                 Full Automotive Service Tracking - Version 2.1           
                                                                          
                                 USER REFERENCE                           
                                                                          
                                                                          
       This program documentation consists of the following sections:     
                                                                          
                               I General Information                      
                              II Vehicles Menu                            
                             III Expense Log Menu                         
                              IV Reports Menu                             
                               V Options Menu                             
                                                                          
                                                                          
          This  file  (FAST.TXT)  may  be  viewed from within the program 
       whenever  "Information"  is  selected  on  the menu screen. Do not 
       modify  the  file,  or  its  on-line  accessibility  may  be lost. 
       Program  and  documentation  contents are Copyright (C) 1992-95 by 
       TBX Software. All rights are reserved.                             
                                                                          
                                                                          
       I GENERAL INFORMATION                                              
                                                                          
          1.1  REQUIREMENTS / INTRODUCTION                                
                                                                          
          FAST  will  run  on  IBM-compatible computers using DOS Version 
       2.1  or greater. Highly recommended are a color monitor and a hard 
       disk  drive.  Without  color,  some features of the program may be 
       lost.   As   with   many  programs,  you  should  also  find  that 
       performance   is  maximized  using  the  highest  processor  speed 
       available.  In  addition,  as  much  memory  as possible should be 
       freed  up  beforehand.  Running  FAST with certain memory-resident 
       programs  or  from  DOS  shells may cause unexpected errors or not 
       leave enough memory for the program to run.                        
                                                                          
          FAST utilizes the following files:                              
                                                                          
                   FAST.EXE: Executable program                           
                   FAST.TXT: Program documentation                        
                   FAST.CAR: Vehicle data                                 
                   FAST.LOG: Vehicle service history and expense data     
                   FAST.SYS: System set-up data                           
                   FAST.IX1/.IX2: Log index files                         
                                                                          
          The  first  two  files  (program  and text) comprise the actual 
       software  package.  FAST  is installed by simply copying these two 
       files  to any directory of your choice. To run the program, simply 
       type FAST and then press <Enter>.                                  
                                                                          
          When  the  three  data  files  (CAR,  LOG,  and SYS, above) are 
       present  in  the  directory  where  FAST is started, the file data 
       will  be  accessed  automatically.  If any one or two of the three 
       files  are  missing, FAST will fail to execute. When all three are 
       absent,  FAST  will  create  and  initialize the three data files, 
       signifying  the start of a new (empty) database. New data may then 
       be entered into FAST.                                              
                                                                          
          If  you  have  initially  entered test data in order to try out 
       the  program and would like to begin entering actual data, you can 
       start  a  new  database  by  pressing  <Ctrl-N>  on  the main menu 
       screen,  which  will  invoke  a file initialization procedure. Two 
       opportunities  will be presented to cancel the operation if you so 
       choose.   Once   executed,  the  old  data  will  be  replaced  by 
       initialized  (empty)  data  files. Whenever files are initialized, 
       the  original data held by them is permanently erased, so you must 
       be  absolutely  sure you no longer need this data before executing 
       this procedure.                                                    
                                                                          
          One  way  to avoid losing important data under any circumstance 
       is  to  regularly  back-up  your files. FAST data may be backed up 
       simply  by  copying  the  files  to  another  disk  or  directory, 
       assuming  enough space exists to contain the files. Otherwise, any 
       backup program should suffice to save your files.                  
                                                                          
          Always  remember  that  whenever  you make a backup copy, it is 
       absolutely   essential   that  all  three  data  files  (FAST.CAR, 
       FAST.LOG,  and  FAST.SYS)  be  copied or backed up together. These 
       files  function  as  a  unit  within  FAST,  and  if  they are not 
       contemporaneous  -- that is, they were not all present at the same 
       time  FAST  was  last  run -- they will be rejected by the program 
       the  next  time  you  try  to  run it with the files present. FAST 
       checks  for  this  file  linkage  every time to see that the files 
       belong  together  before running, so do not mix files of different 
       dates,  even  if  the  substitute  files  are of the same size and 
       contain  essentially  the same information. If you fail to observe 
       this  rule,  you  will quite likely end up with a backup that will 
       not work when you need it.                                         
                                                                          
          Index  files,  on the other hand, do not require the same level 
       of  caution,  as  they  can be rebuilt anytime within the program. 
       The  only  drawback  is  a  potential lengthy wait while the files 
       rebuild,  although this would only pertain to situations where the 
       log  file  contains  many records. If an index file is not present 
       when  you  start FAST, you will be given an opportunity to rebuild 
       it  at  that  time,  or  you  may  quit  without continuing. FAST, 
       however,  will  not  run  until  you choose to rebuild the missing 
       index  file(s). Refer to the "Re-Index Log" section under "Expense 
       Log"  for information about other situations which make rebuilding 
       the  index  files necessary. (Note that the term "re-index log" is 
       equivalent to the phrase "rebuild log index".)                     
                                                                          
          FAST  has  been  designed  to be as easy-to-use as possible. It 
       permits  the  service  tracking  and  record-keeping  of  all your 
       vehicles,  while  keeping  difficulty to a minimum. Apart from its 
       automatic  scheduled  maintenance  tracking features, FAST enables 
       you  to  to check any past maintenance or repair expense record by 
       using  its  selective history reporting capability. Proper vehicle 
       maintenance,   in   conjunction   with   FAST,   should  save  you 
       significant  time  and  money  over the long run. Other advantages 
       include  the  proper  operation, safety, and improved resale value 
       of your vehicle(s).                                                
                                                                          
          Maintenance  service information is usually provided along with 
       the  vehicle owner's manual. Whenever you have a vehicle serviced, 
       you  should  retain  copies  of any receipts, as well as record an 
       entry  in the expense log. It will serve as a convenient reference 
       whenever  you  need  to  check  back,  and will be used by FAST to 
       remind  you  --  if  a  scheduled  item  -- when it's time to have 
       service again performed.                                           
                                                                          
                                                                          
          1.2  MENU CONTROLS / VEHICLE SELECTION LIST                     
                                                                          
          All  program  features are accessed off the main (menu) screen. 
       Menus  are  selected  by  pressing  the  left/right  arrows or the 
       capitalized  letters  on  the  menu bar. Functions are selected by 
       pressing  the  up/down  arrows  and  then <Enter> when the desired 
       function   is  highlighted,  or  by  pressing  the  corresponding, 
       displayed function key.                                            
                                                                          
          In  order to perform certain functions, a vehicle must first be 
       selected   from  a  presented  list  of  available  vehicles.  The 
       functions  which  apply  are "Modify", "View", and "Delete" on the 
       "Vehicles"  menu,  and  any  new expense addition (the first three 
       functions)  on  the  "Expense  Log"  menu. Select a vehicle on the 
       list  screen  by  moving  the  ID#  indicator (red highlight block 
       surrounding  ID#)  to the vehicle of your choice. Use the vertical 
       direction  keys,  <Home/End>,  and  <PgUp/PgDn> to move the block, 
       and   then   press   <Enter>  to  execute  the  function  for  the 
       highlighted vehicle.                                               
                                                                          
          On  the list screen, two functions are available to help select 
       a  vehicle.  <F1>  can  be  used  to instantly highlight a vehicle 
       having  a  specific  ID#,  while  <F2>  will search for all or any 
       vehicle  having  a  specific  phrase  in  its  basic  data. When a 
       searched  vehicle  is  found,  the  data  can  be  viewed  in  its 
       entirety.  These  search  features  are  especially helpful if you 
       have many vehicles on file.                                        
                                                                          
          The  remainder  of  this  guide  will  concentrate on using the 
       program's  features,  which  you  should  find  to  be essentially 
       straightforward.  In  FAST, <Esc> can be used, almost universally, 
       to  terminate just about any procedure or step you are undertaking 
       at the moment, or to exit the program.                             
                                                                          
                                                                          
       II VEHICLES MENU                                                   
                                                                          
          2.1  ADD                                                        
                                                                          
          The  "Add"  function is the first step in using a new database, 
       since  a vehicle must be identified before services can be tracked 
       or  recorded for it. All new vehicles to be tracked by the program 
       are  entered  via  the  "Add"  function. New vehicles may be added 
       only  if  the  number  of  active  vehicles is less than the total 
       capacity  of the system. Any data entered under "Add" can be later 
       edited  (added  to,  changed,  or  removed)  by  using the vehicle 
       "Modify" feature.                                                  
                                                                          
          After  pressing <Enter> to add a new vehicle to the database, a 
       data  entry window will appear, into which you may enter the basic 
       vehicle  data.  You  will  find  that  the direction keys, <PgUp>, 
       <PgDn>,   <Home>,  <End>,  <Insert>,  <Delete>,  and  <Enter>  all 
       produce  certain  actions which facilitate the entry of data. Data 
       fields may be left blank or words abbreviated as necessary.        
                                                                          
          The  "Description"  field  can  be  used  to  record additional 
       identifying    features    about    the   vehicle.   The   Vehicle 
       Identification  Number,  a serial number issued to all vehicles by 
       the  manufacturer  for  purposes of title and registration, may be 
       entered  in  the field labeled "VIN". Use the "Misc" field to hold 
       any  other information that you would like to keep on file about a 
       vehicle.  You  may  enter the date and mileage of the vehicle when 
       first   obtained   in   the  "Initial  Date/Mileage"  fields,  and 
       expiration  dates  for  inspection and registration may be entered 
       in their respective fields.                                        
                                                                          
          The  "VCode"  field  is used to assign an arbitrary identifier, 
       up  to 5 characters in length, which can be later used to restrict 
       report  output  to only those vehicles with the VCode specified at 
       that  time.  There can be a unique VCode assigned to each vehicle, 
       or   multiple  vehicles  may  possess   the  same  VCode.  If  you 
       currently  use  your  own identifying system, you may choose, as a 
       matter of convenience, to use the VCode field for this purpose.    
                                                                          
          When  you  arrive  at the "Scheduled Maint(enance) Codes" field 
       in  the  vehicle  entry  window,  a  maintenance service selection 
       screen  will  appear,  with items "A" through "Z" listed. Services 
       must  be  entered  and  saved under the "Service Schedules" option 
       before  they  will  appear  on  the  maintenance selection screen. 
       Select  (or  remove codes) by moving the scroll bar to the desired 
       choice  (via <Up/Dn>, <PgUp/PgDn>, <Home/End>, <Tab/Shift-Tab>, or 
       the  code  letter)  and  then  by pressing <F1> or <Spacebar>. Use 
       <F2>  to  assign  all codes to the vehicle. Press <Enter> or <Esc> 
       when done making selections.                                       
                                                                          
          For  each  vehicle,  services  must be individually assigned in 
       the  above  manner  before  they  will be tracked by FAST. This is 
       useful  because  you  may not desire to track all services for all 
       vehicles,  especially if certain services only pertain to some and 
       not  others.  This  is often the case when you have several varied 
       types    of    vehicles    (e.g.,   diesel/gas,   turbo/non-turbo, 
       automatic/manual, rear/front/all-wheel drive, etc.).               
                                                                          
          The  "Message"  field may be used to place any reminder note or 
       some  other comment that may have particular importance at a later 
       time.  It  can,  for  example,  be  used to remind of some pending 
       service  appointment,  or  about  something  vehicle-related which 
       expires  on  a certain date. The date to which the message refers, 
       if  any, is entered in the "Due Date" field. You can, at any time, 
       conveniently  view existing messages for all vehicles by selecting 
       "Messages"  on  the reports menu. Upcoming and past-due dates will 
       also  be displayed in such a manner as to alert you to messages as 
       required.  Refer  to the "Messages" report section for information 
       on how due dates are displayed.                                    
                                                                          
          Press  <Esc>  when you desire to terminate data entry. You then 
       have  the  option  of  whether  or  not  to save your data. If you 
       choose  "Y",  the new vehicle will automatically be assigned to an 
       ID#  one  consecutive number higher than the last vehicle added to 
       the  database.  This is so even if the last vehicle added has been 
       deleted and no longer appears within FAST.                         
                                                                          
                                                                          
          2.2  MODIFY / VIEW / DELETE                                     
                                                                          
          Use  "Modify"  whenever  a vehicle's basic information requires 
       updating.  The  same  data  fields  as  encountered  in  "Add" are 
       accessible  here. A vehicle's current mileage may be updated here, 
       as  well  as any reminder message or DMV-related expiration dates. 
       New  services  to  track may be added, while other services may be 
       disabled  for  the  vehicle. When at the message field, the entire 
       message can be removed quickly by pressing <F1>.                   
                                                                          
          It  is  important  to  update vehicle mileage often, especially 
       when  services  are being tracked whose intervals are based partly 
       or  fully upon distance traveled. It is necessary for FAST to have 
       accurate  mileages  on  file  so  that  you  can be alerted at the 
       proper  time  when  service  is  due. Current vehicle mileages are 
       updated  automatically  and  as  necessary  when  entries  in  the 
       expense log are made.                                              
                                                                          
          "View"  displays  the full vehicle data without the possibility 
       of  modifying  the  record  inadvertently.  "Delete"  enables  the 
       "removal"  of  any  vehicle from the database by making the record 
       inactive.  Inactive  vehicles  are  no  longer  accessible  to the 
       program's  features.  ID#'s assigned by the program are permanent, 
       and  may  not  be  reused  even  after the "deletion" of vehicles. 
       "Deleted"  vehicles  can  be  reactivated by using <Ctrl-U> on the 
       main (menu) screen.                                                
                                                                          
                                                                          
       III EXPENSE LOG MENU                                               
                                                                          
          3.1  UPDATE MAINTENANCE /                                       
               ENTER REPAIR SERV(ICE) / ENTER MISC(ELLANEOUS) EXPENSE     
                                                                          
          All  repairs  and  scheduled maintenance services performed for 
       vehicles  are  entered  by  using  either  of  the  first two menu 
       functions.  The third item accomodates expenses not covered by the 
       first  two.  As  explained  earlier,  prior  to the logging of any 
       expense  item,  the applicable vehicle must first be selected from 
       the vehicle list screen.                                           
                                                                          
          All  repairs,  maintenance  updates, and miscellaneous expenses 
       are  recorded  in  a common expense log. Since FAST keeps expenses 
       automatically  arranged  in  order  by  date of expense, it is not 
       necessary  to  log  vehicle  expense  records  in  the  order they 
       occurred.  Service  records  and  other expenses may be entered in 
       any  order, including those which occurred prior to acquiring this 
       program.                                                           
                                                                          
          When  logging  a  scheduled  maintenance service record via the 
       "Update  Maintenance"  function,  a window will appear showing the 
       current  status  of  all scheduled services that are being tracked 
       for  the  vehicle.  Due  dates  and/or  mileages  will  appear  in 
       flashing  red  on  service  items  that are past-due, solid red on 
       those  at  the  due  date,  yellow  on  those upcoming (within the 
       number  of  days/miles  specified  in  the  "Set  Advance  Notice" 
       option), and blue on items that are not yet due or upcoming.       
                                                                          
          If  there  has been no prior log entry for a service, FAST will 
       utilize  the  initial  date and mileage saved in the basic vehicle 
       data  as  the  last  time  service  was performed. (These will not 
       appear,  however,  in the last date/mileage column.) Otherwise, if 
       no  initial date has been recorded for a vehicle, tracked services 
       without  any  prior  entry  will appear with blank entries in both 
       the last date/mileage and due date/mileage columns.                
                                                                          
          Select  a  service to log by scrolling the highlight bar to the 
       desired  choice  (via  <Up/Dn>,  <PgUp/PgDn>,  <Home/End>, or code 
       letter)  and  by then pressing <Enter>. A record entry window will 
       appear  above, into which you may enter the service date, mileage, 
       expense  amount,  and  a  description  of  service.  Defaults  are 
       assigned  automatically  to  each  of  these fields, which you may 
       modify  as  required.  For  purposes  of tracking, the record will 
       register  as  the  performed  service that is saved, regardless of 
       what the description is modified to read.                          
                                                                          
          The  same record entry window will appear when logging a repair 
       or  other  expense  for a vehicle. As is the case with maintenance 
       entries,  you  may  include in the description field anything else 
       of  possible  importance,  such  as  parts  used,  name of service 
       facility,  invoice  number  on bill, etc. If several services were 
       performed  at  the  same time, you may either elect to record each 
       as  a separate entry, or to combine them into one. Non-maintenance 
       expense  log  entries  are not tracked via a schedule by FAST, but 
       do appear along with such service records in the vehicle history.  
                                                                          
          Vehicle  mileages  entered  with  new  log entries, or modified 
       when  editing  the  expense log (next section), will automatically 
       be  saved  as  the  corresponding vehicle's current mileage if the 
       new  value  is  greater  than  the  last  current mileage value on 
       record.                                                            
                                                                          
                                                                          
          3.2  EDIT LOG / START NEW LOG                                   
                                                                          
          Edit  the  expense  log  whenever an error or omission has been 
       made  in  a  prior  record entry. The edit screen will display all 
       records  with  dates  equal  to  or  more recent than any date you 
       specify  beforehand. The fields which can be modified are those of 
       the   description,   mileage,   or  cost  value.  (Note  that  the 
       description  appears  abbreviated  here  until you attempt to edit 
       the  field.)  If,  however,  you would like to change the date, or 
       the  vehicle  to  which  an  expense entry belongs, you must first 
       delete   the   record   and  then  re-enter  it  fully  as  a  new 
       maintenance, repair, or other expense.                             
                                                                          
          Though  the need to use it may never arise, the "Start New Log" 
       function  serves  to replace an old log file that has grown to the 
       point  where  processing  has  slowed  considerably. This would be 
       most  noticeable  when  producing  reports  on  services  due  and 
       selective  expense  history.  The  procedure  can  be  done  on an 
       arbitrary  or  regular  (e.g.,  every  year)  basis,  as  you deem 
       necessary.  All  tracked services are automatically updated in the 
       new  log.  (These  won't  show  up,  though,  in  a listing of new 
       history and cannot be edited.)                                     
                                                                          
          When  you start a new log, the old log file is considered to be 
       an  archived  (non-active) history file, and is renamed on disk as 
       FAST_???.HST,   where   "???"   represents   the  next  available, 
       consecutive  file number. Therefore, FAST_001.HST would denote the 
       first  archive  file  in  the  directory. Subsequent archive files 
       would  correspond to 002, 003, 004, etc. Archive files may only be 
       used  to  produce  reports, and may not be edited or added to. For 
       this  reason,  you must be certain that an expense log is complete 
       and  error-free  before you decide to terminate it and start a new 
       one.  (Archive  files can be accessed for reports by utilizing the 
       "Set Active History" option.)                                      
                                                                          
                                                                          
          3.3  RE-INDEX LOG                                               
                                                                          
          Log  index  files  (FAST.IX1  and  FAST.IX2)  are automatically 
       maintained  during  the  entry  of  new  log  records.  Under most 
       circumstances,  there  should  be  little  or no reason to rebuild 
       them  (though it never hurts to do so). However, circumstances can 
       arise  that might make it necessary. For example, if your computer 
       loses  power or is turned off while it is in the process of saving 
       an  expense  log  entry,  re-indexing  is recommended. If, for any 
       reason,  records that otherwise have been entered do not appear in 
       the  log  history, or the program freezes or fails outright during 
       processing  (at  expense  log  service  status  window, or service 
       status or history reporting), the log file should be re-indexed.   
                                                                          
          If  you have previously deleted many expense log records and/or 
       have  deleted  one  or  more  vehicles,  re-indexing  may speed up 
       processing  somewhat.  And  if  you  have  since  re-indexed after 
       deleting  a  vehicle  and  then decide to undelete it (<Ctrl-U> on 
       menu  screen),  you  will  need to re-index in order to again have 
       access to the prior log records of the vehicle.                    
                                                                          
          Because  index  files  only  permit  chronological  accuracy to 
       within  one  day,  please  be aware that multiple log entries on a 
       single  car  for the same record date may not appear in the log in 
       the  order  they  were entered. Although they will appear properly 
       grouped  together  for  the  record  date,  their ordering will be 
       random.  This  could  have  an  effect  on  proper  service status 
       information  (in  terms  of last/due mileage) when two entries for 
       the  same service item are logged for the same date with differing 
       mileages.  Subsequent  deletion  of  the false service record will 
       correct this situation.                                            
                                                                          
                                                                          
       IV REPORTS MENU                                                    
                                                                          
          4.1  RUNNING REPORTS                                            
                                                                          
          FAST  may  be  instructed as to the format and scope of reports 
       by  changing the default prompt parameters, which are presented in 
       succession   before   the  report  is  run.  Reports  are  printed 
       according  to  the  specification  saved  under  the  "Set  Report 
       Printer"  option.  If,  when  attempting  to  print  a  report, an 
       "Output  Error"  message  appears on the screen, check to see that 
       the  current  report  printer  setting  is valid. Otherwise, check 
       your  printer  and  paper.  You  will,  however, have to start the 
       report  over  once  the problem is corrected. (See the "Set Report 
       Printer"  option  for  info  on  valid printer settings.) A report 
       title may be included when sending output to a printer or file.    
                                                                          
          A  printer line width of at least 80 characters is required for 
       the  report  to be formatted properly. Reports do not use margins. 
       FAST  utilizes a page length of 66 lines. If a report is made to a 
       file,  the file can then be viewed using a text file viewer/editor 
       (e.g.,  word  processor),  the  TYPE  command  (in  DOS), or later 
       printed  using  any  similar  means.  Either  of the following DOS 
       commands  can be easily used in the following way to output a file 
       to a printer at LPT1:                                              
                                                                          
                     C:\>TYPE filename > LPT1  <Enter>                    
                     C:\>COPY filename LPT1  <Enter>                      
                                                                          
                                                                          
          4.2  SERVICE STATUS                                             
                                                                          
          Through  the  use  of  this  feature, the status of all tracked 
       services,  or  of  only  those  upcoming,  due, or overdue, may be 
       checked  for  one  or  more vehicles on record. The report will be 
       restricted  to  the  vehicle whose ID# or all vehicles whose VCode 
       you  specify.  A  vehicle  is  considered to be due or overdue for 
       service   when  either  the  due  date  or  the  due  mileage,  as 
       determined   by   the   service   interval  saved  under  "Service 
       Schedules",  has been reached or exceeded. A service is considered 
       upcoming  if it will become due within the number of days or miles 
       specified under the "Set Advance Notice" option.                   
                                                                          
          Replying  "D"  to  the "Show Due Only Or All Svcs?" prompt will 
       restrict  the  report  to  those  services that are presently only 
       upcoming,  due, or overdue. A reply of "A" will produce the status 
       of  all  services,  whether  they  are  upcoming, due, overdue, or 
       otherwise  (not  upcoming  yet).  If  there  has been no prior log 
       entry  for  a  service,  FAST  will  utilize  the initial date and 
       mileage  saved  in the basic vehicle data as the last time service 
       was  performed.  In this case, however, nothing will appear in the 
       last  date/mileage  column. Otherwise, if no initial date has been 
       recorded  for  a vehicle, tracked services without any prior entry 
       will not appear on any service status report.                      
                                                                          
          Respond  "S"  to the "Arrange By Car Or Service?" prompt if you 
       want  to  group  together all vehicles needing a specific service. 
       You  may  restrict  the  output  to  a  particular service by then 
       entering  the  respective  code  letter (A-Z). If output is to the 
       screen,  all  applicable  services will be produced, starting with 
       the  specified  or lowest alphabetical code, in which case you may 
       <PgUp/PgDn>  to  the  previous or next service or use <F1> to jump 
       to  any  applicable  service  in the report. In a vehicle-arranged 
       status  report where no ID# has been specified (reply of "C"), the 
       report  will  start  with  the lowest numerical ID# which applies. 
       You  may  then <PgUp/PgDn> or jump (<F1>) as necessary to view the 
       vehicles applicable to the report (screen output only).            
                                                                          
          Due  dates/mileages  are coded in such a way so that you may be 
       instantly  alerted  as  to  the correct service/vehicle status. On 
       the  screen,  flashing  red is used to indicate overdue, solid red 
       for  services exactly due, yellow for those upcoming, and blue for 
       services  not  due yet. On printouts, these are in turn shown with 
       the  preceding  symbols  "***"  for overdue, "**" for those at due 
       date, "*" for upcoming, and none for otherwise.                    
                                                                          
                                                                          
          4.3  EXPENSE HISTORY                                            
                                                                          
          FAST's  selective  history features can be used to restrict the 
       content  of reports to only those items of interest at the moment. 
       You  have the option of whether or not to include cost information 
       on  the  report.  Reports  can  also  be  made  consisting of cost 
       information  only. History used for a report is read from the file 
       specified under the "Set Active History" option.                   
                                                                          
          Parameters  which  may  be  used  to  restrict the scope of the 
       report  include  vehicle  ID# or VCode, starting and ending dates, 
       maintenance  codes,  and  search phrases. If you provide a vehicle 
       ID#  or  answer  "Y"  to  the  "Arrange  History  By Car?" prompt, 
       history   is  grouped  separately  for  each  vehicle.  Otherwise, 
       another  format is presented, which consists of a general two-line 
       listing  arranged chronologically by date of service/expense. If a 
       specific  vehicle  ID#  has  not  been named, and a report is then 
       arranged  by  car, the report will start with the lowest numerical 
       ID#  which  applies.  You  may  then <PgUp/PgDn> or jump (<F1>) as 
       necessary to other vehicles in the report (screen output only).    
                                                                          
          The  inclusion  of cost information is determined by the letter 
       entered  in  the  "Incl(ude) Costs" field. Valid responses include 
       "Y"  to  show  on  report,  "N"  to omit, or "O" for the report to 
       consist  of cost information only. When output is by vehicle, cost 
       information  consists  of total cost, miles traveled, and cost per 
       mile,  abbreviated  "CPM".  Printed  reports include an additional 
       summary  at  the  end  of the report which indicates the number of 
       vehicles  in the report, the total miles traveled and cost for all 
       vehicles,  the  overall cost per mile, and the average per vehicle 
       cost.                                                              
                                                                          
          The  "Codes" and "Search For" fields work together to produce a 
       comprehensive  listing  of  items  for  the report. In the "Codes" 
       field,  place  the  letter  codes  of  all  scheduled  maintenance 
       services  to  be  included  for  the  report.  In the "Search For" 
       fields,  up  to  three  separate phrases which might appear in any 
       expense  record  description  may  be  entered.  Blank fields will 
       produce  all  history  unless  at  least  one  code  or  phrase is 
       entered,  in  which  case the report scope will then be restricted 
       to just the specified codes and/or phrases.                        
                                                                          
          In  the "Codes" field, <F2> may be used repeatedly to cycle the 
       various  options  available  to  redefine  the  report  scope. The 
       options,  with  the  corresponding restrictive effect of each, are 
       as  follows:  "All  (Codes Only)", to access scheduled maintenance 
       history  only;  "None  (Repairs Only)", to access expenses entered 
       as  repairs  only;  "None  (Misc  Only)",  to access miscellaneous 
       expenses  only;  and  "All  (W/Repairs Only)", to access scheduled 
       maintenance and repair (non-miscellaneous) history only.           
                                                                          
                                                                          
          4.4  EXPIRATIONS / MESSAGES / VEHICLE LISTING                   
                                                                          
          Use  "Expirations"  when  you want to check on expiring vehicle 
       registrations  or inspections. Expiration dates will first show up 
       on  a  report  when they are forthcoming within the number of days 
       specified  under  the "Set Advance Notice" option. These dates are 
       displayed  on-screen  in  yellow. Solid red denotes expirations at 
       the  current  date,  while  flashing  red is used to signify those 
       past  expiration.  On  printed  reports,  the  symbol "*" precedes 
       upcoming  expirations, "**" precedes those at the expiration date, 
       and  "***"  precedes those already expired. Non-expired dates that 
       are also not upcoming do not appear in the report.                 
                                                                          
          "Messages"  can  be  used  to produce a report for all vehicles 
       which  contain a message in the basic vehicle record. Messages can 
       be  especially  useful  as  a  vehicle-related reminder. A message 
       will  show  up  on  a  report  regardless  of  whether  it  has an 
       associated  due  date.  Due  dates  are  shown  on-screen  in  the 
       following  manner:  flashing  red,  message overdue; solid red, at 
       due  date;  yellow,  upcoming;  and  blue,  not  due  yet. Printed 
       reports  use  the following symbols to display the message status: 
       "***",  overdue;  "**",  at due date; "*", upcoming; and no symbol 
       for not due yet.                                                   
                                                                          
          "Vehicle  Listing" is used to display all information on record 
       for  each  vehicle  in  a 3-line listing. Vehicle messages and due 
       dates,  however,  do  not  appear, as such may be easily viewed by 
       selecting "Messages".                                              
                                                                          
                                                                          
       V OPTIONS MENU                                                     
                                                                          
          5.1  SERVICE SCHEDULES                                          
                                                                          
          Scheduled  maintenance services, which are defined by the user, 
       are  set  up  using  this feature. Each service must be entered in 
       the  table  before  it  can be assigned to a vehicle for tracking. 
       Entering  a service consists of first selecting any available code 
       (A-Z)  by  moving  the  highlight bar and then pressing <Enter> to 
       begin  entering  data.  The following keys may be used to move the 
       highlight  to  the  code  of  your  choice:  <Up/Dn>, <PgUp/PgDn>, 
       <Home/End>, <Tab/Shift-Tab>, or the code letter itself.            
                                                                          
          Specified  for  each  code must be a description of the service 
       and   its   associated   interval,  which  indicates  exactly  how 
       frequently  the  service  should be performed. The interval period 
       can  be configured on time, distance, or both. In the latter case, 
       a  vehicle  is  considered  officially  due  for  service  when it 
       becomes due first by either parameter.                             
                                                                          
          Valid  service  interval  values  are  as follows: 1 to 120 for 
       months,  1  to 900 for days, and 1 to 99999 for distance traveled. 
       Time/distance  parameters  that  have a value of zero are not used 
       for  tracking.  A service must have a description and at least one 
       interval  parameter  defined before it is can be used for purposes 
       of  tracking. If a service is later changed (redefined in terms of 
       description  or  interval), all vehicles which are tracked for the 
       particular  service  will be affected accordingly, i.e., they will 
       all in turn adhere to the new scheduling information.              
                                                                          
          A  maximum  of  twenty-six  anticipated  scheduled  maintenance 
       services  for  all vehicles on record may be entered in the table. 
       As  mentioned  under  the  section  on  adding  vehicles,  due  to 
       differences  in  service  recommendations  by vehicle type and how 
       each  vehicle is operated, you need only assign to a vehicle those 
       services in the table which apply.                                 
                                                                          
          If  you  are  not  sure what services should be tracked and how 
       often  for  your  vehicle(s),  refer to the owner's literature for 
       each  vehicle  of a particular year, make, and model. Otherwise, a 
       dealership  or  other  service  facility  can  often  provide  the 
       necesssary  information. It is also possible, of course, to design 
       a  service schedule to fit your needs, accomodating whatever items 
       you  would  like  to  have  performed on a routine basis. Services 
       need  not imply actual work to be performed, since some are closer 
       to the nature of a regular check or inspection of certain items.   
                                                                          
          Examples of commonly tracked services include the following:    
                                                                          
                                                 Months   Miles           
             Oil And Filter Change                3       3000            
             Spark Plug Replacement               20      20000           
             Air Filter Replacement               24      24000           
             Fuel Filter Replacement              12      12000           
             Cooling System Check                 12                      
             Coolant Flush And Replace            24      24000           
             PCV Valve Replacement                20      20000           
             Crankcase Filter Replacement         24      24000           
             Drive Belts Check And Adjust         10      10000           
             Transmission Fluid Check             12      12000           
             Steering/Suspension Lubrication      15      15000           
             Power Steering Fluid Check           12                      
             Brake System Check/Replace Linings   30      30000           
             Front Wheel Bearing Repacking        30      30000           
             Exhaust System Inspection            6                       
             Tire Tread Wear Check                6                       
             Tire Pressure Check                  1                       
             Exterior Lamps Check                 1                       
                                                                          
                                                                          
          5.2  PROGRAM SETTINGS                                           
                                                                          
          The  "Set  Advance Notice" option can be used to set the number 
       of  days  and/or  miles in advance when an expiration, message, or 
       scheduled  service  will  first be considered upcoming by FAST and 
       be  indicated  as  such  on  a  report.  Values  from 1 to 999 are 
       permitted  for  days,  1  to 9999 for miles. If a value of zero is 
       entered,   expirations   and   services  will  not  appear  on  an 
       expired/due  report  until  the  actual  date of expiration or due 
       date or due mileage is reached.                                    
                                                                          
          The  "Set  Heading/Colors"  option  is  used to save a heading, 
       which  may  consist  of  a  name  or anything else you may want to 
       display  at the top of the screen. The heading also appears at the 
       top  of  all printed reports. Screen colors which can be set using 
       this  option  include the menu highlight bar, menu background, and 
       menu  screen  background. Colors are selected by using the <Up/Dn> 
       keys and then <Enter> when the desired color is displayed.         
                                                                          
          FAST  normally  uses  the  expense log file FAST.LOG to produce 
       history  reports.  If  you  have  expense  history  in  non-active 
       (archive)  files,  "Set  Active History" can be used to change the 
       file  to  be  accessed for history reports. FAST will check to see 
       if  any  files  are  available,  and  if  found,  will display the 
       corresponding  file  numbers.  You  must  then  enter  the archive 
       number  of the file. For example, the archive number would be 1 to 
       access  an existing file FAST_001.HST. The "Start New Log" section 
       contains additional information relating to history files.         
                                                                          
          The  "Set  Report  Printer"  option  enables  you to change the 
       output   specification   for  printed  reports.  You  may  specify 
       printers  attached  to  the  first, second, or third parallel port 
       (if  so  equipped),  or  a  filename  with  an  optional drive and 
       pathname.  If you specify a file which already exists on disk, the 
       file will be overwritten when the report is made.                  
                                                                          
          Valid  settings  also  include printers specified as filenames. 
       If  you  receive  an  output  error  when a line printer (LPTx) is 
       specified,   and   cannot   otherwise  find  anything  wrong,  try 
       specifying  the  printer  port  as a filename. For example, if the 
       normal  LPT1  setting  won't  work,  enter  LPT1 as a filename and 
       attempt to re-run the report.                                      
                                                                          
          If  you  happen  to  have a printer connected to a serial port, 
       specify  it  as  a  filename  according  to  the following format: 
       COMx:[speed][,parity][,data][,stop]   (Items   in   brackets   are 
       optional  --  see  printer  manual  for  correct values; x is port 
       number.)  For  example,  if you have a serial printer connected to 
       COM1  with  a  speed  of  4800 bps (bits per second), no parity, 8 
       data  bits, and one stop bit, you would specify COM1:4800,N,8,1 as 
       the  filename to use. (The filenames LPTx and COMx, when specified 
       without  the  colon,  route  the  output commands through DOS, and 
       will  adhere  to  the  settings (if any) specified in the DOS MODE 
       command.)                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
