SYSTEMS accounts VERSION 3a (c) Duncan Webster 1990
User Guide VERSION 3a
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OVERVIEW
~~~~~~~~
This program is designed to give the user greater control over his/her
finances. Almost everybody has some form of bank account - this
program provides a means of entering bank transactions into the
computer and then comparing them with the bank statement when it
arrives. The program holds an information file detailing the users
name and address (and the Bank's as well) and a second file holding
the statement lines. An optional third file holds details of regular
payments such as Standing Orders and Direct Debits which can be
applied directly to the statement file if desired. Statement lines can
either be input using one of the many pre-set codes & references or
the user can create his/her own references. Mode 3 "WYSIWYG" screen
statements are provided for users without access to a printer as well
as fully detailed printed statements for those who have. All this and
more will be explained later in the manual.
REQUIREMENTS
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Machine : BBC Model B - It should work on other machines but it has
not been tested on any other than the Model B
Memory : 32k Minimum - Page to be no higher than &1F00
Storage : Disc Only - Either DFS or ADFS (keep to one directory)
Tested on Acorn DFS (8271 & 1770).
Advice : Storage - Do Not include any other programs other than
the main SYSTEMS bank programs & the files
they create. If using ADFS make sure there
is at least 200k available on the disc.
USER SUPPORT
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Is fully provided to anyone who experiences a problem with the
program, or would like advice etc. Registered members of the P.D.
Library mentioned at the end of this manual should either write, or
use the Telephone No. provided for them. Users of Bulletin Boards
Mentioned should logon and leave a message for Mbx. DUNCAN WEBSTER.
Messages are collected once weekly from BB's.
WARNING
~~~~~~~
NEVER PRESS THE <BREAK> KEY WHEN IN TRANSACTIONS MODE - BE SURE TO
ISSUE THE COMMAND "EXT" TO EXIT TRANSACTIONS MODE BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO
RESET THE COMPUTER. NEVER STOP THE COMPUTER WHILST THE DISC DRIVE
ACTIVITY LIGHTS ARE SHOWING.
NOTICE
~~~~~~
No responsability is accepted by Duncan Webster for any losses
howsoever caused by the direct or indirect use of this program.
Please make regular backups of your complete disc containing this
program.
SECTION 1
~~~~~~~~~
1.1 Getting Started (using the Context Menu)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Copy the files $.BANKACC and $.BANK80 (or whatever names you have
saved them under) to an appropriate disc. If you are using ADFS then
create a blank directory using *CDIR and save the programs onto the
new directory. Make sure when using ADFS that at least 200k is free
on the disc (enter *FREE - you should have at least 200,000 bytes
unused).
In order to run SYSTEMS bank, enter CHAIN"BANKACC" and press <return>.
Alternatively, you can create an autoboot file so you may load the
program automatically in future. The SYSTEMS bank screen display
consists of a red SYSTEMS logo and an activity box (in blue) taking up
the rest of the screen.
SYSTEMS bank is operated through the use of three "Main Menus" all of
which are accessed from one "Context Menu". Once you have loaded the
main program, you should see the "Context Menu" offering three options
with the first option called "Transactions Menu" highlighted by a blue
menu bar. To move the menu bar, use the UP and DOWN cursor arrow
keys. Pressing <Return> selects the currently highlighted option. If
you are using the program for the first time, then SYSTEMS bank will
only let you access the "Account Maintenence" menu at present.
In order to gain access to the other two menus, you must first create
a new account record which is explained as follows ....
1.2 Creating A New Account Record
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Highlight the option "Account Maintenence" from the Context Menu and
press <return>. You will be presented with another menu simalar to
the first. Highlight "Create New Account" and press <return>. The
computer will present a screen for completing. Complete the screen
using the guidelines below, substituting your own data for data in the
example ...
USER NAME - Enter your name (ie. Duncan M Webster)
ADDRESS 1 - ) 5 address lines are provided.
ADDRESS 2 - ) Enter your address. You don't have
ADDRESS 3 - ) to use all the lines provided, just
ADDRESS 4 - ) press <return> at the address lines
ADDRESS 5 - ) you do not need to use.
POST CODE - Enter your postcode (ie. LE11 3DD)
BANK NAME - Enter the Name of your Bank (ie. TSB Bank Plc.)
BANK BRCH - Enter the Name of the branch (ie. Ashby-de-la-Zouch)
ADDRESS 1 - ) As before - but enter the address of your BANK.
ADDRESS 2 - ) Your Bank's address should be printed clearly on
ADDRESS 3 - ) every cheque in your cheque book (if you have one).
ADDRESS 4 - ) It is not neccessary to use ALL the address lines
ADDRESS 5 - ) provided - just press <return> at the ones not needed.
POST CODE - Enter the POSTCODE of your bank's address.
(should be in the cheque book).
Having completed the bank's postcode you will be asked to CONFIRM or
ABANDON the details you have just entered. Use the LEFT and RIGHT
cursor arrow keys to highlight the appropriate option and press
<return>. Assuming you CONFIRMed the data, you will be presented with
another screen to complete ....
ACCOUNT NUMBER - Enter your bank account Number (ie. 12345660)
ACCOUNT TYPE - Enter the type of your account (ie. Current Account)
CASH CARD NAME - If you have a cash card then ENTER THE BRAND NAME
of the card (ie. TSB Speedbank) - If no leave blank
by pressing the <return> key.
DEBIT CARD NAME - If you have a Debit Card then ENTER THE BRAND NAME
of the card (ie. TSB Bankcard) - If no leave blank.
Debit cards are the cards you use instead of writing
a cheque when buying goods/services. They are Not
Credit Cards. Lloyds Payment Card & Barclays
Connect are two such "debit" cards. They usually
have either the VISA or SWITCH symbol on them. Your
bank will tell you if you hold one of their debit
cards or not. Alternatively you can ask me.
CHEQUE BOOK YN - If your account has a cheque book facility then
enter Y otherwise enter N.
GUARANTEE LIMIT - Do you have a cheque guarantee facility? - if yes
then enter your guarantee limit (ie. 50 for fifty
pounds). If no then leave blank.
OVERDRAFT LIMIT - Have you been granted an overdraft facility? - if
yes enter the amount of the facility (ie. 100 for
#100). If no then leave blank.
ARCHVE FILENAME - Reserved for future expansion - just press <return>
REGULR PAYMENTS - Reserved for future expansion - just press <return>
BAL BROUGHT FWD - Enter the balance at which you'd like your statement
to begin at (the balance brought forward). Enter
this figure in PENCE ONLY (ie. 10000 for #100.00) -
the computer will insert a decimal point.
Having completed this screen you will be asked once again to CONFIRM
the screen is correct. Check the screen is correct. If you ABANDON
then the computer will return to the Main Context Menu and all data
will be lost. If you CONFIRM then the computer will create a DATA
FILE and a STATEMENT FILE onto the disc. The figure you entered in
the BAL BROUGHT FWD field will be entered at the beginning of the
statement. When all is done the computer will Re-set the program and
you will quickly be returned to the Main Context Menu.
Your new account has now been opened and you are ready to make full
use of what SYSTEMS bank has to offer. The rest of the manual will
provide step-by-step instructions on how to get the best from the
program ....
SECTION 2
~~~~~~~~~
2.1 Finding Your Way Around SYSTEMS bank
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As already explained, SYSTEMS bank is operated through three "Main
Menus" all accessed from one "Context Menu". When you boot up the
program you will be presented with the "Context Menu" consisting of
three options as below ....
Transactions Menu
Account Enquiries
Account Maintenence
Selecting any one of these options will present the "Main Menu" of
that particular context. For Example if you selected ACCOUNT
ENQUIRIES then you will be presented with the main menu for "Account
Enquiries" which would look like this ....
Show Account Details
Statement to Screen
Statement to Printer
Show Regular Payments
Return to Main Menu
In order to return to the Context Menu, highlight "Return to Main
Menu" and press <return>. Now try entering another context (for
example - Account Maintenence). You will notice that every menu
selected has a "Return to Main Menu" option which will take you
directly back to the "Context Menu". There now follows a brief
explanation of all menu options present on SYSTEMS bank ...
The Context Menu & Main Menus
=============================
------- Transactions Menu - Selects Transactions Main Menu <----
! ----- Account Enquiries - Selects A/c Enquiries Main Menu !
! ! --- Account Maintenence - Selects A/c Maintenence Main Menu. !
! ! ! !
! ! ! !
! ! ! !
! ! --> Create New Account - Sets Up New Account Record !
! ! Reset Statement File - Deletes Statement & Creates New !
! ! Amend Account Details - Amend Name, Address, Bank Etc. !
! ! Insert Regular Payments - Add Regular Payments to RP file. !
! ! Amend/Delete RP Records - Amends/Deletes Regular Payments. !
! ! Return to Main Menu - Returns to Context Menu (above). ---
! ! !
! ! !
! ! !
! ----> Show Account Details - Gives Full details & Last 7 Trans. !
! Statement to Screen - 80 Coloumn Screen Statement. !
! Statement to Printer - Provides Full Printed Statement. !
! Show Regular Payments - Summarises All RP's on file. !
! Return to Main Menu - Returns to Context Menu. ------------!
! !
! !
------> Enter Transactions Mode - For entering transactions to A/c. !
Run Regular Payments - Applies All RP's to statement. !
Return to Main Menu - Returns to Context Menu. -----------
2.2 Entering TRANSACTIONS to your Account
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SYSTEMS bank provides a specific mode for applying deposits and
payments (or withdrawals) to your account. In order to access this
mode you should select the "Transactions Menu" from the Context Menu
and then select "Enter Transactions Mode". You will instantly be put
through to the transactions terminal emulator which consists of a two
line header message with a READY prompt and flashing block cursor at
the foot of the screen - rather like this ....
TRANSACTIONS MODE EMULATION
(C) Duncan Webster 1990
READY
You apply DEPOSITS and PAYMENTS to your account by using easy-to-learn
transaction commands of which 2 basic commands are available.
"D" for DEPOSIT
"P" for PAYMENT (or withdrawal)
These commands have been made as versatile as possible. There are two
ways of using them - either on their own as straightforward deposits
and payments ("stand alone") or you can use one of the preset
transaction extension commands (explained later). I will explain the
two transaction commands firstly as "stand alone" commands ....
2.2.1 To Make a Deposit
=================
Enter the command "D" at the READY prompt and press the <return> key.
There may be some disc drive activity, but do not let this concern you
- it is perfectly normal. After a short pause you will be presented
with a screen to complete. Use these following guidelines ....
ACCOUNT No - Is always automatically shown here.
TRANS DATE - Suggested form = 23JUN90
Max. characters allowed = 8 (cannot be blank).
AMOUNT - Enter in pence only (ie. 10000 for a hundred pounds)
the computer will insert a decimal point automatically.
Negative values are NOT permitted.
BALANCE - This field is used by the computer only. Your new
account balance will automatically appear here once you
have completed the transaction.
REFERENCE - Enter any reference to the transaction you wish.
ie. MONEY THAT CHRIS OWES ME or SALARY FROM WORK
it can be absolutely anything you like - the only
condition is that it must be 32 characters or less in
length.
You will now be presented with a two-option menu asking you to CONFIRM
or ABANDON the transaction. User the LEFT & RIGHT arrow keys to
select and press <return> once decided.
Assuming you CONFIRMed the details - the computer will add the
transaction to your statement, insert your new balance at the BALANCE
field, and then await your next command. IT IS IMPORTANT YOU DO NOT
PRESS BREAK AT THIS STAGE as the statement file is left open in case
you want to make any more transactions. If you wish to exit the
program now, then issue the command EXT and press <return> to exit
transactions mode BEFORE PRESSING BREAK.
2.2.2 To make a withdrawal
====================
Enter the command "P" at the READY prompt and press <return>. You
make a withdrawal in exactly the same way as you make a deposit so
follow the TRANS DATE, AMOUNT and REFERENCE instructions given on the
previous page of this manual. You will find on occasions that the
computer will offer a pre-set date for you (based on the last date you
enetered). To accept this date just press <return>, otherwise just
overtype it. When finished and confirmed the computer will add the
transaction onto your statement file and display your new balance.
2.3 Transaction Command Extensions
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What has been explained above is the method of making straightforward
deposits & withdrawals to and from your account and entering your own
references. SYSTEMS bank however supports a number of preset
transaction commands which makes the process of deposits and
withdrawals much quicker and straightforward. All you do to use a
preset command is to add a two or three character "transaction
extension" code to the end of the "D"eposit or "P"ayment command.
All recognised transaction extensions are listed below - you might
want to have a copy of this handy so I have listed them all again on
the very last page of this manual so you can detach it & keep it close
for easy reference ...
CSH ...... Cash CSQ ...... Cash & Cheques
CHQ ...... Cheque TFR ...... Funds Transfer
SO ...... Standing Order BGC ...... Bank Giro Credit
OTH ...... Miscellaneous VIS ...... Visa
INT ...... Interest MC ...... Mastercard
SAL ...... Salary AMX ...... American Express
DNR ...... Diners Club Int. ATM ...... Cash Dispenser
DD ...... Direct Debit COR ...... Correction
BP ...... Bill Payment CHG ...... Charges
MTG ...... Mortgage EFT ...... EftPos UK
PSV ...... Paysave FE ...... Foreign Exchange
EUR ...... Eurocheque PLN ...... Personal Loan
PYC ...... Payment card DRC ...... Debit Card
For example, if you used the cash dispenser to withdraw #100 in town
and wanted to enter this onto your account record at home using this
program you would do the following ....
Enter "P ATM" at the READY prompt & press <return>
("P" for Payment + transaction extension of "ATM" - Cash Dispenser)
______________________________________________________________________
ACCOUNT No - <your account number> - inserted automatically.
TRANS DATE - ie. 23JUN90 (8 characters or less - cannot be blank)
AMOUNT - Enter in pence only (ie. 10000 for #100.00)
BALANCE - <Used by computer> - input not allowed
REFERENCE
You will notice that the computer will offer an automatic reference -
if wish to accept this just press <return> - otherwise just start
overtyping if you'd prefer a different reference.
______________________________________________________________________
Finally, you will be asked to CONFIRM or ABANDON your transaction.
Assuming you CONFIRM the computer will add the transaction to your
statement, display your balance at the BALANCE field and return to the
READY prompt to await your next command. Other examples of preset
commands entered at the READY prompt are as follows ...
D CSH - Deposit Cash P MTG - Withdraw Mortgage Payment
D FE - Deposit Foreign Exchange P SO - Pay Standing order
P DD - Pay Direct Debit D OTH - Deposit Miscellaneous
2.4 Leaving Transactions Mode *** VERY IMPORTANT ***
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When you have finished entering all your desired transactions you MUST
LEAVE TRANSACTIONS MODE BEFORE PRESSING BREAK. In order to do this,
issue the command "EXT" from the READY prompt and press <return>. The
computer will close all bank files before returning you to the Main
Transactions Menu. It is now safe to <Break> the program if desired.
Pressing <break> when files are left open might corrupt your statement
file so be warned!