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1996-03-01
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AMORTZ for DOS
Loan Schedules and More!
by
Jim Bowyer
Mountain View Software
209 Avila Circle
Kansas City, MO 64114-5519
(816) 942-4500
Version 2.20
March 1, 1996
_______
____|__ | (R)
--| | |-------------------
| ____|__ | Association of
| | |_| Shareware
|__| o | Professionals
-----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
AMORTZ Version 2.20 Released March 1, 1996 All Rights Reserved
Copyright 1990-1996 by James J. Bowyer, Mountain View Software
AMORTZ - User's Guide Copyright 1991-1996 Mountain View Software
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contents
--------
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Fast Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Installation - DOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Installation - Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
About AMORTZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The Shareware Concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Benefits of Purchase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Ordering AMORTZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Using AMORTZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Using a Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
The Legend Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Using The Help System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
The Configuration File . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Naming DOS Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Schedule Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Command Line Arguments . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Running AMORTZ Under Windows . . . . . . . . . . 12
Error 112 - Virtual Memory . . . . . . . . . . . 13
The Data Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
The Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Display the Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Screen Display Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Print the Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Save Schedule to a Disk File . . . . . . . . . . 19
Loan Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Input Schedule Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Options Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Change Loan Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Print an Order Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Exit Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
The Options Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Accelerated Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Balloon Payment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Change Heading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Contents (continued)
--------------------
Color Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Currency Symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Fiscal Year End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Load Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Pagination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Payment Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Printed Report Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Restore Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Save Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Variable Interest Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Save Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Car Loan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
"What If" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Change Heading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Saving and Loading Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
ASP Ombudsman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Association of Shareware Professionals . . . . . 46
For Programmers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Revision History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Order Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Getting Started
Purpose
-------
AMORTZ is a complete financial loan package used to:
* Compute any of the loan variables: principal, interest rate,
payment amount, or number of payments.
* Compute and print loan amortization schedules (also called
principal & interest or loan payback schedules).
* Summarize loan schedules by year and direct them to the
screen, a printer, or an ASCII file on a disk of your
choice.
* Advanced features include:
* Accelerated Payments
* Balloon Payments
* Fully Customizable Headings (in the registered version)
* Fiscal Year End selectable by the user
* Payment Frequency can vary from every week to once a month
* Loan data can be saved to disk for later recall
* Complete Color Control
* Payment dates, amounts, interest rate & check number can
be recorded directly into the loan data. This allows the
loan schedule to be recalculated after a slight change in
ANY payment. You could pay a different amount every
period and still have an accurate schedule!
* Loan Summary gives you an overview of the loan, including
total interest paid and the date the last payment is due.
Use this summary to compare various loan scenarios. (Add
$25 per month to your current mortgage payment and see
how many thousands of dollars you can save over the life
of the loan!)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 1
Getting Started (continued)
Fast Start
----------
Users with elementary knowledge of computers can easily get a fast
start with AMORTZ. Extensive, context sensitive on-screen help
screens will answer most of your questions. Just press the 'F1' key
at any point to use the help system.
To install AMORTZ, change to the directory where AMORTZ resides and
enter "Install" (without the quotes) and press the Carriage Return
or 'Enter' key <CR>. If your copy of AMORTZ is on a diskette, insert
the diskette and type "A:Install <CR>". If you install AMORTZ from
drive B, type "B:Install <CR>" instead.
See page 3 for details on installing from within Microsoft Windows.
To run AMORTZ, change to the directory where you installed AMORTZ,
then enter "AMORTZ <CR>".
After the introductory screen (which is eliminated for registered
users), you will see the "Data Screen" (see page 15). Enter your
loan data here. If you want one of the variables calculated (Payment
Amount, for example), enter all of the variables but the one to be
computed. Then "Press" the "Calculate Button" (using the mouse or
the 'Enter' key) and AMORTZ will calculate and display the missing
variable.
After entering your data, "Press" the "Accept Input" button. AMORTZ
will calculate the amortization schedule, then will present you with
the "Main Menu" (see page 17). The Main Menu options enable you to
display the schedule on the monitor, print the schedule, save the
schedule to a disk, and so on.
Be sure to explore the "Options Menu" (see page 22, 24) by pressing
the 'F10' key or by selecting the "Options Menu" function from the
Main Menu.
Pressing the 'F1' key anytime will start the context sensitive help
system. See the supplied examples (beginning on page 38) and
"Frequently Asked Questions" (page 44) for quick reference.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 2
Getting Started (continued)
Installation - DOS
------------------
To install AMORTZ from a DOS prompt (e.g., C:\>), change to the
directory where AMORTZ resides and enter "Install <CR>". If your
copy of AMORTZ is on a diskette, insert the diskette and type
"A:Install <CR>". If you install AMORTZ from drive B, type
"B:Install <CR>" instead.
The install program will give you the opportunity to copy all of the
AMORTZ files to a directory of your choice. After the files are
copied, you will be presented with a menu which allows you to read
or print the program's documentation files, copy the program files
again, or run AMORTZ. Registered users can also "brand" their copy
of AMORTZ with their name, eliminating the opening and closing
shareware screens.
When running the program in subsequent sessions, simply change to
the correct directory (usually by issuing the command "CD \LOAN
<CR>") then type "AMORTZ <CR>".
You can run the install program at any time (perhaps to move the
files to another directory or print the documentation) by issuing
the command "INSTALL <CR>".
Installation - Windows
----------------------
You can install AMORTZ from within the Windows Program Manager.
Select FILE and then RUN. Enter the directory where the AMORTZ files
can be found (if installing from a diskette, this will be either A:
or B:) followed by the program name INSTALL.EXE (e.g., A:INSTALL.EXE
or C:\LOAN\INSTALL.EXE). You may find it easier to use the Windows
'Browse' button to find the INSTALL.EXE program.
The installation program will then proceed exactly as it does under
a DOS installation (see above).
See the section "Running AMORTZ Under Windows" (page 12) for hints
on running AMORTZ from within the Windows environment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 3
About AMORTZ
The Shareware Concept
---------------------
"Shareware" is a term used to describe a system for distribution of
software. Under the shareware concept, software may be freely copied
and passed along to others, or distributed through bulletin board
systems, CD-ROM collections, catalogs, shareware libraries and so
on.
As a recipient of a shareware program, you may use the software for
a short trial period to find out if it meets your needs. If you
continue to use the program, then you must pay for it. If the
software is not suitable, you should discard it or "pass it along"
to someone who may find it useful.
The shareware concept is based entirely on the honor system, and
generally works quite well. Most people are honest and would not
violate the trust placed in them by the author of the software.
You should run AMORTZ through all its paces to decide if it fits
your needs. However, it doesn't really need a long "evaluation
period." Typically, this type of utility is used to generate what-
ever schedules are needed, and then is tucked away in a drawer (or
subdirectory) to gather dust until the next time your mortgage
payment changes. Therefore, AMORTZ either works for you or it does-
n't. If it works (it does!), and you use it, you should pay for it.
SHAREWARE IS NOT FREE SOFTWARE - the author counts on your integ-
rity. Please refer to the section "Ordering AMORTZ" (page 6) for a
description of the numerous ways to order AMORTZ.
You are encouraged to make copies of this program and its documenta-
tion to share with your friends, associates, bulletin boards and so
on. However, you must distribute AMORTZ with its entire documenta-
tion and without alteration.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 4
About AMORTZ (continued)
Benefits of Purchase
--------------------
Purchasing AMORTZ will entitle you to the following:
1. A disk containing the latest version of AMORTZ.
2. A printed manual.
3. A "brand" program to remove the opening Shareware screen from
version 2.20 of AMORTZ and all subsequent versions through
2.9 (no less than 12 months of free upgrades).
4. Elimination of the "Unregistered Version" legend in printed
reports.
5. Implementation of the "Heading Feature" which enables
customizing of report headings (including your firm name,
address, or whatever else you choose.)
6. FREE CompuServe Introductory Membership, which includes your
User ID, Password, a subscription to CompuServe Magazine, and
a $15.00 credit for as much as six hours of FREE connect time
(depending on your modem).
7. Notification of future major upgrades to AMORTZ.
8. Unlimited technical support (see page 8 for details).
9. That "Warm and Fuzzy Feeling" you get when you do the right
thing.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 5
About AMORTZ (continued)
Ordering AMORTZ
---------------
You can order AMORTZ in any of the following ways:
1. Check or Money Order:
Send a check or money order for $17.50 ($15.00 plus $2.50
shipping and handling) along with a copy of the order Form
to:
Mountain View Software
209 Avila Circle
Kansas City, MO 64114-5519
The easiest way to complete the Order Form is to follow the
instruction screens presented whenever you start or exit
AMORTZ. The program will accept the necessary information and
print the Order Form, ready to be mailed. You can also select
"Print the Order Form" from the Main Menu.
If you prefer, an Order Form is included (see the last page
of this documentation) that you can print and complete by
hand. You could also use any text editor to modify and print
the enclosed ASCII file ORDER.FRM.
2. Visa/MasterCard/Discover Card/American Express:
You can use a credit card to order with our agent, Public
(software) Library (called PsL), by calling (800) 242-4775 or
(713) 524-6394, by FAX at (713) 524-6398, or by CompuServe E-
mail to 71355,470. You can also mail credit card orders To
PsL at P.O. Box 35705, Houston, TX 77235-5705. (AMORTZ for
DOS is item #11660).
THESE NUMBERS ARE FOR CREDIT CARD ORDERS ONLY. THE AUTHOR OF
AMORTZ CANNOT BE REACHED AT THESE NUMBERS.
PsL operators are available from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST
Monday-Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Fridays.
Any questions about the status of the shipment of the order,
refunds, purchase options, product details, technical
support, volume discounts, dealer pricing, site licenses,
etc., must be directed to Mountain View Software at (816)
942-4500.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 6
About AMORTZ (continued)
To insure that you get the latest version of AMORTZ, PsL will
notify us of your order and we will ship the product directly
to you.
3. CompuServe:
CompuServe users can charge the purchase price of AMORTZ to
their CIS account through CompuServe's Shareware Registration
database. Just GO SWREG and follow the instructions to order
AMORTZ (Product #3711). CompuServe will notify us of your
order and we will ship the product directly to you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 7
About AMORTZ (continued)
Technical Support
-----------------
Questions, bug reports, general comments and/or suggestions are
welcome from both registered and non-registered users. Comments
regarding possible enhancements to make the program more useful or
"user friendly" would be greatly appreciated.
Support is available through several channels:
Telephone:
A 24-hour message line is open in the United States at
(816) 942-4500. Please be sure to leave your name, a phone
number where you can be reached and the time most convenient
for you (be sure to tell us your time zone), and a brief
comment regarding the purpose of the call.
International Services:
CompuServe - Send Mail to 74040,533
America Online - Send Mail to JBOWYER2
The Microsoft Network - E-mail to Jim_Bowyer
Internet Addresses - 74040.533@compuserve.com
- jbowyer2@aol.com
US Mail:
Jim Bowyer
Mountain View Software
209 Avila Circle
Kansas City, MO 64114-5519
World Wide Web:
You can leave E-Mail or download the most current version of
AMORTZ at our WWW site --
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/mvs
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 8
Using AMORTZ
Using a Mouse
-------------
AMORTZ fully supports the use of a mouse. Operations that can be
performed include:
To select a menu option (e.g., "Change Heading" from the Options
Menu), move the mouse until the pointer is positioned on the
desired option (the color will indicate that the option is
"highlighted") and click the left mouse button to execute.
To select a button (e.g., 'PgUp' or 'Esc'), move the mouse
pointer to the desired Button and click the left button on
the mouse.
To select a "Hot Key" shown in the legend window (see below),
move the mouse pointer to the highlighted (shown in red on a
color monitor) area of the legend window and click the left
mouse button once to execute.
To answer Y/n queries, move the mouse pointer to the correct
letter ('Y' for yes, 'n' for no) and click the left mouse
button once.
Due to different methods of screen handling, when you run AMORTZ
in a Windows DOS session the cursor will be a single block
instead of an arrow.
The Legend Window
-----------------
The Legend Window is the one or two row section at the bottom of the
screen which identifies the "Hot Keys" used for the current screen.
A legend row may look like this:
Esc - Main Menu F1 - Help F10 - Options Menu
In this example, pressing the 'Esc' key (or clicking the word 'Esc'
with the mouse) would exit the current function and display the Main
Menu. Pressing the 'F1' key activates the Help System, while
pressing the 'F10' key presents the Options Menu.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 9
Using AMORTZ (continued)
Using The Help System
---------------------
AMORTZ includes a fully integrated, context-sensitive help system.
Pressing the 'F1' key places you in the help window that most
pertains to the function you are using.
The help window consists of a vertical "scroll bar", and five mouse-
selectable "buttons." Use the cursor keys or the 'Page Up'/'Page
Down' keys to scroll through the full text of the current help
topic. The key combination 'Alt-I' (hold the 'Alt' key down while
simultaneously pressing the 'I' key) will display an index of all of
the help screens available. The key combination 'Alt-F1' brings you
back to the last displayed help topic. Pressing the 'Esc' key will
exit the help system.
If you have a mouse, you can use the scroll bar to move up and down
within the text. Clicking on the PgUp/PgDn buttons acts the same as
pressing those keys. The 'Back' button shows the prior help topic;
'Index' shows the help index; 'Esc' exits help.
Cross-References are additional help categories that may give you
information on related topics. Suggested cross-references for each
topic are displayed in a different color (the default is yellow). To
view a cross-reference, use the 'Tab' key (or the mouse) to
highlight the cross-reference (the background under the cross-refer-
ence will change color when highlighted), then press the 'Enter' key
(or click the mouse). Pressing the 'Alt-F1' key combination (or
clicking on the 'Back' button) will return you to the original help
topic.
The Configuration File
----------------------
Some of the options set in the Options Menu can be stored so that
the options are set every time AMORTZ is loaded. This information is
kept in a disk file named AMORTZ.CFG. Options "saved" in the config-
uration file include customized headings (in the registered
version), screen colors, the currency symbol, fiscal year end,
pagination options, payment frequency and printed report options.
Whenever you exit the Options Menu, you will be asked if you want to
save the configuration file. Answer "Yes" If you have made changes
you want to be active every time AMORTZ is used. If the change you
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 10
Using AMORTZ (continued)
made is not permanent (changing loan periods for "What If" computa-
tions, for example), answer "No" so the configuration file will not
be changed.
If you use the "Save Data/Read Data" pair of functions in the Op-
tions Menu (page 36), all of the options set when the data was saved
will be reset when the data is read. This enables you to keep sepa-
rate configurations for each loan you are tracking.
Naming DOS Files
----------------
Standard DOS file naming conventions are used by AMORTZ, including a
file name (up to eight characters) and file extension (usually three
characters).
The extension portion of the file name can help you identify the
type of file. AMORTZ suggests that you use the extension "DAT" for
loan data and "SCH" for schedules saved to disk. Use of these exten-
sions is not mandatory, but may make use of AMORTZ slightly easier.
Some examples of valid file names might be MORTGAGE.DAT, CAR.DAT,
LANDCONT.DAT, FURNITUR.SCH.
Schedule Name
-------------
Before an amortization schedule is printed or saved to a file, you
will be asked to supply a "schedule name" which will be inserted
into the schedule heading to help you identify it. For example:
1994 Cadillac Seville
Smith & Jones Buy-Out
Michigan National Bank Mortgage
AMORTZ will suggest a schedule name that you can accept by pressing
<CR>, or you can enter a name of your choice.
Owners of the registered version of AMORTZ can manipulate the head-
ing to select the manner in which the schedule name is printed (See
27)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 11
Using AMORTZ (continued)
Command Line Arguments
----------------------
There are two "Command Line Arguments" available for AMORTZ. These
are:
-e Used to force AMORTZ to run in low-memory mode, swapping
data to a disk rather than memory. See "Error 112 - Virtual
Memory" (page 13) for a discussion of low-memory and virtual
memory.
-f Used to load an AMORTZ data file into memory as soon as the
program is loaded. See "Load Data" (page 31) for a discus-
sion of loading data, or the "Saving and Loading Data"
example (page 42) for an example of saving data for later
recall.
Command Line Arguments are entered at the DOS prompt, after the word
AMORTZ and before pressing the 'Enter' key. Examples of the possible
command line arguments are:
Entering 'AMORTZ -e' <CR> forces AMORTZ to use the slower disk
access sometimes needed for low memory conditions)
Entering 'AMORTZ -f myloan.dat' <CR> loads the existing data
file called 'myloan.dat' into the program.
Entering 'AMORTZ -e -f myloan.dat <CR> causes AMORTZ to load the
existing data file called 'myloan.dat', and also forces
AMORTZ to use the slower disk access mode.
Running AMORTZ Under Windows
----------------------------
AMORTZ is fully capable of running as a DOS application under
Microsoft Windows. A PIF file has been included for your use, spe-
cifically to insure that there is enough EMS or XMS memory available
to store the AMORTZ help files and message strings. Running AMORTZ
under low memory conditions may significantly degrade the speed of
the program.
The supplied PIF file assumes that AMORTZ was installed onto the C:
drive in a directory titled LOAN (e.g., C:\LOAN). If you installed
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 12
Using AMORTZ (continued)
AMORTZ to a different drive or directory, you will have to modify
the PIF file. See Fine Tuning for Windows (page 47) for details.
We suggest that you add AMORTZ to a Windows Group, so that it is
easier to run when you need it (see page 47). An icon designed for
AMORTZ has been included in the distribution file for your use. If
you choose not install AMORTZ into a program group, follow these
steps when running AMORTZ from within Windows:
1. From the Program Manager, select "File" and then "Run."
2. Use the "Browse" button to locate the AMORTZ.PIF file.
3. Double click on the AMORTZ.PIF file.
Error 112 - Virtual Memory
--------------------------
AMORTZ uses your computer's memory to store message strings, the on-
line help files, and your current data. To make this all work,
AMORTZ attempts to use any existing expanded or extended memory on
your system. If there is not enough memory for the program require-
ments, AMORTZ creates a "swap" file on disk that is used instead of
memory (this is called "Virtual Memory.")
Error 112 occurs if there is a problem starting the virtual memory
system, and can usually be remedied by one of the following proce-
dures (listed in the order that they should be tried):
1. When starting AMORTZ, the command line option "-e" forces
AMORTZ to use disk based memory. To use this option, change
to the directory where you installed AMORTZ, then enter
AMORTZ -e <CR>
2. AMORTZ looks for an "environment variable" called TEMP, which
points to a directory where your system places temporary
files (such as the AMORTZ swap file). To check the variable
on your system, from the DOS prompt, type "SET <CR>". The
system will respond by listing the variables currently
active. One of the lines shown should look like this
TEMP=
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 13
followed by a directory. If you do not see the TEMP vari-
able, or if it points to an invalid directory, type
"SET TEMP=C:\LOAN <CR>", then try running AMORTZ again.
(Replace the "C:\LOAN" portion of this command with the
directory where you actually installed AMORTZ.)
3. The disk that AMORTZ is attempting to access may not have
enough available space to hold the "swap file". Remove some
nonessential files (not AMORTZ!!) then try to run AMORTZ
again.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 14
The Data Screen
This is the first screen registered users will see when running
AMORTZ. The Data Screen is used to input the amounts needed to
calculate an amortization schedule.
AMORTZ will solve for any ONE of the first four variables. Simply
enter a zero (0) for the value that you want to compute. If, for
example, you wanted to determine what your monthly payments would be
for the car of your dreams, enter the principal (beginning loan
balance), interest rate, zero for the payment, 60 payments (for a
five-year loan), and the approximate due date of the first payment.
"Press" the "Calculate Button" (or the 'F9' key) and AMORTZ will
calculate the monthly payment, displaying the result in the payment
field of the Data Screen.
Use the 'Enter' key, cursor keys, 'Tab' key or mouse to move between
entry fields.
Elements of the Data Screen are:
Principal - Enter the beginning amount of the loan. Maximum
acceptable principal is $99,999,999.99.
Interest - Enter the beginning ANNUAL interest rate of the loan
as a decimal in the form XX.XXX. Maximum acceptable rate is
99.999%.
The interest rate for loans with variable interest rates
should be the initial interest rate. Subsequent changes to
the initial amount are recorded through the "Variable
Interest" (page 36) section of the Options Menu.
Enter the letter 'Z' (or 'z') for zero interest loans.
Payment Amount - Enter the amount of the initial loan payment.
Maximum acceptable payment is $999,999.99.
The payment amount for loans with accelerated payments (page
24) or balloon payments (page 26) should be the initial
payment amount. Subsequent changes to the initial amount are
recorded through the Options Menu.
Number of Payments - Enter the length of the loan. For example,
if payments are made twice monthly for 15 years, periods
would be entered as 360 (24 payments X 15 years). Maximum
acceptable number of payments is 999.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 15
The Data Screen (continued)
Initial Due Date - Enter the date that the first payment is due
to be paid in the form month\day\year (MM\DD\YY). A valid
date MUST be entered before the loan schedule can be
computed. (AMORTZ interprets low numbers in the YY field as
being in the 21st century; e.g., 02 = 2002.)
Solve for Unknown Value - To solve for an unknown value, the
amount for that value must be entered as a zero (0) or
simply left blank. Then "press" the "Calculate button" (or
the 'F9' key) to have AMORTZ solve for the unknown value.
The result will be displayed in the appropriate field.
Calculate - "Press" this "button" (by clicking it with the mouse
or by highlighting it with the 'Tab' or cursor keys then
pressing the 'Enter' key) to solve for the unknown value.
Accept Input - "Press" this "button" when you are satisfied that
all data have been entered correctly. The amortization
schedule will be computed and the Main Menu will be
displayed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 16
The Main Menu
This is a brief description of the functions included in the Main
Menu. Detailed instructions for each function follow:
Display Schedule - Display an amortization schedule on the
monitor. (Page 17)
Print the Schedule - Produce a printed copy of an amortization
schedule. (Page 18)
Save Schedule to a Disk File - Create an ASCII file which
contains the current amortization schedule. (Page 19)
Loan Summary - View a summary (total interest paid, last payment
date, etc.) for the current loan data. (Page 20)
Input Schedule Data - Record payments made (check number, date
paid) or make changes to an individual payment (i.e., paid
extra principal or "short paid" a payment). (Page 20)
Options Menu - Call the Options Menu. (Page 22, 24)
Change Loan Data - Return to the Data Screen to change any of
the data in the current amortization schedule. (Page 22)
Print the Order Form - Prepare and print a form to mail with a
check or money order to purchase AMORTZ. (Page 23)
Exit Program - Quit to DOS prompt or Windows Program Manager.
Display the Schedule
--------------------
This function displays an amortization schedule on the monitor. The
process begins by asking for the type of schedule wanted. The types
are:
Normal Display - A display of each payment, by year, beginning
with the first scheduled payment. The section titled Screen
Display Keys (below) gives help on navigating through this
display.
Condensed Display - An annual summary of payments, interest and
principal reduction. This is a "quick reference" list that
does not display individual payments.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 17
The Main Menu (continued)
Display One Year - This is the same type of display as the
Normal Display, except that you select the first year to
display.
Screen Display Keys
-------------------
The following keys can be used to change the current display:
Page Up - Show the year previous to the year currently
displayed
Page Down - Show the year following the year currently dis-
played
Home - Show the year that includes the first payment
End - Show the year that includes the last payment
F5 - Print the year currently being displayed
Esc - Exit the display
Cursor Keys - If the current display exceeds the length of the
display screen (usually with biweekly or
semimonthly payments), the cursor keys can be
used to scroll through the payments for the year.
Mouse - If you use a mouse, you can "click" on the appro-
priate red section of the legend window to
achieve the same actions. The mouse can also be
used on the "scroll bar" to scroll through the
payments (if necessary).
Print the Schedule
------------------
This function prints a hard copy (paper copy) of an amortization
schedule.
Before printing a schedule, registered users may want to customize
the heading that prints on every page. See Change Heading (page 27)
in the Options Menu to customize the heading.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 18
The Main Menu (continued)
The "Print the Schedule" submenu includes the following options:
Print Entire Schedule - Prints all of the scheduled payments
included in the amortization schedule. The printed reports
include annual summaries and grand totals which can be
eliminated through the Printed Reports Option (page 35).
Print One Year - Select a single year, with its summary, for
printing.
HINT: A single year can also be printed from the "Display
the Schedule" function (page 17).
Print a Range of Years - Select a beginning and ending year (or
payment number) to be printed.
Each type of printed schedule begins with an opportunity to enter a
unique name (called the schedule name) for the printed schedule (for
example - "Car Loan"; "Mortgage"; "Loan from Uncle Eddie"; and so
on).
AMORTZ will display a progress window while printing the schedule.
Pressing the 'Esc' key will stop the printing. However, if your
printer has a print buffer (memory), the printing may not stop
immediately.
Save Schedule to a Disk File
----------------------------
Instead of using a printer to print a copy of the amortization
schedule, this function allows you to copy an image of the schedule
to a file on disk. You could then "edit" the file using any ASCII
text editor to change to the schedule or to record payment dates and
check numbers as they are made. (See Input Schedule Data (page 20)
to record these items from within AMORTZ itself.)
All formatting and pagination information specified in the Option
Menu are sent to the disk file, just as if it were printed on paper.
This allows you to print the file at a later date, either by using
the "Print" function of an editor, or by simply copying the file to
the printer.
After selecting this function, you are asked to supply a file name
(including the drive and directory, if applicable). If you omit the
drive and directory information, the file will be written to the
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 19
The Options Menu (continued)
directory where AMORTZ resides. See Naming DOS Files (page 11) and
your DOS documentation for tips on naming files.
You will then be asked for the schedule name which will be used in
the heading for every page.
AMORTZ will display a progress window while writing to the disk
file. Pressing the "Esc" key will end the procedure, leaving a
partial schedule on disk.
Loan Summary
------------
This function displays a window with totals for the loan.
Information presented is:
Total Principal
Total Interest
Total Payments
Last Payment Amount
Last Payment is Due
Pressing the 'F5' key will send a copy of the summary to your
printer. This provides an easy method to compare the total cost of
various loan alternatives. Just print this summary for each varia-
tion and select the best alternative.
HINT - pressing the 'F6' key sends a formfeed signal to the
printer, ejecting the page.
Input Schedule Data
-------------------
This function allows you to enter various payment information as the
payments are made. You can record the day the payment was actually
made, the amount of the payment, and the check number. This allows
you to keep track of your information on disk, rather than on an-
other piece of paper cluttering up your desk.
In addition, you can also change the interest rate paid, the amount
paid, record unscheduled payments (i.e., "principal only payments")
or "force" the loan balance (see page 21). These are very powerful
features that give you the ability to change the amount paid with
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 20
The Options Menu (continued)
every payment and have that amount reflected in the amortization
schedule.
The typical the sequence of steps would be:
1. Enter the initial loan data in the Data Screen, as you would
for any loan.
2. From the Main Menu, call the Options Menu (by pressing 'F10'
or by selecting the menu function) then select the Save Data
function. This will save the initial loan data to a file on a
disk file of your choice.
3. Subsequent sessions with that loan would begin by calling the
"Load Data" function of the Options Menu to load the loan
(with all previously entered loan information) into memory.
4. Use this "Input Schedule Data" function to record any new
payment information.
5. Save the updated information through the "Save Data" option.
After selecting Input Loan Data from the menu, the Payment Entry
Screen will be displayed. AMORTZ will automatically present the
lowest payment number that hasn't previously been changed through
this function. If you want to update a different payment, enter that
payment number or press the 'F10' key to "Browse" the payments. This
presents a selection window of all the loan payments. Use the cursor
keys and the 'Enter' key (or your mouse) to select the payment you
want to update.
Use the cursor keys, the tab keys, or the 'Enter' key to select the
fields to be changed. When all data is correct, press the 'F2' key
to record the changes. After updating the payment, AMORTZ will
present the next scheduled payment for possible update.
The 'Force Balance' line displays the scheduled loan balance AFTER
the currently displayed payment is made. This line gives you the
option to change this scheduled balance. You may want to do this if
the annual statement from the lender shows a small difference from
the computed balance and you want to track the loan "to the penny."
See Frequently Asked Questions (page 44) for a discussion of why
there may be differences.
If ANY of the payment information other than check number or date
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 21
The Options Menu (continued)
paid is changed, you will probably want to reflect the changes in
the amortization schedule. AMORTZ keeps track of the changes made
and, if necessary, will ask you if you want to recalculate the
schedule when you exit this function.
To record an "Unscheduled" or "Principal Only" payment, enter the
"Input" function as usual, then enter the letter 'U' (for Unsched-
uled) instead of a payment number. The input window will change to
reflect that this is an unscheduled payment. Enter the amount paid,
an optional check number, and the date paid (You MUST enter the date
or AMORTZ cannot proceed). The due date, interest rate, and force
balance fields are "blocked" so that you cannot enter value in those
fields (see NOTE, below).
To properly record the additional payment, you MUST answer 'yes'
when the program asks if you want the schedule recalculated.
NOTE: There are a variety of ways that a principal only payment can
be included in a payment schedule, resulting from differing
interest calculations. AMORTZ takes the most conservative ap-
proach (i.e., the approach that reflects the most interest
income for the lender). This method assumes that all unscheduled
payments are "posted" at the end of the payment period (usually
the end of the month). Your lender may use a more progressive or
accurate method. If so, use the "Force Balance" portion of the
"Input Loan Data" screen to adjust the balance to the lender's
computed balance.
Options Menu
------------
This function calls the Options Menu (page 22, 24). As an alterna-
tive, press the 'F10' key to call the Options Menu from many of the
screens within AMORTZ (just check the legend window to see if the
'F10' key appears.)
Change Loan Data
----------------
This function returns you to the Data Screen (page 15) so that any
(or all) of the loan variables can be changed and a new amortization
schedule computed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 22
Print an Order Form
-------------------
This function provides an easy way to enter data into a form that
can be printed and mailed to Mountain View Software to order and
register your copy of AMORTZ. You can also order AMORTZ by phone or
on CompuServe (see Ordering AMORTZ on page 6).
See Benefits of Purchase (page 5) and The Shareware Concept (page 4)
for additional information.
Exit Program
------------
Select this function to end your AMORTZ session.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 23
The Options Menu
The Options Menu is called by pressing the "F10" key while in the
Data Entry Screen or at the Main Menu, or from the Main Menu by
choosing the "Options Menu" selection.
When exiting the Options Menu, you will be asked if you want to save
the configuration file. If answered "Yes", any changes that you made
in the Heading, Colors, Fiscal Year End, Pagination, Payment Fre-
quency and Printed Report Options will be saved into the configura-
tion file, which will make these options active for future AMORTZ
sessions. (See page 10 for a description of the Configuration File.)
If you are using the Options Menu frequently during a session and DO
NOT want to save the various options as you change them, simply
answer "Stop Asking" to avoid this screen for the rest of the ses-
sion. Then, if you want to save the final configuration, select
"Save Configuration" from the Options Menu before exiting the pro-
gram.
Here is a brief summary of the functions included in the Options
Menu, along with any default values for the options. Detailed in-
structions for each function follows.
Default Values:
Accelerated Payments No (Page 24)
Balloon Payment No (Page 26)
Change Heading (Page 27)
Color Control (Page 29)
Currency Symbol $ (Page 30)
Fiscal Year End December (Page 30)
Load Data (Page 31)
Pagination (Page 32)
Payment Frequency Monthly (Page 34)
Printed Report Options (Page 35)
Restore Defaults (Page 35)
Save Data (Page 36)
Variable Interest Rates No (Page 36)
Save Configuration (Page 37)
Accelerated Payments
--------------------
Accelerated Payments are payments that are higher than the scheduled
payment. This results in the loan being "paid off" sooner. Acceler-
ated payments will also usually result in a significant savings in
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 24
The Options Menu (continued)
total interest expense over the length of the loan.
AMORTZ can treat either additions to the payment (the typical
scenario) or reductions to the payment as an "Accelerated Payment."
Therefore, if you have negotiated a lower payment with the lender
for a period, the lower payment should be entered as an Accelerated
Payment.
The Accelerated Payment menu gives you three options:
Amount Paid - Select this option if you know the amount of the
new payment (i.e., the payment was $500 and will now be
$600).
Additional Amount - Select this option if you want to add (or
deduct) a set amount to the fixed payment (i.e., you will be
adding an additional $50 per payment).
Delete Accelerated Payments - Select this option if you wish to
remove accelerated payments previously entered into the
amortization schedule.
See Input Schedule Data (page 20) if you need to change specific
payments rather than a payment stream.
The Accelerated Payment input screen is designed so that you may
enter EITHER the beginning and ending payment number, OR the
relevant dates, whichever you have access to. If you enter the
payment number, the date will be computed for you, and vice versa.
If you do not know the exact date of the payment (in the case of
payments made every-other-week, for example), you may enter a date
that is close to the actual date. You will be presented with a
selection list of dates close to the estimated date to choose from.
After entering the payment numbers or dates, you will be prompted to
enter either the "Amount Paid" or the "Additional Amount", depending
on which option you chose from the Accelerated Payment Menu (See
above for a description of the difference between the two).
When data entry is complete, you will be asked if the accelerated
payments should be entered into the amortization schedule. You must
answer "Yes" to this question to have the new payments included in
the schedule and the payment summary.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 25
The Options Menu (continued)
Balloon Payment
---------------
A loan that is "amortized" over one period but is scheduled to be
paid off at the end of a shorter period with a lump sum payment is
said to have a "balloon payment." For example, a $100,000 mortgage
"amortized" over thirty years at 7% interest would have monthly
payments of $665.30. If the loan ended after 7 years, the 84th
payment would be $91,147.68, which would completely retire the loan.
This final payment is called the "balloon payment."
The Balloon Payment Menu gives you two options:
Calculate Balloon Payment - Calculates the amount of a balloon
payment and, optionally, inserts the balloon payment into the
loan schedule.
Eliminate Balloon Payment - Removes a balloon payment that was
previously entered into the loan schedule.
If you select the "Calculate Balloon Payment" option, an entry
window will be displayed. Enter one of the following:
The Year the Loan is Due - Most balloon loans are referred to by
this number. For example, a "seven year balloon" is due at
the end of year seven, so the correct entry would be the
number 7. Do not enter the calendar year that the loan is due
on this line.
Payment Number - Enter the number of the balloon payment. For
example, a "seven year balloon" note is due on payment number
84 (12 payments per year X 7 years). This number is usually
specified in your loan documents.
Due Date - This is the date that the last payment is due to be
paid. This date is usually specified in the loan documents.
After entering one of the above items, the remaining items will be
calculated and displayed, as well as the amount of the balloon
payment.
When exiting the Calculate Balloon Payment screen, you will be asked
if the Balloon Payment should be inserted into the amortization
schedule. Answer "Yes" to update the schedule to include the balloon
payment.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 26
The Options Menu (continued)
Change Heading
--------------
NOTE - This Option is available only in the registered version. See
Ordering AMORTZ (page 6) for details on ordering.
AMORTZ can print up to 6 heading lines; all fully customizable by
you. The customized heading can be saved as part of the
configuration file (see page 10) for use in subsequent sessions.
The heading is usually used for information such as your company
name, starting date, payment amount, page number and so on. In
addition to the heading information entered here, every time a
printed schedule is requested, the you are asked to supply a unique,
identifying name (called the "Schedule Name" - page 11) for that
particular schedule (examples of a schedule name might be "car loan"
or "Mortgage - 1234 Anywhere St"). The schedule name will then be
automatically placed in the heading through use of a "Formatting
Code."
Entering Heading Lines - after selecting "Change Heading" from the
Options Menu, the "Customize Heading" window is opened for
input. The existing heading template is displayed, by line, for
you to change or replace. Enter the six heading lines (or edit
the existing lines) as you wish them to appear in the printed
report, using the Formatting Codes described below. The cursor
keys or mouse will move between lines.
Formatting Codes - When designing a heading, there are usually
several items that will change from schedule to schedule. To
make the heading as flexible as possible, you can use Formatting
Codes to represent the data that will change.
The symbol "^" used in the following table represents the 'Ctrl'
key. For example, to enter "^P", hold the 'Ctrl' key down while
pressing the 'P' key.
The Formatting Codes are:
| - Center the following text
Any text following this code in a line will be printed
in the center of the resulting heading line.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 27
The Options Menu (continued)
|| - Right Justify the following text
Any text following this code in a line will be "right
justified" when printed in the heading line. Right
justification means that the last letter of the text
will be printed on the right print margin (as specified
in the Pagination Option - page 32).
^A - Insert the Payment Amount
The initial periodic payment amount will be substituted
wherever this code appears in the heading. A leading
currency symbol is automatically shown.
^B - Insert the Beginning Balance
The beginning principal amount will be substituted
wherever this code appears in the heading. A leading
currency symbol is automatically shown.
^D - Insert the System Date
The system date will be substituted wherever this code
appears in the heading.
^N - Insert the Schedule Name
The unique, identifying name for the particular schedule
being printed will be substituted wherever this code
appears in the heading. (See page 11 for a description
of the Schedule Name.)
^I - Insert the Initial Interest Rate
The initial interest rate will be substituted wherever
this code appears in the heading. A trailing percentage
sign (%) is automatically shown.
^P - Insert the Current Page Number
The current page number will be substituted wherever
this code appears in the heading.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 28
The Options Menu (continued)
The codes can be combined on a single line. For example -
||Page ^P
will print "Page 1" on the first page, aligned with the right
margin.
^B|^I
will print the beginning loan balance (^B) flush with the left
margin, while the interest rate (^I) will be centered (|) in the
line.
Any text entered (called a literal string) will be reproduced
exactly in the heading line. For example, if the beginning loan
balance is $10,000, the line
Beginning Balance - ^B
will be printed (on the left margin) as
Beginning Balance - $10,000.00
Hint - Pressing the 'F5' key will print a sample of the heading that
you designed. (You may have to eject the page by pressing the
'F6' key)
See Heading Example (page 40) for a detailed example of constructing
a customized heading.
Color Control
-------------
Most of the colors used in the AMORTZ screens can be changed by you.
Select "Color Control" from the Options Menu and you will be pre-
sented with another menu listing the screens where colors can be
changed. As you pass through the menu lines, a relevant sample
screen will be shown in the background. When the screen you wish to
change is shown, press the 'Enter' key (or the left mouse button) to
reveal another menu showing the components of that particular
screen.
To change the color for one of the screen components, select that
component from the menu to reveal a "color grid" which displays all
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 29
The Options Menu (continued)
of the possible color combinations. (Hint - press the "Page Down"
key to see another grid that includes "intense" colors.) Use the
cursor keys (or the mouse) to select a color combination, then press
the "Enter" key (or click the left mouse button) to have that color
reflected in the sample screen.
You can try as many color combinations as you want to achieve the
effect that is most pleasing to you. When all of the colors for a
particular screen are correct, 'Esc' from the menu to record the
colors. If necessary, select the "Restore Defaults" option to remove
all color changes you have made.
There are three sets of "default" colors that can be selected from
the "Set System Colors" sub-menu. If you are having trouble reading
any of the AMORTZ screens, you may want to try using one of these
preset defaults before going through the effort of setting custom
colors. These defaults are:
Monochrome
Laptop
Color System
PLEASE USE CAUTION when selecting any of these defaults. They will
replace any custom colors that you have defined. If you have custom
colors that you want to protect, use the "Save Configuration" option
(page 37) to save your custom colors BEFORE you try these defaults.
Currency Symbol
---------------
AMORTZ prints a currency symbol as a part of the standard heading,
wherever the beginning balance or payment amount formatting codes
are used. This option allows you to change the standard currency
symbol to whatever symbol you want used. Please note that the symbol
will always print BEFORE (i.e., to the left) of these numbers. If
this is unacceptable, you may want to enter a blank space as the
default, essentially eliminating the leading symbol.
Fiscal Year End
---------------
While most of the world recognizes December 31 as the last day of
every year, the accounting year for businesses (called a fiscal
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 30
The Options Menu (continued)
year) can end on any date. Most individuals can safely accept the
default "fiscal year end" of December, but AMORTZ allows businesses
(or even individuals!) to select a fiscal year ending in any month
of the year.
To change the fiscal year end, select "Fiscal Year End" from the
Options menu. You will be presented with a "pick list" of the 12
months. Use the cursor keys to highlight the month you want, then
press 'Enter' to select that month. Alternately, just double-click
the mouse on the month you want.
If you entered loan data into a schedule before changing the fiscal
year, you will then be asked if the new fiscal year end should be
entered into the existing schedule. If you answer "Yes", the
schedule will be recalculated to display totals based upon the new
year end.
Load Data
---------
This option will retrieve a data file that has previously been saved
to a disk through the "Save Data" option (page 36). All of the data
that was saved (which will include any special options) will be
loaded into memory, ready for display, printing or any changes that
need to be made.
To load a data file, select "Load Data" from the Options Menu. You
will be prompted for the name of the file to be loaded. Enter the
name of the file (including extension, if any, and the directory, if
different from the start-up directory) and press 'Enter' to read the
file into memory.
If you cannot remember the name of the file, you can use an asterisk
(the "*" key) as a "wildcard". For example, if you saved the file
with the recommended extension of ".DAT", then entering *.DAT will
generate a listing of all files in the current directory with the
.DAT extension. Entering "*.*" will generate a listing of all the
files in the current directory. Use the cursor keys and 'Enter' key
(or click the left mouse button) to select the file that you want.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 31
The Options Menu (continued)
Pagination
----------
The physical layout of the printed amortization schedule can be
changed by varying the values presented in the Pagination Menu. The
values that can be changed and their default values are:
Top Margin 6 lines
Bottom Margin 4 lines
Page Length 59 lines
Left Margin 1 space
Line Length 80 spaces
Split Years Yes
Top Margin - The number of blank lines to leave at the top of
each page. The heading will start on the line after the line
number entered here.
Bottom Margin - The number of blank spaces to leave at the
bottom of each page. The last line printed on the report will
be the difference between the Page Length and the Bottom
Margin.
Page Length - The number of print lines on a page (including the
top and bottom margins). Dot matrix printers can print as
many as 66 lines on an 8 ½" x 11" sheet, ink jet printers are
in the 60 to 62 line range, and laser printers should be set
at 59 or 60 lines. Printing on larger paper sizes (such as
"legal" paper) is supported. Just increase the Page Length as
required.
If you have a dot matrix printer with continuous feed and
page skip enabled and desire a continuous printout (i.e., no
page breaks at all), enter the number 0 (zero).
Left Margin - The number of blank spaces to leave on the left
edge of the page. Printing will begin in the first column
after this number.
Line Length - The number of print spaces per page (including the
left margin).
Split Years - Some users think that amortization schedules have
a more professional appearance if fiscal years are not split
between two printed pages. Typically, however, this will res
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 32
The Options Menu (continued)
ult
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"Yes" means that each page will be filled no matter when the
year ends (i.e., years may be split between two pages), while
"No" means that each page will end with an annual total, no
matter how much blank space is left at the bottom of the
page.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 33
The Options Menu (continued)
Payment Frequency
-----------------
AMORTZ can compute loan data using several of the most popular
payment plans. You should be aware that most of these payment plans
require special arrangements with your lender. AMORTZ can show you
what savings may be realized by using one of the alternative plans,
but you should always communicate with the lender before making any
changes in your loan payment.
Payment plans included in AMORTZ are:
Monthly Payments - This is the "standard" payment plan for most
consumer and mortgage debt.
Twice a Month - By paying half of the standard monthly payment
twice a month, you can substantially reduce the loan term and
total interest paid over the life of the loan.
Under the "Twice a Month" plan, payments are typically made
on the same two dates every month (for example, on the 15th
day and the last day of every month), which totals 24 pay-
ments per year.
Every Other Week - By dividing the "annual payment" into 26
equal installments, this payment plan results in even lower
total interest and faster loan retirement.
This payment plan differs from the "Twice a Month" plan in
that a payment is typically made on the same day of "Every
Other Week" (for example, every other Friday), which totals
26 payments per year.
Every Four Weeks - By making an extra loan payment every year,
this payment plan results in 13 (rather than 12) payments per
year. Again, this payment plan can result in substantially
lower total interest over the life of the loan, and faster
loan retirement. Unlike the previous two plans, however, this
plan requires much higher cash outlay every year.
Annually - For convenience, some commercial loans (and personal
loans between friends or family) specify that only one loan
payment is made per year.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 34
The Options Menu (continued)
Printed Report Options
----------------------
The type of data presented and the presence or absence of totals in
the printed schedule can be changed by switching the values shown in
this menu to either "Yes" or "No". The items that can be changed and
their default values are:
Print Payment Number No
Print Annual Totals Yes
Print Grand Totals Yes
Print Payment Number - This setting controls whether the "Pay-
ment Number" will be printed. Due to the limitations of an 80
character page width, if the "Payment Number" is printed, the
column for "Check No" will not print.
Print Annual Totals - If set to "Yes", the printed report will
present totals at the end of each year for payments, interest
and principal paid that year. If set to "No", these totals do
not print and there is no break at the end of the fiscal
year.
Print Grand Totals - If set to "Yes", the printed report will
present totals at the end of the report for the total of
payments made, total interest and total principal paid over
the life of the loan. If set to "No", these totals do not
print.
Use the 'Enter' key or the 'Space Bar'or mouse to toggle between
'Yes" and "No".
Restore Defaults
----------------
Choose this option to reset all options to the system defaults (see
Options Menu on page 22, 24 for a listing of the system defaults).
WARNING -- This option eliminates any special colors that you may
have set, or any changes to your customized heading. Please be
sure that these changes are acceptable before you "Save" the new
values to the configuration file.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 35
The Options Menu (continued)
Save Data
---------
This option allows you to save data for a particular loan to a hard
drive or diskette. The saved data can later be recalled using the
"Load Data" option. Data saved includes all of the options that are
set at the time that the save is performed (such as colors,
accelerated payments, balloon payments, etc.) and any data (i.e.,
check numbers or dates paid) that you may have entered for a
particular loan.
This allows you to enter data into your loan file on a regular basis
without having to reenter all data manually. For example, if you
occasionally pay an extra $50.00 in principal, you could enter the
payment under "Input Schedule Data" function in the main menu,
recalculate the amortization schedule and save the resulting file to
be recalled when you make subsequent payments.
When this option is selected, you will be prompted to enter a name
for the data file that is to be saved. (AMORTZ will prompt you with
the name "AMORTZ.DAT" in the current disk directory). Enter a name
that is meaningful for you, subject to the limitations outlined in
Naming DOS Files (page 11).
Variable Interest Rate
----------------------
Many loans include a provision for variable or adjustable interest
rates (in real estate, this type of loan is frequently called an ARM
or Adjustable Rate Mortgage). To enter a loan with variable interest
rates into AMORTZ, follow these steps:
1. Enter the loan through the "Data Screen" using the interest
rate applicable at the inception of the loan. The program
will then calculate an amortization schedule based upon this
initial interest rate.
2. Use the "Variable Interest Rate" option from the Options Menu
to change the interest rate for a range of periods OR the
"Input Schedule Data" (see page 20) selection from the Main
Menu to change the interest rate for a single period.
The Variable Interest menu gives you two options:
Enter New Rate - Select this option to enter a new rate (You
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 36
could enter several different rates. Just select this menu
option as many times as necessary to enter all applicable
rates.)
Delete Variable Interest Rates - Select this option if you wish
to remove all variable rates previously entered for the loan.
The rate for the entire loan will revert to the initial rate.
The Variable Interest Rate input screen is designed so that you may
enter EITHER the beginning and ending payment number OR the relevant
dates, whichever you have access to. If you enter the payment
number, the date will be computed for you, and vice versa.
If you do not know the exact date of the payment (in the case of
payments made every-other-week, for example), you may enter a date
that is close to the actual date. You will then be presented with a
selection list of dates close to the estimated date to choose from.
After entering the payment numbers or dates, you will be prompted to
enter the new interest rate. Since a new interest rate will
generally require a new periodic payment amount, you will then be
prompted for the new payment amount (just press 'Enter' to retain
the old payment). Under the "typical" circumstance where the new
interest rate will be in force for an undetermined period, leave the
"Ending Pymt No." field blank. AMORTZ will assume that the new rate
is effective to the end of the loan and will compute the new payment
amount. Just press the 'F2' key to have the computation made.
When exiting the Options Menu, be sure to answer "Y" to the "Recal-
culate Amortization Schedule" prompt to have the new interest rate
inserted into the schedule and the payment summary.
Save Configuration
------------------
Use this option to save the current settings for all options.
WARNING - This will overwrite any previously saved configuration
files. (See page 10 for a description of the configuration
file.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 37
Examples
Car Loan Example
----------------
Lets look at that car of your dreams, and see what AMORTZ could do
to help you in your purchase decision.
Assume that you have a $4,000 trade-in to put down on that new
"Turbo 287 ZHQ", you want to pay the loan for 5 years (60 payments),
and your credit union has told you that your excellent credit rating
entitles you to a loan at 13.75%. You talk it over with your spouse
and decide that by postponing junior's braces for another year you
can swing payments of $275.00 a month.
Now the big question --- HOW MUCH CAN I AFFORD TO PAY for my "Turbo
287 ZHQ"?
Fire up AMORTZ (by entering AMORTZ at the DOS prompt) and enter the
following data:
Principal : 0 (0 means to solve for this)
Annual Interest Rate: 13.75
Payment Amount : 275.00
Number of Payments : 60.00
Initial Payment Due : 04/01/XX (Enter the correct date here)
Press 'Enter' (or the 'F9' key) to calculate and you will see that
the '0' in the principal field has been replaced with $11,884.78.
This means that the total you can pay for the car of your dreams is
$15,884.78 ($4,000 trade-in plus $11,884.75 financed).
"NOT ENOUGH!" you cry, "the Turbo 287 ZHQ I want lists for $25,000!
What would my payments be if I ended up paying, say, $24,000?"
To determine this (i.e., to solve for the payment amount), use the
cursor keys, tab keys or mouse to position the cursor at the princi-
pal line. Enter 20,000 (total cost of $24,000 minus the $4,000
trade-in), press return to retain the 13.75% interest rate, enter 0
(zero) for the payment amount and then press the 'F9' key. AMORTZ
will then solve for the Payment Amount and place it on the screen
for you ($462.78).
After picking yourself up off the floor, you are now in a better
position to determine whether the "good old sedan" can make it for
another year. ("Hey. It still runs perfectly!")
Be sure to print an amortization schedule after the purchase is
made. This is an excellent means to keep track of your payments and
to see how "quickly"(?) the equity in your new car builds.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 38
Examples (continued)
"What If" Example
-----------------
AMORTZ can be used to compare different loan assumptions and
scenarios (i.e., "What if" we added another year to the loan, or
"What if" I increased the principal payment by $25.00 a month). You
can change the Data Screen as many times as necessary, changing as
many variables as you want to see the effect of any of the changes.
Simply enter zero (0) for the value that you want to compute, then
"press" the "Calculate Button" or the 'F9' key to calculate the
unknown value.
For example, assume that you are currently paying $684.33 per month
in principal and interest on your mortgage (DO NOT include "escrow"
payments such as taxes, insurance and Private Mortgage Insurance
[sometimes called PMI] in these calculations!). Your rate is 9.00%
and you have 19 years (19 years * 12 months = 228 payments) remain-
ing on the loan.
Enter this data into AMORTZ, using 0 (zero) for the principal, and
AMORTZ will determine that the current principal amount is
$74,635.45. Press the "Accept Input" button, and the amortization
schedule will be calculated.
When the Main Menu is presented, select the "Loan Summary" function
(or press the 'L' key), and the loan summary will be displayed.
Total Principal $ 74,635.45
Total Interest $ 81,391.92
Total Payments $ 156,027.45
Press the 'F5' key to print this summary for comparison with the
next step.
Now you ask yourself: "WHAT IF I paid an additional $50.00 per
month. How much would I save in the long-run?"
Simply press a key to close the summary, then select "Change Loan
Data" from the Main Menu (or press the 'C' key) to change your loan
assumptions. At the Data screen, press 'Enter' at the Principal and
Interest lines (those values don't change), enter 734.23 at the
Payment line (the original $684.23 plus your additional $50) and 0
(zero) at the Payment Periods line. AMORTZ will calculate the re-
maining periods at the new payment rate (192.33 months).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 39
Examples (continued)
When returned to the Main Menu, select "Loan Summary" again to see
what effect the extra payment had. You may be surprised at how much
you can save by this additional payment! (Under our assumptions, the
extra $50.00 would have trimmed total interest by $14,811.27 and
would have paid the loan off almost THREE YEARS sooner.)
Of course, you could take a look at the amortization schedule (on
screen or by printing a hard copy) after any of your assumptions to
see how quickly the principal of your mortgage is declining.
WARNING - YOUR PARTICULAR MORTGAGE AGREEMENT MAY NOT ALLOW
ADDITIONAL PRINCIPAL PAYMENTS, OR MAY REQUIRE CERTAIN
MINIMUM INCREMENTS!
Change Heading Example
----------------------
The "Change Heading" function is not available in the evaluation
version of AMORTZ. See the sections Benefits of Purchase (page 5)
and Ordering AMORTZ (page 6) for information regarding how to ac-
quire your copy of the registered version.
As an example of how to construct your own heading, we will examine
the default heading that is included in AMORTZ. The 6 coded lines
are:
|AMORTIZATION SCHEDULE
|^N||Page^P
Beginning Balance - ^B||Annual Interest Rate - ^I
Payment Amount - ^A||Run Date - ^D
These lines produce a heading that looks like this:
AMORTIZATION SCHEDULE
Car Loan Page 1
Beginning Balance - $143,100.00 Annual Interest Rate - 9.7500%
Payment Amount - $1000.58 Run Date - 03/31/95
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 40
Examples (continued)
Lets look at each line to see how this heading was constructed:
Line 1 - |AMORTIZATION SCHEDULE
This uses the Formatting Code '|' to center the text
string 'AMORTIZATION SCHEDULE'
Line 2 - blank
Leave some "white space" to make the heading easier to
read.
Line 3 - |^N||Page^P
Once again, the '|' code is used to center text, but this
time the text that is centered is the "Schedule Name" that
you will supply when the schedule is printed. The Schedule
Name is represented here by the ^N Formatting Code (hold
down the 'Ctrl' key while you press the 'N' key).
The next Formatting Code in this line is the '||', which
signifies that the text to follow should be adjusted so
that it ends flush with the right margin.
Finally, a combination of text (the word 'Page') and
Formatting Code (^P) prints the page number.
Line 4 - blank to provide more "white space"
Line 5 - Beginning Balance - ^B||Annual Interest Rate - ^I
The words 'Beginning Balance - ' will be printed beginning
at the left margin, followed by the beginning balance of
the loan generated by the Formatting Code ^B. Note that a
leading currency symbol is automatically generated and
placed in front of the value.
Then the words "Annual Interest Rate - " and the initial
loan interest rate (generated by the code '^I') will be
printed flush with the right margin (through the use of
the '||' Formatting Code).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 41
Examples (continued)
Line 6 - Payment Amount - ^A||Run Date - ^D
Very similar to Line 5, this line prints the words "Pay-
ment Amount - " followed by the beginning payment amount
flush on the left margin, then prints the run date against
the right margin.
You may have to experiment with blank spaces and/or lines to achieve
the effect that you prefer.
HINT - While "building" your heading, you can press the 'F5' key at
any time to print a sample of your heading.
Saving and Loading Data Example
-------------------------------
The ability to recall loan data, modify it, then save the modified
data is a very powerful feature of AMORTZ. This example will walk
you through a typical session where you record a loan payment to an
existing schedule.
First of all, the initial loan must be generated and saved. For this
example, enter the following data:
Principal : $150,000.00
Annual Interest Rate: 8.2500%
Payment Amount : 0
Number of Payments : 360.00
Initial Due Date : 03/31/95
Press the "Calculate" button (or the 'F9' key) to calculate the
payment amount (should be $1,126.90), then press the "Accept Input"
button so that the Main Menu is displayed. To save the data, call
the Options Menu (by pressing the 'F10' key, pressing the 'O' key,
or selecting the "Options Menu" function from the Main Menu).
From the Options Menu, select the "Save Data" function. You will be
asked to enter a file name. For this example, type the name
"EXAMPLE.DAT", then press the 'Enter' key. You will see a message
indicating that the file is being saved, then will be returned to
the Options Menu.
For purposes of this example, let's assume a month has passed. Exit
the program and then re-start AMORTZ. As you gain experience with
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AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 42
Examples (continued)
this procedure, you will find it isn't really necessary to exit the
program before loading a data file. This enables you to work on
several different loan files in a single session, though only one
file can be in memory at a time.
When AMORTZ is re-started, there is no need to reenter the loan
data. Simply call the Options Menu (by pressing the 'F10' key) and
select the "Load Data" function. Once again, you will be asked to
enter a file name. You could enter "EXAMPLE.DAT", but for this
example, just press the 'Enter' key. AMORTZ will present a "list
box" which displays all files in the current directory that have the
extension ".DAT". Use the cursor keys (or mouse) to highlight
EXAMPLE.DAT and press the 'Enter' key to select your example data
file.
Exit the Options Menu and notice that AMORTZ is no longer at the
Data Screen. AMORTZ has detected that data has been loaded and has
moved on to the Main Menu. You can verify the loan data has been
loaded by displaying the schedule.
Now let's assume that the first payment was made on March 28, 1995
with check number 4567. Assume further an extra $100 was paid toward
the loan principal. To record this payment, select the "Input Sched-
ule Data" function. You will next see the "Payment Entry" screen,
which has already selected payment Number 1 for update. Enter the
Amount Paid (1,226.90 was paid), as well as the check number and the
date paid (03/28/95). If all data are correct, press the 'F2' key to
record the data. AMORTZ will record the data and present the next
payment for possible update. Since there is no more data to enter,
press the 'Esc' key to end input.
You will then be asked if the Amortization Schedule should be re-
calculated. Since there was additional $100 toward principal, answer
yes so that the extra payment is recorded.
One interesting result of this example is the net effect this addi-
tional $100.00 has over the life of the loan. If you now select the
"Loan Summary" function, you will see one complete payment has been
eliminated. In fact, thanks to the magic of compound interest, total
interest over the life of the loan was reduced by $1,069.66!
NOTE - You can have AMORTZ automatically load an existing data file
by using the command line agrument '-f'. See the section
titled "Command Line Agruments" (page 12) for details.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 43
Examples (continued)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can AMORTZ handle loans that don't charge interest?
Yes. Called "Zero Interest Loans", these arrangements are
frequently made with friends or relatives. Simply enter the
letter 'Z' (or 'z') on the 'Interest' line in the Data Screen.
AMORTZ will then make all computations without including any
interest payments.
If you want to waive interest on just one payment (or a few
payments), use the "Variable Interest Rate" option in the Op-
tions Menu, or the "Input Schedule Data" option of the Main
Menu.
2. The annual statement from the bank doesn't match the schedule
produced by AMORTZ. What gives?
Several things could be happening:
a. The bank may not have received all of your payments (and
posted them to your account) in the same year that you
mailed them, causing the bank balance to be "off" by a
full payment.
b. Differing methods of rounding may cause a difference of a
few pennies. If this happens, use the "Input Schedule
Data" option of the Main Menu to change the balance to
match the bank's balance after any payment.
c. The bank may use a different method to compute the interest
payments. AMORTZ currently uses the most popular method to
compute interest, but there are some institutions who
cling to some of the older (generally obsolete) methods,
such as the "360 day year", or the "rule of 78's." The
current version of AMORTZ does not support these methods.
If none of these possibilities apply, please contact us so that
we can help to determine what the difference might be. (See
Technical Support on page 8).
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AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 44
Frequently Asked Questions (continued)
3. My loan is several years old, with interest rate and payment
amount changes. Do I have to go back and enter all of this
detailed history?
No. Just enter the current information (loan balance, interest
rate, payment, next due date, etc.) and have AMORTZ track the
loan "from here on out."
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AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 45
General Information (continued)
General Information
ASP Ombudsman
-------------
This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware
Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware
principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware
related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member di-
rectly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you
resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not pro-
vide technical support for members' products.
Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at:
ASP Ombudsman
545 Grover Road
Muskegon, MI 49442-9427 U.S.A.
or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe MAIL to ASP Ombudsman
70007,3536.
Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP)
--------------------------------------------
The Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP) is a non-profit
organization whose broad goals include fostering a high degree of
professionalism among shareware authors by setting programming,
marketing, and support standards. The ASP's current code of ethics
includes:
* Members must respond to every order. At the very least, they
must send a receipt for the payment.
* Members must provide technical support for their products for
at least 90 days from the date of purchase.
* Members are required to cooperate with the Ombudsman when ap-
proached by him/her (see ASP Ombudsman above).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 46
General Information (continued)
For Programmers
---------------
AMORTZ was written in the C language, and was compiled with Borland
C++ by Borland International, Inc. Windowing and some I/O routines
make extensive use of the TCXL User Interface Development System
(version 6.12) by Innovative Data Concepts.
Heavily commented C source code is available to registered users for
$25.00. Be aware, however, that THE CODE WILL NOT COMPILE UNLESS YOU
HAVE ACCESS TO THE TCXL LIBRARY. TCXL is an extensive package encom-
passing user interfaces, string handling, memory management and so
on. For further information, contact:
Innovative Data Concepts
122 North York Road, Ste 5
Hatboro, PA 19040
(215) 443-9705
CompuServe
Fine Tuning for Windows
-----------------------
If you need to change the supplied PIF file (due to changing the
default directory of C:\LOAN, for example), use the following steps:
1. Start the PIF Editor which is found in the Main group.
2. Select "Open" from the "File" menu
3. Find the AMORTZ.PIF file (use the "Browse" button) and open
the file by double-clicking on it.
4. Edit the "Start-up Directory" to match the directory where
you found the AMORTZ.PIF file, or make any other change that
you need to the PIF file.
5. Select "File" and "Save" to save your changes.
6. Exit the PIF editor.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 47
General Information (continued)
We suggest that you add AMORTZ to a Windows Group, so that it is
easier to run when you need it. Following these steps only needs to
be done once:
1. Highlight a Windows group into which you want to place the
AMORTZ icon.
2. From the Program Manager, select "File" and then "New".
3. Press the 'Enter' key to accept the standard choice of a
Program Item.
4. Use the "Browse" button to again locate the directory where
AMORTZ resides. Highlight and "Select" the file AMORTZ.PIF.
5. Click the "Change Icon" button, then click the "OK" button
when Windows informs you that no icons are available. Once
again, choose the "Browse" button, locate the AMORTZ direc-
tory, then double click on the file AMORTZ.ICO.
6. Enter a description for the program (i.e., "AMORTZ" or
"Loans" or some other description that is meaningful to you).
7. Finally, click the OK button and the AMORTZ icon should
appear in the program group that you chose.
8. To start AMORTZ, simply double-click on the new icon.
Acknowledgments
----------------
IBM-PC is a trademark of IBM Corporation
PC-DOS is a trademark of IBM Corporation
MS-DOS is a trademark of Microsoft Inc.
Microsoft Windows and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Inc.
ASP is a trademark of the Association of Shareware Professionals
CompuServe is a service of H&R Block, Inc.
America Online is a service of Quantum Information Services.
AMORTZ is Copyright 1991-1996 by Mountain View Software. All
Rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 48
General Information (continued)
Limited Warranty
----------------
THIS SOFTWARE AND MANUAL ARE PROVIDED FOR EVALUATION ONLY, ON AN "AS
IS" BASIS. MOUNTAIN VIEW SOFTWARE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES RELATING
TO THIS SOFTWARE, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. NEITHER MOUNTAIN VIEW SOFTWARE NOR ANYONE ELSE
WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CREATION, PRODUCTION, OR DELIVERY OF
THIS SOFTWARE SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR
INCIDENTAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE SUCH
SOFTWARE, EVEN IF MOUNTAIN VIEW SOFTWARE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR CLAIMS. THE PERSON USING THE SOFTWARE
BEARS ALL RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE.
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Mis-
souri and shall inure to the benefit of Mountain View Software and
any successors, administrators, heirs and assigns. Any action or
proceeding brought by either party against the other arising out of
or related to this agreement shall be brought only in a STATE or
FEDERAL COURT of competent jurisdiction located in Jackson County,
Missouri. The parties hereby consent to in personam jurisdiction of
said courts.
System Requirements
-------------------
AMORTZ can run on almost any IBM PC compatible computer. For best
results, however, the following minimums are recommended:
* IBM PC/XT/AT or compatible computer
* Minimum of 300k RAM memory - 640k recommended
* 100k extended or expanded memory recommended
* At least one disk drive - hard drive recommended
* MS-DOS or PC-DOS versions 3.0 or higher
* Monitor - monochrome or color
* Mouse - recommended
* Printer - Minimum Epson or IBM compatible dot matrix. Ink-Jet
and Laser printers are supported
AMORTZ can be run from a "floppy disk" or with less memory than
listed, but you may notice a reduction in over-all performance.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 49
General Information (continued)
Revision History
----------------
Version 2.20 - Released March 1, 1996
Enhancements:
1. Added the '-f' command line argument so that an existing data
file can be loaded immediately into memory.
2. Added the 'Unscheduled Payment' function to the "Input
Schedule Data" Main Menu function enabling the user to make
principal only payments any time during the period of the
loan.
Corrections:
1. Schedules printed for a loan which was not fully amortized
were generating "garbage" data at the end of the print out.
2. Calculating missing variables for data which was not
internally consistent was causing unpredictable results.
Version 2.13 - Released November 30, 1995
Correction:
1. Virtual Memory Error was being generated under low memory
situations. Added "-e" switch to force AMORTZ to use a swap
file rather than extended or expanded memory
Version 2.12 - Released October 31, 1995
Correction:
1. Pressing 'F5' from the Condensed Display did not properly
print a "hard copy" of the condensed schedule.
2. Calling the Help Screen from within the "Print an Order Form"
option displayed an error message instead of the correct
help screen.
3. Running "Install" from a "floppy diskette" while in the A:\>
prompt caused a warning message.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 50
Version 2.11 - Released October 15, 1995
Correction:
1. Payment dates for loans beginning in December were being
computed incorrectly.
Version 2.10 - Released September 15, 1995
Enhancements:
1. The key combinations 'Alt X' and 'Alt F4' at the Main Menu or
the Data Screen will now exit the program.
2. Technical Support expanded to include The Microsoft Network.
3. More pleasing color chosen for the Loan Summary.
4. The Load Data "pick list" now includes disk drives.
5. Installation Shell copy procedure now shows total number of
files to copy.
6. Upgraded to new TCXL release 6.20.
Corrections:
1. Currency symbol did not correctly load from the configuration
file.
2. Mouse click over "Esc" in the Main Menu now works correctly.
3. Month and year were improperly computed when using the "An-
nual Payment" option. The dates are now computed correctly.
4. Older versions of DOS were reported having trouble finding
the AMORTZ.HLP file. The file can now be found by all ver-
sions back to 3.00.
Version 2.00 - Released July 31, 1995
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 51
Index
-----
-e . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 13 Currency Symbol . . . . . . . . 30
-f . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Data, Loading . . . . . . . . . 31
^ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Data, Saving . . . . . . . . . 36
Accelerated Payments . . . . . 15 Default Colors . . . . . . . . 30
Accept Input Button . . . . . . 16 Defaults, Restoring . . . . . . 35
Acknowledgements . . . . . . . 48 Disk File, Saving . . . . . . . 19
Additinal Payment . . . . . 20, 22 Display the Schedule . . . . . 17
Adjustable Interest Rates . . . 36 DOS Files, Naming . . . . . . . 11
Alt-F1 Key Combination . . . . 10 DOS Installation . . . . . . . . 3
Alt-I Key Combination . . . . . 10 Error 112 . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Alternate Interest Methods . . 44 Example = "What If" . . . . . . 39
AMORTZ.CFG . . . . . . . . . . 10 Example, Car Loan . . . . . . . 38
Annual Totals - Printing . . . 35 Example, Changing Heading . . . 40
Arguments, Command Line . . . . 12 Example, Saving & Loading Data
ARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 . . . . . . . . . . . 42
ASP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Exit Program . . . . . . . . . 23
ASP Ombudsman . . . . . . . . . 46 Extra Payment . . . . . . . . . 22
Assn of Shareware Professionals F1 Key . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 10
. . . . . . . . . . . 46 F10 Key . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Balance, Force . . . . . . . . 21 F2 Key . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Balloon Payments . . . . . 15, 26 Fast Start . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Benefits of Registration . . . . 5 Fine Tuning for Windows . . . . 47
Bottom Margin . . . . . . . 32, 35 Fiscal Year End . . . . . . . . 30
Break Years . . . . . . . . . . 32 Force Balance . . . . . . . . . 21
Browse Payments . . . . . . . . 21 Frequency of Payment . . . . . 34
Calculate, button . . . . . . . 16 Grand Totals - Printing . . . . 35
Calculate, Unknown Value . . . 16 Hard Copy . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Car Loan Example . . . . . . . 38 Heading, Changing . . . . . . . 27
Change Heading . . . . . . 18, 27 Help Window . . . . . . . . . . 10
Change Heading Example . . . . 40 Help, Using On-Line . . . . . . 10
Change Loan Data . . . . . . . 22 Hot Key, Select with Mouse . . . 9
Changing Display Colors . . 29, 30 Hot Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Color . . . . . . . . . . . 29, 30 How to Order . . . . . . . . . . 6
Colors, Default . . . . . . . . 30 Initial Due Date . . . . . . . 16
Colors, Intense . . . . . . . . 30 Innovative Data Concepts . . . 47
Command Line Arguments . . . . 12 Input Schedule Data . . . . . . 20
Command Line Option . . . . . . 13 Installation - DOS . . . . . . . 3
CompuServe . . 5, 6, 8, 23, 46, 48 Intense Colors . . . . . . . . 30
Configuration File, Explained Interest Rate . . . . . . . . . 15
. . . . . . . . . . . 10 Interest Rate, None . . . . . . 44
Configuration File, Saving . . 24, Interest Rate, Variable . . . . 36
37 Laptop Colors . . . . . . . . . 30
Control Key . . . . . . . . . . 27 Left Margin . . . . . . . . . . 32
Credit Card Orders . . . . . . . 6 Legend Window . . . . . . . . . . 9
Cross-References, Help System Line Length . . . . . . . . . . 32
. . . . . . . . . . . 10 Literal String . . . . . . . . 29
Ctrl . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Load Data . . . . . . . . . . . 31
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AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 52
Index (continued)
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Loan Summary . . . . . . . . . 20 Programming Notes . . . . . . . 47
Low Memory Conditions . . . . . 13 Public (software) Library . . . . 6
Lower Payment . . . . . . . . . 25 Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Made . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Reduced Payments . . . . . . . 25
Margins, Setting . . . . . . . 32 Registration Benefits . . . . . . 5
Monochrome Colors . . . . . . . 30 Report Options . . . . . . . . 35
Mouse, Using . . . . . . . . . . 9 Restore Defaults . . . . . . . 35
Naming DOS Files . . . . . . . 11 Revision History . . . . . . . 50
No Interest Loans . . . . . . . 44 Rule of 78's . . . . . . . . . 44
Non-Interest Bearing Loans . . 15 Running AMORTZ . . . . . . . . . 2
Normal Display . . . . . . . . 17 Save Configuration File . . 24, 37
Number of Payments . . . . . . 15 Save Data . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Older Loans . . . . . . . . . . 44 Save Schedule to Disk . . . . . 19
Ombudsman . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Saving & Loading Data Example
On-Line Help . . . . . . . . . 10 . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Options Menu . . . . . . . . . 24 Schedule Name . . . . . . . . . 11
Options Menu, Calling . . . . . 22 Screen Display . . . . . . . . 17
Order Form, Printing . . . . . 23 Shareware Defined . . . . . . . . 4
Ordering by Credit Card . . . . . 6 Solve for Unknown Value . . 15, 16
Ordering by Mail . . . . . . . . 6 Stop Asking . . . . . . . . . . 24
Ordering by SWREG . . . . . . . . 7 String, Literal . . . . . . . . 29
Ordering Methods . . . . . . . . 6 Summary, Loan . . . . . . . . . 20
Page Length . . . . . . . . 32, 35 Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Pagination . . . . . . . . . . 32 SWREG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Payment Amount . . . . . . . . 15 TCXL . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Payment Entry Screen . . . . . 21 Technical Support . . . . . . . . 8
Payment Frequency . . . . . . . 34 Top Margin . . . . . . . . 32, 35
Payment Reductions . . . . . . 25 Totals - Printing . . . . . . . 35
Payment, Balloon . . . . . . . 26 Unscheduled Payments . . . 20, 22
Payment, Extra . . . . . . . . 22 Using a Mouse . . . . . . . . . . 9
Payment, Unscheduled . . . . . 22 Using Help . . . . . . . . . . 10
PIF File . . . . . . . . . 12, 47 Variable Interest Rate . . . . 36
Principal . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Virtual Memory Error . . . . . 13
Principal Only Payments . . 20, 22 Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Print an Order Form . . . . . . 23 What If Example . . . . . . . . 39
Print Annual Totals . . . . . . 35 What is Shareware . . . . . . . . 4
Print Grand Totals . . . . . . 35 Windows, Fine Tuning . . . . . 47
Print Report Options . . . . . 35 World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . 8
Print the Schedule . . . . . . 18 WWW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Printed Report Options . . . . 35 Year End, Fiscal . . . . . . . 30
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Zero Interest Loans . . . . 15, 44
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AMORTZ 2.20 - User's Guide Page 53
AMORTZ - Loan Schedules & More! version 2.20
Order Form 2026A
Qty Item Price Total
--- ---- ----- -----
____ Registration and Program Disk . . . . . . .@ $15.00 ea $________
____ Source Code (OPTIONAL - For Programmers). .@ $25.00 ea $________
Shipping and Handling ($2.50 in North America,
$5.00 elsewhere) $________
Washington State residents - please add 8% sales tax $________
TOTAL $________
Remit in US Funds to:
Mountain View Software
209 Avila Circle
Kansas City, MO 64114-5519
Check or money orders accepted. Please do not send cash.
Allow 3 - 4 weeks for delivery.
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Name _____________________________________________________________
Company _____________________________________________________________
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Where did you obtain your copy of AMORTZ? ___________________________
A 3.5" Diskette will be sent unless otherwise requested.
Comments, Bug Reports, Questions, Suggestions and such: _____________
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Thank you for your support!