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     ┌────────────╖  ┌─────────────╖  ┌─────────────╖  ┌─────────────╖  ┌──╖
    ┌┘ ╔═══════╕  ║  │  ╔══════════╝  │   ╔═════════╝  ╘═════╕  ╔════╝  ╘══╝
    │  ╙───────┘  ║  │  ╙─────╖       │   ╙─────────╖        │  ║       ┌──╖
    │  ╔═══════╕  ║  │  ╔═════╝       ╘═════════╕   ║        │  ║       │  ║
    │  ║       │  ║  │  ║             ┌───┐     │   ║        │  ║       │  ║
    │  ║       │  ║  │  ╙──────────╖  │   └─────┘   ║        │  ║       │  ║
    ╘══╝       ╘══╝  ╘═════════════╝  ╘═════════════╝        ╘══╝       ╘══╝






                             AEsti - Auto Estimator
                             ──────────────────────

                    Copyright (c) 1989-1997 Duke Associates
                    ───────────────────────────────────────

                               All Rights Reserved
                               ───────────────────














                                                                      ───────
                                                               ──────────────
                                                   ──────────────────────────

.TOPIC:
Contents
    ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
    │  To navigate around the Help screens with a mouse simply click  │
    │  between the arrows                                           │
    │                                                                 │
    │  The TAB and TAB+SHIFT keys can also be used to move between    │
    │  topics and Return activates the current option. Press ALT and  │
    │  and the hilighted letter to activate that option for example,  │
    │  pressing ALT+C goes to the Contents (this) page.               │
    └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

                AEsti - Auto Estimator
                ──────────────────────

      Chapter   Contents

        0.00    Recent Amendments
                    Program Changes
                    Upgrading Previous Versions
                    Material Data Bases Important Note
                    Auto Cost Important Note
                    Read This Before Purchasing
                    What Shareware is

        1.00    About this Document
                    How to Print this Document
                    How to Print from a Word Processor
                    How to Print from the DOS Prompt
                    Extended Character Set

        2.00    Software Summary
                    Design Philosophy
                    Target Market
                    Documentation

        3.00    Using the Software
                    Mouse Control
                    Keyboard Control
                    Windows
                    Auto Size Windows
                    Editing

        4.00    Startup - Brief Tutorial
                    Estimate
                    Keyboard & Mouse Control
                    Current Item
                    Estimate Section Headings
                    Adding Items Manually
                    Adding Items using a Data Base
                    Starting a New Section
                    Auto Costing
                    Saving
                    Tips

        5.00    Main Menu
                    Menu Structure

        5.01    Professional Version Features

        6.00    Estimate
                    Items
                    Labour Hours
                    Adding & Erasing Items
                    Editing Items
                    Item Cost
                    Empty Items
                    Section Heading
                    Section Totals
                    PC and Provisional Sums
                    Profit & Loss
                    Summary
                    VAT/Sales Tax
                    Import CSV File
                    CADbill & CSV Files
                    Menu Structure

        7.00    Material Data Bases
                    Data Base Description
                    Location of Data Bases
                    Main Material Dbase Window
                    Items
                    Adding & Erasing Items
                    Editing Items
                    Minimum Words
                    Headings
                    Copying Items to an Estimate
                    Menu Structure

        8.00    Auto and Quick Cost
                    Modified Dbases
                    How Auto Cost Works
                    List of Data Bases
                    Costing Types
                    Match Options
                    Section Heading
                    Checking
                    Reducing Time Costing
                    Errors while Auto Costing
                    Quick Cost
                    Multi Tasking
                    Menu Structure

        9.00    Time Schedule
                    Section Headings
                    Editing
                    Data Location
                    Menu Structure

        10.0    Printing
                    Print Destination
                    Print Options
                    Enhanced Estimate
                    Printed Bar Characters
                    Trouble Shooting
                    Printing to a File

        11.0    File Manager
                    Making Directories
                    Removing Directories
                    Directory Structure

        12.0    Tips
                    General
                    Data Protection
                    Saving
                    Estimating
                    Sub Contractors
                    Material Data Bases
                    Auto Cost

        13.0    Miscellany
                    Speeding up Software
                    Help
                    Colour
                    Compressed & Non DOS Drives
                    Co-processor Chip

        14.0    Program Limits
                    Item Descriptions
                    Minimum System Requirements
                    Recommended System Requirements
                    Value Limits
                    Precision
                    Miscellany
                    Networks
                    Read only Drives & CDROMs

        15.0    Trouble Shooting
                    Problem Solving
                    Known Bugs
                    Software Will Not Run
                    Setup Options will not Change
                    Operating Systems
                    Networks
                    System Configurations
                    Startup
                    Locks up the System
                    Allocating Memory
                    Running out of Memory
                    Warning !
                    Loading Drivers High
                    Bootable Floppy Disk
                    Changing AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS
                    Directories
                    File Names
                    How to Make a Boot Disk
                    Hardware Failures

        16.0    Frequently asked Questions
                    Setup Special Note
                    General
                    Running under Windows 3.xx/95/NT
                    Main Menu Setup Options
                    Estimate
                    Material Data Bases
                    Time Schedule
                    Networks
                    Shareware Version
                    Registered Version
                    Old and New Versions

        17.0    Upgrading Previous Versions
                    Backing Up
                    Install Considerations
                    Installing into a New Directory
                    Installing over a Previous Version
                    Installing over a Previous Version Manually
                    Setting Up

        18.0    Installing from Windows v3.xx
                    Creating a New Windows Group and Program Item
                    Files used By Windows v3.xx
                    Running under Windows v3.xx

        19.0    Installing from Windows v95
                    Installing into the Task Bar
                    Running under Windows 95
                    File Names

        20.0    Future Releases
                    Registrations
                    Feedback

        21.0    Support and Help
                    User Requests
                    Beginners

        22.0    Registered Users
                    Copying Software
                    Registered Version Display
                    Moving Files
                    Documentation

        23.0    Ordering & Distribution Info
                    Reviews
                    How to Order
                    Shareware & Registered Versions
                    Why Should I Register ?

        24.0    Disclaimer
                    Shareware License
                    Licensing Information
                    Disclaimer
                    Trademarks

.TOPIC:
Recent Amendments

0.00  Recent Amendments
      ─────────────────
        A new utility called Control Panel (CONTROLP.EXE) allows
        interface and colours to be modified, this is only available
        in the Registered version.

        This program will create a CONTROLP.INI file which contains
        the interface settings, Aesti will use the default colour
        scheme if this file is not present.

        Note that if a CONTROLP.INI file is used then all settings in
        this file take precedence over any other settings that may
        be set from within AEsti. This is especially true of the
        the Background Character (or wall paper) when changed from
        AEstis Setup, Display Menu, if this is changed then it will
        only be in effect for that session.

        Although CONTROLP.EXE is a fairly crude program, it is small
        and does the job it was designed for. It was not implemented
        as part of the main AEsti program as it will probably not be
        used that frequently by users. This also means that only one
        program is now required to change interface settings for
        software distributed by the Authors.

      Program Changes
      ───────────────
        Material Data Base Transfer option now prompts for an Estimate
        Quantity if it is a zero value, this allows labour hours to
        be worked out.

        Transferring items from Material Data Bases to an Estimate
        would move the scroll bar down two items on the first time
        it was used, this has been fixed after much hassle grrr !

      Upgrading Previous Versions
      ───────────────────────────
        See Chapter 17.0 Upgrading Previous Versions
      
      Material Data Bases Important Note
      ──────────────────────────────────
        Users <<< MUST >>> change or create new Material Data Bases to
        suit their own requirements.

        The Data Bases supplied are for demonstration purposes only and
        should NOT be used for any real Estimates. The Authors are unable
        to supply correct prices as they will change while the software
        is still circulating and prices are country/location dependent.

      Auto Cost Important Note
      ────────────────────────
        The supplied MATERIAL.LiS file is blank, it must have Material
        Data Bases added to it before being used for Costing.

      Read This Before Purchasing
      ───────────────────────────
        No orders are refundable as the software is shareware and users
        have ample time to try it out fully before purchasing a copy.

        It is suggested that before ordering, users try all features to
        make _absolutely_ sure that the software will meet their
        requirements.

        If users have any doubts at all about the software then do not
        purchase a registered version !

      What Shareware is
      ─────────────────
        Some users have been confused by the status of the Shareware
        version - Shareware is a means of trying software before
        buying, it is not free.

        This allows evaluation of the software for a limited period of
        time (90 days for this software) after which you are obliged to
        either purchase a registered copy or stop using it.

        The only difference between Shareware and Registered (purchased)
        versions is the total number of estimate items, the Shareware
        version is limited to 50 and the Registered version allows
        1000 items.

.TOPIC:
About this Document

1.00  About this Document
      ───────────────────
        This file is the main help document, there are two versions ;

          AESTI.HLP - help file used by the software, it should NOT
                      be changed

          AESTI.DOC - plain ASCii file used for printing or adding
                      user notes to

        The program is under constant development and features may have
        been added or removed since this document was last updated.

      How to Print this Document
      ──────────────────────────
        There are several ways to print the help file ; by using the
        Help programs internal print routines, importing and printing
        from within a word processor (WP) or from the DOS prompt.

      How to Print from a Word Processor
      ──────────────────────────────────
        Import the file as plain text or ASCii text, if the WP has not
        converted the "" page break characters (Decimal 12 or ALT+12
        in some WP's) to its own version of page breaks then search
        for this character and replace it with the WP's code for page
        breaks, format the text and then print it.

      How to Print from the DOS Prompt
      ────────────────────────────────
        Print from the DOS prompt using a command line of ;

                 TYPE AESTI.DOC>LPT1
              or TYPE AESTI.DOC>PRN
              or COPY AESTI.DOC PRN

        LPT1 is the printer attached to printer port 1, change this to
        LPT2 if it is attached to port 2.

      Extended Character Set
      ──────────────────────
        Some printers do not support the line drawing characters in
        this document i.e. "───" (decimal 196), these may be printed
        as A's with umlauts or similar characters. If the printer
        does not support these characters then replace them with the
        minus sign "---".
        Non DOS operating systems or GUI's may also display these
        characters incorrectly.


.TOPIC:
Software Summary

2.00  Software Summary
      ────────────────
        See also Chapter 3.00  Using the Software
                         4.00  Startup - Brief Tutorial
                         6.00  Estimate
                         7.00  Material Data Bases
                         8.00  Auto and Quick Cost
                         9.00  Time Schedule

        AEsti creates estimates, quotations, and schedules of works
        for various construction types ranging from simple house
        extensions to factory units.

        It was intended for use by the smaller building contractors
        working on projects that have a maximum value of 250 000 UK
        pounds.  Although it may be used for larger works it is
        probably not  suitable for  projects with a higher value
        than this.

        It features automatic costing of estimates, several types of
        estimate print outs, material/labour data bases, calculator,
        on-line help, windowed interface and a basic file manager.

      Design Philosophy
      ─────────────────
        The program was designed to be as simple and as easy to use
        as possible without the overkill or large system overheads
        that similar software requires. Due to this simple approach
        the program is limited in some areas although the available
        features should meet most users requirements. We will not
        claim it is "easy to use" but will let you, the user, decide.

      Target Market
      ─────────────
        The program was written by British authors and intended for
        use in the UK market.
        However, it may be used in other countries where the decimal
        0.00 currency format is used ; Australia, Canada, USA etc.

        The tax description and rate may be edited to suit different
        countries and currency signs have been deliberately omitted.

      Documentation
      ─────────────
        All documentation has been made as brief, simple and as clear
        as possible. Explanations have been written in laymans terms
        and all jargon has been avoided where possible.
        Writing documentation is not my strong point so apologies in
        advance to users who find any explanations hard to understand,
        typo errors or any inadvertent dis-information.

.TOPIC:
Using the Software

3.00  Using the Software
      ──────────────────
        See also Chapter 4.00  Startup - Brief Tutorial
                         15.0  Trouble Shooting
                         16.0  Frequently asked Questions
      Mouse Control
      ─────────────
        Probably the fastest way of navigating around the various
        options is by using a mouse.

        Menu's and buttons are activated by placing the mouse cursor
        on them and then clicking the left button.

        Use the horizontal and vertical scroll bars at the bottom and
        side of each window to move around a list of items.

        To edit an item when viewing a list of items click the left
        mouse button twice in quick succession.

        Windows can be sized by ;
          Clicking on a window's bottom right corner, hold the
          button down and then drag to the desired size

          Double clicking the top title bar to maximise and minimise

          Clicking the maximise/minimise icons at the top right

        To move a window click on the top of the window, keep the
        button pressed down and then drag the window to the desired
        position.

        Click on a window to make it the current window.

      Keyboard Control
      ────────────────
        Menu's may be activated by pressing the ALT key, to select a
        menu item either keep the ALT key pressed down and then press
        the hilighted letter or use the cursor keys to move around
        menu's and then press return, ESCape will back out of a menu.

        Use the cursor keys, Page Up, Page Down, Home and End keys to
        move around a list of items.

        To edit an item when viewing a list of items press the Return
        key, Insert and Delete will insert and delete items in a list.

        TAB and SHIFT+TAB moves around buttons, list boxes etc

        If pressing a key does not work as expected then you may not
        be using the feature you thought was selected.
        For example, moving from a list to a button by using the TAB
        key means that no item may be selected from the list using
        the cursor keys as the button is currently selected.

        To resize a window use the Window menu and select either
        Maximise or Minimise, short cut keys are also available ;

                Restore         CTRL+F5
                Move            CTRL+F7
                Size            CTRL+F8
                Minimise        CTRL+F9
                Maximise        CTRL+F10
                Next window     CTRL+F6

        Note that not all windows use the above options.

      Windows
      ───────
        There are several states that a window can be in ;
          Normal    - window is neither maximised or minimised
          Maximised - window takes up the whole of the screen
          Minimised - window is the smallest size that it can be

        If a window is maximised or minimised then certain features
        may not work correctly or it may not be apparent if an action
        has been completed. For example, when transferring items from
        a data base to an estimate, if either window is maximised or
        minimised then it will be hard to discern whether a data
        base item has been copied into the estimate correctly.

      Auto Size Windows
      ─────────────────
        The Auto Re-size Windows option (Main Menu, Setup) may produce
        unpredictable results when attempting to manually re-size
        windows. When this option is on the software takes control of
        window sizing and trys to optimise the window size when
        different options are selected. For example, when the Edit
        Estimate option is selected the window is re-sized to nearly
        its maximum size.

      Editing
      ───────
        To edit an item either double click, single click or press
        the return key when the scroll bar is on the selected item.

        Insert and Delete keys will add and delete items in a list
        or window.

        The "&" ampersand character may be used in an Estimate or
        Material Data Base item decription but it will not display
        when the scroll bar is on it although it will print out.
        This is a quirk of the language used to program the
        software and can be ignored.

.TOPIC:
StartUp - Brief Tutorial

4.00  StartUp - Brief Tutorial
      ────────────────────────
        See also Chapter 3.00  Using the Software
                         6.00  Estimate
                         7.00  Material Data Bases
                         8.00  Auto and Quick Cost
                         12.0  Tips
                         15.0  Trouble Shooting

        The software is relatively easy to use and most users who
        have had limited computer experience should have few problems.
        However, for those that need a little more help this brief
        tutorial describes the process of creating an Estimate.

        Try the program first before reading any documentation as
        this gives an overall "feel" for the software. Use the
        supplied demonstration Estimate and Material Data Base
        files to try out the features.

      Estimate
      ────────
        The main menu at the top of the screen has several options
        available, select Estimate by using the left mouse button to
        click on Estimate or press the keyboard ALT key and then press
        E or move the scroll bar with the cursor keys and pressing
        return.

        From the Estimate menu select File, Create New, type in DEMO
        and press Return or click the OK button. A message should now
        be displayed saying that this file already exists, DEMO is one
        of the demonstration estimate files supplied with the software.

        Try Creating a New estimate again but this time type in DEMO2
        or any other file name that has a maximum of eight characters,
        if the file name is valid or it does not already exist then a
        New File has been Created message will be shown.
        Note that long file names used by operating systems such as
        Windows 95 are not supported.

        At the moment this estimate file is blank so select Edit and
        then Job Details, enter suitable data for the Job details.

        It is good practice to save any changed data regularly, use
        the menu File and then Save, this saves the file to disk as
        DEMO2.EST, the .EST file extension is automatically added
        and denotes it as being an estimate file.

        To add items to the Estimate select Edit and then Estimate
        Schedule, all entries should be blank as no data has been
        entered.

      Keyboard & Mouse Control
      ────────────────────────
        To move around the Estimate use the vertical and horizontal
        scroll bars, the keyboard cursor/arrow keys, PageUp/Dn and
        Home/End keys.
        Items may be scrolled left and right by using the cursor
        left/right keys and horizontal scroll bar.

        Vertical/horizontal scroll bars and buttons may also be used
        via the keyboard TAB, TAB+SHIFT, Return and cursor keys.
        This is not usually necessary as most options are available
        from the keyboard - while editing Estimate items use the
        cursor left/right keys to scroll the item left/right, press
        A to add several items, C to copy items etc.

      Current Item
      ────────────
        The current estimate item is displayed in a bright white
        colour or as a black on white scroll bar. A small filled in
        triangle is also displayed to the far left of the window.
        When the triangle changes to a ">" it signifies that this is
        not an estimate item and the user has scrolled past the last
        item.

      Estimate Section Headings
      ─────────────────────────
        The first Estimate item is usually a Section Heading, place
        the scroll bar on the first item and press Return or position
        the mouse cursor on the item and double click the left mouse
        button.

        For the item enter Preliminaries but put a space before the P,
        this space denotes this item as a Section Heading. Section
        Headings are used to split Estimates into different sections
        so that they are easier to view and analyse.
        A typical example would be to put all bricks, blocks, wall
        ties and any other items associated with masonry into a
        section called Masonry.

        To get the program to recognise a Section heading there MUST
        be a space before it.

        A normal Estimate item does not have this space before it, to
        change a Section Heading to an Estimate item remove the space.

      Adding Items Manually
      ─────────────────────
        There are two ways of entering items - either manually type
        in the description and rates or use items held in a Materials
        Data Base.

        Manual entry of data is fairly straight forward, enter text
        in the Item and Units fields and numeric values for the other
        fields. Items can be added/erased by using the Insert/Delete
        keys, the Add/Erase buttons and the menu.

      Adding Items using a Data Base
      ──────────────────────────────
        See Chapter 7.00 Material Data Bases

        To copy items from a Material Data Base there must be a Data
        Base loaded, select Window, Material Data Base and then load
        the PRELIMS data base.

        Select Edit Materials, put the scroll bar on Scaffolding and
        either use the Transfer button or the menu Utils, Transfer.
        This has now copied the scaffolding description and rates from
        the Data Base into the last hilighted Estimate item.

        This method of copying items is probably the most effective
        and obviates the need for an Auto Cost as all necessary rates
        are copied directly into the Estimate.

      Starting a New Section
      ──────────────────────
        Once a section has been finished leave two blank items after
        the last item in a section, a section sub total will then be
        automatically added, for example ;

                  ──────── Item Description ─── Quantity - Units -
  Space here
   denotes a  >────────────> Preliminaries
     section        134.10 Scaffolding             1      No
                     62.75 Remove debris to tip    1      No
   two blank >──> ────────
  items here >──>      197
     for sub                 Masonry
      totals        815.12 Facing bricks           22     m2
                  ────────────────────────────────────────────────

        If the estimate does not need to be broken up into sections
        then each item must be filled in with no blank entries.

        For the previous example the Preliminaries actual section
        sub total is 196.85. Section sub totals are rounded to whole
        numbers which allows larger values to be displayed. The
        Estimate summary does not round off numbers for the totals.

      Auto Costing
      ────────────
        See Chapter 8.00 Auto and Quick Cost

        When all the items for an Estimate have been entered then it
        may be costed by using the Auto Cost option, it is advisable
        to save the Estimate before Auto Costing.
        Select the Auto Cost option and then Cost All of Estimate.

        If the supplied MATERIAL.LIS file is to be used to cost the
        estimate then data bases must be added to it before it can be
        used, this file is supplied blank as it uses path and drive
        names to find the data bases.

        After Auto Costing the Estimate should be checked for any
        irregular, incorrect and missed items or values.

      Saving
      ──────
        If any data has been changed without saving and the user
        attempts to close down a window or exit the program then the
        program will prompt if this data is to be saved and displays
        three options -

          Yes    - saves the data to file and continues with the last
                   selected option

          No     - does not save the data to file and continues with
                   the last selected option

          Cancel - does not save the data to file and cancels the
                   last selected option
      Tips
      ────
        Users should familiarise themselves with the software before
        using it on any real projects, this will reduce the possibility
        of errors.

        Always manually check all data that any software produces, do
        not accept without question the data that ANY program creates.

.TOPIC:
Main Menu

5.00  Main Menu
      ─────────
        See also Chapter 4.00  Startup - Brief Tutorial
                         12.0  Tips
                         15.0  Trouble Shooting

      Menu Structure
      ──────────────
        ≡                  - displays/hides version & licence info

        Estimate           - See Chapter 6.00 Estimate

        Materials Dbase    - See Chapter 7.00 Material Data Bases

        AutoCost           - See Chapter 8.00 Auto and Quick Cost

        Help               - Help manager

        Utilities
          File Manager     - simple file manager
                             See Chapter 11.00 File Manager

          Shell to DOS     - shells to DOS, type EXIT to exit shell

          System
            Memory Info    - shows information about free memory. Only
                             used for debugging purposes, higher values
                             indicate more memory is free
            Integrity      - checks if AESTI.EXE is damaged, this is
            Check            NOT a virus scanner and is limited in its
                             ability to check for damage. For more
                             security use a 3rd party virus scanner
        Setup
          Separator        - changes character printed between sections
          Character          under headings etc.

          Display
            Background     - changes background character, Custom allows
            Character        any single character to be used.
                             To enter extended characters switch on
                             NumLock, keep the ALT key pressed down and
                             enter values with the numeric keypad i.e.
                             typing in 205 and then releasing the ALT
                             key will display the double bar character.

            Screen Display
              25 Lines     - sets display to 25 text lines
              VGA 43 Lines - sets screen display to 43 lines
              VGA 50 Lines - sets screen display to 50 lines

              43 and 50 line options require a compatible VGA card,
              they will not work with non standard VGA cards.

          Auto Size Window - automatic window sizing, toggle ON if a
                             mouse is not being used

          Keyboard         - speeds up keyboard rate and window
          Accelerator        scrolling

          Tax Description  - used in the estimate summary, it is a
                             description of the VAT or Tax Rate that
                             applies to your country. For the UK
                             this will be "+ VAT @ 17.5%"

        Exit to Dos        - exits to DOS

.TOPIC:
Professional Version Features

5.01  Professional Version Features
      ─────────────────────────────
        See also Chapter 4.00  Startup - Brief Tutorial
                         5.00  Main Menu

        The Professional version is not available yet as it is still
        under development. This chapter has only been included to make
        it easier for the Authors to update it in the future when this
        version does become available.

        Features only available in the professional version or
        currently being worked on ;
          
          Password protected and encrypted estimate files

          Estimate items increased to 2000

          Print company name at top of each page

          Disable print of company name and date/time

          Cost control - this feature is turning out to be so complex
                         that it will probably be converted into a
                         separate program.
          Suppliers    - uses the Estimate to create a schedule of
                         materials and matching suppliers.

.TOPIC:
Estimate

6.00  Estimate
      ────────
        See also Chapter 4.00  Startup - Brief Tutorial
                         7.00  Material Data Bases
                         8.00  Auto and Quick Cost
                         9.00  Time Schedule

        The Estimate option creates a schedule of items that may be
        typed in manually or copied from Material Data Bases.

      Items
      ─────
        A valid estimate item description has no leading space, if an
        item has a space then the item is classed as a section
        heading, see below Section Headings.

        Each item is limited to 30 characters, if an item description
        is longer than this then carry the description over to the
        next item.

        If a schedule of works has already been provided then enter the
        schedules item reference instead of typing in all of the items
        description. The schedule page numbers may also be used as
        section headings.

        The current item is displayed in a bright white colour or a
        black on white bar, a filled in triangle is displayed at the
        left of the window. If the bar moves past the last item then
        this character changes to a ">".

      Labour Hours
      ────────────
        The Total Hours for each item is the total hours required to
        fix, lay, install etc. the whole of that item. For example,
        if the item is Bricks and the Quantity is 28 m2 then the
        hours is the time required to lay ALL 28 m2 of bricks.

        The software will not work out the Total Labour Hours for
        each item, users must either manually enter it or use the
        Material Data Base Transfer option.

      Adding & Erasing Items
      ──────────────────────
        Use the menu options, buttons or Insert and Delete keys to
        add and erase items.

      Editing Items
      ─────────────
        Press the Return key to edit the currently selected item or
        double click the left mouse button on the item to edit.

        To accept the changes made to an item press or click on the
        Ok button, an edit may be cancelled by pressing the Cancel
        button or the ESCape key while editing the item data.

        The data in each item is limited in the total characters that
        it contains and will be autoamtically truncated if it exceeds
        these limits.

      Item Cost
      ─────────
        While editing an estimate the total item Quote Cost is shown
        at the left side of the window.
        This is a total of the material and labour costs and has the
        profit margin added to it, item Quote Cost is worked out by
        the equation ;

        ((Quantity x Cost Unit) + (Labour Hours x Cost Hour)) x Profit

        Item costs with zero values are not displayed.

      Empty Items
      ───────────
        Due to the way that section headings are defined, with a space
        before the heading name, and section sub totals are added, it
        is not possible to have a true empty or blank item.
        However, using a "." (full stop) or any other single character
        as an item will give the appearance of an empty item.

      Section Headings
      ────────────────
        A Section Heading is a description of the next section in an
        estimate. To allow the software to recognise a Section Heading
        it must have a space preceding its description. A Heading will
        not display any values to the right of it or an item cost to
        the left.
        
        A section may consist of several items that are specific to
        a particular location in a structure, a type of material,
        several labour items etc. For example, a house may be split up
        into several sections for foundations, drainage, floor, lounge,
        bathroom, garage etc.
        
        Note that if an item is changed into a section heading then
        any values used for quantity, cost etc. are erased from that
        item.

        Time Schedule user entered data such as Users Estimated Days
        are saved in each estimate Section Heading. If a Section
        Heading is changed to an item or is erased then this data
        is also erased.

      Section Totals
      ──────────────
        Leaving two blank items after the end of a section allows
        section sub totals to be added.
        If no sub total is displayed where there are two blank items
        then try erasing the two items and then adding them again.

        Section sub totals are calculated from the item after a
        Section Heading and end at the next blank item ;

                  ──────── Item Description ─── Quantity - Units -
  Space here
   denotes a >────────────> Preliminaries
     section        134.10 Scaffolding             1      No
                     62.75 Remove debris to tip    1      No
   two blank >──> ────────
  items here >──>      197
     for sub                Masonry
      totals        815.12 Facing bricks           22     m2
                  ────────────────────────────────────────────────

        Note that for the above example the actual Preliminaries
        section sub total is 196.85. Section sub totals are rounded
        to the nearest whole number, this allows larger values to be
        displayed. The Estimate summary sheet does not round off
        numbers for the totals.

        A sub total may be incorrect if a section heading is used
        within an existing section ;
                  ──────── Item Description ─── Quantity - Units -

                            Preliminaries
                    134.10 Scaffolding             1      No
                            On Completion
                     62.75 Remove debris to tip    1      No
                  ────────
   Sub total >──>       63
                            Masonry
                    815.12 Facing bricks           22     m2
                  ────────────────────────────────────────────────

        Section total material cost and section total labour cost are
        displayed in the Cost 1 Unit and Cost Hour columns. If the
        enhanced estimate option is used then they are shifted to
        the far right. These two sub totals do not have any profit
        margin or VAT/sales tax added to them.

      PC and Provisional Sums
      ───────────────────────
        There can only be one section with the heading PC Sums and
        one with the heading Provisional Sums. They MUST also be typed
        in as "PC" and "Provisional Sums" to be recognised ;
                  ────────────────────────────────────────────────
                            PC Sums
                     84.71 Electrical Works        1       No
                     10.00 Plastering              1       No
                  ────────
                        95
                            Provisional Sums
                    304.19 New Boiler Unit         1       No
                  ────────────────────────────────────────────────
      Profit & Loss
      ─────────────
        When editing actual cost values do NOT add tax or profit margin
        to any costs. If these are added to actual costs then the
        summary sheet After Works Completed section will not display
        a correct profit or loss.

      Summary
      ───────
        The summary is only updated if an estimate item, profit margin
        or VAT/sales tax rate has been changed.

        The After Works Completed section uses actual costs that are
        entered after a project has been finished. It may be used to
        compare the original estimated profit against the actual
        profit made on the job.

        Approximate Build Time is fixed and does not use the Users
        Estimated Days in the Time Schedule.

      VAT/Sales Tax
      ─────────────
        VAT/sales tax is only added to the final Estimate Summary sheet
        total, use a 0 (zero) rate if you do not want tax to be added.

      Import CSV File
      ───────────────
        See below - CADbill & CSV Files

        Imports a CSV (comma separated value) file created by other
        software, a typical application would be to import CSV files
        created by CAD software. Use the supplied demonstration file
        DEMO-CSV.CSV to test this feature.

        CSV files must be in plain ASCii format, contain no control
        codes, each data item is separated by a comma and items
        must be in the format of ;
         "Item", Quantity, "Units", CostUnit, Hours, CostHr, ActualCost

        Items with enclosing quotes are text strings, all other items
        are numeric values and may either be integer or floating
        point.

        Each line consists of seven data items ;

          Item       - item description, maximum string length of 30
                       characters, longer strings will be truncated

          Quantity   - total units for this item, max value of 32000

          Units      - units of measurement, maximum string length of 5
                       characters, longer strings will be truncated

          CostUnit   - cost of a single item, max value of 250000

          Hours      - total labour hours required to complete item

          CostHr     - cost per labour hour, max value of 32000

          ActualCost - actual cost of this item, this is only used
                       for the Profit & Loss breakdown, max value of
                       250000

        Note that each line MUST contain seven bits of data separated
        by a comma, typical example ;
          "Shower Unit", 1, "No", 286, 6, 7.5, 0
          "", 0, "", 0, 0, 0, 0
          "Bath", 1, "No", 192.50, 4, 7.5, 0

        Each item is on a separate line, there must be no empty lines.
        To leave an item blank use empty double quotes or a 0, the
        second line shows how to leave an item blank.
        Failure to follow this file format will produce unpredictable
        results in the import.

        Using a comma or quote between quotes will produce an error,
        the follwing example shows invalid use of quotations after
        the "Unit" item ;
          "Shower", "Unit" ", 1, "No", 286, 6, 7.5, 0

        The total items that may be imported is currently limited to
        the total estimate items.

      CADbill & CSV Files
      ───────────────────
        We also distribute a program called CADbill - this creates a
        bill of materials from a DXF file, the bill is formatted and
        saved to a CSV file which may then be imported into AEsti.
        DXF (drawing interchange format) files can be created by most
        CAD software including AutoCAD, TurboCAD etc.

      Menu Structure
      ──────────────
        File
          Load            - loads an Estimate
          Save            - saves using current file name, NO backup
                            copy is made of this file
          Save As         - saves using different file name
          Create New      - creates a new Estimate
          Import CSV File - imports a CSV file
          Print           - prints the estimate in several formats
          Exit            - closes down the Estimate window

        Edit
          Job Details     - edits job details - client, date etc.
          Schedule        - normal schedule view of the Estimate
          Enhanced        - enhanced view
          Cost per 1 Unit - shows cost per 1 unit
          Clients Copy    - shows a Clients copy
          Tender Schedule - used for quotation purposes
          Profit & Loss   - works out the actual Profit or Loss, to be
                            filled in after the project is completed

          Note that all the above editing options after Job Details
          refers to the data to be displayed, editing while viewing
          the Schedule, Enhanced etc. will bring up the same Edit
          routine.

        View
          Job Details     - shows job details
          Summary         - totals summary sheet
          Section Heading - shows section sub totals, 199 sections max.
                            Double click or press return to go to the
                            currently selected section.
          Time Schedule   - switches to time schedule window

        Utils
          Add 1 Item      - adds one item
          Add Several     - adds several items
          Erase           - erases current item
          Copy            - copies item to another item
          Move            - moves item to another position
          Find            - finds an item, search starts from the next
                            item and ends at the last item, if it fails
                            then it starts again from the first item
          Replicate       - replicates current item to next selected
                            number of items
          Next item with  - goes to next item with a cost per unit that
          Zero Cost         has a zero value, it will not go to an item
                            that has no quantity
          Next item with  - goes to next item with hours that have a
          Zero Hours        zero value, it will not go to an item that
                            has no labour rate

          Above options can also be accessed via the keyboard while
          editing - use Insert, A, Delete, C, M, F, R, Z and H keys

        Window
          Main Menu       - switches to the Main Menu window
          Estimate        - Estimate
          Materials Dbase - Materials Data Base
          AutoCost        - AutoCost
          Help            - Help

.TOPIC:
Material Data Bases

7.00  Material Data Bases
      ───────────────────
        See also Chapter 4.00  Startup - Brief Tutorial
                         6.00  Estimate
                         8.00  Auto and Quick Cost

        Some references to "Data Base" in this documentation and the
        software has been shortened to Dbase.

      Data Base Description
      ─────────────────────
        Material Data Bases contain material prices and labour rates
        required to fix, lay etc. each material item.
        The term "Material" Data Base is slightly misleading in that
        Data Bases do not have to hold material prices, they may be
        used to contain just labour rates.

        Each Dbase file is limited to 500 items although the number
        of files is only limited by disk space.

      Location of Data Bases
      ──────────────────────
        If the Auto Cost feature is to be used then some thought must
        be given to where Dbases are located. Auto Cost needs to know
        the directory they are located in and if they are moved then
        Auto Cost List files must be updated with their new location.

        It is recommended that separate sub directories are used if
        a significant number of Dbases are to be used i.e. if the
        software is in a directory called C:\ESTIMATE then put
        the Dbases in C:\ESTIMATE\DATABASE.

        Users may also like to consider putting Dbases that relate
        to specific materials or building types in different
        directories ; C:\ESTIMATE\TIMBER, C:\ESTIMATE\STEEL etc.

      Main Material Dbase Window
      ──────────────────────────
        This window shows information about the currently loaded
        Dbase ;

        Description     - this is also used by Auto Cost to match an
                          Estimate Section heading against a Material
                          Dbase Description, maximum 30 characters
                          See also Chapter 8.00 Auto and Quick Cost,
                          Section Heading.
        Remark          - any general remarks about the DBase, maximum
                          of 60 characters.
        Created By      - user who created the Dbase, 60 characters max
        Total Items     - total number of items in the currently loaded
                          Dbase, this is not user modifiable.
        Date Updated    - that last date the the file was updated.
        Updated by User - last user who updated the file, 60 characters
                          max.
        File Name       - file name of the currently loaded Dbase, this
                          is not user modifiable.

      Items
      ─────
        Each item description is limited to 30 characters.

        The current item is displayed in a bright white colour and a
        filled in triangle is displayed at the left of the window.
        When the cursor moves past the last item then this character
        changes to a ">".

      Adding & Erasing Items
      ──────────────────────
        Use the menu options, buttons or Insert and Delete keys to
        add and erase items.

      Editing Items
      ─────────────
        Press the Return key to edit the currently selected item or
        double click on the item to edit. To accept the changes made
        to an item press or click on the Ok button, an edit may be
        cancelled by selecting the Cancel button or pressing the
        ESCape key while editing the item data.

      Minimum Words
      ─────────────
        Some thought must be given when entering items as the Auto Cost
        feature matches words in Data Base items to Estimate items. The
        more words used then the more accurate an Auto Cost will be.

        To get a better match ratio when Auto Costing try to use at
        least a three word description for each Data Base item or copy
        Data Base items directly into the Estimate while editing.

      Copying Items to an Estimate
      ────────────────────────────
        To keep terminology consistent the term "Transfer" is used to
        describe copying Material Dbase items to the Estimate items.
        The Copy command in Estimate and Material Dbase windows will
        only copy items in these windows i.e. from Estimate to Estimate
        item and from Material to Material item.

        There must be a Materials Dbase and Estimate loaded if an
        item is to be transferred (copied) into an Estimate.

        To copy an item change to the Material Dbase window then select
        Edit Material, place the scroll bar on the item to be copied and
        then either click the Transfer button, press the T key or from
        the menu Utils select Transfer.

        If the Estimate item does not have a Quantity then users will
        be prompted to enter one, if a Quantity is entered then this
        is used to calculate the total labour hours for that Estimate
        item. Note that the Material item must have a value entered for
        Labour Hours for 1 Unit for the Estimate total labour hours
        to be calculated in this way.

        This has now copied the item to the last selected Estimate
        item and the scroll bar will have automatically moved down to
        the next Estimate item.

        To make it easier see if an item has been copied, resize the
        Material Dbase window to the bottom half of the screen and
        the Estimate window to the top half. This automatically occurs
        if Auto Size Window (Main Menu, Setup) is toggled on.

      Headings
      ────────
        Code is the manufacturers reference (maximum 8 characters)
        Units are units of measurement,  Unit Cost is the cost of one
        unit for that item,  Labour hours are number of hours it takes
        to fix, lay etc. one unit of that item  and Labour Cost is the
        labour rate per hour.

        A typical example ; Bricks 200/1000  m²  12.39  1.5  7.5

        Each 1 m² costs 12.39 for bricks, takes 1.5 hours to lay at
        a labour rate of 7.50 per hour.

      Code
      ────
        The manufacturers code for each item is currently not used
        for auto costing, users who wish to use the code for auto
        costing must include it in the main item description.

      Menu Structure
      ──────────────
        File
          Load            - loads a Materials Dbase
          Save            - saves using current file name, NO backup
                            copy is made of this file
          Save As         - saves using a different file name
          Create New      - creates a new Dbase
          Print           - prints
          Exit            - closes down the Dbase window

        Edit
          Description     - edits data base description
          Materials       - edits the data base

        View
          Description     - shows file details

        Utils
          Add 1 Item      - adds one item
          Add Several     - adds several items
          Erase           - erases current item
          Copy            - copies item to another item
          Move            - moves item to another position
          Find            - finds an item, search starts from the next
                            item and ends at the last item, if it fails
                            then it starts again from the first item
          Replicate       - replicates current item to the next
                            selected number of items
          Sort on Code    - sorts data base in alphabetical order
                            based on items code
          Sort on         - sorts data base in alphabetical order
          Description       based on items description
          Transfer        - copies current item information to the
                            last selected Estimate item. If the
                            Estimate item has a quantity then labour
                            hours are worked out based on this
                            quantity and the material hours

          Above options can also be accessed via the keyboard while
          editing - use Insert, A, Delete, C, M, F, R, S and T keys

        Window
          Main Menu       - switches to the Main Menu window
          Estimate        - Estimate
          Materials Dbase - Materials Data Base
          AutoCost        - AutoCost
          Help            - Help

.TOPIC:
Auto and Quick Cost

8.00  Auto and Quick Cost
      ───────────────────
        See also Chapter 4.00  Startup - Brief Tutorial
                         6.00  Estimate
                         7.00  Material Data Bases
                         9.00  Time Schedule

        The supplied MATERIAL.LiS file is blank, it must have Material
        Data Bases added to it before being used for Costing.

        Users must fully understand the methodology behind the Auto
        Cost before using it and it is strongly recommended that
        this chapter is read thoroughly.

        A test estimate should then be Auto Costed to familiarise users
        with the methodology involved. The Material Data Base chapter
        should also be read regarding the location of Dbase files.

        If Material Data Base items have been transferred/copied into
        an Estimate then an Auto Cost will probably not be required.

      Modified Dbases
      ───────────────
        If a Material Dbase is loaded and it has been modified then
        it should be saved before proceeding with an Auto Cost, any
        changes will be lost if it is not saved.

      How Auto Cost Works
      ───────────────────
        Material Dbases that are defined in a .LiS file are loaded and
        each Dbase item is searched for in the Estimate, if the item
        is found then its rates are copied to the Estimate item.
        Auto Cost is not case sensitive, it will treat "Brick", "BRICK"
        and "brick" as the same word.

      List of Data Bases
      ──────────────────
        List files (with the .LiS file extension) hold lists of Material
        Dbases that are used when Auto Costing, each List file can hold
        up to 100 data bases.
        The files contain the drive and directory where each Dbase is
        located, the maximum path length is 76 characters, exceeding
        this length will produce errors.

        If Dbases are moved to another drive or directory after they
        were originally added to a List file then the List file must
        be updated with their new location.

        Various strategies can be adopted for List files, for example
        using a single List file with all Dbases in it is easy to keep
        track of but makes Auto Costing slow.

      Costing Types
      ─────────────
        All of Estimate - costs all of the Estimate

        Section Only - only costs a selected Estimate Section using a
        Dbase in the List file that has a Description that matches the
        Estimate Section Heading.

        Section using all Dbases - costs selected Estimate Section using
        all Dbase's in the List file.

        Use Loaded Data Base - costs all of the Estimate using only the
        currently loaded Dbase.

        Minimum Word Match - an Estimate item is matched to a Material
        Dbase item if it either matches it exactly or has a minimum
        number of words that are also in the Material item.
        Increasing words to be matched results in more accurate but
        fewer matches, lowering this number has an opposite effect.
        Setting the Minimum Word Match to 3 is a good compromise.

      Match Options
      ─────────────
        After selecting a .LiS file and before the Auto Cost actually
        starts the user will be asked if existing Estimate rates are
        to be replaced.

        Selecting YES replaces any existing Estimate rates with those
        found in Dbase items that match Estimate items.

        If Estimate items that are not in any Dbase have been used or
        existing rates are not to be replaced then select NO.

        The user will then be prompted if Estimate items with no
        quantities are to be costed, select NO if multi-line item
        descriptions have been used.

      Section Heading
      ───────────────
        If Auto Cost finds an Estimate Section Heading that matches the
        Dbase Description then it will only search that Estimate
        section. This reduces time taken to cost the Estimate although
        it will skip Estimate sections that may contain items that are
        in this currently loaded Dbase.
        To avoid this make Dbase Descriptions or Estimate Section
        Headings unique so that they will never match each other.

      Statistics
      ──────────
        Statistics are displayed after each AutoCost ;

          Data Base Items used  - total Material Dbase items used
          Estimate Items Costed - total Estimate items costed

          Exact Matches         - total Dbase items that were exactly
                                  matched to Estimate items
          Total Matches         - total Dbase items that were matched
                                  to Estimate items
          Hit Rate              - percentage hit rate

          Time Started          - AutoCost started at this time
          Time Finished         - AutoCost finished at this time

        Total Matches may be more than the number of Estimate items,
        this occurs if Minimum Word Match (see above) is set to a low
        value, there are several Dbase items that are similar to each
        other or different Dbases contain the same item.

      Checking
      ────────
        After any Auto Cost the Estimate should be carefully checked
        for rates with 0 values and massive or unusual values.

        Please note that AutoCost depends on Material Data Base item
        descriptions, if several item descriptions are similar to each
        other then unexpected results may occur or AutoCost may not
        use the appropriate item rates.

      Reducing Time Costing
      ─────────────────────
        The only way to reduce the time taken to cost an Estimate is
        to reduce the number of Dbases in List files.

      Errors while Auto Costing
      ─────────────────────────
        If a File Error message is displayed during an Auto Cost then
        one of the Dbases in the List file has either been erased or
        moved to another directory or drive after they were originally
        added to the List file.

        If any Dbases have been moved or erased after creating a List
        file then run the option Edit List, Check Data Bases.

      Quick Cost
      ──────────
        Works out an approximate cost for the project based on a cost
        per unit2 (m2, sq.ft. etc.) Building Type Rate, it relies on the
        users judgement in selecting the appropriate cost per unit2
        rates.

        There is one user defined Type and three Building Types, rates
        for each Type may be edited and saved.

      Multi Tasking
      ─────────────
        Auto Cost incorporates a crude form of multi-tasking which
        allows other options to be used while an Auto Cost is being
        carried out in the background.

        For example, start Auto Cost and then use the mouse to click
        on the Estimate window, it is not possible to use the keyboard
        to do this. The Estimate may then be scrolled through, the
        summary viewed etc. but the Auto Cost will still be working
        in the background.

        It is possible to edit, insert and delete Estimate items while
        an Auto Cost is being carried out in the background but the
        Authors strongly advise against doing so as it may produce
        unpredictable results. It is also not advisable to use the
        Material Dbases as the Auto Cost is loading and using Dbases
        to cost the Estimate.

        The Auto Cost will be temporarily suspended during re-sizing
        of windows, menu selection, clicking the mouse button etc.

      Menu Structure
      ──────────────
        File
          Load              - loads List file
          Save              - saves List file
          Unload List       - Unloads a loaded List file
          Create New        - creates a new List file
          Save Building     - saves the current set of Building Type
          Rates               rates
          Exit              - closes down the AutoCost window

        Edit List
          Add Dbase to List - add a Materials Dbase to List file, the
                              Insert key can also be used
          Remove Dbase      - removes Dbase from List file, the delete
                              key can also be used
          Edit Description  - edits the List file description
          Sort on File Name - sorts List on Dbase file name
          Sort Description  - sorts List on Dbase description
          Check Data Bases  - checks if Dbases in List have been
                              moved from their directory
        AutoCost
          Cost All          - costs all of Estimate
          Cost a Section    - costs an Estimate section only
          Use Loaded Dbase  - only uses the currently loaded Dbase to
                              cost all of the Estimate
          Minimum Word      - sets number of words in a Material Dbase
          Matches             to match against an Estimate item for
                              it to be a valid match

        QuickCost
          Total Area        - total area of works
          Building Type     - selects a rate to be used
          Rates
          Edit Building     - edits the Building Type Rates
          Type Rates

        Window
          Main Menu         - switches to the Main Menu window
          Estimate          - Estimate
          Materials Dbase   - Materials Data Base
          AutoCost          - AutoCost
          Help              - Help

.TOPIC:
Time Schedule

9.00  Time Schedule
      ─────────────
        See also Chapter 4.00  Startup - Brief Tutorial
                         6.00  Estimate
                         7.00  Material Data Bases

        The time schedule is very basic and should only be used as a
        rough guide for assessment purposes.

        Number of hours worked per week is based on 35 hours per man
        and can not be changed.

        Each week contains 5 days with each bar ("-") representing one
        day. If a section takes less than a day to complete then it is
        rounded up to one day. The maximum number of sections that the
        time schedule can handle is 199 with a time frame of 3 months.

        The time taken to complete a job is dependent on the number of
        men working on the job, if the number of men is increased then
        the time taken is reduced.

      Section Headings
      ────────────────
        Estimate Section Headings are used for the Time Schedule and
        there must therefore be at least one Section Heading.

      Editing
      ───────
        Edit Time changes start and end dates for each section, the
        following is a brief description of each heading ;

          Estimated Days - number of days to complete this section,
          this is worked out by AEsti and can not be changed.

          Your Estimated - users estimated days to complete this
          section, if you use 0 (zero) then the value in Estimated
          Days will be used instead.

          Days From Previous - the number of days after or before
          the previous sections end day that you want to start on
          this section

          For example, if a section called Drainage finished on day
          8 and 2 was used for Days From Previous in the next section
          then this next section will start on day 11 which is 2 days
          after the last section (Drainage) finished. If -2 is used
          then the section starts on day 5 which is 2 days prior to
          when Drainage ended.

          Start and End Days - these are automatically updated
          whenever Your Estimated and Days From Previous are edited.
          Start day is the day that this section is started on, End
          day is the day that this section will be finished on.

      Data Location
      ─────────────
        Time Schedule user entered data such as Users Estimated Days
        are saved in each estimate Section Heading. If a Section
        Heading is changed to an item or is erased then this data
        is also erased.

      Menu Structure
      ──────────────
        File
          Print           - prints the Time Schedule
          Exit            - closes down the Time Schedule window

        Edit              - Users Estimated and Days from Previous

        View              - views the Time Schedule

        Window
          Main Menu       - switches to the Main Menu window
          Estimate        - Estimate
          Materials Dbase - Materials Data Base
          AutoCost        - AutoCost
          Help            - Help


.TOPIC:
Printing

10.0  Printing
      ────────
        See also Chapter 12.0  Tips
                         14.0  Program Limits
                         15.0  Trouble Shooting
                         16.0  Frequently asked Questions

        Print routines use Epson escape codes and will work with any
        printer supporting these codes. Even if your printer does not
        support these codes then it is likely that the print routines
        will work with your printer.

        Please note that the output quality may be less than optimal
        if your printer does not support Epson escape codes.

        Unfortunately, we are unable to support every printer as there
        are probably thousands of different models being used with
        new ones being introduced all the time.

      Print Destination
      ─────────────────
        Before printing any data users will be prompted to send it to
        either a printer on LPT1, LPT2 or LPT3 or disk file, printers
        are usually attached to the LPT1 printer port.

        Printed disk files are in plain ASCii format, this is also
        known as DOS text or plain text. Most word processors support
        this format and files may be imported into a word processor,
        formatted and then printed.

      Epson Print Options
      ───────────────────
        All options in the Epson print Options box, except for Lines
        per Page, require an Epson compatible printer or a printer
        that supports Epson ESCape codes.

        Lines per Page
          This is the number of lines of text that will be printed on
          each page, most printers are capable of 66. Setting this to
          0 (zero) will enable continuous feed.
          There is a minimum limit of 10 and a maximum limit of 199
          lines to each page.

        The printer must be on-line and ready to print when any of
        the following options are selected ;
            Letter Quality - turns on letter quality mode
            Condensed On   - turns on condensed print mode, prints
                             text in a compressed format
            Condensed Off  - turns off condensed print mode
            Elite 12cpi    - sets printer to use this font
            Pica 10cpi     - sets printer to use this font

      Enhanced Estimate
      ─────────────────
        All printing routines, except for the Enhanced Estimate, are
        based on an 80 column printer in 10 cpi mode.

        The Enhanced Estimate requires a 110 column printer or one
        that accepts the Condensed On option which prints text in
        a compressed format.

      Printed Bar Characters
      ──────────────────────
        Some line characters such as "═══" may not print correctly
        if the printer is set to a mode that does not support these
        characters.

      Trouble Shooting
      ────────────────
        Most types of printers have been used successfully with the
        software ; 9 pin, 24 pin, bubble jets and lasers.

        Users who have trouble printing should change printer settings
        by means of its software, internal DIP switches or control
        panel and alter the configuration to Epson or IBM mode.

        The most common problem is if the printer is not compatible or
        is not in Epson mode and the Epson options such as Condensed
        On is used. This will sometimes lock the printer or it will
        not accept the printed data.

        Do NOT use the Epson Options if your printer will not accept
        any codes or you can get no printed output when using them.

        If all attempts at printing fail then print to a disk file and
        then import this file into a word processor and print it from
        within the word processor.

        If the first attempt to print fails then the program will make
        several further attempts. It will also display a Cancel Print
        message twice after it has exhausted all possible print
        attempts.

      Printing to a File
      ──────────────────
        Please note that the Enhanced options such as Condensed print
        are not used when printing to a file.

.TOPIC:
File Manager

11.0  File Manager
      ────────────
        See also Chapter 5.00  Main Menu
                         10.0  Printing
                         12.0  Tips

        This is a fairly crude option but it does provide most of the
        utilities required to maintain files and directory structures.

      Making Directories
      ──────────────────
        The Make Directory feature requires a valid directory name to be
        used, trying to make several directories at a time will result
        in an error.

        For example, suppose there is a directory called C:\ESTI and the
        user wishes to create C:\ESTI\DBASE\TIMBER.
        The first directory to be created will be C:\ESTI\DBASE and then
        C:\ESTI\DBASE\TIMBER can be created.

      Removing Directories
      ────────────────────
        A directory that contains files can not be removed, all files
        in the directory must be erased first.

      Directory Structure
      ───────────────────
        It is suggested that users keep estimate files with .EST file
        extensions and Material Dbases with .DBE file extensions in
        different directories. This makes it easier to keep track of
        files, typical directory structure ;

              C:\ESTI               Main program files
              C:\ESTI\ESTIMATE      Estimate files
              C:\ESTI\DBASE         Material Dbase files


.TOPIC:
Tips

12.0  Tips
      ────
        See also Chapter 14.0  Program Limits
                         15.0  Trouble Shooting
                         16.0  Frequently asked Questions

        This chapter covers some general tips, experienced estimators
        will no doubt be aware of the estimating pitfalls described.

      General
      ───────
        Always manually check all data that any software produces, do
        not accept without question the data that ANY program creates.

      Data Protection
      ───────────────
        Making backup copies of data depends on how much users value
        it. Before users dismiss backing up as not worthwhile as their
        system never crashes, consider how long it will take to recreate
        any data if it was destroyed, lost or stolen.

        It is good practice to make regular backup copies of any data
        onto media not connected to the system such as floppy disks.
        If a backup copy is held on a hard disk that also contains the
        original data and the hard disk fails then both sets of data
        will be lost !

        Users should also consider where backup copies are held, there
        is no point in having up to date backups if the media is held
        in an office which then burns down ! This may seem extreme but
        it has been known to occur.

        Users working in large companies may also have to consider
        how sensitive the data is and who has access to it.

      Saving
      ──────
        Save an Estimate or Data Base after editing and save Estimates
        before carrying out Auto Costs.

      Estimating
      ──────────
        Instead of creating an Estimate from scratch it is quicker
        to create a template estimate that contains section headings
        and/or materials that are used most often in similar works.
        TEMPLATE.EST is a typical example of a template estimate.

        Create estimates in a logical manner as if the structure was
        actually being built from the ground up ; Drainage, Foundations,
        Walls etc.

        Smaller jobs, due to their nature, cost more per square metre
        than larger jobs, as a rough guide allow 50% labour and 50%
        materials cost for jobs up to 30 000 UK pounds in value.
        Anything more than this is usually about 33% labour and 66%
        materials, these values obviously depend on the type of works.

        Study any drawings before starting an Estimate, this gives an
        overall view of any problem areas and where major costs are.
        Make a rough guess as to the final cost for the works and then
        compare this with the Estimated cost.

        Go through an Estimate two or three times to make sure that
        no items have been missed. It also helps to leave it for a
        day and then examine it from a fresh view point.

      Sub Contractors
      ───────────────
        All sub contractors costs have the profit percentage applied
        to them, to leave these costs "as is" simple remove the profit
        margin that will be added.
        The equation to do this is - Quote/(1+(Profit %/100))

      Material Data Bases
      ───────────────────
        Certain items will be regularly used in most building projects
        depending on the type of work, house builders will for example
        nearly always require bricks, blocks, plasterboard etc.

        These items may be put into a single Data Base as this will
        allow easier copying into the Estimate when editing. In certain
        cases it will also speed up the Auto Cost and make the Data
        Base easier to update.

        Data Bases may also be created for a certain type of job such
        as a garage extension. On the same theme, they may be specific
        to a location in the structure ; kitchen, bathroom, etc.

        For any significant number of Data Bases (over 100) it will be
        practical to locate them in separate sub directories for
        masonry, timber, steel etc.

      Auto Costing
      ────────────
        After any Auto Cost the Estimate should be carefully checked
        for rates with 0 values and massive or unusual values.


.TOPIC:
Miscellany

13.0  Miscellany
      ──────────
        See also Chapter 12.0  Tips
                         14.0  Program Limits
                         15.0  Trouble Shooting
                         16.0  Frequently asked Questions

      Speeding up Software
      ────────────────────
        Using a software or hardware disk cache will reduce the time
        required to load and save files, it will therefore also reduce
        any AutoCost.
        Most operating systems provide a disk cache or have one built
        in - the disk cache in Windows for Workgroups v3.11 is called
        Vcache, for MS-DOS versions after 4 it is called SMARTDRV.

      Help
      ────
        Using Help while in Aesti requires the file AESTI.HLP to be
        in the current directory where Aesti is located.

      Colour
      ──────
        The software was designed for use with colour displays, it
        is possible to use a mono display but some options may not
        show up too well or may not be shown at all.

      Compressed & Non DOS Drives
      ───────────────────────────
        There may be problems with some compressed drives or file
        systems that do not use the DOS FAT (file) system, this
        also applies to long file names such as those used in
        Windows 95.

      Co-processor Chip
      ─────────────────
        Some options use on-the-fly calculations and a co-processor
        chip for SX and older 386/286 systems usually makes screen
        updates slightly quicker.
        If you are not using a co-processor or have a slow PC and
        find the window scrolling speed to be unacceptable then try
        reducing the window size.


.TOPIC:
Program Limits

14.0  Program Limits
      ──────────────
        See also Chapter 15.0  Trouble Shooting
                         16.0  Frequently asked Questions
                         20.0  Future Releases

      Maximum Items
      ─────────────
        Registered versions of the software are limited to 1000 estimate
        items and 500 material data base items in each file.

        A possible solution for larger estimates which exceed the above
        limit is to break it up into different files.

        For example, if the user was costing the construction of a large
        house then it may be split into several parts ; the main house
        structure would be saved to one file, the garage to another,
        external works to another etc.

      Item Descriptions
      ─────────────────
        Estimate and Material Data Base item descriptions are limited
        to 30 characters, this is not a problem for Estimate items as
        a multi-line description can be used.
        This limit was set to cater for 80 character wide printers.

      Minimum System Requirements
      ───────────────────────────
        PC XT, 1.44 floppy drive, 550k free memory, mono display, DOS
        3.3 or later. Running from a floppy is possible but not practical
        as the Auto Cost will be too slow.

      Recommended System Requirements
      ───────────────────────────────
        486 dx33mhz or better, 600k free memory DOS 5 or later, hard
        disk and colour display

      Values Limits
      ─────────────
        The maximum value that a quantity, cost, labour hours etc. may
        have is 999 999, maximum hourly rate is 99 999, there is also
        a limit of 999 999 for a total single item cost.

        Any value preceeded with a % sign or is displayed as N/A means
        it is out of the programs range to display it and usually
        occurs if the value is greater than 999 999.99

        If you work with quantities or costs greater than this then
        this software is probably not suitable for your requirements.

      Precision
      ─────────
        The software uses single seven digit precision and may give
        unexpected results due to rounding. For example, a price may
        total 16.78 although a manual check gives 16.77. However,
        the actual figure is 16.776 and the program has rounded the
        .776 to .78. If it had been .774 then the figure would have
        been rounded down to .77.

        For small contracts of less than 250 000 (UK pounds) in value
        this will typically produces rounding errors of a few pence,
        larger contracts that use single item costs greater than
        999 999 will be out by several pounds.

        Although this is not considered to be a major problem we are
        currently working on a fix for this.

        Estimate sub totals are rounded to the nearest pound.

      Networks
      ────────
        This version is for use on stand-alone systems only and is
        probably not suitable for use on networks.

      Read only Drives & CDROMs
      ─────────────────────────
        The software will not work on read only drives such as CDROMs
        or write protected media as it saves the program settings
        to several .INI files in the AEsti directory.

.TOPIC:
Trouble Shooting

15.0  Trouble Shooting
      ────────────────
        See also Chapter 13.0  Miscellany
                         14.0  Program Limits
                         16.0  Frequently asked Questions

        As this is a DOS program these trouble shooting notes are
        biased towards problems concerning this operating system.

        Although the Authors are unable to test the software with
        every possible PC configuration and operating system,  the
        software will work on most compatible systems without any
        problems.

      Problem Solving
      ───────────────
        Try to work through software problems in a logical manner ;
        read all documentation, try all available options, try
        different key combinations etc.

      Known Bugs
      ──────────
        Sub menus will sometimes corrupt the screen display if they
        overlap a window. This is an inherent fault in the language
        used to program the software and beyond the control of the
        Authors.

        Vertical and horizontal screen bars do not always relate to
        the data being scrolled. A possible solution is to use either
        the cursor keys OR the scroll bars to move around windows,
        do not use both.

        After using the Estimate, View, Section Headings option the
        Edit Estimate scroll through items is noticeably slower.

      Software Will Not Run
      ─────────────────────
        If the software will not run or locks up the system then try
        starting it with the command line of AESTI /S.  The /S option
        switches off checking which may allow the software to run but
        may also produce unpredictable results or crash the system.

        Although unlikely, the .EXE file may be corrupted or may be
        located on a bad hard disk sector. Try installing the software
        from the original archive or floppy disk it was supplied on.

      Setup Options will not Change
      ─────────────────────────────
        If any of the Setup options such as the Keyboard Accelerator,
        Auto Size Windows etc. appears to be stuck as either On or Off
        then the AESTI.INI configuration file may be corrupted. Make
        a backup copy of this file, erase the original and try the
        Setup options again.

      Operating Systems
      ─────────────────
        The software will work with most non DOS operating systems or
        GUI's (graphical user interfaces) that support DOS sessions. If
        other DOS software has been successfully run with the users
        operating system then this software will also probably run.

        Although it has been successfully run as a DOS session under
        Windows v3.xx, Windows 95 and OS/2, the Authors are unable to
        give help on these systems as there are just too many options
        to set up and get wrong.

        If the software will not run then refer to your operating
        system manual about running DOS software.

      Networks
      ────────
        This version is for use on stand-alone systems only and is
        probably not suitable for use on networks.

      System Configurations
      ─────────────────────
        Non standard PC's or displays, such as portables and 640x400
        CGA, may cause problems. This applies to TSR's (terminate and
        stay resident programs) and GUI (graphical user interface) or
        shell front ends, try running the software from the DOS
        prompt with no TSR's loaded.

      Startup
      ───────
        When the software starts it carries out a system check and
        displays the following messages if it encounters an error ;

          "Not enough memory" - AEsti requires at least 550k of free
          conventional memory. See below - Running Out of Memory

          "AEsti not found in current directory" - change to AEsti's
          directory and start it from there or if running from a GUI
          change the working directory to AEsti's directory.

          "Integrity check failed" - AESTI.EXE may have been damaged,
          install the software again.

      Locks up the System
      ───────────────────
        Badly behaved TSR, background or other driver software may
        be conflicting with AEsti.

        If the program has crashed or locked the system then try ;

        a) Run from the DOS prompt and from the directory where it
           was installed to. Do not run it from a shell environment
           or GUI as this may be running in the background and
           conflicting with the program.

        b) Badly behaved TSR's are usually the main cause of software
           crashes. Re-boot the computer from a bootable floppy disk
           using a bare-bones system with no TSR's loaded. If the
           program works then one of the previously installed TSR's
           in AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS was causing the problem.

      Allocating Memory
      ─────────────────
        If there is not enough memory to use the maximum number of
        Estimate and Material Dbase items then a message will be
        displayed showing the maximum items allowed.

        Loading an existing file which has more items in it than the
        maximum items allowed in memory will result in not all of the
        items being loaded or subsequently saved.

        The software can still be used if it does not allocate the
        maximum number of items but there may not be enough memory
        to use other options such as Auto Cost or Help.

      Warning !
      ─────────
        Before changing AUTOEXEC.BAT, CONFIG.SYS or any other system
        files users are strongly advised to make backup copies of
        these files and have a bootable floppy disk in case the
        system is made unbootable.

      Running out of Memory
      ─────────────────────
        Although AEsti will work with 550k of free memory, it is
        recommended that there is at least 600k of free conventional
        memory to allow all Help screens and options to be used.
        Before trying any of the solutions below please refer to your
        DOS or operating system manual for information on increasing
        conventional memory.

        Loading Drivers High
        ────────────────────
          On 386, 486 & Pentium systems with DOS version 5 or later,
          all device drivers can be loaded into the high memory area
          by using HIMEM.SYS, this frees up more conventional memory.
          For drivers in CONFIG.SYS use the commands ;
                DEVICE=C:\DOS\HIMEM.SYS
                DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\MOUSE.SYS    (typical driver)

          and for AUTOEXEC.BAT use ;
                LOADHIGH C:\DOS\MOUSE.SYS

        Bootable Floppy Disk
        ────────────────────
          Boot the computer from a bootable floppy disk with a bare
          bones system on it. If the software works then one of the
          previously loaded drivers in CONFIG.SYS or AUTOEXEC.BAT was
          crashing the software.
          See below - How to Make a Boot Disk

        Changing AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS
        ────────────────────────────────────
          Try "rem"ming out any drivers from AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS
          and re-start the system. A typical line in CONFIG.SYS is ;
                DEVICE=C:\DOS\MOUSE.SYS

          To rem it out so that this driver is not loaded ;
                rem DEVICE=C:\DOS\MOUSE.SYS

      Directories
      ───────────
        Moving the program from its original install directory is not
        advisable, if it is moved then make sure that all files that
        make up the software are in the same directory.
        If the software does not work after moving it then it will have
        to be installed again.

      File Names
      ──────────
        The software only supports DOS file names, there is a maximum
        limit of 8 characters for the file name and 3 characters for the
        file extension. A typical example for a file using the maximum
        allowable characters is TEST8012.EST

        An error message will be displayed while attempting to load a
        a file if ; the file does not exist, an invalid file name or
        path has been used, it has not been created by the software,
        the media is write protected, there is no disk in the drive if
        removeable media is being used

        An error message will be displayed while attempting to save a
        a file if ; an invalid file name or path has been used, the
        media is write protected, there is no disk in the drive if
        removeable media is being used

      How to Make a Boot Disk
      ───────────────────────
        To make a floppy boot disk from the DOS prompt put a blank
        disk in the A drive and type in SYS A:

        Leave the floppy in the drive and re-boot the computer, the
        system should boot off the floppy.
        If it has not then the BIOS may have to be changed to set the
        boot order to A: C: so that the system looks at the floppy
        drive first and then, if there is a disk in the drive, boots
        off that instead of the hard disk.

        To change the BIOS you usually have to press a key while the
        system is booting up and before any memory or system checks
        occur. To find out what key to press refer to your systems
        documentation, if you have no documentation then try pressing
        F10 or Delete.

        Before changing any BIOS settings make a note of the current
        settings or press the Prt Scrn (Print Screen) button while in
        the BIOS to dump the screen to a printer.

      Hardware Failures
      ─────────────────
        Some hardware failures are sometimes hard to detect and this
        is especially true if it is of an intermittent nature. If
        several programs are behaving erratically then the chances
        are that some hardware component has partially failed.

        A typical example is when software is located on a bad disk
        sector, although the software appears to work correctly for
        most of the time it will occasionally corrupt a data file or
        screen display. A possible solution is to run a disk utility
        to correct the problem and then re-install the software.

.TOPIC:
Frequently asked Questions

16.0  Frequently asked Questions
      ──────────────────────────
        See also Chapter  4.00  StartUp - Brief Tutorial
                          12.0  Tips
                          15.0  Trouble Shooting
                          20.0  Future Releases

        Q = Question     A = Answer

      Setup Special Note
      ──────────────────
        If the setup options were changed and the software crashes the
        system when it is started again then one of the options may be
        incompatible with your system. Erase the AESTI.iNi file and
        change the setup options again.

        This will typically occur if 43 line mode is used in a full
        screen DOS session under a GUI and the user trys to run the
        software again but this time in a windowed DOS box.

      General
      ───────
        Q - I have a mouse but the program does not recognise it.
            The mouse cursor is not visible.
        A - A mouse driver must be loaded before AEsti is started. Note
            that some mono, LCD or obscure displays may not display the
            mouse cursor.

        Q - Some options do not display properly on my mono display.
        A - AEsti is optimised for colour systems, future versions may
            allow the user to select screen colours.

        Q - Using the Help option displays a not enough memory message.
        A - There is not enough conventional memory (below 640k) to use
            this option. Try closing down other parts of the software
            such as Estimate, Material Dbase etc.

        Q - When I save/load a file it displays a File Error message
        A - Make sure that the disk media is not write protected,
            directory and drive names are valid and that there is a
            disk in the selected drive.

        Q - Scrolling through some windows seems to be very slow
        A - Make the current window smaller or toggle on the Keyboard
            Accelerator in the Setup options in the main menu.

        Q - I have added my own notes to the AESTI.HLP file but the
            program will now not recognise some sections in this file.
        A - The file has been made unusable, copy the original file
            over this modified version. Although it is possible to
            modify this file the Authors advise against doing so.#

      Running under Windows 3.xx/95/NT
      ────────────────────────────────
        Q - When running in a windowed DOS box colours are brighter
            than usual and some options are not displayed.
            Mouse does not work when running in a windowed DOS box
        A - Run it in a full screen DOS box.

        Q - In Windows v3.xx, it displays a message saying it can not
            find a file.
        A - From within Windows, change the programs Property for its
            Working Directory to where AESTI.EXE is located.

        Q - I am running AEsti in a windowed DOS box, when I use the
            main menu, Setup, Screen Display to 43 or 50 lines it
            reports an error message/crashes the DOS session.
        A - Run AEsti as a full screen DOS session and then try this
            option. It may still not work if the graphics card is
            incompatible.

        Q - Screen updates appear to be jerky and some routines are
            very slow.
        A - Allocate as many time slices/system resources as possible
            to the DOS session, Windows v3.xx users should use the
            supplied AESTI.PiF file.
            Applications running in the background may be using too
            many resources, close down these applications.

        Q - The program reports not enough memory when starting up.
        A - Allocate as many system resources as possible to the DOS
            session, Windows v3.xx users should use the supplied
            AESTI.PiF file.

        Q - I try to start the Help but it reports that the Help file
            was not found.
        A - The AESTI.HLP file must be in the same directory where
            AESTI.EXE and all its support files are located. From
            Windows change the programs properties working directory
            to where the software is located.

      Main Menu Setup Options
      ───────────────────────
        Q - How do I save the settings
        A - System settings are automatically saved and loaded

        Q - I change the separator bar to a "───" (decimal 196) and it
            displays correctly on the screen but does not print out.
        A - The printer must be Epson compatible to handle extended
            characters, set the printer to Epson mode. If this fails
            to work then use the minus sign "---" as the separator or
            print to a file, load this file into a word processor
            and then print.

        Q - The Screen Display option to change to 43 & 50 line modes
            doesn't work. 43 line mode works but 50 line does not.
        A - A compatible VGA card is required for both options. If
            running from a GUI then the software MUST be run full
            screen for these options to work, some GUI's do not
            allow 43 & 50 line modes even in full screen mode.

        Q - The keyboard accelerator does not work
        A - This option may not work with incompatible systems or one
            of the CMOS settings may have disabled it. Some operating
            systems, Windows v3.xx for example, have built in keyboard
            accelerators which are automatically activated when the
            software starts.

            A similar utility is supplied with most versions of DOS, it
            is usually called MODE, this can set the keyboard typematic
            rate and speed up the display.
            The DOS command line using MS-DOS 6.xx is
              MODE CON RATE=32 DELAY=1
            For other DOS versions refer to your manual for the syntax.

            Some systems allow the typematic rate to be changed from
            within the CMOS. To alter CMOS settings the system must
            be rebooted and a certain key pressed down during the
            boot up sequence, it's usually the Delete key or F10.

      Estimate
      ────────
        Q - When I try to add an Estimate item it says that it will
            exceed the maximum items.
        A - The maximum items is displayed below the main menu's AEsti
            logo at the right hand side of the Licence information.

        Q - I type in an item description but it gets truncated.
        A - Each item description is limited to 30 characters, carry
            the description over to the next item if it is longer
            than this.

        Q - How do I move more than one item at a time.
        A - There is currently no option to do this.

        Q - Sub totals will not display between sections.
        A - Leave two blank items after the last item in a section.

        Q - I leave two blank items between sections but sub totals
            still do not display.
        A - Try erasing these two blank items and then inserting two
            blank items again.

        Q - Estimate window scrolling is slower than scrolling the
            Material Data Base window.
        A - Section sub totals are calculated on-the-fly, leaving out
            sub totals (use one blank item instead of two) or reducing
            the window height will speed up scrolling. Using a mouse
            and the right vertical scroll bar is faster than using a
            keyboard to scroll through an estimate.

        Q - Why is the Quote total at the left hand side of each item ?
        A - For ease of viewing and simplicity, if it was at the far
            right of each item then users would have to scroll right
            to view it and then scroll left again to view the item
            description. The Authors did consider incorporating a
            split vertical option but decided against it as this
            adds more complexity.

      Time Schedule
      ─────────────
        Q - Time taken for the estimate goes off the 12 week scale, how
            can I view the rest of the time schedule.
        A - This is currently limited to 12 weeks.

        Q - How can I reduce or increase the number of hours worked by
            each man for each week.
        A - This is fixed at 35 hours per week for each man.

        Q - Why does the Users Estimated Days change when I edit an
            Estimate item, move an item or Section Heading.
        A - Time Schedule user entered data such as Users Estimated
            Days are saved in each Estimate Section Heading. If a
            Section Heading is moved, changed to an item or is
            erased then this data is also erased.
            It is suggested that the Time Schedule only be used after
            the Estimate has been completed.

      Material Data Bases
      ───────────────────
        Q - Are the supplied prices and rates correct.
        A - NO ! they are for demonstration purposes ONLY and should
            NOT be used for any real Estimates. Users must modify or
            create new Material Data Bases with their own prices.

        Q - How do I put in more than 500 material items.
        A - Each Materials Dbase is limited to 500 items in each file,
            if you fill up one file then create a new file.

        Q - I type in an item description but it gets truncated.
        A - Each item description is limited to 30 characters.

        Q - How do I move more than one item at a time.
        A - There is currently no option to do this.

        Q - The data bases as supplied appear to be in a text format
            yet when I save them they use a different format.
        A - They are old versions of data bases and are automatically
            converted to the latest file versions when saved.  They
            have been left in this format for testing purposes and
            to ensure backward compatibility.

      Auto Cost
      ─────────
        Q - During an Auto Cost it displays a Dbase not found message.
        A - One of the Material Dbases has been moved or erased after
            the .LiS had this Dbase added to it.
            Run the option Edit List, Check Data Bases.

      Networks
      ────────
        Q - The software is being used on a network and reports errors
            when saving/loading files.
        A - The software was not designed for use on a network, it can
            only be used on individual work stations.

      Shareware Version
      ─────────────────
        Q - How do I disable the Print Order Form prompt which displays
            justs before the program ends.
        A - Remove or erase the -ORDER.DOC file from the directory where
            the software is located.

        Q - How do I add more than 50 items to an Estimate.
        A - The Shareware version is limited to 50 items.

      Registered Version
      ──────────────────
        Q - I have downloaded a newer, Shareware version from a Web/ftp
            site and copied this software over the registered version
            but it now displays the Shareware message.
        A - It is not possible to "upgrade" a registered version in
            this way. The Authors will usually supply at least one
            upgrade during the support period. If this period has not
            expired then contact the Authors and request an upgrade.

      Old and New Versions
      ────────────────────
        Q - When using an old version of the software I'm unable to
            load an Estimate/Dbase file created with a newer version.
        A - Old software versions are not forward compatible with later
            versions of the software. Use the most recent version of
            the software and do not use any older versions.

            Program version number is displayed on the opening screen
            as v97.1 for example. The first two digits (97) is the year
            and the last two digits is the month (1=January) that the
            program was released.

            Note that newer versions will load and then automatically
            convert old data files to he new format which are not
            usable by old versions of the software.

.TOPIC:
Upgrading Previous Versions

17.0  Upgrading Previous Versions
      ───────────────────────────
        See also Chapter 18.0  Installing from Windows v3.xx
                         19.0  Installing from Windows v95
      Backing Up
      ──────────
        Before proceeding with any installation users MUST first make a
        backup copy of ALL old files to a floppy disk or other removable
        media. Do not backup to the same media where the old version is
        located.

        It is very important to backup the old version as there is
        little chance of recovering accidentally erased or overwritten
        files.

      Install Considerations
      ──────────────────────
        The new version must be installed over the old version, failure
        to do so will result in unpredictable program errors.

      Auto Cost .LIS Files
      ────────────────────
        Auto Cost .LiS files contain information about where material
        data bases are located on disk, copying or moving these data
        bases may therefore make .LiS files unusable.

        Please bear this in mind if the software is installed into
        a new directory and old data files are copied to this
        directory.

      Installing over a Previous Version
      ──────────────────────────────────
        The INSTALL.EXE installer will NOT overwrite existing files
        unless users answer Yes to the Erase Old File prompt, users
        must answer Yes to this prompt to upgrade.
        Users who are unsure about erasing files should run the batch
        file -EXIST.BAT, this will automatically erase or overwrite
        all the necessary files.

      Installing over a Previous Version Manually
      ───────────────────────────────────────────
        Copy all files with .EXE, .HLP, .DOC, .BAT file extensions
        from the disk or archive where the new version is to the
        directory where the old version is located.

      Setting Up
      ──────────
        The new version may incorporate new features that requires a
        new .INI file format, this file contains the program settings.
        Regardless of this, it is always a good idea to check all
        program settings on new versions of software as there may be
        new options that require setting to the users preference.
        Use the Setup option from the main menu to change the
        program settings.


.TOPIC:
Installing from Windows v3.xx

18.0  Installing from Windows v3.xx
      ─────────────────────────────
        See also Chapter 17.0  Upgrading Previous Versions
                         19.0  Installing from Windows v95

        From the Program Manager pull down the File menu, select the Run
        option, select Browse, double click on the INSTALL.EXE file,
        click Ok.

      Creating a New Windows Group and Program Item
      ─────────────────────────────────────────────
        From Program Manager select File, New, Program Group and for
        the description type in Estimating, click on OK.

        Select File, New, Program Item and then enter the following ;

            Description       : AEsti
            Command Line      : C:\ESTI\AESTI.EXE
            Working Directory : C:\ESTI

        It is assumed that the software was installed into the default
        install directory of C:\ESTI, if it was not then change C:\ESTI
        to the directory where it was installed to.

        Click om Change Icon, a message will display saying that there
        are no icons available, click OK and for the File Name type in
        C:\ESTI\AESTI.ICO. The AEsti icon should now appear, click OK
        and then click OK again.

        There should now be a Program Group called Estimating with a
        Program Item called AEsti using the AEsti icon, double click
        the icon to start AEsti.

      Files used By Windows v3.xx
      ───────────────────────────
        Two files are included for use by Windows when running the
        software in a DOS session ;

          AESTI.PIF - used by Windows to configure the DOS session so
                      that DOS settings are optimized

          AESTI.ICO - icon file can be used instead of the Windows
                      default DOS icon

      Running under Windows v3.xx
      ───────────────────────────
        The most common problem when running under Windows is not
        enough free conventional memory below 640k. Users must therefore
        make sure that the DOS session has the maximum amount of memory
        allocated to it.

        Most operating system manuals or on-line help usually contain
        topics about freeing up more memory, for Windows v3.xx see
        the help on the PiF Editor as PiF files control the memory
        available during a DOS session

        The software should be run as a full screen DOS session, it
        can be run in a windowed DOS box although colours may not
        display correctly and the mouse can not be used in the
        window.

.TOPIC:
Installing from Windows v95

19.0  Installing from Windows v95
      ───────────────────────────
        See also Chapter  17.0  Upgrading Previous Versions
                          18.0  Installing from Windows v3.xx

        Click on the Start button, select the Run option on the menu,
        select browse, double click on the INSTALL.EXE file and click
        Ok.

      Installing into the Task Bar
      ────────────────────────────
        Windows 95 includes comprehensive help on installing programs
        into the task bar - click the Start Button and select Help, use
        the Find tab and search for Adding a Program, double click on
        the help topic title "Adding a Program to the Start or
        Programs Menu".

        Follow the instructions, when it requests the program name
        either use Browse and double click the AESTI.EXE file or type
        in the path and file name. This will be C:\ESTI\AESTI.EXE if
        the software was installed into the default install directory.

        Windows 95 will display the standard MSDOS icon next to Aesti.

      Running under Windows 95
      ────────────────────────
        The most common problem when running under Windows is not
        enough free conventional memory below 640k. Users must make
        sure that the DOS session has the maximum amount of memory
        allocated to it.

        Although the software may be run in a windowed DOS box, it
        will perform much better in a full screen DOS box.

      File Names
      ──────────
        The software does not support Windows 95 long file names, it
        only supports DOS file names. These consist of a maximum eight
        characters for the file name and three characters for the file
        extension i.e. TEST1234.EST

.TOPIC:
Future Releases

20.0  Future Releases
      ───────────────
        See also Chapter  21.0  Support and Help
                          22.0  Registered Users
                          23.0  Ordering & Distribution Info

        Due to work commitments we can give no definite release date
        for the next version, features that are currently being
        worked on or considered for the next version ;

          Windows version
            Under test, expected Beta release date is late 1997.

          Estimate
            Increasing items to 32000 in each file.

            Allow item cost values and totals to exceed 1 million for
            multi million pound works.

            Increasing item descriptions from 30 to 64 characters.

            Incorporating the Material Data Bases Code into Estimates
            so as to allow extraction of trade totals, material
            suppliers etc.

          Material Data Bases
            Increasing items to 32000 in each file.

          Time Schedule
            Edit number of hours worked by each man for each week.

          General
            Extended/Expanded memory support.

            Export data files to CSV (comma separated value) format
            for importing into spreadsheets and other software.

            Password protection for main program

            Password protection and encryption for data files.

            Drag'n drop for file manager, item copying, editing etc.

            Network and Server/Client version.

      Registrations
      ─────────────
        Please note that a lot of time and effort has been put into
        this software and any future releases depend on the number
        of registrations. The more registrations that are received
        will give the Authors more incentive to develop the software.

      FeedBack
      ────────
        We welcome any feedback or constructive criticism from users
        as this enables the software to be modified to meet your
        requirements. Even if you are using a shareware copy we
        will still welcome any feedback.

.TOPIC:
Support and Help

21.0  Support and Help
      ────────────────
        See also Chapter  20.0  Future Releases
                          22.0  Registered Users
                          23.0  Ordering & Distribution Info

        A registered user is someone who has actually bought a copy of
        the software, the shareware version is NOT a registered version.

        You must be a registered user to receive support, we will NOT
        give support to un-registered users. Unfortunately, this has
        resulted from personal experience of helping people who
        promised registrations and never followed through.

        However, we will answer queries from un-registered users as
        long as the query is specifically about the program itself and
        not other software.

        Please see the order form file for more information on the
        current support policy.

      User Requests
      ─────────────
        We do not appreciate requests from users such as ;

          a) I really like the software/I'm about to order a copy but
             can I test out a registered version before buying it ?

          b) I've bought a registered version but no program code
             was included !

          c) Can I buy a copy of the program code ?

      Beginners
      ─────────
        We are unable to help those users who have little experience
        of, or are new to computers and software, we respectfully
        suggest that such users buy a suitable book on the subject.

        Expecting ourselves to explain how to make a DOS directory
        or copy files from a floppy disk is not really on !

.TOPIC:
Registered Users

22.0  Registered Users
      ────────────────
        See also Chapter  20.0  Future Releases
                          21.0  Support and Help
                          23.0  Ordering & Distribution Info

        A big thank you to all those who have purchased a registered
        version and given us some feedback.

        This really does make all those late nights spent over a hot
        keyboard worthwhile, thank you !

      Copying Software
      ────────────────
        It is illegal to copy the registered version or to distribute
        it to other people, only the shareware version may be freely
        distributed. Illegal copying only pushes software prices up
        and does not encourage development of new features.

        If users wish to use the software on several systems then they
        must have purchased a suitable site licence.

        We are only a small concern and can not afford to lose sales
        to illegal copying or use of our software. We believe in the
        honesty of our customers and hope that this is reciprocated.

      Registered Version Display
      ──────────────────────────
        A registered version will display your name below the main
        menu logo. To the right hand side of this it will show a
        number, this is the maximum number of estimate items.

      Moving Files
      ────────────
        Once the software has been installed it is recommended that
        it is not moved from that directory.
        Moving it from this original install directory may make some
        files unusable and it will have to be installed again.

      Documentation
      ─────────────
        Some documentation supplied with the software, including this
        help file, contains references to the shareware version,
        registered users may ignore these references.
        Only one help file is used for all versions of the software
        to make it easier for the Authors to update it.


.TOPIC:
Ordering & Distribution Info

23.0  Ordering & Distribution Info
      ────────────────────────────
        See also Chapter  20.0  Future Releases
                          24.0  Disclaimer & Licence

        You are encouraged to distribute the Shareware version
        provided that no fee is charged for its distribution and that
        the archive and files are not modified in any way. However,
        pay Bulletin Board Systems may charge their normal fee
        provided that no additional charge is made.

        This software may not be included as part of any software
        library which is distributed on a commercial (for money)
        basis without prior written permission from the Authors.

      Reviews
      ───────
        We will be interested in receiving any magazine, journal or
        trade reviews (good or bad !) of the software or information
        where any review of the software may be found, thanks.

      How to Order
      ────────────
        Ordering and price information are in the -ORDER.DOC file.

        It is suggested that before ordering, users try all features
        and use it for as long as possible to make absolutely sure
        that the program will meet their requirements.

        If you are in any doubt regarding any aspect of the software
        then please do NOT order it, we only want satisfied customers.

      Shareware & Registered Versions
      ───────────────────────────────
        There are very few differences between the registered and
        shareware versions.

        The shareware version is limited in the maximum estimate
        items and it will display a registration reminder when it
        closes down, there are no other "nag" screens.

        The registered version will include the latest features and
        any bug fixes.

      Why Should I Register ?
      ───────────────────────
        Users may think that there is no point in buying a registered
        copy of a shareware program as the software may be used
        indefinitely.
        However, buying a registered copy provides an incentive for
        the authors to keep supporting the software, makes sure that
        relatively cheap programs are available and ensures that
        software will be developed to the benefit of the user.

.TOPIC:
Disclaimer

24.0  Disclaimer & Licence
      ────────────────────
        See also Chapter  20.0  Future Releases
                          23.0  Ordering & Distribution Info

      Shareware License
      ─────────────────
        The Shareware version has been released on a "try before you
        buy" basis, it is not free. This allows evaluation of the
        software for a limited period of 90 days after which you are
        obliged to either purchase a registered copy or stop using it.
        The following Licence Information and Disclaimer also apply
        to the Shareware version.

      Licensing Information
      ─────────────────────
        The Authors retain the ownership of this software but this
        copy is licensed to you under the following conditions.
        You may use the software on one computer and by one user at
        any time. You may not use or provide use of the software in a
        commercial, business or multiple user system to users who are
        not individually licensed by the Authors.
        Derivative works may not be created from this software and
        it may not be modified, reverse-engineered, disassembled or
        decompiled.
        The authors reserve the right to discontinue support and to
        refuse any registrations, they are in no way obligated to
        provide support for or future versions of this software.

      Disclaimer
      ──────────
        This software is provided 'as is' without warranty of any kind.
        The Authors do not warrant, guarantee or make any representations
        regarding the use or results of use of the software in terms of
        correctness, accuracy or reliability.

        The entire risk as to the results and performance of the software
        is assumed by you.

        The Authors shall not be liable for any direct, indirect,
        consequential or incidental damages (including business profits,
        information and the like) arising out of the use or inability to
        use the software.

        All software and documentation are copyrighted with all rights
        reserved.  Neither documentation or software may be copied,
        reproduced, reduced or translated to any readable form without
        the prior written consent of the Authors.

        Copyright (c) 1989-96 Duke Associates, Gosforth, Newcastle
        upon Tyne, NE3 2DX, England, all rights reserved.

      Trademarks
      ──────────
        All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective
        owners.
        MS-DOS, Windows v3.11 and Windows 95 are registered trademarks
        of Microsoft Corporation
        IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines
        Corporation
