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THE GROCERY CONSUMER 3.11             Food-for-Thought Software    1994-1996
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			IMPORTANT: 
After installation, please refer to the on-line Windows Help from within GC 
(see Help... Contents...) for details on how to use this software. 

When you register this software (see Help... Register...), you will receive 
the latest version on diskette, a printed and bound user manual, a  
registration code, priority technical support, free upgrades to future 
versions, and more.

This document includes information on:

	HARDWARE/SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
	SOURCES OF EXTERNAL FILES REQUIRED	
	INSTALLATION
	TROUBLESHOOTING
	PROBLEMS OR QUESTIONS
	SHAREWARE CONCEPT
	ARCHIVE PACKAGE
	OVERVIEW OF THE GROCERY CONSUMER
	REGISTRATION INFORMATION 
		

HARDWARE/SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS:

  Windows 3.1+
  VGA/SVGA monitor
  video driver	any VGA (640x480) or SVGA (800x600,1024x768) driver
		(64K colors is recommended, but not necessary)
		(do not use GC with any type of zoom fonts utility)		
  mouse		recommended, but not necessary
  printer	recommended, but not necessary
  hard drive	requires about 1.5 MB disk space for GC files 
		plus average of 2.7K disk space per recipe 
		(e.g., 3MB per 1000, 30MB per 10,000)
  RAM		160K RAM for GC program	plus 0.2K per recipe 
		(e.g., 200K RAM per 1000, 2MB RAM per 10,000)
  PKUNZIP.EXE 	file decompression program (PKWARE) to unzip GC cookbooks
  PKZIP.EXE  	file compression program (PKWARE) - see free sources below
		used by GC to zip GC cookbooks for exchange with others
  VBRUN300.DLL	Visual Basic runtime library - see free sources listed below
  text editor	Windows Notepad or another text editor
  GC311.ZIP	Grocery Consumer program archive


SOURCES OF EXTERNAL FILES REQUIRED:

     vbrun300.dll (run-time library for Visual Basic 3.0)
	internet	anonymous FTP to ftp.coast.net
			   (vbrun300.zip in /SimTel/win3/dll)
	BBS		The Fox's Lair BBS  at (423) 922-4679 
			   (look for vbrun300.zip)
	Microsoft	Microsoft Download Service at (206) 936-6735 
			   (look for vbrun300.dll)

     pkz204g.exe (self-extracting archive containing pkzip.exe, pkunzip.exe)
	internet	anonymous FTP to ftp.coast.net
			   (look for pkz204g.exe in SimTel's directory 
			    /SimTel/msdos/zip)
	BBS		The Fox's Lair BBS at (423) 922-4679 
			   (look for pkz204g.exe)
			any local BBS, usually in File Area called 
			   Archivers or Compression 
	
     you can download both from The Grocery Consumer WWW Page at
         http://www.intergate.net/chtml/ghauser/gcinfo.html


INSTALLATION:

				WARNING!!! :
	If you have a previous version of GC on your system, DO NOT select
	its directory as the installation path; use a new directory.  
	Otherwise, you will OVERWRITE your personalized recipe database and
	other important	files with the sample ones that come with the GC archive!

Step 1. Make sure PKZIP.EXE and PKUNZIP.EXE are in your DOS path. "In your DOS 
	path" means it is included in the PATH statement in your AUTOEXEC.BAT
	file. GC will run without these but GC will not be able 
	to create .ZIP files for you when you Zip Cookbooks.  You can 
	optionally specify the path to these files from within GC.
	
	For example, if your PATH statement looks like this:
		path=c:\dos;
	and pkzip.exe and pkunzip.exe are in your c:\utils directory, make
        your PATH statement look like this:
		path=c:\dos;c:\utils;
	
	To create a utilities directory like that referred to above, enter:
		cd\
		mkdir utils

Step 2. Make sure VBRUN300.DLL is in your \windows\system directory. The 
	Grocery Consumer will not execute without it.

	Verify this using the following commands from a DOS prompt:
		cd\
		dir /s vbrun300.dll

	or from the Windows File Manager, click on c:\ then 
	select File... Search... and enter vbrun300.dll in the text box.  Press 
	OK to perform the search.

Step 3. Install the Grocery Consumer

	Make sure ALL other applications are closed, especially Visual Basic
	applications.

	Double-click setup.exe in the list of files that were unzipped. 

	This will run the Setup program that will install The Grocery Consumer
	on your hard drive under c:\gc311 unless you select another location 
	during the install.
				WARNING:
	DO NOT select a previous GC directory as your install path!  If you 
	want to do this, rename	the old directory first. Example: You want to
	install gc311 into a directory that is named \gc311.  First rename the
	existing directory (use File... Rename... in the File Manager) to \gc311old
	and then install GC into \gc311	to avoid installing over the old one.

Step 4.	Before you run GC (---IMPORTANT---):

  	Make sure your PC's date and time are set correctly (use DATE and TIME
	commands in DOS, or use Control Panel... Date/Time... dialog box to
	set these)	
			
	If you are upgrading from any 2.xx version of GC, you must run 
	GC2XTO3X.EXE to convert your existing recipe file, category index,
	and menu file to GC v3.xx format.  This will create these files in 
	v3.xx format in your previous (v2.xx) directory. You will then need to
	use GC v3.xx File... Upgrade... procedure when you first run GC 
	as follows.
	
Step 5.	When you run GC for the first time (dbl-click the GC icon):

	If you are a registered user of a previous GC version:
	------------------------------------------------------
	Once GC is running, use File...Upgrade... to upgrade user files and
	your registration key from the previous GC directory.

	If the version you used previously was 3.06 or earlier, make sure you 
 	check the box to upgrade your coupon list when you do File... Upgrade... 
	(next step).  There was a format change in the coupon list for
	v3.07 and higher.


	If you are NOT a registered user of a previous GC version:
	----------------------------------------------------------------
	Register the new version, enter the registration code using Help... 
	Register... Reg. Info button. Then run File... Upgrade... to upgrade
	user files from your old GC directory to the new one.

	NOTE:  If you wish to continue adding to your recipe database as you 
	upgrade but you aren't a registered user, you may contact Gary Hauser
	via BBS message or internet email. I will tell you how to do this if
	your need is legitimate and you intend to register in the near future.
					
				IMPORTANT :
WARNING:  Do not attempt to use a registered key or code that does not belong
	  to you, or data loss could result.  Do not attempt to edit the
	  gc.key file or alter it in any way, or data loss could result.

Step 6. You are DONE!  Begin using The Grocery Consumer to manage your 
	grocery activities.


PROBLEMS OR QUESTIONS:

Read the detailed on-line Help (Help... Contents...) and the Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ) document on the GC WWW Page (see URL below). You can 
also contact Gary Hauser (GC author) for technical support by any of the 
following means (I prefer internet email):

		email:	ghauser@usit.net	
		  FAX:  (423) 922-5768
   <C>omment to Sysop:  The Fox's Lair BBS at (423) 922-4679
		phone:  (423) 922-4294 or 922-7722

If you need to contact me about a problem you are having, please include as 
much of this information as possible:

	- What type of PC are you running?
	- What version of Windows are you running?
	- What version of GC are you attempting to install/run?
	- Where did you obtain the GC archive you are using?
	- Have you been running a previous version of GC? Which one?
	- What is the exact name of the archive you are using? 
	 	(gc311.zip, gc311r1.zip, gc311.zip, etc) 
	- What is the EXACT wording of the message you obtained?
	- What steps had you taken prior to the message? (be explicit)


================ IMPORTANT!!! See GROCERY CONSUMER WWW Page =================
Latest GC version, all external files, tech support, FAQ on internet WWW at: 
	http://www.intergate.net/chtml/ghauser/gcinfo.html
This WWW page is also a source of several thousand Meal Master (tm) recipes 
that you can convert as you import them into GC cookbooks.
=============================================================================


SHAREWARE CONCEPT:

This software is SHAREWARE.  SHAREWARE is licensed software that you can try
for free before you buy.  If you like GC and wish to continue using it, you
register it.  See the ordering information below or GC's on-line help 
(Help... Register... ) on how to order by direct mail from the author or 
with a credit card.  

This SHAREWARE program is distributed with the concept that if you find it 
useful and continue to use it beyond a 60-day free trial period, you must 
send in the registration fee.  See the file REGISTER.TXT for the order form, 
or print the form using the Help...Register... selection from GC's main menu.

To help you evaluate the program, the shareware version of GC is fully 
functional.  However, GC will inform you after a 30-day trial period that 
you have not registered.  If you have not registered after 60-days (i.e., 
30-day grace period after the 30-day trial period), GC will disallow further 
use, and you must register at that time to continue using the software.  
You will not lose any of your databases that you have worked hard on, even 
after 60 days, but you cannot access them with GC until you register. 
The version you have is fully functional during this trial period.  It will
demonstrate the power of this software because thousands of recipes can be 
imported quickly from Meal Master (tm) sources and maintained efficiently.  


Distribution and Resale

You are granted permission to distribute the GC311.ZIP archive freely, 
provided all the original files are kept together unaltered in any way. 
You may not disassemble, decompose, reverse engineer, or alter any of 
the files in the package. This includes, but is not limited to, modifying
any icons, menus, or displays associated with the software.

This software is provided as SHAREWARE and cannot be sold. This restriction
does not apply to connect time charges, or flat rate connection/download fees
for electronic bulletin board services. This software can not be bundled 
with any commercial package or accompanying books or magazines without 
express written permission from the author.

Disclaimer

This software and accompanying materials are distributed "AS IS" and 
without warranty, expressed or implied.  No implied warranty exists for 
merchantability and/or fitness for any particular purpose.  Under no 
circumstances shall anyone involved in the creation, production, or sale
of this product be liable for direct, indirect, consequential, or special 
damages arising out of any use of this product whatsoever. You, as the 
user, assume full responsibility for use of this product.  

Installation of this program constitutes agreement on your part with 
all shareware licensing requirements and disclaimers outlined in this 
document and in other documentation for this program. Use of this 
software beyond the initial 60-day trial period without registration
is strictly prohibited.


ARCHIVE PACKAGE:

List of Files

System Files
gcxxx.exe	Grocery Consumer (GC) program (xxx is version number)
gauge.vbx	Visual Basic gauge control
grid.vbx	Visual Basic grid control
gtlist.vbx	Visual Basic listbox control (tabbed)
spin.vbx	Visual Basic spin control
threed.vbx	Visual Basic 3D button control
toolbars.vbx	Visual Basic toolbar control
cmdialog.vbx	Visual Basic common dialog box control
commdlg.dll	Visual Basic common dialog runtime library
msafinx.dll	Visual Basic date function runtime library
compat.tbl	system compatibility table 
pkzip.pif	PIF file to run PKZIP to compress GC cookbooks
pkunzip.pif	PIF file to run PKUNZIP to decompress GC cookbooks
file_id.diz	GC description file for BBS 
desc.sdi	GC description file for BBS
gc.key		user registration key (key shipped with GC is UNREGISTERED) 
gc.ico		Grocery Consumer icon
gc.ini		initialization file (text editor, startup cookbook paths) 
gc.hlp		Windows help file (Contents, Search)
j1z3x7qv.txt	temporary file holding directions of recipe being edited
readme.txt	first instructions for installation
register.txt	registration form 

User Files
recipes.gcf	cookbook (recipe database) packaged with GC 
recipes.idx	recipe index for recipes.gcf
recipes.cdx	category index (recipe assignments) for recipes.gcf
recipes.cli	list of categories for recipes.gcf (text-based)
name.gcf	other cookbooks
name.idx	recipe index for name.gcf
name.cdx	recipe category index (recipe assignments) for name.gcf
name.cli	list of categories for name.gcf (text)
name.zip	ZIPped cookbook (name.gcf, name.idx, name.cdx, name.cli)	
name.mnu	file containing working menu for cookbook name.gcf (text)
latest.shp	file containing latest shopping list (text)
filename.shp	other simultaneous shopping lists that you can maintain (text)
ingred.lst	droplist of recipe ingredients (text)
units.lst	droplist of units for recipe ingredients (text)
prep.lst	droplist of preparations for recipe ingredients (text)
miscitem.lst	droplist of miscellaneous items to add to shopping list (text)
brand.lst 	droplist of brand names for ingredients and misc items (text)
autokeys.lst	list of keyword strings for auto-assigning recipes (text)
price.lst	list of store names, aisles, prices for items in stores (text)
unitcvrt.lst	unit conversion list (text)
coupon.lst	list of coupons for coupon manager (text)
colors.lst	list of user-defined colors for GC screens
sample.mmf	Meal Master (tm) recipe files (test MM import feature)

External files required to run GC:

pkzip.exe	compression program (must be in your DOS path).
pkunzip.exe	decompression program (must be in your DOS path).
		Use version:  PKZ204G.ZIP archive on The Fox's Lair or most 	
		any other BBS.
vbrun300.dll	Visual Basic run time library
notepad.exe	Windows Notepad editor (or your choice of an editor)
			for opening large Meal Master (tm) files.


OVERVIEW OF THE GROCERY CONSUMER

The Grocery Consumer 3.11 is a full-featured recipe organizer and database, 
meal planner, shopping list maker, and grocery cost manager for Windows.  
The Grocery Consumer (hereafter called GC) is a super easy way to manage all 
of these activities in one interface.  GC is more than a recipe manager -- 
it gives you the consumer power to compare the cost of your shopping list at 
all your favorite stores and create shopping lists organized by store aisle. 
It will even flag coupons applicable to your shopping list when you use GCs 
coupon manager.  

GC makes a shopping list from a multi-day meal plan that you create by 
selecting recipes (dishes) for each day's meals from your own personalized 
recipe database.  You can add miscellaneous items (e.g., cat food, deodorant,
toothbrush) to the shopping list, or remove items from the list that you 
have in stock before printing the list that you take to the store. No more 
forgetting those obscure little items and wasting your time going back to the
store!  

You can search for recipes by category or keyword string. You can easily add,
edit, or delete recipes from multiple cookbooks (recipe databases).  
Droplists are provided on the recipe editing screen to provide consistent use
of ingredient names and units.  No more fumbling through boxes of paper or 
cards to find a favorite recipe.  Simply select it and print it from your 
recipe database.  You can rapidly expand your recipe collection by easily 
converting Meal-Master (tm) recipes (available on-line virtually everywhere) 
to GC cookbook format. You can assign recipes to user-defined categories, or 
let GC auto-assign categories for you.  You can fine-tune how GC auto-assigns
recipes to categories.

You can exchange recipes with friends using GC's recipe import and export 
features.  These allow you to copy any or all of your recipes and share them 
with others, or include GC recipes they give you into your GC cookbooks.  GC 
can also set you up to do recipe swapping on-line by creating a .ZIP recipe 
file (compressed recipe file) for you. This feature also provides a means for
efficient backup of your cookbooks.

The author of GC has a real problem with software that requires too many 
keystrokes for data entry and program navigation.  Accordingly, all data 
entry screens throughout GC are equipped with entry guessing and droplists 
to minimize keystrokes during data input.  With entry guessing, you seldom 
need more than a keystroke or so before GC adds the rest, guessing the 
remaining characters based on a search of existing items in the droplist.  
Droplists can also be viewed at data entry and items selected with the mouse.
Cut and paste operations using standard Windows techniques can be used almost 
anywhere in the GC interface.  All screens with gridded data tables (e.g., 
shopping list, price list, units conversion list, etc.) allow editing in the 
tables with a click of the mouse to the cell containing the entry you want 
to change; then type a replacement for the cell contents.  Use the backspace 
key to backspace if you need to correct a typo.  In summary, a lot of data 
entry and editing power is at your fingertips with GC.

GC uses a price list for stores that the user builds, along with extensive 
use of units conversions, to handle the tough job of converting recipe-size 
ingredient amounts into store-size purchase amounts.  This way GC is able to 
cost out the greatest portion of your shopping list using available price 
list information.  Each item you add to a recipe or shopping list is added 
to your price list automatically; you need only add the prices.  As you 
improve your price list and units conversion list, GC can use a higher and 
higher portion of the shopping list to establish a shopping list cost.  In 
other words, the more you use it, the smarter GC gets.

When comparing GC features and price with other recipe/cooking/grocery 
management software, we believe GC represents the best value (i.e., features 
for the price) available today for Windows - including commercial, shareware,
or otherwise.  Functionality and ease of use has been emphasized in its 
development, and its convenient interface has evolved via thoughtful feedback
from avid users in all walks of life.  GC is a powerful program that makes a 
job we all must do very fast, efficient, and even fun.  It can cut hours off
the time it takes to locate and organize your favorite recipes, plan your 
menu, and create your shopping list.  Best of all, it helps you save time 
and money in grocery shopping trips.

Benefits to Consumers
 cost comparison at various stores   
 shopping lists by aisle 
 rapid shopping list preparation from menu plan
 menu planning from database of dish recipes
 user definable recipe categories
 automatic categorizing feature that can be fine-tuned by user
 convenient, personalized recipe database with multi-criteria search
 easy conversion of Meal Master (tm) recipes into GC format
 minimal keystrokes on all data entry using quickfill and droplists
 recipe import/export in GC format 
 convenient zipping of recipe cookbooks for exchange with others
 coupon manager that flags coupons that apply to items in your shopping list
 extensive units conversions to condense shopping list and evaluate cost

Concepts (Functionality)
 ingredients build recipes, recipes build meal plans, meal plans build 
	shopping lists, shopping lists are used to quantify costs
 user selects a menu period up to 28 days, builds a menu by selecting 
	recipes for each day
 user selects up to six dishes (i.e., recipes) for each meal in a menu 
	period
 GC automatically creates a shopping list from the completed menu
 user can add miscellaneous items to shopping list or remove items on hand
 GC computes the cost of the shopping list cost for several stores of 
	interest
 GC creates a shopping list by aisle for any of the several stores
 user can scale (resize) a recipe if a recipe doesn't serve enough people
 with the help of The Grocery Consumer to streamline the process, the user:
	builds and maintains a list of store prices and aisles for various 
		items
	builds and maintains a list of units conversions
	builds and maintains database of dish recipes that includes 
		ingredients, units of measure, quantities, etc. and 
		directions (optional) for each recipe
 GC can print:
	shopping list
	shopping list by aisle
	shopping list cost
	meal plan
	meal plan recipes
	any or all recipes in user cookbook
	recipe categories
	recipes in each category
	droplists (ingredients, units of measure, preparations, misc items, 
		brands)
	coupon list
	unit conversions list
	prices and aisles lists


REGISTRATION INFORMATION:	

See the on-line documentation (Help... Register...) for complete 
registration information.			

Registration entitles you to:

 a printed, bound user manual
 a copy of the latest version of GC 
 a registration code to personalize GC and remove registration nags
 free upgrades to new versions of GC (how many commercial retailers do this?)
 notification of major upgrades (if you have an email address)
 priority technical support
 a voice in defining features for subsequent versions
 peace of mind for having done the right thing
			
You may register GC and receive the latest version for a one-time modest fee.
Two registration methods are available:

	check or money order:
	by mail directly from author 
	[$25 + shipping/handling, applicable sales tax]

	credit card:
	via PsL, or Public (software) Library 
	[$31 + shipping/handling, applicable sales tax]


ORDER BY DIRECT MAIL TO AUTHOR:

This ordering method is the least-cost method (credit card orders to PsL are 
$6 more).  Select Help... Register from within GC and fill out the on-line 
form or use the following form.  Print the form, enclose personal check or 
money order payable in U.S. dollars to Gary Hauser (see pricing schedule 
below) and mail to:
			Gary Hauser
			Food-for-Thought Software
			7304 Foxlair Rd
			Knoxville, TN  37918

ordering from:		reg. fee + taxes/S&H:     	remit:
==============		====================		======
within USA (except TN)  $25 + $2	 	= 	$27
Tennessee (USA)   	$25 + $2 + .0825($25)  	= 	$29 
Canada  	    	$25 + $3          	= 	$28
Europe or other  	$25 + $7          	= 	$32

(NOTE:  These prices good through Dec 31, 1996.  After that, check the
	latest version for updated prices.)
=============================================================================
	
		REGISTRATION FORM for THE GROCERY CONSUMER


Name______________________________________________________________
    (enter firstname & lastname EXACTLY as you want them on key)


Ship My Package To:

Name_________________________________________  [  ] same as above

Address___________________________________________________________

City______________________________________________________________

State/Province________________________ ZIP/Postal Code____________

Country______________________ Telephone (    )____________________            

				
Where did you hear about the Grocery Consumer?

__________________________________________________________________


Email address________________________  send key as email?  Y  N
						      (circle one)			

Diskette   3.5"   5.25"    (circle one)   

=============================================================================

By mail, you will receive a printed manual and diskette containing the latest 
version of GC. Any questions or comments, you can find more information in 
on-line Help or you can contact us in any of the following ways (email preferred):

		     email   ghauser@usit.net
	The Fox's Lair BBS  (423) 922-4679  [8-N-1]
		       FAX  (423) 922-5768
		     voice  (423) 922-4294  (leave message)

Ordering just the user manual:
If you wish to order just the user manual, you may do so by remitting only U.S. $10 and 
noting your request for only the user manual on a completed registration form.  This 
option is handy for those registered users who upgrade free to a new version and wish
to receive a user manual covering all the latest features.  Alternatively, you may simply
elect to learn the new features using GC's on-line Help.


ORDER BY CREDIT CARD VIA PsL

You can register GC via the Public (software) Library, also known as PsL,  
using MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover.  This ordering method 
is $6 more than ordering by mail direct to the author.

       For orders only, call:
	1-713-524-6394          1-800-2424-PsL

You can order by FAX to PsL at 1-713-524-6398. You can also mail credit card 
orders to PsL at P.O. Box 35705, Houston, TX  77235-5705

	THE ABOVE NUMBERS ARE FOR ORDERS ONLY.

	THE AUTHOR CANNOT BE REACHED AT THESE NUMBERS.

To ensure that you get the latest version, PsL will notify us the day of your
order and we will ship the product directly to you.  When ordering, please 
tell the operator you are ordering part number:	  14306

ordering from:		fee + S&H + tax 	      remit (U.S. dollars):
================== 	====================	      =====================	
within USA (except TN)	$31 + $2    	       	=	$33
Tennessee (USA)   	$31 + $2 + .0825($31)	=	$35.50
Canada  	    	$31 + $3            	=	$34
Europe or other       	$31 + $7             	=	$38

(NOTE:  These prices good through Dec 31, 1996.  After that, check the
	latest version for updated prices.)

PsL only provides the registration service.  Any questions about the status 
of shipment of your order, refunds, registration options, product details, 
technical support, volume discounts, dealer pricing, site licenses, 
sub-licensing, etc. MUST be directed to:

	Gary Hauser
	Food-for-Thought Software
	7304 Foxlair Rd
	Knoxville, TN  37918

	email:		ghauser@usit.net
	fax:  		(423) 922-5768
	BBS:  		(423) 922-4679	
	WWW:		http://www.intergate.net/chtml/ghauser/gcinfo.html


More on the registration key...

When your registration fee is received, a registration code will be 
sent to you with your package (latest diskette, manual). When entered
into GC (Help... Register... Reg. Code button), it will personalize your
GC interface, remove the "unregistered" nag screens, and disable the 
60-day shutdown. Each time you install a new version of GC, make sure 
you use File... Upgrade... to bring over your old files (including your
registration key). You do not have to re-register as new versions 
come out.  Simply download future versions from any of the various 
sources and your registered key will work with them.

		    THANKS FOR REGISTERING!
