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-- Quick Documentation for MarketPLUS (tm) -- ( Version 1.1 ) FOR EVALUATION ONLY! November 17, 1989 F2S Enterprises P.O. Box 1011 La Porte, Tx 77572-1011 (713) 471 - 7998 Copyright (C) 1988-89 by Mike Fox & Roy Cone with All Rights Reserved. C O N T E N T S Copyright............................................ i Limited Warranty..................................... i Acknowledgements.................................... ii Thanks.............................................. ii SHAREWARE ......................................... iii What is Shareware............................... iii Shareware Documentation......................... iii Shareware Program............................... iii Two registered versions......................... iv Why Should I Register........................... iv CHAPTER 1: WHAT IS MarketPLUS?..................... 1-1 What is MarketPLUS?............................. 1-1 A. Background / History......................... 1-2 B. Features and Capabilities.................... 1-2 C. System Requirements For MarketPLUS........... 1-4 Important considerations.................. 1-5 D. Recommendations for Easy Use................. 1-5 A Few Tips................................ 1-6 E. Usage Conventions............................ 1-6 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLATION & SETUP.................... 2-1 A: Installation................................. 2-1 Single disk drive systems................. 2-1 Dual floppy disk drive systems............ 2-1 Fixed disk systems........................ 2-2 A Word for Mouse Users.................... 2-3 B: Disk Contents................................ 2-3 C: Installation ERROR codes..................... 2-4 D: Getting Started.............................. 2-5 APPENDIX A: A QUICK TOUR OF MarketPLUS............. A-1 A Quick Tour of MarketPLUS...................... A-1 1. Main Menu.................................... A-2 2. Tabulate / Print / Sort Prices............... A-2 3. View / Print Graphs (or Adjust Indicators)... A-3 4. Secondary indicator screen................... A-5 5. The other main menu and data file maintenance menu options................................. A-6 Quick Tour - Data File Maintenance 1. Create a New File for Investment Data........ A-6 2. Correct Prices............................... A-7 3. Backup a File of Data........................ A-7 4. Adjustment For Dividend, Splits or Capital Gains........................................ A-7 5. Add New Investments to an Existing File...... A-7 6. Delete an Investment From an Existing File... A-7 7. Change Default Drive......................... A-8 8. Return to Main Menu.......................... A-8 Back to the Tour................................ A-8 APPENDIX D: COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS............... D-1 APPENDIX F: COMPANION PRODUCTS..................... F-1 MarketPLUS (standard vers.).................... F-1 MarketPLUS (extended vers.).................... F-1 MarketFON...................................... F-2 MarketTOOLS.................................... F-3 ORDER FORM Copyright MarketPLUS is copyrighted 1988-89 by Mike Fox and Roy Cone. The entire contents of this program and documentation are included in this copyright. You are granted a limited license to make copies of the program distribution diskettes for the sole purpose of evaluation. If, after ninety (90) days, you find the program of value, you are expected to pay the registration fee for either MarketPLUS (standard version) or MarketPLUS (extended version). If do not find the program of value, you must discontinue using the product after the trial period. You may make only complete copies of the original distribution diskettes for others, so long as no compensation is retained for this service. Shareware librarians and diskette vendors must receive written permission from F2S Enterprises prior to charging a "distribution fee". In any case the fee allowed will is not to exceed $6.00 per diskette. F2S Enterprises will prosecute any violation of this copyright to the fullest extent of the law. For special requirements such as multi-user stations or site licenses, please inquire about our attractive site license agreements. LIMITED WARRANTY F2S Enterprises and/or the authors make no warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, for the programs supplied in this package, including the usefulness or fitness for a particular purpose or application. F2S Enterprises and/or the authors will not be held liable for any damage or loss arising from the use or misuse of the program. In addition, F2S Enterprises and/or the authors will not be held liable for any damage to data, property, or other material assets which may be caused directly or indirectly by use of the program. F2S Enterprises does not warrant that the functions contained in the programs will meet your requirements or that the operation of the programs will be uninterrupted or error free. Neither F2S Enterprises nor the authors of MarketPLUS are registered investment advisors. The user is fully responsible for the use and interpretations of the programs in their investment decisions. Gains and losses can (and will) possibly occur when investing in the market, using this or any other investment program. i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Trademarks, such as IBM, MICROSOFT, LOGITECH and others are hereby recognized as trademarks of their respective companies. MarketPLUS uses QuickWindows Advanced window management library for Microsoft QuickBASIC. QuickWindows Advanced is copyrighted by Software Interphase, Inc. MarketPLUS was developed using MICROSOFT's QuickBASIC 4.0. THANKS We at F2S Enterprises would like to extend our appreciation to the following: ... To Don Lambert of Software Interphase for his willingness to help (always seems to have a solution), and support for a great product - QuickWindows Advanced ... To Microsoft for developing one of the finest programming languages around - QuickBASIC (give us more memory!) ... To Robert Navarette for helping out wherever needed and keeping our spirits up all the time! ... To all of our friends, collegues and the Houston Computer Investors Association for their encouragement. ... and of course, to all the users of our products who give us the sincerest form of compliment: supporting our products and providing a wealth of new ideas! ii SHAREWARE WHAT IS SHAREWARE? Shareware is not a type of program or type of software. It is a method of marketing commercial software. By reducing advertising costs through this method of marketing, shareware is normally much more inexpensive than software found on the store shelf. As with any type of commercial software, there are programs that will suit a given application and there are programs that do not. By "TRYING - BEFORE - YOU - BUY", you are able to determine if a program suits your needs prior to purchase. Please remember, by paying a disk vendor or librarian a duplication fee (not to exceed $6.00 per disk in this case),you have paid for the opportunity to "try" the program, you have not paid for continued use. If you find that the program meets your needs, you are expected to register for the program with F2S Enterprises. Naturally, if you are dissatisfied with the product, you are under no obligation to pay for the program. In this case, you are to discontinue using the program. Shareware Documentation While the SHAREWARE version of MarketPLUS is a complete, and fully-functional program, this document includes condensed instructions. We did not include, on disk, the chapters which include illustrations. However, registered users will receive the complete manual,"Easy Investing With MarketPLUS", which includes over 110 illustrations (charts, plots, etc.). This document, however, contains all the information needed to get you started in using the program. Most all of the features of MarketPLUS are self-explanatory once installation is complete. Be sure to try out the QUICK TOUR in Appendix-"A". Shareware Program The shareware version of MarketPLUS is identical in every aspect to the version that registered users receive with the following exceptions: 1.) The shareware version contains initial advertising screens (how else can we remind you that the program hasn't been paid for yet?). 2.) The shareware version entitles the user to try the program for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days. We feel that this is a fair time period for an individual or company to evaluate all features of the program completely. Once again, if one continues to use the program beyond the ninety day trial period, he/she is expected to pay the full registration fee to F2S Enterprises. iii TWO REGISTERED VERSIONS If you decide to register, there are two versions of MarketPLUS that you may select from. The standard version requires only 384K of available RAM and works with most pcs. The standard version will allow you to maintain up to 50 investments and 130 data points (days,weeks,or months) per file. The registration fee is $85. For investors who have at least 512K of available RAM and want to store more data per investment (over four times as much as the standard version), an extended version of MarketPLUS is available. The extended version will allow one to maintain up to 50 investments and 540 data points per file. The registration fee for the extended version is $145. While not required, a math co-processor is highly recommended for use with large data files. WHY SHOULD I REGISTER (PAY) WHEN I ALREADY HAVE THIS PROGRAM IN MY POSESSION? Since Shareware is founded on the concept of "try before you buy" and a product standing on its own merit, we must first remind you that you are absolutely under no obligation to pay us for the program if it does not fit your needs, or if you do not continue using it beyond the trial period specified above. However, should you find the program useful and decide to continue using it, there are a number of BENEFITS you will receive when paying the registration fee. These are: 1.) You will receive your own copy of MarketPLUS, granting you a license to use it on a continuous basis. 2.) At NO EXTRA COST, you will AUTOMATICALLY receive the version of MarketPLUS that will maintain up to 50 investments PER FILE! 3.) You will receive your very own copy of, "EASY INVESTING WITH MarketPLUS", the user's manual on making the most of using MarketPLUS. It is a beautifully printed and bound 190 page manual containing 117 step-by-step charts and illustrations. We even include a full description of our data file format, should you want to write your own application programs. 4.) You will receive a handy "Quick Reference" card. 5.) You will be notified of any future versions, or new products we develop. Registered users always receive a discount on new versions! 6.) You will receive a $10 commission for EACH referred registration. iv 7.) You will receive one year of technical support (via mail or telephone) on questions regarding use of the program. 8.) You will have a direct line of input, regarding the future of MarketPLUS! Suggestions and ideas from registered users receive PRIORITY consideration when planning new features or improvements in our products. 9.) By registering, you will know that you are doing your part in keeping the SHAREWARE method of marketing software alive. 10.) You will know in your own heart that you have been fair with the independent programmers who count on your financial support. You also encourage continued development and improvement in the products we create. 11.) You will be able to purchase MarketFON and/or MarketTOOLS to use with MarketPLUS. MarketFON allows you do download quotes from "DIAL/DATA" and update MarketPLUS files. MarketTOOLS provides general OFF-LINE utilities to manipulate MarketPLUS files easily without a having to use a word processor or text editor. v CHAPTER 1: What is MarketPLUS? What is MarketPLUS? ------------------- Welcome to MarketPLUS(tm), the complete investment tracking system, written for use with the IBM PC/XT/AT/PS2 and compatible computers. This software provides versatile and extremely powerful tools, enabling the individual investor to make timely investment decisions. While MarketPLUS appears to be a sophisticated database for investments and prices, it is really quite easy to master rapidly. A mouse is also supported, should you plug one in! MarketPLUS is a full featured stock/mutual fund tracking package with strong graphics capabilities. It is written especially for the individual investor to display the price action of individual stocks or mutual funds of a portfolio with ease. With MarketPLUS, you can easily create a database for up to 5 individual stocks or funds (50 in either of the registered versions), and up to 130 closing prices (130 days, weeks, or months if you wish) of data can be readily displayed. If you purchase the 50/540 extended database version, the maximum closing prices is 540. The user can develop several different data files for which each can be used to store, print, and plot an additional 5 stocks or funds. In the same manner, historic information for your assets can be saved for reference at a later date. MarketPLUS is easy to learn and use, and is completely menu-driven so that you do not have to learn complicated instructions, or syntax, in order to run and enjoy the program. At each step in the program, you will be given the options on how the data is to be presented. After you choose how YOU want the data to be plotted, MarketPLUS will remember the setup mode YOU want, so to save you time at each review session. The program allows for easy updating of prices, adjusting for stock splits or dividend payments, correction of prices, sorting by performance for tabular reports and charting. Utilities are built in to the program to add new investments, delete others, and back up data files. While it is not required that the user have a wealth of knowledge in using a computer, it is recommended that the user learn the applications of the indicators and data summaries before making investment decisions based on the interpretations of the data provided as output in this program. Some of this information can be found in the manual,"Easy Investing with MarketPLUS". Contrary to the bold advertising claims of some other programs, we guarantee this program has no "magic formula" to make you rich. Yet, extremely profitable trades can and have been made by careful study of historic investment data. 1 - 1 We want to thank the hundreds of individual investors that have used our previous programs, MarketEGA and MarketCGA. Many of them have encouraged continuation of our work in the further development of this program. We are astonished and pleased to have users of our program from literally all over the world. A. Background/History The authors developed MarketPLUS as an outgrowth of the program "Market", written by Michael F. Fox. Next followed MarketCGA and MarketEGA. The beginning SHAREWARE versions of the program are popular and found in the download sections of many bulletin boards across the country. Now there are many licensed users across the country, as well as in Canada, Europe and Asia. Enhancements to the program have been suggested by many of our customers and fellow investors. Current coding is a joint effort of Michael F. Fox working with Roy T. Cone. The original work has been expanded with many additional features in the current release. MarketPLUS provides a simple means of daily tracking of up to 50 (registered version) mutual funds or stocks, covering a period of time up to 130 data points. On a daily basis, this is 1/2 a year, and on a weekly basis this covers 2 1/2 years of data. With any of these programs, it is possible to keep up with a wide variety of equity, international, and sector funds. Currency or other investment vehicles can also be plotted and compared. It is easy to compare the recent performance of any of these funds to help determine where the best opportunities for profit exist. The simplicity of MarketPLUS comes from the fact that only one piece of data information (the closing price) is required for each stock or fund in the file. While MarketPLUS is not intended to provide professional forecasting of the stock markets, it will enable the individual investor to track a number of mutual funds or stocks, so as to help in the decision-making process of choosing and switching funds or stocks. B. Features and Capabilities (Shareware version) Major Features of MarketPLUS, (version 1.1) include: * Performs sophisticated technical analysis on stocks, mutual funds, commodities, etc. Plots up to 5 individual investments per file. Fully menu driven and fully documented. * Easy to create new files that can store up to 5 individual investments. New add an investment or delete an investment features included. 1 - 2 * Each file can maintain 130 data points of days, weeks, or months closing prices for each individual stock or mutual fund. Easy to keep your data current. * Powerful ZOOM feature allows you to concentrate on the critical days for detailed analysis. Automatic scaling of all visual data. * Easy-to-use indicators help you separate real trends from the "zig-zags." Multiple moving averages, Overbought / Oversold, Universal Indexes, Convergence / Divergence, Relative Strength, Williams Oscillator, Trend Lines, Trading Bands, Bollinger Bands and our own CGPCI Index. * Special "CAD-LIKE" line drawing features let you quickly draw horizontal, vertical, sloping, or extended lines to show support, and resistance, etc. You can even place "buy" and "sell" symbols prior to making a hard copy plot. * Easily and quickly update the daily closing prices for each fund in your file. Any price(s) input made incorrectly can be easily changed prior to saving the data. * All stored data loads at once for fast graphing and fast price comparisons. * Any file, once loaded, will remain in memory for use continuously with any option until another file is specified or until one exits the program. * Easily correct and modify prices of stocks and funds that have been previously saved, make allowances for dividends / splits / capital gains distribution, add or delete funds or stocks at any time, make regular backup copies of your data files - ALL from the Data File Maintenance Menu. * Lightning-fast sorts of tabular information available for monitoring performance on a percentage basis. Data can be grouped by "your" logical order for quick analysis and viewing. * Print a visual summary of the data on your screen and your printer. Daily, weekly, bi-weekly and total percent changes in price action can be displayed for all stocks (funds) at once, and together for any comparison. * Easily correct or modify prices of stocks or funds that have been previously saved. * Adjust an entire stock or fund's data to reflect changes in capital gains or dividend payments. This is especially helpful when analyzing graphs, and is mandatory when analyzing actual price changes. 1 - 3 * Graph data by setting any number of available technical indicators to customize your own personal market tracking strategy. The graphing features are the most powerful aspect of the MarketPLUS package. * Automatic vertical scaling and horizontal scaling of graphs to enable "zooming in" on a specific data range. * Backup your files of data to save for future reference. This can be done as often as desired (recommended at least every 130 days), to maintain complete data libraries of your stock/fund histories. * Plot graphs on your IBM, HP Laserjet, or Epson (or Epson compatible) printer. * Add new stocks or funds to an existing file. Or delete stocks or funds in which you no longer have an interest. * An outstanding investment program that compares favorably to programs costing several hundreds and thousands of dollars. C. System Requirements for MarketPLUS MarketPLUS can be used on any IBM-PC or compatible computer having 640K memory installed, including: PC, XT, AT, all Personal System/2 models, plus any of the other machines operating on MS-DOS 2.1 or later versions. A minimum CGA graphics card is all that is required (the program provides excellent resolution and full color brilliance to EGA or VGA equipped systems)! CGA systems display graphs in 640 X 200 resolution (high resolution black & white). Hercules and compatible monochrome systems are not directly supported. However, some CGA emulation programs may allow use of the CGA mode. F2S Enterprises can not make recommendations for CGA emulated applications. Memory requirements for MarketPLUS in handling 50 stocks or funds with the 130 points of data will require 384K of available memory. The program is fully operational with either fixed or diskette drives. While one disk drive (minimum 720K capacity) is required, it is strongly recommended to utilize either two floppy disk drives (360K minimum) or a hard disk drive due to storage requirements. MarketPLUS uses only standard DOS and BIOS system calls. The data printing and graphics printing modes of MarketPLUS requires an 80 column dot-matrix printer with Epson compatible graphics capability or an HP Laserjet printer. A graphics driver is included with the program. 1 - 4 MarketPLUS can make good use of a math co-processor, if one is installed in your system. This greatly speeds up the hundreds of calculations being done. A math co-processor is recommended when using the Bollinger Bands on the indicator screen. MarketPLUS will work on any of the aforementioned systems equipped with the following: 640 X 200 CGA (Color Graphics Adapter) in black and white 640 X 200 mode EGA (Enhanced Graphics Adapter) 640 X 350 mode EGA (Enhanced Graphics Adapter) or VGA (Video Graphics Array Color Sys.) Important Considerations: While every effort has been taken by the authors to provide basic error handling throughout the program, there could certainly be some areas not included during beta testing. Therefore, take your time when first using the program to get accustomed to using the various options available. When you first create a new data file of your stock or mutual funds, you will not be able to use the printing or graphing options until you have acquired at least ten (10) days of closing prices. This limitation was included to avoid errors in calculating percentages and moving average lines. Always make backup copies of your data files. D. Recommendations for Easy Use This manual describes the features and functions of MarketPLUS. You do not need a great deal of technical knowledge to understand and operate MarketPLUS. The tutorial section of this manual (Appendix-"A") walks you through the basic aspects of the program, from creating your own data base for your stock and mutual funds holdings, to graphing, printing and even editing. All users will find MarketPLUS easy to understand and operate. As a registered user of the program, you have the privilege of calling or writing us for help if you get "stuck" using the program or have any questions, suggestions or comments. While many of our users feel that MarketPLUS does not require documentation to use or help screens, the mere fact that MarketPLUS is a complete, self-contained investment package (complete graphics tools, report generating, database management, editing features, and its own database format) lends us to believe that this manual might come in handy! 1 - 5 A few tips: 1.) Follow the instructions in CHAPTER 2 for an easy and custom installation. It helps to know what type of graphics card/display combination and type of printer you will be using. 2.) Read the Appendix-"A" and try out the Quick Tour. 3.) Read the entire manual to better understand how the program works. You may run across a few features that you did not expect! 4.) When in doubt, refer to the appropriate section in the manual for a detailed explanation. 5.) If you have a mouse installed, be sure the mouse driver is loaded prior to running MarketPLUS. 6.) If you want to add several days (weeks/months) of data at once, especially if you are just beginning a data file and want to add data you have already collected, try adding the new investment using option #5 of the Data File Maintenance Menu "ADD NEW INVESTMENTS TO AN EXISTING FILE", then replacing the "filler" data by using Option #2 of the Data File Maintenance Menu "CORRECT PRICES" until all your prices are entered. Be certain to add the actual price variations, not constants, as this may cause the program to "crash". E. Usage Conventions Certain conventions are used in this documentation to insure consistency and understanding of instructions. These are listed here: --Command symbols used in running MarketPLUS are always shown in brackets < >; example: . When you use these commands, you do not type the brackets, only the symbol itself. --Phrases, numbers and words you type in making files and creating a data base for your stocks and funds are shown in quotes " "; example: "SP500". Do not type in the quotes, only the data they enclose. Avoid using delimiters in names. --DOS commands, prompts and similar on-screen information is shown exactly as they appear; example: the DOS prompt is shown as C> or C:\>. --When you must enter data you have typed, you will be instructed, Press <ENTER>. The <ENTER> key is the large key with the hooked arrow pointing left. This key is sometimes called RETURN. 1 - 6 CHAPTER 2: Installation & Setup A. Installation --------------- IMPORTANT: Be sure to eliminate any memory resident programs prior to installation! The MarketPLUS installation program will allow you to perform the following: * Select a VIDEO DISPLAY for your computer monitor and graphics card. * Select a PRINTER DRIVER for your computer. * Install MarketPLUS PROGRAM, DOCS, and SAMPLE DATA. * Automatically create a BATCH file for MarketPLUS. SINGLE DISK DRIVE SYSTEMS: If you have only one floppy disk drive, without a hard disk, you will not be able to use MarketPLUS as received. If you have a single floppy disk drive with less than 720K storage you will need at least a two floppy drive system. Because of the size of MarketPLUS, and the required files to run the package, we recommend installation with systems equipped with two floppy drives (360K minimum) and a hard (fixed) disk. Should your system be equipped with only one disk drive and it's storage capacity is at least 720K, please contact F2S Enterprises, and we will be more then willing to prepare a custom disk for you. DUAL FLOPPY DISK DRIVE SYSTEMS: Before running the installation program, prepare two blank formatted diskettes. Label one "PROGRAM DISK", and the other "DOC/DATA DISK". To format a disk, first turn on your computer and boot up with DOS as you normally would. Next, type "FORMAT A:" at the DOS prompt A>, and press <ENTER>. Now remove the DOS disk and place one of the blank diskettes into drive -A- and press <ENTER>. 2 - 1 Repeat by formatting the remaining disk, and set both aside for now. At this time, insert "INSTALL/DOC DISK" into drive -A-. At the DOS prompt A> type "INSTALL" and press <ENTER>. The Installation program will allow you to configure MarketPLUS to take full advantage of your computer's hardware. Simply follow the programs prompts, and the installation will set up the program files on one floppy disk and data & docs on the other floppy disk. Changes: Should you make hardware changes to your computer (higher resolution color graphics or printer), or you want to try another configuration, simply run the installation program. Select the "RECONFIGURE" option and select "NO" when asked to search for MarketCGA/EGA files. Next, when asked to place "PROGRAM" disk and "INSTALL/DOC" disk in installation drive, select "SKIP" from the menu. This will skip the copying of the files, but will create a NEW BATCH FILE in the root directory of the specified installation drive. FIXED DISK SYSTEMS (With at least One Floppy Drive): First insert "INSTALL/DOC" disk in drive -A-. At the DOS prompt A>, type "INSTALL" and press <ENTER>. The installation program will allow you to configure MarketPLUS to take full advantage of your computer's hardware. Simply select the type of installation that you desire: 1> Install MarketPLUS Files for first time 2> Update from MarketCGA/EGA to MarketPLUS or Reconfigure 1 - will search drives C-F for a "MARKET" directory. Then, prompt you to check for MarketCGA/EGA files and delete them or place MarketPLUS files along with them in the same directory. 2 - will search Hard drives C-F for \MARKET directory and place the new files there. In addition, the file "MARKET.BAT" will be created and copied to the root destination drive selected. Market.bat will allow you to load MarketPLUS with the configuration you specified each time with ease. Should you make hardware changes then see "Changes". 2 - 2 A Word for Mouse Users: EEEK - a mouse! You're in luck! MarketPLUS was written to take full advantage of a Microsoft(tm), Logitech(tm), or compatible mouse. Just be sure your mouse driver is loaded prior to running "MARKET.BAT". If you wish, you may add a line at the top of "MARKET.BAT" to load your mouse driver automatically. Once, again if you need help, please do not hesitate to contact us. If you do not own a mouse, you should try one out on MarketPLUS, it really peps things up! B: Disk Contents The following files are provided on your original disks for use by MarketPLUS: <PROGRAM DISK> Name Usage ---- ----- MP.EXE This is the main program, MarketPLUS MKTSETUP.50B This file is essential to tell the computer how you wish the graphical information presented. The values you select of all of the indicators are stored in this file. GRAPH.HLP This is the help information that the program calls in when you access the graphing help menu. <INSTALL/DOCS DISK> Name Usage ---- ----- SAMPLE.DAT This is the sample data file that is provided with the program for you to quickly understand the operation of the program. When you actually use the program with your personal data, you would do well to keep the data on a separate floppy disk, or on your hard drive, if available. 2 - 3 INSTALL.EXE This is the MArketPLUS installation program. README.BAT This is a batch file that presents the "README.DOC" file that is included on the disk. This file will outline any recent changes to the program and the initial instructions to get started. README.DOC This file contains changes, and initial instructions. MANUAL.DOC MarketPLUS documentation on disk (this file). PRINTDOC.BAT Prints the MarketPLUS documentation. INVOICE.DOC Order form ORDER-ME.BAT Prints the order form on your printer. C. INSTALLATION ERROR CODES: * 53 "File Not Found" - The installation program uses two Files named "MPFILES1.LST" on the Program disk and "MPFILES2.LST" on the Install/Doc disk. These files must reside on their disk in order for the installation to work properly! * 61 "Disk Full" - If you are installing MarketPLUS to a 360K Floppy disk then make sure there is enough space to put the Program Files and Docs/Sample Data on another disk! * 71 "Disk Not Ready" - If the Disk drive door is open, or no disk is in drive. * 72 "Disk Media Error" - If a Disk is not formatted or is damaged! * 75 "Path/File Access Error" - If You try to create a directory that already exist! * 76 "Path Not Found" - Trying to Install to a drive that does not exist. D. GETTING STARTED Now that you have installed MarketPLUS, you are ready to get started. The first thing you should do at this point is go through the QUICK TOUR located in Appendix-"A". After becoming familiar with a few of MarketPLUS's features during your QUICK TOUR, you are no doubt ready to create your own data file(s) and begin using the package to track your own investments. After you have accumulated 10 or more days (or weeks/months) of data for each investment or index, you will be able to make good use of the other features MarketPLUS has to offer. APPENDIX - A: A Quick Tour of MarketPLUS A QUICK TOUR OF MarketPLUS -------------------------- NOTE: - Just a quick reminder! If you have not made a backup copy of your original diskettes, please do so before continuing. Certainly you are anxious to quickly see some graphical results on your computer so to get an idea of what MarketPLUS can do. If you installed the MarketPLUS files on a two floppy disk drive system, then place the PROGRAM WORK DISK in drive -A- and the DATA WORK DISK in drive -B-. If you installed the MarketPLUS files on a hard disk system, place the DATA WORK DISK in drive -A-. This tour will assume you have installed the MarketPLUS files on a hard disk, and your DATA WORK DISK is drive -A-. At the DOS prompt, type "MARKET"(without the quotes) and press <ENTER>. This will load up MarketPLUS with the configuration settings you specified during the installation process. (NOTE:"MARKET.BAT" will reside in the root directory of the hard disk drive partition you specified. If you installed the program as a two floppy drive system, "MARKET.BAT" will reside on your PROGRAM WORK DISK.) After MarketPLUS is loaded you will be asked to select the drive that stores the data. Which DRIVE will store DATA? Select drive with <TAB>, then.. A B C D E F Press <SPACEBAR> when DONE... Press the <TAB> key until the tiny arrow points to the dialogue box labeled "A" ("B" if you're using two floppy drives). Now press the <SPACEBAR> to make the selection and proceed to the MAIN MENU (if you are using a mouse, simply locate the cursor in the dialogue box and press the left mouse button). Wasn't that easy ? A - 1 1. MAIN MENU The MAIN MENU screen will now appear. This screen lists the name and version number of the program, shows the copyright notice retained by the authors, gives the following menu options: M A I N * M E N U 1.) UPDATE CLOSING PRICES FOR INVESTMENTS 2.) TABULATE / PRINT / SORT PRICES 3.) VIEW / PRINT GRAPHS (OR ADJUST INDICATORS) 4.) DATA FILE MAINTENANCE 5.) EXIT TO DOS At this time pick Option #2, either by entering a 2 or by moving the arrow keys until Option #2 is highlighted in the menu. Now press <ENTER>... (once again. if you're using a mouse, place the cursor over Option #2 and press the left mouse button). 2. TABULATE / PRINT / SORT PRICES The next screen gives you a listing of all the files available on drive A: If necessary, move the highlight bar with the cursor keys until the file "SAMPLE.DAT" is highlighted. Press <ENTER>. At this point the program will open the file and read in the data. After the file is loaded, you will see a window advising you that you have 130 as the last day of data. You will have to enter the number of the day (prior to 130) for the "Custom" percent change column. This feature allows you to enter your own time frame for evaluating investment performance rankings. Once you enter the number you want, press <ENTER>. You will now see a vertical column of fund or stock names to the left, and six more columns of numbers. The first column lists the individual stocks or funds in the file (these happen to include mutual funds in the Fidelity family of funds). The second through fourth columns show the various percent changes for the previous two weeks, while the fifth column shows the total percent gain or loss for the entire data file (the last 130 days of closing prices). The sixth column is a "custom" sort that will allow you to view the percent change in performance from the last day (130) back whatever number of days you indicated on the last screen. As you can immediately see, this can be quite a valuable tool in comparing the recent performance of drawing capabilities for further technical analysis. A - 2 At the bottom of the screen is the message: <S>ort <V>iew again rinter <Q>uit As you can see, the file will hold up to 50 stocks or funds. For longer listings, the second and third screens continue to show all the data. Well, let's sort the funds in order of the "% CHANGE IN 1 DAY." Touch the <S> key. The heading "SORT" will appear at the top of the column. Now touch the <SPACEBAR> until the word "SORT" is in the "1 DAY" column, and press <ENTER>. The sorting is done quickly. Now you should have a listing of the fund that did the best (or had the highest percent gain) over that one day, down to the fund that did the worst. The names of the funds in descending performance are listed at the left. Now is the time to experiment with the sort, and move around and sort each of the columns and review the results. The <V>iew Again allows you to re-list the file's investments based on the last sort (if a sort was performed). The <Q>uit allows you to return back to the MAIN MENU if you are done viewing the screen report. The rinter will print this sorted data, along with some other information to your printer. Make sure your printer is on at this time and loaded with some paper. When ready, press ... Almost immediately you will see the same funds printed on paper in compressed mode that you viewed on the screen. As you can see, not only do all of the funds and percent values fit on a single sheet, but they include the actual closing prices of each fund for the past ten trading days. Now you are returned to the "MAIN MENU". (HINT: If you desire several "CUSTOM" sorts, you can select Option #2 from the MAIN MENU again and view this file over and over, selecting any number of values for the custom sort column!) 3. VIEW / PRINT GRAPHS (OR ADJUST INDICATORS) (NOTE: Appendix-"B" of the printed manual includes more detailed information on using the various technical indicators) When ready, select Option #3 "VIEW / PRINT GRAPHS (OR ADJUST INDICATORS)", and press <ENTER>. A - 3 If you have been on this tour since the start, a small window will appear in the middle of the display and ask you if you wish to GRAPH / VIEW the data in the file (SAMPLE.DAT). This feature allows you to continuously re-use the data in memory (the current data file loaded at any given time) for all MAIN MENU and all DATA FILE MAINTENANCE options if you so desire. For right now press <ENTER> as the default response is "Y" for YES. (By responding with "N" for NO, you will be able to load any other data file on the default drive.) Initially, the program will calculate the "CONE INDEX" (short for the Cone Group Performance Comparison Index). Refer to Appendix-"B" for a discussion on this and other indicators. If you sorted the current data using Option #2 of the MAIN MENU, you will now be asked: VIEW GRAPHS BASED ON LAST SORT? <Y/N> Press the "N" key for NO. At this time, you will be asked: View current graph settings <Y/N> ? (N) As the default response is NO by pressing <ENTER>, press "Y" to view the CURRENT SETTING FOR GRAPHS screen. This tells you how the authors or the previous person has set up the graphical presentation and technical indicator configuration. The purpose of this screen is to give you the full status of each of the features for the primary and secondary indicator screens at a glance. You can easily make changes from this screen for any or all settings. The status of each item can be turned "on" or "off", and changed to fit your individual needs. More on customizing the output to fit your requirements later. At this time you are probably in a hurry so simply press... <ENTER> This will accept all of the previous settings because of the fact that the default setting is NO CHANGE to the setup mode. If the setting of COMPARE A STOCK INDEX (OR FUND) IN DISPLAY: was set to <YES>, then the next screen you will see will be a list of the funds or stocks in the file A:SAMPLE.DAT. Select any one of these funds to be used as an index for constant reference on all funds. After you set these to your liking, you will be asked to set the starting and ending days for the graphs. The defaults on the starting day is day 1, so simply pressing <ENTER> will do the same thing as shown above. A - 4 In like manner, the default for the ending day is the last day for which data is available. (NOTE: You can select any range of data to be displayed. The maximum range being the from the first to last data point of data available in the file, while the minimum range being any ten day span.) You will now be asked to select the security to graph. You can choose from among the stocks listed by moving the arrow keys up and down. Once you settle on the stock you want graphed, you can press <ENTER>. EUREKA! The graph of the selected security appears on the screen (by the way, this is the PRIMARY graphing screen). To see the next graph in the file, press the <F5> key, or you can go to the first options screen by pressing the <ALT> and <S> keys at the same time. This will bring up the screen in the left corner, from which you can select the Automatic Next screen <F5>. If you would like to go back to the listing of investments to decide which one you want graphed next, you can press the <F4> key. This will take you back to the securities or funds listed in the file, which you may choose from by highlighting by pressing the cursor keys (or mouse cursor) to move to the desired stock. If you would like to exit the graphing option instead at this point, press the <ESC> key. This will return you to the MAIN MENU. To exit the graph screen option normally, press <F10> or you can press the <ALT> key and key to go to the utility screen, move the cursor key to highlight the exit option and press <ENTER>. However, if you want to do more now... If you feel a bit adventurous at this point, press <F1> to bring up the HELP screen for the pull-down menus. After you get through reading any of the help items, press <Q> to return immediately to the graph you left previously. Try any of the commands you have immediate interest in. 4. Secondary Indicator Screen: In addition, MarketPLUS provides a second indicator screen with 4 fully-adjustable indicators. If you are still viewing a graph, press <F3> to display this screen. As in the primary screen, you will be able to access all the features of the pulldown menus. For example, you can draw lines and place points anywhere on the graphs, print out a hard copy, change graph settings, etc. Because this is a test drive, it is suggested that you first refer to Appendix-"B" and CHAPTER 3 prior to using these features. A - 5 Now press <F10> to exit back to the MAIN MENU. 5. The Other MAIN MENU and DATA FILE MAINTENANCE MENU options As you have seen so far in this QUICK TOUR, there is quite a bit of performance in using this program to aid the individual investor. Of course, you will want to utilize this program fully by creating your own DATA files (MAIN MENU Option #1 , then DATA FILE MAINTENANCE MENU Option #4). QUICK TOUR - Data File Maintenance Below is what the Data File Maintenance Menu looks like: DATA FILE MAINTENANCE MENU 1.) CREATE A NEW FILE FOR INVESTMENT DATA 2.) CORRECT PRICES 3.) BACKUP A FILE OF DATA 4.) ADJUSTMENT FOR DIVIDEND, SPLITS OR CAP. GAINS 5.) ADD NEW INVESTMENTS TO AN EXISTING FILE 6.) DELETE AN INVESTMENT FROM AN EXISTING FILE 7.) CHANGE DEFAULT DATA DRIVE 8.) RETURN TO MAIN MENU Option 1: CREATE A NEW FILE FOR INVESTMENT DATA To make a new file, select Option #1. You will be given a list of all the files on the default drive you selected. Pick out a NEW file name OTHER THAN THOSE SHOWN ON THE SCREEN. You can have up to eight characters as the file name. We like to use the name MYFIRST so that you know that this is your very first data file. Once a new file has been entered it is immediately created. You will then be asked how often this file will be updated: <D>aily, <W>eekly, or <M>onthly. Once you answer, you will be asked to select the screen title to BEST describe your data: <F> = Fund <S> = Stock = Index <C> = Commodity <O> = Option Once you enter your choice, the screen will ask how many funds you want to track (up to a maximum of 50). A - 6 Be prepared to enter the names of all the funds you mentioned that you want to track (1 to 50). Please remember that up to 12 characters can be used as a name for an investment or security. By creating longer length names, the remaining characters (beyond 13) will be dropped when saving this file. IMPORTANT: Since MarketPLUS doesn't include an editor for names, be sure to enter your investment names correctly (as you want them). Option #2: CORRECT PRICES This feature on the utility menu is useful when you discover that you saved an incorrect quote on a stock or mutual fund, or a change in price was made (after you saved the data). You can use Option #2 to easily correct the price easily. Option #3: BACKUP A FILE OF DATA Keep in mind that the emphasis of MarketPLUS is to track data of short to medium term (130 days or less). Therefore you will want to backup your file at least every 130 days (DATA FILE MAINTENANCE Option #3) to review previous trends of a given stock or mutual fund. Option #4: ADJUSTMENT FOR DIVIDEND, SPLITS OR CAPITAL GAINS Whenever a capital gains distribution or dividend payment will drop the listed price of the stock or fund, you will want to adjust all the data in the file (DATA FILE MAINTENANCE Option #4) to maintain accurate changes in percentages, or strengths / weaknesses indicated on the graphs. Option #5: ADD NEW INVESTMENTS TO AN EXISTING FILE When you desire to add a new stock or fund to your file (so long as there are under 50 stocks or funds in it), you will want to use DATA FILE MAINTENANCE Option #5 to add it to your file. Then go back to DATA FILE MAINTENANCE Option #2 to add previously missed data, and it will work as if you always had it in the file. The program generates "housetop" data between 1 and 1.5 to fill the file until the actual data is entered. Option #6: DELETE AN INVESTMENT FROM AN EXISTING FILE Any fund or stock in which you are no longer interested can be removed from the data simply by using DATA FILE MAINTENANCE Option #6. This is quick and simple and instantly accomplished. A - 7 One word of caution is that once the data is gone, it is gone... FOREVER! So be sure that you really do want to delete a stock or fund. Option #7: CHANGE DEFAULT DRIVE Option #7 allows you to change your data drive by designating a new data drive to store your information. Once a drive is selected, you will return to the MAIN MENU. Option #8: RETURN TO MAIN MENU Finally, if you can leave the keyboard for awhile, you can select Option #8 to exit to DOS. Now finish reading the rest of this book, and then go tell all your friends about the wonders of MarketPLUS!!! Back to the Tour... Let's try a couple of the Data File Maintenance options: First select Option #3 from the Data File Maintenance Menu, "BACKUP A FILE OF DATA". After pressing <ENTER> you will be asked if you want to backup the data currently loaded. If the file you have loaded is still "SAMPLE.DAT", respond with YES. If not, respond with NO and select "SAMPLE.DAT" to backup. When the input box is displayed in front of you, you will need to enter a filename for the backup. You must use a name that does not currently exist on the disk. Enter the name "TOUR" with no extension (and without the quotes). Immediately the file "TOUR.DAT" will be created and saved. Now you have an identical clone file to "SAMPLE.DAT" After returning to the Data File Maintenance Menu, select Option #2 "CORRECT PRICES" and press <ENTER>. As you will immediately see,"TOUR.DAT" is the file in memory. Respond with YES to the following question: Do you wish to EDIT the data in this file? Now you will be prompted to select a stock or fund to edit. Highlight the FIDELITY fund and press <ENTER>. The next screen displays three columns of dates and prices. Using any of the cursor movement keys identified in the "COMMANDS" window, select any date/price combination to edit. A - 8 Then press <ENTER>. A small window in the center of the screen will appear and ask you to enter the correct price for the date specified. After entering the correct price, you will have a chance to change it through immediate verification. If the new price is correct, respond with "Y", otherwise you can re-enter the price. You can correct more prices in the file loaded, prior to saving it. By pressing the <ESC> key you can back out of each screen and ultimately abandon any changes, or you can save the file. Now after you return to the Data File Maintenance Menu, you can freely try out any of the other options (i.e., DELETE a file, ADJUSTMENT for stock splits, etc.). If you use the file "TOUR.DAT" which you have created (by backing up "SAMPLE.DAT") you will always have "SAMPLE.DAT" to make more backup files to experiment with. However, if you are ready to create and use your own data files, get started... A - 9 APPENDIX - "D": Commonly Asked Questions COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS Some of our users and potential users of MarketPLUS ask questions about the program and related products. Here are a few of them with our responses. Q: Why is it that MarketPLUS is so affordable? A: MarketPLUS began as a Public Domain program called "Market" in 1986. The original program began as a "Labor of Love", and has been developed to its current state with the same labor-of-love attitude. Since MarketPLUS is owned by and under the development of INDEPENDENT programmers, there is very little overhead to pay (no LEAR jets or cruises to the Bahamas). MarketPLUS is popular on its own merits: * A unique database (allowing several investments in a single data file) * Low cost (well under the $300 to $2500 norm for this type of product). * Very easy to learn to use and maintain. * FAST and powerful features within the program. * Friendly and personalized service for our customers. * Doesn't require EXTERNAL programs to support (spreadsheets, templates, or databases) * Customer input is well received (and welcomed!). * Satisfied customers all over the world! Q: How long will it take me to master the commands and features of MarketPLUS? A: Unlike most investment program of this type, MarketPLUS does not require several weeks to learn to use. After reading this manual and taking a "test-drive" using the Quick Tour (Appendix-"A"), you'll be ready to go. Because of the easy-to-use menus and simple commands, most users learn to move through the program and use most of the features within a few hours after installation. Q: Will I need to buy other programs to maintain and support MarketPLUS? D - 1 A: No, MarketPLUS does not require you to purchase a separate database or spreadsheet program to take full advantage of the program. While MarketPLUS is a self-contained program, there are some add-on programs you can purchase from F2S Enterprises, to simplify the use of MarketPLUS (see Appendix-"F"), specifically MarketFON and MarketTOOLS. An extended version of MarketPLUS (50 / 540) is also available for purchase as well (for systems with 512K of AVAILABLE RAM). Q: Why don't you include the ADD-ON programs within the MarketPLUS program? A: MarketPLUS, like many programs of its size uses large amounts of the computer's memory to speed up its functions and provide fast output on your display. Since most of the utilities provided in MarketTOOLS or MarketFON do not require immediate output, we maintain them as separate programs (available at VERY low cost) in order to keep MarketPLUS fast and easy to use! Q: Do I need to use a mouse and printer to use the program? A: No, you do not need to own a mouse. While a mouse is a very worthwhile investment, and it makes using MarketPLUS a SNAP!, all commands are easily activated with your keyboard. No, you do not absolutely have to use a printer either to get great benefit from using MarketPLUS. However, making a hardcopy of an investment's graph or generating a tabular report on paper will serve you well when referring to why you bought or sold a security. Q: Can I download data for MarketPLUS via a modem? A: Yes, MarketPLUS has a companion product, MarketFON (see Appendix-"F") which allows the use of a modem to download quotes from a very cost effective data supply service - "DIAL DATA" , a division of Track Data Corp. (you must establish an account with Track Data Corp before using MarketFON.) Q: I already have some historical data that I have used with another investment program. Will you convert the data for me to MarketPLUS's format? A: No, since there are a number of data formats around, and most require other entries (high,low,volume,etc.), we do not provide any conversion programs. However , should you decide to write your own conversion routine, we provide you with a complete description and example of MarketPLUS' data format in Appendix-"C", as a guide for your use. Q: What should I do if I get an error message using the program? D - 2 A: MarketPLUS is equipped with a number of automatic error-handling routines to make life easier when using the program. If the error message asks you to do something (i.e., insert the data disk,etc.), simply perform the operation and continue. Most errors are due to incorrect installation, so take your time when starting out! If you can not find out why you received an error, do the following: Send us a hard-copy print of the error (or error message), the graph settings screen, and send us the following: 1. Version of MarketPLUS you are using. 2. Your name and registration number. 3. Some general information: a) Make & model of computer b) Amount of memory available (run the DOS CHKDSK command to list available memory) c) type of memory resident programs, if any, and memory they use. d) type of graphics card and monitor e) type of printer you are using. f) description of problem (how it happened). g) can you duplicate the error? Q: How will I know about any future versions of MarketPLUS or any new companion products? A: By sending in your registration form, you will be listed on our mailing list. We will contact you immediately when new versions or new products become available. D - 3 APPENDIX - F: Companion Products M a r k e t P L U S ------------------- The complete investment tracking system for individual investors. Provides easy updating, editting, adjustment, printing, sorting, graphing and technical analysis tools for most any investment application. Extremely easy to learn to use and maintain. Maintain daily, weekly or monnthly closing prices. Many powerful graphics tools for zooming, drawing, comparisons. Extremely FAST! Includes optional mouse support, printer support (EPSON /IBM dot matrix and HP Laserjet). Pick the version that's BEST for you: MarketPLUS (vers.1.1) - Standard Version: Registration fee: $ 85 Allows the investor to maintain a database of 50 investments per file with 130 closing prices per investment. Limit of data files is determined only by disk space available! This version requires 384K of AVAILABLE RAM. Comes on two disks. Includes technical support, complete printed manual with over 100 illustrations, quick reference card. Works on CGA/EGA/VGA equipped color systems. MarketPLUS (vers.1.1) - Extended Version: Registration fee: $145 Same as standard version, except: Allows the investor to maintain a database of 50 investments per file with 540 closing prices per investment. This extended version requires 512K of AVAILABLE RAM. Includes same features and benefits as standard version. NOTE: A math co-processor and 8 MHZ. min. speed is highly recommended for making use of the larger data files. F - 1 M a r k e t F O N -------------------- Price: $ 24.95 MarketFON (Version 1.0) was written to be a data downloading and conversion program to be used specifically with MarketPLUS investment graphics program, and Track Data Corporation's Dial/Data system for obtaining quotes. You must have an account established with Track Data Corporation to use this program at all. Dial/Data systems was chosen because it is one of the least expensive quotation data bases available. Their data service is very good! Features: * Create TICKER.TXT symbol file for data conversion. * Ability to EDIT the TICKER.TXT symbol file. * Capability to DELETE a symbol From TICKER.TXT file. * Download and automatically CONVERT & UPDATE data. * CONVERSION of Dial Data into MarketPLUS Format! * HISTORIC DOWNLOAD (Data for any specified number of days) * Make a SINGLE HISTORIC FILE for Stock, Fund, or Index. * APPEND Historic download information to an existing .DAT file. * Configuration for Communication ports, baud rate, etc. * Pop-up Windows & Mouse support! (Microsoft & Logitech) F - 2 M a r k e t T O O L S --------------------- Price: $ 19.95 MarketTOOLS (Version 1.0) is a "MarketPLUS *.DAT" file utility program which gives MarketPLUS users several features to customize their data for specific tracking. Features: * CONVERSION of MarketEGA/CGA '*.DAT' files to MarketPLUS format! * Capability to EDIT the name of a Stock/Fund. * CORRECT MarketPLUS heading information. * SHORTEN MarketPLUS files to any length! * REARRANGE Stocks/Funds in a MarketPLUS file. * SEPARATE a "Free" file for 1 Stock/Fund! * APPEND a "Free" file to a similar MarketPLUS file. * PRINT data & make data worksheets. * CONVERT a daily file to weekly or monthly file! * FILE SORT (Rearrange Stocks/Funds in MarketPLUS file) * Pop-up windows and Mouse support (Microsoft & Logitech) Now, you - the investor are able to alter your data files to meet particular needs, or upgrade your old MarketEGA/CGA to MarketPLUS Format to continue tracking! F - 3 ORDER FORM (For credit card orders call (713) 471 - 7998) ----------- (Please check each item ordered and fill out information below) MarketPLUS (50/130 database) $85.00...................: _____ Includes Manual, Reference card, author support, and possible commissions: MarketPLUS (50/540 extended database) $145.00.........: _____ (requires 512K min. available RAM) Includes Manual, Reference card, author support, and possible commissions: MarketTOOLS $19.95...................................: _____ includes documentation on disk, author support MarketFON $24.95.....................................: _____ includes documentation on disk, author support Subtotal of all items selected:.................... $ ____.__ (Texas residents add 8% sales tax)................. $ ____.__ Std. Shipping & Handling (U.S.A.).................. $ 3.00 Overseas orders add $5.00 ......................... $ ____.__ ------------ T O T A L ......................................... $ ____.__ Send to Name:_______________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________ City:__________________________ State:____ Zip:_____________ Phone #:____________________________________________________ (If you are ordering MarketPLUS 50/130 or 50/540, were you introduced to MarketPLUS by a registered user? If so, please write his/her name and registration number below. F2S Enterprises will send him/her a $10 check for making this referral): _____________________________ ____________________ (Registered user) (reg. no., if known) Please make Checks or Money order payable to: F2S Enterprises P.O. Box 1011 La Porte, TX. 77571-1011 If paying by credit card: MC ___ VISA___ Card Number__________________________________ Name on card:_______________________________________________ Card's expiration date: ____________________________________