Welcome to AnyOrder!Software: The Mail Order Business Kit
Basic Edition Version 6.0  
Copyright (c) 1996-2002 Ron Watters / Great Rift

This file includes helpful information about AnyOrder! Basic.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
-----------------
1. General Information
2. Installing the Program 
3. Installation Instructions for Current AnyOrder Users:
   Protecting Your Existing Data Files.
4. System Requirements
5. Removing the Program
6. On-line Help
7. How to Register the Program
8. Distributing the Program to Others
9. Date Format and Y2K Information 
10. Version 6.0 Information
11. A Comparison of AnyOrder's Three Editions



1. GENERAL INFORMATION
----------------------
AnyOrder! is specifically for small or home-based businesses 
which take and fulfilled orders over the phone or through 
regular mail or email. It prepares invoices, does billings, 
generates sales reports, and keeps track of inventory.  The 
program also handles returns, prepares mailing lists and 
monitors activity with consignment wholesalers and distributors. 

AnyOrder! is a shareware program. That means you're welcome to 
try out the program at no cost and make sure it will work for 
you.  You're also welcome to give the program to others or to 
make it available on your web site. (For more information on 
shareware, see "How to Register the Program," below).

This version of the program is designed for computers running 
Windows 95/98/2000/ME/XP. A special version of the program is
available for Windows 3.1 which may be downloaded from the 
author's web site.

For more program tidbits, special announcements, and upgrade 
information, you are cordially invited to visit the author's 
web site at http://www.ronwatters.com (follow the software 
link).  Additional contact information is included below.



2. INSTALLING THE PROGRAM 
-------------------------
(Note: If you are an existing user of AnyOrder be sure to make 
a back-up disk of your data files before installing a new 
version--or reinstalling your current version.  For more 
information, see "Installation Instructions for Current 
AnyOrder Users," which follows this section.)

Depending on the download site, AnyOrder! comes bundled as 
either a zip file or as a self-extracting zip file.  If you 
receive a zip file (with a .zip extension), first unzip it.  A 
number of different zip utilities are available for this 
purpose.  Once the file is unzipped, RUN SetUp.exe.  This will 
start the setup program and will install the program files.

If you received the self-extracting zip file (with a .exe 
extension), RUN the file as it is.  The program files will be 
unzipped, and the setup program will start automatically.

We suggest that you do not use a program directory name with 
spaces, i.e. "C:\Program Files."  While AnyOrder can handle long 
directory names, we've come across some software and operating 
system combinations that will not allow access to AnyOrder's 
program directory.  For the best results, use the default 
program directory or a directory name of your choosing without 
spaces.



3. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR CURRENT ANYORDER USERS:
   HOW TO PROTECT YOUR EXISTING DATA FILES.
-------------------------------------------
If you are re-installing AnyOrder, or if you are installing an 
updated version of the program, it's important that you do 
the following:

1) Make sure you have backed-up your files. (Complete 
details on backing up files is found in the on-line help 
information included with the program.) This normally is done 
every time you exit from the program, but for an install, you 
should give yourself an added measure of security and back-up 
your files on a second disk.  (If you plan to set up a directory 
on your back-up disk, be aware that some software and operating 
system combinations have been known to create file access 
problems when directory names have spaces.  To be safe, don't 
use any spaces.  For example, use "A:\BackUp\" rather than 
"A:\Back Up\.")

2) Once you are certain that your important files have been 
safely backed up, install the new version of the program (or 
re-install the old one).

3) If you have installed AnyOrder to a directory which is
different from where your old version was installed, you'll 
see the sample files that come with the program.  To replace 
the sample files with your own files, select FILE and RESTORE 
BACK-UP FILES.  Once the restore process is complete you'll have 
access to all of your own data files.


MANUALLY MAKING A BACK-UP DISK.  If, for some reason, the old 
version of the program is non-operable and you are unable to 
create a back-up disk using the normal method, you can manually 
make one.  In Windows, use "My Computer" or "Explore" and copy 
the following files from the AnyOrder program directory to a disk. 
Any type of disk can be used: floppy, Zip, etc.  This will 
become your back-up disk.  Here are the files to copy:

 - Sales.dbf
 - Sales.dbt
 - Orders.dbf
 - SetUp.dbf
 - Cust_num.dbf
 - Cust_num.dbt
 - Cat_no.dbf
 - Cat_no.dbt
 - Contact.dbf (Not necessary for the Basic Edition)
 - Contact.dbt (Not necessary for the Basic Edition)
 - Plus ALL of the following: BALxxEND.dbf, BALxxMID.dbf and 
   INVENDxx.dbf (Note that the xx in the file name means a number, 
   i.e. BAL00END.dbf, BAL01MID.dbf, INVEND01.dbf, etc.) Make sure 
   you get all of these files copies to your disk.

Once the above files are copied, your back-up disk will be 
complete.  With the freshly created back-up disk, you'll be ready 
to re-install the program or install the new version.



4. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
----------------------
HARDWARE:		
a) Pentium or Equivalent Processor
(The program will run on 486-66 computers, but it is 
not recommended because of sluggish performance.)
b) A minimum of 16 MB RAM (16 or more is recommended)
c) A hard disk with 10MB of available disk space
d) VGA/SVGA monitor and graphics adapter
e) Mouse

OPERATING SYSTEM:
Windows 95/98/2000/ME/XP 
A special version of AnyOrder is also available for Windows 3.1 



5. REMOVING THE PROGRAM
-----------------------
The installer for Windows 95/98/2000/ME/XP creates an uninstall 
program which will remove all files associated with AnyOrder! 
The uninstall program is listed with the AnyOrder program group 
in the Start Menu.  You can also uninstall the program by using 
"Add/Remove Programs" found in the Windows Control Panel. If 
you installed the program for Windows 3.1 and no longer wish to 
use it, you'll need to delete the files.  All program and data 
files are kept in one directory which makes removing the 
program easy. Using the File Manager, go to the AnyOrder 
directory.  Delete all the files and then delete the directory. 



6. ON-LINE HELP
---------------
A complete on-line help system has been built into the program.  
It is accessed by selecting HELP from the Menu.  The help 
system has been set up using standard Windows commands and 
procedures. Information on topics of general interest may be 
reached from the Contents page (accessed by selecting HELP and 
CONTENTS from the Menu Bar).  Topics of a more specific nature 
may be located using the Windows Help Search feature.

Special information has also been developed to help you get 
started.  For a quick introduction to the program, select HELP 
and GETTING STARTED from the Menu.  Information on how to 
prepare the program so it is ready to work in your business is 
found in Help under the topic "Preparing the Program for Your 
Use."

Information on which version of the program you are using is 
found in the "About" dialog box.  It is accessed by selecting 
HELP and ABOUT from the Menu. 

Registered users who have specific questions or problems with 
the program are welcome to contact the program's author, Ron 
Watters by phone: 208-232-6857 or via email wattron@isu.edu.



7. HOW TO REGISTER AnyOrder!
---------------------------
This is a shareware program.  We invite you to try out the 
program and thoroughly test it for your business environment 
and the type of computer equipment that you use. There is no 
cost for evaluating the program.  You are also welcome to pass 
it on to others who might be interested in it. 

If after evaluating AnyOrder!, you find that it isn't what you 
need, simply erase the files.  No registration is necessary.

If, however, you find that it works for you, and you begin to 
use it on a regular basis, we ask that you register AnyOrder and 
make a nominal payment for its use.  This program has been 
developed mostly out a labor of love, and the proceeds from 
user registrations are used primarily to clear up bugs and 
develop new features. Once you're registered, we'll provide you 
with information on improvements and software updates. You'll 
also be provided with a registration code which removes the 
"unregistered" status of the program and officially registers 
it under your name. 

There are several ways to register: 

(1) Click on the registration link found in the Important 
Information Dialog Box.  To access this dialog box, select 
HELP and IMPORTANT INFORMATION from the Menu Bar on top of 
AnyOrder's screen.

(2) Log on to Ron Watters' website.  Ron is the developer of 
the program.  His website is:  http://www.ronwatters.com  
(Follow the software link)  

(3) Send him an email at wattron@isu.edu  

(4) Call 1-208-232-6857

(5) Write to Ron at 1135 East Bonneville, Pocatello, ID 83201.  
For your convenience, this software package includes an order 
form.  It's found in the file "Order.frm" which can be loaded 
into a word processing program and printed.

The cost of registration is $29.95.



8. DISTRIBUTING THE PROGRAM TO OTHERS
-------------------------------------
You may make as many copies of the evaluation version of this 
software and documentation as you wish; give exact copies of 
the original evaluation version to anyone; and distribute the 
evaluation version of the software and documentation in its 
unmodified form via electronic means.  There is no charge for 
any of the above.  

You are, however, specifically prohibited from charging, or 
requesting donations, for any such copies, however made; and 
from distributing the software and/or documentation with other 
products (commercial or otherwise) without prior written 
permission.



9. DATE FORMAT AND Y2K INFORMATION
----------------------------------
AnyOrder has been thoroughly tested and is fully Y2K compliant. 
The program uses the American style of formatting dates, i.e. 
(mm/dd/yy).  As long as you don't mind using the mm/dd 
system, AnyOrder can be, and is, used in other countries 
utilizing different date formats.  No adjustment in the 
Regional settings in Windows are necessary.



10. VERSION 6.0 INFORMATION
--------------------------------
In Version 6.0, a number of new features were added.  Some
of the more important additions include:  1) Invoice Messages.
A 4-line message can now be added to printed invoices.  The 
message can be drafted in a special dialog box accessed from 
the EDIT menu, or it can be manually created in the Notes area
of the Main Invoice Screen.  2) Filer. The filter feature has been 
enhanced.  Filter statements no longer need to be created from
scratch. Instead, a series of common filter statements are 
included in the filter dialog box and the desired condition is
selected by clicking with the mouse.  3) Shipping Address.  
Typing in "NA" in the shipping name blank eliminates the 
shipping portion of the printed invoice and removes the 
shipping line item.  4) The Customer Information Database 
Screen was enhanced and new selection features added.  
5) List buttons ("L" buttons) were added to the Main Invoice 
Screen making it easier to reach pull-down menus. 6) The Part 
Number field was expanded to 13 digits 7) The zip field was 
increased to 8 characters for British or other international 
postal codes.  8) The installation program no longer overwrites 
existing data files and it is not necessary to restore backed-up 
files after re-installing the program. 9) Additional dating and 
term features have been added which can be accessed through a new 
pop-up dialog box.

Version 5 enhancements prior to release of Version 6 (Version 6
includes the following plus the above new features):

In Version 5.9, several new procedures were added to program 
start-up code to provide a more thorough check of the integrity 
of database files prior to the appearance of the Main Invoice 
Screen.  Additional options were added to the Data File 
Diagnostics module which is triggered when AnyOrder detects a 
file problem.  Several editorial changes and additions were 
made to program and help system messages. 

Version 5.8 added a number of new features to the program, 
including a Payment Analysis function which provides a report 
of all payments and where they are recorded.  It also flags 
transactions which could be the source of possible payment 
problems such as incomplete payments.  The feature is helpful 
when checking payment records of customers with high levels 
of account activity.  A number of enhancements were made to 
the Mark Paid feature, making it easier to find invoices 
when a customer pays in a lump sum payment.  A sorting 
function was added to the Customer Information database. 
The double-click routine which brings up the pop-up list 
of all past customers now includes an additional option which 
eliminates duplicate names.  The same option was added to 
Billing File functions and Payment Analysis. A safety 
mechanism was added to prevent inconsistencies in the 
interface between the Windows environment and AnyOrder from 
causing entry problems when dealing with dates. To help 
speed up the printing of statements, a Quick Print button 
was added to the Billing Statements screen.

The void function was changed slightly so when it prints the 
word "VOID" on top of an invoice, it proceeds "VOID" with four 
CHR(250) characters instead of three dashes.  This has the 
effect of placing all voided invoices at the end of a list 
whenever invoices are arranged alphabetically by billing name. 
It's a very minor change, but it makes alphabetical lists a 
bit easy to use.  Previous users of AnyOrder can take advantage 
of the change by searching for voided invoices, temporarily 
removing the voided status and then voiding them again.  Once 
they are voided a second time, the new formatting will be 
picked up.

There is one other change that previous users should be 
aware of. In Version 5.8, the function which makes the 
Invoice Screen moveable--a handy feature for those with 
large screens--is now accessed from the WINDOW menu.  In 
past versions, it was accessed from the INVOICE TOOLS menu. 



11. A COMPARISON OF ANYORDER'S THREE EDITIONS
--------------------------------------------

AnyOrder is available in three editions including Basic, 
Professional Standard, and Professional Advanced.  You 
have downloaded the Basic Edition. The differences 
between the editions are explained below: 

ANYORDER BASIC
-------------
AnyOrder Basic forms the foundation of the AnyOrder family. 
It is designed for small or home-based businesses which take 
and fulfilled orders over the phone or through regular mail or 
email.  It generates invoices and billing statements, keeps 
track of inventory, handles returned items, produces sales 
reports, records customer payments, tracks consignment items, 
and creates customer mailing lists.  The program is efficiently 
designed and uses compact files.  (Registration is $29.95)


ANYORDER PROFESSIONAL STANDARD
-----------------------------
The Professional Standard Edition of AnyOrder is for the small 
business owner who needs greater functionality and versatility.  
It includes all the features of AnyOrder Basic with many additional 
features.  Here's a partial listing:  
     It has larger field sizes for customer names and addresses.  
It includes a Customer Contact Manager which can be used to 
write notes and keep track of customer names--or the names of 
individuals and departments within a corporate business--along 
with phone numbers, email addresses, etc.  It will automatically 
start your email program or Internet browser should you need 
to write a customer a note or visit their website.  
     The Professional Standard version includes additional 
fields on the Main Invoice Screen including the customer's 
phone number, email address, and an invoice code which can be 
used to provide a more refined breakdown of sales data.  A third 
screen size setting allows the screen to be expanded lengthwise 
and widthwise providing a roomier working area.   
        A variety of sort options are available for customer 
and product lists, inventory reports, and billing statements. 
It also includes a feature which calculates the total weight 
of an order.   In addition to the various print routines in the 
Basic version, the Professional Standard version also gives you 
the ability to print a copy of the payment analysis report or a 
summary report of your inventory levels.  For billing reports, 
you have the added option of choosing between "Date of Invoice" 
or "End of Month" billing cycles.  A new counting feature enables 
you to count invoices.  Dozens of counting options are available. 
For example, you can determine how many invoices have been issued 
to specified customer, how many invoices are unpaid, or how many 
invoices have been issued for a particular product.
    The Professional Standard Version includes an Advanced Search 
feature which allows you to search certain fields or select 
various conditions to narrow down the search.  The Filter feature 
has the added ability to display only those invoices with certain 
products.  You can also filter for a sales code, displaying only 
those invoices with promotional items, or only those invoices 
with returns, etc.   
    Filtering is also available in the mailing list portion of 
the program.  With this feature you can produce a mailing list 
for customers from a certain state, or who have purchased a 
particular product, among many others.
    It will keep track of shipping expenses including those 
which are charged and those which are not charged to the 
customer. A new pop-up list (which can be customized to your 
liking) makes it easy to enter shipping methods on invoices.  
It has an export feature which allows you to export invoice 
and sales data to other programs.  The export feature also 
allows you to export credit card information to a third party 
credit card processing program.  
    The cost to register the Standard Edition is $49.95.  
Registered users can upgrade from the most recent Basic 
Edition to the Standard Edition for $20.00.  (The cost of 
upgrading to the Standard Edition from older versions of the 
Basic Edition is $35.00)


ANYORDER PROFESSIONAL ADVANCED
-----------------------------
The Professional Advanced Edition is a full-featured 
invoicing, sales, and billing program for small mail order 
businesses.  It includes all the features of AnyOrder Basic 
and the Professional Standard Edition, plus credit card 
processing, batch printing, email attachment export, 
telephony features including two separate phone dialers 
(a basic and advanced version), invoice to HTML conversion, 
and royalty accounting.  
     With the Advanced Edition, you can click on a button on 
the Main Invoice Screen or within the Customer Contact Manager 
and your computer will dial the phone number.  You can have 
the phone dialer key-in the individual's extension or menu 
choice numbers automatically for you. If you need to call 
FedEx (or another shipper) to pick up a package, the phone 
dialer will even input your account number.  
    It includes batch printing routines for invoices and 
statements.  Instead of printing each invoice (or billing 
statement) individually, you can select from a list and the 
program will print all selected invoices or statements at 
once, freeing you to do other things.  
    The Advanced Edition also includes an email export 
feature which allows you to attach a copy of the invoice 
to an email message.  Attachments can be text, Microsoft 
Word, or an HTML web document.   You can also place the entire 
invoice into the clipboard and move it into an email or word 
processing program.
    If you need to pay a royalty to a photographer, artist, 
inventor, or co-developer, AnyBook has a built in royalty 
accounting feature.  This portion of the program provides a 
wide range of options. Over 235 different royalty combinations 
are available for nearly any royalty arrangement.   
    The Advanced version also includes credit card processing 
features.  The credit card processing portion of the program 
can be used if you have a small volume of cards--two to five 
cards a day--and you have signed up for voice or touch tone 
processing with your bank.  Note that if you don't use voice 
or touch tone processing or if you have a higher card volume, 
you'll want to use third party credit card processing software. 
To do so, AnyOrder has a credit card export feature which 
allows you to export card information to third party software 
such as PCAuthorize and others. 
     The cost to register the Professional Advanced Edition 
is $89.95. Registered users can upgrade from the most recent 
Basic Edition to Advanced for $60, or from the Standard to 
Advanced for $40. (Add $15 to upgrade to the Advanced Edition 
from older versions of Basic or Standard.)

 


