



VIDEOSOFT SYSTEMS




Users Manual

Version 1.0






(C)Copyright 1990-1993  VideoSoft Systems

56 Saybrook Ave,
Etobicoke, Ontario.
M8Z 2V7
(416)231-9798































                        WARRANTY AND OTHER INFORMATION

The software described in this manual is protected by copyright laws.


Information contained within is subject to change without notice and
does not represent any commitment on the part of Itemsoft Systems.

Videosoft Systems makes no warranty of any kind, express or implied, including
without limitation, any warranties of merchantability and / or fitness
for a particular purpose. Videosoft Systems shall not be liable for any
damages, whether direct, indirect, special or consequential arising from
a failure of this program to operate in the manner desired by the user.
Videosoft Systems shall not be responsible for damage to data or property
which may be caused directly or indirectly by use of the program.

IN NO EVENT WILL VIDEOSOFT SYSTEMS BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING
ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS OR OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
ARISING OUT OF YOUR USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PROGRAM, OR FOR ANY
CLAIM BY ANY OTHER PARTY.


Videosoft Systems at any time make improvements and/or
changes in this manual.

This product could include technical inaccuracies or typographical
errors. Changes are periodically made to the information herein;
these changes could be incorporated in new editions of the
publication.

dBase, dBaseIII, and dBaseIII PLUS are tradenames of Ashton-Tate
Corporation.

Clipper is a trade name of Computer Associates.

Phone Numbers

        (416) 231-9798
        Videosoft Systems
        H.Radford
        56 Saybrook Ave,
        Etobicoke, Ontario


        9.00 A.M. to 5.00 P.M. Eastern Time
        Monday through Friday

NOTE :
   This manual was formatted with Wordperfect 5.1 from the
   Wordperfect Corp.
   Where possible we have included illustrations and other associated
   niceties.



before you start ---

INTRODUCTION

GENERAL INFORMATION

VIDEOSOFT is a specifically designed database manager for the
application of rental store daily operations. It contains all
of the capabilities of Clipper 5.01 and is written with
ease of use in mind.

Your database files are compatible with dBase. This means
that your databases can be viewed with dBase III PLUS commands.

The index files are structured on the Clipper format.

Any suggestions which you have for improving this program will be
 thoughtfully considered.

At this time the program does not accept a Local Area Network (LAN)

FEATURES

Maintain Membership Data.

Maintain Item data.

Automatically Updates Item Rental Information.

Rental rates for Weekend/ Weekday.

Manual Overrides on Tax Calculation.

Automatic Calculation for Provincial and G.S.T. Tax.

Provides Rental reports from data.

Allows for on screen editing of accounts and memo fields.

Passwords for sensitive data entry and edit.

Automatic calculation of sales totals for day, month and year.

On screen reservation system.












The price of Videosoft software is $199.99. It compares with commercial
Item software packages of $1500.00. The original version of this product
was built as an alternative to more sophisticated packages which were out
of my price range. The software is currently installed in rental stores
thoughout Canada, USA and the UK. It has the ability to handle 10,000
customers and 100,000 Items. I feel that the price of the fully functional
software covers only the time I have spent on development and coding.
Please support the concept of Shareware distribution. This product can be
only be copied in its complete form including documentation.

Ordering Information

Remit to :
                                Videosoft Systems
                                56 Saybrook Ave
                                Etobicoke, ONTARIO
                                Canada
                                M8Z 2V7

Please send :

_____  Videosoft Disk (Current version)  ..... @ $199.99    $  ______.__
                (includes registration, program and manual on disk)

         Specify type of disk 3 1/2 ____   5 1/4 _____ H/L Density                         Subtotal  $  ______.__

Please add applicable taxes for                   Tax       $  ______.__
the state or province you live in
                                                                                Total     $  ______.__

Name ___________________________________________________________________

Company ________________________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________________

           ________________________________________________________________

           ________________________________________________________________

Day phone ________________________ Evening _____________________________













INSTALLING VIDEOSOFT

The VIDEOSOFT system requires a hard disk with at least one megabyte of
available disk space.
The program was originally designed on a Panasonic printer and uses
IBM graphic mode printer controls

To install VIDEOSOFT on your hard disk do the following :

1. Boot the computer in the normal fashion. You should see the DOS
prompt before going any further

2. Ensure that there is at least 1 MB of available disk space on
your hard disk. (Use the DOS DIR command to check.)

3. Make a subdirectory on your hard disk called RENTAL in the following
manner.
        MD RENTAL (ENTER)

4. Place the VIDEOSOFT Program disk in the A drive. Make the A drive
the default drive.

5. Install the program by typing COPY *.* C:\RENTAL and pressing (ENTER).

6. If you do not already have a CONFIG.SYS file on your hard disk,
type in the following on the root directory of your hard disk :

        CD\                             (Enter)
        COPY CON CONFIG.SYS      (Enter)
        FILES=20                                (Enter)

After the last line press (F6) and a ^Z will appear. Now press (Enter)

7. Now reboot the computer so that the change to the configuration
will take effect.























USING THE VIDEOSOFT SYSTEM

THIS PROGRAM IS DEPENDANT ON THE CORRECT DATE BEING ENTERED
IN THE COMPUTER.

Start the VIDEOSOFT program by typing RENTAL
The program will identify the time and date that the program is
using. If either the time or date is wrong, by pressing "N", the
system will drop to DOS and ask for time and date entry before starting.

        The default password for full access to the private areas
is "1957". After entering this area, do a complete printout for
both the members and Items registered to test different areas
of the program. Default data has been entered to start the program.
        You will notice that information has been entered into the
databases and justified to the left.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE FORMAT OF INFORMATION IS AS FOLLOWS :-

        1. ALL INFORMATION ENTERED IN CAPITAL LETTERS
        2. TELEPHONE NUMBERS,NAMES,MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS,ITEM NUMBERS
           AND ITEM NAMES BE JUSTIFIED TO THE LEFT.
        3. CODE NAMES SHOULD BE LEFT JUSTIFIED

        The Main Menu will have the following commands

1 - CHECK AVAILABILITY OF A ITEM

          The command will ask for a Number or failing that a Title
        of a particular Item that you wish to check. If the Item
        has been taken out already, the program will display the
        return date.
          If no Number or Title is entered, the main menu will
        return.

2 - CHANGE TO WEEKEND RATES

          This will set the rates for rentals to the weekend
        rate set up in the Item database. The program will auto-
        matically set weekend rates on Friday, Saturday and Sunday,
        however, if the Monday is a holiday it will be necessary
        to change to weekend rates for the holiday.

3 - CHANGE TO WEEKDAY RATES

          This will have the reverse effect of command 2


4 - CHECK TAPE RENTERS

          This command will index the Item database and then prompt
        the operator for a specific Item number to produce a report
        for.

5 - WHO'S GOT WHAT

          This command will prompt the user for the following :

        1 - FIND AN INDIVIDUAL ITEM

                After entering a item number, the program will display
                information about the status of the item, and if rented,
                the member number and name.






        2 - LIST ALL ITEMS THAT ARE OUT

                After being asked if a printout is required, The user
                will be given a complete list of those items registered
                as being rented and not returned.

        3 - RETURN TO MAIN MENU

                Self explanatory

6 - SALES

          This command will activate the sales invoice system. After
        entering a name, the system will prompt for sales ticket
        numbers. (maximum of six items on each invoice).
          As the item number is entered, the program will check to
        see that a valid item has been entered and display the title
        and price of the item. If the number field is returned blank, the
        program will prompt for the operator to check to see if the
        input is correct. If it is not correct, by pressing N the
        program will return to the main screen. If it is correct,
        by pressing Enter the program will print an Invoice on
        1/2 sheet paper and update the sales item data in the database.


7 - RENTALS

          This command will initiate the rental invoice system. You will
        be prompted for a Telephone Number, of a Name, or lastly a
        Membership ID Number. If none of the fields are filled with
        any information, the program will return to the main menu.
          The program will then activate a search based on information
        provided and display information about the member. If the
        member cannot be found a message will be displayed to that
        effect and you will be asked if you wish to add the member.
          At the side of the screen you will see some other commands
        to deal with data displayed.


                A - Add/Zap
                          This will blank out the memo field and allow
                        the user to enter little pieces of information.
                        The information will display flashing to attract
                        attention. (I.E. Membership Cancelled  Do not Rent)

                C - Continue (Default)
                          This will continue to the next stage of rental

                E - Edit account
                          This will allow the operator to add or delete
                        money from the account balance.




                P - To view past rentals
                          This command will bring up the members past rental
                    information and whether the tape was returned late.

                Q - Quit
                          This command will return you to the main screen

                S - Continue Search
                          If the information presented does not match
                        the member, it is possible that there are two
                        members with the same search information. In this
                        case, by pressing S the program will look for the
                        next logical file and display that information.

          After verifying the information on the member, the program
        will then prompt for the numbers of the items to be rented.
        (There will be a maximum limit of six items per invoice.)
         As each number is entered, the program will verify that the
        title is in the database and display the title. If the title
        is not in the database, the program will advise the operator
        of this and reprompt for a valid number. If a blank field has
        been entered,the program will now ask for any extra charges
        (such as late payments etc.) These will be added on the invoice.The
        program will then ask for the number of days the items are
        being rented for. (Defaults to 1 day)
         At this point, the program does automatic calculation for tax
        and totalling fields. It also update the number of times the
        title has been rented and also the last date of rental. Then the
        member data is updated with the last rental date field and the
        amount spent by the member being added to. Lastly, the
        program will print an invoice on 1/2 paper and return the
        operator to the main menu.


8 - CHECK ON A MEMBER

          You will be prompted for a Telephone Number, or a Name,
        or lastly a Membership ID Number. If none of the fields are
        filled with any information, the program will return to the main
        menu.
          Information on the member will then be displayed in a similar
        fashion to the rental screens.












9 - COMPANY DATA

          For this part of the program, you will be required to know
        a password to allow access to sensitive data. Please note
        however, that this will not protect you data from individuals
        bent on destroying information, and that you should always have
        a reliable backup of your data kept in some other location to
        protect yourself.
          After entering the correct password, the operator will be
        given another screen for manipulating the information.
          The default password for original startup is "1957  "

A - RETURNS

           After entering this part of the program, the user will be
        requested for numbers of items being returned to the store.
          The program will verify that the item had indeed been
        registered out and if not, display a message to that effect. If
        the item is found in the database, it will attach a return date
        to the file and prompt the operator for the next item number.
         (There will be a maximum of 19 Items returned at one time).
        If the number field is returned blank, the program will return
        to the main menu.

B - CHECK OLD INFORMATION

        1 - CHECK A MEMBER

          This program will prompt the user for a member number to
        check. If the member is not in the database, the operator
        will be informed. Then the program will ask if a printout
        is required. The program will list off the items that
        the customer had previously rented.

        2 - CHECK A ITEM

          This program will prompt the operator for a item number to
        check. If the number is not in the database, the operator
        will be informed. Then the program will ask if a printout
        is required. The program will list off the members that have
        previously rented the item.

C - LIST RETURNS TODAY

          After prompting for a printout, this program will list off
        the items that have been returned today.







D - WHAT'S DUE BACK TODAY

         This program will automatically print out a list of those
        items that are due back in today or any previous date.


E - WHAT WENT OUT TODAY

          This program will, after prompting for a printout, give
        the operator a list of the items that were rented today
        and a total number of items rented.


F - RESERVATIONS

        1 - MAKE A RESERVATION

          This part of the program will ask the user for a telephone
        number, name or membership number. After identifying the
        member, information about the member will be displayed as
        in rental or sales. You will be able to see if the member has
        any outstanding late charges before continuing. You will then
        be prompted for a item number or item title. The program will
        store this information to be called up later.

        2 - LIST RESERVATIONS
          This part of the program will allow the operator to make out
        a list of reservations for a specific date. It can recall the
        information to the screen or print out the information.

        3 - DELETE RESERVATIONS

          This program will allow the user to delete past reservation
        data. The operator will be given all of the reservation dates
        available for deletion. After entering a specific date, the
        program will delete all reservations for that date.

Q - QUIT PROGRAM

          At the end of the day the program will automatically
        remove all returned items from the active files and
        update the old returns database. The program will print out
        a sales recap for the day and zero out the totals. At the
        end of the month, total figures will also be printed if
        requested and similarly at the end of the year.
          If the program is being stopped in the middle of the
        day, the operator will be given the opportunity to quit
        without removing data or updating databases.









COMPANY DATA SCREEN

  After entering the correct password, the operator will be
given access to the company data. The screen will enable
the user to edit and or enter data into both the member and
title databases. There are four levels of security with each
level having an increasing ability to change data.

The following commands are available :

1 - ENTER/EDIT ITEM DATA   (All levels)

        1 - ENTER ITEM DATA

                  Upon entering a number, the program will automatically
                verify that the number has not already been entered in
                the records. The operator will then be given a
                screen to enter data into the database. There are
                spaces for two different rates. At the end of the entry
                the program will ask the user to verify the data and
                then enter the information.(ON UNREGISTERED COPIES
                THIS FUNCTION IS LIMITED)

        2 - EDIT ITEM DATA

                  After entering a number, the program will verify that
                the number exists. You will then be provided with all
                of the information on the number. You will be able to
                change any of the information and once again be
                prompted for verification. (ON UNREGISTERED COPIES
                THIS FUNCTION IS NOT LIMITED)

        3 - RETURN TO COMPANY DATA MENU

                  After entry or edit sessions this will return you to
                the company data menu.

2 - ITEM DATA REPORTS  (No Employee Access)

        1 - ITEM LIST BY TITLE

                  This will provide the operator with a complete
                list of items in the database sorted by title.

        2 - ITEM LIST BY NUMBER

                1 - COMPLETE LIST
                  This will provide the operator with a complete
                list of items in the database sorted by number.



                2 - SELECTED LIST

                  After proving starting and ending numbers, the
                program will print out a list for those items.

        3 - ITEM LIST BY CATEGORY

                 This will provide the operator with a complete
                list of items by category. You will asked for
                a category to print and only those meeting that
                criteria will be printed.

        4 - ITEM RENTAL REPORT

                 After being prompted for a starting item number
                and an ending moving number, the operator will be
                provided with data on how well the items have been
                renting. This is invaluable to keep track of which
                items are good renters and those that should be
                removed from the store.


3 - CUSTOMER DATA REPORTS  (No Employee Access)

        1 - CUSTOMER LIST BY NAME

                  This will provide a complete membership printout
                by name. It will take up to one hour to print depending
                on the speed of your printer. Make sure that you
                can do this without interruption.

        2 - CUSTOMER LIST BY NUMBER

                1 - COMPLETE LIST

                          This will provide a complete list of members
                        in numerical order. Once again, this could take some
                        time to do without interruption.

                2 - SELECTED LIST

                          After entering a start and ending number, the
                        program will provide a list of those members.











4 - ACCOUNTING MODULE  (Owner Access Only)

          The program automatically saves information on the sales
        and rental totals for tax calculation purposes. You have
        the ability to view sales figures that have been saved
        by the following categories

        1 - DAILY SALES TOTALS

        2 - MONTHLY SALES TOTALS

        3 - YEARLY SALES TOTALS

5 - DELETE MEMBERS/ITEMS RECORDS /RESERVS ( No Employee or
                                               Assistant Manager Access)
          This part of the program will enable the user to delete
        any of the members, items or old data stored in the
        databases. It is advisable to delete old data that is
        automatically stored by the program at least once every
        six months and to go back six months before that. This
        way you always have at least six month information stored
        on disk. After the records have been deleted, the databases
        will be packed and reindexed. This may take up to ten
        minutes on a slower computer, so make sure there won't be
        any interruptions when you do it.

6 - PRINT LABELS

          This part of the program will print labels for member
        addresses and also for item titles.

        1 - MEMBER LABELS

                1 - ADDRESS LABELS

                          This will print address labels for blocks of
                        members. The operator will be prompted for
                        a starting member number and also a finishing
                        member number. If only one member label is
                        required, the operator can put in the next
                        highest number and the program will stop
                        after one label.

                2 - MEMBERSHIP CARD LABEL

                          This will print out membership card labels
                        for blocks of members. Once again the operator
                        will be prompted for a starting and finishing
                        member number. Information will be formatted
                        for making membership cards.




        2 - ITEM LABELS

                1 - LABELS FOR TAGS

                           This program will print information for tags. It
          will include the number,      title, category of the item.

                2 - LABELS FOR CASSETTES

                           This program will print information for the
                        cassette. It will include the number, title
          and category of the item.

                  Both of these programs will again prompt the operator
                for a starting and an ending item number to print.


7 - INFORMATION MODULE (Owner Access Only)

          This module will identify the store name and address that
        prints on the invoices. It also stores information on the
        messages that print on invoices, the passwords to gain access
        to the data menus, tax rates for federal and provincial or
        state tax and in cases where an invoice is not required for
        rentals, the invoice print option. It also controls the type
        of monitor display and security levels for employees.

8 - BACKUP MENU

          This program will allow the operator to backup the various
        databases to removable disks. The only valid drives are A or B.


9 - ENTER/EDIT MEMBERSHIP DATA

        1 - ENTER MEMBERSHIP DATA

                After providing the system with a number, the number will
        be checked against the database to ensure that there is no
        other matching number existing already. Then the system will
        provide an entry screen for data to be placed in the database.
          At the end of an entry, the system will prompt the operator
        to ensure that the data is correct. If any of the information
        is incorrect, the operator can escape from the entry at this
        point. After this, the system will update the files and indexes
        for the new member.(ON UNREGISTERED COPIES THIS MODULE IS NOT
        INSTALLED)







        2 - EDIT EXISTING MEMBERSHIP DATA

                After being given a number, the system will check for
        a match in the database. If there is no match to the number
        entered, the system will inform the operator. If the number
        exists, the edit screen will appear with all of the inform-
        ation on the member. The operator will be allowed to change
        everything entered except for the membership number. Once
        again the system will prompt for correctness and then replace
        all of the old information with new information (ON UNREGISTERED
        COPIES THIS MODULE IS NOT INSTALLED)



        3 - RETURN TO PRIVATE MENU

                This command will return the operator to the private
        menu screen.

A - REMOVE DELETED DATA

          This will enable the user to remove those records marked
        for deletion

B - REINDEX DATABASE

          From time to time, it may be necessary to reindex the
        databases. dBase occasionally loses the index or in the
        event of a power failure while adding records may lose an
        index. This will rebuild all of the indexes.

C - RETURN TO MAIN MENU
