date of the first transaction on your bank 
          statement and use the scrolling keys to find the records in your 
          file that have that date.  Begin your amount comparisons at that 
          point.

          Don't forget to compare all of your transactions.  Checks, deposits,
          autowithdrawals, bank interest ... they must all match.  You should
          also compare the checks and deposits that are still outstanding 
          (those that appear in your checkbook register, but not on the bank 
          statement) to be sure they were all entered properly.
          ____________________________________________________________________
          ____________________________________________________________________

                                ++  Special Situations  ++

          Voiding checks.

          If you wish to void a check choose <3>, the Change function, in the 
          Options Window.  After you find the record you want to void, 
          Checking displays the normal sub-menu for making changes.  Select 2, 
          Void Checks.  Checking asks for confirmation.  You can only void 
          checks that have not yet cleared.

          Once you have voided a check, it cannot be undone.  Furthermore, 
          the only way you can see the voided check is to view it using the 
          Change function (even though you are no longer allowed to change 
          it), or you can print out the entire checking file, (option <4>, 
          selection <1>).
                                   __________________

          Automatic salary deposits.

          If your company deposits your earnings into your checking account
          automatically, you'll receive a deposit receipt from your employer 
          in lieu of a check.  Enter the amount of the deposit into your 
          register at the time you receive the receipt.  Don't wait until your 
          bank statement comes to enter this transaction.  This is a <D> entry 
          in the Check Number field, and you clear it after you have received 
          your bank statement.
                                   __________________

          Automatic teller machines (ATM's).

          When you make cash withdrawals from your checking account using 
          ATM's, you need not bother entering a record of the transaction 
          until you receive the bank statement with the ATM deduction.  At 
          that point you enter it as an autowithdrawal.  This record is an <A> 
          entry in the Check Number field.  After you've entered the contents 
          of the autowithdrawal record, Checking will ask you if you want to 
          declare it cleared or outstanding.  Since it has alreay gone through 
          your bank, declare it cleared.  This method is especially handy if 
          you maintain a cushion in your checking account, and don't need to 
          monitor your running balance closely.  

          If, however, you'd rather enter your cash withdrawals immediately 
          so your running balance more accurately reflects your current 
          financial well-being, enter them as autowithdrawal records, but 
          declare them outstanding.  When it's time to balance your checkbook, 
          you'll have the added step of declaring them cleared, but since 
          you'll be clearing all of your regular checks manually, it isn't 
          that much more overhead.
                                   __________________

          Bank deductions.

          If your account is penalized by the bank for a tardy payment, or 
          charged interest on a line of credit, or if the cost of writing 
          checks is deducted from your account, make those costs <A> entries,
          autowithdrawals.  You enter these transactions after you've received 
          your bank statement.  Put the bank's name on the Pay To line and be 
          sure to declare these charges cleared since they have already been 
          deducted from your account.
          ____________________________________________________________________
          ____________________________________________________________________

          Extended Processing Options.

               EPO  Definition

               <\>  Change a Quickey, name on the check, or a Tax code.  
               
                    Checking asks which Quickey you want to change.  When you 
                    enter a Quickey, Checking erases the current Pay To name 
                    and places your cursor in the Viewing Window.  
                    
                    If you find you've entered an incorrect Quickey, press 
                    <esc> in the Viewing Window to resurrect the old Pay To 
                    name.  When you've finished making corrections to your 
                    Quickey list, press <esc>.  
                    
                    Checking then asks if you want to sort your Quickeys.  If
                    you like having them sorted, you should reply <Y>.  
                    [Hint:  The names are more easily found in the list if
                    the names are sorted.]
                    
                    Next, you can change the names on the check and finally 
                    the Tax codes.
                    
                    You have thirty-six Quickeys.  They can be up to nineteen
                    characters long if entered using this function.  If you
                    use the auto-append method, they can be up to twenty-two
                    characters long, but only the first nineteen are 
                    displayed in the Viewing Window.

                                       - - - - - - - - -

               <|>  Enter a new starting balance for your checking file.  When 
                    you enter a new starting balance, Checking updates your 
                    file immediately and displays the new running balance in 
                    the yellow box inside the Working Window.

                    Warning!  Once you have run the Delete/Compress function 
                    described above (option <4>, selection <4>) you must not 
                    invoke this EPO.

                                       - - - - - - - - -

               <->  Delete a specific record.  You find and select the record 
                    you want to delete the same way you do when using the 
                    Change function.  Checking will ask you to verify the 
                    record.  Please do so, because when a record is erased in 
                    this manner it is gone forever.  It cannot be saved to 
                    your dump file.  
                    
                    This EPO is handy if you find you've accidentally entered
                    a record twice (hence the second entry is of no 
                    historical value, unlike a voided check).   

                                    - - - - - - - - -
               
               <+>  Reset the Tax Code field in all records that have a 
                    specific Tax code to blank.  If you've set up one of your 
                    Tax codes as a special projects code, you can reset the 
                    Tax code status on all of the records with that Tax code 
                    to blank.  Only the records with a current year date are 
                    affected.  Read the section entitled "Special Projects 
                    and the Tax Codes" found in the Tax Code field definition 
                    above for more information.

                                    - - - - - - - - -

               <$>  Print an order form for My Little Realm's Checking.

                                    - - - - - - - - -

               <?>  Display available EPO's for this routine.
          ____________________________________________________________________

                                     +  The End  +
          ____________________________________________________________________

          (c) Copyright 1991 - 1992 John L. Salisbury       

