BOOKS™ Manual

Warning!  This configuration requires diligent back-ups, since you will have no other copy of your data. Use the BOOKS built-in back-up function even if you also have a tape backup system for your hard drive.

This is the simplest multi-user configuration to install, and will work well for a small office of up to 5 advisors who write only a moderate number of orders. Choose the computer that will house the master file. On a server network, choose the server.

On a peer-to-peer network, choose a computer that is not used frequently or a computer that has ample memorty and hard drive space.  Since data will be flowing back and forth to this computer, it should be a lcomputer that is used lightly otherwise.
Install the Master File
On the computer you have chosen to be the master computer, install BOOKS using the instructions for installing a Single Copy of BOOKS and the branch manager's advisor number. Open BOOKS using the branch manager information. Using the Advisors Add a Advisor Command, add each rep in the office. Now, if you have Home Office Data, import it using the Files Utilities Import command.  First, import the data for the Branch Manger.  Then, click on File then Change User.  Use the advisor number and password of the next rep.  Use the Files Utility Import command to import the Home Office Data for that advisor.
Continue until you have imported the data for each advisor. Your Master file is now setup.  Using the File Backup command, make a backup to floppy disk and put it in a safe place that you plan to use for the weekly backups.
Make sure that the drive or directory you used is shared on your network  (In My Computer on your Windows 95 desktop, highlight the drive or directory you are using. Click on File then Sharing.  Give your shared Drive or Directory a name. )
Now go to each computer that will be used, and install the BOOKS file, using the advisor number and password of the Advisor on that computer.  Do NOT import data. Close BOOKS. Click on Network Neighborhood and then the drive or directory where the Master file is stored.  You should recognize the name that you gave it when you shared.  On the toolbar, there will be a picture of a folder with  a starburst on the corner. It is usually the second button from the left.  (If you don't see your Toolbar, click on View then click on Toolbar to check it.)  Click on that folder, which is the Map Network Drive folder.  It will bring up a drive letter like F:, and a blank box.  Make a Note of the Drive letter. Make sure that Reconnect on logon is checked.  Click on the arrow at the right of the blank box to drop down a list.  You should see the drive you shared earlier.  Click on that drive, then click on OK.  Close Network Neighborhood.
Make a desktop icon to start BOOKS on this computer  Locate the BOOKS.exe file.  Right click  then click on Create shortcut.  The shortcut will appear.  Drag the shortcut onto the Desktop. Right click on the shortcut, then click on Properties.   Click on the Shortcut tab.  In the field called Start in, type in the path to the drive and directory on the master computer, such as F:\BOOKS.  click on OK to close the Properties window.  Test the icon by clicking on it.  BOOKS should start.  Log onto BOOKS using the advisor's number, name and password.  If the advisor's data is displayed on the  Main View Window of BOOKS, then the icon has been installed successfully.  You can follow the same procedure to make an icon for Toolkit if desired.  Repeat for each computer in your office.  Your installation is complete.  Now every time an advisor enters an order, it will appear in the Branch Master file.