AST Advantage! (250-0403/04/12) AST Works Faxback Doc. # 3267 6033s/6066d AST has created a new working environment that is fun, easy, and guaranteed to increase productivity, especially for first-time users. More than a software interface, AST Works provides a complete set of features incorporating the latest in communications technology, an advanced Help section, many useful applications, and much more. Main Desktop View The AST Works Main Desktop View is the gateway to many different features of AST Works. Although this is preset as the default view, the user may customize the main view to accommodate their needs. This view provides access to other desktop views as well as a variety of applications, such as: Microsoft Windows 3.1 productivity tools communication options reference information financial planning software additional software bundled on the system. Menu Bar Displays the names of menus from which commands can be selected. The Menu Bar is located near the top of each view of application screen. File View Help Desktop View Represent categories in which AST Main Buttons Works applications are organized. Communications The Desktop View buttons are located Productivity in the upper right of each desktop Financial view. Reference Entertainment My Software System Tools Information GREETINGS Provide information about AST Works Buttons GETTING STARTED and Advantage! computers. The ASK AST Information Buttons are located in the bottom right of the desktop views. Clue Bar Presents brief information as the cursor is moved about the particular part of the screen on which the cursor rests. The Clue Bar is located at the bottom of each view or application screen. Task Bar Presents icons for selecting common tasks quickly. The Task Bar is located along the left edge of each view or application. VIEW BUTTONS Communications Provides the user a terminal which connects to other computers. It also has the ability to register the user's new system electronically with AST. Depending on the type of modem installed, the Communications icon offers some additional features. FAX/Data/Voice If this special modem is installed, the system can act as Modem a personal voice mail system, with functions such as Phone Center, Message Center and Contact Manager. Phone Center - Easily organize the voice message system, and forward faxes. Create personal greetings and record incoming calls with the ability to route caller messages to individual voice mail boxes. Remote access functions allow messages to be replayed, Contact Manager information to be accessed, the user's personal to do list and schedules to be viewed and FAX messages to be forwarded ... all with the security of an individually created personal identification number. In states where it is available, the phone center also provides Caller ID capabilities. Message Center - Stores voice, typed, or FAX messages and routes messages for separate individuals. Contact Manager - Automatically tracks incoming and outgoing calls, messages, faxes and appointments. Creates and maintains a database of personal information including addresses, phone numbers, etc. Productivity Includes applications for creating a variety of fun and useful tools Create customized greeting cards, name tags, banners, and notices. Access applications for word processing, drawing, and file management. Financial Incorporates valuable tools that will help with basic financial needs. Savings Calculation - Sets up a savings budget. Loan Calculation - Determines loan payments at specified interest rates and term lengths. Investment Calculations - Evaluates investment opportunities. Household Maintenance - Tracks important insurance information, general household repairs, and costs. Vehicle Maintenance - Keeps important vehicle repair or service information on hand at all times. Calculates the cost per mile to operate a vehicle, as well as the cost per year. Home Inventory - Keeps track of all household possessions and their value. Reference Provides a variety of useful information and tools. Windows Read Me - Offers information on Windows that is not in the User's Guide. Notepad - Create and store memos. Calendar - Maintain important dates and appointments. Cardfile - Keeps personal information in order. Profiler - Stores information separately for individual users. My Software Provides a special place to save personal software applications. It also has a Diary for keeping a daily journal. Systems Tools Provides a variety of tools, most of which are basic Windows utility programs. Control Panel - Changes the Windows settings of such items as color, fonts and printers. Windows Setup - Displays information about current Windows settings for video or mouse drivers. Print Manager - Provides the ability to view and control printing. DOS Window - Goes to a DOS prompt so the user can use DOS commands. Clock - Displays the current time. INFORMATION BUTTONS How To Begin The two most important sections for understanding the software are: GETTING STARTED - Describes the basic steps in using AST Works and on- line help. ASK AST - Provides information about the computer, instructions for basic tasks, glossary of computer terms, and troubleshooting information. Getting Started Provides basic information on how to use help and the basic steps a user needs to know to run AST Works effectively. "Getting Started" not only demonstrates the many available options to the new users, it also provides information enabling the more experienced user to easily organize the system. Ask AST Introduces the user to their new AST Advantage! personal computer. About My System - Provides hardware information such as memory capacity, types of ports the computer has, basic maintenance, etc. How to - Instructs the user on how to perform tasks such as using Windows and backing up information. Define Terms - Provides definitions of computer terminology. Troubleshoot - Describes ways to alleviate problems. TASK BAR Design Icon Provides the ability to customize the design of the desktop view or to work with the graphic elements in one of the applications such as banners or greeting cards. Home Icon Returns the user to the home view. The home view may be customized by the user. The default settings is the Main Desktop View. "Switch To" Gives a list of all applications that are currently Icon running. Any of the open applications can be chosen without closing the current application. Identify Icon Provides individual users to sign on separately for individual use. Will setup AST Works for each individual user's preferences. Exit Icon Allows the user to easily exit from an application and return to the Main Desktop View, or allows the user to exit the Main View and go to DOS. (JJS/tmc-03/31/95)