The Micro User
1st July 1984
Author: Carole Whitehead
Publisher: Doctorsoft
Machine: BBC B/B+/Master 128
Published in The Micro User 2.05
An office on one disc... but not for the businessman
One Disc Home Office by Doctor Soft is an integrated disc-based package consisting of a word processor, an address filing system and a financial spreadsheet, all aimed at the home user.
The system is already set up and ready to use, and in such a way that your name and address files link directly to the letter writing program, spreadsheets can be incorporated into docu ments for word processing, and so on.
On booting up you are asked for the date. You can enter this in any form and it will be remembered until you switch off. to be used in all letter headings and file up-dates.
The package is centered on a master menu which enables you, by the entry of a single number, to select which utility you require.
Directory is a dedicated database for names, addresses and telephone numbers with an unchanging screen which makes it easy to use and it is linked directly with the letter writing program.
It will hold 100 names and can access a surname in less than two seconds. You move between the data field using the Return key and enter all details in capitals, although the pro gram will later change these, when appropriate, for your letters.
The lower field is the option line for choosing between the options FIND, LETTER, PRINT, FILE and NEW.
FIND: Enter the surname in the appropriate box and then use the Return key to place the cursor in the FIND option.
LETTER: If you have found an address, in order to write a letter move the cursor to this option. You will then enter the letter word processor with your own address, the date and the destination address. Each line has been already changed to lower case where appropriate. It is for this reason that intitials should be entered with a space before them in the entry stage.
PRINT: Move the cursor to this box in order to print direct to an envelope, or you can have a print out of the whole record card.
FILE: Selecting this option will do one of three things, file a card, re-file an edited card or delete a card depending on the key option used when the card is on screen.
For example, Ctrl X deletes the file completely, any key enters it as a new file. You get a warning if you try to enter a file that already exists with the same name, and you must differentiate between the two.
You will also be prompted when the 100 files are full, at which point, if you have no files to delete, you will have to start a fresh disc.
NEW: Press any key to clear the display to find, or start, a new card.
Document is the package's word processor and most of the techniques needed are either displayed on screen or on the function key label supplied.
The program works with a full 80 character screen and is therefore best used with a monitor. However there is an optional page width of 39 characters selectable at the menu stage.
The function keys are the heart of the system. Used on their own or with Shift they control all the functions that are likely to be repeated frequently on any document. The other functions are controlled with Ctrl plus a letter key.
Wordkit is a utility for handling documents made up of several previously recorded documents. Pages can be com pacted to equal lengths and then printed. The options offered are: COMPACT: Takes up to four pages at a time and reduces them into 50 line pages. Easily executed following prompts.
CONTINUOUS PRINTING: Follow prompts for continuous printing of up to two pages already recorded on one disc. Designed for continuous stationery with 11 inches between perforations.
COUNT: Counts the number of words in a document page by page.
LETTER: A word processor package tailored to letter writing and integrated to the Directory. You can access it from the Directory or the master menu. It uses the same functions as Document with the addition that Shift with keys fO to f3 produces useful letter phrases such as "Yours sincerely" and "Yours faithfully".
If you have arrived at LETTER via Directory, press ing Shift with f4 will print your address on an envelope. If you wish to merge a set letter with a previously filed name and address. Shift f5 will achieve this using easy to follow prompts.
Calculate is a very small spreadsheet but a convenient way of making small calcul ations and printing the results. Moving over the spreadsheet using the cursor keys you can enter text in title areas. Elsewhere you can only enter
figures ranging from
However calculations on the BBC Micro are not as accurate as some commercial calculators and financially important figures should always be checked.
The utility as well as adding and subtracting, sub-totals, averages and calculates VAT. When completed the sheet can be Ctrl (P)rinted, Ctrl (S)aved, Ctrl (L)oaded or replaced with a new one, f9.
In addition you have the option of merging it into a text document for word processing into a report or other document.
The package comes with a comprehensive instruction manual which is quite well laid out and easy to read, although the writer appears to have made an error when describing the function keys in the word processor - he omits f6 and from that point is one ahead finishing on f9 instead of f8.
The programs are much easier to use than they are to describe and are ideally suited to the home user who wants to expand his micro without great expense.
I would recommend it to the secretary of any small club or organisation which has a con tinually changing membership and a regular flow of mail. The businessman however is certainly in need of something more comprehensive and tailored to his own requirements.
Document Functions
f0 Insert, replace or add word or letters at cursor. f1 Return to write mode. f2 Insert blank line at cursor. f3 Remove line at cursor. f4 Centre a title. f5 Review document using arrow keys. f6 Right hand justification. f7 Search and replace. f8 Start new document. Ctrl-T Set up to five tabs. Ctrl-L Catalogues all files for loading. Ctrl-@ Escape from program. Ctrl-P Send file to printer. Ctrl-S Save file.
