












                              Shopper's Assistant

                                  Version 4.0









                  A program to make your weekly shopping trips
                       easier, faster and less expensive.






















                       Copyright 1993 by Norman O. Morgan









     Table of Contents
     -----------------

     What is Shopper's Assistant?.................................. 2

     A bit of history.............................................. 2

     What is included?............................................. 2

     Installing Shopper's Assistant................................ 3

     Screens & Functions........................................... 4

          File Menu................................................ 5

          Item Menu................................................ 5

          Map Menu................................................. 6

          Options Menu............................................. 7

          Help Menu................................................ 7

     Reports & Listings............................................ 8

          Shopping List............................................ 8

          'Fridge' List............................................ 8

          Store Map................................................ 8

     Legal Stuff................................................... 9

     Warranties.................................................... 9

     How To Use Shopper's Assistant............................... 10

     Registration Form............................................ 12



















     ______________________________________________________________________
     Shopper's Assistant, version 4.0       -1-           December 28, 1993
     What is Shopper's Assistant?

     How many times has this happened to you at the grocery?  You're
     almost through...just picked up the bread and tomatoes and there
     it is at the bottom of your list...Toothbrush!  Now you must go
     all the way back to the other side of the store and  pick up the
     misplaced item.  You can waste a lot of time and steps this way.

     Shopper's Assistant is designed to eliminate the frustration of a
     jumbled list, saving you time and money.  Money?  Yes!  Because
     Shopper allows you to comparison shop between up to five stores
     and automatically selects the lowest price.  It will save you
     time, not only in the store but also while preparing your shopping
     list.  It would be almost impossible to hand write a shopping
     list as fast as you can prepare one with Shopper's Assistant.


     A bit of history...

     Shopper's Assistant has been around as a DOS program for several
     years.  It has been upgraded and refined many times.  A little
     over a year ago, it was joined by Windows Shopper in response to
     the many requests for a Windows version of the program.  The two
     programs were similar in concept, but Window Shopper offered some
     advanced features that were not possible in the DOS program...
     until now.  Now we have brought all of the enhanced functions of
     Window Shopper to our DOS version.  The two programs use the same
     file structures, and have idenetical features except where the
     inherent differences between DOS and Windows themselves dictate
     otherwise.


     What is included...

     The distribution disk or archive file should contain the
     following:

     README.1ST     A plain text file describing last minute changes, a
                    brief explanation of the installation procedure, and
                    how to view or print this documentation file.
     SHOP4DOC.TXT   The file you are reading right now.  This is a plain
                    text file and may be viewed with LIST or any ASCII
                    editor or printed by simply copying it to the printer.
     SHOPPER.EXE    The executable file for Shopper.
     SHOPPER.HLP    The on-line help file for Shopper.
     SETUP.EXE      The installation program for Shopper.

     SHOPPER.PIF and SHOPPER.ICO files are included for those who
     use the program under Microsoft Windows.  We suggest that
     Windows fans try our other program, Window Shopper, for a
     true Windows version of this program.






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     Shopper's Assistant, version 4.0       -2-           December 28, 1993
     INSTALLING SHOPPER'S ASSISTANT

     1.   Change to the drive containing the installation diskette
          and type SETUP.

     2.   The rest is automatic.  The install program will create a
          directory for the files and copy the files to it.

     3.   To run the program, change to the newly created directory,
          type SHOPPER and press ENTER.

     **   If you acquired this program by modem from a bulletin board
     system (BBS) or other online service, you may uncompress it to a
     diskette for installation, or install from a working directory
     on your hard disk.










































     ______________________________________________________________________
     Shopper's Assistant, version 4.0       -3-           December 28, 1993
     SCREENS AND FUNCTIONS

     The main screen for Shopper has a hierarchical pull-down menu.
     From it you select all other actions.  Each of the choices on the
     menu bar opens a list of from 2 to 4 secondary items.

     (By the way...I'll bet you hate that ugly registration reminder.
     So do I.  And for a mere 20 bucks I'll make it go away!)

     Here is an outline form of the menus and items on them:

     File
          Print
               Shopping List       F5
               Fridge List         F6
               Store Map
               Master List
          Exit                 Ctrl+X
     Item
          Clear Selections         F3
          Select Items             F4
          Review List
          Maintain Items
     Map
          Maintain Map
          Re-Map Stores
     Options
          Store Names
          Register
               Enter Serial Number
               Print Registration Form
     Help
          Contents                 F1
          Search
          Using Help
          About Shopper's Assistant





















     ______________________________________________________________________
     Shopper's Assistant, version 4.0       -4-           December 28, 1993
     FILE MENU

     The File menu contains only two choices, Print and Exit.  There
     are no Open and Save commands as found in typical programs.  This
     is because Shopper opens the files it needs automatically when it
     begins and saves them when it terminates.

     The Print choice gives a list of four different reports that may
     be printed.  The first two, Shopping List and Fridge List, are
     used each week and have shortcut keys available.  We will
     describe each of the reports in detail later in this document.

     The Exit choice also has a shortcut key, Ctrl+X.  You may also
     exit by using the standard Windows control box, either as a menu
     or by double-clicking.  In any case, Window Shopper saves your
     work before exiting.  In fact, the only way you could possibly
     not save your work is to lose power or reboot the computer in
     mid-session.

     ITEM MENU

     The first choice on the Item Menu is Clear Selections.  This is
     used each week to clear the previous choices and begin a shopping
     cycle.  You will be asked to confirm that you really want to
     clear the selections to prevent accidental erasures. Because this
     is a frequently used option, it has been assigned the F3 key as a
     shortcut.

     (Notice the sequence of the shortcut keys.  After the initial
     setup period, a normal session of using Shopper can be accom-
     plished by using only the function key shortcuts.  F3 to clear the
     list.  F4 to select the items to buy.  F5 to print the list.  F6
     to print the "fridge" list  or worksheet for the next cycle.)

     The second choice is Select Items.

     To select an item you want to buy, find it in the listing on the
     right side.  This is a scrolling list (scroll bars will appear
     when the list grows beyond 11 items).  Full information for the
     highlighted item is shown on the left of the form.  The store
     with the lowest price is automatically selected.  You may
     override this choice if you wish.  To keep an item from being
     suggested for a particular store, leave the price at zero in that
     store.  Tab from the item list to the Quantity box or click in
     the box with the mouse.  Enter the quantity to buy.  Tab again to
     the store selection.  If you agree with the selected store, tab
     once more, otherwise use the arrow keys or mouse to select the
     store.  If you want to use a coupon for this item (the list will
     be flagged to remind you to check for coupon specific
     requirements and the coupon amount will be deducted from the
     total), tab to the coupon box and enter the value of the coupon.
     Press or click OK to add the item to your list.

     Items you have already selected will have a "#" beside them in
     the list.  This is useful in several ways.  When beginning a new
     week's list, it will remind you if you have forgotten to clear

     ______________________________________________________________________
     Shopper's Assistant, version 4.0       -5-           December 28, 1993

     last week's choices.  It also "keeps your place" if you get
     interrupted while making your list.  Finally, it is a visual
     confirmation of the success of a speed selection operation.

     Speed selection!  If you want to buy one of an item, accept the
     default store and have no coupon, you may speed select by
     double-clicking the item in the item list box.  You may also just
     press ENTER while the item is highlighted.

     When all items have been selected, press or click the Finished
     button to return to the main menu.

     You may use the Review List option from the Item menu to see the
     items you have selected and get a rough total for each store as
     well as a grand total.  These total do not take coupons and taxes
     into account.  The Review List operates like a normal scrolling
     list.  Use the Up and Down arrows, Page Up, Page Down, Home and
     End keys to maneuver in it.  Press Enter, or Esc or click
     Finished to return to the main menu.

     The final choice on the Item menu is to Maintain your items.
     As in the item selection, begin by picking an item from the list
     on the right.  Notice that the Change and Delete buttons are not
     active until you select an item.  The edit boxes will fill with
     the information for that item and you may change it as needed.
     When all edits have been made, press or click Change to write the
     changes to the file.

     To add an item, simply start entering the information and then
     press or click Add.  The item will be added and the screen will
     clear for the next operation.  Note that the item category is a
     pull-down list.  Click on the arrow to the right of the box to
     open the list.  Click on an entry to select it and close the
     list.  With the keyboard, use the Alt+Down to open the list,
     select an entry by using the down arrow to highlight, then
     Alt+Down again to close the list.

     When all edits have been made, press or click Cancel to return to
     the main menu.  You may also press Esc to close this screen.

     MAP MENU

     The first choice on the Map menu is Maintain Map.

     As with the item selection and item maintenance screens, you
     begin by selecting a category from the list on the right.  Click
     on the entry and the data will appear in the edit boxes.  Make
     changes as needed and click Change.  You must press or click
     Change to write the changes back to the file.

     To add a new category, enter the data and press or click Add.
     The record is added to the file and the screen clears for the
     next operation.

     Press or click Cancel to return to the main menu.

     ______________________________________________________________________
     Shopper's Assistant, version 4.0       -6-           December 28, 1993

     The Re-Map Stores option on the Map menu will be discussed in the
     "How to Use Shopper's Assistant" section.

     OPTIONS MENU

     The first choice on the Options menu is Store Names.  This is
     normally used only during initial set up to enter the names of
     the stores you shop in and the local sales tax rates.  There is a
     separate tax rate for each store.  This is handy for people who
     shop in two different tax jurisdictions, perhaps across a county
     or state border.

     Simply tab to each field and enter the appropriate information.
     Press or click Done when all data is correct.

     The Register menu choice is used to insert your registration
     serial number and get rid of that nasty reminder on the main
     menu.  You will only use this option one time.  After your serial
     number is validated and accepted, the choice is dimmed on the
     menu and may not be selected.  You may also fill out and print
     your registration form from this menu choice.

     HELP MENU

     The Help menu offers the choices of eaxmining the help file table
     of contents, searching for help on a particular topic, or getting
     information on using the help system itself.

     About Shopper displays a small screen with the version and
     copyright information.  Also included is my name and address so
     you can reach me for comments, questions, etc. long after you
     have misplaced all the documentation for the program!
























     ______________________________________________________________________
     Shopper's Assistant, version 4.0       -7-           December 28, 1993
     REPORTS AND LISTINGS

     There are four reports available from Shopper:  the Shopping
     List(s), the "Fridge" list, the Store Map worksheet, and the item
     Master List.

     The Shopping List:

     Shopping List for Schnucks              10/4/92  6:03:01 AM
     Qty. Item           Description        Price Extn  Cpn  Loc.
     -----------------------------------------------------------
     2   *Peas, Canned  Green Giant          0.89 1.78 -0.35  10
     1    Eggs, Fresh   Grade AA Lg, 1 doz.  0.81 0.81        50
     1    Cokes, Diet   24 - 12 oz. cans     5.99 5.99

                    Total for Schnucks            8.58
                    less coupons                 -0.35
                                           -----------
                    Net Total                     8.23

     Notice the * to the left of the first item.  This is present
     because you indicated you had a coupon for this item.  It is a
     reminder to check the requirements of the coupon, i.e. size,
     quantity, brand, type, etc.

     The "Fridge" list:

     We call it the Fridge List because most folks take a magnet and
     hang this on the side of the refrigerator to use as a handy
     checklist during the week.  As soon as you realize you will need
     something on your next trip to the grocery, check it here.  The
     list contains only the item names and a box to check.  It is
     presented in 3 columns to get the most items in the least space.
     The list is in alphabetic sequence of the item name.  Here is a
     small sample:

     'Fridge' List for Schnucks              10/4/92  7:13:24 AM
     ----------------------------------------------------------
     [ ] Apples, Red     [ ] Fish, Frozen     [ ] Peas, Canned
     [ ] Bread, Rye      [ ] Milk, 2%         [ ] Potatos
     [ ] Bread, White    [ ] Milk, Buttermilk [ ] Tomatos

     The Store Map:

     The third report is used as a worksheet to enter the store
     layouts into the system so Window Shopper can sort your shopping
     lists in order of the way you like to shop in each store.  More
     about this concept in "How to Use Shopper" later in this
     document.   Here is a sample of the report:

     Store Map                                    10/4/92  9:07:25 AM
     Product Category Schnucks Wesselman Buy-Low Great Scot   Sam's
     ----------------------------------------------------------------
     Baby Products     _____    _____     _____     _____     _____
     Bakery            _____    _____     _____     _____     _____
     Coffee, Tea       _____    _____     _____     _____     _____

     ______________________________________________________________________
     Shopper's Assistant, version 4.0       -8-           December 28, 1993

     The actual report is double spaced to make it easier to write on.
     If the location is left at zero in a store, the map prints a
     blank for you to enter an number, otherwise it prints the number
     found in the file.

     The final report is a master list of your items.  It shows the
     item name, desription, product category, taxable status, and the
     price in each of the 5 stores.  It is used mostly to check your
     entry work for errors.

     LEGAL STUFF

     Shopper's Assistant is a copyrighted work.  It is not free and it
     is not in the public domain.  Except as specifically noted, all
     rights to this work are retained by the author, Norman O. Morgan.

     You are granted the right to install Shopper's Assistant on your
     system and use it for a reasonable period to determine whether it
     meets your needs.  A reasonable period for this purpose is deemed
     to be 30 days.  If, after that period, you continue to use the
     program, you are obligated to make payment directly to the
     author.

     Upon payment, you will receive a registration serial number.  Use
     the Register function on the Options menu to insert this number
     in the program and remove the registration reminder from the main
     menu screen.  Registration brings the added benefit of
     notification of updates and telephone support.  New versions are
     offered  to registered users first and offered at a substantial
     discount.

     You are encouraged to give copies of Shopper's Assistant to your
     friends, to upload it to computer bulletin boards, etc.  Under no
     circumstance may you reveal to another person your registration
     serial number.

     WARRANTIES

     None.  Although I have written this program carefully and tested
     it thoroughly, I cannot guarantee that it will work on your
     system.  Since it follows all standards and does nothing tricky,
     it should work.  It is up to you to determine if it works before
     paying for it.  There should be absolutely no way Shopper's
     Assistant can interfere with or damage anything else on your
     system, but under no circumstances will the author be responsible
     for any incidental or consequental damages to your system or
     data.  Use it at your own risk.









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     Shopper's Assistant, version 4.0       -9-           December 28, 1993
     How to Use Shopper's Assistant

     The first step in using Shopper's Assistant is to use the
     Options/Store Name function to enter the names and tax rates for
     each of the stores you want the program to recognize.

     The next step is to identify the categories of merchandise in
     your stores.  Throughout this document we assume that the program
     will be used for domestic grocery shopping, but there is no
     reason it could not be used for other purposes.  Make a list of
     all the different kinds of products you find in the store.  Be
     careful that you are neither too specific nor too general in this
     process.  For example if dairy items are found in two distinct
     areas in one or more of the stores you shop, break them down.
     For those stores where they are all together, you can simply
     assign the same number to both groups.

     Once you have identified the categories of merchandise, enter
     them in the Map Maitenace function.  Do not attempt to put
     locations on them yet.  When they have all been entered, print
     the Store Map.  Now visit each of the stores and take a stroll
     through it in the order you normally shop.  Jot down the order
     that you pass each category.  Hint:  Use increments of 5 or 10
     rather than 1 to make it easier to adjust later for changes in
     store arrangement and the inevitable errors and omissions.  When
     you have surveyed each of the stores, Enter the locations into
     the Map using the Map Maintenance once again.

     Now start making the list of items you buy repeatedly.  Enter
     each item in the Item Maintenance.  When asked for the product
     category, you may now select from the map you have already
     entered.  It will pick up the correct location in each store from
     the map.  You do not enter locations directly in each item, just
     the category.

     If you change the layout of a store, i.e. change the location
     numbers, you must use the Re-Map Stores command to adjust the
     locations in existing items.  This is done quickly and without
     manual intervention.

     If you move an individual item from one category to another, the
     locations are changed during that process and there is no need to
     Re-Map.

     So far you have done a lot of typing, but that is almost all
     behind you.  This is the point where Shopper's Assistant starts
     to make life easier for you.  Your stores are identified, your
     categories are determined and your items have been entered.  Now
     print a Fridge List and put it somewhere handy.  It is so named
     because most folks stick on the side of the refrigerator with a
     magnet.  Now, as you think of items during the week that you will
     need to buy on your next trip to the grocery, check them on the
     Frdige List.  By Friday evening, you will have most of the work
     of preparing your shopping list already done!



     ______________________________________________________________________
     Shopper's Assistant, version 4.0       -10-          December 28, 1993
     Just before you make that weekly trek to the grocery...before you
     join the Saturday Safeway Stampede...sit down at the computer
     with Fridge List in hand.

     Start Shopper's Assistant and pick Item/Clear Selections (F3).
     Now pick Item/Select Items (F4).  The list box on the right is in
     the same sequence as the Fridge List in your hand.  Simply move
     through the list of items selecting those you have checked.
     Remember the Speed Select feature:  If you want to buy just one
     of an item, want to buy it at the default (lowest price) store,
     and have no coupon, you may speed select by double-clicking the
     item in the list, by pressed ENTER while the item is highlighted.
     If you wish to check your work, pick Item/Review List to see the
     items and quantities you have selected.  You can make changes
     from the item select screen if needed.  If you accidentally
     select an item you do not really want to buy, use the select
     screen to change the quantity to zero.

     When all is correct, pick File/Print/Shopping List (F5) to print
     your list(s) to use in the store.  While you are at it, hit F6 or
     pick File/Print/Fridge List to print a blank worksheet for the
     next cycle of shopping.



































     ______________________________________________________________________
     Shopper's Assistant, version 4.0       -11-          December 28, 1993
     Registration Form     Shopper's Assistant      Version 4.0


     Please register me as a licensee of Shopper's Assistant.  Here is
     my check or money order for $20 (U.S. funds) plus $2 for shipping
     and handling ($4 S & H outside the U.S.).  Please send me a copy
     of the latest version on diskette, along with my registration
     serial number.

     I need the software supplied on:
          [  ] 3.5" diskette    [  ] 720K   [  ] 1.44M
          [  ] 5.25" diskette   [--] 360K*  [  ] 1.2M
                     (* Not available on 5.25" DD)


     Name: ______________________________________________

     Address: ___________________________________________

              ___________________________________________

     City, State, Zip:___________________________________

     Phone:  (_____)  _____ - ___________


     I got my copy of Shopper from ______________________


     Mail completed form and payment to:

                    Norman O. Morgan
                    313 Lexington Road
                    Evansville, IN  47710-3724
