







                           TTTTTTTT HH   HH   EEEEEE
                              TT    HH   HH   EE
                              TT    HHHHHHH   EEEEE
                              TT    HH   HH   EE
                              TT    HH   HH   EEEEEE

        CCCCCC   OOOO  LL     LL     EEEEEE CCCCCC TTTTTT  OOOO  RRRRR
        CC      OO  OO LL     LL     EE     CC       TT   OO  OO RR  RR
        CC      OO  OO LL     LL     EEEEE  CC       TT   OO  OO RRRRR
        CC      OO  OO LL     LL     EE     CC       TT   OO  OO RR RR
        CCCCCC   OOOO  LLLLLL LLLLLL EEEEEE CCCCCC   TT    OOOO  RR  RR

               (c) Copyright 1992, MyLife Software, all rights reserved
























                             ---------
                       --------                   (R)
                     --         o    ------------------
                          -------   Association of
                                   -  Shareware
                       ---    o        Professionals
                     ------        --------------------
                           --------    MEMBER


      
                                  CONTENTS

      Introduction .................................................. 1
         What is the Collector?
         Why use the Collector?
         System requirements
         Included Files

      Getting Started ............................................... 1
         Registration card
         Installation
         Set up
         Help

      Operation ..................................................... 2
         Add card
         Edit card
         Delete card
         Missing card

      Manage Files .................................................. 7
         Backup
         Duplicates
         Export
         Purge
         Restore
         Sort
         Update

      Reports ....................................................... 9
         Create
         Delete
         Print

      Statistics ................................................... 11
         Compute all
         Individual
         View

      Configure .................................................... 12
         Beeps and bells
         Colors
         Drives and directories
         Invested or Worth
         Makers of cards
         Types of cards
         Value default
         Quit

      Wantlist ..................................................... 17
         Add
         Transfer/Delete
         Print


      

      Quit ......................................................... 18

      Technical Support ............................................ 19

      Index ........................................................ 21

















































      
                                INTRODUCTION


      What is the Collector

      The Collector is a card collection management tool. Its design
      and operation is tailored to fit the specific needs of beginning
      and serious card collectors.


      Why use it?

      The Collector will save you time by organizing all cards, wax
      packs, wax boxes, and sets in your collection. In addition, the
      Collector monitors the estimated worth of all records in your
      collection. The Collector, with the optional update service, will
      maintain the worth of records and provide a statistical analysis
      of the data.


      System requirements

      The following are the minimum requirements for the proper
      installation and operation of the Collector.

         a. Harddrive.
         b. One Floppy Drive.
         c. 512k of memory.
         d. MS-DOS or PC-DOS Version 3.0 or above.
         e. IBM Compatible computer.
         f. 400k of harddrive free space.


      Included files

      The following files are included in the Collector software
      package;

         a. COLLECT.EXE  - Main program
         b. COLLECT.HLP  - Help file
         c. COLLECT.ICO  - Collector icon for Windows
         d. COLLECT.PIF  - PIF file for Windows
         e. DESCRIPT.TXT - Description file of the Collector
         f. INSTALL.EXE  - Collector installation program
         g. MANUAL.TXT   - This manual
         h. READ.ME      - Latest information on the Collector
                           program
         i. REPORT.EXE   - Collector report generation program

      If any of these files are missing please contact MyLife Software
      at the Technical Support number and a disk will be sent to you.



                                     1
      
                              GETTING STARTED


      Registration Card

      We cannot provide a high level of support or ensure you receive
      notification of upgrades unless we know how to contact you. Please
      take a moment to fill out the Owner Registration Card and mail it
      to us.


      Installation

      The Collector has its own installation program. To install the
      Collector do the following:

         a. Insert the Collector disk into a floppy drive.
         b. Select the floppy drive that contains the Collector disk.
            Type either `A:' or `B:' at the DOS prompt.
         c. Once at the selected drive. Type `INSTALL' at the DOS
            prompt.
         d. Once the program has loaded the installation you are asked
            if the identified drive currently contains the Collector
            program. If it does press 'Y' if not, select 'N' and press
            ENTER. The enter the drive containing the Collector
            diskette.
         e. Next enter the destination drive and press ENTER. If the
            drive selected is incorrect you will be prompted to provide
            the correct drive.

      The installation program will create a directory called
      `\COLLECT' and copy all required files into that directory.


      Set up

      Once you have installed the Collector you will most likely want
      to start using it. To start the Collector type `COLLECT' from the
      `C:\COLLECT' directory. We recommend that you first take a few
      minutes to select the configuration options that will serve you
      best.


      Help

      Help is always available when using the Collector. To access the
      Collector's help simply press the F1 key. The Collector has a
      context sensitive help system. This means specific information
      will be provided for the area you are presently working in.





                                     2
      
                                 OPERATION

      Cards The cards menu is used to conduct management of records.
      This includes adding, editing, and deleting individual records.


      Add card

      The add card option is used to enter a new record in the
      database. When you press the `A' key a blank record will appear on
      the screen in which to enter data. The following information may
      be entered:

      Card name: This field is for the name of the player or the title
      of the card. If the record is a wax pack, box, set, or case you
      may enter any of those entries. The length is limited to 40
      characters.

      Card Number: The card number field has 4 spaces for entry, the
      first three spaces are designed to enter the card's physical
      number. The last space is for an identifier, described later
      below. If the record is an individual card enter the card number.
      The below numbers MUST be used if subscribing to the Collector's
      update service:

      999 - Common cards. A common card is one of no premium value.
      This is based on subject matter, scarcity, demand or an anomaly.

      990 - Wax packs. A wax pack is the typical term applied to cards
      purchased in either a wax or mylar wrapping.

      980 - Wax box. A wax box generally contains 36 wax packs.

      970 - Complete set. One each of an entire set of cards produced
      by a manufacturer for an entire year. A factory complete set may
      have additional cards not issued in the wax packs.

      The identified or 4th space may be used to enter any special
      codes. Example codes are described below:

      E - Error card.

      H - Hall of fame card.

      M - Most valuable player card.

      R - Rookie card.

      T - Traded card.

      U - Update card.



                                     3
      
      EXAMPLE: 233R, 999, 213 , or 23 T

      Year: This entry is the year the record was manufactured.
      Generally all cards, wax packs, or wax boxes will have the year
      clearly printed.

      Quantity: This is the number of like items in the record. If you
      have 6 wax packs then an entry of 6 is correct. Consider this, if
      you have 4 individual cards and two are in mint condition and two
      are in excellent condition consider making two entries to track
      the two card conditions.

      Maker: Enter the card manufacturer. If you elect to use the
      default list press the F5 key and a list will pop-up. Use the up
      and down arrow key to move the hilited bar up or down. Once the
      selected maker is hilited press the ENTER key.

      Type: Enter the card type. If you elect to use the default list
      press the F5 key and a list will pop-up. Use the up and down arrow
      key to move the hilited bar up or down. Once the selected type is
      hilited press the ENTER key.

      Purchase Date: Enter the date in which you purchased the item
      contained in this record. The format is MM/DD/YY.

      EXAMPLE: 12/12/90

      Purchase Price: Enter the price that you paid for the item
      contained in this record.

      Last Update: If you subscribe to the Collector's update service
      the date of the last record update will be entered. If you decide
      manually to update a record, enter the date you updated the
      records present value. The format for the entry is MM/DD/YY.

      EXAMPLE: 12/20/91

      Update Value: If you subscribe to the update service the book
      value of the record will be entered. If you do not subscribe to
      the service or the record is not contained in the update then
      enter the present value of the record based on the records near
      mint condition.

      Condition: This is the condition of the card. The characteristics
      that identify a card's condition are defined below. It is
      possible that a brand new card straight out of a wax pack will not
      be a mint condition card.

      MINT - This is a card with no defects. A mint card is
      characterized by 4 sharp corners, even borders, even gloss across
      the entire card surface, and does not contain any printers marks.


                                     4
      
      A card in mint condition is valued at approximately 30% higher
      than the same card in near mint condition.

      NEAR MINT - A near mint card has very minor rounding of the
      edges, some loss of the cards gloss, and slight off-center
      borders.

      EXCELLENT - An excellent card could have possibly two or three of
      the following defects: minute rounding of the edges, some loss of
      the cards gloss, slight off-center borders, or a little
      off-whiteness of the borders. An excellent card is valued at 60%
      to 70% of a near mint cards price.

      VERY GOOD - A very good card is a card that has been handled but
      is not abused. In addition the following criteria identify a card
      in very good condition: minor rounding of the corners, scuffing on
      two or three corners, borders may be uneven, or light crease(s). A
      card in very good condition is worth about 35% of the same card in
      near mint condition.

      GOOD - This is a well handled card. A good card has rounding of
      the corners, scuffing on the card face, borders are uneven and
      browning, and some notching on the sides. A card rated in good
      condition is valued at about 25% of the cards near mint price.

      FAIR - A fair card has round and layering corners, besides brown
      or dirty borders. The card also will have medium to heavy creases
      and possible a cloudy focus on the card's picture. A fair card is
      valued at approximately 10% of the cards near mint price.

      POOR - A poor card is an abused card. This is a card with little
      or no value. The card has possibly a corner ripped off, torn, or
      cut. A poor card is valued at about 5% of the cards near mint
      price.

      Comment: This 40 character field can contain any information you
      desire. A possible use may be further to explain any information
      entered previously.


      Edit card

      Selecting edit will allow you to edit or change data in a record
      presently in the database. Once edit is selected a blank record
      window will appear to select the record you desire to search. Use
      the escape (ESC) key to move the cursor between fields. Once all
      the correct fields are selected press the F10 key to begin the
      search for the record(s).

      Once the selected record appears you are asked if you want to




                                     5
      
      edit the record or quit. If edit is selected you can edit any
      field desired.


      Delete card

      Delete will erase a record from the database. Once Delete is
      selected a blank record window will appear to enter the record
      criteria you desire to search. Use the escape (ESC) key to move
      the cursor between fields. Once all the correct fields are
      selected press the F10 key to begin the search for the record(s).

      Once the selected record appears you are asked if you want to
      delete the record or quit. If delete is selected the record will
      be erased.


      Missing

      This selection will produce a list of all missing cards in your
      collection based on your selections. When this selection is made
      you are asked to provide the following information; Highest card
      number in which the missing card list will end. The year of the
      cards you wish to list. The maker of the card. The type of the
      card. Once this is completed a listing will be printed to your
      printer.


      Quit

      This option will return you to the main menu to select other main
      menu options.






















                                     6
      
                                MANAGE FILES

      This menu performs the cleanup, data safety, and update functions
      of the Collector The data and directory locations are defined in
      the configure portion of the Collector. The following actions can
      be completed:


      Backup

      Copies your data files to a selected backup location. The backup
      files will contain the .BAK file extension.


      Duplicates

      The duplicates area will purge duplicate cards form your
      database. The fields; card number, card name, card year, card
      maker, and card condition will be verified prior to purging
      duplicate records.


      Export

      Creates an ASCII file of all records in any of the following
      database files: data, maker, type, and wantlist. The created files
      will have the .TXT file extension. The file will be placed in the
      Collector's export directory.


      Purge

      The purge function will compress the database files by
      eliminating the space occupied by deleted records. Use this to
      reduce disk space.


      Restore

      This will replace the current file with the backup file of the
      same name.


      Sort

      Place all records in your database in ascending number sequence.
      The number is the card number as entered by you.







                                     7
      
      Update

      Updates the current value of records in your collection if
      subscribing to the Collector's update service. If you desire
      information concerning the update service see the section Updates
      in the technical support section of this manual.


      Quit

      This option will return you to the main menu to select other main
      menu options.










































                                     8
      
                                  REPORTS

      This menu allows you to create a report, delete a report or print
      a report. Select the highlited letter.


      Create

      The create option will create a report to be used by the
      Collector. The below options may be used in creating a report.

      Header

      The header option places information of your choosing at the top
      of the report. Three lines are provided.

      Page numbers

      Enter `Y' to have page numbers printed on the report. Valid
      entries are `Y' or `N'.

      Top margin

      Enter the number of blank lines to print at the top of the
      report. Valid entries are 0-9 blank lines.

      Blank lines

      Enter `Y' to have a blank line inserted between records on a
      printed report. Valid entries are `Y' or `N'.

      Fields

      When selecting the fields options, a window will appear with all
      available fields contained in the database. To select a field use
      the up and down arrow keys. The very last field option is SPACES.
      Enter the number of spaces to insert between fields of a report.
      Valid entries are 0-9 spaces.

      Quit

      This option will return you to the report menu to select other
      print menu options. You are given the option to save the present
      report, quit without saving, or return.


      Delete

      The delete option will erase a created report. Use the up or down
      arrow keys to select the report to delete. Once you have made the
      selection press the ENTER key to delete the report.



                                     9
      
      Print

      The Print option will print a previously created report. Use the
      up or down arrow keys to select the report to print. Once you have
      made the selection press the ENTER key. Once you have selected the
      report you are given the opportunity to print ALL records or only
      SOME. If you selected SOME a window will de displayed to allow you
      to select your search criteria.


      Quit

      This option will return you to the main menu to select other main
      menu options.








































                                     10
      
                                 STATISTICS

      Computes or displays statistical data on records in your
      collection. Selections are:


      Compute all

      Computes statistical information on all records in your
      collection.


      Individual

      Computes statistical information on selected records in your
      collection based on your preferences. Once individual is selected
      a window will de displayed to allow you to select your search
      criteria.


      View

      Displays the information computed in either of the two above
      selections. The option will display the last selection option and
      print the information to the screen, disk file, or the printer.
      The disk file is called STAT.TXT and is placed in the export
      directory.


      Quit

      This option will return you to the main menu to select other main
      menu options.





















                                     11
      
                                 CONFIGURE

      This menu is designed to set the various options when using the
      Collector. The various options are:


      Beeps and bells

      This option allows various beeps to come from the computer when
      using the program. This helps you greatly when using the
      Collector.

      Action complete

      When the response is `Y'es the program will beep when a major
      action is completed. Enter either a `Y' or `N'.

      Errors

      When the response is `Y'es the program will beep when a keyboard
      entry error occurs. Enter either a `Y' or `N'.

      Key press

      When the answer is `Y'es the program will beep when a key is
      pressed on the keyboard. Enter either a `Y' or `N'.

      Quit

      This option will return you to the main configure menu to select
      other configuration options.


      Colors

      This menu allows for changing the colors of the screen. The below
      color options may be selected:

      Hilited letter

      Selects the foreground and background colors of the hilited
      letter on all menus.

      Help

      Selects the main foreground and background colors of the help
      window.







                                     12
      
      Help hilite

      Selects the hilited foreground color of the help window.

      Main

      Selects the main foreground and background colors.

      Main hilite

      Selects the hilited main foreground color.

      Status line

      Selects the foreground and background colors of the status line
      at the bottom of the screen.

      Windows

      Selects the main foreground and background colors of the windows.

      Windows hilite

      Selects the hilited foreground color of the windows.

      Window invalid

      If a selection is invalid its color will be determined by this
      selection.

      Quit

      This option will return you to the main configure menu to select
      other configuration options.


      Drives and directories

      Sets the various drives and directories for data, exporting,
      updates, backups and restoration.

      Backup drive

      This is the drive and directory of the backup data location. It
      is best that a separate drive\directory be used. The file
      extension '.BAK' will be used as the backup file extension.

      EXAMPLE: C:\BACKUP

      Note: DO NOT USE THE BACKSLASH AFTER THE DIRECTORY NAME.




                                     13
      
      Data drive

      This is the drive\directory of the area that contains all data
      (DBF) files for the program.

      EXAMPLE: C:\PROGRAM

      Note: DO NOT USE THE BACKSLASH AFTER THE DIRECTORY NAME.

      Export drive

      This is the drive and directory of the location that will contain
      the ASCII text files of the various data (DBF) files.

      EXAMPLE: A:

      Note: DO NOT USE THE BACKSLASH AFTER THE DIRECTORY NAME.

      Update drive

      This is the drive\directory of the area that contains the update
      file(s). Update files are available monthly, at a nominal fee, and
      will automatically update the estimated value of records in your
      collection. Updates are available for Baseball, Football,
      Basketball, and Hockey.

      EXAMPLE: A:

      Note: DO NOT USE THE BACKSLASH AFTER THE DIRECTORY NAME.

      Quit

      This option will return you to the main configure menu to select
      other configuration options.


      Invested or Worth

      If you desire to have the estimated worth of your collection
      placed on the status line ensure the `W' is hilited. If you desire
      to have the amount you have invested ensure the `I' is hilited.


      Makers of cards

      Enters or deletes card manufacturers of your choosing used in the
      Collector's environment.






                                     14
      
      Add

      In order to add a card maker press escape (ESC) when the list of
      makers appear. You will be asked if you desire to add a maker or
      exit. Select the correct response.

      Delete

      Select the card manufacturer to delete. Use the up and down arrow
      key keys to move the hilited bar up or down. Once the selected
      maker is hilited press the ENTER key. If you need to add a maker
      press the ESC key and you will be asked if you need to enter a new
      maker or exit.


      Types of cards

      Enters or deletes type of cards tracked in the Collector's
      database.

      Add

      In order to add a card type press escape (ESC) when the list of
      types appear. You will be asked if you desire to add a type or
      exit. Select the correct response.

      Delete

      Select the card type to delete. Use the up and down arrow key
      keys to move the hilited bar up or down. Once the selected type is
      hilited press the ENTER key. If you need to add a new type press
      the ESC key and you will be asked if you desire to enter a new
      type or exit.


      Value Default

      The value default selection will enter a default value in the
      purchase price field when entering a new record. An example of its
      use would be; if you primarily purchase wax packs at 1.29 each
      then an entry of 1.29 would be a time saver.


      Quit

      The configure quit option has three selection they are:








                                     15
      
      No save, exit

      This option will not save configure option made during the
      session and return you to the main menu to select other main menu
      options.

      Return to main

      This option will return you to the main configure menu to select
      other configure menu options.

      Save and exit

      This option will save configure option made during the session
      and return you to the main menu to select other main menu options.






































                                     16
      
                                  WANTLIST

      The wantlist is a much needed feature for collectors in helping
      them remember wanted cards, wax packs, wax boxes, or sets. The
      wantlist area will place cards, wax packs, or wax boxes or other
      items wanted by the Collector in a separate database. The below
      options are available:


      Add

      Add a record to your wantlist. The format for data entry is the
      same as entering a regular item in the Collector database.


      Transfer/Delete

      Move the wantlist record to the Collector database. This is
      useful to reduce typing requirements. You may also delete the
      wantlist record.


      Print

      Print all records contained in the wantlist database. Use this to
      gather a single list of wanted items before going to the next card
      shop or show.

      Quit

      This option will return you to the main menu to select other main
      menu options.






















                                     17
      
                                    QUIT

      Select the main menu quit option will save all open files and
      return you to the DOS prompt.


















































                                     18
      
                             TECHNICAL SUPPORT

      Occasionally things can go wrong, you read the manual, you try
      different methods and things still will not work. If you have
      problems, please read the manual first. If you still have problems
      and are a registered user you may contact us by mail or phone.

      Phone

      You may call MyLife Software at (817) 634-3043. Our hours
      9:00a.m. - 7:00p.m. Central Time, Monday - Friday.

      a. If phoning please ensure you have completed and mailed your
      software registration card.

      b. You have a phone next to your computer.

      c. Ensure your computer is on and booted with DOS.

      Mail

      You may write us at:

                              MyLife Software
                               704 Rim Drive
                             Killeen, TX 76542.

      Whether calling or writing please have the following information
      available when calling;

      a. Write down the exact problem(s).

      b. Where in the Collector operation the error occurred.

      c. Error number given, if applicable.

      d. Computer model and name (IBM PC AT)

      e. Operating system version.


      Update ordering information

      Updates are available monthly. Presently two updates are
      available one for baseball, the other for basketball, football,
      and hockey.

      Cost for the monthly updates are $12.50 each. The updates are
      shipped on your choice of 3.5" or 5.25" disks in an archived
      format. To subscribe to the monthly service payment must be



                                     19
      
      submitted in advance. Once payment is received you will receive
      the next monthly update.

      When requesting an update simply note if you desire Baseball or
      other and 3.5" or 5.25" format. Mail a check or money order, drawn
      on a U.S. Bank to;

                              MyLife Software
                          Attn.: Collector Updates
                               704 Rim Drive
                             Killeen, TX 76542.











































                                     20
      
                                   INDEX

      Introduction

         What is the Collector .................................... 1
         Why use the Collector .................................... 1
         System Requirements ...................................... 1
         Included files ........................................... 1

      Getting Started

         Registration card ........................................ 2
         Installation ............................................. 2
         Set up ................................................... 2
         Help ..................................................... 2

      Cards

         Add card ................................................. 3
         Edit card ................................................ 5
         Delete card .............................................. 6
         Missing card ............................................. 6

      Manage Files

         Backup ................................................... 7
         Duplicates ............................................... 7
         Export ................................................... 7
         Purge .................................................... 7
         Restore .................................................. 7
         Sort ..................................................... 7
         Update ................................................... 8

      Reports

         Create ................................................... 8
         Header ................................................... 8
         Page numbers ............................................. 8
         Top margin ............................................... 8
         Blank lines .............................................. 8
         Fields ................................................... 9
         Delete ................................................... 9
         Print ................................................... 10

      Statistics

         Compute all ............................................. 11
         Individual .............................................. 11
         View .................................................... 11





                                     21
      
      Configure

         Beeps and bells ......................................... 12
              Action complete .................................... 12
              Errors ............................................. 12
              Key press .......................................... 12

         Colors .................................................. 12
              Hilited letter ..................................... 12
              Help ............................................... 12
              Help hilite ........................................ 13
              Main ............................................... 13
              Main hilite ........................................ 13
              Status line ........................................ 13
              Window ............................................. 13
              Window hilite ...................................... 13
              Window invalid ..................................... 13

         Drives and directories .................................. 13
              Backup drive ....................................... 13
              Data drive ......................................... 14
              Export drive ....................................... 14
              Update drive ....................................... 14

         Invested or Worth ....................................... 14

         Makers of cards ......................................... 14
              Add ................................................ 15
              Delete ............................................. 15

         Types of cards .......................................... 15
              Add ................................................ 15
              Delete ............................................. 15

         Value Default ........................................... 15

         Quit .................................................... 15
              No save, exit ...................................... 16
              Return to main ..................................... 16
              Save and exit ...................................... 16

      Wantlist

         Add ..................................................... 17
         Transfer/Delete ......................................... 17
         Print ................................................... 17

      Quit ....................................................... 18






                                     22
      
      Technical support

         Phone ................................................... 19
         Mail .................................................... 19
         Updates ................................................. 19

















































                                     23
